[I received an electronic review copy of this short story collection from Netgalley and Kensington in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
“The Christmas Not-Wish” by Shelley Shepard Gray
After a series of foster homes, Jemima and Roy move in with Will and Elizabeth Ann right before Christmas. The kids’ last foster home was bad, and now they are gun-shy. When they find out EA is pregnant, the kids are afraid they’ll have to leave and take their chances on another foster home.
This was delightful! Nothing terribly surprising, but completely heartwarming and sweet. I loved the kids, and Will and EA worked well through the inevitable bumps along the way as they all adjusted to one another.
“New Beginnings” by Rachel J. Good
Elizabeth is a young widow trying to get through the holiday season. Then the hard season is compounded by an injury. But it does bring Luke into her life more often as he comes to her aid. Both are filled with regrets over what might have been.
This was a more painful, but also more precious and heart warming story. Lots of faith components in this one as both Elizabeth and Luke seek God for their struggles. It’s a toss up which of these two stories I liked more. Both were terrific. (CW: grief/loss, teen pregnancy)
“Twins Times Two” by Loree Lough
The Briskey twins – Paul and Peter – and their cousins the Hartz twins – James and Thomas – are known around town as Double Trouble. At almost 14, their antics are getting more serious all the time. Playing chicken with a bull is the last straw. As punishment, their parents require them to work for Jubal on his dairy farm to make up for the trouble they have caused.
This one was more slow moving than the other two stories. The love story shared equal time with this redemption story with the four boys. I found that story, with the teens, an absolute delight. Sadly, the romance really didn’t grab me at all in this one. Every scene with the boys, though, made this a worthwhile read. (CW: grief/loss)
Overall, the collection of stories here is lovely. I would read all three again. If you love Amish fiction, don’t miss these Christmas stories that all involve twins in one way or another.
Rating: ♥♥♥♥*
*♥♥♥♥=Great!