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Women of Lancaster County #2
Her Amish Christmas Sweetheart
A Holiday Courtship
Years ago, Peter Zook would have been thrilled to spend the Christmas season planning a surprise party with Meg Stoltzfus. But that was back when he still hoped to win her heart. Instead, he waited too long to speak up, and now she’s being courted by another man. Though Meg once harbored secret feelings for Peter, it seemed he would never notice her. So she’s finally moving on. Yet even as they butt heads over the party details, Meg and Peter’s bond deepens beyond camaraderie and friendship. Will they continue to deny their true feelings, or will Peter and Meg give each other the ultimate gift this Christmas—their hearts?
Years ago, Peter Zook would have been thrilled to spend the Christmas season planning a surprise party with Meg Stoltzfus. But that was back when he still hoped to win her heart. Instead, he waited too long to speak up, and now she’s being courted by another man. Though Meg once harbored secret feelings for Peter, it seemed he would never notice her. So she’s finally moving on. Yet even as they butt heads over the party details, Meg and Peter’s bond deepens beyond camaraderie and friendship. Will they continue to deny their true feelings, or will Peter and Meg give each other the ultimate gift this Christmas—their hearts?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published November 21, 2017
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134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 23, 2018
Peter had understood what she needed and taken care of it for her. She felt something soften inside her. 87
OK. I have a few major issues with this book. We need to discuss it.
First, a basic brief plot summary:
Peter and Meg had a minor thing. This is Amish Christian romance, so we are just talking about like-liking each other. They didn't even buggy-ride together or whatever the fuck the Amish do instead of dating. But that all ended when Meg heard Peter say a particularly damning thing about her being spoiled and in need of discipline.
Now Peter is half-heartedly courting Agnes, and Meg is half-heartedly allowing Reuben to court her. But both of them really want each other.
ANALYSIS
PROBLEM ONE: MISUNDERSTANDINGS.
It is not a good sign when a romance book has to rely heavily on misunderstandings that could easily be cleared up. Unfortunately, this is relatively common.
Here, you spend the whole book thinking about what an unimaginable dick Peter must be to talk about a woman being spoiled and in need of discipline. His every interaction with Meg is colored by this. You're thinking, "Surely she can find a man better than THIS." *Carmen bashes her head against the table* Listen, this is lazy, sloppy writing. Don't do this shit. It's very aggravating. Are you telling me they have been pining for each other for four years, and she's been nursing an emotional wound, and he's been woundedly confused FOR ALL THIS TIME?!?!!? JFC. And don't you think, given the intensity and persistence of their feelings for each other, that one or the other would have approached the other and questioned this?!?!?!?
Really bad and stupid thing to put in a book, especially if you are using it as a main pillar of these two's relationship.
The misunderstanding hijinks don't stop there. Later in the book, Meg sees Peter talking to a young woman at a party. She gets intensely bent out of shape, since she thinks it is a young woman he promised her he wouldn't invite. Meg runs off to cry in the barn.
She's always doing stuff like this. She never talks about anything, just reacts, often overreacts, and often for no reason or the wrong reason.
Peter suffers from the same complaint. For example, not simply Again, it's a simple and easy thing to solve this 'problem,' but instead, Peter runs the other way and does absolutely nothing constructive to deal with the situation. Which brings me to point number two.
PROBLEM TWO: BOTH CHARACTERS ARE MILD ASSHOLES.
In case you think only Meg is a mild asshole in this, not so. Peter is no prize, either. Both are stubborn, uncommunicative, judgmental, quick to draw conclusions. When Peter or Meg think they've been slighted, they run away and vow never to see the other again.
It's ridiculous.
And both of them are courting people they are not interested in. Which is another form of assholery.
Peter is courting Agnes, a 'perfectly nice girl' whom he uses kind of as an anti-depressant. Whenever Meg makes him angry or sad he runs over to Agnes's place because she's like a 'piece of sunshine' and brightens up his day. She is friendly, kind, talkative, open. He uses her as a salve.
Meg is allowing Reuben to court her, even though she is practically shuddering at his touch. He's a kind man, but she has no romantic or sexual interest in him. He annoys her.
I can sympathize with her about Reuben. What woman hasn't felt awkward about being the target of a kind man's attentions? Reuben is kind and thoughtful. But she doesn't want him. And he's besotted with her. It's hard, because she knows she 'should' like him. (And she isn't allowed to remain single in the Amish community. She's expected to marry, and soon.) But she doesn't want him touching her and his affection makes her squeamish.
I relate to this and have sympathy for her, but the normal and healthy thing is to tell him you're not interested in him. But she puts this off and puts this off. And goes out with him and goes out with him. And the situation gets worse and worse. It's the opposite of mercy, it's a form of cruelty - to both Reuben and herself.
Peter has the same problem. He's courting Agnes, but his heart isn't in it. Poor Agnes. I felt bad that this schlub was wasting her time. She wants to get married and have children and she deserves suitors that are more than lukewarmly interested in her. She's a kind, energetic woman and she's sadly being monopolized by a man who doesn't even really have an interest in her.
So.
PLUSES
Good things about the book.
- Kertz is a competent writer. I'm angry that she chose to rely on tired tropes, but as far as the actual writing goes (word after word) she isn't bad or boring.
- Having Meg, the heroine, be a prickly, stubborn, and quick-tempered. This was (although annoying at times) refreshing. Usually heroines are kind paragons of virtue (especially in Christian romance) and it was interesting having one that was generally deemed by the people around her to be 'difficult and touchy.'
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
No sex. I don't think these two even kiss. They sit next to each other at one point. Kertz acts like them sitting next to each other is like... some huge sexual deal. I guess you really have to reach when you are trying to write Christian romance. They SAT next to each other. She could FEEL his BODY HEAT! I'm like o.O but that's the way it is in these things.
On page 212 he kisses her on the forehead. Ick.
On page 215 he kisses her on the mouth, but of course it is the last page in the book and So. Big disappointment on the sexual front.
MENTIONS OF GOD: 23. Extremely light. And I am thankful to Kertz for it. Thank you, Kertz!
TL;DR Should these two end up in a relationship together?! I was really having serious doubts. To me, a match of two stubborn, uncommunicative, drama king/queens is a very, very bad idea. Marriage from hell. Who is going to be the patient one? The communicative one? The thoughtful, contemplative one? No one. I just see endless fights and misunderstandings and vows to never talk to each other again. Jeez.
As far as the book went, I would have liked it a whole lot more if Kertz had resisted the urge to rely on tired, far-fetched, lazy writing such as romance tropes of The Big Misunderstanding. And it happens more than once. Very frustrating.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Contemporary Romance
Holiday/Christmas Romance
Inspirational Romance
Second-Chance Romance - Kind of? They were crushing on each other before and it probably would have led to 'courting' if they didn't have their big fight. I'm going to say 'yes,' second-chance romance fits.
Virgin Hero Romance
Cheating - OK. I have to include this as a cheating book. Both are 'involved' with other people (I want to stress these are not physical relationships) but seeing each other on the sly and being in love with each other on the down-low. I count that as cheating, even though absolutely nothing physical goes on while they are 'with' other people. Of course, nothing physical goes on even when they AREN'T with other people... LOL
Amish Romance
He's a Farmer/Something With Horses; She's Not Allowed to Work for Pay
NAMES IN THIS BOOK:
OK. I have a few major issues with this book. We need to discuss it.
First, a basic brief plot summary:
Peter and Meg had a minor thing. This is Amish Christian romance, so we are just talking about like-liking each other. They didn't even buggy-ride together or whatever the fuck the Amish do instead of dating. But that all ended when Meg heard Peter say a particularly damning thing about her being spoiled and in need of discipline.
Now Peter is half-heartedly courting Agnes, and Meg is half-heartedly allowing Reuben to court her. But both of them really want each other.
ANALYSIS
PROBLEM ONE: MISUNDERSTANDINGS.
It is not a good sign when a romance book has to rely heavily on misunderstandings that could easily be cleared up. Unfortunately, this is relatively common.
Here, you spend the whole book thinking about what an unimaginable dick Peter must be to talk about a woman being spoiled and in need of discipline. His every interaction with Meg is colored by this. You're thinking, "Surely she can find a man better than THIS." *Carmen bashes her head against the table* Listen, this is lazy, sloppy writing. Don't do this shit. It's very aggravating. Are you telling me they have been pining for each other for four years, and she's been nursing an emotional wound, and he's been woundedly confused FOR ALL THIS TIME?!?!!? JFC. And don't you think, given the intensity and persistence of their feelings for each other, that one or the other would have approached the other and questioned this?!?!?!?
Really bad and stupid thing to put in a book, especially if you are using it as a main pillar of these two's relationship.
The misunderstanding hijinks don't stop there. Later in the book, Meg sees Peter talking to a young woman at a party. She gets intensely bent out of shape, since she thinks it is a young woman he promised her he wouldn't invite. Meg runs off to cry in the barn.
She's always doing stuff like this. She never talks about anything, just reacts, often overreacts, and often for no reason or the wrong reason.
Peter suffers from the same complaint. For example, not simply Again, it's a simple and easy thing to solve this 'problem,' but instead, Peter runs the other way and does absolutely nothing constructive to deal with the situation. Which brings me to point number two.
PROBLEM TWO: BOTH CHARACTERS ARE MILD ASSHOLES.
In case you think only Meg is a mild asshole in this, not so. Peter is no prize, either. Both are stubborn, uncommunicative, judgmental, quick to draw conclusions. When Peter or Meg think they've been slighted, they run away and vow never to see the other again.
It's ridiculous.
And both of them are courting people they are not interested in. Which is another form of assholery.
Peter is courting Agnes, a 'perfectly nice girl' whom he uses kind of as an anti-depressant. Whenever Meg makes him angry or sad he runs over to Agnes's place because she's like a 'piece of sunshine' and brightens up his day. She is friendly, kind, talkative, open. He uses her as a salve.
Meg is allowing Reuben to court her, even though she is practically shuddering at his touch. He's a kind man, but she has no romantic or sexual interest in him. He annoys her.
I can sympathize with her about Reuben. What woman hasn't felt awkward about being the target of a kind man's attentions? Reuben is kind and thoughtful. But she doesn't want him. And he's besotted with her. It's hard, because she knows she 'should' like him. (And she isn't allowed to remain single in the Amish community. She's expected to marry, and soon.) But she doesn't want him touching her and his affection makes her squeamish.
I relate to this and have sympathy for her, but the normal and healthy thing is to tell him you're not interested in him. But she puts this off and puts this off. And goes out with him and goes out with him. And the situation gets worse and worse. It's the opposite of mercy, it's a form of cruelty - to both Reuben and herself.
Peter has the same problem. He's courting Agnes, but his heart isn't in it. Poor Agnes. I felt bad that this schlub was wasting her time. She wants to get married and have children and she deserves suitors that are more than lukewarmly interested in her. She's a kind, energetic woman and she's sadly being monopolized by a man who doesn't even really have an interest in her.
So.
PLUSES
Good things about the book.
- Kertz is a competent writer. I'm angry that she chose to rely on tired tropes, but as far as the actual writing goes (word after word) she isn't bad or boring.
- Having Meg, the heroine, be a prickly, stubborn, and quick-tempered. This was (although annoying at times) refreshing. Usually heroines are kind paragons of virtue (especially in Christian romance) and it was interesting having one that was generally deemed by the people around her to be 'difficult and touchy.'
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
No sex. I don't think these two even kiss. They sit next to each other at one point. Kertz acts like them sitting next to each other is like... some huge sexual deal. I guess you really have to reach when you are trying to write Christian romance. They SAT next to each other. She could FEEL his BODY HEAT! I'm like o.O but that's the way it is in these things.
On page 212 he kisses her on the forehead. Ick.
On page 215 he kisses her on the mouth, but of course it is the last page in the book and So. Big disappointment on the sexual front.
MENTIONS OF GOD: 23. Extremely light. And I am thankful to Kertz for it. Thank you, Kertz!
TL;DR Should these two end up in a relationship together?! I was really having serious doubts. To me, a match of two stubborn, uncommunicative, drama king/queens is a very, very bad idea. Marriage from hell. Who is going to be the patient one? The communicative one? The thoughtful, contemplative one? No one. I just see endless fights and misunderstandings and vows to never talk to each other again. Jeez.
As far as the book went, I would have liked it a whole lot more if Kertz had resisted the urge to rely on tired, far-fetched, lazy writing such as romance tropes of The Big Misunderstanding. And it happens more than once. Very frustrating.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Contemporary Romance
Holiday/Christmas Romance
Inspirational Romance
Second-Chance Romance - Kind of? They were crushing on each other before and it probably would have led to 'courting' if they didn't have their big fight. I'm going to say 'yes,' second-chance romance fits.
Virgin Hero Romance
Cheating - OK. I have to include this as a cheating book. Both are 'involved' with other people (I want to stress these are not physical relationships) but seeing each other on the sly and being in love with each other on the down-low. I count that as cheating, even though absolutely nothing physical goes on while they are 'with' other people. Of course, nothing physical goes on even when they AREN'T with other people... LOL
Amish Romance
He's a Farmer/Something With Horses; She's Not Allowed to Work for Pay
NAMES IN THIS BOOK:
July 23, 2018
The things you read out of desperation when you finish your other books on vacation. Not even a single chaste kiss to be had!
January 22, 2018
Her Amish Christmas Sweetheart by Rebecca Kertz
(A book in the Women of Lancaster County series)
A Holiday Courtship
Years ago, Peter Zook would have been thrilled to spend the Christmas season planning a surprise party with Meg Stoltzfus. But that was back when he still hoped to win her heart. Instead, he waited too long to speak up, and now she’s being courted by another man. Though Meg once harbored secret feelings for Peter, it seemed he would never notice her. So she’s finally moving on. Yet even as they butt heads over the party details, Meg and Peter’s bond deepens beyond camaraderie and friendship. Will they continue to deny their true feelings, or will Peter and Meg give each other the ultimate gift this Christmas—their hearts?
this is Meg Stoltzfus and Peter Zook's story.
Meg Stoltzfus and her sister Ellie attended tonight’s singing with their friends, including one man from another church district, Reuben Miller, whom Meg had set her eye on from the first moment she met him, over two years ago.
Peter watched Meg leave with a sick heart. Even after all these years, he couldn’t forget what she’d said to him after she’d overheard him talking with his brother about her.He’d thought they were friends, and he’d hoped for more.
will Peter and Meg give each other the ultimate gift this Christmas their hearts? read this book to find out.
Her Amish Christmas Sweetheart by Rebecca Kertz is a wonderful well written 4 star book.
I highly recommend reading.
more books by Rebecca Kertz
Lancaster County Weddings
1. Noah's Sweetheart
2. Jedidiah's Bride
3. A Wife for Jacob
4. Elijah and the Widow
5. Loving Isaac
Women of Lancaster County
Her Amish Christmas Sweetheart
A Secret Amish Love
Her Forgiving Amish Heart
(A book in the Women of Lancaster County series)
A Holiday Courtship
Years ago, Peter Zook would have been thrilled to spend the Christmas season planning a surprise party with Meg Stoltzfus. But that was back when he still hoped to win her heart. Instead, he waited too long to speak up, and now she’s being courted by another man. Though Meg once harbored secret feelings for Peter, it seemed he would never notice her. So she’s finally moving on. Yet even as they butt heads over the party details, Meg and Peter’s bond deepens beyond camaraderie and friendship. Will they continue to deny their true feelings, or will Peter and Meg give each other the ultimate gift this Christmas—their hearts?
this is Meg Stoltzfus and Peter Zook's story.
Meg Stoltzfus and her sister Ellie attended tonight’s singing with their friends, including one man from another church district, Reuben Miller, whom Meg had set her eye on from the first moment she met him, over two years ago.
Peter watched Meg leave with a sick heart. Even after all these years, he couldn’t forget what she’d said to him after she’d overheard him talking with his brother about her.He’d thought they were friends, and he’d hoped for more.
will Peter and Meg give each other the ultimate gift this Christmas their hearts? read this book to find out.
Her Amish Christmas Sweetheart by Rebecca Kertz is a wonderful well written 4 star book.
I highly recommend reading.
more books by Rebecca Kertz
Lancaster County Weddings
1. Noah's Sweetheart
2. Jedidiah's Bride
3. A Wife for Jacob
4. Elijah and the Widow
5. Loving Isaac
Women of Lancaster County
Her Amish Christmas Sweetheart
A Secret Amish Love
Her Forgiving Amish Heart
December 24, 2019
This was okay. I think the reason I didn't enjoy this was I read another Amish book before this. Typically I can't read two of the same genre or else I get tired of it. So that was my fault.
One complaint I do have about this is there were too many characters. There is a part where the main characters are going to a get together. It is here roughly 10 names are thrown at you at once and you're like, "Do I have to remember everyone because they are important or not?" It wascaround this time I started struggling with the book. Then I just stopped caring and skimmed it. But I rated it 3 stars cause I think it was largely the first reason I mentioned that affected my reading so it's not the book's fault.
One complaint I do have about this is there were too many characters. There is a part where the main characters are going to a get together. It is here roughly 10 names are thrown at you at once and you're like, "Do I have to remember everyone because they are important or not?" It wascaround this time I started struggling with the book. Then I just stopped caring and skimmed it. But I rated it 3 stars cause I think it was largely the first reason I mentioned that affected my reading so it's not the book's fault.
November 26, 2017
I really enjoyed this one.
December 17, 2017
Fun, sweet Amish love story.
December 26, 2017
This is a fun Christmas Amish read.
May 20, 2019
Very sweet, typical romantic story. A delightful read.
July 3, 2021
The humor and wit shown by the characters was magnificent.
December 7, 2025
very good book
October 6, 2023
This is such a good book! It's a who will she end up with kind of book. Meg has two loves in her life. A neighbor that thinks he is courting her without asking, and a neighbor that is helping her with a family project. You will be rooting for one of the guys the whole time!
September 19, 2021
Sweet book, quick read. Meg is so stubborn, and Peter doesn't even have any idea what he's done! She should have at least told him what was wrong. They're seeing people that are all wrong for them.
Read
December 2, 2017Miniseries: Women of Lancaster County
Read
December 2, 2017Miniseries: Women of Lancaster County
December 6, 2017
Her Amish Christmas Sweetheart is the second book written by Rebecca Kertz in her Women of Lancaster County series. This is a story of love, lost love, and love again. The characters are very likeable and their personalities really tell this story with alot off emotions. A big misunderstanding causes a love to be lost for a long time. How does this misunderstanding get fixed? The storyline is a fast moving one and really invites the reader to keep reading. The cover of this books draws you in with the beautiful snow laden pine trees, an Amish farm, and a very sweet Amish young lady with love in her eyes.
When Meg Stoltzfus is involved in a serious buggy accident it isn't her present boyfriend who saves her from drowning as she is led to believe. Who is her mysterious hero? Will she ever learn the truth? When thrown together with her lost love, Peter Zook, to plan a surprise party for Meg's vadder and Peters mudder, Meg isn't sure they can pull this Christmas surprise off. Follow this topsey turvey journey to see what happens along the way.
I was not given an advanced complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I am posting my honest review and all opinions and statements expressed are strictly my own based on this amazing story. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Rebecca Kertz for releasing an excellent story for her readers to enjoy. I already have several of this authors books and will be anxiously waiting to read them in the future.
When Meg Stoltzfus is involved in a serious buggy accident it isn't her present boyfriend who saves her from drowning as she is led to believe. Who is her mysterious hero? Will she ever learn the truth? When thrown together with her lost love, Peter Zook, to plan a surprise party for Meg's vadder and Peters mudder, Meg isn't sure they can pull this Christmas surprise off. Follow this topsey turvey journey to see what happens along the way.
I was not given an advanced complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I am posting my honest review and all opinions and statements expressed are strictly my own based on this amazing story. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Rebecca Kertz for releasing an excellent story for her readers to enjoy. I already have several of this authors books and will be anxiously waiting to read them in the future.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews