Another collection of wonderful stories by four of my favorite authors. I have been a fan of their work for many years and they continue to impress me with their talent with each and every book of theirs that I read.
The Heirloom's that meant so much to their characters became just as cherished to me as I read each novella and became involved in their lives and communities.

I absolutely loved The Cedar Chest by Beth Wiseman! This is the first dual time line of hers that I've read and I can say that my only criticism is that I wish that the story lasted longer than it did. It is beautifully written and her characters are most endearing.

A Legacy of Love by Amy Clipston is another one in this collection that I loved. The story of Leon and Susie is compelling and moved a great pace. Amy never disappoints and she really poured her heart into this one.

The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller really is fantastic. I was so happy to reconnect with one my favorite characters, Cevilla. She is playing matchmaker once again and this time she's decided that Shane and Lucy should be together. I loved this sweet story so much.

The Midwife's Dream is the last book in this collection and is just as wonderful and well written as anything that I've read by this author. I really enjoyed the story of Mahlon and Iris.

Overall, I think that this is one of the best collections of novellas that I have read. Each of the authors work reminded me once again just how talented they are why I love their work so much.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed reading this set of Amish novellas by some of my favorite Christian fiction authors. Heart tugging get your attention stories you will definitely want to read more than once. Each story incorporates a family heirloom into the story and it brings the families together in a loving and caring way.
Pub Date 10 Apr 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan Fiction. All opinions expressed are my own.

Four captivating novellas each incorporate a family heirloom pertinent to the story: grandparents’ rocking chairs, a cedar chest, an antique Bible, and a patchwork baby quilt. These realistic stories honestly portray courting and marriage difficulties as well as longing for a loving relationship. The four authors all did a fine job sharing drama from Amish life. The characters seem quite real and tug at your heart. I enjoyed the suspense as the family tales unfolded and revealed secrets and unresolved issues from the past. As the characters learned, life involves risk. I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

I loved each story and how each heirloom played a part in each novella where the characters learned about previous generations from these heirlooms. From a pair of rocking chairs to a cedar chest to an antique Bible to an antique crib quilt, we see the special bonds that characters make over these items. You see how God works in the lives of these characters and how the bonds of family and friendship prevail.

And I have to say my favorite part of this book came from Kathleen Fuller’s “The Treasured Book”, because she brought dear Cevilla back as a character. And she’s sure a character, a meddling one with a big heart. So fun to read about her again.

If you want a fun read about some awesome characters, grab a copy of “An Amish Heirloom”. With it being four noveallas, it is an easy read. You won’t be disappointed.

Wonderful stories and delightful characters. Looking forward to more books.
4 Different stories by 4 awesome Amish authors.

Four great books, all well written, all true Amish. The characters and character development was great. The subject matter was great. The talent and skill of each writer is wonderful.

You know how I usually break down my reviews of these novella collections story by story? Well, it ain't happenin'.
I'm just going to be honest...I liked the book. I liked all four stories. But, I also didn't feel that the book as a whole was completely sensational. Being neither here nor there leaves me somewhere in the middle which makes it hard for me to do my usual book ramble.

Here is what I did love:
1. The heirlooms. Each person in this story has an heirloom in their possession. An old cradle, rocking chairs, a cedar chest and an old quilt—there's just something so nostalgic about heirlooms. It links past to present in a way that makes me feel as if I better understand my place in the world and how I'll affect future generations.
2. I loved that for the most part, this book didn't have insta-love. I'm just feeling so over that trope lately. It's 2018, we need to find something new because insta-love is so overrated.
3. Cevilla. If you're an avid reader of Kathleen Fuller, you'll recognize this precious old woman. If you're not familiar with this character already, you're in for a treat!

Overall, I loved all four stories in this collection. I've not yet made up my mind how I feel about what my friend Fizzy referred to as "cheating" in the first novella. On one hand, I want to say that its open game until there's a ring on it...but then she reminded me that the Amish don't even wear rings. Doh.

I felt that this collection was a solid read. If you're looking for sweet Amish love stories that are quick to read, then I really think you'd like this collection.

A Legacy of Love by Amy Clipston
Let me tell ya a story about how this novella is killin' me. First, it was nice to seem some familiar names and character's from Amy's current series Amish Homestead. That being said, I'm not entirely sure I was emotionally ready to read about firefighters and the mention of individuals that had lost their life in a fire, even as a firefighter, I think it's just too raw yet. I didn't let that influence my rating on this novella but reading this first one was so hard and emotionally draining. It's partly why I'm putting off reading 'Room on the Porch Swing' as long as possible. I'm not ready. There's another aspect here that I can't chalk up to my own emotions or personal issues, it was how Leon and Susie came together. I don't know how to proceed without spoilers, so consider yourself warned. They had dated, and broken up about four years prior. They came into contact at a funeral (see what I mean. . . emotional turmoil!. . . and re-something their friendship. She was engaged to a neighbor boy she had fallen for, he was single. They start spending time together as 'frienden' which in and of itself seems innocent right? However, she finds herself being drawn back to him, and vice vercea. She put herself in a position to be emotionally cheating on her finance. Yes, people will say that there was no ring, no ceremony, no commitment. I very strong disagree. There is a commitment in an engagement, there is a promise of forever. If you feel like you are making a mistake you don't put yourself in a position to cheat (emotionally or otherwise). She didn't need to be sneaking around (because the truth is she kinda was) with her ex in order to determine that her fiance wasn't the one for her. She didn't need to get 'caught' (because that's how it really played out) to come to the realization and then have the conversation to end the engagement. She most assuredly didn't need to turn around and get engaged the next time she sees Leon. They are both at fault, lest you take my she's as pointing fingers only at the girl. If their relationship rekindles through cheating how can they ever truly develop trust that will last a lifetime? This just bothered me. Strongly. I felt the need to come back to this after I slept on it a minute. I appreciated and loved the the realistic approach to this topic, let's face it the Amish are no more immune to human foibles than the rest of us. My concern lies in the feel that this was glorified the idea of emotional infidelity.

The Cedar Chest by Beth Wiseman
Written in a way that only Beth Wiseman can, blending the saltiness of jaded reality with the wholesome outlook of the Amish, this novella packs a lot of punch. A duel timeline, some shady history, a lot of self-doubt, and the redemption that love always wins. I have to admit that there was always this wisp of something just outside my grasp throughout reading this story. Some fact, some truth, some subtle plot point that I just couldn't quite put my finger on. I never really did figure out that wisp (and it still bugs me!) but I'll be OK. Rich characters with a plot that ended entirely too quickly this story was truly amazing.

The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller
Cevilla! This woman needs to come live in my neighborhood. Cevilla is back and I couldn't be happier. Seriously, I adore this woman. And she's not changed one bit. It was lovely getting to go back to Birch Creek for a minute and see not only Cevilla, but Ivy and Noah as well. Cevilla is one of those older honorary aunts in your life that tends to meddle because she cares, she has life experience, and she's bored. But she's so endearing and sweet that while you want to tell her off you don't because you love her. That is Cevilla. It was interesting to see her doubt herself for a minute in this story, something you NEVER see in your honorary aunt (not because she doesn't feel it but because she doesn't admit it). Even with new character's, they fit into Birch Creek so well and the story was so blended that I didn't care it was short and sweet, it had a fullness that is hard to capture in a novella.

The Midwife's Dream by Kelly Irvin
Maybe I'm biased as a Missouri Girl who has family that lives near Jamesport (Trenton). Maybe I'm not biased because I've not read the author's previous novels based out of Jamesport. Either way I really enjoyed this story. I have to tell you in the least spoiler-ish way possible that I loved that there wasn't a perfectly glittered bow of happily ever after. I mean some things were completely wrapped up but there was no guarantee that it would all be gravy. A promise of the potential was perfect for me. I also have to admit that there were parts of me that felt a little like Iris was a tad whiny, a slight bit annoying, and had a touch of a martyr complex. I admire her strength to desire to do what is right but I think she let other people's happiness cloud her own possibilities. I'll be honest, I feel like there were possibly little threads where these individuals had other adventures (if you will) that I feel like would have rounded them out for me more, I didn't feel like I was missing anything. These were strong well-developed people wrapped up in a sweet and heart enveloping story that was truly enjoyable and encompassing and very worth the read.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Four gentle Amish reads to lighten up any day.

<b>A Legacy of Love by Amy Clipston</b>
Leon let Susie go several years when he could not make the promise to marry her on day. Now Susie is engaged and has asked Leon to restore her grandparents' rocking chairs for her new home. Can rocking chairs by the tie that binds?


<b>The Cedar Chest by Beth Wiseman</b>
Catherine is struggling in her marriage and has turned to her mother for comfort but does not reveal what is happening. Catherine finds her great grandmother's chest in her parents basement and convinces her mom, Emma, to open it. They discover family love letters. Will the letters bring Catherine and Emma closer so Catherine can share her fears with her mom?

<b>The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller</b>
Shane met Lucy when he was restoring his house in Iowa and ever since then Shane has wanted to join the Amish faith to further his relationship with God. He is staying with his Amish friend in Ohio to learn more about the faith when he runs into Lucy. Lucy is taking care of a family member who has become ill. Lucy joins Shane on a trip to a local antique market where Shane buys a Bible. Will the contents within strengthen their bond?

<b>The Midwife’s Dream by Kelly Irvin</b>
The district's midwife, Iris, wants a family of her own but has yet to find the love she is seeking. Mahon brings two English teenagers to her house when they stopped at his family farm asking for help as the girl was in labor. During the night Iris realizes Mahon is not just her best friend's brother. Could he be the love she has been praying for all along?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I really enjoyed this collection of novellas. I like being able to read a variety of stories written by different authors. Usually I get to try out someones work that is new to me. These four compelling stories were done by some of my favorite authors who often write Amish Christian novels. I know when I pick up a book by any of these authors I do not have to worry about the language or content. They are clean ethical and usually contain a wonderful life listen woven in their work. I hate to put a book down not knowing the end of the story. I believe that is why I enjoy the novella so much. If I have several hours I can finish the entire book, but if not I can finish one of the stories saving the rest for another time. Each of these will keep your attention and I found them all to be equally compelling.
I received a copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are complete my own.

An Amish Heirloom

Four very enjoyable novellas by four wonderful author!
An Amish Heirloom, centered around special family heirlooms, drew me in as they told of heirlooms that were left for them by someone special in their family. Each story was filled with love and remembrance as the characters found these heirlooms and the memories of the loved ones that left them, helping them through difficult situations they were facing.
These novellas were very quick and easy to read and kept me turning pages to find out how these heirlooms would impact each character and their situations.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.

I generally am not a big fan of novellas, but how could I resist these from some of my favorite Amish fiction authors? They did not disappointment! I loved each of the four stories.
A Legacy of Love (by Amy Clipston). Susie once dated Leon, but the relationship ended when, after two years, he wasn't willing to make a commitment of marriage to her. She later becomes engaged to someone else (Josh) and thought he was the 'one' for her. She ran into Leon at a funeral and took her grandparents rocking chairs to Leon at his family's woodworking shop to ask that he repair/refinish them for her new home. Both she and Leon discover there is a 'spark' there and Susie begins to go by the shop weekly to check on the progress of the rocking chairs. Her fiancee is very angered by this and feels their relationship is threatened. Susie begins to see things more clearly about him, herself and Leon. But...where will it all lead? Read to find out!
The Cedar Chest (by Beth Wiseman) One day while Catherine is visiting with her mother (Emma), they go down into the basement for something and find an old chest that had belonged to Emma's great grandmother. Catherine is curious about its contents, but the key is broken off in the lock. Emma thinks that, perhaps, her great grandmother never intended anyone to see the contents. Catherine wants to open the chest up and have a look. Emma knows that something is troubling Catherine, deeply, and decides the chest and its contents will give her more time with her daughter and that maybe she will open up about what is bothering her.
They discover old letters telling the love story of Emma great grandparents. There is a very valuable lesson in their story and Emma's own marriage for Catherine.
The Treasured Book (by Kathleen Fuller) Lucy is tricked by an elderly woman (Cevilla) who is a family friend into coming to Birch Creek to visit. She soon discovers the woman is a matchmaker and has summoned her for a visit under false pretenses. None other than Shane is there to pick up Lucy upon her arrival to transport her to Cevilla's home. Lucy had met Shane when he had purchased a home next door to Lucy's parents home and he hired Lucy and her dad to help him renovate the house. Soon after, there was a For Sale sign on the home and Lucy didn't know why he had sold it or moved away. Shane is Englisch.
Shane is in Birch Creek staying with mutual friends while contemplating joining the Amish faith, much to his father's dismay who wishes him to make a living as an attorney, following in his footsteps.
Shane is a collector of books and had given Lucy a tiny treasured Bible, which she still has.
The Midwife's Dream (by Kelly Irvin) Iris is a midwife who longs for her own family, but fears it will never be. She watches her friends marry and then delivers their babies into the world.
As she is on her way back home from delivering a baby and very tired, a car pulls her horse and buggy over. It is Mahon, her friends brother. With him, he has a young teenage couple of whom the young girl is about to deliver her baby. Iris meets them at her parents home, where she lives. The young teen gives birth to a baby girl. Iris and her family are dismayed the following morning to discover the teenagers have left, leaving behind the baby along with a note from the mother that she will return for her baby and to take care of her for her.
Iris loves the baby and begins to think of her as her own. Meanwhile, is a relationship brewing between her and Mahon? Read to find out.
This book of novella will not disappoint.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Four stories by four authors all with the theme of cherished family heirlooms. These four enjoyable stories are quick reads that leave you feeling satisfied.

First up is a story by Amy Clipston. Amy always tells a good story and this one is no different. She has once again created a realistic story and characters that are genuine and easy to like. While there are characters from her newest series in the story it isn’t necessary to read the book before reading this novella. It completely stands on its own.

Next up is Beth Wiseman’s story. While I am fast becoming a fan of dual timeline stories I wasn’t sure how one would be in a novella. Beth did a wonderful job though and I was quickly immersed in the stories of Isaac and Elizabeth and Catherine and Abram. I couldn’t read this story fast enough as I just had to know what happened with these two couples. Beth does a great job of showing that the Amish don’t have perfect lives and marriages. This well-written story was my favorite in the collection.

If you’ve read Kathleen Fuller’s book Words from the Heart and fell in love with Cevilla great news! She’s back in The Treasured Book and is up to her usual matchmaking antics. I can’t get enough of this character and I loved her attempts at matchmaking Lucy and Shane. I quickly fell in love with these two characters and hoped Cevilla would be successful in bringing them together. Now perhaps Cevilla needs a match of her own? That would be a fun story to read. As is normal with any Kathleen Fuller book I read I was up late finishing this story.

Last but not least is Kelly Irvin’s story. It was nice to catch up with the Jamesport Amish and see if Ivy’s dreams would come true. Mahon is a bit of an awkward character but I found that endearing and it was heartwarming to see him and Ivy working together to find Lilly’s parents. This is one of my favorite stories from this author. Once I started reading this story I couldn’t put it down.

Fans of the genre or these authors are sure to enjoy these stories. All are well-written and complete stories that are quick and easy to read. After reading this collection I’m pretty sure I can no longer say I’m not a fan of novellas.

I received a free copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are mine.

What a pageturner! There are four stories in this book, all of which were great. The stories are centered around Amish heirlooms and there is a romantic theme to each as well. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Legacy Of Love: Leon is a volunteer fireman and carpenter by trade. His ex girl is Susi and she comes to him to refinish two rocking chairs that had been her grandparents that she wants to put in their home when she marries her fiance. Leon finds he still cares deeply for Susie and regrets letting her go. Susie finds she may still have feelings for Lewon and has to decide if she is marrying the wrong man for the wrong reason.

The Cedar Chest: Emma and her daughter Catherine discover an old locked cedar chest in the basement and decide to get it open and inside are letters that had been written back in the twenties by their ancestors- Emma’s great grandparents. Catherine is moved by these letters as she and her husband are having some problems in their marriage. Then as Catherine and Emma read the letters Catherine finds that with work and faith she and her husband can get this difficulties they were having. Now Emma must decide weather to share these letters for the family history or do as her grandparents would want and keep them hidden as they themselves had hidden them.

The Treasured Book: Shane and Lucy are old friends who had not talked about their feelings for each other as he wasn’t Amish and she was. Shane has been thinking for the last two years about turning Amish as he likes the peaceful and simple life the Amish live not the life he has as a lawyer or the girl he is engaged to. Lucy doesn’t know when they first meet up they this is how Shane is feeling. Shane is staying with some friends and lucy was friends Noah amdIris Shchlabaek. Iris is friends with Noah's family and that is how she meets up with Shane again. Shane is speaking to the bishop and praying about his future. His now ex fiance and family are totally against him going Amish and adding pressure on him. Shane and Lucy got to a flea market and find an old bible and start to read it together.

The Midwife’s Dream: Iris is a midwife and loves her job helping bringing babies in the world but really wants a family of her own and her own home. Then a young english teenage couple that had been staying in town are about to give birth and they are prepared for parenthood. Mahon comes to Iris tor help at the delivery. Mohan was Iris’s friends brother and has loved Lucy all her life but she didn’t know it. The couple gave birth to a daughter and named erh Lily. During the night they left the baby. Iris had a baby blanket she had for when she had children and used it on baby Lily. Lily and Mahon take care of Lily together as they try to find her parents. As time goes on Iris starts to develop feelings for Mohan and he already has them for her.
I really enjoyed and loved these different stories in this book. All involving the Amish and their way of life and faith. I had no problem keeping my attention on this book from beginning to end. They are so touching and peaceful in a time in our lives that that is not a reality for a lot of people all over the world. I love the faith the Amish live by and the togetherness and love of family. I didn’t have a favorite just loved them all. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of all the stories in this book and I highly recommend.

Leon King is attending the funeral of his friend Charlie. HE notices Charlie's fiance Minerva Yoder gripping onto her father's arm. Leon felt alone. HE hadn't had a girlfriend in over 4 years time. No one to encourage him after a tough day at the fire station. Leon worked with his friend Jamie at the fire station. Susie Bontrager was Leon's ex-girlfriend. Susie is now engaged to Josh. They're getting married in November. Susie asked Leon to repair some old rocking chairs.
Join in on this story and find out if Leon gets together with susie and if he improves his life and gets happier.

An Amish Heirloom contains four novellas by Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Kelly Irvin. Legacy of Love by Amy Clipston involves Leon King, a local volunteer fire fighter and carpenter. Susie Bontrager, Leon’s ex-girlfriend, is getting married to Josh Chupp and she wants her grandmother’s rocking chairs repaired for her new home. Leon agrees to restore them for Susie. Susie stops by Lancaster Furniture Sales and Repair each week to check up on the rocking chairs and old feelings begin to resurface for each of them. Leon regrets letting Susie get away, but he does not want to come between her and Josh. Meanwhile, Susie recognizes that she agreed to marry Josh for the wrong reasons. Will the rocking chairs bring Leon and Susie back together?

Beth Wiseman wrote The Cedar Chest which features Emma Fisher and her daughter, Catherine. Emma knows something is bothering Catherine, but she cannot get her daughter to confide in her. They are in the basement and find the cedar chest that belonged to Emma’s great grandmother which has been unopened since her death. Inside are letters written by her great grandparents. They tell the story of how they came to be together. Emma and Catherine decide to read the letters together. Emma is hoping it will allow time for Catherine to open up to her. She is unprepared for the secrets that come to light when they read the letters.

The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller takes us to Birch Creek, Ohio. Lucy Fisher has traveled to Birch Creek to assist Cevilla Schlabach while she recovers from a sprained ankle. Lucy is surprised when she is picked up at the bus station by Shane Broyles who is staying with Noah Schlabach and his wife, Ivy. Lucy and her father had helped Shane renovate a home in Iowa. Lucy carries the miniature Bible that Shane gave her and has been careful not to reveal to Shane how much she cares for him. Shane is considering joining the Amish faith and is using his time in Birch Creek to decide. Cevilla wants Lucy to use her time in Birch Creek to build a life for herself and away from her parents. Shane and Lucy spend time together and are becoming closer. Then Shane’s ex-fiancé arrives in town and wants him back.

The Midwife’s Dream by Kelly Irvin is set in Jamesport, Missouri. Iris Beachy twenty-three years old and is the midwife for her community. Her dream is to have a family of her own, but she is still in love with man who is married to someone else. Mahon Kurtz seeks her help with delivering the baby of a teenage Englischer. Jessica and her boyfriend, Quinn are traveling to Texas and are unprepared when she goes into labor early. Iris brings them home and delivers their little girl, Lily Marie. The next morning Iris finds the two teenagers gone, but they left the baby behind wrapped in a beautiful quilt similar to one Iris will inherit when she becomes a mother. Mahon is able to provide sketches of the two teenagers which they use to trace their movements around town. Iris had always considered Mahon her best friends’ older brother, but, as she spends time with him, she sees him in a different light. Mahon has been in love with Iris for years and has just been waiting for her to get over her prior love.

An Amish Heirloom contains four heartwarming stories that captured and held my attention. Each story has great characters and beautiful settings. I like how each story has an antique item that helps bring the couples together. A handmade quilt, love letters, a miniature Bible and antique rockers are the four items that help unite these four couples. The novellas are well-written and have an easy pace. It is nice to take a break from a full-length book and read these shorter wholesome tales. The authors did a wonderful job at interlacing the Christian elements into their stories. In God’s timing, having faith, the power of prayer, and family values are some of the Christian themes. It was delightful to revisit Cevilla Schlabach. She is an entertaining, eccentric character and provides levity to The Treasured Book. I hope Kathleen Fuller will feature Cevilla in future books. In Amy Clipston’s Legacy of Love, I appreciate her featuring Amish volunteer firefighters. Local fire departments in many areas rely on volunteer fire fighter’s, and I did not know that Amish volunteered for this service. Four wholesome, heartfelt novellas from four seasoned Amish writers. Settle into a comfy chair, relax and escape into An Amish Heirloom--a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-review/amish-heirloom

A collection of four novellas beautifully written by veteran authors. Consider reading this novel as a gift to yourself. You will be glad that you did!

Four page-turning stories, that kept me riveted and loving these reads, and I wanted more when the last page was turned. I also liked that some of the characters in these stories have been with me before and I learned to care for them.
This read will keep your attention whether you only have a few minutes to give or maybe time to move on to the next. They are all equally great, and you will not be disappointed. Enjoy!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.