The storyline became wishy-washy for me and hard to follow. It seems like it went to a speed up mode then slow down mode and the characters Liz and Matthew couldn’t stand each other, then they were crazy about each other and then doubted their relationship. Nothing against the author because I have read other books written by her and enjoyed them. I may try reading it again later.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my review and honest opinion.

Sweet Amish love story. I loved reading about the preparation for an Amish wedding. The skill and organization that takes place is amazing. Readers will sympathise with Liz with the decision to trust Matthew. Very enjoyable but rather short. I would have liked to have read more about their Christmas traditions was this was a Christmas novel.

A Touching Story

I have always thoroughly enjoyed each of Linda Byler's stories, and A Christmas Engagement is no exception to that rule.

Main characters, Liz and Matthew, have each had their share of heartache from past relationships, making it somewhat difficult for them to trust and love again. As they work through this, they focus on their faith and God's will to help them move forward. While the journey has some bumps in the road, they remain steadfast in their faith and God's will.

I found this story to be inspirational, funny, romantic, and touching which made it a very enjoyable read. I also love how author Linda Byler includes pieces of Amish culture which help draw the reader in and give the reader more insight. I especially enjoy the faith message that is an integral part of the story. She has a special talent for adding all of these components in such a way that is not overwhelming and does not overshadow the main characters' story. Those details are what make A Christmas Engagement a very moving and touching story that I'm sure you'll enjoy.

***I received a complimentary arc copy of this book from the Author and Publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Thank you to Skyhorse Publishing, Good Books for allowing me to to read Linda Byler’s new book, A Christmas Engagement. Release day is September 21, 2021.

I first learned of Linda Byler while visiting Lancaster sever years ago. I met a Mrs Kauffman that told me about Linda. She had just published her Lancaster Burning series that was based on true events. What makes her unique is that Linda is an active member of the Amish church. This gives her a unique insight into the Amish like no other.


A Christmas Engagement is a story of Liz and Matthew, each fighting memories of lost loves and harboring trust issues. As the story unfolds we see Liz and Matthew turning to God for help in making a very important decision concerning their future together.

Besides giving us an insight into Amish customs, Linda shows how God should be a part of every decision one makes.

I encourage you to read this 5-star book from Linda Byler. Although I was given an ARC by Skyhorse, I was not required to give a positive review. Opinions are my own. I suggest pre-ordering yours today.

Liz is seen as a bit past prime marrying age in her community. She was burned when her former fiance broke the engagement and then married Liz's close friend.

To help mend her broken heart, Liz is committed to a job which aligns with her joy of cooking. Her boss and business owner Michael disagrees with most of Liz's ideas for success.

I thoroughly enjoyed all of the details included about the Amish life, especially as it relates to marriage and weddings. The first date of Liz and Michael seemed unrealistic to this Englisher, but perhaps it wasn't unusual in the Amish culture.

Liz and Michael were both good characters and overall, I enjoyed this novella. It was satisfying to read their happy ending.

I have all of Linda Byler's Christmas books so I was glad to see a new one this year. "A Christmas Engagement" is very different from the others. The story is a sweet romance, but it's also a documentary of Amish life. The romance seems secondary to the descriptions of Amish culture, Amish celebrations, dating, food, family life, church, and more.

This story also comments on the slow but steady changes that have been happening with each successive generation. The Amish young people are far more progressive than their grandparents were. And yet, there is still a firm commitment to living off-grid.

Linda Byler is Amish herself, which is why her books are the only Amish stories that I read. There is sweet authenticity in them. I also appreciate the genuine faith struggles that she weaves into the lives of her characters.

I recommend all of Linda Byler's Christmas books. The early ones were humorous, and later books had more serious story lines. This one is light reading and a cute story; but even better is the insight into Amish daily life that is skillfully woven into the story of Liz and Matthew's romance. .

I enjoyed the circle of varied and caring friends and family the main characters had--they added nice depth and color to the story. Also, this is definitely not one to read while you're hungry as the descriptions of all the yummy meals and treats was were vivid and tempting!

The development of the relationship didn't quite flow for me--first she loathed him and he dismissed her, then suddenly he was really into her and she thought he was dreamy? Then she was terrified to proceed, then suddenly agreed? And one moment all was lost and then...HEA? I couldn't quite hang on for the twists in their road.

The author chose to use parenthetical inserts to define Dietsch terms, which jarred me out of the story. Other authors use a glossary, context clues, or just assume a reader of Amish fiction is familiar with common terms like Ordnung, kapp, etc.

Many thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review!

This is an Amish Fiction book that is actually written by an Amish author. By that I mean she is still living in the Amish faith. I have always been very curious about the Amish and their lifestyle. Linda Byler had added nuggets of gold to this story about the Amish lifestyle, for readers like me. I have read the first book that introduced readers to a very young Lizzie so I enjoyed this book that bought me up to date on an older Liz. I thought the characters were realistic and the author is truthful in this book when she gives her characters good and bad personalities. I was drawn into the story and loved it.
Liz Byler was engaged to be married to Ray three years ago but he broke her heart when he called off the engagement one month before the wedding date. He wasted no time in dating Liz's best friend and then marrying her. Liz has guarded her heart for the past three years to protect herself from being hurt again. When her new boss Matthew Zook shows interest and wants to spend time with her Liz struggles with trusting him or any man for that matter.
Matthew Zook is very handsome but Liz is very insecure and doesn't want to open her heart only to be hurt again. All the women at work flirt with Matthew and he seems to enjoy it. Wouldn't it be best to just stop seeing him and go back to being just single Liz?
I recommend this book to readers of Amish Fiction. It can be read as a stand alone.
I received a complimentary arc copy of this book from the Author and Publisher through Netgalley. A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A Christmas Engagement is the story of a young woman named Liz who, after a broken engagement, decides that marriage isn't for her. She finds a contented place in her home and work, and has come to terms with the fact that she'll be single for the rest of her life. Along comes Matthew, her new boss, who wants to change up the business, so much so that Liz considers leaving her job. So why does she find herself attracted to him? And will her fears continue to hold her back?

This sweet Amish romance takes place during the holiday season, though not much focus is given to the setting. While the first half of the book was engaging, the storyline seemed to slow considerably. Liz and Matthew were well written, and I especially loved Liz's mother. This is what I would characterize as "sweet" fiction: very quiet, low-key reading without a lot of rising action; in fact, it was even more "sweet" than most Amish fiction I read. This might make a good read for teens moving into this genre, but for me, my attention fell off in the second half of the book.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review.. 


AThanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review.. 


A Christmas Engagement was an okay read the beginning was slow it did pick.  I wanted to give this story a try I enjoyed it was set during time 3 star read 





Happy Reading 📚

Lisa

Years have passed since Liz had a broken engagement and has now come to terms with being a single woman. She loves her work in the restaurant at the Flea Market. Her new boss, Matthew, is single and handsome, and Liz can not believe that she finds herself attracted to him, as she reminds herself that she does not want to go through hurt and pain she suffered before with her ex-fiance.

This is a sweet Amish romance taking place at Christmastime. The story is rather slow moving, yet still a good read. I recommend it to those who enjoy holiday, Amish romances.

I received a copy of this book from Skyhorse Publishing and NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

This is a beautifully written Amish romance about Liz and Matthew set in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Unfortunately it was not my type of read and it was pretty slow going, but if you love novels about Amish life and enjoy Christian romance, then this book is perfect for you. My thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

I am so sorry, but this book was not for me. It was too slow. So I. Did not finish It. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

Before I even begin, I have to admit that I couldn't finish this book. It just wasn't for me, though I'm certain that someone else would enjoy it. If you're looking for a very low-key book to pass away a few hours, this would be a good book for you. It's a very "quiet" book.

That being said, it couldn't really hold my attention. There wasn't enough going on and, despite the fact that it seemed like it was meant to be a Christmas book, it didn't have the normal "Christmas cheer/ambience" that I normally seek or expect in books that I read with Christmas themes. I cannot speak for the end of the book because, honestly, I simply didn't finish it. It wasn't holding my attention well enough to keep going.

As I said, though, I could see this being a very good book for someone who wanted a very quiet and low-key read.