Four of my favorite authors in one book. Does it get any better than this? I cant pick my favorite story as I love them all. The authors developed the characters well. I loved this book! Thank you to netgalley for the arc , the opinion is entirely my own.

An Amish Homecoming contains four Amish stories by Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Shelley Shepard Gray. No Place Like Home by Amy Clipston features Eva Dienner who is a widow with a four year old son. She has been living with her in-laws since her husband, Simeon died fighting a fire with his volunteer unit. Eva is now taking her son to see her parents who she has been estranged from since before her marriage. She finds her old friend, Ian Miller living in families daadi haus and helping run her father’s dairy farm. If not for her mother’s interference, Eva could have had a future with Ian. Eva’s son, Junior falls in love with the farm, his grandparents and Ian. Is there a hope Eva can reconcile with her parents? What does the future hold for Eva and Ian?

When Love Returns is written by Beth Wiseman and takes readers to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Sarah Zook and her daughter, Miriam are returning to her parents’ farm after Hurricane Harvey came through. Her apartment is flooded and she needs a place to stay while she earns money. Sarah ran away when she found out she was pregnant and has not heard from her parents since then. Abram is angry that he missed out on the first years of his daughter’s life. His anger disappears after seeing Sarah once again and then meets little Miriam. Abram has never stopped loving Sarah, and Sarah realizes she still loves Abram. But there is something she has yet to tell Abram that could changes his feelings for her.

Shelley Shepard Gray brings us The Courage to Love set in Hart County. Irene Keim has moved into the home of Mary Ruth and Henry Wengerd whom she met on her month long bus trip. Irene has finally found a place that feels like home with people she cares about deeply. Then the Wengerd’s son, Marcus returns home and is not happy to see Irene living with them. He read about the incident in The Budget and does not feel Irene is suitable. Irene does not wish to cause a rift in the Wengerd family and moves into an apartment above the Printed Page. Marcus did not realize how much his parents relied on Irene’s help nor did he take the time to get to know Irene. Mary Ruth and Henry are disappointed in Marcus. Marcus sets out to make amends to Irene and soon learns not to judge a person until you get to know them.

What Love Built by Kathleen Fuller takes us to Birch Creek. Carolyn Yoder has returned to Birch Creek at the urging of her brother, Freemont. She is determined to open a bakery on her own and will not let her family or the community help her. Carolyn soon finds herself out of her depth, but she is unwilling to admit it. Atlee Shetler has been a widower for twelve years and his life has grown stagnant. He is visiting his friend, Thomas Bontrager in Birch Creek when he runs into Carolyn. Atlee can see that Carolyn needs help and finds a way to provide it without injuring her stubborn pride. Atlee enjoys spending time with Carolyn but he is not sure he is ready to love someone new. Carolyn has her own demons haunting her and she will have to confront them to make a new life in Birch Creek.

I found these four novellas to be well-written and pleasing to read. The main characters each have something to overcome in their past if they are to have a happy future (we can all relate). We get to see them conquer adversity thanks to prayer, faith, hope, love, redemption and trusting God. Other Christian themes in the novellas are forgiveness of others as well as ourselves (that is the hardest one) and we can never know God’s plans for us. I enjoyed reading these heartwarming stories. The four tales are quick to read and will lift up your spirits. Each story can be read in one sitting. The four novellas are set in different Amish towns, so the stories are not interconnected. Each story relates to a series written by the author, but they can be read on their own. Fans of these Amish authors will appreciate the four inspiring and endearing novellas in An Amish Homecoming.

Four novellas by four different authors that could each stand alone, but show a theme of belonging, coming home, or finding a home.
They each had me page-turning and quickly engrossed in what was happening in their story, and when the final page was finished I wanted more, but was happy to go to the next.
Four talented authors offer us stories that keep your attention and some you wish you were there to help, or become part of their family.
Yes, I enjoyed this read, and you can sit down and read one, or as I found myself moving to the next, they are that good!

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

No Place Like Home by Amy Clipston

I really liked the story and thought Eva was a wonderful character. She has been estranged from her family for several years. It was sad to read that Eva and her parents couldn't work things out. Eva has a lot to think about after a tragedy strikes someone very special to her. Will she go home and try to mend her relationship with her parents?

The struggle that Eva had trying to forgive her parents also seemed to deal with pride on Eva's part. It is hard to admit when you are wrong and pride sure can stand in the way of saying, "I'm sorry." Ian is a breath of fresh air and I instantly admired how he has helped Eva's parents on their farm all these years. There is friction between Ian and Eva when she returns home for a visit. Can Ian change her mind and stay? It is a great story of forgiveness and letting go of the past.

When Love Returns by Beth Wiseman

This story is very special to me because I lost almost everything in Hurricane Harvey. It was easy to sympathize with Sarah as she makes the hard decision to return to her parents home. After losing everything in the flood Sarah and her daughter have no place else to go. It will be very difficult to start over for Sarah. She left home six years ago and hasn't spoken to them in all that time. I can't imagine the feeling she must have had as she approached her parents home. Will they welcome her and her daughter? The tension between Sarah and her mother is going to take a lot of work. Can they each find it in their hearts to forgive each other?

Sarah has a bigger problem when Abram shows up to speak with her. He has not seen his daughter and you can feel his anger as he begins to talk to Sarah. Miriam is a welcome treat to the story. She is full of life and so care free. How will Sarah explain who Abram is? I found this story to be well written and shared how bitterness can ruin relationships. One of my favorites quotes from the story is, " You can carry the burdens of your past or choose to move forward without the added baggage." Sarah chose to run away from her problems in shame and now finds facing her past is difficult.

The story is very intense at times especially between Sarah and her mother. I loved the twist in the story and it had me on pins and needles. Sarah has a lot to overcome and her past will play a big role in deciding if she stays or goes back to Houston. It will be a lesson for all when the truth comes out about Sarah's past. Sarah and her mother have had a strained relationship and readers will see how much pain it has caused both of them. I wanted to hug Sarah and tell her not to feel ashamed of something she had no control over. As a teenager, when you mess up you can feel like the world is against you. Sarah must learn that her parents and friends will always be there for her. Will Abram and Sarah find a way to mend their relationship? The story will bring tears to your eyes and give you hope as the characters work through pain, rejection and bitterness.

The Courage to Love by Shelley Shepard Gray

Irene has had a difficult life and people she thought were her friends have turned their back on her. It was a welcome invitation when Mary and Henry invite her to live with them. She has become a big help to them and Irene finally feels like she belongs . All that changes when Mary and Henry's son shows up. Marcus is very suspicious of Irene and drives her away from the comfort of his parents house. Why does he not trust Irene? I felt sorry for Irene and how lonely she felt.

Reading about Irene's past growing up broke my heart. It is hard as a child to know that your parents don't really care about you. It is no wonder Irene doesn't trust people. A feeling of abandonment has followed her through her life. Can Marcus make amends to Irene and become friends? The emotional pain Irene suffered as a child has caused her to keep people at arms length. It is hard for her to let people in but Marcus is trying to show her kindness and friendship. I loved the part in the story when Marcus comes to Irene's defense when she is accused of something. I could feel that Irene was grateful that people knew she was innocent of what someone was accusing her of. Irene has wanted to be loved by someone all her life. Will she finally find it with Marcus?

What Love Built by Kathleen Fuller

Carolyn has her hands full when she decides to open her own bakery. The place she chooses as a bakery is not in the best shape. Her family wants to help her , but she is determined to do everything herself. I laughed out loud when she runs into Atlee as she is leaving the bakery for the evening. As they collide she falls into a bag of flour. I can just imagine how she looked with flour in her hair. What a way to meet someone for the first time I say. If you want to make a lasting impression, I think Carolyn probably accomplished that.

Sometimes coming home is not easy as Carolyn is finding out. It is difficult for her to get over her past and the hurt she felt when she left years ago. Her bakery is in need of a lot of work and I loved how Atlee was able to convince her to let him help. Atlee is a wonderful man but is lonely since the passing of his wife. I loved how Atlee and Carolyn slowly became friends.

The author does a great job of bringing two lonely people together and let them learn to trust again. I'm not sure if Atlee is ready for a baking lesson from Carolyn but it sure makes for some laughs. They remind me of teenagers just starting to date. They don't want to embarrass themselves but sometimes the best plan doesn't always turn out the way we want. When something horrible happens, Carolyn is devastated. She starts questioning if she should have come back to the town she didn't feel a part of. I loved how humble she became as she poured her heart out to God. It's a wonderful story of starting over and finding your way home.

I received a copy of this book from the authors. The review is my own opinion.

You will find this to be a heartwarming collection of novellas written by four of my favorite Amish authors. The relatable characters face struggles, misunderstandings, and the need to sometimes face painful pasts. Forgiveness of others and forgiveness of self are important elements in each story pointing to the importance of having faith and coming home. I enjoy novellas as a break from a full-length novel. These were all-embracing stories with a variety of emotions. Plus, it’s a bargain, four books for the price of one! Check this one out!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. The opinions are my own.

An Amish Homecoming
By; Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Shelley Shepard Gray, and Kathleen Fuller
An Amish Homecoming is a collection of Amish Novellas by four different authors. Each has written about love, loss, and second chances. I loved each novella . The authors did a fantastic job on the stories and the characters. Each novella can be read as a stand a lone without any problems. In each story someone has left their home for different reasons and it is hard for them to return home not knowing if they will be welcome or not. while reading these novellas I had tears in my eyes several times. The authors did not disappoint.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley and the Publisher Zondervan, but was not told that Had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Sweet collection of Amish romances

An Amish Homecoming is a collection of four Amish romances. I’d only read one Amish romance before, but these seem very authentic with Pennsylvania Dutch vocabulary and references to the religious and societal structure of the Amish. The stories have a common theme (returning home), are well-written, have a genuine poignancy at times, and have well-developed characters.

Overall, the stories are about family, perseverance, redemption, and hope. All of the characters have a strong faith, moral code, and sense of justice. I found the Christian aspect to be well-done, balanced, and not overwhelming or preachy.

All four stories in An Amish Homecoming are sweet and relevant. There aren’t easy answers for hard topics, each person must work through their pain and release it, but there is a lot of hope and happiness when they do. Not being very familiar with Amish customs and knowing these were fictional stories, I was still impressed with how God-focused their culture is. I can see that people in our material and rather hedonistic culture would be attracted to a simpler, more God-centered lifestyle.

No Place Like Home by Amy Clipston
Eva Dienner left home and met and married Simeon, when her family wanted her to stay and marry a local boy. Two years later, as she was pregnant with Simeon’s child, he was killed fighting a fire. She stayed on, working at her in-laws’ restaurant, and later quilting at home. When her son asks to meet his grandparents, she journeys back home to her family’s dairy farm. There she discovers Ian living there and running their dairy. Is he taking advantage of her family? Does this man, whom her parents wanted her to marry, love her? Can Eva let go of her grief over Simeon and create a new life for herself?
When Love Returns by Beth Wiseman
Sarah Zook is an unwed mother who fled from her family and her fiancé six years ago. Her letters to her family have been returned unopened, as her parents have shunned her in an effort to get her to return. But Hurricane Harvey has taken everything from Sarah, forcing her to ask her parents for a place to live while she figures out her next step. Abram King has no idea why Sarah abandoned him, and he’s floored by a five-year-old daughter that he never knew he had. But there are secrets and wound that have to be dealt with before Sarah, her family, and her old love can move on. Can they all survive the monster that inhabits Sarah’s nightmares?

The Courage to Love by Shelley Shepard Gray
Marcus is suspicious of the woman who has moved in with his parents, earning her room and board by doing chores around the house. Irene Keim had been in the news lately because her life had been saved by a notorious criminal who died in the attempt. Can a woman who had something to do with an underworld figure be up to anything good? As Marcus finds his antagonism has driven the woman from his parents’ house, he must come to grips with the fact that he has acted badly and misjudged someone due to past experiences of his own. Can Marcus and Irene start over?

What Love Built by Kathleen Fuller
Carolyn is opening a bakery, and on-time if she has anything to do with it. Despite her best efforts, so many things go wrong as she determines to go it alone with help from no one. She’s determined to show her community that she isn’t the person they knew before, the one a previous bishop criticized and belittled. Atlee Shetler is still grieving for the loss of his beloved wife twelve years ago. He notices the bakery and it’s problems and jumps in to help Carolyn. Can Atlee and Carolyn overcome their past and create a new future together?

I received this book as a digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the publisher through NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

This is a wonderful collection of uplifting Amish novella. I had no read Amy Clipston before, but I really enjoyed her novella. In 'No Place Like Home', the widow Eva has taken her son home to meet his grandparents. Eva worried about how her parents would treat them since she didn't feel their support while she was married. In Beth Wiseman's 'When Love Returns', Sarah has returned home with her daughter to face her parents and Abram,her former fiancé. Abram is hurt and angry that Sarah fled due to her unplanned pregnancy. This is my favorite story in the collection. In 'The Courage to Love' by Shelley Shepard Gray is a novella about Irene, a young woman, who is boarding with an older couple. Their son makes her so uncomfortable that he drives her out of the house. Over time, he realizes that he was wrong and tries to make amends. This is a good story about how previous experiences give rise to misconceptions. In 'What Love Built' by Kathleen Fuller, Carolyn is determined to make her bakery on her own after returning home. Carolyn reluctantly receives help from Atlee, but only if she can pay him for his services. I had a harder time sympathizing with Carolyn since she is so hard-headed. I really enjoyed this collection. The stories are uplifting.

As a longtime fan of all four of the authors, I was delighted to read this collection of novellas.

It’s only natural that as we grow, we decide to leave home for different reasons and under different circumstances just as the characters in this book did.. For most of us we want to visit our family and friends in the communities where we grew up, sadly for some that isn’t as easy as we think. I have always believed that there is no place like home although some of the characters in this book didn’t necessarily agree with that sentiment. As the characters struggle with life changing decisions, I cheered them on to make the right choices for their future happiness.

Each of the authors have written stories of love, loss and new beginnings because that’s what life is about sometimes, no matter how difficult that can be. If you are already a fan of one or all four of the authors you will want to pick up a copy of, An Amish Homecoming and maybe an extra copy for a friend or family member
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I received a copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own.

These four endearing Amish novellas by popular authors all center around someone returning home after an absence. Each woman seeks a new start and healing from a painful past. Can false assumptions and misunderstandings be put away to forge strong, healthy relationships? Each story will touch the heart. My favorite was Beth Wiseman’s When Love Returns. It includes an element of suspense and deeper emotions. I appreciate stories that probe below the surface as those involved change and grow. The characters are true-to-life and the plots realistic. Readers will root for love to overcome the problems faced by each. I received a copy from Kathleen Fuller. All opinions are my own.

I did not enjoy this book at all. I have read quite a bit of Amish fiction, and I grew up in Amish country in Ohio, and many things from the first two stories just did not ring true for me. If there weren't Pennsylvania Dutch words in italics, I would have been hard pressed to know they were Amish at all. It seems their thoughts and attitudes were no different than the world around them.

I admit to scanning through the first story when this became apparent, and had no desire to finish it. Then I started to try and read the second story, and it was as bad as the first one. I just don't get it. I see from the introduction to the book that these authors have written about the Amish before, and that is what is so confusing. There just wasn't an authentic feel to the stories or the characters.

Yes, I know Amish people have their secrets, and their problems, but the way many of them spoke to one another, and the actions of the characters just did not fit with what I know to be true. I would not read another book like this one again, nor recommend it to anyone else.

I'm always excited when four of my favorite authors get together for a novella collection. This time they have all written stories about going home. They show that while it may be difficult and a bit uncomfortable at first, it is possible to go home again.

The four main characters in these novellas are in different stages of their lives and are all returning home under less than ideal circumstances. The authors showcase how it isn't quite so easy for these characters to put the past behind them and move on. I enjoyed each of these novellas as, while the homecoming theme is common in all four, the situations and characters personalities are all so different. It made the stories interesting and fun to read. At around 100 pages each these stories are quick reads.

Fans of these authors and the genre will want to add this collection to their tbr lists and their own libraries. These stories would be ideal to read again and again and prove why these authors are the best in the genre.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

3.5 stars

This is a collection of four novellas from top authors in Amish fiction: Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Shelley Shepard Gray, and Kathleen Fuller. Each story contains a “Prodigal Son” theme. Unlike some collections, these stories do not have overlapping characters or settings. All four stories feature women who have faced a tragedy or hardship (loss of a spouse, hurricane, etc.) and are trying to rebuild their lives and regain their faith. Realistic characters and scenarios show that some trials and triumphs are the same in the Amish and Englisch worlds.

I love novella collections, as they are quick reads and easy to fit into your day. These heartwarming stories are a good way for readers to “meet” new-to-them authors, as well. Current fans of Amish fiction will want to add this book to their TBR list.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

An Amish Homecoming makes the reader feel like he or she has "come home"- come home to wonderful heartwarming stories by four great authors in the Amish genre. Beth Wiseman, Shelley Shepard Gray, Kathleen Fuller and Amy Clipston are masters in this genre and these novellas were truly "feel good" stories! I will curl up with these again and again along with a good cup of coffee!
In Amy Clipston's "No Place Like Home", readers are treated to Eva's story, when she returns to her hometown so her young son can meet his maternal grandparents, from whom Eva has been estranged- she has long felt a closer bond to her in laws the Dienners. However, as her time in her hometown extends, Eva gradually feels closer to her parents again, and gradually draws closer to a lifelong friend who would like more than friendship.
Beth Wiseman's When Love Returns, is set with the real Hurricane Harvey as a backdrop event that prompts Sarah to return home with her young daughter. Her parents were understandably upset a few years earlier when she fled due to her pregnancy outside of marriage. The story of her renewed relationship with her parents, and with Abram, is touching, as she seeks to find answers to her past.
In The Courage to Love, by Shelley Shepard Gray, I found Irene's story deeply moving, as she found comfort and welcome in the home of Henry and Mary Ruth, who treated her as a daughter.. However, Irene feels adrift when their son starts questioning her presence in their home. Can she learn to trust him after a lifetime of not trusting? Their gradual closeness is beautiful to read about.
Last but not least, in Kathleen Fuller's What Love Built, readers are taken to Birch Creek, where Caroline aims to fill her dream of her own bakery back in her hometown- where she once was forced to leave by a cold bishop. While she strives to do everything on her own and tries to push offers of help aside, newcomer Atlee is determined to help her, as are her family members. She is constantly reminded that members of a community are there for each other.
Needless to say, this is a beautiful collection of stories. I heartily recommend An Amish Homecoming! Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book.

When I need a palette cleanser I always know I can turn to Amish Fiction for an easy, enjoyable read.
The book consists of four short novels that follow four different women who have come back to the Amish faith after suffering loss. Although each story was different they all went through similar emotions of grief and heartache that blended well together.
A lovely read from start to finish!

Thanks to NetGalley and Zondervan Fiction for the advance copy!

AN AMISH HOMECOMING 4/1
Four women who have lost their husbands. In one she wants her son to meet his maternal grandparents. The situation wasn’t what she thought when she returned. In another stern parents , made a daughter whose was pregnant six year ago, is returning. Could an old love, still be there for her, when he sees her again. Forgiveness of past hurts. The third was losing an English husband, mistaken of why she was there, helping out, caused problems of thinking the worst of her. The last one dreams can turn out to be bigger and more time consuming then she thought. She wanted to make a success of her new venture, if she could find help. All four women were determinded to forge ahead and make a life for themselves, and with new beginnings. A rich plot of how these four did it and succeeded. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion. by Net Galley and Zondervan.

All four novellas in An Amish Homecoming are quick, satisfying reads about women who have suffered loss and are returning home to their Amish roots to make a new start. I, at first, assumed all four stories might all be situated within the same general area with characters that overlapped from one store on into the next. However, they are four completely different stories in that respect, but they fit quite well into one book.

I truly love reading books about the Amish and having four stories in one book is a bonus. All four stories involve women that have had tragedy or hardship and ate trying to recover not only their life but also their faith. My least favorite was the first book No Place Like Home by Amy Clipston. Eva comes home after the death of her husband so her parents can meet their grandson. But several years have passed since his death. Eva has her reasons but I just thought her character was shallow and self centered. She is angry at her mother and doesn't seem to have any forgiveness or understanding even after becoming a mother herself. Plus she is upset to find a man she once had feelings for ( but didn't persue because of her mother) is now living with her parents and helping with the farm work. I didn't like Eva at all. She was a poor pitiful me character.
When Love Returns by Beth Wiseman was wonderful! Sarah Look returns home out of necessity due to Hurricane Harvey. She brings with her the child she was pregnant with when she ran away. Why did she leave and whose is the father of her little boy. He resembles Sarah's former boyfriend Abram but Sarah has a dark secret she doesn't want to share.
The Courage to Love by Shelley Shepard Gray was my favorite! Irene Keim wants to start a new life and return to the Old Order Amish. She has made mistakes in her past. Marcus is drawn to her but is suspicious of her intentions because of assumptions he makes. I loved the twists and turns in this story and cheered for Irene from the first page.
What Love Built by Kathleen Fuller is the story of Carolyn and Atlee. Both refuse to let go of the past and can't figure out how to be happy with their life. Atlee is mourning the loss of his wife even though she had been gone for years. Carolyn refuses to accept help because of hurts from her past. Both characters are drawn to each other but what will it take to bring them together?
I think three out of four stories make for a good read!

I really need to stop reading Amish books that aren't written by Sarah Price as I don't really enjoy them. The story was interesting but ultimately I didn't enjoy it.

I cannot even begin to describe to you my love for these authors. When I see their names on a new Amish book, I snatch it up without even reading the back cover. Who needs the back cover when you are so utterly familiar with the way the authors puts words to paper?? And once again, I wasn't disappointed. Before I knew it, I was swept away into the settings, the scenes, the sounds and the characters. And, yet again, I turned the last page feeling just a little more whole than when I first began. A definite favorite.