I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Love Inspired. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Amish Christmas Memories by Vannetta Chapman Series: Indiana Amish Brides #2
Published by Harlequin Enterprises, Limited on November 20, 2018
Genres: Amish & Mennonite, Christian, Clean & Wholesome, Fiction, Romance
Pages: 288
Source: Love Inspired
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All she wants for Christmas is her memories
An Indiana Amish Brides book
When a young Amish woman collapses in the snow shortly before Christmas, Caleb Wittmer rushes to her aid. Only, "Rachel" remembers nothing of who she is. Now his family has taken in the pretty stranger, disrupting Caleb's ordered world. He's determined to find out where she belongs...even if Rachel's departure means saying goodbye to his old-fashioned heart forever.
There’s something about a Vannetta book that draws me in. Regardless of whether she’s writing a cozy mystery with a touch of romance or just a sweet romance with a twist of mystery. Even a dystopian novel in her hands just walks away special. There’s something about her voice that draws me in and keeps me settled. Her voice brings people to life and even in the unbelievable I believe. I’m going to admit a flaw of my own here, I might occasionally be a little judge-yish. When Vannetta started writing for Love Inspired I was worried about losing something. Overall a shorter life span of the story and heavier on the romance while being lighter on the cozy mystery suspense thing, I wasn’t completely sold. Romance is a secondary genre for me ya know. Here’s the thing, I’m two Vannetta Love Inspired in and that voice is still there. That ability to take anything and make it enticing. I’m pretty sure if Vannetta wrote a technical something that is obviously over my head, I’d enjoy it. That may be why she’s one of my favorite authors. Perhaps. At least part of it.
OK, enough about me, let’s talk about book. How in the gravy does an Amish girl end up with no coat, no memory, on a deserted snowy road, in a strange town? And fall almost literally at the feet of Caleb Wittmer. Caleb who is so legalistic in the separateness of his faith that he can’t see the lost and frightened woman behind the dress that is too brightly colored and the missing kapp. Rachel only remembers her name since it was written in the front of a book she was carrying, but the rest of her memories are scattered at best. As Christmas approaches she gives up her dream of returning to her home and embraces the family who found her, and cares for her, and supports her. To be fair though, I think that Bishop Amos is by far my favorite minor person. His subtle wisdom, his willingness to guild his district toward what is best for them not necessarily what is best for tradition, and his general kindness in the face of drama.
‘My problems seem kind of small compared to those.’
‘They’re not small when you are the one dealing with them everyday.’
One thing that Vannetta did amazingly in this book, besides skating the edge to avoid insta-love, was the seamless inclusion of topics that even the Englisch world sidesteps. You don’t often see the Amish seeking the assistance of a mental health professional, or even the bishop pushing for it. You don’t often see people suffering from, and talking about, depression in an Amish novel. Seasonal Affective Disorder isn’t something that is addressed in mainstream fiction either to be honest. I appreciate that inclusion of the fact that depression isn’t something that cares about what faith you have, how strong your faith, or even where you live. Depression is a biological disorder that affects a person at the emotional level. There is nothing I did not love about this book, even the almost insta-love didn’t turn me off. There is such a sweetness of finding your past at the same time you are finding your future. There is such a generosity in finding your strength in your weaknesses. True love courts a family. True love overlooks dress color. True love picks you up in the snow. True love builds sunrooms.
‘Home is where you belong. It may not be where you always stay, but it’s the place that fits – like an old shoe. It’s why we keep returning ti it over and over again, no matter how old we become or how far away we move.’
True love is home.
About Vannetta Chapman
Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She is the author of many novels, including the Pebble Creek Amish series, Shipshewana Amish Mystery Series, and Plain and Simple Miracle series. Vannetta is a Carol award winner and also received more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She currently writes Christian suspense, Amish romance, and Amish mystery. She was a teacher for 15 years and currently resides in the Texas hill country.
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