25 Book Reviews

Sunday, February 14, 2016

"An Amish Market"

            By:
           Amy Clipston
           Kathleen Fuller
           Kelly Irvin
           Vannetta Chapman


Looking for a unique blend of fabulous Amish Authors, four novellas that take you along for a shopping trip?? Look no further!! Here it is!!!


Love Birds by Amy Clipston

While Ellie Lapp and her mother are still mourning the loss of her brother, Seth, Ellie starts working at one of the gift shops in town. Seth’s friend Lloyd is talented at carving wooden birds, but his father disapproves and expects him to take over the family farm someday. Ellie sees the beauty in Lloyd’s creations and insists Lloyd sell the birds in the gift shop where she works. As Ellie and Lloyd spend more time together, they begin to develop feelings for one another, but she accidentally betrays his trust. Will she lose any hope of a future with him?

A Bid for Love by Kathleen Fuller

Every week, Hannah Lynne brings her home-churned butter to the local market. And every week Ezra stops by to purchase some. Hannah Lynne knows not to read too much into it—Ezra is a confirmed bachelor and barely even glances her way, despite any hope to the contrary. But when Ezra bids an exorbitant amount to win the quilt she had her heart set on, Hannah Lynne can’t stop her heart from taking over her mind. Could Ezra finally be in the market for love?

Sweeter Than Honey by Kelly Irvin

Shattering a jar of pickled beets wasn’t the impression Isabella hoped to make on her first trip to the local Combination Store of Bee County, Texas. But as embarrassed as she was by the accident, she didn’t think it warranted the frosty reaction from the handsome manager of the store, Will Glick. As she soon learns, though, Will’s heart has been broken one too many times. And now, for some reason, Isabella finds herself determined to be the one to repair that broken heart and renew his faith in love.

Love in Store by Vannetta Chapman

Stella Schrock works at the Old Mill in Nappanee, Indiana, with new employee David Stoltzfus, a recent widower. When strange happenings begin occurring around town, it appears as if someone wants to close the mill. Stella and David have to work together to solve the mystery of what is happening at the Old Amish Mill, and in the process they might just find that God has more in store for their future than they would ever have dreamed possible.

My Thoughts:

If you are looking for a good read, rich in  Amish flavor and characters, enjoyable romances, and Christian based, then this is the book for you. Four superior authors have come together , each creating a story in her own unique style, with each novella flowing smoothly into the next. 

The settings all include shopping areas, where both Amish and Englischers come together to sell and buy.Spending money just happens to appeal to most women, especially, for the special Amish, home made goods!  

Amy Clipston's story, "Love Birds" , is the first in this book. The characters are well described in Amy's typical style,  making them realistic and very easy with whom to identify. Ellie took only minutes to become my best friend, one for whom I had sympathy and compassion. The deep feelings from losing her brother tugged at my heartstrings. It just seems that everything Ellie tries to accomplish , ends with failure. Even when trying to help her friend,, Seth, she makes a decision that is well meant however appears to end in disaster for both him personally as well as to their forming relationship. The plot is detailed and moves at a steady pace. Can this romance meet any success?? The reader is kept guessing until the very end of the story!! 

Kathleen Fuller's novella, " A Bid for Love", follows. the shopping theme, as another young couple struggles in forming a relationship. Kathy's talent at making you become part of the story is present once again, as  in all of her books. Young love is so special and it is described in a detailed way that has the reader sympathizing with all the obstacles that seem to stand in this young couple's  way. The heartaches are those that  are encountered by Englischers as well as Amish. A delightful story that keep you guessing at the outcome!

Kelly Irvin's story, " Sweeter than Honey", is one that made me giggle and want to cry , all within the same chapter. I easily pictured the scene of poor Isabella, standing by the shattered jar of pickled beets! So embarrassing! Especially when a handsome young man gives her what she considers to be a hard time. It seems that this young lady has a fairly common problem of being awkward when trying her best to make a good impression. You feel the love and care Isabella has for others as she tends to Will's broken heart. This story has much in common with the others, in making the characters come alive and live within your world for  a short time. But can Isabella be successful taking on this enormous task??

Vannetta Chapman, author of the final novella in the book, "Love in Store" , finishes up the market shopping theme that smoothly leads from one story to the next. She writes with her unique style of having a mystery run alongside a growing romance. The characters embraced me from the first page and kept me totally engrossed in this tale. Stella and David develop a romance as they work together so solve some very strange mysteries.. The plot moves quickly and keeps the reader guessing. I actually did some nail biting as events became more threatening and serious. Why and how were these strange events happening?? Who would want to cause heartache and destruction??  

This book is one that Amish fans must not miss!! Definitely a four star! My biggest disappointment in it was when it ended! I wanted the stories to continue!!

This book was provided by the authors, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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