Day 4: Celebrate Lit Tour for Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise!

My Thoughts (by Kris Anderson, aka The Avid Reader)

Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne is a sweet story.  I thought the book was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  I enjoyed getting to know Ruth Helmuth, Jonas Hershberger, and little Abigail Hershberger.  I could not believe that Ruth’s bishop, Abram Troyer suggested that she sell her family farm, which held many memories for her, because she lived alone.  The bishop felt a family could make better use of the large house and property.  Ruth is a good businesswoman.  She has her herd of wily goats.  Ruth uses their milk and fiber.  She comes up with other ways to utilize the property and earn money.  I liked learning about Jonas and his sister’s basket business.  Their baskets sounded lovely, especially the Christmas baskets.  You can feel that faith is a part of the character’s daily lives.  They pray to God for guidance and assistance.  They know that He will provide in His own time.  I enjoyed the humor sprinkled through the story.  The kitten that Ruth receives from her dear friend, Lydia Coblentz, provides many lighthearted moments.  Lydia knew what she was doing when she gifted the ginger kitten to Ruth.  A couple of Ruth’s friends also received kittens.  Lydia is an insightful woman.   Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise may be the second book in The Heart of the Amish series, but it can be read as a standalone.  I especially enjoyed the heartwarming ending.  I finished Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise with a smile on my face.