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There are currently 22 member reviews
for An Amish Christmas
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Cheryl (New York)
An Amish Christmas
More than just a Christmas story, this book will remain with the reader throughout the year. The once wealthy, seemingly happy Hobart family meets the gentle, loving Amish family, the Lutz's. Fate brings the families together; love, healing forgiveness, and redemption bind them together for a lifetime.
The author, Cynthia Keller, is very descriptive of the Amish and their simple but fulfilling way of life. I would recommend this book to young people, as well as adults. My thirteen year old grandson and I learned some very valuable lessons from these families. Although this is a relatively short read, book clubs could enjoy very stimulating discussions.
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Helen S. (Palm Desert, California)
An easy feel good read
Cynthia Keller, author of "An Amish Christmas", intrigues the reader as the story grows regarding the outcome of a family in a situation that is comparable to todays environment. This humanistic endeavor of story telling depicting a family of material privileges that discovers the basics of living is enjoyable.
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BookGirl (USA)
A lovely book
I found this book to be an entirely charming and enjoyable read. Ms. Keller has delivered an even-handed portrayal of Amish life that is both interesting and informative. The religious emphasis is subtle; the theme of forgiveness is present, and the ending is, if predictable, not unrealistic. I would note that despite the title, I would not consider this a typical “Christmas book“ in that the story does not revolve around, nor really take place at Christmas, although the story does end on Christmas Day. Instead, it is more a cautionary tale of how easy it is in the modern world to lose one’s way spiritually, and an invitation to consider what is truly important in life. In that sense, I suppose the message of Christmas is there, without the commercial elements -- making it truly An Amish Christmas story.
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Freya H. (Phoenix, AZ)
An Amish Christmas
This was a lovely book and a very fast read. Growing up in Pennsylvania, we were very familiar with the Amish community, and it is portrayed well and accurately here. Young people who are city born and bred might enjoy, and benefit from, reading about a culture very different from their own. The day-to-day activities in the Lutz household were engaging and awe inspiring!
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Caryl L. (Williamsburg, VA)
An Amish Christmas
This was a charming book. A little corny in some places, but the message was there. This family, suddenly, finding themselves broke and stranded, ended up as guests of an Amish family. The message is while we all think we need the big house, the fancy fixings that go along with it, the crabby teenagers and,above all, keeping up with the Jonses, we find that the important things are the simple things.
Things like hard word, trust, honesty and ,above all, love that finally brings us together.It should be read by all the "nouveau riche", social climbing people who populate our country today. Don't worry, it's easy read.
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Kimberly A. (Hannibal, MO)
Just Plain Good!
At first I thought this would be one of those "fluff" books: family in crisis, someone/something rescues them, and then a happy conclusion. All of those things happen, but the joy of reading this book comes from the author's craft and the "message."
Keller depicted her characters so expertly that I cared what happened to them. I especially enjoyed the determination of Meg and the charm of Sam. Although somewhat bland, the plot was believable and well-paced. The book is a quick and compelling read. Also, I am appreciative of the knowledge gained about Amish beliefs and practices.The only negative is the conclusion, which seemed a little contrived.
The book can simply be read, or it can be taken to heart. The "message" is one that warrants attention: "To be, rather than to seem." Simple words, but powerful meaning!
I would recommend this book to anyone. It's just plain good!
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Betty S. (Jasper, GA)
An Amish Christmas
In this novel, the Hobarts face a situation all too familiar in this time of economic slowdown. Lost job, no money, soon no home. The author does a good job of showing the feelings of each member of the family as they try to adjust to a complete change in life as they know it. It's a little repetitious in spots, but, on the whole, a good read.
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