An Amish Christmas Kitchen By Kate Lloyd, Leslie Gould, Jan Drexler

As the weather grows cold and the nights grow long, the cheer and warmth of the Christmas season is one thing all readers can find comfort in. This collection from bestselling Amish fiction novelists Leslie Gould, Jan Drexler, and Kate Lloyd finds the beating heart at the center of the holiday and offers three novellas that celebrate family, faith, and especially the sights and smells of a bustling holiday kitchen.

Leslie Gould tells the story of how, in the wake of a heartbreaking loss, a young Amish woman finds unexpected comfort and hope in a yearly baking tradition surrounding the local Lancaster Christmas market. Jan Drexler offers a sweet tale of a shy Amish woman who decides to use her gift for sweets to woo a local Amish boy with her beloved Christmas cookies. And Kate Lloyd offers a heartwarming tale of a woman's unexpected discovery about the truth of her past, and the warm and welcoming Amish family table she finds herself invited to on Christmas.

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Amish-Christmas-Kitchen-Novellas-Celebrating/dp/0764233831/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1567950204&refinements=p_27%3AKate+Lloyd&s=books&sr=1-2&text=Kate+Lloyd

Author Kate Lloyd is a passionate observer of human relationships. A native of Baltimore, Kate spends time with family and friends in Lancaster County, PA, the inspiration for her bestselling novels Leaving Lancaster, Pennsylvania Patchwork, and Forever Amish, the third book in the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy. A Letter from Lancaster County released July, 2017, and her newest novel, Starting from Scratch, released April, 2018.

Kate is a member of the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society. She and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest, the setting for Kate's first novel, A Portrait of Marguerite. Kate has worked a variety of jobs, including car salesman and restaurateur. For relaxation and fun, Kate enjoys walking with her camera in hand, beachcombing, and playing with her two grandchildren.

Find out more about Kate Lloyd at her
Website: www.katelloyd.com
Blog: http://katelloyd.com/blog/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/katelloydbooks
Instagram: katelloydauthor
Twitter: @KateLloydAuthor
Pinterest: @KateLloydAuthor

Kate loves hearing from readers!

Leslie Gould is a #1 bestselling author of numerous Amish novels, including The Sisters of Lancaster County series. She resides with her family in Oregon. Learn more at www.lesliegould.com.

Jan Drexler brings a unique understanding of Amish traditions to her writing. She is the author of several novels including Hannah's Choice. Jan lives in South Dakota with her husband. Visit her at www.jandrexler.com.

My Thoughts...
Do you like Unexpected Christmas Gifts? Well In Lloyds new Christmas novella you are going to read about An Unexpected Christmas Gift. It's a short, fast, fun novella read.
I enjoyed it and I can't wait for you all to dive into it.
She even shares some recipes with us for Caramel Christmas Cake with a recipe for Caramel icing as well.
4 stars and I highly recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.Do you like Unexpected Christmas Gifts? Well In Lloyds new Christmas novella you are going to read about An Unexpected Christmas Gift. It's a short, fast, fun novella read.
I enjoyed it and I can't wait for you all to dive into it.
She even shares some recipes with us for Caramel Christmas Cake with a recipe for Caramel icing as well.
4 stars and I highly recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.Do you like Unexpected Christmas Gifts? Well In Lloyds new Christmas novella you are going to read about An Unexpected Christmas Gift. It's a short, fast, fun novella read.
I enjoyed it and I can't wait for you all to dive into it.
She even shares some recipes with us for Caramel Christmas Cake with a recipe for Caramel icing as well.
4 stars and I highly recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.Do you like Unexpected Christmas Gifts? Well In Lloyds new Christmas novella you are going to read about An Unexpected Christmas Gift. It's a short, fast, fun novella read.
I enjoyed it and I can't wait for you all to dive into it.
She even shares some recipes with us for Caramel Christmas Cake with a recipe for Caramel icing as well.
4 stars and I highly recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.Do you like Unexpected Christmas Gifts? Well In Lloyds new Christmas novella you are going to read about An Unexpected Christmas Gift. It's a short, fast, fun novella read.
I enjoyed it and I can't wait for you all to dive into it.
She even shares some recipes with us for Caramel Christmas Cake with a recipe for Caramel icing as well.
4 stars and I highly recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.Do you like Unexpected Christmas Gifts? Well In Lloyds new Christmas novella you are going to read about An Unexpected Christmas Gift. It's a short, fast, fun novella read.
I enjoyed it and I can't wait for you all to dive into it.
She even shares some recipes with us for Caramel Christmas Cake with a recipe for Caramel icing as well.
4 stars and I highly recommend it.

The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Merry Christmas And Happy New Year

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all of you! I will be back after the New Year and I will have the very best books, Music, and movies.
I want to thank each and everyone of you for your support!
I hope that you all have a very Blessed Christmas!

The Gift of Christmas Past By Cindy and Erin Woodsmall

Arson wasn't the only fire that ignited between them. 
Promises shattered.
Lies spoken.
She was arrested.
He returned to the safety of his wealthy parents.

Almost ten years later, Hadley and Monroe are both specialists in the field of speech therapy. They meet again . . . thrown together to help a four-year-old-girl rendered mute after being rescued from a fire. 



Years of secrets and anger beg to be set free as Hadley and Monroe try to push aside past hurts and find common ground in order to help the traumatized child and her family.



Can the love of Christmas past drift into the present, bringing healing and hope for all?

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Christmas-Past-Southern-Romance/dp/0998753807/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1511406962&sr=1-1&keywords=the+gift+of+christmas+past+cindy+woodsmall

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times, CBA, ECPA, and USA Today best-selling author who has written seventeen (and counting!) works of fiction and one of nonfiction. She and her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud, coauthored the nonfiction, Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. Cindy has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal,and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life. In June of 2013, the Wall Street Journal listed Cindy as the one of the top three most popular authors of Amish fiction.

She's won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer's Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest, as well as one of Crossings' Best Books of the Year. She's been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards.

Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity. Though she didn't realize it at the time, seeds were sown years ago that began preparing Cindy to write these books. At the age of ten, while living in the dairy country of Maryland, she became best friends with Luann, a Plain Mennonite girl. Luann, like all the females in her family, wore the prayer Kapp and cape dresses. Her parents didn't allow television or radios, and many other modern conveniences were frowned upon. During the numerous times Luann came to Cindy's house to spend the night, her rules came with her and the two were careful to obey them--afraid that if they didn't, the adults would end their friendship. Although the rules were much easier to keep when they spent the night at Luann's because her family didn't own any of the forbidden items, both sets of parents were uncomfortable with the relationship and a small infraction of any kind would have been enough reason for the parents to end the relationship. While navigating around the adults' disapproval and the obstacles in each other's lifestyle, the two girls bonded in true friendship that lasted into their teen years, until Cindy's family moved to another region of the US.

As an adult, Cindy became friends with a wonderful Old Order Amish family who opened their home to her. Although the two women, Miriam and Cindy, live seven hundred miles apart geographically, and a century apart by customs, when they come together they never lack for commonality, laughter, and dreams of what only God can accomplish through His children. Over the years Cindy has continued to make wonderful friendships with those inside the Amish and Mennonite communities--from the most conservative ones to the most liberal.

Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in their now empty nest.

If you'd like more information or to contact her, you can go to her website: http://www.cindywoodsmall.com or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authorcindywoodsmall

My Thoughts...

If you pick up this book based on the authors name alone you would be expecting an Amish book. But oh no its a contemporary Southern  Romance and it was Woodsmall's best book yet.
It was clean and very well written and the editing was very good. I will say that I have read everyone of Woodsmall's Amish books and they were good. But this one was very good and I hope that she continues  writing contemporary romances.
You have to read this book and find out if Monroe stands up to his parents and see if he and Hadley can find their way back to where they once were! You are going to be surprised with this book.
I gave this book 4.5 stars. I recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Total Christmas Makeover By Melissa Spoelstra

In the bustle of the Christmas season, it can be easy to get swept up in all of the things to do. But it’s important to pause and remember that our priority should be to spend time celebrating Christ’s birth and not forget to invite Jesus to his own party.

Christmas is far more than a celebration of an event from long ago or a modern holiday centered around shopping. Mindfully take time to listen to how God continues to speak through the Christmas story as the Gospel narratives centered around the birth of Jesus provide encouragement and revelation concerning the love of God and his wisdom for us today.

In Total Christmas Makeover, author and Bible teacher Melissa Spoelstra provides a practical approach for you and your family to turn your attention toward God’s grace day-by-day as you prepare for Christmas. This 31-day devotional presents key scriptures, ideas to implement with each reading, and questions for reflection to guide you in rediscovering rituals, relationship, and rest to connect you more deeply with Christ this holiday season. 

 

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Total-Christmas-Makeover-Devotions-Celebrate/dp/1501848704/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1508112265&sr=1-1&keywords=total+christmas+makeover

 

 

Hi all! My name is Melissa Spoelstra. First and foremost I am a Christ-follower. I am madly in love with Jesus and addicted to the study of His Word. I am passionate about knowing Christ and inspiring other women to seek Him by opening our ears to listen to His Spirit, reading His Word curiously, asking questions, exercising good hermeneutics, and clinging tightly to God through the storms of life.

Talking about this stuff is much easier than actually living it out in everyday life. As wife to my awesome church planter husband Sean, and mother to four great kids, Zach(20), Abby(17), Sara(17), and Rachel(14), I am working out my faith on a daily basis. Between sports practices, doctor’s appointments, church stuff, and the minutia of everyday life, I need God’s Word to draw me back to the things of first importance. I hope this blog encourages you to do the same.

Other stuff about me. I have a degree in Bible Theology from Moody Bible Institute. I’ve had articles published in ParentLife, Women’s Spectrum and Just Between Us women’s magazines. I've written 4 women's Bible studies (Jeremiah, Joseph, First Corinthians, and Numbers) as well as Total Family Makeover (2016) and Total Christmas Makeover (2017). I’m following God through every door He opens and pray that all glory in these endeavors is His alone.
 

My Thoughts...

 Do you want to truly celebrate Christmas with your Savoir? This is your book.
This would be a great book for a small group, it has Questions for reflection at the end of the 31 devotions. Or it could just be part of your Bible reading each day with something to help keep your mind on the reason for the season. Jesus.
I think this would make a great gift.
I gave this devotional 4 stars. The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Colors of Christmas By Olivia Newport

Celebrate the joyful hope of the Christmas season as characters find healing in the midst of heartbreak.
New from Olivia Newport!

Christmas in Blue
In the wake of a personal loss deeper than anyone realizes, Angela plans to bypass as much of the season as possible and get through her duties as the church organist by going on autopilot. Instead, she finds herself in charge of the town’s celebration. After a mysterious young man arrives, townspeople suspect he is the reason that one set of plans after another disintegrate until little is left of their traditions. Yet Angela warms to Gabe because she suspects they share a secret—his real reason for coming to town. Even when all they have to work with is a garish supply of blue Christmas decorations, Gabe helps Angela discover the hidden beauty of hope.

Christmas in Gold
After eighty years, change is nothing new for Astrid. By the time she was twenty, she survived the destructive Nazi regime, caring for her family under brutal circumstances, moving to America, and losing her husband. At forty she was widowed again and left to build a new life with her children. Now, when she faces a move into an assisted living community and meets a young woman on the brink of despair, she resolves to stir up hope through tragedy one more time.

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Colors-Christmas-Contemporary-Stories-Celebrate/dp/1683223357/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1506823621&sr=8-1&keywords=colors+of+christmas+olivia+Newport

Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and twentysomething children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.

My Thoughts...

 

Two novellas and both have you getting excited for Christmas. Of the two my favorite was the first one Christmas in Gold. Newport has out done herself with this one. Both are stories of hope and that is what we need more of. 

This is a feel good read and you are going to want to read it each year as you get ready for Christmas. You will feel at home with the characters.

I gave the book 4 stars. I call this book the stories of HOPE.

 The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

An Amish Christmas Love By Ruth Reid And Kelly Long

Snow Angels by Kelly Irvin

As a young man enjoying his rumspringa, David Byler gave his heart to an Englisch girl, but he eventually realized he couldn’t give up his Plain faith and family for her, so he let her go. He’s found a new love in his Bee County Plain community, Molly Shrock. Molly has been patient, waiting for the man she loves to love her back. Just as he is ready to propose, David makes a startling discovery: Bobbie McGregor, his Englisch love, is back. Will Molly’s prayers for a Christmas love be answered?

Home for Christmas by Ruth Reid

When a misdirected GPS sends Ellie Whetstone to the wrong address, she inadvertently finds herself breaking into the home of Amish man, Ezra Mast. Ellie hopes to fix up the house left by her aenti and sell it quickly, but a series of run-ins with Ezra and his young daughter have her questioning whether a hasty sale is the right move. Could this new place with its slower pace be the right home for Ellie?

Pick Up Your Copy Here...

https://www.amazon.com/Amish-Christmas-Love-Four-Novellas/dp/052911870X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505071729&sr=8-1&keywords=an+amish+christmas+love 

 

 

Kelly Irvin is the author of the Every Amish Season and Amish of Bee County series. The Beekeeper's Son received a starred review from Publisher's Weekly, who called it “a delicately woven masterpiece.” A former newspaper reporter and retired public relations professional, Kelly lives in Texas with her husband, photographer Tim Irvin. They have two children, two grandchildren, and two cats. In her spare time, she likes to read books by her favorite authors. Visit her online at KellyIrvin.com, Facebook: Kelly.Irvin.Author, Twitter: @Kelly_S_Irvin.

Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA bestselling author of the Heaven on Earth, the Amish Wonders, and the Amish Mercies series. She’s a full-time pharmacist who lives in Florida with her husband and three children. When attending Ferris State University School of Pharmacy in Big Rapids, Michigan, she lived on the outskirts of an Amish community and had several occasions to visit the Amish farms. Her interest grew into love as she saw the beauty in living a simple life. Visit Ruth online at RuthReid.com, Facebook: Author-Ruth-Reid, Twitter: @AuthorRuthReid.

My Thoughts...

I read both novellas by Kelly and Ruth and they were both five star Christmas novellas. I hated for them to come to an end. I loved Ellie and Ezra's story. I could not wait to see what was going to happen next. And being a dog lover as well I loved the story of LuLu and Ezra's daughter. Ruth really out did her self on this novella.

Kelly Wrote a novella about David and Molly and David's old englisher girlfriend coming back to town to care for her ailing daddy. Who will David chose? You will have to pick up a copy to find out. You are sure to find both of these novella's worth checking out.

The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own. 

    

 

The Christmas Blessing By Melody Carlson GIVEAWAY!

When she receives the news in late 1944 that her baby's father was shot down in the South Pacific, Amelia Richards loses hope. Jobless and broke, she has nowhere to turn for help but her infant's paternal grandparents. The only problem is, they don't know that she--or their grandson--exists. When Amelia discovers that the family is wealthy and influential, dare she disclose the truth of her relationship with their son? Or could the celebration of the arrival of another unexpected baby nearly two thousand years ago be the answer to her dilemma?

Beloved author Melody Carlson pens a story of love, hardship, and reconciliation that will leave readers filled with Christmas joy.

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Blessing-Melody-Carlson/dp/0800722701/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503847636&sr=8-1&keywords=the+christmas+blessing+by+melody+carlson

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That's a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a "storyteller." Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She's won a number of awards (including Romantic Time's Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/

 

 

My Thoughts...

Every year I wait for Carlson's Christmas book. Never know what to expect, but always loving the book. This year she did not disappoint me at all. This book was so worth the wait.

I cried, I got so upset and then I was so happy and excited. This is a must read book. If you enjoy a good book filled with tons of emotions then you are in for a real  treat with this book!

I gave this book 5 stars two times and I can't wait to read it again next year. This book will be staying on my personal book shelf.

The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

 

 

2 extra copies fell off the truck so be sure to follow the blog and leave a comment  to be entered to win a copy!

The Beloved Christmas Quilt By Wanda Brunstetter

One Quilt Binds Three Generations of Amish Women Enjoy the gift of a brand new romance from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, along with stories by her daughter-in-law, Jean and granddaughter, Richelle.

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. Psalm 31:3
The scripture embroidered on the back of a beloved quilt brings hope to three generations of Pennsylvania Amish women at Christmastime.
 
Luella’s Promise
By Wanda E. Brunstetter
Luella Ebersol has been caregiver for a dying woman and her young son. When Dena Lapp gives Luella her favorite quilt, she makes Luella promise to pass it down to her daughter. But Luella isn’t sure she will ever marry if she can’t find someone with maturity and faith like Dena’s husband Atlee Zook.
 
Karen’s Gift
By Jean Brunstetter
Karen Allgyer and her husband moved to a slow-paced village to raise their children, but Karen longs for the closeness of family to help her through the challenges of managing three girls with one on the way. When life’s pressures rise, will Karen cave to her fears?
 
Roseanna’s Groom
By Richelle Lynn Brunstetter
When the unexpected happens on the day of her wedding, Roseanna Allgyer can’t help blaming herself, despite not understanding why. Then an old friend returns to town, and she battles feeling for him—afraid of being hurt again.

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Beloved-Christmas-Quilt-Stories-Romance/dp/1683222253/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503767311&sr=8-1&keywords=the+beloved+christmas+quilt

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of almost 90 books with more than 10 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com

 

My Thoughts...

 

 

I am a huge fan of Wanda's so I knew her novella would be fantastic. I have read Wanda's daughter-in-laws writing in past books and really enjoyed her writing as well. But Wanda's granddaughter has a novella in this three part book so I did not know what to expect. I must say all three novellas were fantastic. I love how they are all woven together and the families are part of all three. Three generations of ladies and one quilt. The scripture on the quilt could not be more perfect.
I loved how they all came together so perfectly.
I must say this is a 5 stars two times book. I HIGHLY recommend this book.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.