1. An Amish Summer: Four Novellas
    Shelley Shepard Gray, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller
    Thomas Nelson / 2017 / Trade Paperback
    Our Price$15.29 Retail Price$16.99 Save 10% ($1.70)
    4.7 out of 5 stars for An Amish Summer: Four Novellas. View reviews of this product. 30 Reviews
    Availability: In Stock
    Stock No: WW078843
4.7 Stars Out Of 5
4.7 out of 5
(20)
(10)
(0)
(0)
(0)
Quality:
4.6 out Of 5
(4.6 out of 5)
Value:
5 out Of 5
(5 out of 5)
Meets Expectations:
4.7 out Of 5
(4.7 out of 5)
100%
of customers would recommend this product to a friend.
SORT BY:
SEE:
Displaying items 26-30 of 30
Page 6 of 6
  1. Britt98
    Grand Prairie, TX
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    4 Stars Out Of 5
    Enjoyable, Sweet Stories!
    July 21, 2017
    Britt98
    Grand Prairie, TX
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    I enjoy these Amish novella collections. I like that the stories can be read in a short amount of time, either introducing me to new characters, or building on a series that I already enjoy. I liked An Amish Summer and recommend it to Amish romance fans who are looking for light and enjoyable reading.

    A Reunion in Pinecraft by Shelley Shepard Gray - This sweet story was a nice read. I like that the author ended up going in a different direction with it than I had originally expected it to go...and that direction resulted in a refreshing story.

    Summer Storm by Amy Clipston - It was hard to watch as Jesse was blamed for something he did not do, but I appreciated that the author included this particular family reaction. It was a rigid and strict judgment handed down to this courting couple, but I enjoyed seeing how it was all eventually resolved.

    Lakeside Love by Kathleen Fuller - What a great story! I felt so bad for Esther as she pined for someone who was enamored with her sister. I loved the way this story played out!

    One Sweet Kiss by Kelly Irvin - This novella builds on the Amish of Bee County series. It was so nice to return to this community and revisit a few characters, while getting to watch the progression of Martha and Jacob's attraction.

    All of these novellas were enjoyable to read and a good choice for fans of Amish fiction.

    I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
  2. Pam Burke
    Potosi, MO
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: Female
    4 Stars Out Of 5
    An enjoyable Amish collection
    June 30, 2017
    Pam Burke
    Potosi, MO
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: Female
    Quality: 4
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 4
    An Amish Summer is an enjoyable collection of sweet Amish stories, great for quick reading in the summer -- or any time of year.

    The good thing about novellas is that they are quick to read. The bad thing about novellas . . . is that they are quick to read; the stories are sometimes over too soon, before you want them to end.

    Seriously, I find the quick reads to be good for a few reasons. First, they can be a nice break from the longer novels and series that I enjoy so much. Second, they sometimes add more to stories I've already read by the author. Third, they give me a chance to read a sample by an author whose books I have never tried.

    This collection was a mixture of those things for me. I've read and enjoyed Shelley Shepard Gray's Pinecraft series and enjoyed her story related to that. Amy Clipston and Kathleen Fuller are also authors whose novels I have enjoyed, and as expected I found these new stories by them delightful to read. This was the first story I had read by Kelly Irvin. I had a little trouble following the flow of her story; I don't know whether it was her style or whether having not read her other books contributed to that.

    I would recommend An Amish Summer to anyone who is a fan of good Amish reads. Thanks to Booklook Bloggers for providing a copy of the book. I was happy to provide my personal thoughts in this review.
  3. A Simply Enchanted Life
    North Carolina
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    4 Stars Out Of 5
    Sweet summer read
    June 20, 2017
    A Simply Enchanted Life
    North Carolina
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    Quality: 0
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    A Reunion in Pinecraft by Shelley Shepard Gray

    I liked the premise of this story. There is something romantic about falling in love while exchanging letters. I liked both the girls and Toby. I just felt that I didnt bond with Graham as much as I should have. I wanted to love and trust him for Sherry but I found that difficult to do.

    Im going to be perfectly frank, one of my other issues was with similarly named sisters. I know that this is a silly nitpicky thing for me. But, I struggle with remembering which sister is which. Especially when Im looking back on things and discussing with friends who are also reading this story at the same time.

    Summer Storm by Amy Clipston

    Amy Clipston really knocked it out of the park with this one! Its really difficult to write complex characters into a novella without falling short. Somehow, Amy managed to pull it off. These characters were so well-developed. My heart went out to Ariana, Isaac, and Jesse. And though she has a small role in this book; I also felt for Ariana and Isaacs mom. Why? Because I cannot imagine being married to Marvin Smucker. He is one of those people who its their way or the highway.

    I dont want to ruin the story for anyone by revealing too much. But, I want to say how much I appreciate Amys realistic approach for healing for this family. Sometimes a person needs more help than love and friendship can give. In those instances, a person truly needs to seek professional help. I loved that love didnt just make all the bad stuff go away. Thats not real life. Sometimes you have to accept youre broken before things can get better.

    Lakeside Love by Kathleen Fuller

    Okay, first off, I just want to say how amazing Kathleen Fuller is for having told a pretty sister/plain sister plot without dropping the, She didnt know how beautiful she was clich. Seriously, this girl deserves a medal! Esther is absolutely adorable. I just loved that girl and I loved how she had resigned herself to being happywith or without the man she longed for. I truly feel that Esther could have pulled it off and been happy if Judah hadnt ever woken up and smelled the roses.

    I do wish that Id had more time to spend with them as a couple. I felt a little rushed but I often feel this way after reading a novella. I do appreciate that a little extra time developing Sarah and exploring her feelings though. Even though it probably took away from time that could have been spent with Esther and Judah.

    One Sweet Kiss by Kelly Irvin

    I have to say, alligator wranglin in an Amish book is new to me. I appreciate quirky things like that in an Amish book. But, I just couldnt bond with these characters. Its really hard to fully develop a love story in a novella. Trying to develop three love stories in one novella is just too much. I felt that this story told more of Dwayne and Rorys storya Non-Amish couplethan it did of Martha and Jacobs. I also felt that these characters must be from one of the authors pre-existing series and I was missing a lot of the back story. Such as, Im guessing that Jacobs sister had left the Amish and became a counselors wife? Maybe a preachers wife? Im not entirely certain. I was definitely missing some of this story.

    A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Kathleen Fuller. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.
  4. Laura Hilton
    Horseshoe Bend, AR
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    4 Stars Out Of 5
    An Amish Summer
    June 11, 2017
    Laura Hilton
    Horseshoe Bend, AR
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    Quality: 4
    Value: 4
    Meets Expectations: 4
    A new novella collection of sweet, summer romances from some of our favorite Amish authors!

    A Reunion in Pinecraft by Shelley Shepard Gray

    When sisters Sharon and Sherilyn Kramer attend a wedding in Shipshewana, one of them returns with a new penpal while the other returns to her job at the bakery. After sending weekly letters back and forth, Sherry and Graham Holland arrange a reunion in Pinecraft. Upon Grahams arrival, however, he realizes hes been writing to the wrong sister. He decides to use the reunion as a way to get to know both sisters, but can he sort through the confusion in time to turn the worst vacation ever into something truly wonderful?

    My thoughts: A Reunion in Pinecraft is a sweet romance written in Ms. Gray's distinctive style. Two sisters, attracted to the same man. One man, confused about which sister he really wants. The one he wrote to or the one he dreamed about. A double romance plays out in this story, and I adored it. I think the Pinecraft novels and novellas are my favorites by this author. I like her sweet, innocent style. Loved it.

    Summer Storms by Amy Clipston

    Arianna is counting down the days until her wedding to Jesse. They have been friends longer than Arianna can remember, and that friendship turned into love over the past couple of years. But when Ariannas brother Tobias, who happens to be Jesses best friend, gets them both into trouble, Ariannas father puts an end to her engagement to Jesse. Some summer storms pass quickly, but Arianna is afraid the damage from this one may be too much to repair.

    My thoughts: Summer Storms is a romance by Ms. Clipston that deals with a realistic problem that some Amish have. I couldn't connect with Arianna as well as I wanted to, but Jesse is a sweetheart. I hated that he was judged unfairly by both Arianna and her father for trying to help Tobias with his troubles, struggles, and bad decisions, but it's real. I loved how he went the extra mile to prove himself worthy to both Arianna and her father. There are some lingering questions at the end of the story, but overall, good. I haven't read all of Ms. Clipston's books so I'm not sure if this one was part of one of her series.

    Lakeside Love by Kathleen Fuller

    Esther has always lived in the shadow of her beautiful younger sister Sarah. Even the boy she has knownand lovedher entire life, Judah, only has eyes for Sarah. But when a handsome young Englischer comes to live with the family for a summer, everything begins to change.

    My thoughts: Lakeside Love by Ms. Fuller is unique as in its about a plain Amish girl who's home has turned into a tourist attraction by her dad who wants to earn money. She's a sweet, friendly girl who has a low opinion of herself because she's not pretty. When her sister starts flirting with an Englisch man in addition to every other man in town and lashes out at Esther for being friendly, it causes a strain between the sisters. Judah is young and confused, and I'm glad Rhett spoke words of truth to him and helped him find his true feelings. I absolutely loved this story. Like with Ms. Clipston, I haven't read all of Ms. Fuller's books, so I don't know if this was intended as part of one of her series. Either way, it was a totally adorable story.

    One Sweet Kiss by Kelly Irvin

    Everybody in little Bee County, Texas, can see the obvious: Jacob King and Martha Byler are meant to be together. Everyone, that is, but Martha. Ever since her mother died when Martha was a young girl, she has taken over the role of caregiver to her large family. And reckless Jacob, who has had a little too much fun on his rumspringa, only seems to add to the list of people to manage. But one summer changes everything, and these two may just find a way to meet in the middle and share one sweet kiss.

    My thoughts: One Sweet Kiss is about an on-again off-again couple who both parent the community. Martha had to be a mama to her family since she was ten and she doesn't want to raise Jacob. But what she doesn't see is that Jacob is a "pa" to a special boy and an oversize 'kid' who's married with kids of his own. Add an alligator to the mix and you have a recipe for action, adventure, and danger. This story is definitely part of Ms. Irvin's Bee County series, which I've read all of so far.

    Altogether this is a great collection and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Highly recommended for fans of Amish romance, it earns a solid 4 stars.
  5. cathy
    Kansas
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    4 Stars Out Of 5
    An Amish Summer
    June 6, 2017
    cathy
    Kansas
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    An Amish Summer by Shelley Shepard Gray, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller and Kelly Irvin

    An Amish Summer by Shelley Shepard Gray, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller and Kelly Irvin contains four novellas for your reading pleasure. In the first Sharon and Sherilyn are sisters who are returning to Shipshewana for a little vacations with a couple of girlfriends. Sherry has been writing Graham Holland since the last time the two of them met at a wedding. Sherry is the plainer of the two sisters and since her sister is such a looker she doesn't get much notice. Graham is also a quiet man but he thinks that he is writing to the beautiful sister. When the two meet again he realizes his mistake but doesn't know how to tell them. He doesn't even remember meeting Sherry but decides to get to know both girls better in order to decide who he likes better. He talks this over with his friend, Toby who is also on the trip with Graham. Toby would like to get to know Sharon but he is disgusted that Graham wants to keep both of them until he makes up his mind. Toby says that if Graham won't tell them then he will so Graham tells the girls. Of course they are just furious with him and don't want to speak to him. How will this summer vacation end?

    In the 2nd novella Amy Clipston tells the story of the summer before Arianna is to marry Jesse. They have been friends all their life but as they grew up this friendship grew into a love that both wanted to last a lifetime. Arianna's brother Tobias is Jesse's best friend but Tobias has been brooding lately and seems kind of depressed. Tobias has been fighting with his father lately about taking over the family farm. Tobias is the only son and is expected to inherit the farm but he doesn't want to farm and has been drinking to avoid the constant fighting with his dad. The day that Tobias got drunk and wrecked the buggy because he was driving the horse so recklessly was the final straw with his father. The two had a horrible fight and Tobias ran off that night to live with a relative in another state. Marvin Arianna's dad also said that Arianna and Jesse had to stop seeing each other and it was Jesse's fault that Tobias started drinking and wrecked the buggy. What to do? Arianna is so sad but she knows that she can't go against her father. How will they all survive the summer?

    In the 3rd novella Kathleen Fuller writes of Esther and Sarah Coblentz. Sarah is beautiful and Esther is not. Sarah is very social and everybody wants to date her and Esther is not. Esther has loved her father's hired hand Judah for as long as she can remember but Judah only has eyes for Sarah. Judah only thinks of Esther as Sarah's sister and treats her kind of like a sister. The only person that seems to have noticed that Esther has eyes for Judah is her brother, Rueben. Rueben teases her about it and tells her not to be so obvious about it but also gives her hope that maybe someday Judah will love her in return. That summer Esther's parents have allowed a college intern to stay at their home to learn about the Amish religion. Sarah notices the good looking intern, Rhett, and wants to interest him in her but Rhett seems only interested in learning about the farm and how it works. Rhett in fact only notices Esther which makes Sarah very jealous. Esther is very interested in Rhett but only as a friend and quickly finds out that Rhett is engaged to his sweetheart back at home. The interest that Rhett shows to Esther makes Judah notice Esther and for the first time as a woman that he could be interested in as a lifetime partner. Will Judah and Esther ever get together?

    In the final novella Ms. Irvin tells of the sweet love story of Martha Byler and Jacob King. Martha is very concerned that Jacob only seems interested in having fun and none in growing up. Martha is also concerned that even though her father has remarried and everyone loves their new mother Martha feels responsible for caring for her younger brothers and sisters as she has done since she was a preteen. Jacob feels that he IS grown up but he just wants to have a little fun. This is the summer that Martha learns to trust Jacob's judgment and Jacob figures out that maybe he does need to change some of his behaviors if he wants to be Martha's husband. The sweet story has a few twists and turns as Martha and Jacob learn to rely on each other and truly love each other.

    These novellas are a great read for summer time pleasure. You will not be sorry that you purchased this thick book to enjoy these stories.

    I received this book from BookLook for this review.
Displaying items 26-30 of 30
Page 6 of 6