Review of An Amish Gift
By Cynthia Keller
From the author of An Amish Christmas and A Plain & Fancy Christmas comes a heartwarming novel of marriage and family, new beginnings and poignant homecomings—just in time for the holidays.
After her husband, Shep, loses his latest job, Jennie Davis is grateful to be in a car en route to beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Shep has inherited a house from a distant cousin, along with the cousin’s long-established bicycle shop. The move gives Jennie, Shep, and their two children a welcome chance for a fresh start.
While Shep dives into his new venture at the bike shop, Jennie carefully restores their broken-down house. She loves being a stay-at-home mom but yearns to find some fulfillment outside of her family—particularly as they struggle financially. On morning walks, she forges a friendship with her Amish neighbor, Mattie Fisher, who opens up about her modest way of life. Mattie’s unswerving good character in the face of adversity encourages Jennie to seek practical solutions to her own difficulties. A passing remark by Jennie’s son transforms desperation about their finances into inspiration, leading her to embark upon a candy-making enterprise.
Soon, Jennie’s newfound purpose collides with Shep’s growing stress at work and long-simmering tensions between husband and wife rise to the surface. As the holiday season approaches, their family is challenged as never before—until an unexpected visitor arrives to give Jennie the greatest gift of all.
After her husband, Shep, loses his latest job, Jennie Davis is grateful to be in a car en route to beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Shep has inherited a house from a distant cousin, along with the cousin’s long-established bicycle shop. The move gives Jennie, Shep, and their two children a welcome chance for a fresh start.
While Shep dives into his new venture at the bike shop, Jennie carefully restores their broken-down house. She loves being a stay-at-home mom but yearns to find some fulfillment outside of her family—particularly as they struggle financially. On morning walks, she forges a friendship with her Amish neighbor, Mattie Fisher, who opens up about her modest way of life. Mattie’s unswerving good character in the face of adversity encourages Jennie to seek practical solutions to her own difficulties. A passing remark by Jennie’s son transforms desperation about their finances into inspiration, leading her to embark upon a candy-making enterprise.
Soon, Jennie’s newfound purpose collides with Shep’s growing stress at work and long-simmering tensions between husband and wife rise to the surface. As the holiday season approaches, their family is challenged as never before—until an unexpected visitor arrives to give Jennie the greatest gift of all.
My review:
I really enjoyed this Christmas novel by Cynthia Keller. Jennie, Shep, and their children are Englisch but find great friendship among the Amish neighbors: the Fisher family. I must admit to fantasizing as I read that some long lost relative would leave me a home in Amish country. I could just imagine moving there and starting over in such a peaceful setting.
Jennie and Shep have many things to work on in their relationships and home. This book certainly shows that people can start over and that forgiveness is possible. I believe that readers will get great satisfaction from this story of hope.
I received a free digital copy of this book from netgalley and the publishers in exchange for my honest review.
I love Christmas books, especially this time of the year! This one certainly has a lovely cover, the story looks interesting as well. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI loved the interview and also the cover. Hope this becomes a contest somewhere before Christmas. I would love to have it. I love Christmas books. Maxie ( mac262@me.com )
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love Xmas stories the best. I don't have many , maybe four and keep rereading them at Xmas time. love your review makes Mr want to have the book love ,.msggir
ReplyDeleteLinda, Maxie, and Maggie, thanks for stopping by and commenting. It is a wonderful Christmas story, for sure!
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