Reviews for A Plain & Simple Christmas

Harvest Lane Cottage

Synopsis from Zondervan:
"In A Plain and Simple Christmas, from the author of the widely popular Kauffman Amish Bakery Series, shunned Anna Mae doesn’t receive the welcome she expects when she pays a visit for Christmas and her world begins to fall apart, leaving her to question her place in her family – and her faith in Amish tradition."

My take on it....

Amy Clipston, author of the Kaurffman Amish Bakery series, has baked up a delicious confection in A Plain and Simple Christmas. It is a tale of love, heartache, discernment, deceit, and hope for a Christmas miracle.

The characters are alive and real. The emotions are raw and at times unchecked. Anna Mae, a young Amish woman who left the faith to marry an Englisher, longs to be reunited to her family in Paradise. Her mother, Mary Rose, aches for her youngest daughter in the deep way only a mother can ache. Both seek Father God in prayer. Kathryn, Anna Mae's sister-in-law, longs also to see the family reunited. Will God answer her prayer for confirmation?

What about the men? Kellan, Anna Mae's husband, fulfills Anna Mae's desire to visit her family; but, how committed to reconciliation is he? Henry, Anna Mae's father, bishop of the district, has shunned his daughter for leaving the family, the faith, and him. What can soften his hardened heart? Will Anna Mae's brother, David, find it in his heart to forgive? Is anything to hard for God?

Enter into this world of blizzards, chocolate cake, and Christmas miracles. It's a cool way to enjoy some warm hours... even on a hot day.

Five stars.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will seek out more of Amy Clipston's books.

Library Journal Review

Clipston, Amy. A Plain and Simple Christmas: A Novella. Zondervan. Sept. 2010. c.192p. ISBN 9780310327363. pap. $14.99. CF

Four years ago, Anna Mae McDonough married an "Englisher" and left Lancaster, PA, to live in Baltimore. Now eight months pregnant, she longs for the family that shunned her when she left. Hoping for a reconciliation, Anna writes to her sister-in-law asking her to arrange a visit. But her homecoming is not as welcoming as she had hoped, leaving Anna to question the choices she made.

VERDICT Clipston is the author of the popular "Kauffman Amish Bakery" series (A Gift of Grace; A Promise of Hope), which also features the blending of two worlds. That series' wide popularity is sure to attract readers to this novella, and they won't be disappointed by the excellent writing and the story's wholesome goodness.

Leslie L. McKee from Romantic Times Review

Romantic Times, September 2010
A PLAIN & SIMPLE CHRISTMAS
By Amy Clipston
4 stars (Compelling—page turner)
www.rtbookreviews.com

Clipston's latest is a quick read that is inspiring and a perfect fit for the holiday season. Her well-crafted characters are consistent with previous novels. Included are a glossary and discussion questions.

Summary: Eight months pregnant with her first child, Anna longs to share her joy with her family. Sadly, she has had minimal contact with them in three years…ever since she decided to marry an Englisher named Kellan McDonough. Anna's father, the bishop in their Amish community, imposed the ban on Anna, causing her to be shunned by those she loves. With the help of her sister-in-law, Anna plans a trip home, in hopes of a Christmas reunion with her family. Unfortunately, Anna does not receive the welcome she anticipated. Is there still a chance for a holiday miracle?