Member Reviews
I enjoyed the four novellas in this collection by Amy Clipston. The continuity of the theme was refreshing as the reader gets acquainted and in some cases reacquainted the characters throughout the seasons.. I liked following the friends stories as they come together to help their widowed neighbor and their community by growing and managing a garden.
It occurred to me that just as seasons change so do people and that relationships are much like a garden because they both require patience, hard work, commitment and a lot of TLC. The characters learn that along the way as they spend more time with each other. As usual, the author manages to pack a full story into each of the novellas which I don't always find so I felt I got to know each and every character. The genuine fondness they have for each other coupled with their love for their community is evident throughout.
If you are looking for a sweet and fun read then this book is one you should add to your collection.
I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley and was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Amy's done it again! Another enjoyable read....this book contains four stories about four couples who help start and tend to a garden, whose profits are then donated to a local shelter. Each couple has their own challenges they face but discover by working together, they're able to overcome anything. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Another great Novella by Amy Clipson. I love Emma Miller and her relationships with the youth group. It is wonderful watching their relationships develop, while they are building a business to give back yo the community, with their garden made in honor of Emma's deceased husband Henry.
A beautiful collection of four Amish stories. Each story is well written. The stories cover a period of one year blending characters from each one. I enjoyed reading this book. I received an arc from Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.
Amy Clipston’s Seasons of an Amish Garden is four stories that will warm your heart and make you smile. Each story picks up where her novella, The Christmas Cat, left off. In that story four teenagers were visiting the widdow Emma when they decided to create a garden in her late husband’s memory. The plan is to sell the produce and use the money to donate to a local homeless shelter. In these four stories , the teens work hard to make the garden a success while figuring out what God’s will is for their lives. And while the garden is growing, love is also blooming in their lives. I really enjoyed each of these stories. I love how Clipston always manages to point you towards a closer relationship with God in her stories. This one was no different. I couldn’t put it down in fact. I was reading in line at the pharmacy and anywhere I could get a free minute. If you enjoy Amish fiction, you want want to miss this one! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I loved the way the four stories in Seasons of an Amish Garden are separate stories, but are also part of a whole. It was interesting to see how the garden changed and evolved over the course of a year, and it was good to see many of the same characters in each of the stories.
Seasons of an Amish Garden is a sweet compilation of four novellas based on the relationships built while tending a community garden. A group of young Amish people work the half acre of land, growing and selling the harvest at a roadside stand, while donating the proceeds to the Bird-In-Hand shelter for the homeless. All this is done as a tribute for the community’s dear matriarch’s late husband Henry. Relationships are formed, molded, blossomed and healed throughout the year’s seasons.
Written unlike some novellas, these stories blend into each other using the same loveable characters, each dealing with budding romance and overcoming trials along the way. While the garden is the common denominator throughout, Hank the cat shows us the value of unconditional love.
I found this book to be an easy, quick read. Readers of Amish fiction will enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a great new book of four novellas by Amy Clipston. She shows us how not only things bloom every season in a special garden, but also love.
Several Amish young people share special friendships as they work together to raise a garden in memory of a dear friend, and then sell the harvest, along with baked goods to benefit a homeless shelter.
In each season, Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter, we see different characters develop special friendships that turn into love, however, some overcoming obstacles in order to have their relationship.
This was a very enjoyable read that you will want to read without stopping. I highly recommend to those who enjoy reading Amish genre.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The book includes four continuous novellas by Amy Clipston. A group of young people hoping to make a remembrance for a deceased community member and his widow, take on a project of a garden and baked goods stand. The profits from which will go to the homeless shelter near by.
Their goals are very worthwhile as they work together to tend the garden, work at the stand and purchase supplies as needed. As they work on the garden with love and caring, you can also see a similitude of how it represented their lives and how they must nuture their relationships with others as they would a garden. I really loved the inner meanings of the stories and how each was woven together in love and kindness, just as they cared for their garden.
I felt this was a very inspirational book and really enjoyed it as well as the happy feelings it shared.
I received an ebook copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
Seasons of an Amish Garden is a collection of four stories that cover each season of the year. These stories include:
Spring Is in the Air – Katie Ann is worries about her brother and best friend dating, while trying not to fall for newcomer, Christian.
Home by Summer – Clara reconnects with an old friend Jerry, who is now part of the English world.
The Fruits of Fall - Tena leaves her hometown after being betrayed by the one who she planned to marry. She has to learn to trust others.
Winter Blessings – Ephraim and Mandy began questioning their relationship and receive help from their friends.
I enjoyed this collection and give it four stars.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
A spin off from The Christmas Cat by Amy Clipston, this book of four novellas set around the four seasons of the year, was most enjoyable! It was like reading a series of books all at one setting, as each of the four stories continued from the last but focused on a new couple. I enjoyed reading about each couple and how a garden they had set out to grow together in their community had not only brought about new friendships, but also new loves. As with all relationships, each couple is faced with trials and situations, but they find encouragement in these friends and hope in God and his plan for their lives.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Netgalley, but was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.
This book has four stories of several young Amish couples who work together on a project to raise money for their favorite charity. Each story builds on the one before it, and together they cover the course of a year. The romances are sweet, and as each couple faces their own trials, their friends are there to support them. These stories are encouraging reading and each is the right length when you want something lighter to read. I always enjoy Amy Clipson’s stories and her fans will enjoy this book, too.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Seasons of an Amish Garden is one of my favorite types of novels - an anthology of novellas that center around the same central character or family, and in which the storylines are tightly intertwined.
I was deeply touched by how the young dating couples in this Amish community come together to plan and plant a community garden in honor of their friend and neighbor Emma's late husband. Emma serves as kind of a "grandma type" to each of the young adults, guiding them with advice in their dating and friendship difficulties. the young ladies, Miranda and Tena especially seek out Emma's guidance and kindness.
Amy Clipston never fails to pull at the heartstrings in her novels and novellas. Seasons of an Amish Garden is a book I will re read again and again and highly recommend.
Seasons of an Amish Garden takes us through the four seasons of a special vegetable garden in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. Spring is in the Air has our young people planning the garden in honor of Emma Bontrager’s deceased husband with the proceeds going to the Bird-in-the Hand Shelter. Katie Ann Blank is feeling like a third wheel since her brother, Ephraim started dating her best friend, Mandy. Christian Lantz is new to town and is smitten with Katie Ann. Working on the garden gives him an opportunity to spend time with Katie Ann and maybe it will help Katie Ann understand her brother’s relationship.
Home by Summer forwards us to August when the garden is bursting with fresh produce. Clara Hertzler is surprised to see Jerry Petersheim drop off his sister, Biena. Jerry decided not to become baptized with the rest of the group. He took a job with his uncle and began dressing English. Jerry was protective of Clara when they were children and she misses spending time with him. As Jerry helps with the garden, Clara tries to find out why Jerry left the Amish faith. Jerry lost his connection with God, but with Clara help, hopefully he can find his way back home. Can love and faith bloom along with the vegetables this summer?
Tena Speicher comes to live with Emma Bontrager in Bird-in-Hand in The Fruits of Fall. Tena is suffering from a broken heart after her fiancé left her for an English woman. She is working at the vegetable stand when a homeless veteran comes up looking for food. Tena is nervous around him, but Wayne King offers the man a home cooked dinner plus a place to sleep. Alex McCormack, the veteran, has had a hard time since leaving the armed services. Emma and the group offer him room and board in exchange for help around the farm. Tena is uncomfortable around Alex and other Englishers. Wayne helps Tena to see that all people are Gods children and deserving of benevolence. Can Tena learn to trust Englishers and open her heart to the possibility of a new love?
Mandy and Ephraim have gotten engaged and their wedding is eight weeks away in Winter Blessings. Mandy is overwhelmed with the preparations, but she is eager to marry Ephraim and start their new life together. But when Ephraim’s sister and her husband need a helping hand, it leads to disagreements and misunderstandings between the engaged couple. The pair have doubts and wonder if they are truly meant to be together. Their friends work to bring them back together during this special time of year.
Seasons of an Amish Garden by Amy Clipston contains four heartwarming Amish novellas. The stories feature the characters from The Christmas Cat. Each story takes place during a different season with the same group of people in each story. The four stories are Spring is in the Air, Home by Summer, The Fruits of Fall and Winter Blessings. Emma Bontrager and Hank, Emma’s Christmas cat, are featured in each of the stories. Emma provides needed insight while Hank provides comfort. After spending Christmas with Emma and Hank last year (The Christmas Cat), a group of young people have decided to start a vegetable garden on Emma’s property in honor of her deceased husband, Henry. They will sell the vegetables at a stand with the proceeds going to Bird-in-Hand Shelter for homeless. I found the novellas to be well-written and the stories move along at a nice, steady clip. I like that each tale features relatable characters with realistic problems. While each novella can be purchased individually, I suggest reading the whole book in order. Each story builds upon the previous one. While I suggest reading The Christmas Cat (such a charming tale), it is not necessary. The author summarized what occurred in that novella. The Christian element is woven into each story providing messages that we all need to learn. The stories do play out in an expected manner, they are still enjoyable to read. I found the book to be a pleasant diversion (I devoured the whole book in under three hours). Seasons of an Amish Garden contains four sweet romantic stories with good life lessons and welcoming characters.
An enjoyable read from beginning to end, each story building on the previous.
We have met some of these characters before, and if you miss the previous introductions, don’t worry there is plenty of information offered so you won’t be left out, and you get to meet “Hank”.
These are sweet romance offerings with a spin put in to wonder if these young people will be able to make a life together. From beginning to end you will be pulled into these young adult’s lives.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.
5 stars
I so thoroughly enjoyed this book!! It is 4 short stories involving the same group of young Amish people throughout 4 different seasons of a garden they are working on together. My favorite is probably the Katie Ann story, byt they were all so good.
This book is sweet, thoughtful and an easy read. I have never read a book set up in this manner before and I really like the concept. I'm looking forward to more from this author.
I highly recommend to any fan of Christian/Amish fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
Seasons of an Amish Garden is a collection of stories surrounding a garden planted in memory of their friend. Through this garden friendships are found, love interests are sought and the young people learn to come together. As you read through each of the stories a new couple is brought together but you are able to keep up with all of their lives. Emma is the older woman in the story in which the garden was planted in memory of her husband. She brings the wisdom of the older generation to the young people. Her quiet understanding and insight help them to overcome some trials. Each of the young people bring a number of strengths and weaknesses. I really enjoyed getting to know them. I received a copy through Netgalley. I review was not required.
A sweet collection of 4 stories spun-off from Amy Clipston's The Christmas Cat. I heavily suggest you read that novella first because it sets the background and tone for these four wonderful love stories.
Spring Is in the Air is about Katie Ann. She feels as if she losing her best friend and bother as they both find love with each other. Will Katie Ann find love as she learns to accept the changes life has to offer?
Home by Summer finds Clara learning what it means to love someone enough to let them find their own way back.
The Fruits of Fall is a heart-aching story about Tena. She finds herself afraid of Englishers after a terrible experience in her life. When a homeless man wanders up and asks for him she learns to face her fear head-on with the love and patience from Wayne.
Winter Blessings is the story of Ephraim and Mandy. When life starts throwing curve balls will their love be strong enough to withstand them?
I am a fan of Amy Clipston and Amish stories and Seasons of An Amish Garden did not disappoint. You will find yourself cheering on the couples as they learn about love and the work it takes for it to grow.
Perfect for any time of year read but get it now to ease yourself into 2019 with some love and happiness.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan Fiction through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
Amy Clipston is back with four stories that are centered around an Amish garden. As the seasons change the characters find that they are changing too. Love is in the air no matter the season and readers get to experience the ups and downs of relationships right along with the characters.
Each of these stories is well-written and is a complete story. I did think a couple had endings that seemed a bit rushed. Now, that's not a bad thing necessarily. I just think it's because I enjoyed the characters and the stories so much that I wasn't ready for the story to end. I liked reading about this group of Amish characters throughout all four stories and seeing how they changed and how their relationships evolved. Each story is easy to read and is a quick read.
Amy Clipston fans will surely love this collection of novellas. Fans of the genre will be delighted in these stories. Start your year off right by picking up a copy of this book and enjoying the seasons of an Amish garden. You won't be disappointed!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
A sweet collection of novellas all surrounding the creation of a garden. I especially like Hank, the cat that always seems to be in the right place to give comfort. Each story stresses the importance of forgiveness. The concept of the garden to sell vegetables to be able to contribute to a homeless shelter really brought the Amish youth together in a positive way. I like adding a veteran with PTSD to the mix because it's an important issue. Very enjoyable! Highly recommended!