BAKING LOVE ON ICE MOUNTAIN by Kelly Long
Newly married, Clara Mast and Daniel Kauffman have little to give but love during their first Christmas season together. But generous hearts are always willing to be creative in this "Gift of the Magi" inspired story.
This story is a lot more graphic and based more on pure sexual desire than most Amish novels. It is definitely beyond edgy in an uncomfortable for most Christian romance readers way. There is no real faith message, the story is based on promises Dan made to a dying friend and the blurb above is NOT at all accurate. They are NOT married in the book, and are having a cookie bake-off as Dan unlike most Amish men is extremely talented in the kitchen. Add Clara's pet goat and there are some humorous moments. I used to love Ms. Long's stories before she left the CBA but while still well written, this is not for women who want to avoid "fictional porn."
THE CHRISTMAS BAKERY ON HUCKLEBERRY HILL by Jennifer Beckstrand
When shy Katie Rose Gingerich's dat sends her to Huckleberry Hill to secure a marriage proposal, she never expects to long for carefree Titus Helmuth--or to hope that he might want to spend every Christmas with her . . .
I LOVE Ms. Beckstrand's Amish books. She mixes humor with romance like none other. I absolutely love Titus's grandparents and was glad to revisit them. Add a new tradition of Christmas goats, a blundering smitten hero and an insecure and shy heroine, it is beautiful. I also liked the way the grandparents manipulated the situation to get Titus there and then sat back and let the real "beau" blunder his way out of the picture while Titus becomes increasingly endearing and sweet. Totally loved this book.
THE SPECIAL CHRISTMAS COOKIE by Lisa Jones Baker
A charity auction, an unexpected friendship, and a stubborn spirit combine in an unusual courtship. But for Emma and Jonathan, overcoming obstacles is just one of the lessons to be learned about special blessings this holiday season.
This is the first book I've read by this author. It's set in Arthur Illinois, and area I've been in multiple times. I toured my first Amish home in this town and was a lot surprised by all the clutter in it. (It makes my house look sparse in comparison!)
I skimmed this story a lot. It was very clean, and well written, it just didn't draw me in and make me care. Emma is pushy in a non-intrusive sort of way, another words, you don't think such a mild woman would be so insistent. I didn't like Jonathon at first either and while the two talked I didn't see any attraction between them. A complete 180 from the first book in this collection!
Newly married, Clara Mast and Daniel Kauffman have little to give but love during their first Christmas season together. But generous hearts are always willing to be creative in this "Gift of the Magi" inspired story.
This story is a lot more graphic and based more on pure sexual desire than most Amish novels. It is definitely beyond edgy in an uncomfortable for most Christian romance readers way. There is no real faith message, the story is based on promises Dan made to a dying friend and the blurb above is NOT at all accurate. They are NOT married in the book, and are having a cookie bake-off as Dan unlike most Amish men is extremely talented in the kitchen. Add Clara's pet goat and there are some humorous moments. I used to love Ms. Long's stories before she left the CBA but while still well written, this is not for women who want to avoid "fictional porn."
THE CHRISTMAS BAKERY ON HUCKLEBERRY HILL by Jennifer Beckstrand
When shy Katie Rose Gingerich's dat sends her to Huckleberry Hill to secure a marriage proposal, she never expects to long for carefree Titus Helmuth--or to hope that he might want to spend every Christmas with her . . .
I LOVE Ms. Beckstrand's Amish books. She mixes humor with romance like none other. I absolutely love Titus's grandparents and was glad to revisit them. Add a new tradition of Christmas goats, a blundering smitten hero and an insecure and shy heroine, it is beautiful. I also liked the way the grandparents manipulated the situation to get Titus there and then sat back and let the real "beau" blunder his way out of the picture while Titus becomes increasingly endearing and sweet. Totally loved this book.
THE SPECIAL CHRISTMAS COOKIE by Lisa Jones Baker
A charity auction, an unexpected friendship, and a stubborn spirit combine in an unusual courtship. But for Emma and Jonathan, overcoming obstacles is just one of the lessons to be learned about special blessings this holiday season.
This is the first book I've read by this author. It's set in Arthur Illinois, and area I've been in multiple times. I toured my first Amish home in this town and was a lot surprised by all the clutter in it. (It makes my house look sparse in comparison!)
I skimmed this story a lot. It was very clean, and well written, it just didn't draw me in and make me care. Emma is pushy in a non-intrusive sort of way, another words, you don't think such a mild woman would be so insistent. I didn't like Jonathon at first either and while the two talked I didn't see any attraction between them. A complete 180 from the first book in this collection!
The Amish Christmas Kitchen by Kelly Long, Jennifer Beckstrand, and Lisa Jones Baker contains three entertaining stories. Baking Love on Ice Mountain is by Kelly Long and is a part of her The Amish of Ice Mountain series. It is early October on Ice Mountain (in Pennsylvania) when Daniel Kauffman and Seth Loftus are out cutting trees. Daniel can tell they just had a bad cut and hollers out for Seth to run. Daniel takes off, but Seth seems paralyzed. The tree falls and Daniel runs to his friend. Seth's dying words are for Daniel to take care of his wife Clara. He asks Daniel to marry her. Unfortunately, Daniel does not approach Clara in the right way and she refuses him. Two years pass and Clara is still mourning the loss of her husband. Her only companion is her goat, Blinks. Her sister, Sarah gets her to bake some cookies for the Bishop (he loves her cookies). Clara and Daniel meet up again and Daniel comes up with an idea. Will Daniel be able to win over Clara? Is Clara ready to fall in love again?
The Christmas Bakery on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand is part of her The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. Anna and Felty are up to their old tricks. Anna wants to help her grandson, Titus find his soul mate. Katie Rose Gingerich is being sent by her mother to Bonduel. Her family wants her to get engaged to Adam Wengerd. They believe it is a good match and that Katie Rose's cooking will win over Adam (she is a very good cook and baker). Anna believes that Katie Rose is a better match for Titus. She crochets (she has put aside her knitting needles for a spell) a Viking beanie for Titus (it is hysterical). Katie Rose is warmly welcomes, and Titus likes her right away. He will do anything to see her smile. When they discover what a good baker Katie Rose is, they help her set up a business. Adam (the pompous blowhard) enjoys Katie Rose's good meals and finds ways to take advantage of Titus (by taking credit for Titus' good deeds). Will Anna and Felty be able to make another match? You will have to read the story to find out (you will love it).
The Special Christmas Cookie by Lisa Jones Baker is set in Arthur, Illinois. Emma is a tutor to Amos who has a heart condition. Amos is unable to go to school or play with other children. There is a special procedure available for Amos but it is very expensive. Jonathan Troyer (his older brother) is unable to afford it on his own and the Amish general fund cannot take such a big hit. Emma sets out to raise the funds for Amos' procedure. Jonathan is against taking charity. It makes him feel that he cannot take care of his family (mother and brother). Emma is going to have her work cut out for her in changing his mind (she has no intention of stopping the fundraiser). What happens when Emma and Jonathan start spending more time together?
I found The Amish Christmas Kitchen to be delightful. Such enjoyable and engaging stories. My favorite is by Jennifer Beckstrand. I was definitely entertained (it made me laugh and smile). I loved the description of Titus' beanie. Anna and Felty are my favorite characters. They are so genuine and lovable! The three stories are easy to read and have a good pace. They all can be read without having enjoyed the books in the various authors series. I found the stories to be very uplifting. The remind you of what Christmas is really about (true meaning of Christmas). I look forward to reading more stories by these authors! I give The Amish Christmas Kitchen 4 out of 5 stars (I liked them).
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The Christmas Bakery on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand is part of her The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. Anna and Felty are up to their old tricks. Anna wants to help her grandson, Titus find his soul mate. Katie Rose Gingerich is being sent by her mother to Bonduel. Her family wants her to get engaged to Adam Wengerd. They believe it is a good match and that Katie Rose's cooking will win over Adam (she is a very good cook and baker). Anna believes that Katie Rose is a better match for Titus. She crochets (she has put aside her knitting needles for a spell) a Viking beanie for Titus (it is hysterical). Katie Rose is warmly welcomes, and Titus likes her right away. He will do anything to see her smile. When they discover what a good baker Katie Rose is, they help her set up a business. Adam (the pompous blowhard) enjoys Katie Rose's good meals and finds ways to take advantage of Titus (by taking credit for Titus' good deeds). Will Anna and Felty be able to make another match? You will have to read the story to find out (you will love it).
The Special Christmas Cookie by Lisa Jones Baker is set in Arthur, Illinois. Emma is a tutor to Amos who has a heart condition. Amos is unable to go to school or play with other children. There is a special procedure available for Amos but it is very expensive. Jonathan Troyer (his older brother) is unable to afford it on his own and the Amish general fund cannot take such a big hit. Emma sets out to raise the funds for Amos' procedure. Jonathan is against taking charity. It makes him feel that he cannot take care of his family (mother and brother). Emma is going to have her work cut out for her in changing his mind (she has no intention of stopping the fundraiser). What happens when Emma and Jonathan start spending more time together?
I found The Amish Christmas Kitchen to be delightful. Such enjoyable and engaging stories. My favorite is by Jennifer Beckstrand. I was definitely entertained (it made me laugh and smile). I loved the description of Titus' beanie. Anna and Felty are my favorite characters. They are so genuine and lovable! The three stories are easy to read and have a good pace. They all can be read without having enjoyed the books in the various authors series. I found the stories to be very uplifting. The remind you of what Christmas is really about (true meaning of Christmas). I look forward to reading more stories by these authors! I give The Amish Christmas Kitchen 4 out of 5 stars (I liked them).
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Sweet stories to help get an early start on Christmas reading! Highly recommended!
