An Amish Year: Four Novellas

Beth Wiseman

Dec 2015 · HarperChristian + ORM

About this ebook

Spend a year in Amish country with four sweet romances.

Rooted in Love (previously published in An Amish Garden)

Rosemary Lantz is doing her best to run her family’s household. She excels at all her tasks except one: gardening. Saul Petersheim has pursued Rosemary for years, but Rosemary keeps turning him down. What Saul doesn’t know is that she has good reason—something no one can know—especially not him.

A Love for Irma Rose

The year is 1957, and young Irma Rose has a choice to make. Date the man who is “right” for her? Or give Jonas a chance, the wild and reckless suitor who refuses to take no for an answer?  Irma Rose steps onto the path she believes God has planned for her, but when she loses her footing, she is forced to rethink her choice.   

Patchwork Perfect

Eli Byler has been a widower for two years when he chooses to make a fresh start in Paradise, Pennsylvania. As Eli juggles the admiration of two women, he meets Miriam Fisher—the most unconventional Amish woman he’s ever met. She doesn’t fit the mold for what Eli is looking for, but it isn’t long before Eli realizes that Miriam is everything he wants. But Miriam has no plans to get married—ever.  Will Eli be able to change her mind?

When Christmas Comes Again (previously published in An Amish Second Christmas)

Katherine knows the first Christmas without Elias will be hard for her and the children. But when a mysterious Englischer appears with photographs of her late husband, Katherine begins to wonder what other blessings Christmas could have in store.

Ratings and reviews

An Amish Year by Beth Wiseman contains four novellas. The four stories are Rooted in Love, A Love for Irma Rose, Patchwork Perfect (my favorite), and When Christmas Comes Again. In Rooted in Love Rosemary Lantz and Saul Petersheim dated when they were teenagers. Then Rosemary unexpectedly broke up with Saul and refused to give a good reason. Rosemary is hiding a secret. Saul still loves Rosemary and wants to spend his life with her. Can Saul break through Rosemary defenses (and bitterness) so they have a life together? What is Rosemary’s secret? The second story is A Love for Irma Rose is set in 1957. Irma Rose Kauffman likes adventure. She is a spirited girl. Jonas Miller knew Irma Rose was the girl for him as soon as he met her. He has waited two years to court her. Jonas, though, likes fast things and tends to make the wrong choices (gets into trouble). Can Jonas convince Irma Rose to give him a chance? Will Irma Rose pick the safe path or pick Jonas (one adventure after another their whole life)? Patchwork Perfect was my favorite story in the novel (I wish it had been longer). Eli Byler has just moved with his two children (Grace and Ben) to Paradise, Pennsylvania in Lancaster County. He felt they needed a change after his wife passed away in a buggy accident. Eli is looking for a new wife and mother for his children. He is introduced to the two widows in the community. However, Eli is attracted to Miriam Fisher. Miriam is unusual for an Amish woman. She is eccentric, plays baseball with boys on Saturdays, and she does not cook nor garden. Miriam does, though, have a big heart. She looks out for the children in the community and makes beautiful story quilts. While Miriam may seem the wrong choice for a wife, she may be the right choice for Eli and his family. But Miriam does not wish to marry. Can Eli change her mind? When Christmas Comes Again is set in Paradise, Pennsylvania. Katherine Zook lost her husband in an accident. Katherine has four children: Mary Carol, Stephen, Linda, and Gideon. They are all having a difficult time coping and Katherine knows that Christmas will not be easy for any of them. Katherine discovers a stranger following her. He has pictures of her late husband. This stranger may be the answer to their prayers as he helps each of them heal during the special time of year. An Amish Year is a great novel to read at this time of year (or any time). All of the stories have good characters, beautiful settings, and lovely messages. They book will fill your heart with warmth. They writing is very good (as always). Beth Wiseman manages to bring her characters to life. They feel like real people that you want to meet. I give An Amish Year 5 out of 5 stars. I received a complimentary copy of An Amish Year from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

First Amish book I have read. I love the glimpse into the life of the Amish. Very fascinating.

About the author

Bestselling and award-winning author Beth Wiseman has sold over two million books. She is the recipient of the coveted Holt Medallion, is a two-time Carol Award winner, and has won the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award three times. Her books have been on various bestseller lists, including CBA, ECPA, Christianbook, and Publishers Weekly. Beth and her husband are empty nesters enjoying country life in south-central Texas. Visit her online at BethWiseman.com; Facebook: @AuthorBethWiseman; Twitter: @BethWiseman; Instagram: @bethwisemanauthor