I was very excited to see this book show up in the mail a few days ago. It's hot and humid here in Virginia in August so what better time than to turn the ac up and pretend it's snowing.
I always love my "visits" to the Kauffman Amish Bakery. You see a lot of familiar faces and check in on characters you have gotten to know.
This book focuses on Anna Mae. From the excerpt:
In the tradition of her widely popular Kauffman Amish Bakery series, author Amy Clipston tells the tale of Anna Mae McDonough who was shunned by her family four years ago when she left her Amish community in Lancaster County, PA, to marry an “Englisher” (non Amish) man and move with him to Baltimore. Now, eight months pregnant when her first child, she longs to return home for Christmas to reconcile with her family, especially her stern father, who is the religious leader for her former Amish church district.
So Anne Mae writes a letter to Kathryn Beiler, her brother’s wife, to enlist her help. Kathryn asks her husband, David, if she should arrange Anna Mae’s visit. David cautions her that a visit would cause too much stress in the family and instead suggests they visit Anna Mae and her husband in the spring. However, Kathryn arranges the visit anyway, believing in her heart that it’s God’s will for the family to heal.
When Anna Mae arrives in Lancaster for Christmas, the welcome she receives is nothing like what she had hoped for.
A book filled with love, the pain of being separated from one’s family, and the determination to follow God’s will regardless of the outcome, A Plain and Simple Christmas is an inspiring page-turner that will keep you guessing what happens next … right to the very last page.
So Anne Mae writes a letter to Kathryn Beiler, her brother’s wife, to enlist her help. Kathryn asks her husband, David, if she should arrange Anna Mae’s visit. David cautions her that a visit would cause too much stress in the family and instead suggests they visit Anna Mae and her husband in the spring. However, Kathryn arranges the visit anyway, believing in her heart that it’s God’s will for the family to heal.
When Anna Mae arrives in Lancaster for Christmas, the welcome she receives is nothing like what she had hoped for.
A book filled with love, the pain of being separated from one’s family, and the determination to follow God’s will regardless of the outcome, A Plain and Simple Christmas is an inspiring page-turner that will keep you guessing what happens next … right to the very last page.
I enjoyed getting a chance to read this story. As I said, visiting familiar characters is always fun and the book was a quick and easy read (I'm a fast reader and had it done in a day but it's a quick weekend or holiday read if you can wait that long;) )
Anna Mae wants nothing more than to be part of her family again. She is having a baby and wants to make piece and mend the broken bond. She enlists her sister in laws help to make that happen. Kathryn spends time praying and believes that God is leading her to help with the reconciliation.
I don't want to spoil the book and give everything away but things don't always go the way the characters want. Anna Mae's father is stubborn and not all the members of the family are ready to welcome her back with open arms. The story kept me guessing as to what was going to happen and I was cheering Anna Mae on the whole book.
The story was full of life and I loved the interactions between the feisty Kathryn and her family. The message of listening to God and forgiveness echoed through the book. A great holiday (or August) read. Pick up your copy today and Happy Reading!
