Amish Christmas Twins

Publisher & Release: Amish Christmas Twins by Shelley Shepard Gray, Rachel J. Good, Loree Lough

Time and setting: Present Day Amish Country

Genre: Amish Fiction

Length: 273 Pages

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

In these heartwarming, faith-affirming stories, three Amish families face the joys, and challenges, of the holidays—with fruitful results . . .   THE CHRISTMAS NOT-WISH  New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Shelley Shepard Gray When the foster parents they’ve cautiously grown to love discover they’re expecting, orphaned Roy and Jemima Fisher, ages six and seven, are secretly devastated by the certainty they’ll be given up. With Christmas around the corner, their only wish is for new foster parents as nice as Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz. Meanwhile, the Kurtzes have wishes of their own—and with faith, they all may be gifted with twice the blessings . . .   NEW BEGINNINGS * Rachel J. Good Still grieving the loss of her husband and unborn baby in an accident several months ago, Elizabeth Yoder is oblivious to her neighbor Luke Bontrager’s deepening affection for her. But while she bleakly faces Christmas alone, it’s Luke who reminds her it’s the season for giving. And when Elizabeth donates her handmade baby clothes to New Beginnings, a home for teen moms, she soon finds her gifts repaid beyond measure, with Luke’s love—and new beginnings of their own . . .   TWINS TIMES TWO * Loree Lough Spirited twins Priscilla and Leora Schwietert have each been blessed with mischievous twins of their own—all born on Christmas. Nearing their fourteenth birthdays, their sons have asked for horses. Their parents can fulfill their wish—but worry they’ll be rewarding unruly behavior. The solution: A contract requiring hard work and an anonymous gift for someone in need. After thoughtful prayer, the boys surprise their parents—as each husband and wife rediscovers their joy in Christmas and their love for each other. . .

 

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Amish-Christmas-Twins-Shelley-Shepard-ebook/dp/B082WRRKTM

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/amish-christmas-twins-shelley-shepard-gray

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/amish-christmas-twins-2

 

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50352194-amish-christmas-twins?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=PfyhryCuav&rank=2

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/amish-christmas-twins-by-rachel-j-good-and-loree-lough

 

Vikki’s Musings

 

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for a complimentary copy of Amish Christmas Twins by Shelley Shepard Gray, Rachel J. Good, and Loree Lough for the purpose of reading and reviewing. My opinions are my own, and no one has influenced them.

 

The Christmas Not Wish by Shelley Shepard Gray

 

4.5 Gold Crowns

 

This is a sweet Christmas story with two endearing children who are placed in foster care with a young Amish couple. The couple are loving and kind, but when they learn they are expecting, the children overhear them talking and grow fearful. The plot touched my heart, and I enjoyed Ms. Shepard’s emotional tale a lot. This is not my first time reading one of her books, and it will not be the last!

 

New Beginnings by Rachel J. Good

 

4.5 Gold Crowns

 

I thoroughly enjoyed this charming Christmas Amish tale with engaging characters and a heartfelt plot. As a young Amish widow mourns the loss of her husband and unborn child, she dreads the upcoming holidays. The only bright moments in her life are spent with her neighbor. Luke Bontrager has a growing affection for the pretty widow. They become involved with a shelter for unwed mothers, and Elizabeth donates the bay items, she’d prepared for her child. My heart ached for Elizabeth as she attempts to move past her grief. Luke is perfect for her, and I truly wanted them to find their happy ending. 

 

Twins Times Two by Loree Lough

 

4 Gold Crowns

 

There are lots of giggles and chuckles in this delightful Christmas tale as two sets of twin boys take on extra chores to earn horses for the Christmas gift. Their mothers are twins as well and very close. I enjoyed the antics of these mischievous duos. I was pleased that they discovered the true meaning of Christmas!

 

I enjoyed all three novellas in this lovely Christmas Anthology. I’m glad I found this on Net-Galley and requested it since Amish fiction is fast becoming one of my favorite genres. If you like Christmas tales with plenty of heart, then you will enjoy Amish Christmas Twins as much as I did. Happy reading!

 

Book Review: The Protective One by Shelley Shepard Gray

The Protective One by Shelley Shepard Gray

Publisher & Release: Gallery Books, January 21, 2020

Time and setting:  Present Day, Pennsylvania

Genre: Amish Fiction

Length: 302 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Sweetheart

Rating:  5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

From a “skilled storyteller who reminds the reader that faith can help us survive the ups and downs in life” (RT Book Reviews), Shelley Shepard Gray weaves a moving and unforgettable exploration of love and friendship. 

The tragic and untimely death of an old friend has made Elizabeth Anne rethink not only her priorities but her courtship with David, her longtime neighbor and suitor. Though he’s Mennonite like herself and has her parents’ approval, she feels that a spark is missing. Desperate for a change, she breaks things off—wondering if, perhaps, she’s the one who’s missing a spark.

When her family becomes upset with her decision, E.A. turns to her friends for support. One of them is Will, a man with a good heart who has always been there for her. As the two bond over their shared struggle to navigate a future that everyone else seems to have figured out, they are surprised to realize that they have feelings for each other.

But E.A.’s world takes a sudden turn when she realizes that she’s not the only one struggling—Marta, one of her sewing students, is in desperate need of protection. With the aid of Will and several other friends, Elizabeth Anne begins a journey that is more difficult and rewarding than she could have ever imagined...one that ultimately enables her to find everything she’s been searching for.

In this latest installment in the Walnut Creek series that “both delights and surprises” (Leslie Gould, bestselling author), Shelley Shepard Gray pens a powerful and poignant tale of friendship, courage, and love.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Protective-One-Walnut-Creek-Book-ebook/dp/B07TFB4RS3

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-protective-one-shelley-shepard-gray

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46221986-the-protective-one?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=m0vC2wWaQT&rank=2

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks goes to the publisher, via Net-Galley, for the chance to read and review The Protective One by Shelley Shepard Gray prior to publication. I’m glad I decided to accept the invitation. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

The Protective One is another well-written novel by Ms. Gray with intriguing characters and a unique plot. The story is paced well and kept me entertained from the beginning until the end. While the group of friends are a bit different than in other tales by Ms. Gray, they are a delightful group and shows long time closeness. I enjoyed that aspect of the book a great deal.

Elizabeth Anne, known be her close friends as EA is an endearing character. I quickly became vested in her. She’s loyal to her friends and has a bit of a quirky side. I loved how she kicked David to the curb. I love that she befriends Marta who clearly has something going on in her life that isn’t good.

Will is the typical, kind Amish man with plenty of faith and a strong commitment to his friends. He’s cared deeply for EA for many years, but never let her know. His touch of insecurity was endearing. I really wanted him to get the girl!

The romance grows between these two friends in a most delightful way. I thoroughly loved their first kiss. It’s tender and sweet and took EA completely by surprise. I loved how Will is willing to make major changes to have a chance at a lasting relationship with EA. Their time at the county fair, solidified their romance a lot as they try to help Marta.

I enjoyed the sub-plot involving Marta greatly. That showed the true grit of EA. She’d fearless when she’s protecting her friends. Marta is English and in such a horrible situation with her husband. It’s EA’s kindness that helps Marta find the strength she needs to break free of her husband.

If you enjoy sweet romances with delightful characters who will touch your heart, then you will love The Protective One as much as I did. I highly recommend this lovely Amish tale. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Shelley Shepard Gray lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. A busy wife and mother of two, she spends her days writing and keeping track of her two teenagers. Her two dogs keep her company when she writes in her basement.

Shelley enjoys writing about the Amish and visits Amish communities in Adams and Holmes counties several times a year. When not spending time with her family or writing, she serves on several committees in her church.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! 

Social Media:

Website: https://www.shelleyshepardgray.com/

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