Experience is a different teacher, giving you the test first and the lesson later. Amish Proverb.


I was taken with all 4 short Amish stories about coming home. Each story reflected the hurt of leaving and the joy of realizing the gift of having a home. A stories of the prodigal, the pride and those that never give up on you. There is a longing of home that all of us can relate to. Highly recommend.

A special thank you to Zondervan Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

This book is composed of several stories by various authors: "No Place Like Home" by Amy Clipston, "When Love Returns" by Beth Wiseman, "The Courage to Love" by Shelley Shepard Gray and "What Love Built" by Kathleen Fuller.

One thing I loved about this book and that I think I had never read in any other: at the end of each story there is a reflection chapter where are asked some questions perhaps to be discuss in group. I found this very interesting and it made me wonder if it was sunday school "homework".

With homework like this, sunday school would definitely be more dynamic and teach people to reflect on certain things without being boring.

It's hard to choose my favorite story because I loved them all, but the first and second were the ones I definitely enjoyed the most:

"No Place Like Home" brings us the story of Eva, a girl who has lived with her in-laws since her husband died in a fire. However, Eva returns to her homeland to give her son the opportunity to meet her parentes and meanwhile she runs into the man who was supposed to marry her (by her parents' wishes) living there on their farm in exchange for no salary. While Eva is suspicious of Ian's intentions and tries to find out what keeps him on the farm, Eva forgives herself and her parents and ends up rekindling an old passion.

"When Love Returns" brings us the story of Sarah who ran away from home 6 years ago with an unwanted pregnancy. Now, due to Hurricane Harvey, she is forced to ask for help and return to her parents' home with a daughter they never meet. In the middle of it all is Abram, her ex-boyfriend who doesn't know why Sarah ran away at all those years ago.

Both reminded me of the story of the prodigal son and is about the forgiveness we owe ourselves and those we love and sometimes hurt. This stories also make us think about gratitude and that we should be grateful for what we have, for what we have lost and for what we can do to build a better future.

This book is a perfect read for this Thanksgiving! :)

I found each of the stories to be well written but also a bit predictable. It seemed that the four authors used very similar plot lines that made me think I was just reading the same story with different names and locations each time..

What a wonderful, inspiring collection! Each story has its own charm and uniqueness and yet they have the common thread of coming home again in one way or another. The first story features characters from Amy Clipson's Amish Homecoming series, which is an added treat since you get to read what happens to Eva Dienner, a woman that ran away from home to marry her love only to be widowed a few years into their marriage. Eva and her small son haven't been back to her hometown since she ran away, but when her son begins to ask questions, wanting to meet her family, Eva knows that it's time to finally face the music.

Each novella are truly heartwarming, tugging at your heartstrings, and not letting go. They each ring with second chances, forgiveness, and new beginnings, making each tale not only a joy to read but utterly inspiring as well. A great reminder that it's never too late to come home.

Each story in this book was exquisite! I loved all of them. It is a delicious sampling of four Master Amish storytellers all in one sweet book.

There is inspiration galore which will brighten anyone’s day. I learned Amish words and customs. Each author has her own unique style of bring stories to life.

I highly recommend this book and definitely rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

This is a great compilation of four short Amish stories in one book. These stories are about women who find their way back home after overcoming tough challenges.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from these well known Amish authors.

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

I enjoyed this collection of stories that are themed around second chances. Each story is unique from the others, and I appreciated the variety of characters and situations. When I read collections like this I'm always transported to the beautiful countryside and what seems to be a simpler lifestyle. The issues faced by the characters are universal ones and the themes of forgiveness, family, and love are applicable to all readers.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Four brand new novellas by four of the top authors in Amish fiction equals a fabulous reading experience from start to finish! Clipston’s No Place Like Home features young widow Eva Dienner who returns home to her estranged parents with her young son; this is a sweet story with great romantic chemistry, a swoony hero, and layered emotions. In When Love Returns, Wiseman tells the story of Hurricane Harvey survivor and single mom Sarah Zook who has no choice but to come home with her young daughter; lots of dimensions to this story - with plenty of emotional conflict and long held secrets. Gray’s The Courage to Love catches readers up with fan favorite Irene Keim and the ways she’s moving on after a tragic death; the couple who have taken her in are delightful, and their son Marcus adds the right combination of conflict and romance. Finally, in What Love Built, Fuller heads back to Birch Creek with a story that reminds readers of the power of community and second-chances at love.

Amish collection for bright loving souls. I found that this was probably my favorite collection from these authors and each story really spoke and resounded within me.

This is an excellent series of connecting stories. They are very enjoyable. I highly recommend reading this book.

Thank you Zondervan fiction and netgalley for allowing me to read this title for an honest review.

What more could be better than sitting down on a cool autumn day, hot chocolate by your side, reading a brand new collection of novellas by well known authors??? What a great way to relax and enjoy the outstanding talent of these amazing women!

Each of these novellas can be enjoyed as stand alones , although they do have a common theme. The main character in each story is returning home, however, each is at a different stage of life. Coming back after an absence is never without difficulties as these characters discovered. The past tends to follow one regardless of age or circumstances.

Each tale centers around family and the need to persevere in both happy and challenging situations. Hopeless situations only appear as such, when one does not have the will to fight to overcome. The characters' faith in God and His power shines bright and clear throughout this book.

These four authors share the talent and skill of describing their characters in a realistic fashion with such vivid details that one can easily relate with them as they faced struggles and painful pasts. I could feel each and every hurt that was experienced. It became very clear that a promising future is only possible by believing in God and allowing Him to plan the future. Forgiveness of the past by God and oneself is so important.

The plots all have just enough twists and turns to keep one engaged from the beginning to end of the story. I appreciated the authors sharing their expertise of the Amish faith and lifestyle in such an accurate, detailed manner. How the Amish deal with problems differs vastly from what we are used to in the Englischer world.

This is definitely a book not to be missed!! A perfect read for a Saturday afternoon!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley . The opinions and thoughts expressed are honest and my own.

This is a compelling read. I had trouble putting it down to get back to reality. I was glad that the characters had flaws, that they weren't these "perfect Amish" people. I really loved the banter and growing relationship of Eva and Ian. And Juniors antics remind me of my kids. It was a lovely and enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it.

An Amish Homecoming .. In each one of these installments by some wonderful authors the characters are faced with having to face family they haven't seen in a while. Being of Amish faith it is hard for some of the characters to understand why their loved ones left to start with. No Place Like Home. - Eva brings her son to meet his grandparents for the first time. Her husband has passed and she thinks it time and tries to heal hard feelings especially with her mother.
When Love Returns.- Sarah comes home with a sweet child . She left because of shame. She wasn't sure who her daughter belonged to after making one bad decision..
The Courage of Love- Irene is living with Mary Ruth / Henry helping them out. When their son finds out he is worried she is taking advantage of them. Soon he realizes he is wrong and his parents really need help and they care about Irene.
What Love Built- Carolyn has come back to Birch Creek to build a new life after being gone for years. Altee has come to visit his friend after the loss of his wife years before.. He has not wanted to leave the town they lived in. When he arrives he finds Carolyn trying to open a bakery and helps her with repairs to help her live her dream.
This book shows you can come home and be forgiven and accepted. Amish books are one of my favorite genere and this one did not disappoint

I've read novels by all the authors in this anthology, and for the most part I've enjoyed each of their works, but this anthology really wasn't that interesting to me. Amy Clipston's story tied into the Amish Homestead series, and while I've enjoyed that series, I really didn't enjoy this story as much. Eva came across as too judgemental to me. I did like the romance between her and Ian, and loved how Ian took to Simeon! The story by Beth Wiseman also was a prickly one for me, as I didn't care for Sarah's father's edicts and thought them too high handed, even for an Amish community. However, I did find it to be a realistic story and enjoyed it upon that level. In the story by Shelly Shepard Gray, I felt a little bit lost, but having done some research and finding that this is part of a larger series, has me interested to check out that series to fill in the blanks. Taking it on its own, the story was very moving and engrossing! Kathleen Fuller's story was by far my favorite of the bunch! I loved that it was a romance between older people! My only complaint was that Carolyn was a little too stubborn and proud to accept help, but I liked how she wound up working it out in the end. This is definitely worth reading!

No place like Home is the first story in the book ‘An Amish Homecoming’. Like always, I was not disappointed in reading another novella from Amy Clipston. Eva spent years away from her family due to a disagreement. I enjoyed reading about her growth being Back Home and mending her heart. The ending was so touching. Can’t wait to see what the other Novellas have in store.

When love returns is the second Novella in the book ‘An Amish Homecoming.’ I must say that this story has become my favorite in the book so far. Sarah touched my heart with what she went through. This story will touch your heart and remind you that forgiveness is the key no matter what. I would love to read a full story with these characters.

‘The Courage to Love’ is story 3. Even though this story wasn’t your traditional Amish Novella I still enjoyed it. This story is a reminder that you can’t judge others from what you hear or from their past.

I enjoyed story 4 and decided it’s my favorite in the book. This story touched my heart and I didn’t want it to end.

Four delightful stories all built around one theme. Full of hope and love each story is beautifully told and leaves you with a feeling of hope and happiness.

"An Amish Homecoming" is a novella collection, with each novella written by a different author, each author had a main topic to focus on and that was coming home.

I loved "An Amish Homecoming" because I could relate to each main character in each of the novellas. Their struggles were real; well could be put to reality of now.

I look forward to reading more novella collections from these authors.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, no money changed hands, and the review is of my own words.

This book is made up of four novellas about coming home to an Amish Community. I have read and followed three of the four authors, so it was great to read about characters that I am familiar with, but I enjoyed all four stories. This collection tells stories of prodigal daughters, who have returned home for various reasons. Some have been abused by others in the novel, some have lost people precious to them, some have bridges to build, others have to find home. I am not going to regurgitate the story plots here, but I will tell you that the Amish faith and family love and support are all a huge part of the Homecoming in the four stories. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who enjoy Amish Fiction. The publisher, Zondervan, generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions stated are my own.

Drum roll hold your hats yep Im back with yet another AMISH BOOK! and it was amazing!!!! An Amish Homecoming was a nice collection of Amish novellas. The stories are each additions to various series by the four authors of these novellas, yet the storylines can all be followed easily as stand alones if you have not read any books from those series
When Love Returns by Beth Wiseman -Sweet story between Sarah and Abram.
No Place Like Home by Amy Clipton Eva's heart is torn between between how things are now and what it us to be like.
What Love Built by Kathleen Fuller
The Courage to Love by Shelley Shepard Gray Irene and Marcus are struggling with their differences and have to find a way to fix that.

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

An Amish Homecoming is four stories written by four extraordinary writers, stories of love, character growth and family are all entwined in this book. Are genuinely enjoyed this book it brought a smile to my face and maybe a slight tear into my eye, a great book to read on a lazy weekend or week.