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 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.

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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 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. ( )

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 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.” ( )

This is a great set of three Christmas novellas. Each novella is connected by a beautiful quilt. The first story is Luella’s Promise. Luella helps to care for her friends family while her friend is dying and after. The second is Karen’s Gift. Karen is Luella’s child. She has moved to a new town and is not sure if she and her family shouldn't move back to be near family. The third story is called Roseanna’s Groom. Roseanna is Luella’s grandchild. Roseanna has to decide if she should marry the man who left her at the alter or the new guy that she has met. Each story has the quilt in the story. These are wonderful Christmas stories. I received this book from Barbour Publishing for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

Saturday, November 4, 2017
The Beloved Christmas Quilt by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, and Richelle Brunstetter, © 2017
Three Stories of Family, Romance, and Amish Faith

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me. Psalm 31:3

The Scripture embroidered on the back of a beloved quilt brings hope to three generations of Pennsylvania Amish women at Christmastime.

My Review:

The beginnings of a treasured quilt passed down to the next generation. Not only that is passed down, but wonderful writings!! I must confess the last story is my favorite written by Mrs. Brunstetter's granddaughter, Richelle... but, let's start at the beginning.

Luella's Promise
by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania
Day breaks like any other ~ sunshiney, barn chores, an awaited breakfast with family around the table. Luella Ebersol is then on her way to her beloved friend's home to care for her. Dena Zook is looking to the ways of her family, and it includes Luella.

Atlee Zook becomes a strong figure in the story. I would like to have entered his woodworking shop with the scents of curly shavings about as he concentrates to complete his orders for his customers. His young son, Daryl, is well taken care of by Luella as she continues working in their home after the passing of his wife.

Karen's Gift
by Jean Brunstetter

Lykens, Pennsylvania
This is a beautiful story of adjusting to a move away from parents and the decisions Karen Allgyer and her husband, Seth, each come to in regard to their home. As their family grows, the relationship is continued for the children with visits from their grandparents.

Seth's growth in character is developed and enriched as he deepens relationship within their immediate family and faces challenges on his work duties. Open communication becomes a strength for them as Seth and Karen learn by sharing their hearts together.

Roseanna's Groom
by Richelle Brunstetter

Lykens, Pennsylvania
This story is about Seth and Karen Allgyer's children as they are older. I liked so much the closeness of this family covering three generations. The joy within the home is so apparent by the connection of their lives and shared fun and chores between them. With difficulties faced, they listen to each other and develop strong bonds that enable them to go forward and to trust the Lord with their lives.

He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he. Proverbs 16:20

I especially liked the decision-making process that formed truth in their lives by depending on the Lord. A continuation of generations before them developed into a love that endures.

A pie recipe follows each story!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.** ( )