The Amish Christmas Sleigh

The Amish Christmas Sleigh*****
by Kelly Long, Amy Lillard and Molly Jebber

-A Sleigh Ride on Ice**** mountain by Kelly Long I enjoyed reading Kate Zook, her crippled younger brother, Ben and Sebastian Christner's story. Sebastian has a secret from his past that holds him captive and alone. I could almost feel his despair whenever his thoughts took him back to that tragic day so long ago. Kate Zook is a good caregiver to her younger brother. Despite Ben having to use crutches and not being able to play as other children do, he is a happy child. I really liked his attitude, he captured my heart. Kate has sad memories from the past too. I liked how she gave all to care for her brother and was hoping she would find a special someone to love her—and Ben—and help carry her load. Will Sebastian and Kate allow God to heal the past? With Sebastian's past is there really any hope for someone like Kate to love him? There is a bit physical/sexual tension described between Sebastian and Kate that I wasn't expecting (and don't really care to read about) but it was done in a tasteful manner. This is a heartwarming, sweet story of forgiveness, hope, faith and love.

-A Mamm for Christmas***** by Amy Lillard Jess Schmucker really has a difficult time caring for his three young daughters, his home and farm since his wife died. I could feel his struggles in trying to balance everything all on his own. I loved when his daughters school teacher, Bernice Yoder shows up at his door to talk to him about his daughters. Sparks flew between them—both Jess and Bernice had the wrong impression of what really was going on. I felt the girls longing for a mother and enjoyed the plans/antics they came up with to play matchmaker—which had me chuckling and even rooting for them. Each character had a different way of dealing with their grief and hopes for the future. I like the strong faith woven throughout the story. This is a fun story filled with hope, grief, joy, funny antics, faith and love.

-An Unexpected Christmas Blessing***** Blessing by Molly Jebber Still mourning the death of her husband, Charity Lantz decides it is time to find a new father for her two young children, 8 year old Beth and 5 year old Josiah. There is one man who seems to be interested in her, but is he the right one for her and her family? Luke Fisher recently moved to the house next door to Charity and loves playing with Beth and Josiah. He enjoys the time spent with Charity but because of past hurts has decided to guard his heart. I really enjoyed Beth and Josiah's zest for life and soon fell in love with them. Josiah suffers a serious injury and I loved his attitude throughout his healing. Of the two men interested in Charity, I had my choice and hoped Charity would agree. I enjoyed the interaction between Charity and Luke—which wasn't always pleasant. Then Luke gets a surprise visit from his painful past, which had me holding my breath for the outcome. I like the way a strong faith is so much a part of their lives in all things. This is a fun story showing God's love and care, unexpected blessings, faith, joy, heartaches, grief, and love.

~I received an e-book copy of this book from Amy Lillard via NetGalley for my honest review~

When you think of warm, wonderful stories that wrap around the theme of love and joy Kelly Long, Amy Lillard and Molly Jebber always create magic. The warmth of the season is brought to life in each story of seeking to bring peace and happiness to their lives at such a pivotal point in the year. There is love, family, and blossoming relationships that are the best gift under the Christmas Tree.

Such sweet stories of Christmas! Readers will enjoy these light-hearted stories, all centered around the true meaning of Christmas.

I enjoyed these quick Christmas reads from some of my favorite authors! This will be a great book to promote this fall. I felt like the three stories flowed well together and created a wonderful book of faith, hope and love.