I love reading books with novellas in them. The only downfall is they always leave me wanting more! But that just means they are wonderfully written, as is An Amish Year by Beth Wiseman.
The first story introduces us to Rosemary. She has been taking care of her family since her mother’s passing. It hasn’t been easy for her, and some things have slid quite a bit like the family garden. It is just not easy for Rosemary to keep up with everything. Enter Saul Petersheim to the rescue. He has loved Rosemary since they were children and was heartbroken when she abruptly called off their courtship years ago. His heart just cannot seem to let go and he still tries to get her to court him once again. When Saul comes to help out Rosemary and her family they draw closer once again. But will the secret reason she ended things years ago come back to haunt her? I encourage you to read this wonderful story of love, lost, forgiveness and hope. I enjoyed watching Rosemary grow as a person and in her faith while reading this.
Next we read about Irma Rose and Jonas. I do not want to give away anything, but I will say how fun it was to see how the unlikeliest of couples could find common ground. It seemed like Jonas was on an entirely different planet as far as Irma Rose was concerned, definitely not someone she could see herself spending the rest of her life with. I think sometimes in life opposites do attract, and help balance out a relationship. Beth must understand this as well and gave us a wonderful glimpse into what happens when you take a chance on an unlikely relationship.
Sometimes we all need a fresh start. That is what Eli Byler needed after his wife passed away. Two years later he decides to move his family to Paradise, Pennsylvania. Here is something I thought I would never read in an Amish book. One man having “dates” with more than one woman!! I have to admit that it amused me very much. It’s was waiting for one woman to find out about the other and what kind of mess that would cause! I will say that Beth certainly stayed true to Amish roots and never let the story get out of hand. But what Eli never expected was to meet Miriam Fisher, the town’s “old maid”. And by old, I do not mean literally old, just in Amish terms to still be single she is a very strong headed and stubborn woman who refuses to let her heart guide her. This was a fun read for me, perhaps the most amusing out of the four!
Last we read about Katherine and her first Christmas without her husband, Elias. I will admit that the timing of me reading this book was absolutely perfect, as I finished it just before Christmas. Katherine and her children meet a mysterious Englischer who seems to know a lot about Elias. This story had some twists and turns that I did not expect at all, and I appreciate that very much. Sometimes it can be hard to read a book where you know what is going to happen right from page one. Beth did not disappoint at all with this novella. A page turner for sure!
I highly recommend you read all of the novellas in this book, or at least some of them! Never mind, read them all! You will not be sorry ?
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I have shared.
