Kate Lloyd (2)

Many reviewers have done an excellent job describing the events of this book, so I will focus on what I liked and disliked about it.

What I liked:
The story flowed well and I found myself quickly turning pages to find out what was going to happen, especially as the women approached Pennsylvania.

The details of Amish and Mennonite life were interesting and seemed to be well researched. They were what really kept me reading.

The character of the Grandmother Anna, Esther’s mother, was my favorite. I wanted her for my grandmother!

What I disliked:
I had a lot of trouble believing in the characters of Esther and Holly. Many of the things they said and did were not in keeping with what we knew about them. I could’ve smacked Holly several times. A more spoiled, obnoxious woman I’d be hard pressed to find.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.… (more)

A Lancaster Family Christmas is a feel good holiday story about a Mennonite family and a city girl. Diana Manzella agrees to take an out of town trip with co-worker Betsy Yoder to visit the Yoder family in Lancaster County. Diana is an only child who comes from a family with distant parents. She muses that her parents do not even know what subject she majored in during college. When Diana arrives in Amish Country she discovers that their world is completely different from her own on the Upper East Side of New York City. She isn't sure that she can make it through the weekend. However, Diana is fascinated by the huge homes and buggies but takes note that these families get along and have huge home cooked meals every day. This, too, is vastly different from her parent's household. Diana also notices Betsy's brother Brett and his Amish friend Jesse. She is attracted to both of them even though she knows nothing can come of a relationship with either of them because of their religious faith.

The food alone that Betsy's mother cooks will get you in the holiday spirit. It is hard to believe that there are women in the world who spend that much time in the kitchen. They seem to have limitless energy. A Lancaster Family Christmas is a good book to start the holiday season with. I am rating it 5 out of 5 stars.… (more)

A Lancaster Family Christmas by Kate Lloyd takes readers from New York City to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in December. Diana Manzella is invited by her co-worker, Betsy Yoder to spend a few days with her Mennonite family. Diana feels welcomed by Betsy’s warm family and loves spending time with their horses. She is introduced to Betsy’s brother, Brett who she finds handsome and their neighbor, Jesse whom Betsy has harbored a crush on for many years. Diana ends up spending Christmas with the family learning more about the family and the community. A Lancaster Family Christmas is a sweet Christmas tale with some good life lessons along with a heaping dose of Christmas cheer. The story contains good writing and it moved along at a good pace. The characters are relatable, but I felt that they were not developed. I felt like I barely knew Diana, Betsy, Jesse, and Brett. I wanted to know more about Diana besides she comes from a well-to-do family, lives in a fancy apartment at a good address with a doorman, has a sweet dog named Piper, has a dead-end job, and parents who have been bickering which has them heading for divorce. Forgiveness, grace, mercy, and community are some of the lessons in the story. There is a scene that is tense and heartbreaking. I felt, though, that the story was a little higgledy piggledy. It is a sweet story, but I wanted more depth. I did enjoy the feeling of Christmas and the swirling snow. I would enjoy spending time in front of the Yoder’s fireplace or snuggling under a homemade quilt in their guestroom. A Lancaster Family Christmas is a lighthearted Christmas tale that will get you in the mood for the holidays.… (more)