The Beloved Christmas Quilt: Three Stories of Family, Romance, and Amish Faith

This is THE BEST Brunstetter clan book I've ever read! I was fascinated by the first story written by Wanda. It was interesting and had a bunch of unique elements to the storyline. It wasn't predictable at all. I was annoyed a little by Eugene's character. He seemed like a whiny baby but I think this added a unique real human element to the story. While I hated his whining I loved how he didn't win in the end. The love story in this book were so sweet and well developed. It wasn't oh we met and now it's the next page and we are in love. It was a natural development that I wasn't surprised about but still didn't see it as "predictable". The 2nd story in the book was written by Jean Brunstetter and was also good. I loved how it was a show more continuation (but not immediate following the previous story in terms of timeline... but it jumped to the adulthood of the youngest child born at the end of the previous story) of the previous story. I was glad to see what was going on in the lives of the characters I had just met. Loved the addition of a deaf child. We don't see "handicaps" in Amish stories often. I love this addition. And I loved how the characters reacted in a real way. They weren't immediately accepting of this challenge. The addition of marital struggles was also one you don't see often. I love when Amish fiction authors get real and don't romanticize the Amish lifestyle. Great story. The 3rd story written by Richelle got going slowly but then bam! Conflict from the beginning! I loved it. Characters met hardship and struggled but then pulled through and were even better off than they were before the struggle. Loved the raw emotion. Characters were well developed and there were plenty of plot twists and cliffhangers that kept me interested. Can't wait to read more from this author. She has a great writing style and way with plot that makes the reader want to keep reading. I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. show less

What a beautifully collection of Christmas Stories. This Christmas book is made up of three stories wireetn by popular Amish author Wanda Brunstetter, her Daughter-in law Jean Brunstetter and first time published author, her grand daughter Richelle Brunstetter. The thing I loved about this was that the stories are about three generations of women in one family written by three generations of women in one family. Each of the women that these stories are written about, suffers emotional times and heartache that really tugs at the heartstrings. The stories also focus on one beloved, cherished, Christmas quilt with a thought provoking scripture verse embroidered on it that is passed down to the next generation on or around Christmas.

Finding show more the person who is right for you to marry is hard enough, but moving away from family or dealing with a child born with a disability can add stress to any relationship. When your parents do not agree with your choice of a spouse in an Amish family usually means the marriage is not going to happen and could result in a lot of unhappiness. The final story deals with being left at the alter and healing enough to love again. A wonderful set of novellas, that I very much enjoyed. The publisher, Shiloh Run Press, generously provided me with a copy of this book to read. The rating, opinions and ideas are my own. show less

I am once again amazed at the depth of writing and emotion the authors has given us. I loved that it not only included a story from Wanda, but also from Jean and Richelle. Each story is like a sweet song that you hear to gently calm you. The characters are so vivid that you want to be friends with them. I really didn't want the book to end because I felt like I had found people who were caring, loving and willing to help others without complaining. It is very family oriented and I loved how they made sure to have meals together. The love that the family members had for each other was well defined in each story. I hope the authors write another book together.

Luella's Promise by Wanda Brunstetter

It was easy to like Luella because she show more was so giving and compassionate. I loved how she stepped up and took care of her ailing friend Dena and her family. My tears flowed as Dena gave Luella such a precious gift and asked her to make a promise to care for her family when she was gone. I can't imagine how hard it was for Luella as she became close to Daryl and Atlee. I loved reading how nurturing Luella was with Daryl . Atlee is grieving and trying to do the best he can raising his son. It's funny how gossip starts when Atlee and Luella are seen in town together. What does Luella's parents think of her spending so much time at a widower's home? Will their age difference keep them from falling in love with each other? I loved the theme of compassion, love and helping in the story.

Karen's Gift by Jean Brunstetter

I loved how the story seamlessly continued from Luella's Promise. Karen is now grown and has a family of her own. I loved how she embraced being married and caring for her family. When they find out that their baby has something wrong with her, I thought the author did a great job of showing how they cope with it. I thought Seth was a wonderful husband and I did like the part about him going to his dad when things are burdening him. He is having a rough time at work and I sympathized with him when he had to deal with a co-worker. He has his hands full with three children and another on the way. Will Karen and Seth be able to handle the responsibility of raising a large family? Overall the story was good and I loved how the families come together to help each other out.

Roseanna's Groom by Richelle Brunstetter

What a wonderful story this was. I loved reading about Roseanna and her dilemma when her soon to be husband runs away during the wedding ceremony. What would you do if that happened to you? Roseanna is devastated and seemed to blame herself for John leaving. I really enjoyed the time Roseanna spent with her family while working through her problems. It was nice to see her rely on listening to God and not rushing to make a decision. The story gets a bit complicated when an old boyfriend of Roseanna's shows up. Will Roseanna decide to start a courtship with her old boyfriend? Can John learn to forgive himself ? I especially liked this story because it brought the entire family back together and how precious The Beloved Christmas Quilt was to pass down to a family member. I loved the book and have to say it was my favorite because it brought three generations together writing and working together.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and the author. I was under no obligation to post a review. show less

The Beloved Christmas Quilt: Three stories of Family, Romance and Amish Faith by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean B. Brunstetter and Richelle Lynn Brunstetter. We get to see how one quilt with a Psalm 31:3 embroidered on the back helps and guides three generations. Luella’s Promise by Wanda E. Brunstetter is set in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. Luella Ebersol was hired by Atlee Zook to care for his dying wife, Dena Zook and young son, Daryl. Before Dena passes away, she gifts Luella with a special quilt that Dena and Atlee received as a Christmas gift from Dena’s mum the first year they were married. It is a quilt that is to pass from mother to daughter. After Dena’s passing, Luella continues to work for Atlee and care for little Daryl. show more Slowly the pair begin to care for each other, but Luella’s parents are not pleased with the pairing (age difference). Without her parents blessing, Atlee and Luella cannot have a future together. Is there a chance for them to have a happily ever after?

Karen’s Gift by Jean Brunstetter takes us to Lykens, Pennsylvania. Karen and Seth Allgyer moved to Lykens two years prior to get away from the commercialized Paradise. Karen misses her family especially now with newborn, Nancy Anne in the house along with her other daughters, Roseanna and Mary. Karen is worried about Nancy Anne who was born early and is afraid the little girl might suffer from the effects of the German measles Karen had while pregnant. Seth is having trouble at work with a co-worker and he cannot handle any more stressful news. How will the family cope during this worrying time?

Roseanna’s Groom is by Wanda Brunstetter’s granddaughter, Richelle Lynn Brunstetter (her first published story). Roseanna Allgyer is marrying John Beiler. She is excited and nervous to start her new life with the man she loves. They are standing before the Bishop while he discusses their responsibilities when John suddenly flees. Roseanna is hurt and confused. John goes away, and old beau, Mark returns to town wishing to court Roseanna again. Roseanna is afraid to trust another man with her heart. What choice will Roseanna make?

The Beloved Christmas Quilt contains three sweet stories. I liked how we get to experience three generations of the family. It was nice that the characters from Luella’s Promise are in all three tales. My favorite one is Luella’s Promise. It is well-written, good pace, and engaging characters. I like the messages or themes in the novellas. They include friendship, power of prayer, kindness, compassion, overcoming adversity, and following God’s path for your life. My rating for The Beloved Christmas Quilt is 4 out of 5 stars. Roseanna’s Groom is a nice story and for Richelle Brunstetter’s first published work, she did a good job. Karen’s Gift, though, was not as enjoyable. I was not fully engaged by this short story. It lacked the nice, easy writing style that readers prefer (and we get from Wanda Brunstetter). The Beloved Christmas Quilt has three inspiring, romantic stories that will leave you with a warm feeling in your heart. show less

The Beloved Christmas Quilt: Three stories of Family, Romance and Amish Faith by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean B. Brunstetter and Richelle Lynn Brunstetter. We get to see how one quilt with a Psalm 31:3 embroidered on the back helps and guides three generations. Luella’s Promise by Wanda E. Brunstetter is set in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. Luella Ebersol was hired by Atlee Zook to care for his dying wife, Dena Zook and young son, Daryl. Before Dena passes away, she gifts Luella with a special quilt that Dena and Atlee received as a Christmas gift from Dena’s mum the first year they were married. It is a quilt that is to pass from mother to daughter. After Dena’s passing, Luella continues to work for Atlee and care for little Daryl. show more Slowly the pair begin to care for each other, but Luella’s parents are not pleased with the pairing (age difference). Without her parents blessing, Atlee and Luella cannot have a future together. Is there a chance for them to have a happily ever after?

Karen’s Gift by Jean Brunstetter takes us to Lykens, Pennsylvania. Karen and Seth Allgyer moved to Lykens two years prior to get away from the commercialized Paradise. Karen misses her family especially now with newborn, Nancy Anne in the house along with her other daughters, Roseanna and Mary. Karen is worried about Nancy Anne who was born early and is afraid the little girl might suffer from the effects of the German measles Karen had while pregnant. Seth is having trouble at work with a co-worker and he cannot handle any more stressful news. How will the family cope during this worrying time?

Roseanna’s Groom is by Wanda Brunstetter’s granddaughter, Richelle Lynn Brunstetter (her first published story). Roseanna Allgyer is marrying John Beiler. She is excited and nervous to start her new life with the man she loves. They are standing before the Bishop while he discusses their responsibilities when John suddenly flees. Roseanna is hurt and confused. John goes away, and old beau, Mark returns to town wishing to court Roseanna again. Roseanna is afraid to trust another man with her heart. What choice will Roseanna make?

The Beloved Christmas Quilt contains three sweet stories. I liked how we get to experience three generations of the family. It was nice that the characters from Luella’s Promise are in all three tales. My favorite one is Luella’s Promise. It is well-written, good pace, and engaging characters. I like the messages or themes in the novellas. They include friendship, power of prayer, kindness, compassion, overcoming adversity, and following God’s path for your life. My rating for The Beloved Christmas Quilt is 4 out of 5 stars. Roseanna’s Groom is a nice story and for Richelle Brunstetter’s first published work, she did a good job. Karen’s Gift, though, was not as enjoyable. I was not fully engaged by this short story. It lacked the nice, easy writing style that readers prefer (and we get from Wanda Brunstetter). The Beloved Christmas Quilt has three inspiring, romantic stories that will leave you with a warm feeling in your heart. show less

When it comes to Wanda Brunstetter books, I will read it instantly, no questions asked. She is truly a talented author. So, when I sat down to read this story, I knew I was in for a treat. This book has 3 stories, each about a mother, daughter, and granddaughter. Each story is written by a generation of the Brunstetter family and all were equally captivating.

Each of the women these stories are written about, suffer emotional times, heartache and devastation, and really tug at the heartstrings. I can't imagine going through the But, throughout all, the stories are focused on one beloved, cherished quilt with thought provoking scripture verse embroidered on it. This quilt reminds me of ones that my grandma quilts. She doesn't add the show more scripture verse but she will often add our names and the year she quilted it to the quilt. I have several and cherish them just as the characters in these stories do!

This book will completely captivate you and keep you up long into the night, turning each page. You'll fall in love with beautifully chiseled characters, and the presence of God is strong within these pages. The bonds of family are wrapped up in this quilted story and I loved that feeling! Wanda, Jean and Richelle, like a quilt, have pieced together a beautiful collection of stories for readers. I can't wait to read another 5 star collaboration by the talented hands of these women.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Shiloh Run Press/Wanda's Clippity Clop Club and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.* show less

This set of stories is very special. There is one quilt and three generations of stories related to this quilt. What makes the book original is that three generations of Wanda Brunstetter's family wrote this story.

The first book written by Wanda is Luella's Promise. Luella has been taking care of her friend Dena Zook since her heart troubles began. Luella took on the responsibility of taking care of the home, cooking meals and caring and watching over Dena's 4 year old son. Just before she died, Dena gave Luella a beautiful quilt in gratitude for what Luella did to help the family. She also extracted a promise from Luella to continue helping her grieving husband with the care of their son. Luella promised and continued to cook, clean show more and care for Atlee's little boy after her friend died. Eventually this led to some complications as the adults grew closer to each other. Atlee eventually realized he had grown to love Luella, but there was one pressing problem, he was sixteen years older than she was. Her parents would not consent to a relationship between them.

Jean Brunstetter writes Karen's Gift. Karen is Luella and Atlee Zook's daughter. By the time the story begins, she is married to Seth Allgyer and has moved to another community with him while they start their family. When their third daughter Nancy Anne is born, the couple is worried because Karen was exposed to German Measles during the pregnancy. Eventually they discover that Nancy Anne is deaf, and the knowledge contributes toward a rift in their marriage which was amplified by stress in Seth's job. The community and friends helped them through some of the roughest spots.

Richelle Brunstetter wrote the final book, Roseanna's Groom. Roseanna is Karen and Seth Allgyer's eldest daughter. She is about to be married. In fact, all her family is gathered together to celebrate with her and John. But just before the service started, John ran and Roseanna is faced with the fallout of a broken heart and a blow to her self worth. As the special Christmas quilt is passed from mother to daughter at Christmas, the scripture embroidered on the quilt offers unique comfort to each woman going through trials.

Each simple plot was endearing, poignant, and a delight to read. The stories captured well the simplicity of Amish life while dealing with the complexities of human nature. I enjoyed reading all of these short Christmas stories. If you are a fan of Wanda Brunstetter's books, you'll welcome these new treasures to your collection.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Shiloh Run Press, an imprint of Barbour Publishing, Inc. I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” show less