Rated 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.
Rated of 5
by Kimberly A. (Hannibal, MO) Just Plain Good!
At first I thought this would be one of those "fluff" books: family in crisis, someone/something rescues them, and then a happy conclusion. All of those things happen, but the joy of reading this book comes from the author's craft and the "message."
Keller depicted her characters so expertly that I cared what happened to them. I especially enjoyed the determination of Meg and the charm of Sam. Although somewhat bland, the plot was believable and well-paced. The book is a quick and compelling read. Also, I am appreciative of the knowledge gained about Amish beliefs and practices.The only negative is the conclusion, which seemed a little contrived.
The book can simply be read, or it can be taken to heart. The "message" is one that warrants attention: "To be, rather than to seem." Simple words, but powerful meaning!
I would recommend this book to anyone. It's just plain good!
Rated of 5
by Betty S. (Jasper, GA) An Amish Christmas
In this novel, the Hobarts face a situation all too familiar in this time of economic slowdown. Lost job, no money, soon no home. The author does a good job of showing the feelings of each member of the family as they try to adjust to a complete change in life as they know it. It's a little repetitious in spots, but, on the whole, a good read.
Rated of 5
by Barbara C. (Lincolnshire, IL) An Amish Christmas
What a delightful and inspiring read! I could definitely identify with the Hobart family. Meg, the matriarch, is a woman committed to her husband and family yet when faced with adversity she quickly adapts and rises to the challenges ahead. She echoes so many women today and projected real feelings that many women share when their spouse deceives them and destroys the trust their marriage had been built upon. Her teenagers were ripe for a real world adjust as they enter the Amish world of the Lutz family. I really enjoyed how their detour in Life provided them with the experiences to face their new journey with hope, excitement and a mended family.
Rated of 5
by Helen S. (Sun City West, AZ) To BE
Author Cynthia Keller succeeds in presenting the details of the affluent lifestyle that Meg and James Hobart and their three children enjoy in suburban Charlotte, North Carolina, before circumstances abruptly force them to leave it all behind.
An accidental meeting with David Lutz on an icy road in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, thrusts the Hobart family into the midst of the Lutz’s Amish family life. Keller again succeeds in her portrayal of the lives of Catherine and David Lutz and their large extended family as they quietly engage in their daily tasks on their farm.
Meg Hobart’s refrigerator magnet with the words of North Carolina’s state motto “To be, rather than to seem” was scarcely mentioned in the novel – once, when Meg slipped the magnet into her pocket as the family left Charlotte, and later when she found it still in her pocket as they were leaving the Lutz’s home. Although the magnet was out of sight, its words provided one of the novel’s themes when Meg realized that this motto exemplified the profound changes in each member of her family as they experienced the Amish way of life.
I highly recommend Cynthia Keller’s well-written novel 'An Amish Christmas'.
Rated of 5
by Debra C. (Vienna, Georgia) Great chance to expand your reading genre
Good news...it only took an afternoon to read instead of the two days I allowed. Although this was a genre I had never explored, I found An Amish Christmas educational, enlightening, and inspiring. Book Browse has provided me the opportunity to experience literature that I might have previously ignored, and Keller's novel, An Amish Christmas was a unique and pleasurable gift.
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of 5
by Erica L. (Plaistow, New Hampshire) 
of 5
by Kimberly A. (Hannibal, MO) 
of 5
by Barbara C. (Lincolnshire, IL) 
