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Book Jacket

An Amish Christmas:
A Novel
by Cynthia Keller

Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publication date: 10/26/2010.
Novels, 256 pp.

Number of reader reviews: 24
Readers' Consensus: 4.0
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First Impressions: Page 3 of 4
Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Freya H. (Phoenix, AZ)

An Amish Christmas
This was a lovely book and a very fast read. Growing up in Pennsylvania, we were very familiar with the Amish community, and it is portrayed well and accurately here. Young people who are city born and bred might enjoy, and benefit from, reading about a culture very different from their own. The day-to-day activities in the Lutz household were engaging and awe inspiring!

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by BookGirl (USA)

A lovely book
I found this book to be an entirely charming and enjoyable read. Ms. Keller has delivered an even-handed portrayal of Amish life that is both interesting and informative. The religious emphasis is subtle; the theme of forgiveness is present, and the ending is, if predictable, not unrealistic. I would note that despite the title, I would not consider this a typical “Christmas book“ in that the story does not revolve around, nor really take place at Christmas, although the story does end on Christmas Day. Instead, it is more a cautionary tale of how easy it is in the modern world to lose one’s way spiritually, and an invitation to consider what is truly important in life. In that sense, I suppose the message of Christmas is there, without the commercial elements -- making it truly An Amish Christmas story.

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Helen S. (Palm Desert, California)

An easy feel good read
Cynthia Keller, author of "An Amish Christmas", intrigues the reader as the story grows regarding the outcome of a family in a situation that is comparable to todays environment. This humanistic endeavor of story telling depicting a family of material privileges that discovers the basics of living is enjoyable.

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Cheryl (New York)

An Amish Christmas
More than just a Christmas story, this book will remain with the reader throughout the year. The once wealthy, seemingly happy Hobart family meets the gentle, loving Amish family, the Lutz's. Fate brings the families together; love, healing forgiveness, and redemption bind them together for a lifetime.

The author, Cynthia Keller, is very descriptive of the Amish and their simple but fulfilling way of life. I would recommend this book to young people, as well as adults. My thirteen year old grandson and I learned some very valuable lessons from these families. Although this is a relatively short read, book clubs could enjoy very stimulating discussions.

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Patricia L. (Alexandria, VA)

Not as much a holiday story as an examination of what is important in life
A pleasant, gentle if obvious exploration of what things mean and how things can get in the way of meaningful relationships. This quick read reminded me of Debbie Macomber or Kristen Hannah novels, with its cast of essentially nice people with flaws. It made me think about my own children, decisions and assumptions I’d made.

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Terrie J. (Eagan, MN)

Heart Warming Story
I really enjoyed this book! It was a heart warming story, taking place during the holidays. The story brings a troubled family together as they find out what is really important. Although it is predictable, it is well written and in these trying times, a story like this is what many of us need. I would recommend that this story be shared with the family during the holidays.

Rated 3 of 5 of 5 by Erica L. (Plaistow, New Hampshire)

A typical Christmas short story
I enjoyed 'An Amish Christmas' by Cynthia Keller for what it was, a candy coated sugary Christmas story. A typical seasonal read this is a feel good story with little depth. A quick read with some interesting insights on the Amish it was entertaining. If you are looking for a light formula read without a lot of substance; this will fit the bill.

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