An Amish Cradle review by Guest Blogger and Giveaway Winner Robin Bunting

An Amish Cradle is a wonderful collection of Amish stories about newborns.  Each story deals with a particular problem occuring around the baby or the mother.

From the first sentence of each story, I was totally engaged in the lives of each family.  My emotions were engaged in each story.  Concern about the outcome and feelings for the parents were rampant as I read each one.

Each story showed how the Amish have a strong God’s will faith.  However, that in no way prevents them from all the human feelings and emotions in each situation.

The stories were well written and I could easily picture myself right there taking part in all that was going on.  Each author, of course, placed a special cradle of one kind or another in their story.

The Amish world totally fascinates me and I like reading about how they deal with life in general and problems specifically.  While their world is separate and seems like an ideal life, reading these stories opens my eyes to just how hard their life is.

Thank you Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Vannetta Chapman for sharing such an excellent collection with the world.

Huckleberry Spring by Jennifer Beckstrand(review by Cathy)

Nothing gives Anna and Felty Helmuth greater satisfaction than seeing their grandchildren happily married–except for planning their next matchmaking venture. And as springtime comes to Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin, the air is filled with promise. . .
Ever since the Helmuths’ grandson, Ben, abruptly broke his engagement and moved to Florida, Emma Nelson has kept busy tending her vegetable garden and raising award-winning pumpkins. She can put her heartache aside to help Ben’s Mammi with her own pumpkin patch. At least until Ben shows up to lend support to his ailing Dawdi. . .
Gardening side by side with pretty, nurturing Emma is a sweet kind of torture for Ben. She could have her pick of suitors who can offer what he can’t, and he cares too much to burden her with his secret. Leaving once more is the only option. Yet Emma’s courage is daring him to accept the grace that flourishes here, and the love that has been calling him back to Huckleberry Hill. . .

Just when I thought Anna couldn’t possibly come up with any more outrageous schemes to play matchmaker again, Jennifer Beckstrand has proven me wrong.
The matchmakers are at it again doing what they do best, finding mates for their unsuspecting grandchildren.

The dialog is witty as I’ve come to expect from Ms. Beckstrand, the chararacters are loveable and as always I couldn’t wait to find out what Anna and Felty were up to in their latest quest.
From the disastrous cooking that’s legendary from Anniie to love and support from Felty this book will warm your heart.

The characters are well defined and very charming.  Definitely 5 stars!

I look forwward to the next book in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Free Book Alert

Be sure to pick up this book by my friend Amy Clipston!!!  Right now this book is free in eBook form.  Please check before purchasing to make sure the price is still free.  Happy reading!!!  Kristi

Giveaway Winner

Robin Bunting!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are the winner of the Amish Cradle book giveaway!!!!!

Thank you to all who entered  and stay tuned for more

great giveaways!!!!

Meek and Mild by Olivia Newport (review by Kristi)

This was an Amish fiction book quite different from any others I have read. It takes place in the early 1900’s and tells of the events that led to the what is known as the “Beachy Amish”.
Historical aspect aside this book had a good storyline with Clara being afraid to go through childbirth because of her mother dying during it. There was a sweet love story between Clara and Andrew that drew me to both characters. There are some unlikable characters as well but they are part of the story and were well written in their roles. Olivia Newport did a great job of combining the history with other storyline to make the book an interesting read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is wanting a different kind of Amish story and to those who are maybe looking for Amish fiction with history in the story.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

An Amish Cradle (Review by Cathy)

Four great authors have teamed up to write an anthology of four great novellas.

The authors are all very talented and successful in their own right and their contributions to this book showcase each of their talents..

From young couples experiencing the birth of their first child to older couples experiencing the birth of an unexpected child, the authors each tell a story of a love so pure and overpowering I felt the joys and so many other emotions that the characters were experiencing.  There are so many facets to each character to each story that it will capture both your attention and your heart.

Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller and Vanetta Chapman show once again that they are amazing authors.