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Time to Read Christmas Stories!
Your Perfect Christmas Read is Just a Click Away!
Get ready to cozy up this holiday season with Christmas Roundup—a heartwarming collection of wintry sweet romances from some of your favorite Amish and Sweet Romance authors. Whether you’re looking for tales of second chances, unexpected love, or the magic of Christmas miracles, these enchanting stories will whisk you away to charming towns and snow-dusted Amish communities, where love, faith, and the spirit of the season fill the air. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, settle in by the fire, and let these festive tales warm your heart!
NEW THIS YEAR!
An Amish Christmas Table: Four Amish Christmas Sweet Romance Stories
Mindy Steele, Rachel J. Good, Jennifer Beckstrand, Tracy FredrychowskiEscape to the peaceful charm of Amish country this Christmas with An Amish Christmas Table, a heartwarming collection of four sweet romance stories filled with love, faith, and family. From unexpected holiday surprises to the beauty of forgiveness and second chances, these enchanting tales by Mindy Steele, Rachel J. Good, Jennifer Beckstrand, and Tracy Fredrychowski are sure to fill your heart with warmth this holiday season.
A Stolen Kiss: Volume 7 (The Heart of the Amish)
Mindy SteeleIn A Stolen Kiss, LeEtta Miller’s impulsive kiss with a stranger leads to an unexpected marriage, turning both their lives upside down. Benuel Ropp, determined to restore his reputation, finds himself tied to a bold woman he barely knows—sparking a journey of faith, forgiveness, and unexpected love in the heart of Amish country.
Unlikely Suitor: An Amish Christmas Story
Jennifer SpredemannIn Unlikely Suitor, Jaycee Parker, now determined to be seen as “Jace,” is ready to step into manhood when he meets Lauren, a woman with a past she’s trying to heal. As they grow closer, Christmas brings them unexpected love, and they soon discover that the greatest miracle of all might just be finding each other.
Meddling with Mistletoe
Liz JohnsonIn Meddling with Mistletoe, aspiring chef Whitney Garrett juggles baking pies and running the kitchen at the Red Door Inn in exchange for using their oven—but things heat up when she’s roped into a holiday matchmaking scheme for Daniel, the innkeeper’s charming nephew. As Whitney navigates her culinary dreams and unexpected romance, she might just discover that she’s the perfect recipe for Daniel’s heart.
The Christmas Gathering
Shelley Shepard Gray, Rachel J. Good, Lenora WorthThe Christmas Gathering brings together three heartwarming Amish tales of love, forgiveness, and second chances. In Shelley Shepard Gray’s A Christmas Reunion, sparks fly when Tricia Troyer reconnects with an English friend at her family’s holiday gathering. In Lenora Worth’s We Gather Together, a long-standing family feud threatens to keep two hearts apart, but forgiveness may lead to a Christmas miracle. And in Rachel J. Good’s Hitting All the Right Notes, a musician finds unexpected love and healing just in time for the holidays.
A Lancaster Amish Christmas: 4 Romance Novellas
Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Amy Lillard, Mindy SteeleIn A Lancaster Amish Christmas, enjoy the simple beauty of an Amish Christmas in Lancaster County, where second chances and faith-filled romances take center stage. From rekindled love to unexpected holiday miracles, these heartwarming stories will remind you that Christmas is a time for hope, love, and new beginnings.
Mistletoe Season: Three Christmas Stories
Kathleen Fuller, Sheila Roberts, Pepper BashamIn Say No to Mistletoe, Return to Mistletoe, and The Mistletoe Prince, three charming holiday stories unfold as Hailey, Emmy, and Prince Arran navigate romance, second chances, and self-discovery under the magic of mistletoe. From love gone wrong to love rekindled, this heartwarming collection reminds us that Christmas miracles can happen when we least expect them.
A Christmas Gift of Grace: An Amish Holiday Romance
Sylvia PriceIn A Christmas Gift of Grace, Isaac and Mary Fisher, grieving the loss of their daughter, find their once-happy home clouded by sorrow as Christmas approaches. But with the arrival of Levi Miller, a young man seeking refuge, and Hannah Weaver, a spirited baker, hope begins to flicker in their lives. Against the backdrop of twinkling lights and holiday traditions, this heartwarming tale of love, healing, and second chances reminds us that even in the darkest moments, the spirit of Christmas can restore joy and bring new beginnings.
Heart of Faith – Hearts of the West
Tracey J. LyonsIn Heart of Faith, bake shop owner Amy Montgomery is determined to give two orphaned boys left behind by the Orphan Train a family for Christmas. To do so, she must convince former Pinkerton agent John Oliver to marry her—but with danger looming, John realizes that helping Amy may be the only way to save the boys and grant her Christmas wish for a true family.
The Christmas Tree Farm: A Sweet Second-Chance Holiday Romance
Melody CarlsonIn The Christmas Tree Farm, Madison McDowell is determined to save her family’s Christmas tree farm from being sold, but standing in her way is her old boyfriend, who owns the neighboring farms and has plans of his own. As the holidays approach, Madison must fight for the farm—and perhaps for a second chance at love.
Snowbound on Skye
Kate LloydIn Snowbound on Skye, Denny Campbell’s world is unraveling, but a reluctant trip to the breathtaking Isle of Skye with her celebrity chef sister offers her an unexpected chance at love and renewal. Trapped by a snowstorm in a remote hotel, Denny must confront her past and embrace the possibility of a new beginning amidst Scotland’s enchanting landscape.
Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor: An Inspirational Historical Holiday Romance
Roseanna M. WhiteIn Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor, Lady Mariah’s estranged childhood friend returns as the heir to her family estate, rekindling their old bond just in time for the holidays. As the Christmas season unfolds, Mariah finds herself caught between her growing feelings for him and the attentions of a charming Danish lord, sparking hope for a festive romance.
The Christmas Catch: A Sweet Holiday Novella
Toni ShilohIn The Christmas Catch, former NFL star Jahleel Walker returns home for the holidays and reconnects with his high school sweetheart, Bebe Gordon. With their chemistry still undeniable, they must decide whether to risk their hearts once more or let love slip away this Christmas.
CHRISTMAS CLASSICS
An Amish Christmas at the Apple Blossom Inn: An Amish Christmas Novel
Debra Torres, Tracy FredrychowskiIn An Amish Christmas at Apple Blossom Inn, orphaned sisters Sadie and Katie Beiler face the heartbreaking possibility of losing their home—and each other—just before Christmas. As they work at the Apple Blossom Inn to make ends meet, Sadie teams up with a kind maintenance worker to save the family, while Katie embarks on a journey to uncover secrets from the past. Can they bring the joy of Christmas back to their family and to Willow Springs?
Home for an Amish Christmas: Amish Dreams on Prince Edward Island, Book 4
Amy GrochowskiIn Home for an Amish Christmas, Mark Beller returns to his Amish roots on Prince Edward Island after seven years in the Royal Canadian Air Force, seeking peace and redemption. But when he encounters the love he left behind, he must confront his past and embrace a second chance at a “beauty from ashes” love story filled with faith, hope, and family.
Shelter in the Storm: (A Johns Mill Amish Romance)
Laurel BlountIn Shelter in the Storm, tragedy strikes the Amish community of Johns Mill, leaving Joseph Hochstedler struggling to keep his family together. Amidst the heartache, childhood friend Naomi Schrock offers her unwavering support, but as they lean on each other for comfort, Naomi dares to hope that their friendship might blossom into love—if they can find the courage to trust again.
First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill
Jennifer BeckstrandIn First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill, USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Beckstrand takes readers back to 1952 for Anna and Felty Helmuth’s heartwarming love story. Before they became the beloved matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill, young Anna and Felty faced seemingly impossible odds—but with faith, humor, and a little Christmas magic, they discovered they were the perfect match all along.
The Men of Amish Fiction Present A Christmas Collection
Willard Carpenter, Patrick E, Craig, Jerry Eicher, Thomas Nye, Murray Pura, Amos WyseA Christmas Collection is a heartwarming collection of stories about Amish men and women navigating both the challenges and joys of the holiday season. Each tale, as unique as the authors who wrote them, offers hope, renewed faith, and the light of Christmas to inspire and uplift every reader.
Christmas at the Amish Bakeshop
Loree Lough, Rachel J. Good, Shelley Shepard GrayIn Christmas at the Amish Bakeshop, USA Today bestselling authors Shelley Shepard Gray, Rachel J. Good, and Loree Lough whisk readers into the heart of a charming Amish bakeshop, where faith, hope, and the magic of the season bring unexpected love. As Christmas approaches, three couples discover that the sweetest blessings often come from the most heartfelt traditions.
Snowbound Amish Christmas
Jo Ann BrownIn Snowbound Amish Christmas, Kirsten Petersheim, determined to focus on her new cleaning business after being left at the altar, is caught off guard when her handsome client, Mark Yutzy, asks for her help with his troubled brother. As the holidays bring them closer, Kirsten must decide if she’s ready to risk her heart and embrace love again.
The Amish Cowboy’s Christmas: An Amish Girl Next Door Romance
Adina SenftIn The Amish Cowboy’s Christmas, Reuben Miller hopes to court his childhood friend Naomi Glick, but with another suitor in the picture and a trip to Lancaster County looming, time is running out. As a harsh Montana winter sets in, Reuben must find the courage to win Naomi’s heart—hoping for a Christmas miracle to make her see he’s the right man for her.
The Amish Gift of the Magi: A Christmas Novella
Ashley EmmaIn The Amish Gift of the Magi, newlyweds Clara and Willis face financial struggles as they secretly plan to surprise each other with the perfect Christmas gift. With both dreaming of meaningful presents they can barely afford, they’ll need more than love to make this holiday special—it just might take a Christmas miracle.
The Forgiveness Quilt: An Amish Christmas Carol
J. Willis SandersIn The Forgiveness Quilt, elderly Amish woman Ruth Raber is haunted by memories of lost love and missed chances every Christmas. But when she’s invited to a community gathering on Christmas Eve, a lesson from her late mother and the kindness woven into her quilts might just help her find healing and forgiveness, echoing the timeless themes of A Christmas Carol.
The Orphans’ Amish Christmas: A Willow Springs Amish Mystery Novella
Tracy FredrychowskiIn The Orphans’ Amish Christmas, Lydia Troyer and Aaron Shetler team up with Detective Lewis Powers to solve the mystery of stolen presents and a missing Amish businessman just before the holidays. With the town’s Christmas spirit on the line, they must race against time—along with a special dog named Yankee—to bring hope and joy back to the Willow Springs Children’s Home.
Wishing you a season filled with sweet moments and heartwarming stories from some of your favorite Amish and Sweet Romance authors!
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A Stolen Kiss is Coming From Barbour December 1!
Mindy Steele has penned the next release from Barbour’s “Heart of the Amish” series, “A Stolen Kiss“.
My review was too long, and I had to cut it considerably for it to be used as a book endorsement. But it’s the perfect length to be a book review! Here’s what I thought:
Another Wonderful Story of Love and Faith from Mindy Steele!
What happens when you kiss a boy you barely know, just so your friends can’t say you never have? And what happens if another boy, one who has a crush on you that you do not return, happens to witness that kiss?
That’s what LeEtta Miller finds out the hard way in Mindy Steele’s wonderful new Amish romance from Barbour’s Heart of the Amish series, “A Stolen Kiss”.
I was honored to be asked to read it early and give Mindy an endorsement. It was my very first time being asked by a fellow author to endorse her book!
And what if you’re the unwitting – but not unwilling! – recipient of that stolen kiss? You knew better, but her sweet, freely offered lips were right there! And what if you happen to have arrived in this new community, determined to prove yourself to be an honorable, trustworthy fellow, only to be caught in the gossamer web of a stolen kiss? That’s what Ben Ropp finds out the hard way after enjoying a lovely, innocent few moments in the sunshine with LeEtta Miller one fine day.
But what if all of these lessons learned were really opportunities offered up by a loving God, and led to a happy ever after for all concerned?
That’s what you’ll have to find out by reading this five-star romance from one of the most beloved authors in the genre, Mindy Steele.
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A Lancaster Amish Christmas is a Best Seller!
Yesterday I heard the thrilling news that my newest story, “Lucy’s Christmas Sunbeam”, is part of a BEST SELLING collection of cozy Amish Christmas romances!
The story is part of the book, “A Lancaster Amish Christmas”, which released from Barbour Publishing September 1, and yesterday it was named #16 on the ECPA Christian Fiction Best Seller list for October!
I’m going to be straight with you; my story is really fun, and I loved writing about Lucy and her baby sister, Millie, whom she is determined to raise despite the fact that she’s single and only 18 when the baby is born.
BUT . . . I figure that the success of the book is due to the fact that the other three authors, Amy Clipston, Mindy Steel and Amy Lillard, are all very popular and well-known authors. I won the lottery when I was offered the chance to have my story included with theirs!
Woo hoo! I’ll take it! Whatever the reason the book made the best seller list, I’m simply thrilled – like, dancing around the room thrilled!
It’s such a good feeling to have all that hard work affirmed. People like my story! I’m still new enough, not quite a year into this writing journey, to need to know that. Heck, that may always be the case.
Even though I write fiction, there is a part of me in each story, and in each character.
So it’s nice to know my efforts are appreciated! Each of the four novellas in the book are 25,000 words long, so the readers are getting a bang for their buck!
If you haven’t yet read this book, and my story, let me know what you think when you do! And please leave a review anywhere and everywhere you like if you have a few minutes. It doesn’t have to be much . . . a five star rating and the words – I couldn’t put it down! – will do! Lol.
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An Amish Christmas Table
New, from Four Beloved Authors of Amish Romance:
“An Amish Christmas Table”
Releasing October 14:
An Ideal Christmas by Mindy Steele
Gathered Around Love’s Table by Rachel J. Good
Trouble at the Christmas Table by Jennifer Beckstrand
Love Beneath the Pine by Tracy FredrychowskiStep into the cozy, snow-kissed world of Amish country with a collection of heartwarming Christmas stories by four of your favorite Amish storytellers. This holiday season, let the spirit of love, family, and faith fill your heart with these enchanting tales:
An Ideal Christmas by Mindy Steele
Ina Graber has decided on the perfect Christmas gift for her sister, Lavina, and she knows exactly who needs to build it. Now if she can only convince her childhood crush to help her when he doesn’t even know she exists.
Orders are piling up on local furniture maker and widower, Abner Fisher, but when a young woman from by a nearby community asks him to do the impossible, Abner discovers anything is possible this Christmas.
Gathered Around Love’s Table by Rachel J. Good
Miriam Lapp can’t bear to face a lonely Christmas table, which once held her large family, who’ve all gone to Pinecraft to care for her ill grandparents. Miriam has stayed behind to keep her rebellious seventeen-year-old brother, Abraham, out of trouble during Rumspringa. She decides to fill the seats at her holiday table with lonely and homeless people. Little does she know that this simple act of giving will lead her on a journey to warm her aching heart and provide healing for her brother.
One of her guests, Jerry Gingerich, has been struggling since he left the Amish. Reluctantly, he accepts her invitation, but the welcoming atmosphere and kindness he finds at the Lapp home begins to break through his walls. Miriam’s generosity becomes a beacon of hope to him as well as to the others she asks to share her table. But can Jerry open his heart completely, not just to the spirit of Christmas, but to the greatest gift of all – God’s love and forgiveness – so he can find healing, redemption, and love?
Trouble at the Christmas Table by Jennifer Beckstrand
Eleven-year-old twins Alfie and Benji Petersheim are in big trouble. They’re stuck in the cellar because intruder Zeke Hostetler is sleeping in their bedroom. Worse than that, Zeke is in love with their schoolteacher Sarah Zimmerman. But the worst part is Alfie and Benji accidentally put a long scratch in Mamm’s new kitchen table, and Mamm is going to be very angry when she sees it. Zeke Hostetler comes to the rescue and agrees to secretly fix the table if Alfie and Benji will help him woo Sarah Zimmerman. Unfortunately, if they help Zeke, they’ll lose their favoritest teacher in the world. But if Mamm sees that scratch, she’ll probably put them up for adoption or, worse, give them the spatula.
Alfie and Benji are going to need binoculars, walkie-talkies, three chickens, an unruly dog named Tintin, and a lot of luck to get themselves out of this mess.
Love Beneath the Pine by Tracy Fredrychowski
In the heart of Amish County, among the enchanting snow-covered landscape of Willow Springs, Hannah Schrock’s kitchen buzzes with activity and delightful aromas as Christmas approaches. Overwhelmed by her baking orders and devotion to her ailing grandmother, Hannah finds an unexpected ally in Isaac Kauffman, a gentle soul whose silent love for her has endured for years.
Isaac discovers an antique table in the barn. Even amidst Hannah’s refusal to help him, Isaac embarks on a journey to restore it, uncovering hidden secrets and heartwarming tales of its past owners along the way.
As the holiday season unfolds, Hannah and Isaac navigate a delicate balance between duty and desire, discovering that sometimes the sweetest surprises often emerge from the most unexpected places.
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Releasing Tomorrow, September 1!”A Lancaster Amish Christmas”
My very first novella is part of this fun collection!
About the Book:
Christmas Is Simply a Time for Love
Enjoy a simple Amish Christmas in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, that is sweetened by second chances, trimmed in love, and wrapped in faith.
Four Novellas set in Pennsylvania Amish Country from four of your Favorite Authors of Amish Romance!Lucy’s Christmas Sunbeam by Anne Blackburne
When her parents suddenly died, Lucy stepped into the mother role for her infant sister with Down’s Syndrome. But Lucy’s boyfriend wasn’t interested in a readymade family. Living in the dawdi house on her brother’s farm, Lucy is happy with life–until she literally runs into the hardware store owner and desire for romance returns.
A Bird-in-Hand Christmas by Amy Clipston
After learning her boyfriend Wyatt was seeing someone else, Makayla moved across state and married. Recently widowed, she visits her parents for Christmas, only to find that Wyatt is still single and working for her father. When her five-year-old son instantly bonds with Wyatt, Makayla starts to hope for a second chance at love.
Christmas Lily by Amy Lillard
Seven-year-old Jacob Bontrager is working hard to help his lonely widower father find love again. He believes his pretty new teacher who has just moved to the community is perfect, but none of his matchmaking works until a snowstorm strands Lily Kate Troyer at the Bontrager farm. Could God and nature be on Jacob’s side?
Leaving Lancaster by Mindy Steele
The Wicky sisters didn’t expect their father to sell their thriving deer farm with plans to move them to the deep woods of Kentucky. Always obedient Louise fears for her growing jam business. Beth cannot wait to start a new adventure in a new place, while her twin, Leah, is running out of time for her own happy-ever-after.
They have only one Christmas left in Lancaster. Can three sisters forge the perfect plan to ensure Leah gets the Christmas wish she has longed for or will God deliver a Christmas miracle for all three?
Available tomorrow in digital and print wherever you buy fine books! Available now for Kindle on Amazon.com. I can’t wait for you to read these wonderful, feel-good stories! Enjoy!
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Booksigning Tomorrow at Bookology!
Tomorrow, Saturday, June 8 I’ll be doing a single-author booksigning at Bookology, located at 646 Wheeling Ave. in Historic Downtown Cambridge! I’ll be there from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Bookology is a wonderful little independent bookstore selling both new and used books. They have an eclectic selection. I always – ALWAYS – find something I must have.
So here’s the scoop. My second book (okay, deep breath – I can’t believe I have a SECOND BOOK!!) “Mary’s Calico Hope”, book five in Barbour’s “Heart of the Amish” series, released in print on June 1. That was last Saturday. My little brother also got married that day, so I see that as good energy!
Bookology has plenty of copies of my new book available for purchase. I’ll be on hand to chitchat with you, sign your book if you like, and tell you what flavor of pie I like best from Theo’s restaurant, located just two doors down from Bookology.
I hope you’ll come on by and say hello; and maybe bring me a slice of pie!
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Up Next! Lucy’s Christmas Sunbeam!
Part of the “Lancaster Amish Christmas” collection of four novellas by four authors, coming in September!
Something I’ve discovered on my ever-evolving writing journey is that when I finish a project, there’s no time to rest on my laurels; the next project is standing in the wings, peeking around the curtain, calling out in a very loud stage whisper, “Hey! My turn!”
Less than a week ago, “Mary’s Calico Hope”, my second book in Barbour’s “Heart of the Amish” series, released in print. I can only describe the feeling as being akin to having a baby. The excitement is there. The pride is there. And like a new baby, a new book release needs a lot of attention!
I’ve got to promote it alongside the efforts being made by Barbour. That’s a lot! Fortunately, it’s the kind of thing I enjoy doing.
But maybe two days after the euphoria of the release of “Mary’s Calico Hope” I received an email from the folks at Barbour with the galley of my novella, “Lucy’s Christmas Sunbeam”, which releases in print on September 1 as part of a four novella collection called “A Lancaster Amish Christmas“.
The stories are all from authors you know and love, including Amy Clipston, Amy Lillard, Mindy Steele and me!
I’ve got a week to read through the story and report back with any errors I find. This is not the time for me to decide on big changes to the story; that ship has sailed. Rather, this is where I discover missing prepositions and commas that have slipped by me, (and I read that story 10 times), my beta readers, my copy editor and the proofreader. And I found several! It’s amazing.
I need to decide on a dedication, and return it all in the next day or two. Then the marketing for that book will begin in earnest! It never ends, and I love it!
Currently I’m writing my next book in the “Heart of the Amish” series, “Lizzie’s Little Mouse”, which comes out next winter after releases by Mindy Steele and Lisa Jones Baker. I’m adding an element of cozy mystery to that one, and I’m having a ball!
So that’s what’s next for me. I thank God every day for this journey. And I thank you, my readers, without whom there would be little point to continuing.
God Bless You All!
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Those who can’t: Collect!
I have a little problem; I rescue afghans from thrift stores.
Not Afghan Hounds…though they are very pretty! But I don’t think my house could hold very many of them; they’re biggish.
I’m talking about small blankets made for cuddling under on the couch while reading a book or watching television. Traditionally made of wool, they now come in more affordable options, such as acrylic and cotton. The debate rages on about which is better when it comes to making afghans: knitting or crocheting. I say either produces a cozy throw you can snuggle under while enjoying some down time.
I can’t stand to see a pretty one in a thrift store. This may be because I have never made one, so am somewhat in awe of the time and skill it takes to do so.
In a household with two people and one undersized sofa, how many of these things do you need?
So I regularly resolve not to buy any more; but then inevitably I find myself standing in a thrift store, gazing in wonder and, yes, pity at a gorgeous, discarded piece of handmade folk art.
I imagine the time and effort that went into creating each lovely throw, and wonder why it ended up tossed into the donation bag.
The time consideration, and even the cost of materials, is daunting. But it’s the love that goes into making an afghan that gets me right in the feels. I look at a colorful, intricately-designed little blanket and picture some old auntie or grandma – or hey, a devoted granddad or papa – spending many a winter’s evening, yarn running over her fingers, cat grabbing the ends by her feet, as she creates a cozy bit of comfort for someone she loves.
How does such a thing get tossed away?
Maybe there are just too many of them. A prolific crocheter could make a couple dozen a year. I suppose after a while, all her loved-ones are up to their eyeballs in afghans.
Or maybe the gift went to someone who just isn’t into country kitsch in the first place and it quickly found its way to Goodwill.
Or maybe the creative lady in question just kept making them as personal therapy long after all her friends, relatives and church charities had all the throws they could use. So she hoarded them lovingly in boxes and bags and bins until she died. Imagine the treasure trove someone discovered upon cleaning out her home! I am grateful that her heirs donated them instead of simply tossing them in a dumpster.
I have one my grandmother made for my wedding, nearly 40 years ago. It was fashioned from cream yarn, knitted with intricate Swiss dots and cross-hatching in the pattern. I used and displayed it for many years, but now it is old and yellowed. Of course, I’ll never discard it; I wonder if I could dye it a lovely sage green to give it a new lease on life?
So, back to me standing in the thrift store looking at another beautiful bit of discarded folk art. You know I’m buying it, right?
Just last weekend I added to my collection. I was at a lovely Christian thrift store in Strasburg, Ohio, when the colorful geometric blanket complete with fringes caught my eye.
I picked it up and examined it, expecting stains or holes. Nope. It was perfect. I took it up front and asked the price, thinking it had to be at least $50.
The two young Mennonite women manning the counter looked at each other questioningly. “No price tag?” one asked. I shook my head. They consulted silently again, and the other turned to me and said, “It’ll be $4.”
I hope my mouth didn’t drop open. “Sold” I said, placing it on the counter.
And I brought it home, where it will be appreciated and loved for another generation.
If I get too many, I guess I could rehome them like one does with kittens and doggies.
But for now, I’ll cherish each one, and wonder who made them and to whom they were originally given.
I hope they know their art is appreciated and cherished. As one who can’t (or doesn’t have time to lean, honestly) create these handstitched works of art, I’ll collect them! And no apologies.
Aren’t the giant, blue corner tassles fun? 
My newest “rescue”, from the thrift store in Strasburg, Ohio. 
So cozy! And it pairs well with the ginger cat pillow my son gave me for Christmas! 
The work that went into this piece of art steals my breath! Who made it? Where? When? Why did it end up discarded? I’ll never know, but I love it as if it had been given to me by a favorite friend. 
I simply couldn’t leave this nuanced blue beauty behind when I discovered it in an area Goodwill! -
Courting an Amish Bishop
Mindy Steele’s latest book, “Courting an Amish Bishop“, which is book number four in Barbour Publishing’s “Heart of the Amish” series, released April 1. I got my copy in the mail shortly thereafter, and gobbled it up in just a couple reading sessions!
It was that good!
The book features Stella, an herbal healer living her independent life on a hillside in the woods with her silver lab. She’s doing very well, treating the people in her Amish community and delivering the occasional baby.
Then influenza hits the nearby Amish community, and her help is needed there. She goes without hesitation to do what she can.
That’s when she meets Simon, a very attractive widower with a teenage son Stella falls for right away. In fact, she falls for Simon’s whole family — and maybe for Simon, too. Then she finds out he’s the bishop.
Why is that a problem? Read on to find out!
I highly recommend this book.
If you’ve missed the other books in The Heart of the Amish series, they are: “The Flower Quilter”, by Mindy Steele; “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise”, by Anne Blackburne; “The Quilt Room Secret” by Lisa Jones Baker; and coming soon, “Mary’s Calico Hope” by Anne Blackburne, and “Serenity’s Secret”, by Lisa Jones Baker.
I’m having so much fun being part of this wonderful series of stand-alone stories. I hope you’re enjoying them, too.
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Courting an Amish Bishop Releases Monday!
No fooling: Mindy Steele’s new book from Barbour’s “Heart of the Amish” series comes out on Monday, April 1!
I just ordered my copy, and am eagerly waiting for it to arrive in the mail. This is another wonderful story from popular author Mindy Steele; her second in the Heart of the Amish series.
Brief synopsis: Meet Stella Schmucker who faithfully uses her herbal knowledge to help her Amish community while neglecting her own desire for romance—until she meets the bishop.
The cover is so sweet! I can’t wait to read my copy, and then I’ll go review it, because good book reviews help authors, and I know from Mindy’s previous stories that the review will be good! Mindy doesn’t disappoint.
The other books in this series include: The Flower Quilter, by Mindy Steele (September, 2023); Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise, by Anne Blackburne (December, 2023); The Quilt Room Secret, by Lisa Jones Baker (February, 2024); and coming June 1 by Anne Blackburne, Mary’s Calico Hope! And September 1, Serenity’s Secret, by Lisa Jones Baker.
Amish Stories
