An Amish Home

Amish Home

by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller

A Cup Half Full by Beth Wiseman—Sarah Lantz always dreamed of the perfect home, the perfect husband, the perfect family. When she married Abram, she knew she was on her way to securing her perfect life. All of that changes in one moment when an accident leaves her unable to walk and confined to a wheelchair, dashing all of her dreams. As Abram starts to transform their home, Sarah begins a transformation in her spirit, and she begins, once again, to see her cup as half full.


Home Sweet Home by Amy Clipston—Down on their luck and desperate after they are evicted from their small apartment, Chace and Mia O’Conner reluctantly take Chace’s Amish boss up on his offer to rent them the daadihaus located on his property. They are certain they will never feel at home in the rustic cabin without any modern conveniences, and they start to blame each other for their seemingly hopeless situation. But with the help of their new Amish friends, Chace and Mia begin to enjoy their cozy cabin and realize that home really is where the heart is.


Building Faith by Kathleen Fuller—Faith Miller knows that carpentry is an unlikely hobby for a young Amish woman, but she loves the work and it keeps the memory of her grandfather alive. So when her cousin asks Faith to build the cabinets in her new home, Faith is only too happy to take on the job, even if it is the most ambitious project she has ever taken on. The only catch is that she has to work with her ex-fiance, Silas. As they work to build Martha’s kitchen, can they put the past behind them and start to build faith in one another again?


A Flicker of Hope by Ruth Reid—Fifteen years ago, Thomas and Noreen King were blissful newlyweds. Young, naive, and in love, life was rosy . . . for a while. Then trials and tribulations rocked their foundation, shattering them emotionally, and soon, their marriage was in shards. All hope for restoring their previously unshakable union seems lost. When fire destroys their home, Thomas and Noreen are left to sift through the rubble. As uncovered items from the remains of the house shake loose memories of the past, Thomas and Noreen begin to draw closer and a flicker of hope—and love—is re-ignited.

Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction, Amish Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian, Contemporary

400 pages, Paperback

Published February 7, 2017

About the author

"I wish I had the time to review books and chat with you here, but my writing deadlines just don't allow it. Please like my Fans of Beth Wiseman Page on Facebook where I try to post any news and interact with readers."
Beth is the best-selling and award winning author of the Daughters of the Promise series - Plain Perfect, Plain Pursuit, Plain Promise, Plain Paradise, and Plain Proposal. She is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Her other series--the Land of Canaan Novels--begins with Seek Me With All Your Heart, then The Wonder of Your Love and now, His Love Endures Forever. Seek Me With All Your Heart is the first Amish fiction book selected as a Women of Faith novel in 2011. Beth has also written three contemporary Christian fiction novels, Need You Now published in 2012 and The House That Love Built in 2013. In The Promise, (2014) Beth jumps way outside the box. This story takes readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by a true story, Beth believes this is the book she’s been working toward for a long time. 2015 brings Beth back to the Pennsylvania Amish with her new series, Amish Secrets. She is currently working on book #2 following much success with book #1, Her Brother's Keeper.

You can also follow Beth on Twitter: @BethWiseman

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amish Home is a collection of four stories by four wonderful Amish authors.
The stories include:
A Cup Half Full by Beth Wiseman
Home Sweet Home but Amy Clipston
Building Faith by Kathleen Fuller
A Flicker of Hope by Ruth Reid
I enjoyed every one but Beth Wiseman's A Cup Half Full was my favorite of the four.
I highly recommend this book for those who love to read heartwarming Amish reads.
Five stars

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amish Home
By ;Beth Wiseman ,Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid, and Kathleen Fuller
An Amish Home is by Four different author and four different novellas about the Amish and their lives.

A Cup Half Full
By: Beth Wiseman
I really enjoyed this sweet novella . Sarah and Adam dreamed everything would be perfect in their marriage. An Accident that puts Sarah in a wheelchair and all their dreams vanish.Will they be able to cope with the changes in their lives?

Home Sweet Home
By: Amy Clipston
Home Sweet Home is a very touching novella that got to my heart. I believe that I had tears in my eyes most of the time I was reading it. An English couple with a young baby falls on hard times and no where to go . An Amish couple takes them in and lets them live in a very small cabin they have. They help them all they can, but tension builds up between the couple and causing problems. Will they survive through these hard times? Will it bring them closer or further apart?

In A Flicker of Hope
By: Ruth Reid
a couple has been married for a numbers of years and they are not doing good. A fire gets their home and almost takes the husbands life. A mysterious tin box. Can they save their marriage or, will this be the end for them? This was another sad novella , but I really enjoyed it.

Building Faith
By: Kathleen Fuller
I enjoyed this novella very much. A young Amish woman loves to work with wood. Her and her ex fiancee both are ask to build Martha’s new cabinets for her new house. Can these two work together and can they get them done on time?

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading these collections of Amish-themed novellas. I have to admit that I prefer the ones that involve falling in love since they tend to have a bit more romance ;) The characters in this group of stories are either married or had a previously developed relationship, and they are enduring trials in their lives that threaten the happiness they once found together. I found the angst a little heavier than I expected as the members of each couple turn away from each other, only to find that by relying on each other and their faith will give them the strength to overcome and achieve peace. They are all well-written by some of my favorite authors of the genre.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 short stories by my favorite Amish authors, this is a do not miss book!
We can look at the cup as half full or half empty. I prefer to look at it as half full. Although all the stories deal with a tragedy;hope,love perseverance and faith in God triumphs. Beautiful Amish stories dealing with keeping on and keeping strong in spite of bad things happening . Faith in God triumphs over all. He is our strength, ALWAYS!
Pub Date 07 Feb 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a review copy for my honest opinion!

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 2 out of 5]

About this book:

“From bestselling authors Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid and Kathleen Fuller comes a beautiful collection of four novellas that spread the warmth of Amish living with every page.”


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“A Cup Half Full” by Beth Wiseman

About this book:

“Sarah Lantz always dreamed of the perfect home, the perfect husband, the perfect family. When she married Abram, she knew she was on her way to securing her perfect life. All of that changes in one moment when an accident leaves her unable to walk and confined to a wheelchair, dashing all of her dreams. As Abram starts to transform their home, Sarah begins a transformation in her spirit, and she begins, once again, to see her cup as half full.”


Spiritual Content- Prayers; Talks about God & His will; ‘H’ are capital when referring to God; Sarah is not happy with God after the accident & thinks He has forsaken her; Mentions of God, His will & hope; Mentions of prayers, thanking God & blessings over food; Mentions of a bishop, church services & church going; Mentions of a Bible; A few mentions of blessings; A couple mention of miracles.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘geez’ and a ‘shut up’; A bit of eye rolling; Drinking, beers & a bar; Mentions of an injured duck & blood (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of nightmares (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a car accident & injuries; Mentions of debts; Mentions of lies; A mention of almost cursing; A mention of manure; A mention of throwing up.


Sexual Content- a hand/figure kiss, two cheek kisses, a forehead kiss, a almost kiss, a not-detailed kiss, five barely-above-not-detailed kisses, and a semi-detailed kiss; Touches & being carried to a bed (twice) (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to embrace & feeling physical love; Noticing; Hinted intimacy (truly just hints of barely-above-not-detailed); Many mentions of marital intimacy on a wedding night & nights after (and how it went), hinted intimacy in a novel, Abram hoping to have intimacy with his wife that night, being ready for intimacy & baby making in a bedroom (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of flirting, winks, dating, break-ups, & jealousy; A few mentions of what a man is longing for in their bedroom; A few mentions of thinking a husband might be cheating; A couple mentions of a married couple enjoying themselves; A bit of love & being in love;
*Notes: A few mentions of a man just wearing a pair of boxers, hoping for intimacy with his wife; A couple mentions of a wife’s bare shoulders; A couple mentions of Sarah being fertile & it being safe in a few days for embraces; A mention of playing hooky with a wife; A mention of nursing; A mention of a curvy woman.

-Sarah Lantz, age 23
-Abram Lantz
P.O.V. switches between them
100(-ish) pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star
Older High School Teens- One Star
My personal Rating- One Star
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“Home Sweet Home” by Amy Clipston

About this book:

“Down on their luck and desperate after they are evicted from their small apartment, Chace and Mia O’Conner reluctantly take Chace’s Amish boss up on his offer to rent them the daadihaus located on his property. They are certain they will never feel at home in the rustic cabin without any modern conveniences, and they start to blame each other for their seemingly hopeless situation. But with the help of their new Amish friends, Chace and Mia begin to enjoy their cozy cabin and realize that home really is where the heart is.”


Spiritual Content- A Scripture is quoted, talked about & remembered; Prayers; Going to a church; Talks about God; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers; Mentions of churches, church going, church services, Amish beliefs, youth group, & singings; A few mentions of blessings; A couple mentions of guardian angels; A couple mentions of peace;
*Note: There is a scene at a church talking to a woman who’s called a pastor.


Negative Content- A bit of sarcasm; Mentions of hate filled comments & verbal abuse; A few mentions of robbing a place, shooting someone & ending up in jail; A few mentions of a thief & stealing; A few mentions of gossip; A couple mentions of jealousy.


Sexual Content- a cheek kiss, a head kiss, a not-detailed kiss, two barely-above-not-detailed kisses, and two semi-detailed kisses; Wanting to kiss (once); Touches, Smelling, Tingles, & Embraces (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing; Mia & Chace had an unplanned pregnancy & then got married (no details on how it happened); a ‘babe’; Mentions of leaving a spouse; A few mentions of noticing; A bit of love, being in love & the emotions;
*Note: A few mentions of breastfeeding; A mention of a short skirt.

-Mia O’Conner
-Chace O’Conner, age 24
P.O.V. switches between them
100(-ish) pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
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“A Flicker of Hope” by Ruth Reid

About this book:

“Fifteen years ago, Thomas and Noreen King were blissful newlyweds. Young, naive, and in love, life was rosy . . . for a while. Then trials and tribulations rocked their foundation, shattering them emotionally, and soon, their marriage was in shards. All hope for restoring their previously unshakable union seems lost. When fire destroys their home, Thomas and Noreen are left to sift through the rubble. As uncovered items from the remains of the house shake loose memories of the past, Thomas and Noreen begin to draw closer and a flicker of hope—and love—is re-ignited.”


Spiritual Content- Prayers & Thanking God; Scriptures are quoted, mentioned & remembered; Talks about God; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Thomas is upset at God in the beginning; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers & blessings over food; Mentions of a bishop, church, church services, church going, & singings; A few mentions of being blessed & blessings; A couple mentions of Bibles & reading.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: 2 ‘stupid’; Injuries, pain & bruises (up to semi-detailed); A fire, trying to get out and put it out, smoke & pain (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of the fire; Mentions of pain, blood & injuries (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of burglaries, vandalism & slaughter livestock (and vandalism with pig’s blood); A few mentions of throwing up; A couple mentions of manure.


Sexual Content- six forehead kisses, four barely-above-not-detailed kisses, four semi-detailed kisses, and a detailed kiss; Touches, Embraces, Smelling & Nearness (up to semi-detailed); A labor, screams & miscarriage (semi-detailed); Mentions of marital intimacy, undressing & bare skin (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of reputation & being alone with the opposite gender; Mentions of blushes; A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of doing nothing more after a detailed kiss; Love, being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of miscarriages; A mention of a woman’s biological clock; A mention of a husband just wearing pajama bottoms.

-Noreen King
-Thomas King, age 39
P.O.V. switches between them
100(-ish) pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Two Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars
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“Building Faith” by Kathleen Fuller

About this book:

“Faith Miller knows that carpentry is an unlikely hobby for a young Amish woman, but she loves the work and it keeps the memory of her grandfather alive. So when her cousin asks Faith to build the cabinets in her new home, Faith is only too happy to take on the job, even if it is the most ambitious project she has ever taken on. The only catch is that she has to work with her ex-fiance, Silas. As they work to build Martha’s kitchen, can they put the past behind them and start to build faith in one another again?”


Spiritual Content- Prayers; Talks about God; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Mentions of God & His will/plan; Mentions of prayers & blessings over food; Mentions of church, church services, & church going; A few mentions of miracles; A couple mentions of blessings.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘stupid’; Sarcasm; A few mentions of lies.


Sexual Content- a barely-above-not-detailed kiss and a semi-detailed kiss; Touches, Embraces, Nearness & Butterflies (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of dating & break-ups; Love, falling in love & the emotions.

-Faith Miller, age 22
-Silas Graber, age 22
P.O.V. switches between them
100(-ish) pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars
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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Two Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars

Beth Wiseman’s: I am a firm believer that Christian Fiction needs to have more diverse characters, including those with disabilities. The only thing I liked about this novella was Sarah. I honestly was very disappointed in all the intimacy mentions and some comments felt like…not typical Amish comments. They really needed to talk things out. So much miscommunication, which I never enjoy in my reading. This novella was more focused on the physical kind of love, than the emotional, just being loving kind of love; if that makes sense.
Amy Clipston’s: Different from her previous Amish books, the main couple aren’t Amish! I really enjoyed that fact and enjoyed it. There was a lot of angst though, that made me hold on to my heart at many moments. ;)
Ruth Reid’s: This one seemed more than a bit depressing to me; the majority of the chapters in this novella go back-n-forth between present day and fourteen to fifteen years earlier, happy times. Thankfully, this novella ends better, but I still wasn’t thrilled with all the miscommunication.
Kathleen Fuller’s: My second favorite after Amy Clipston’s, but it felt much shorter than the rest of the novellas. The bickering got to be a bit much and then it did a one-eighty, but I like the ending. ;)
I wasn’t expecting this novella collection to have the majority of them be about married couples (which can be fine depending on mentions). I wouldn’t say this was my favorite Amish novella collection, but I did enjoy Amy Clipston’s novella the best and would love to see/read about that couple again in one of her books.


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from one of the authors for this honest review.

[Diamond Jones-Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Amish Home consist of 4 short novellas all based on struggles, love, redemption and over coming obstacles. I enjoyed all four stories and the characters in them. My favorite two stories were:

An Amish Home by Beth Wiseman is a really great story about love, faith and finding your way again. After an accident left Sarah in a wheel chair and unable to walk, her life changed. She questioned her faith, God and her marriage. Follow Sarah and Abram story in this great story about making the best of your life no matter what happen

Home Sweet Home by Amy Clipston is the second Novella in the "An Amish Home" book. I loved reading this story and it touches my heart. The main Characters Mia and Chace are Englischers who were evicted from their home. Chace's Amish boss allowed them to stay in his farm house until they get things together financially. Mia & Chace struggle with their new home, finances, being young parents and their marriage. I felt their pain, tears and struggles. This young couple had to learn to love each other through their struggles and let GOD lead the way

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amish Home is comprised of four novellas that I enjoyed reading very much. In each story you don’t want to put the book down because you want to see what happens in the lives of the characters.

They are stories of hardships, guilt, strained relationships, healing and love.
An Amish Home was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A CUP HALF FULL by BETH WISEMAN

Abram and Sarah were newlyweds looking forward to raising a family and growing old together. When a car hits their buggy and leaves Sarah unable to walk, it throws a wrench in their plans as far as she is concerned. How in the world can she raise children confined to a wheelchair?

While Sarah was in the hospital, Abram and Sarah’s brother Johnny were redoing the inside of the house. Abram loved Sarah very much and wanted her to have as normal a life as possible. Abram and Johnny made everything wheelchair accessible. Abram cut his hours at work in order to have time to spend with Sarah and work on the house. He also borrowed money and, for the first time in his life, he had a credit card debt.

Sarah was thankful for all the hard work and tried not to let Abram see her little pity parties. I’m sure it’s hard to suddenly not be able to walk. I’d probably have some pity parties too.

Read Abram and Sarah’s story…..the love they shared for each other, the trials they went through, and how they made it to the other side.

HOME SWEET HOME by AMY CLIPSTON

Mia grew up with everything….a fine home, money, anything you could ask for. What she didn’t have was understanding, supportive parents. When Mia announced that she was pregnant, dropping out of school, and marrying Chace, her mother went ballistic…how could Mia ruin the family name like that? She wanted Mia to move away to a relative’s so no one would know, give the baby up for adoption, and marry someone of their choosing.

Life was a challenge for Mia after she married Chace and moved into a small house that his Amish boss offered to rent them. It was the grandparent’s house that sat empty since their deaths. Not only was it only one bedroom but, being an Amish home, had no electricity or any of the other conveniences Mia was used to.

Read about Mia and Chace’s life in the little Amish home. Their love for each other and little Kaitlyn. The struggles they endured. The generosity of their landlords. The daughters adored Kaitlyn!


BUILDING FAITH by KATHLEEN FULLER

Faith Miller loved working with wood. She helped her grandfather with his woodworking projects from the time she was old enough until he died. Amish women weren’t carpenters! Her grandfather understood her love for the wood. He too would have preferred to work full time with wood than be a farmer. Everyone else called it her hobby. Something she did when she was finished working at the store.

Silas Graber was a carpenter and Faith’s ex fiancée. Of course, being in the same district, they saw each other on Sundays but kept their distance. Their paths crossed again when Faith’s cousin and Silas’ best friend were planning their wedding. Martha asked Faith to build the kitchen cabinets not knowing that Melvin had already hired Silas. What to do now?

Can they work this problem out? Can they work together or is one of them going to have to back away from the job? For Silas it was a paying job and, due to his mother’s illness and subsequent medical bills, his family needed the money. For Faith it was going to be a wedding present for her cousin. Does working together stir up old feelings?

A FLICKER OF HOPE by RUTH REID

The house was on fire! Noreen had only gone down to the cellar for a minute to grab a jar of peach preserves. How could the house be on fire? She tried to put the fire out but only made it worse. She had to get out of there!

Thomas, Noreen’s husband, his brother, teenage nephews and others from the community worked to put the fire out. Finally, the fire department arrived. The house was lost. The fire had reached a stand of nearby trees, dried corn stalks and went across the field.

As Amish do, they pooled together to help Thomas and Noreen, giving them food, material for clothes and anything they could spare. The Bishop gave them the loan of the grandparent’s house since it sat empty.

Thomas had saved enough money he could rebuild but, the money and other things were stolen from the barn while they were living on the Bishop’s property.

Read Thomas and Noreen’s story. How did they overcome losing everything, the guilt Noreen felt about the fire, the tension in their relationship?

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the title of the first story “A Cup Half Full” suggests it is easy, especially under adverse circumstances, to look on the dark side of life.
A young couple and both blaming themselves, and yet life goes on in spite of tragedy, and how we approach it what this story is about.

Home Sweet Home will bring you to tears, and yet the people God led this young family to will reinforce the goodness of mankind. If it weren’t under such severe circumstances, I could find myself enjoying living in a daadihaus.
I had to wonder if this would be the catalyst that broke up this young couples relationship, or bring them closer together.

Building Faith really brings to light the fact that you might not really know the person you are close to. Wood is about the open a new door to this Amish couple, and we are going to watch them struggle, and argue, and we hope rekindle what they have lost.
We also meet dementia head on, or do we? Hiding illness because you are ashamed, and this isn’t limited to any community or ethnic group. I loved how this story brought this sad illness to light.


A Flicker of Hope. Is exactly that, when at first a tragedy that befalls this couple, and they don’t seem to be handling it very well, and as the story unfolds, we see where a lot of the heartache is coming from.
This is a sad story but I could see a light at the end of the tunnel, and with Amish there isn’t any divorce, so how can they work out all the problems they seem to have. A really sweet and page turning read here.

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

[melissalynnmckim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down. you will not be sorry if u get this book. I got so lost in this book I lost track of time..4 outstanding authors.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cup Half Full by Beth Wiseman

Newlyweds Sarah and Abram's lives forever changed when a buggy accident left Sarah confined to a wheelchair. While she recovered in the hospital, Abram started transforming their home. He wants nothing more than to show his love for her by making life easier for her, but it comes at a higher price than he expected. He struggles to find a way out of debt without burdening Sarah with his troubles. Meanwhile, Sarah is bitter about the loss of her perfect dreams, and fearful of what the future might bring.

I ached for both Abram and Sarah as they struggled alone with their issues, neither wanting to burden the other. Sarah was filled with self-pity at the beginning, but gained inspiration from an unlikely source. I liked seeing her begin to embrace her new normal, though there were still challenges to overcome. Her conversation with her mother was an eye-opener for her, coupled with an amusing revelation. I also liked her conversation with Abram's coworker, Brenda, and the unexpected partnership that came from it.

Abram quickly discovered that he was in over his head when the bills came due for his work on the house. I shook my head at his naivete when he got involved with the quick loan guy and knew there would be trouble there. I liked his friendship with his coworker, and the support she gave him. I understood his reluctance to share his problems with Sarah, since she was fighting her own battles. I liked his conversation with his father-in-law and the surprising resolution that came from it.

The biggest thing that both Sarah and Abram discovered was that their problems were easier to deal with when they were shared with each other.


Home Sweet Home by Amy Clipston

Chace and Mia are a young couple who have fallen on hard times. When they are evicted from their apartment Chace's Amish boss offers them the small house on his property. Though grateful for the roof over their heads, both are overwhelmed by how different their lives are from what they had planned. Though they came from very different backgrounds, Chace and Mia's love for each other and their baby daughter was strong. I ached for them both as the stress of their situation aggravated their fears of inadequacy. Chace was never accepted by Mia's wealthy and snobby parents, and he feels guilty about not providing for them the way he feels he should. Mia is terrified of being a bad mother, thanks to the cruel things her mother said to her. Though the stress frequently caused them to lash out at each other, they never doubted their love for one another.

I enjoyed seeing how Isaac and his family gave the couple the support they needed. Unfamiliar with Amish ways, Mia was stunned by everything that was offered. I liked seeing the friendship that grew between Mia and Vera, and how that friendship helped Mia gain a little confidence in herself. I hurt for Chace when one thing after another seemed to go wrong, stretching him to the breaking point. I loved how Isaac provided the kind of guidance that Chace had never experienced before.

When baby Kaitlyn got sick, it brought many of their fears bubbling to the surface. Erupting tempers did nothing to calm those fears. I liked seeing both of them finally face those fears, and with a little help find their way back together.


A Flicker of Hope by Ruth Reid

This is a story told in flashbacks, back and forth from the present day to fifteen years earlier. Thomas and Noreen have been married for fifteen years. The book opens in the present as their house burns down and they lose everything. The reader immediately gets the sense that things are not well with their marriage, and the fire adds to the strain that is already there.

In the flashbacks, we see their courtship and early marriage. Thomas irritated me during these parts. He professes his love for Noreen, but it seems like he is more interested in what he wants. Noreen's father is not in favor of their courtship or of Thomas wanting to marry her. Instead of biding by her father's wishes for them to wait, Thomas continues to push. A tragedy ends up forcing her father's consent, but he makes Thomas promise to always put her needs ahead of his own. The early days of their marriage are blissfully happy until a devastating loss drives a wedge between them. For the next fifteen years their relationship slowly disintegrates, leaving both lonely and bitter.

It seems as if the fire may be the final straw that drives them apart. Both Thomas and Noreen blame themselves, and the guilt causes them to withdraw rather than lean on each other for support. I liked the way that their community banded together to help, but even that added a bit of stress to the couple's life, as it became more difficult to hide their problems. As they combed through the rubble of their home, now and then something would remind them of the love they shared at the beginning. Just as things seem to be looking up, another devastating loss adds insult to injury. Fortunately, Thomas also receives a kick in the seat that reminds him of what is most important. I loved the ending with its two surprises for a new beginning.


Building Faith by Kathleen Fuller

Faith misses her grandfather deeply. She feels closest to him when she works with the wood they both loved. Since his passing, Faith spends all of her free time in the shop, shutting out everyone else. When her cousin and best friend, Martha, asks Faith to build the cabinets in her new kitchen she is happy to take on the challenge. That is, until she discovers that she has to share the job with her ex-fiancé, Silas.

Silas works as a carpenter with his father. He hasn't always been the most reliable of workers, but he's had to make the effort lately. His father is busy taking care of Silas's sick mother, leaving Silas to run the business. With mounting bills to pay, Silas can't afford to turn down any work. When his friend, Melvin, hired him to build the cabinets in his new home, Seth felt a great deal of relief. He was determined to do a good job, and was dismayed to find out he would have to work alongside Faith.

This was a good opposites attract story. Faith and Silas courted and became engaged, in spite of their differences. Silas was a bit of a dreamer, with creative ideas but lacking in the ability to follow through. Time meant nothing to him and he was always late. Faith is ultra-organized, preferring to plan and schedule everything to the minute. Silas's attitude frustrated her, but when he didn't show up for her grandfather's funeral, she'd had enough and ended their engagement without explanation. Living in the same district, they can't avoid seeing each other, though they do their best.

Neither was happy to discover that they'd each been hired to build the cabinets, but they tried to put aside their differences for the sake of their friends. There were some intense clashes between Faith and Silas. Faith can't forget the issues that drove them apart, and Silas is frustrated by Faith's controlling ways. A big blowup between them opens Faith's eyes to some uncomfortable truths. I liked the scene the next day as they finally talked to each other instead of their usual sniping. I loved how they worked things out. The conclusion was sweet and satisfying.

[Teresa Kander · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I enjoyed all four of these stories, I would also very much like to see all of them fleshed out and/or continued in future anthologies. I'm a big fan of all these authors, so maybe I just want to read more and more about their characters.

The stories are all wonderfully written, the characters are enjoyable, and the situations are realistic and relatable. If you love Amish fiction, or clean reads, or romance, you'll love these stories!

[Cathy Cermele]

Four wonderful authors and four wonderful novellas is what you get in one wonderful book.

A Cup Half Full by Beth Wiseman:
The first story in the collection is of newlyweds Sara and Abram. They find themselves facing challenges that most married couples aren’t faced with. Beth certainly grabbed and held my attention throughout this novella as this couple goes through many ups and downs.

Home Sweet Home by Amy Clipston:
This one had me in tears. Mia and Chace are such a sweet couple with a young baby. They lacked the necessities that I personally have taken for granted. The Amish family that showed such kindness to them and provided a home for them in a daddihaus is a heartwarming story.

A Flicker of Hope by Ruth Reid:
The story of Thomas and Noreen was very interesting as this couple struggles with their marriage. It made me realize that anyone can have trouble in any relationship no matter who you are and what your beliefs are.

Building Faith by Kathleen Fuller:
Silas and Faith are sweet, funny and stubborn. They find themselves working together when they really had no desire to be in the same room with each other. This story was the perfect ending in this collection.

Overall this is one of the best fast and entertaining books that I’ve read.
I received a complimentary copy of An Amish Home and have given my honest opinion.

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Cup Half Full (Beth Wiseman) - 1 star

I didn’t like this one at all. The couple didn’t seem compatible and weren’t honest with each other. The conflict was fairly major and seemed to be wrapped up way too quickly. Also, the title is somewhat ironic, since I found the two main characters to be extremely pessimistic.

Home Sweet Home (Amy Clipston) - 4 stars

Amy Clipston has done it again. I really felt for this couple and though they had their problems, they seemed compatible overall. I’m hoping the Amish family of this novella will appear in some of the author’s other works, because these characters don’t seem to be connecting to any of her existing series.

A Flicker of Hope (Ruth Reid) - 1 star

VERY depressing. It seemed like one bad thing after another happened to this couple, to the point that it was almost unrealistic. They didn’t seem compatible either, and again, weren’t honest with each other. I think the flashbacks were supposed to show how they were perfect for each other, but if anything they showed the opposite to me. It’s also the longest in the collection and it felt dragged out and somewhat repetitive.

Building Faith (Kathleen Fuller) - 3 stars

This seemed very short and the conflict was resolved very quickly. The issue with Silas’s mother almost seemed like a copout to me. I did like that Silas and Faith actually talked about the issues they had with each other.

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:

A Cup Half Full by Beth Wiseman—Sarah Lantz always dreamed of the perfect home, the perfect husband, the perfect family. When she married Abram, she knew she was on her way to securing her perfect life. All of that changes in one moment when an accident leaves her unable to walk and confined to a wheelchair, dashing all of her dreams. As Abram starts to transform their home, Sarah begins a transformation in her spirit, and she begins, once again, to see her cup as half full.


Home Sweet Home by Amy Clipston—Down on their luck and desperate after they are evicted from their small apartment, Chace and Mia O’Conner reluctantly take Chace’s Amish boss up on his offer to rent them the daadihaus located on his property. They are certain they will never feel at home in the rustic cabin without any modern conveniences, and they start to blame each other for their seemingly hopeless situation. But with the help of their new Amish friends, Chace and Mia begin to enjoy their cozy cabin and realize that home really is where the heart is.


Building Faith by Kathleen Fuller—Faith Miller knows that carpentry is an unlikely hobby for a young Amish woman, but she loves the work and it keeps the memory of her grandfather alive. So when her cousin asks Faith to build the cabinets in her new home, Faith is only too happy to take on the job, even if it is the most ambitious project she has ever taken on. The only catch is that she has to work with her ex-fiance, Silas. As they work to build Martha’s kitchen, can they put the past behind them and start to build faith in one another again?


A Flicker of Hope by Ruth Reid—Fifteen years ago, Thomas and Noreen King were blissful newlyweds. Young, naive, and in love, life was rosy . . . for a while. Then trials and tribulations rocked their foundation, shattering them emotionally, and soon, their marriage was in shards. All hope for restoring their previously unshakable union seems lost. When fire destroys their home, Thomas and Noreen are left to sift through the rubble. As uncovered items from the remains of the house shake loose memories of the past, Thomas and Noreen begin to draw closer and a flicker of hope—and love—is re-ignited.



My Review:

A Cup Half Full

Trying to see the cup half full when you are confined to a wheelchair is very difficult, I am sure. Sarah had an ideal life before the accident and then this so called blessing of an accident changed her life. Abram is doing his best to lift her spirits and he thinks he may know what will do the trick. Poor Sarah soon realizes that she and her family are what makes her life ideal not a set of perfect circumstances.



Home Sweet Home

Chace and Mia feel like this is not what they signed up for. After accepting Chace's boss' offer on new living conditions they seem like they are having more problems now than before. After they start accepting help from their Amish friends their seemingly simple existence turns out to be exactly what they needed all along.


Building Faith

Faith has always enjoyed carpentry. She seems to have a real knack for it. She is even getting offers of some work trickling in and she couldn't be happier. As she sets to work on her recent cabinetry job she finds out that she is set to work with Silas a past love of hers. How will she be able to get past all the history between the two of them and give Martha a finished product that she will be proud of?


A Flicker of Hope

Thomas and Noreen thought they knew all too well what a fractured family looked like especially when accessing their rocky marriage. But soon they were given something even harder to deal with and now they aren't so sure what to make of it. Soon after the fire it seems there is still hope for them, after all.


**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fear is the enemy's way of separating us from God. With the Lord, there is nothing to fear. Each and every moment in our life is defined by God's love.

If you have never tried an Amish read, I would invite you to try these short stories that display the Amish lifestyle but also our own hearts as each of these 4 stories did of what home really means. To me home is being at rest, having a place of refuge and acceptance. Many times, our homes are not like that but with faith and facing our fears, we can make a home a place of love and stability.

The 4 stories of home are as follow:

A Cup Half Full-Sarah and her husband face the fear of an accident that left her in a wheelchair. With mounting bills and Sarah's struggle with what her life now means. The struggle of guilt and significance. I found this story heart-warming as they both come to realize the dark places of the heart is only lighted by the truth of the gospel.

Home Sweet Home - The story of Englishers; Mia and her husband Chase. Having being evicted from their home, an Amish family gives their family an opportunity to get back on their feet again. Mia and Chase are newly married with a young baby and both have come from a broken past. Mia's wealthy parents have disowned Mia when she married Chase and have not seen their granddaughter. Chase coming from the background of foster care fights the battle of not being good enough. Together they weather the storm with the help of their Amish friends and learn to trust and make a home for themselves.


A Flicker of Hope - Noreen and Thomas did not have the blessing of the Noreen's father when they first started dating. But when an accident forced the marriage, the insecurities of their love and home became evident. Most of their marriage they lived in loneliness, not trusting in the other's love. When a terrible accident of a fire destroys their home, will it be the final thing that will destroy their marriage. A story of when tribulation brings us truly home.

Building Faith- This was probably my favorite story - a love story with misunderstanding, tension, and realization of wow I can't live without him/her. Faith and Silias were engaged however; after the death of Faith's grandfather, Faith broke her engagement to Silas without an explanation. Now they are brought back together with a building project. Faith loves to work with wood and follows the footsteps of her beloved grandfather. Silas is a carpenter by trade. When a young couple employees the both of them to work on the cabinets of their new home, they must decide if they can work together in spite of their differences and mistrust. Faith struggles with pride and Silias struggles with faithfulness. Together they learn of their weakness and in their weakness find strength. A life change in Silas changes him that Faith sees herself as she really is and together they build faith in each other.

A Special Thank You Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors in this book have a great story to share that will give you hope and feel love. Each one is beautifully written and the characters are a treasure to read about. I enjoy when authors join together and write a collection because it gives readers a book that delivers powerful stories all in one treasure filled book. Each story flows so easily and remind us of unconditional love, helping each other and forgiveness. Set back and enjoy a trip to Amish country and enjoy the stories that fill you will joy and happiness.

A Cup Half Full by Beth Wiseman

I loved this story because it showed how a young couple struggles after a tragic accident. Sarah has a lot to overcome as she adjust to her new life in a wheelchair. I loved how the author showed how she was trying to come to terms with her situation. There were times when she was angry and other times when she was ready to give up. Would you be angry if you suddenly weren't physically able to do everything you were use to?

Abram is a very hard working man who has done everything he can to make his wife comfortable after she is released from the hospital. I really liked how he sacrificed long hours to be with his wife and tried to keep up with the bills. What happens when Abram finds himself in a financial hardship? Can Sarah get past her injuries and look for a bright future? Will Sarah find her way back to God? I loved the story because the author shows how we can find good in everything. When our anger and bitterness is gone, we are able to be thankful for the things we take for granted. Sometimes we have to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and be happy with the blessings around us.

Home Sweet Home by by Amy Clipston

Oh how I remember when I was first married. We were so broke that we shared a hot dog and a coke at Sonic after saying I do at the Justice of the Peace. As soon as I started reading the story about Mia and Chace I felt like I was transformed back to my early days of married life. Mia is quite surprised to find the cabin they will be living in has no electricity. She is freezing from the icy weather and the baby Kaitlyn, is sobbing as Chace's boss and landlord appears at the home. After losing their apartment it will be a big change for Chace and Mia. I loved how the author described the culture shock . What would you do if you suddenly had to live somewhere where modern conviences were not around? The hospitality that Isaac and his family show Mia and Chace made me cry. Would it be hard to accept help if you had lost everything ?

The author does an amazing job of showing how Mia is dealing with the estrangement from her parents. Mia is heartbroken when they turn their back on her and her emotional pain is overwhelming. What would it be like to have your family suddenly stop talking to you? For Mia and Chace they will have to deal with pride and forgiveness. Will they be able to work together or blame esch other for their situation? The story is filled with such deep emotions and I loved how the author made the couple so relatable. Can they stop blaming each other and work together? Will Mia and her parents reconcile? I loved the part in the story when Mia has to decide between her parents or her husband. The author really captured the turmoil that some of us face when we have been hurt by our parents. The story will grab you from the start as you journey with Mia and Chace to find happiness , forgiveness and a new beginning.

A Flicker of Hope by Ruth Reid

What an action packed beginning this story is. As the fire burned Thomas and Noreen's home I could visualize the flames shooting into the sky. Noreen barely makes it out of the home thanks to her husband. They are devasted by the loss of their home and I could feel the tension growing between them. Thomas is a stubborn man and there is a slight undertone of bitterness rising in him. He is determined to rebuild as his his wife blames herself for the fire. I loved how the author showed how important communication is in a marriage.

As the days go by , their bond is strained but they continue to salvage what they can from the fire. I absolutely loved when the author brought precious memories back to the couple of happy times they shared. There was one memory that was especially emotional and the author does a great job of letting readers sense the pain . I thought it was a very touching memory that brought them back to when they were younger and so in love. Have they let their relationship become stagnant? Can Noreen and Thomas find hope in the midst of what looks hopeless? It is a very good story that examines the turmoil a couple can go through and how they allow God to show them how important their dreams and hope are.

Building Faith by Kathleen Fuller

This story reminds me of the old saying"opposites attract." Faith has always loved being out in the shop building things. Some may think it is not suitable for an Amish woman but that does stop the determined Faith. She feels close to her grandfather when she is out in the shop and her heart aches since he passed. I could feel her pain as she felt she could have done something to save him.

Silas is a very gifted carpenter and has taken on running the business since his father has had other pressing matters to attend to. Silas has been worried about bills and prays that God will provide for him and his parents. I loved how the author showed how devoted Silas is to helping the family out as his mother becomes ill. When a friend asks Silas to build cabinets for his new home he feels like it is an answer to prayer.

Through miscommunication Silas finds Faith at the new home taking measurements . He can't believe what he is seeing. To say that there is tension between the two is an understatement. How do Silas and Faith both get hired to do the same job? Will they be able to work together after their falling out that led them to avoid each other. I loved this story because the author touches on pride and forgiveness. Pride is a hard thing to overcome and the author does a great job of allowing Faith to examine herself and realize she has been wrong about Silas. Even though Silas is doing his best to keep the family business running, will he ever have enough faith in himself as a carpenter? The story is well written and I loved getting to know Faith and Silas. Will they find a way to forgive the past and work together? The story is very compelling and really showed how important faith is.

I received a copy of this book from author Amy Clipston and Beth Wiseman . The review is my own opinion.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Amish Home is a novella collection of four Amish stories by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid, and Kathleen Fuller. I've sat on writing this review for a few days as I'm so conflicted on what I should rate. Overall, I liked the book. I loved the characters. I've been conflicted because frankly, these characters were so diverse and complex that I really wanted more. I needed more. I would happily read a spin-off series for each of these families so that I could properly explore their story arcs in greater depth without feeling as if things were rushed.

What I thought

A Cup Half Full by Beth Wiseman: I appreciated the complexity of this character. I was interested in seeing how Sarah would deal with her disability. How would she cope? Would she resent her life? Her husband? God? Sarah's anger and hurt was a complex issue and while I really loved the writing, I was left wanting more. I felt like the anger she had and the misunderstandings she had with her husband was wrapped up too fast for my satisfaction. That's not to say that I like to see miserable characters. I just felt like this story, this couple, really deserved an entire book to properly work out their problems.

Home Sweet Home by Amy Clipston: Now, this was an interesting take. Unlike most couples included in an Amish novella, Chase and Mia are an English couple who find themselves being helped by an Amish man and his family. Amy did a fantastic job with this novella and I would love to know more about the couple. There is just enough information given here to make me want more. I'm really hoping to see this couple in a future novella, if not their own series.

Building Faith by Kathleen Fuller: The characters in Building Faith were mostly well-developed but I felt like I was missing something. Though not the focus of the story, Silas' mother and her illness slightly baffled me. While ill, she repeatedly called out for a mystery man. This was quickly explained away once she had recovered. I felt like this was an unexplored storyline that pulled my attention away from the main characters for no real reason.

A Flicker of Hope by Ruth Reid: This one was just heartbreaking. Things ended well and I was emotionally involved with this story. I feel like these characters were so well written given that their entire story had to be shoved into a novella. I identified so much with this couple. Life can get rocky for married couples and sometimes it can take hard times to pull you back together.

Overall I give this a solid 3.5 stars and only because of how quickly certain situations resolved. While forgiveness and healing is very possible, it doesn't just happen overnight. I felt some of these issues were simply too complex to be properly explored in a novella.

This review was originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by BookLook Bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.

Merged review:

An Amish Home is a novella collection of four Amish stories by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid, and Kathleen Fuller.  I've sat on writing this review for a few days as I'm so conflicted on what I should rate.  Overall, I liked the book. I loved the characters.  I've been conflicted because frankly, these characters were so diverse and complex that I really wanted more. I needed more.  I would happily read a spin-off series for each of these families so that I could properly explore their story arcs in greater depth without feeling as if things were rushed.
What I thought
A Cup Half Full by Beth Wiseman: I appreciated the complexity of this character. I was interested in seeing how Sarah would deal with her disability. How would she cope? Would she resent her life? Her husband? God?  Sarah's anger and hurt was a complex issue and while I really loved the writing, I was left wanting more. I felt like the anger she had and the misunderstandings she had with her husband was wrapped up too fast for my satisfaction. That's not to say that I like to see miserable characters. I just felt like this story, this couple, really deserved an entire book to properly work out their problems.

Home Sweet Home by Amy Clipston:  Now, this was an interesting take. Unlike most couples included in an Amish novella, Chase and Mia are an English couple who find themselves being helped by an Amish man and his family.  Amy did a fantastic job with this novella and I would love to know more about the couple.  There is just enough information given here to make me want more. I'm really hoping to see this couple in a future novella, if not their own series.

Building Faith by Kathleen Fuller:  The characters in Building Faith were mostly well-developed but I felt like I was missing something.  Though not the focus of the story, Silas' mother and her illness slightly baffled me.  While ill, she repeatedly called out for a mystery man. This was quickly explained away once she had recovered.   I felt like this was an unexplored storyline that pulled my attention away from the main characters for no real reason.

A Flicker of Hope by Ruth Reid:  This one was just heartbreaking. Things ended well and I was emotionally involved with this story.  I feel like these characters were so well written given that their entire story had to be shoved into a novella.  I identified so much with this couple. Life can get rocky for married couples and sometimes it can take hard times to pull you back together.

Overall I give this a solid 3.5 stars and only because of how quickly certain situations resolved.  While forgiveness and healing is very possible, it doesn't just happen overnight. I felt some of these issues were simply too complex to be properly explored in a novella.This review was originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home is the common thread that ties these four novellas together. There is some problem that threatens their happiness that each couple must overcome. The writing by all the authors is equally excellent, and the characters are also well written. The plots vary, of course, but in each, there is an epiphany moment as the characters finally see what the problem really is, and what needs to be done to reconcile it. This collection is a fine representation of what Amish fiction should be.

[Maridele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wouldn’t say this was a favorite amongst all the Amish books I’ve already read. I think a more appropriate title would have been Amish Couples Fighting.

[Gaylina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good books. I’m getting to like these authors more and more. I quickly pick up anything written by them, especially these short stories.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amish Home contains four novellas written by Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Ruth Reid, and Kathleen Fuller. The first book is A Cup Half Full is by Beth Wiseman. Sarah and Abram Lantz had only been married one week when they are in an accident. Their buggy is hit by a car. Abram only suffered minor injuries, but Sarah came away with severe damage to her leg muscles. Sarah will be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Sarah is angry and resentful (the full gamut of emotions). All of Sarah’s dreams have been dashed. Abram has spent the time since the accident retrofitting their home for Sarah which was a costly endeavor (he went into debt). Abram still dreams of a house full of children, but Sarah feels that this dream died with the accident. What does the future hold for Sarah and Abram?

Home Sweet Home by Amy Clipston is the story of Mia and Chace O’Conner. They have had a difficult time since the birth of their daughter, Kaitlyn. The medical bills were overwhelming, and they got behind on their bills including their rent. When they are evicted from their apartment, Chace’s boss, Isaac Allgyer, offers them the cabin (daadihaus) on their property. The Allgyer family is Amish. Mia is not prepared to live with no electricity or modern conveniences (Chace failed to mention this beforehand to Mia). Isaac and his wife, Vera along with their children go out of their way to welcome the O’Conner family and make them feel at home. The relationship between Mia and Chase is strained. When their five-month-old daughter, Kaitlyn becomes ill, the situation quickly deteriorates. Is there hope for Mia and Chace?

The third story is written by Kathleen Fuller and it is titled Building Faith. Faith Miller loves woodworking. Her grandfather taught her while he was still alive and now Faith finds sanctuary in his (now her) workshop. Faith would like people to take her woodworking seriously. She feels that her final products would fetch a good price if her father would allow her to sell them. Then Faith is asked to build the kitchen cabinets in her cousin, Martha’s new home. This will be a chance to prove to everyone that she is capable and qualified. Unfortunately, Marvin, Martha’s fiancé, has asked Silas Graber to build the cabinets for their new home. Silas needs the money from this job to help his family’s carpentry business. Silas has been running the business for his father since his mother took ill (which he is keeping quiet). Marvin and Martha decide that Silas and Faith need to work on the project together (or they will give hire a different carpenter). It will be a difficult task since Silas and Faith used to court. Faith broke up with Silas just after her grandfather passed away. Will they be able to build and install the cabinets for Marvin and Martha before their wedding? Can these two find a way to work together?

The final story is A Flicker of Hope by Ruth Reid. Thomas and Noreen King have been married for fifteen years. The relationship between the two has been off-balance for many years. One afternoon Noreen comes up from the cellar to find a fire in her kitchen. She tries to put it out and ends up making matters worse (Noreen is clumsy). Noreen collapses before she can exit the house. She is rescued by Thomas. After depositing Noreen outside, Thomas goes back into the house (much to Noreen’s dismay). He exits with an old tin that contains letters from Noreen (you know there must be more to it). Before the fire department can arrive, their home is completing engulfed in flames. Over the next few days as Thomas clears away the rubble, we find out what caused the rift between Noreen and Thomas. Is it possible for them to rebuild their relationship?

I enjoyed reading the four stories in An Amish Home. The stories are all well-written, have lovely characters, and are easy to read. All four stories have good life lessons contained within them (the importance of faith and prayer). Home Sweet Home will help restore your faith in love, God and mankind. I give An Amish Home 5 out of 5 stars. They are uplifting and heartwarming stories. These books will make you laugh, cry, smile and sigh. I believe reading An Amish Home is a great way to spend an afternoon (especially if it is raining or snowing). I know I will never be disappointed when I pick up a book that is written by Amy Clipston (or Beth Wiseman, Ruth Reid, or Kathleen Fuller). These four authors crafted beautiful stories that tie together into one satisfying book. Each story is unique and reflects the authors writing style (voice). I look forward to reading An Amish Summer when it comes out in June.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Cup Half Full by Beth Wiseman—Sarah Lantz always dreamed of the perfect home, the perfect husband, the perfect family. When she married Abram, she knew she was on her way to securing her perfect life. All of that changes in one moment when an accident leaves her unable to walk and confined to a wheelchair, dashing all of her dreams. As Abram starts to transform their home, Sarah begins a transformation in her spirit, and she begins, once again, to see her cup as half full.
My thoughts: Sarah was depressed for much of this book -- understandably, since she had everything taken away from her. I loved the way the author used a handicapped duck to teach her that she can survive if she tries and keeps trying. I know this is fiction, but I was bothered by the fact that the husband and dad went to a bar, drank a couple beers, and wow, all of Abram's problems were solved because Dad bailed him out. The faith message is being angry with God, but it is never resolved and very weak. More of a women's fiction than romance.
Home Sweet Home by Amy Clipston—Down on their luck and desperate after they are evicted from their small apartment, Chace and Mia O’Conner reluctantly take Chace’s Amish boss up on his offer to rent them the daadihaus located on his property. They are certain they will never feel at home in the rustic cabin without any modern conveniences, and they start to blame each other for their seemingly hopeless situation. But with the help of their new Amish friends, Chace and Mia begin to enjoy their cozy cabin and realize that home really is where the heart is.

My thoughts: Mia and Chance have a lot of difficulties as a married couple who got married because they had to. They thought they were in love, but didn't know what love was. They had no idea what marired life could be like, especially as life kept kicking them when they were down. Fired, homeless and abandoned by those who were supposed to love them, they found a home in Amish country. But things were still not peaches and cream. Realistic. A weak faith message (but more than the first book in the collection) and kind of sad. More of a women's fiction than romance.
Building Faith by Kathleen Fuller—Faith Miller knows that carpentry is an unlikely hobby for a young Amish woman, but she loves the work and it keeps the memory of her grandfather alive. So when her cousin asks Faith to build the cabinets in her new home, Faith is only too happy to take on the job, even if it is the most ambitious project she has ever taken on. The only catch is that she has to work with her ex-fiance, Silas. As they work to build Martha’s kitchen, can they put the past behind them and start to build faith in one another again?

My thoughts: This one is all romance. :) I enjoyed getting to know strong-willed Faith and equally strong-willed Silas, and seeing how they are coerced into working together to build cabinets for their friends' house. I loved how each one brought different gifts into the process. I also loved how caring Silas is to his mom. Truly a gift with a son so devoted to her.
A Flicker of Hope by Ruth Reid—Fifteen years ago, Thomas and Noreen King were blissful newlyweds. Young, naive, and in love, life was rosy . . . for a while. Then trials and tribulations rocked their foundation, shattering them emotionally, and soon, their marriage was in shards. All hope for restoring their previously unshakable union seems lost. When a fire destroys their home, Thomas and Noreen are left to sift through the rubble. As uncovered items from the remains of the house shake loose memories of the past, Thomas and Noreen begin to draw closer and a flicker of hope—and love—is re-ignited.

My thoughts: Another women's fiction, but this one heavier on the romance between a husband and wife. This story isn't as sad (to me) as the first two in the story. I love Ruth Reid's stories, as a rule and enjoyed getting to know Noreen. Thomas was quite a bit of a puzzle at first because he was so distant. I wanted to know what the tragedy was that pulled these two apart since Thomas promised to love and cherish his wife and his actions were anything but. The story changes from 15 years prior to present day, but it is smoothly done.


My overall thoughts: First, the disclaimer. "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, AN AMISH HOME is a collection of stories about four couples (married or otherwise) in Amish country. Not all of the couples are Amish. Not all the stories are romance. But they are all about some aspects of making a home despite difficulties, physically, mentally, or financially.

Recipes are included at the end of the book - one or two from each author.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amish Home contains four novellas about the hardships that couples face and the love and healing that comes from leaning on God and working through those hardships. Each novella was well written in the author’s own style, capturing well-researched information about the Amish. As I read the book, my heart broke with the characters, I laughed, I cried, and most of all longed to know how their stories progressed. These are all characteristics, in my opinion, that make a great story!

A CUP HALF FULL by BETH WISEMAN

Just a week after Abram and Sarah were married and planning a future together, tragedy strikes. A car hits their buggy and leaves Sarah unable to walk. In her mind, she is now an unfit wife and can in no way be a mother.
While Sarah is recovering in the hospital, Abram and Sarah’s younger brother, Johnny remodel their home, making it as accessible as possible for Sarah’s new life confined to a wheelchair. In order to make the home repairs, Abram, plunges them into debt.
It was very easy to fall in love with these characters. Beth writes her characters to life in such as way that I can see them acting out the story in front of me. I would most definitely love to see where their life goes from here.

HOME SWEET HOME by AMY CLIPSTON

We are immediately thrown into the lives of Mia and Chace, a young couple with a 5 month old baby girl. They find themselves homeless, penniless, and having to rely on Chace’s new Amish boss and his family.
Will Mia, a girl who grew up not wanting for anything other than supportive parents, be able to live in the drafty old daadihaus or will she call her parents and take Kaitlyn and return home to them? Will Mia’s new Amish neighbors show her what family really means and that it doesn’t take a great big house to make a home?
Amy quickly captured my attention with bringing in an English family to live in an Amish home. As always, Amy doesn’t disappoint and she brings the story to life with great detail. I would love to see these characters appear again in another novel.


BUILDING FAITH by KATHLEEN FULLER

Faith Miller has always loved working with wood since her grandfather started her out assisting him in his shop. Unfortunately for Faith, carpentry is not an acceptable profession for Amish women.
Silas Graber, however, is a carpenter and Faith’s ex fiancée. Faith does her best to keep their distance, until Faith’s cousin, Martha, and Silas’ best friend, Melvin, accidentally hire them both to make kitchen cabinets. What will Faith do now as she wishes this to be a wedding present with their grandfather’s wood and Silas needs the money to help his parents?
I love how Kathleen developed a deeper character base and brought in Silas’ parents and the illness his mother was facing. I also love how she touched on the misdiagnosis of this disease, as it often is, and the “cover up” to keep her illness a secret in the community. I ended this story, longing to pick up the next chapter in Faith and Silas’ life.


A FLICKER OF HOPE by RUTH REID

How did the house catch on fire so quickly, when Noreen had only run down to the cellar to grab a jar of peach preserves? Trying to put it out, she only enrages the fire and the kitchen explodes in flames. Thankfully, Thomas, her husband, thinks fast and gets Noreen to safety. With the help of his brother and the community, the fire is squelched, but what will Thomas and Noreen do now?

The community comes together to assist them by providing food, clothing, tools, and other needed items. The bishop even offers his daadihaus for them to stay in until they can rebuild. Despite all the help they receive, there is a boulder between them and they both blame themselves.
Can they overcome the quilt about the fire, their relationship, and the other barriers that are in the way?

Ruth opened this novella of with an adrenaline rush as Thomas saved Noreen from a burning home and it didn’t end until the very end. I feel in love with this couple and longed for them to work everything out and rely on God and each other to get them through.

An Amish Home was provided to me by the author and Netgalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Dawn Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Early last month, when Amy Clipston surprised those of us in her Bakery Bunch with a beautiful purple welcome package, it was Christmas all over again! She had put together the contents with so much love that it was like receiving a care package from your mom, and amid all the lovely surprises inside was An Amish Home.

I couldn’t have been more excited or felt more welcomed — more at home! I have grown to love these seasonal Amish Novella releases by Thomas Nelson. Typically, I buy each new offering as soon as it hits the bookstore shelves, so to have one early and gifted to me by one of the authors — well, that’s a rare and happy treat!

Why do I like them so much? These little beauties are the perfect introduction to Amish Fiction, or for those like me who may have started with Beverly Lewis, they are a great way to sample the work of other authors in the stable, so to speak. The novella format is also the perfect length to read in one sitting, and there’s always something satisfying about starting on page one and reading a story to its conclusion.

As the title makes plain, the four novellas share the common theme of home and hearth. Wiseman and Clipston each look at home through the eyes of young newlyweds. Wiseman’s Sarah returns from the hospital following a serious accident to find her house remodeled and her imagined future altered. While Clipston also shows us a young married couple, Chace and Mia are Englishers whose circumstances bring them and their young child to Bird-in-Hand to live in the daadihaus of Chace’s boss. Each couple struggles against circumstances to create the home and family life they desire. Meanwhile, Reid’s novella, the book’s longest, stands alone in its portrayal of an older couple. Rather than just having established their home and marriage, Thomas and Noreen lose their house to a fire and appear on the brink of losing their marriage. Finally, Kathleen Fuller brings us a young woman named Faith who has an unusual hobby for an Amish female: carpentry. When she’s asked to make cabinets for her cousin’s new house, she finds herself having to work through some painful memories from her past.

Did An Amish Home live up to my expectations? You better believe it! I like how each author gives us a different look at home. In A Cup Half Full, the characters demonstrate a lot of bravery and love, and Beth Wiseman shows us that physical challenges leave no community untouched — even the Amish have members living productive lives despite adversity. Though neither of Amy Clipston’s characters come from an ideal home situation, they find that with God’s help they can create their own home life in each other. I especially enjoyed how Ruth Reid developed Thomas and Noreen’s story through alternating looks at their present and past. And lastly, Kathleen Fuller illustrates how a home and marriage must be built on trust.

An Amish Home reminds us that there is no perfect or ideal home — each has a unique set of circumstances to celebrate or even to endure. But take heart: Home is not the sum of our accumulated things or the safety of the walls that surround us. These can be swept away in a heartbeat. That’s why the true measure of a home is not found in its size or its material contents, but in the strength and depth of the love found in the conjoined hearts residing within.

Verdict:5 of 5 Hearts. An Outstanding and Uplifting Collection of Amish Novellas!

Once again, Thomas Nelson has published a quartet of novellas around a common theme, this time An Amish Home. In these four stories by top Amish Fiction writers, you’ll find many of the same things you have at home — good things like comfort, love, and faith, and difficult things like hardship, pain, and loss. Most importantly, though, you’ll finish your reading with a greater appreciation for what makes a house a home.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I would like to thank Amy Clipston and Thomas Nelson for providing me access to this title. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Tiffany Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home Is Where the Heart Is

An Amish Home is a book of novellas by four of your favorite Amish writers that will warm your heart and pull you into the plain world of the Amish, as each character deals with the struggles of real life and finding their place in their new found circumstance. These stories will pull at your heart strings as these characters and families grieve over their losses and figure out how to get past hurts to once again find love and happiness. Through it all, they each find that God's ways are not our ways, and that his grace is sufficient to carry to them through even the toughest times.
This is a book you won't want to put down with characters that draw you into their stories and real life circumstances!

A Cup Half Full by Beth Wiseman, is a story of Sarah, who has just married Abram. She has all kinds of hopes and dreams for their future that is just now beginning, but then an accident occurs and she finds herself confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Lost in grief over her new life, she can't see the burdens her husband is also carrying. Then one day she begins to see that God doesn't make mistakes and while she may not understand it all, her dreams for herself and her family can still come true.

Home Sweet Home by Amy Clipston, is a story of an English couple, Chase and Mia O'Conner and their baby that are just purely down on their luck. They find themselves homeless and their boss, an Amish man gives them a place to call home for the time being. As they try to work through having no money, bills, living in an Amish home with no electricity, and a sick baby, they find themselves struggling to keep their marriage afloat. With the help of their Amish boss and his family, they come to realize that things really are just things, and that a home is more than just a roof over your head and possessions, it is truly about the ones you share it with and the love you find there.

A Flicker of Hope by Ruth Reid, is a story of hope when all is seems lost. For Thomas and Noreen, their marriage has been lost for years, but now that their house is burned to the ground and all their possessions are gone. They are faced with no place to call home and guilt and hurt from past years. As they are forced to face past hurts and memories, they find forgiveness, hope and love, and even a miracle in the midst of their problems.

Building Faith by Kathleen Fuller, is a story of Faith Miller, a young Amish woman that has a true love for carpentry. This love for carpentry came from her grandfather who had not long ago passed away. While it is not common for a young woman to do such things, she loves it. Her cousin who is soon to be married asks her to build some cabinets for their new home. Little does she know she is going to end up paired up with Silas, her ex-fiancé, on this building project. With past hurts and bad feelings built up from both Faith and Silas, they struggle to put the past behind them long enough to get this project done. Can they find a way to get past these hurts and put these feelings aside to get this project done in time for their friends wedding? Can they find a way to forgive each other and see what God has planned for their lives.

I received this book from the author, but was not required to leave a review. This is my honest opinion of this book.

[Just Commonly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Amish Home brings us stories by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller and Ruth Reid that focused on the themes of home, as the title suggests.

In A Cup Half Full, author Beth Wiseman tackled the struggle of self doubt due to physical limitations, and the financial burden that a family can incur due to various unexpected circumstances. Anyone who have fallen ill or feel like a burden to their love ones, will be able to relate to Sarah's emotional struggles, and as life throws hurdles your way, how do you resolve it? How can you work together as a couple to make it all work?

In Home Sweet Home, I was surprised that our main couple was Englisch, instead of Amish. Author Amy Clipston gave us an unlikely couple with different social backgrounds, yet how love brought them together. Being newlyweds and new parents, the change, the hardship and and lack of support from family felt so real. As they try to build a true home, for themselves and their newborn daughter, the simplicity of an Amish home may just be what they need. Maybe, just maybe home is not a physical place, but what's in the heart.

Ruth Reid's A Flicker of Hope is about a couple that's been married a few years with trials that pulled them apart slowly through the years. As this story opens to a fire that destroyed their home, we see how it may just be the spark that ignite their love once again. This was a sad story, but I love that it doesn't gloss over what marriage can be, and sometimes perseverance may just remind us what love is.

In the final story of An Amish Home, Building Faith by Kathleen Fuller, faith is key. Our main character's name is Faith, but it's the lack of faith that gave this story strength. It's about building that faith, in others, in yourself and in God. I also thought the dementia angle was very well placed, not sugar-coating and giving readers reality that happens.

I am so moved by each of these stories. Building a home isn't simple, and I loved that readers are presented with the struggles Amish or Amish communities come across in An Amish Home. It makes for authenticity that relates to all, be it Amish or Englisch. Faith and love - that's the key to a home sweet home, not what can be measured or be shown in the confines of a physical structure.


This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've heard of the quote “A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams". I think that describes what is going on in this set of four short stories. The characters are at different stages of having a house but hoping to live together in a home. All four novellas in An Amish Home deal with couples who haven't made a house into their home yet because of issues in their relationships. Lack of proper communication and guilt is causing strife and struggles. Three of the couples in the stories are married while one couple is not.

The authors write their characters in a way that is realistic. Each story is different and as good as the others. I appreciate the authors showing that the Amish experience hard times as it seems many think they live easy, uncomplicated lives. I also like seeing the characters turning their lives and problems over to God to help them because it isn't working when they are doing it on their own. Descriptions of marital intimacy are written into some of the stories with married couples. While done in a clean way, I feel these parts are only appropriate for an adult. I think An Amish Home would be just as good if every novella in it was written on a level for all ages of readers. Apart from my thoughts on that, I give this novella collection a 5 because each well-written story; kept my attention, I wanted the best for each couple, and I didn't want to say goodbye to the characters. l was provided a complimentary review copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amish Home
Ruth Reid, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Beth Wiseman

I have been a fan of Amish fiction for many years, and this collection of short stories does not disappoint. Each has a heart-warming story line with characters that are believable and likable.
In “A Cup Half Full”, Sarah and Aaron are only married for a week when disaster strikes and Sarah is left without the use of her legs. As they struggle to overcome the challenges that result, they must learn to trust each other, to trust their family, and to trust God. I can’t imagine how poor Sarah must feel when she learns she will never walk again. Aaron mistakenly blames himself for the accident. They must work learn to rely on each other, without placing blame, in order to have the life they always dreamed of.
In “Home Sweet Home”, Mia and Chase are evicted from their home and must live on the property of Chase’s boss, and Amish man, and his family. Here, they must work together to learn to live without electricity, with money struggles, and some deep seated family issues on both sides. In the process, they gain some wonderful new friends in the Amish family whose home they are living in. They both learn that friendship and love can carry them through the hardest of times.
“Building Faith” features Faith and Silas, a former couple who have been called on to work together to build custom kitchen cabinets for mutual friends. Silas has problems at home with his mother’s health while Faith is still struggling with the loss of her grandfather, who she recently lost to an aneurysm. As they learn to work together, they also realize that the spark they once shared has not dimmed. Will they be able to rebuild what they once had?
In “A Flicker of Hope” a fire takes everything Thomas and Noreen had spent their life building. As they shift through the ashes of their past, they discover memories of what made their love. Even though they have struggled, they have a solid foundation on which to build, both physically and emotionally. With the help of their good bishop and some friends, they are able to find the hope they once had.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys heartwarming Amish fiction with a happy ending. I received a free copy of this book from Net-galley for my honest review.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cup Half Full By Beth Wiseman
Newlyweds Abram and Sarah face the realities that life sometimes holds when their new marriage is disrupted by a tragic buggy accident. Will their dreams ever be fulfilled? Will Sarah be able to move pass her disability, and realize that Abram loves her, and wants a life with her?
Author Beth Wiseman tackles the subject of sudden disability due to an accident, along with all the feelings that ensue. In true style, she doesn’t back away from the honest, raw emotions that come with such a situation.

Home Sweet Home By Amy Clipston
Chace and Mia are an English couple who, along with their infant daughter, find themselves homeless and in need of help. With no family to lean on, they are given a place to live by Chace’s Amish boss. Living “close neighbors” to an Amish family, they learn about the simple life and what’s really important.
As always, Amy Clipston is able to meld two cultures with warmth and love. Showing that we need each other, Clipston causes you to think about whom you could reach out to and help, regardless of differing beliefs.

A Flicker of Hope By Ruth Reid
Trials have caused Thomas and Noreen to drift apart, seemingly fated to live their life together but separate. When their home is destroyed by fire, they are forced to face their memories as they clean up the rubble. Is there still a flicker of hope?
We all face trials and Ruth Reid skillfully shares how those trials are often what we need to put the pieces back together and get on the right path.

Building Faith By Kathleen Fuller
Not all young women enjoying cooking and housekeeping, but when a young Amish woman, Faith, falls in love with carpentry because of her relationship with her grandfather, it causes some challenges. Asked to build cabinets for her cousin’s new kitchen, she accepts before realizing her ex-fiancé will also be working on the house. Can they learn to work together? Can they put the past behind them and begin again?
Author Kathleen Fuller’s story looks at how people often react to grief when losing a loved one; the changes it can bring in a person. She shows that can bring maturity, if we face life and allow people in.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely wonderful collection of Amish novellas. I have really enjoyed these collections in the past, and An Amish Home is one of the best of these groupings that I have read. Three out of the four stories began with such dire situations that it made me wonder how the author would pull off an uplifting story, but they did it remarkably well.

In A Cup Half Full, my heart really felt sad for these two newlyweds. Abram and Sarah suddenly faced challenges that neither one anticipated. Sarah was so very badly injured and it caused a devasting emotional toll. Meanwhile, Abram struggled with wanting Sarah to know how much he loved her, while also dealing with outside stresses. This was a very emotional novella. I loved it!

In Home Sweet Home, Chace and Mia were trying their hardest to help their young marraige to thrive. However, from the very beginning, things didn’t go as planned and they end up at the very bottom of hope. I loved the way the Amish family stepped in to help them. I loved Mia and Chace in this story. They sometimes did or said things in the heat of the moment, yet the reader could tell that they truly loved each other. And without fail, they would apologize and try to work things out. They both had such sweet hearts toward the other.

In A Flicker of Hope, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to like the character of Thomas. Yet, as I read the flashbacks, I began to really like him and see where things had gone wrong for him and Noreen. I ended up being very invested in these two characters and loved the direction this story moved in.

In Building Faith, there was so much tension between the two main characters! Their past relationship and break up was painful. This novella didn’t pull me in quite as much as the others, but it was still very good. I was especially touched when reading about Silas’ home situation and how all of that played into the story.

I know that this is a book I will want to re-read in the future! I definitely recommend it to Amish fiction fans.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...