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Book Review of The Amish Christmas Kitchen

The Amish Christmas Kitchen
reviewed on + 109 more book reviews


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!