Review: Heartwarming
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 9, 2013
I received this from Library Thing to read and review. This is a great book about Christmas and love.  There are four short stories and a novella, all of which concern Amish young people searching for meaning in life and all of which relate to the Christmas holiday. The way the Amish celebrate the holiday compared to the commercialism most of us experience is very interesting.  I found myself wondering whether I would enjoy one more than the other or whether I would enjoy both equally as much. In most of the stories, the main characters are searching for answers, the most prominent of which is whether to make a life in the Amish community or in the outside/"English" world. Most of the characters are living within the "English" world and feel compelled to return to the simple but quietly beautiful world of the Amish community and Amish celebrations. The choices the characters make are not easy ones, but I doubt I would find them easy were I in their positions. Throughout the book, the theme of love, for "the one" (as they say), and for other family members and Amish traditions and community life is prominent.  One thing I did miss was an index.  At first, this might not seem too important, but if you somehow lose your place reading (oh, the wonders of modern technology!), it becomes important, as you try to figure out just where you were in the book. I also like to know how much longer I have until a chapter or story end, especially when I have something to do (like make supper or leave for an appointment), which will require me to leave the book for a time. The author has once again given us a good look at the Amish community, the people and the culture with these heartwarming stories.