An Amish Family: Four Stories

An Amish Family by Kathleen Fuller is An Amish Novella Collection. Building Trust is the story of Grace Miller and Joel King. They have been dating secretly for almost a year and Joel has proposed. They make the announcement at a family dinner and are shocked when Grace’s father, Vernon forbids the union. When Vernon is asked why, he will not reveal his reasons and banishes Joel from his property. Grace needs to find out what her father has against Joel, so they can move forward with their future. Surprised by Love has Emily Schwartz in a pickle when she tells people she is dating Rueben Coblentz. She is trying to avoid the latest efforts of her match-making mother. Rueben can see Emily’s distress and agrees to help her out. What happens, though, when friendship turns into love? A Gift for Anne Marie is set in Paradise, Pennsylvania. Anne Marie Smucker and Nathaniel have been friends since they were little kids. When Anne Marie’s friend, Ruth states she is interested in Nathaniel, it surprises Anne Marie that she feels jealous. Anne Marie looks at Nathaniel in a new light and realizes her feelings for him have changed. But then her mother announces she is getting married and the family is moving to Ohio. Is her budding relationship with Nathaniel over before it can begin? A Heart Full of Love keeps us in Paradise, Pennsylvania where Ellie and Chris Miller are expecting their first child. Ellie’s mother has been protective of Ellie since she lost her sight in accident eight years prior. Since Ellie announced her pregnancy, her mother has become even more protective. When Ellie gives birth to twins, her mother moves in and takes control of the babies. When it becomes unbearable for Ellie, Chris is forced to act. Will Ellie’s mother finally tell them the reason for her behavior? The four stories in An Amish Family are well-written, thoughtful, and engaging. I thought each story was just the right length. There are good life lessons included in each novella. It is always important to remember that God is in control. As Christians we need to be faithful to Him and pray for his guidance and assistance. A Heart Full of Love (in An Amish Cradle) and A Gift for Anne Marie (in An Amish Second Christmas) are not new stories, but I liked revisiting these narratives. An Amish Family are lovely, heartfelt tales that are enjoyable to read. I dare you to read just one!