Seasons of Opportunities

What would happen if you found out someone has been impersonating you?   Sara Murray had never met her mother’s parents and was surprised to learn after her death that they were Amish living in Pennsylvania. When she is finally able to make the trip to meet them, she is shocked to learn someone else has been living with them and pretending to be Sara. Sara can’t understand how quickly her grandparents are willing to forgive the impostor. Secrets and deceit seem to follow Sara, and she is so tired of it. Though soon she meets Brad Fuller who is visiting her grandparents for during Christmas. She likes him a lot, but even he seems to pull away from her, not being totally honest.

What You Don't See Might Hurt You Every year, residents of the small Amish community in Monte Vista, Colorado, look forward to the Ski Hi Stampede, the state's oldest professional rodeo. The rodeo is always good, clean entertainment for the hardworking farmers of the San Luis Valley. But this year, the Stampede turns deadly for one Amish man. Did rodeo fans see an unfortunate accident? Or something more sinister? Amish bishop Henry Lapp is known far and wide for his uncanny ability to draw and remember the smallest details of anything he's seen, skills that have served him well in past investigations. He was at the rodeo that day. The problem? He didn't see Jeremiah Schwartz's death.

Bright, curious, and restless, Ruthie Stoltzfus loves her family but is stuck in a sea of indecision about her future: Should she stay Amish? Or should she leave? She’s done all she can to prepare to go–passed the GED, saved her money–but she can’t quite set her journey into motion. Patrick Kelly is a young man on a journey of his own. He’s come to Stoney Ridge to convert to the Amish and has given himself thirty days to learn the language, drive a buggy, and adapt to “everything Plain.” Time, to Patrick, is of the essence. Every moment is to be

The Stoltzfus family faces serious problems, both in the church and at home. Everyone in the community expects minister David Stoltzfus to fix things–fast. But David doesn’t work fast. He prefers to wait for God to work in individual hearts. However, even he is left wondering if the solution to their most pressing problem might be a Quieting. When David’s mother arrives, uninvited, more upheaval is in store. She has matchmaking plans for everyone in the family, including David and her eligible granddaughters–and especially

Grace Blauch is skilled at midwifery—and crafting quilts that help others pass on messages of enduring family love. But a disfiguring birthmark keeps the young Amish woman from a husband and home of her own—until Mark King arrives from another community. His helpfulness and independent nature earn Grace’s respect. And he finds her outspoken ways and determination to do right irresistibly appealing. Soon Grace is planning a wedding quilt of her very own . . . until her father discovers that Mark’s shunned brother is hiding somewhere in town . . .  Grace can well understand why Mark took such a risk once she hears his wrenching reasons. But she fears even prayer will not convince her father to restore his blessing on their union. She wills herself to face the end of her dreams, but sudden danger and an impossible act of generosity will show her that abiding hope can inspire the most precious of miracles  . . .

The Amish Christmas Sleigh   by Molly Jebber, Amy Lillard, and Kelly Long is a 384 page book in the Christian Amish fiction genre. It contains three separate novellas. A SLEIGH RIDE ON ICE MOUNTAIN Kelly Long For solitary toy-maker Sebastian Christner, hiring Kate Zook as his new housekeeper is simply the right thing to do. Now she can support her special-needs brother. But one taste of her independent spirit is showing him undreamed-of holiday joy—and making him long to give her a home for always . . . A MAMM FOR CHRISTMAS Amy Lillard Bernice Yoder has far too much to do to entertain holiday dreams. Even if she can help Jess Schmucker outwit his three mischievous young daughters, it’s impossible to imagine the handsome widower can see her as anything but a scolding schoolteacher. He never guesses how a magical Christmas Eve will open his eyes to love or how Der Herr will awaken their faith and hope.   AN UNEXPECTED CHRISTMAS BLESSING Molly Jebber As much as ...

Winner is Melissa H. A heart once deceived should not be easily fooled again . . . Katrina Stoltzfus thought she had life and love all figured out: she was going to marry John and live happily ever after. But as her plans crumble before her eyes, she struggles to face an uncertain future. When a widow asks for help starting a new business, Katrina quickly agrees. She needs time to heal her broken heart, to untangle her messy life, to find a purpose.  What she doesn't need is attention from Andy Miller, a farmhand who arrives at the widow's farm just when help is most needed--and who always

I am not sure if it is very common today, but I remember the pen-pal days. As a matter of fact, I had a few myself, but none were Amish. And definitely not any Amish boys!! Although that would have been quite interesting to say the least. I think I would have enjoyed that. Melody has a way of writing Amish books. I kind of got burnt out on the old boy meets girl Amish romance, but her books are intriguing and interesting! This one in particular kept me reading and turning pages til the very end! Micah Knight has had an Amish pen-pal since grade school. Nothing too strange about that, right? Well, actually it is a little odd. This Amish kid - well actually he is 18 now -is a boy. Most boys don't like to write, but Zach does. And he enjoys most of the same things Micah does- flying, baseball, bikes, etc.. And although their lives are completely different they have been writing for years and have grown quite a close friendship. Zach's latest letter has just revealed that he is...

I received this book in exchange for my review. No other compensation given. Flight instructor Jack Livingston has been raising his eight-year-old adopted niece, Natalie, since the accident that took her parents' lives. When he travels, Natalie is tenderly cared for by her Amish nanny, Laura Mast, who loves the little girl as her own.     Eight excruciating years ago, Kelly Maines's baby was kidnapped. Determined to find her child, Kelly has tirelessly pursued every lead to its bitter end. And now, with the clock ticking, one last clue from a private investigator ignites a tiny flame of hope: Just a few miles away lives a young girl who matches the profile.    Can this be, at long last, Kelly's beloved daughter?

Raised in an Old Order Mennonite community, Rachel Stoltzfus is a strong willed single woman, content living apart from mainstream society until whispers stir the moment her belly swells with new life. Refusing to repent and name the partner in her sin, Rachel feels the wrath of the religious sect as she is shunned by those she loves most and eventually coerced into leaving by her brother-in-law, the Bishop. But secrets run deep in this cloistered community, and the Bishop is hiding some of his own, threatening his conscience and his very soul. When the life of Rachel’s baby is at stake, however, choices must be made that will bring the darkness to light, forever changing the lives of those who call Copper Creek home.  

Blessed with this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Sixteen-year-old Shannon McNamara Plans to get three things this summer -- a driver's license, a job, and a tattoo -- until a move to rural Ohio and a handsome Amish boy make her think twice.  Teen favorite Melody Carlson brings fans another sweet story of worlds and families colliding, exploring themes important to teen girls through and engaging tale.

Disclosure: the following post contains some advertisement. Eleven-year-old Lily Lapp wants her life to stay just the way it is. Instead, it's constantly changing. New jobs, new schoolmates, and new challenges sure keep life interesting. It seems like the only thing Lily really wants to change--Effie Kauffman's mischief making--is the one thing that never does. Effie is up to her old tricks, and Lily is her favorite target. With each chapter in Lily's life comes another ever-more exciting adventure. But no one could have prepared Lily

Disclosure: this post contains advertisement links to publisher, authors and retailers . " You know, Lily, friendships aren't always easy, aren't always perfect, aren't always free from hurt. But it isn't right to just ignore people or wish they would be sent off someplace far, far away. How we choose to handle those times when we're wounded by a friend will make the difference between growing love or creating a hole." Get ready for more fun with Lily and friendship! Every day brings new adventures for Lily! With cousin Hannah at her side, life is filled with surprises including a rotten school trick played on her by Effie Kauffman and a surprising change of heart in the worst boy imaginable, Aaron Yoder. But tears turn to laughter as Lily turns ten, wears grown-up clothes, sits with her friends at church.... and turns the tables on Effie.  

Caleb Bender has been in Mexico for several years now, after following God's calling to move a small community of Amish there. The settlement has been thriving, but their very existence may now be threatened. Family trials, bandits, government problems, and the lack of a bishop have brought much discouragement to Caleb. He is confused about God's plan for his life and not sure what to do next. Did he misunderstand God's will?

The Discovery- Part 1 of 6 This book is the beginning of Luke and Meredith Stoltzfus' story. Luke has been out of work due to the economy, but gets an amazing new offer. There is one catch, he has to travel to Indiana for training. Meredith has her reservations, but agrees to let him go, hoping for a better future. Along the way, the unexpected happens and Luke meets with tragedy. What will become of them now? 

From the first time I read Cindy Woodsmall I have enjoyed her books. Especially these short Amish fictions. This is a great collection of two previous books and one new title. They are all centered in the same Amish locations and the characters in all three books tied together, yet each can be read individually, as each story is about a separate couple.  The newest book, The Dawn of Christmas, is about two individuals, Sadie and Levi,  who have both been hurt by members of the opposite gender. They have both lost their faith in marriage, and trusting their hearts to others. But they both love God and are seeking His will for their lives. Through a odd circumstances the two meet. Because their opinions of the opposite gender are so alike, they quickly become friends, knowing they have nothing to worry about since they understand each others boundaries. And yet, God has other plans for them, and the friendship deepens into something more. Both of them are afraid o...

This is the first book I have read by this author.  It was captivating! I had the hardest time putting it down.  I just wanted to finish it, but now that I have finished it... I am wondering... when is the next one coming out? Surely there will be a sequel. The Captive Heart is about a young Amish girl whose family has moved to Mexico.  And while they are working hard starting an Amish community there, and new Amish are coming every year, they are in very dangerous territory.  The bandits seem to be relentless in stealing their possessions and even coming very close to endangering their lives, especially the lives of the daughters.  The Amish, a peace loving people, who do not believe in fighting have a difficult time figuring out how to deal with this new threat and not retaliate with anger or violence. Miriam, the main character in this story, is struggling with her heart, her possible love for a man who is not Amish, and whether he loves her enough to risk...

I loved this book! Once I actually got to know the characters and got into the book, it was very interesting.  The author is really good, although, I haven't read any of her books before, I enjoyed her style.  The plot was very well thought out.  The book deals with several different families in a small Amish community, and specializes in the fact that we all need mercy, grace, forgiveness, and understanding to build families.  No one is perfect; and in this small community, each of the characters have their flaws, but with God's help they are able to love each other, forgive past mistakes  and embrace the grace and forgiveness of God to grow and renew their relationships.  The main character is Sylvia, daughter of a dairy farmer, who is betrayed by her fiance, then, after committing a sin she cannot forgive herself for, flees her family farm to help another dairy farmer and his wife. The plot thickens, as while she is trying to sav...