A heartwarming read: My review of A Lancaster County Christmas by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Publisher: Revell; Reprinted edition (September 1, 2011)

Book Synopsis as provided by the Publisher:

Mattie Riehl was hoping to give her husband, Sol, the Christmas gift they have both longed for--news that a baby was on the way. But as usual, she is disappointed. The holidays bring an acute awareness to Mattie that her dream of a big Amish family isn't likely to become a reality. Will those empty chairs at the table ever be filled? Then a winter storm raging outside blows an impatient young woman and her husband into the Riehl home on Christmas Eve--and into a much slower pace of life.

Both couples are about to find out if they can weather the storm--and if miracles still happen at Christmastime.

MY REVIEW

Have you ever seen the movie For Richer or Poorer with actors Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley? If so, you may be familiar with the initial premise of A Lancaster County Christmas, of a couple with a troubled marriage who end up in Amish country and are forever changed.

But this book is so much better, so much more satisfying than the movie.

Fisher has woven together a rich story, a story of new beginnings for characters Jaime, C.J., Sol, Mattie, Zach. As they all learn to look at the world through each others eyes, they also experience the touch of God through his promises, his faithfulness. The pacing is swift as the story is revealed layer upon layer, engaging the reader with subplots of marriage troubles, rebellious teens, cultural clashes, struggles to get pregnant. I found the book difficult to put down, and was not only entertained but found myself challenged in my own faith, especially in the character of Mattie and her tendency to worry and her journey towards peace, as worry is something I have struggled with myself in life. I was equally inspired by the simple life of the Amish with the security of family and community to surround them.

A Lancaster County Christmas is a beautiful story, written with great skill. Readers who enjoy Amish fiction will love this Christmas story, and will walk away feeling their time was well spent. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

*** Make sure you also check out the trailer for the author's upcoming book "The Keeper" coming in January 2012: