Kelly LongRecensioni

SPOILERS BELOW!!!

My Review: Uhhhhhhh, well then. That was different? I thought it would be interesting to read about an Amish man set in the Revolutionary war era but I was sadly mistaken. The book started well but soon lost my interest. The fact that Adam was abused for no reason was bad enough. That is until you get to the last pages and it turns out his father abused him because at nine Adam saw his dad murder a guy who had touched his wife's hair once . . . Uh, one Amish don't believe in using weapons, they won't fight, and here's an Amish man that brutally murdered a man? And then went on to abuse his young and helpless son so much with a whip that he couldn't stand to have his back touched, the father would refuse to let anyone but the wanton serving girl bandage him up. Oh, and I forgot! The dad, he's a deacon and nobody cared that he beat his younger son. Sickening! It ends with him confessing and not receiving any punishment but what he had already been punished with; meaning the cat attack that nearly killed him, I mean.

Adam also got in a fight if that's what his attacking another man could be called, I believe it was supposed to be PTSD induced but no. And Lena's father marrying an "Englisher"? Not a chance! A true Amish bishop would never let one of his community marry outside of the Amish people. And Adam's brother getting engaged to Lena was pointless, sure the brother was the perfect brother but he wasn't a guy I could see marrying even if commanded to do so by his father.

Of course, that was not nearly enough drama because after fighting so hard for the girl he loved she was bitten by a rattlesnake on the way home on their wedding day. She was fine before the week was out though. So happily ever after.

I'm sorry but I cannot recommend this book with the violence, abuse, murder, and romance that was not even almost romantic.

I just have to add, Lena had a dream in which her mother told her of Adam's promise not to marry her daughter until he was free of his past.

The unreal plot of this book was almost humorous but so unrealistic that it was sad.

If you read this I'd love to know what you think of it. I'd like to say I was harsh on the book but I really wasn't. But maybe this is the book for you; try it out. See if you like it if it sounds interesting to you, I know I wish I hadn't touched it.

Great novels by some wonderful authors!
Kristina has found solace in being a midwife. While she rejoices at each new birth she longs for a husband and children of her own. Aiden, her ex boyfriend moves back into town and their romance is rekindled.
Joanna is debating whether she should continue being a midwife after an unfortunate incident. Her friend Dwight's sister insists that Joanna be her midwife. Dwight helps Joanna overcome her past and he promises her a future with him.
Anna takes over for her aunt as midwife on Christmas day. Her night turns exciting with three deliveries. Asa is her driver for the night and he and Anna find true love.

These books were okay. I generally don't like short books because I don't get to know the characters very well. I liked the first two books very much. The last one I really had to push through.

Amish Christmas Kinner contains three novellas by Lenora Worth, Rachel J. Good, and Kelly Long. I enjoyed reading the three sweet Amish stories. The three tales are Christmas Eve Baby by Lenora Worth (The Shadow Lake series), Best Christmas Program Ever by Lenora Worth (Surprised by Love series), and Loving Luke by Kelly Long (The Amish Mail Order Grooms series). I thought all three were well-written with steady pacing. They are stories of romance and faith. We get to see how the Amish celebrate Christmas. I like their holiday traditions and how the holidays center around family. I did feel that Christmas Eve Baby was a tad long (when you begin to wonder if it will ever end, you know it is too long). Forgiveness, new beginnings, letting go, family, and faith are the themes. Best Christmas Program is the story that really tugged at my heartstrings. While each novella is part of a series, each one can be read on its own. Amish Christmas Kinner is a collection of stories that can be read at Christmas or anytime of the year. This is a heartwarming anthology.

Three wonderful short stories. I would higly recomend this book. All the stories were worth the read. With the twist of Christmas made it all the more better.

This short story collection features Christmas stories that involve children. Each story is unique, but emphasizes the importance of caring for others and remembering the reason for celebrating Christmas. While the characters experience heartache and sadness at times, they are ultimately redeemed by the kindness of others. There are romantic aspects to the stories, but they are clean and sweet, no graphic intimacies. I especially liked reading these stories for the holidays and because the characters were so interesting and they were what made the stories come alive. Each story can be read as a standalone.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

A lovely collection of tender romances, with a sweet holiday theme. I enjoyed all of these novellas by different authors.

The first one seemed to be an epilogue to the author's Shadow Lake series, but it was easy to pick up the storyline. They all had a generous spirit of giving, fitting perfectly with Christmas. I liked the idea of the story quilts. It made me curious to read the other books in her series.
The second one was lovely, with a couple of lonely people who find a new love while helping a pair of neglected children. Their story was quite touching.
The last novella was my favorite, with a mail order groom and a widow. The theme of abuse was touched on sensitively, and a redemptive message added light to their story. I wish this one had been longer; it would make a good full length novel.

Overall an enjoyable read! 4 stars

( An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)

I really enjoyed these quick stories, and for some I have read the back stories, but there is a lot of information given, and you won't be lost.

From a snow storm and an impending birth of a new baby, and we get to see the true spirit of Christmas come alive and shared!

The second story shows the love of innocent little ones, and overcoming tremendous grief. This one will warm your heart, and in the end I wanted to continue on in their lives!

The third story features a mail order groom, and does touch on abuse. There is a side story of a delightful Amish man who wants a woman a bit older, and you get to enjoy his courting techniques.

These reads do feature children, and they pull you into each of the books!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.

This is a nice sweet short novella that shares hope, beauty from ashes and a new beginning. I loved getting to know Flora and her mother-in-law. Sweet Flora has taken on the job of caring for her dear mother-in-law and has noticed her mind not being as sharp as it use to be. Flora misses her husband and feels lonely without him. It is not by accident that she runs into Rob as he works in the cemetery.

Rob is a hard worker and is determined to pay his family’s debt off. I admired him for working any job that was available. When he receives news that his nephew and nieces are coming to live with him after their parents death, he seeks God for help. He is barely making it on his own but now he has three children to care for as well.

I loved how Flora and Rob get to know each other and you can tell that God brings them together for a reason. Come join them as they discover new love, how God brings beauty from devastation and a new beginning filled with love.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

Jennifer Beckstrand saves this collection from being a three-star review. Her novella is by far the best. Well written with delightfully quirky characters, the story is captivating and filled with humor, yet it still has strong Christian and Amish ideals throughout. The other novellas are more serious in tone, especially the one by Lisa Jones Baker. All three are interesting stories, tied together by the theme of Christmas candles.

Heroine is a strong, confident midwife out delivering babies in a snowstorm! I quite enjoyed this little novella, part of the Amish holiday anthology entitled An Amish Christmas: December in Lancaster County. The cover is so pretty and this novella captures that same wintry essence. Perfect read for right around Christmas.

This Amish story was heads above the other Amish stories I've either read or tried to read. The characterization was extremely well done. You really knew both Jacob and Lilly and cared what happened to them. It was a beautiful story of two people learning to love each other. Neither was perfect but they were good together. Although Jacob started out the marriage loving another woman he was always kind to his wife. The level of Christian preaching at you was very light. I felt like it was a genuine part of the story instead of feeling like I was being proselytized to. The Amish were not portrayed as perfect which was refreshing.

Courting Caleb by Kelly Long is the second novel in The Amish Mail Order Grooms series. Courting Caleb can be read as a standalone if you have not indulged in Marrying Matthew. I have mixed reactions to this book. Courting Caleb is a unique Amish story. It is told from multiple points of view which can be confusing. It switches between Abigail, Caleb, Phillip, Mercy, and Joshua (I might have forgotten a character or two who had a POV). There are quite a few characters in the story. There is an eccentric bishop (Bishop Kore) who is loud and uses unusual phrases, Birchbark with his magical pack, and Fern the healer with her special ornaments. I like the addition of the paranormal element, but I wish the author had stopped with Birchbark. I would love a Birchbark in my village. I like that Abigail is a potter. I thought it was unique for an Amish novel. I was baffled as to the time period of the novel. At times it felt like it was set in the present day, but some elements made it feel like it was in the late 1800s (with log cabins, no running water). I was expecting a clean Amish romance novel. I was surprised by the amount of kissing, touching, and intimate thoughts. This book definitely crossed the line with the PDA (there was just so much of it). I like that we get to catch up with Matthew and Tabitha from Marrying Matthew. Courting Caleb was a miss for me. I liked the premise of a woman placing an ad for a groom and getting two responses. I felt that the author tried to combine too many differing elements into one book (the eccentric bishop, the paranormal and fantasy elements, too many characters, various storylines, and the sexual innuendos). I was looking forward to reading a sweet, clean Amish novel and that is not Courting Caleb. Courting Caleb is an unusual Amish romance with friendly folks, a boisterous bishop, a groom seeking ceramicist, a sour sister, a magical pack, a helpful healer, and a duo of eager grooms.½

This is not a typical Amish read, and knowing an Amish Bishop, he would be aghast. At least in Central NY, the Community is entirely different!
I figured out how this book would come together early on, and yes, it was as it should be, but other happenings, well, I had a hard time getting through this one.
I did enjoy the character Birchbark, and yes, this is more fantasy read, and I do avoid them. That being said, some will enjoy this, but it wasn't for me.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.

Amy Clipston, Shelley Shephard Gray, and Kelly Long are all beloved Amish authors, and reading a story by any of them is a treat. Finding a book with all of them? Absolutely joy unspeakable! The three novellas in Amish Midwives all center around dedicated midwives who help deliver sweet babies, but haven't experienced the joy of having their own children. These heartwarming tales share hope, faith, and the wholesome values that are synonymous with Amish living, while exploring the different stages of love. From the excitement of new love to the thrill of love the second time around, Amish Midwives is a book to savor and enjoy. It is the perfect choice for fans of Amish romance!

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was never required to write a favorable review and I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts.

Amish Midwives by Amy Clipston, Shelley Shepard Gray, and Kelly Long contains three heartwarming Amish tales. I enjoyed reading these sweet Amish novellas. I thought they were well-written with charming characters. Each story has a midwife who is considered past her prime (two unmarried and one widow). I liked the midwife theme and the unique way each author presented it. We get to see the role of a midwife in an Amish community. A midwife needs to be knowledgeable about her craft as well as compassionate, organized, and professional. I could not imagine going through a home birth (I needed pain killers). There is humor is each of the stories, but it is especially prevalent in A Midwife for Susie. I laughed at Joanna’s ineptness in the kitchen and the messes she created. Christmas Cradles is a sweet tale that has snow, Christmas, and beautiful handmade quilts. Bundles of Blessings has two people who once loved each other getting a second chance. I was quickly drawn into Amy Clipston’s appealing Amish story. Her characters and storyline are appealing. I was happy there was an epilogue that nicely wrapped up the novella. There are discussion questions for each short story. Amish Midwives is one of those books that provides a delightful break from real life. Amish Midwives contains three inspiring and emotional tales that will touch your heart.

"Amish Midwives" features three stories about different midwives, just as the title implies. Each story presents a unique perspective on Amish women who dedicate their lives to bringing babies into the world. Whether dealing with past hurts, recent tragedies, or unexpected deliveries, the midwives approach their work in partnership with the new mothers and with God. The Christian message is overt but woven into the story in a delicate and thoughtful manner. Readers will sympathize with the midwives as well as with the new mothers, and gain an appreciation and understanding of the important role played by midwives in the Amish community.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

I love to read Amish romances and I really enjoy reading about midwives even though I would not have had a home birth.(too chicken). These three stories were fantastic. Each made me cry and laugh. I have always loved these authors. Each of these stories are very inspirational. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

This journey is given by three different authors, these are novellas and all equally enjoyable. I started the first one, and was quickly absorbed in the story Kristina and Aidan, the story kept me page turning, and before I knew it I was reading Joanne and Dwight's adventure, which led me to Anna and Asa's snowy night.
I enjoyed these reads, and each was different, but they all had midwives delivering new babies, as we delved deeper into their lives.
I really wanted to continue here, but as with all good books they have to end.
I for one will be looking for more by these authors!
I received this book through Edelweiss and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.

Mail order brides are commonly found in novels, but mail order grooms are certainly a new topic! "Marrying Matthew" is the first in a series of Amish fiction novels that feature mail order grooms, not to mention feisty, independent women.

As heiress to her dad's mill and woodworking business, Tabitha has successfully avoided men who want to marry her in order to take over the business. However, Tabitha determines to marry on her own terms, so she places an ad for a groom. She never intends to fall in love with her mail order groom.

Matthew King answers her ad with the intention of gaining woodworking skills from Tabitha's dad, with marriage as an incidental. However, he never planned to fall in love with his new wife. Matthew also failed to consider the reactions of the men at the mill, or the independent attitude of his wife.

Another romance brews between Abner and Anke, older individuals who hide their secrets from each other. However, they find it increasingly difficult to hide their growing attraction to each other.

Of the many Amish fiction novels I have read, this one definitely contained many nuances that set it apart from the others. The story line includes twists and turns that motivate the reader to continue reading. Mystery and suspense also add to the unpredictable nature of the plot. The mountain setting and descriptions of the Mountain Amish community also display a unique aspect to this series.

The characters are interesting, likeable, and well-drawn, with depths to their personalities and motives. Although a "sweet" story, the novel contains a bit more spice than most Amish novels, although always within the bounds of good taste. Readers who enjoy Amish fiction will find this a thoughtful and well-written change of pace. I am looking forward to reading the next installment in the series.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.½

"An Amish Wedding Feast on Ice Mountain" begins and ends with a wedding feast, hence the title. The best word to describe this story is "Cinderella." Beth Mast lives with her stepmother and stepsister, and acts as their servant, managing the entire household with the heavy chores, while they go off to frolics or sleep in. Ransom King has recently returned from apprenticeship with his woodworker granddad, and now he works with the family woodworking business. Both Beth and Ransom hold secrets that torment them, which eventually form a bond between them.

This book is not your typical Amish romance story however. Elements such as mental illness, emotional abuse, wanton behavior, and awakening desires are key aspects of this story. The plot moves along well, and keeps readers interest. Beth and Ransom are both likeable characters, and the reader will want to advocate for their growing romance. Beth's arrogant stepmother and stepsister provide a lot for the reader to despise as well. Ransom's Aunt Ruth and her menagerie of animals is a thoroughly lovable and very wise woman.

There were a few events in the book that I questioned, such as why the Amish community did not step up sooner to help Beth, since they were obviously aware of what was happening. I also wondered why Beth allowed herself to be put into dangerous situations without trying to save herself, although she began to develop a little more gumption by the end of the book.

This is a sweet romance with some sizzling romance scenes, although no overt sexuality. The Christian message is overt. Readers of Amish romance novels should find this one enjoyable, and will appreciate the race to the finish and the satisfying ending.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

This is a collection of three novellas all focusing on the Amish community and the Christmas season. Frankly, Christmas is pretty much in the background, as they are mostly about a young woman and a young man and how the two of them get together. He’s shy (or she’s shy); she is a marvelous baker of cookies; he is hardworking and always willing to help out; some wise adult will conspire to ensure they end up together. There will be buggy rides, snow, family dinners, and farm chores.

The stories are tender and clean romances, rather straightforward and predictable. The writing is very simple and repetitious. Not my cup of tea.

The three stories:
Baking Love on Ice Mountain by Kelly Long
The Christmas Bakery on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand
The Special Christmas Cookie by Lisa Jones Baker

An Amish Wedding Feast on Ice Mountain is the sixth book in The Amish of Ice Mountain series. It can be read as a standalone for those new to this Amish series. It is a Cinderella type story with Beth Mast taking care of her stepmother and stepsister without so much as a please or thank you. The stepmother, Viola is critical of Beth who is a caring and shy individual. Rose, Beth’s stepsister, is beautiful and outgoing. Her mother wishes her to make a good match which means keeping Beth in the shadows. I felt bad for the way Beth was treated. I was happy when Ransom King enters the picture and sets out to help Beth and ensure that she has some fun. The book contains good writing and it moved along quickly. There are sad moments along with heartwarming ones. There is humor thanks to my favorite character, Aenti Ruth. Aenti Ruth arrives with a passel of animals that help her with Ransom and Beth. I like how kind she was to Beth and the special recipe she gave her. I laughed so often at her antics. I also like Bishop Umble. He is such a kindly man who cares for his flock. I loved the descriptions of Ice Mountain especially the beautiful ice cave. I was disappointed with the amount of kissing (some steamy situations) and intimate innuendo that was present along with the forward Rose. I like to read Amish fiction because they are clean stories (minimal kissing is fine). I also would have liked a more complete epilogue. This was a good ending to The Amish of Ice Mountain series. An Amish Wedding Feast on Ice Mountain is a sweet story about love, forgiveness, grace, hope and faith.

The story overall was good. I guess I was a bit distracted by all the kissing. I may be a bit old-fashioned, but I don't like such detailed description of the love scenes.

Good, multi-layered story of love, faith, and overcoming the past. Stephen left his home on Ice Mountain after he was accused of murder and shunned. Even though he was proved innocent, he no longer felt at home there. Instead, he moved to an Englisch town and worked as a firefighter. His life took a dramatic change when he rescued a young woman from a burning building. Ella was pregnant, abandoned by the father of her baby, and in danger from a greedy aunt and uncle.

I really liked Stephen and Ella. He is kind, honorable, and protective. He is well-liked by his fellow firefighters and has a strong friendship with his doctor roommate. Though he no longer lived in the Amish community, his faith was still strong and guided his behavior. Ella is sweet, determined, and feisty. She was determined to give her baby the best life possible, even under the most difficult of circumstances.

Stephen and Ella met when he saved her from a burning building. There was a connection between them from the very start, both physical and emotional. Stephen was drawn to Ella in a way that he'd never experienced before. He wanted to take care of her and her baby, at the same time he found it almost impossible to keep his hands off of her. Stephen's kindness to her is something that Ella hasn't felt in a very long time. She's attracted to him but doesn't feel she deserves the compassion of such a good man. I loved the protectiveness Stephen experienced when she went back to her old job, and the actions he took to show it. When they found out that the fire was deliberately set in an attempt to kill Ella, Stephen was determined to save her, even if that meant returning to Ice Mountain.

I liked the development of the relationship between Stephen and Ella. Stephen fell fast and hard for Ella and wanted nothing more than to make her part of his life forever. I loved how he already thought of her baby as his own. Ella felt the same about him but worried that their differing lives would make it impossible. I loved how easily she fit into the community and the hope that it gave her for the future. There were many sweet scenes between them as they got to know each other. I especially loved the way Ella took care of Stephen after the bear attack. There were also some fun scenes of his friends giving him a hard time over his feelings for her. Both were a little wary of expressing their feelings, but when a crisis threatened their lives, they realized that life was too short not to take the risk.

There was an element of mystery/suspense that ran through the book. We found out early on that Ella's life was in danger. There were several twists and turns that kept me guessing as to what would happen. I was intrigued by the first man sent to kill her. His actions were not what I expected, and I found my opinion of him changing rapidly. He redeemed himself quite nicely by the end of the book. The second killer was creepy and evil, made even worse by the connection he already shared with Ella. The final confrontation was intense and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.

Part of the story dealt with Stephen and his relationship with his mother and aunt. After meeting them, I completely understood the strain he'd been under as a kid and teenager. I thought it said a lot about his need to protect Ella that he even considered going back to that toxic atmosphere. It was interesting to see how the time away, plus his feelings for Ella, helped Stephen move past the resentment toward forgiveness. I also liked seeing the changes that Stephen's mother went through and how she faced up to her mistakes. There was a neat little twist involving her at the end of the book.