A Plain and Simple Christmas - eBook

Amy Clipston is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Kauffman Amish Bakery, Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel, Amish Heirloom, Amish Homestead, and Amish Marketplace series. Her novels have hit multiple bestseller lists including Christian Book, CBA, and ECPA. Amy holds a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan University and works full-time for the city of Charlotte, North Carolina. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and six spoiled rotten cats. Visit her online at amyclipston.com; Facebook: @AmyClipstonBooks; Twitter: @AmyClipston; Instagram: @amy_clipston; BookBub: @AmyClipston.

Just as its title would suggest, the story is written in a plain and simple style. Yet, it does not in any way lack appeal. In her simple way, the author describes the intensity between a disappointed father and a well-meaning daughter in a way that one can feel their true emotions. The anxiety builds inside Anna Mae until the moment she sees her father again. Silent desires are clearly felt by both characters and readers, as readers wonder if this family conflict can ever be resolved.

In spite of how she is feeling about her father, Anna Mae is determined to have her little one know her family. With the help of her husband Kellan, she contacts her sister-in-law, Katheryn, to see if a Christmas visit would ever be possible. Both Katheryn and Anna Mae are determined to get the family together again, and after receiving signs from God that this visit must happen, they go against all that they have ever been taught to ensure that it does. But as the day of the reunion draws near, these women of faith must suffer the wrath of the men in their lives.

Through every unpleasantness that the human beings of the story hurl at her, Anna Mae’s faith remains firm. Her only support is her husband and her sister-in-law, but still she will not be discouraged. It is the story of a shy but strong woman who will not let man’s bitterness stand in the way of what God has called her to do.

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but one of power, love, and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). In the end, one commends these women for resisting prejudice and holding firm to what they know is God‘s calling. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who believes in everyday miracles, the importance of family, and how God can speak even to the least of us. This plain and simple story turns out be extraordinary in rekindling faith in everyone. – Lexie Owen, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com