I was so happy to receive a copy of this from Waterbrook! I absolutely loved the first book about these characters, The Christmas Remedy. Read my blog about The Christmas Remedy here: Christmas Remedy Blog.
In this story, we see that Holly is still working for Greene's Pharmacy. Holly is granted special permission by her bishop to continue working and pursuing extra education while planning her wedding. She worries that after she's married, her new husband's bishop (in another district) will forbid her from working because Amish women don't usually work outside the home.
Meanwhile, her sister, Ivy, is planning to leave her Amish roots to start a party planning business. She feels that she wants more out of life than milking cows on her family farm and being held to the restrictions of her Amish world. However, she struggles with the heartbreak she knows will bring her mom and sister.
Also, we meet brother and sister Arlan and Magda. Magda is in a very difficult situation and has absolutely no support from her family. Arlan has always had a special bond with Magda and he is determined to help her. They meet up with Holly and Ivy's family when an accident happens in front of Greene's pharmacy. But was it an accident? Maybe it was the work of God? I say that because Holly and Ivy and their mom provide compassion and help when that didn't seem to be in the cards for Arlan and Magda. Could divine intervention have put the brother and sister right where they belong?
This book, at least to me, has taught the importance of trusting and having faith in God ESPECIALLY when things don't seem to be going your way and in times of trouble. Also in my two cents, these characters seem so real to me and I would LOVE to be able to visit Greene's. The pharmacy and atmosphere are described so well that I could just really envision it. Oh, and that cover!!! I just think it's beautiful. I enjoyed spending time with the characters and visiting their little town. In fact, I wouldn't mind seeing them in a third book. Hint, hint?
So, get this book and get in the Christmas spirit early! You'll really enjoy it! Thank you to Waterbrook for the copy. No review was required and all opinions are my own.
Merry Christmas, everyone! Okay, I might be a little early, but I guarantee if you read these stories, you will feel like celebrating early!
This book contains four stories: Cookies and Cheer by Amy Clipston, Loaves of Love by Beth Wiseman, Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller and Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin.
In Cookies and Cheer, Alyssa is looking forward to Christmas. Working in a bakery with her sister is very enjoyable for Alyssa and she's excited to be planning another festive window display for the bake shop. Everyone else is looking forward to Alyssa's Christmas display. She did such a good job on the Thanksgiving one so people are excited to see what design she comes up with.
Meanwhile, the very handsome Kyle Smoker is showing interest in Alyssa and she couldn't be happier. She can't believe her good fortune and is looking forward to the Christmas season. With Kyle's help, a beautiful window for the bakery is designed. However, will it bring more that Alyssa can handle? Will the holiday be ruined? Find out in Cookies and Cheer.
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In Loaves of Love, Katie and Henry have been friends all their lives. They have a special bond and even share the same birthday. Katie has hoped for years that Henry will ask her out and take their friendship to the next level. But, Henry has been too nervous to ever ask her out. When he finally gets up the nerve, will he be too late? Katie seems to be getting involved with David. David lives in a more modern Amish community and attempts to get Katie to see that his way of life is easier.
Katie IS busy running her family's bakery during the holiday and has more on her plate than usual, so maybe David's ways DO make things simpler. Is David right for her? Henry's sister seems to think Henry be able to find love with the lovely Clara. Will this help him push his feelings for Katie away? Read Loaves of Love to cheer for your favorite couples!
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Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller is all about Mattie who travels to another town to help her Aunt Carolyn with her bakery during the Christmas rush. However, her uncle is building an extension onto the bakery and asks Peter to help. Mattie harbors bad feelings to Peter because he used to date her friend Lizzy and "broke her heart." Maybe the whole truth hasn't been told and Mattie and Peter can uncover a way to work side by side by side.
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Cakes and Kisses is by Kelly Irvin and features a man named Ambrose who has some difficulties. But Martha doesn't see him that way. She sees a kind, loving, helpful man and despises the way some treat him. Ambrose is actually more loved than he realizes, by Martha and his close friends and family. He needs to find a way to overcome his insecurities and look around before he misses out. On top of that, a cousin comes to take over half the farm where Ambrose lives and works with his aunt. Will Ambrose overcome his challenges and find Christmas joy? Take a relaxing break with Cakes and Kisses and discover for yourself.
I thoroughly enjoyed these four short stories in this collection. All the authors really make their characters become real and pop off the page. The only thing for was that all four stories involved bakeries and a LOT of talk of Christmas treats and that just made me hungry! I am just joking but I think they did such a wonderful job with describing the bakeries, the treats, the Christmas season and the real reason for the holiday. If you love Christmas like me, you'll love diving into these stories early to get ready for Christmas!
