A Lancaster County Christmas by Suzanne Woods Fisher

A Lancaster County Christmas Reviews

• 
  Shirley Chapel

  A lovely Christmas tale quarantined to put you in the Christmas mood. I liked it and I hope you do too!
• 
  Kathryn

  I’m giving this 3.5 stars. It is the first book that I have read about Amish people, and I enjoyed it. I liked the juxtaposition of Amish people living in a modern day world and coming into contact with contemporary non-Amish people. It was a bit disconcerting how the non-Amish people (Americans) were referred to as English by the Amish - I kept thinking for a split second that I’d mistaken the continent the book is set in!
  
  I liked the storyline of the non-Amish couple being stuck with the Amish family over Christmas because of a snow storm and how they were each able to help the others gain a different perspective on various issues.
• 
  Katherine Coble

  Ugh.
  
  This was my first attempt in nearly 15 years at reading Amish fiction.
  
  I grew up Mennonite, in and around the Amish of Northeastern Indiana.
  
  This book (or as far into it as I was able to go) fetishizes them, turning them (us) into quaint cartoons.
  
  Amish, Mennonite, Shakers and Quakers are real people. We aren't angels and we aren't one dimensional foils like Disney bunnies who exist to teach Englishers life lessons.
• 
  Grace

  This book was so awesome! It was short and sweet, not to mention it contained such wonderful character transformations. Definitely a must-read at Christmas time!
• 
  Barb Bailey

  This book was a nice , quick read for Christmas. It also had discussion questions in the back so a good choice for book club. The theme of the book was "Emanuel" God with us, but it was not in your face overly religious. The story line was really about the Amish peoples simple life , what should be important in every persons life, and an comparison to the English peoples life and how materialistic some people are. Two very different families learn life lessons from each other when they are unexpectedly thrown together over a Christmas weekend. 3.5 stars
• 
  Betsy

  I really enjoyed A Lancaster County Christmas by Suzanne Woods Fisher. This is a very well-written story that reminds us the importance of family. I will read more of the author's books set in Amish locale. 4 stars
• 
  Bonnie

  A quick read about an Amish family at Christmas. Mattie was hoping to give her husband, Sol, the best gift they had longed for--a baby. But, as usual, she was disappointed. She looks at their big oak table with all the empty chairs and wonders if they will ever be filled. Then a raging storm raging outside blows a woman and her husband inside on Christmas Eve. Both couples are going to find out if they can weather the storm. Read this cute story to find out.
• 
  Gaylina

  I wish this series had another book in it so I could follow all these characters in this book as they move on with their lives. This is the forth book in the series. I loved them all. This author makes me laugh and cry. He’d words make me contemplate on so many things. I ended up marking some of Mattie’s wise words. This is a stand alone book but it was fun reading all four, one right after another. To see the characters grow up.
• 
  Nicole

  A Page Turner from the beginning. I Really Loved it. Love All Amish Books. I Love There Way Of Life. 😇
• 
  JaneAnn Said

  I appreciated how the author brought together two women from diverse worlds, Amish and English, who were struggling with depression. Through conversations, each helping the other in simple, yet life-changing ways. The brief, yet profound, advice shared as the friendship grew eased their grief and fostered a sense of hope for the future. Truly a heart-warming story!
• 
  Melissa B

  What a heartwarming story. I received this as a promotion from the author early last month but just lost my heart for reading for a bit. (I am undergoing cancer treatments and my very best friend passed away on Dec 20). My mind was elsewhere. This book was cathartic, warmed my soul.
• 
  Kristin

  
  It’s almost Christmas!!! Are you as excited as I am? I love Christmas novels and novellas. It really puts me in the Christmas mood. This book was really fantastic and covered everything I look for in a Christmas tale. Between these pages you will find love, forgiveness and most important—peace that comes from a relationship with the Lord. Suzanne Woods Fisher is quickly becoming a favorite in the Amish genre for me—largely based on the biblical wisdom that seeps from the pages and into my heart. If you haven’t picked this one up yet I would encourage you to do so!
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  God never promised us a life without pain. He promised that he would never leave us...
  
  More than anything, Mattie and Sol would like to be able to give young Danny a sibling, but after years of infertility and a painful miscarriage—hope is fading. Likewise, hope is all but gone for Jaime and her husband, C.J. It seems that God has a purpose by bringing these two couples into one others lives and it becomes more evident as the story progresses. Mattie is dealing with the pain and loss of her baby. Jaime is ready to give up on her marriage for reasons she is too scared to even address with her husband—everyone is hurting in this story except for little Danny. Danny is a very bright child—one who enjoys filling his head with knowledge and facts that most adults wouldn’t even know. This too causes grief—for Sol. Will this thirst for knowledge take Danny away from the faith as he grows older? Will he desire to leave the Amish? Certainly Mattie’s cousin, Zach has to be influencing little Danny—will it be enough to sow seeds of rebellion?
  
  I thought this story was a quick read but filled with life lessons. It was very heartwarming and beautifully concluded. I enjoyed that we saw characters that knew things in their heart but we as readers got to watch the truths come to life. Another fantastic book from Fisher!
  
  View all my reviews
  
• 
  Laura

  Title: A LANCASTER COUNTY CHRISTMAS
  Author: Suzanne Fisher Woods
  Publisher: Revell
  September 2011
  ISBN: 978-0-8007-1995-1
  Genre: Inspirational/Amish/Women’s fiction
  
  Jaime has not been handling life so well since her mother was killed in a freak accident. She’s been on sleeping pills to try and cope, but when she needs her prescription refilled, there’s a different doctor seeing her, and he gently suggests that maybe she needs a different sort of help, something more than sleeping pills.
  
  Mattie is an Amish woman who has just miscarried yet another baby. She’s fearful, scared that something will happen to the one child she has, coddling Danny from even working with her husband, Sol. Sol tells her the boy needs to grow to be a man, but yet, he’s guilty of doing the same thing.
  
  When Danny leaves a toy at the doctor’s office, the doctor asks Jaime to deliver it. Jaime is hesitant. She and her husband are on their way to meet her father and go on a Christmas cruise. But she reluctantly agrees. And this visit will change both her life and Mattie’s life in ways they never imagine…
  
  A LANCASTER COUNTY CHRISTMAS is a sweet story about very real characters who are struggling to get things right. About letting go, and letting God. About even believing that a good, kind God could allow bad things to happen to good people. And it’s set in Lancaster County, during winter, with back-to-back blizzards coming in.
  
  A LANCASTER COUNTY CHRISTMAS started a bit slow as we were introduced to the characters, but it soon picked up. All of the main characters were very real and struggled with different issues, from Danny, to his cousin, Zach, and all four of the adults. The entire story took place during a three day time period, and there were six points of view included in it, telling the story from their stand points. There’s a saying, “you see what you see because you are where you are.” This is brought to life as you see the story through the different characters’ eyes.
  
  I thoroughly loved this book, and highly recommend it. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $15.99 hardcover. 200 pages.
  
• 
  LadyCalico

  Honestly, I did find this Christmas tale enjoyable in spite of several really idiotic flaws but having read some good books by Ms. Fisher I expected better of her. Like Jaime's stupid jealousy of Eve--seriously! Jaime, try simple basic adult communication for crying out loud, like are you so disengaged that you've never gone to any school events with your husband and never talked with any of his co-workers? All that ridiculous angst about adultery was just too phony and stupid for words. Then the search and rescue part--here's a frigid day with a blizzard coming and the non-communicators suddenly develop verbal diarrhea to delay the S&R! Crap, there's only two searchers because you didn't bother to send for help, so divvy the sectors, do it, and save the personal chit-chat until later. If I were Mattie, I would have been pounding both Jaime and C.J. with my rolling pin to get things moving! How about Sol sending Zack away instead of sending him to neighboring farms to get help--you know, like the Amish community generally does? And Zack leaves without going for help on his own--what human with a heart and soul would leave to party with his friends until he knew what happened to his little cousin--seriously, again! My Kindle just about hit the wall when Sol suggested maybe we should get help and notify the sheriff, and S&R "expert" C.J. says "I didn't think of that." Hey, I'm not an expert, and I thought of it many pages back and was wondering if and when any of these jerks would ever grow a brain cell.
• 
  Mary O'Brien

  According to Good Reads:
  
  Jaime and C. J. Fitzpatrick began their married life as most couples do--in love and looking forward to a bright future together. But four years later they've drifted apart and are almost ready to call it quits.
  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 family isn't likely to become a reality.
  Then a winter storm raging outside blows the Fitzpatricks into the Riehl home--and into a much slower pace of life. Can these two couples from different worlds help each other understand the true meaning of love this Christmas?
  With her trademark plot twists and attention to detail, Suzanne Woods Fisher offers readers a beautiful Christmas story of love, forgiveness, and what truly matters in life.
  
  I thought this book was AMAZING! I can relate to both women in the story. I know what it's like to have a hard time conceiving. I also know the troubles that arise within a marriage. This story put love to the test. It turns out having faith not only in yourself but in God, can make a huge impact. Sometimes all the luxuries end up making others miserable and the simple things in life make you happy.
  
• 
  Elaine

  Who would have thought that such insight would be found in this Plain woman? Mattie and Jaime learn much about themselves over the few days when they were snowed in, in the Amish house. What could these women have to offer the other?
  
  Believing that God could have prevented her mother's death, Jaime has been mad at Him for a long time. She believes her marriage to C.J. is over. That he doesn't love her anymore. She doesn't understand what he ever saw in her anyway. After sharing this with Mattie, Mattie responds with great discernment.
  
  Always fretful over the possibility of something dreadful happening to her (Mattie's) young son, Danny, Jaime questions Mattie about her belief in God, in why she always seems to be expecting something catastrophic to happen if she believes God is in control. They ask poignant questions of the other, not in a condemning way but in a way to get the other to see the truth.
  
  It's often in the unlikeliest of ways that truth is kindly shown to us in ways that are understood and changes can be made. Here it is found in the unlikeliest of sources. From people that are so far removed in lifestyle from the other. It's up to the receiver not to scoff at the source. There's beauty in it.
• 
  Valentina

  I received this book as a review copy, for free.
  This is a lovely story, not what I usually read, but one I’m glad I picked up.
  The atmosphere is the best thing about it. There is such a cozy feeling throughout the novel, with winter winds gusting and the characters all inside a warm cabin. It creates many beautiful scenes that make the reader want to actually stay inside the pages a bit longer. The plot is an interesting one. Lots of twists to the characters, which make the book read more like a literary novel than anything else.
  The characters were also well-crafted. All of them had many dimensions, so that they really came to life on the pages. The way that the Amish characters play off the “English” characters makes for fascinating moments. There is obviously a lot of research about the way the Amish live which shows in all the details. Not only is it a wonderful, heart-warming story, but it also teaches the readers a bit about the little-known customs of this intriguing religious group.
  For all of you who enjoy cozy novels full of nuances and complex storylines, this one is definitely for you.
  
• 
  Faith

  A Lancaster County Christmas is a heart-warming read that will put you right into the spirit to celebrate the birth of our Saviour.
  
  
  
  
  I found the depth of the characters' emotions and the struggles they were going through well portrayed. The main characters were well-rounded, and it wasn't long before my heart went out to them. In other words it was a book that made a very lovely Christmas movie in my head. I could see all of it.
  
  
  
  
  My favorite character was Danny, mostly because he was just so cute! Not to mention his curiosity, that sometimes got him in trouble. You've just gotta love cute kids :)
  
  
  
  I will note though, that I found the plot a bit predictable. But that did not take away from the charm. I still enjoyed it. I would say this book is written for when you want to relax, and read a book that creates a warm spot in your heart. The message is inspiring and heart-lifting, and the growth of the characters throughout the book was perfect for Christmas time. I think this book would make a great gift for an Amish fiction loving friend, or even a special read for yourself.
  
  
  
  
  Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5
  
• 
  Susan

  Excellent book. I really liked all the characters in this book, even though they all had their issues. Jamie was so involved in her grief over her mother's death, and trying to be the daughter her father wanted, that she couldn't see what it was doing to her marriage. CJ loved Jamie, but he was having trouble reaching her anymore, and was afraid that he was losing her. Mattie was so filled with despair over her inability to get pregnant that she was trying to control everything around her. She was being overprotective of her son and critical of her husband. Sol couldn't make Mattie see what she was doing to Danny, and was frustrated by her inability to see that Zach was going further down the wrong road. Zach was confused about what he wanted, and kept getting into trouble just for the attention. Thanks to the snowstorm, they were all thrown together. Because of a crisis, each was able to move ahead and see where they belonged to each other.
• 
  Loraine

  An "Englisher" couple, Jaimie and C.J, on their way to her father's gets stuck at an Amish family's house two days before Christmas. Jaimie who has lost her mother and lost her way with God has attached herself to things while C.J., a junior high teacher, search and rescue volunteer and a man finding his way to God again, wants a simpler life. They have grown apart as their paths have taken them different directions. The Amish family, Mattie, Sol, their son Danny and cousin Zach, are facing their own problems. Mattie is wrapped up in her recent miscarriage and is overly protective of 6 year old Danny. Zach is having his "rumspringa" fling and living the wild life. They each find their true paths during the events that occur over the 3 days they are together and affect one another.
  
  I really liked this book and how each of the characters influenced and affected the others to help them make positive changes in their lives.
• 
  Beth

  This was a surprisingly sweet story about an English couple facing a rocky marriage & the Amish family that they end up spending Christmas with. Though the book is short, the story was very fleshed out. I definitely felt like I got to know the characters, and they all became real people to me. I think Mattie was my favorite character. Her backstory of miscarriage was so heart-breaking, but her faith was beautiful to witness. I felt that all of the characters grew & changed in very realistic ways, without anything being on the nose or feeling false. The ending was happy without everything being tied up all nice & neat, and I appreciated that. It gave the feeling of a work in progress, and isn’t that what we all are?
  
  I definitely recommend if you are looking for a sweet, genuine Christmas read.
  
• 
  Tatuu

  This was such a wonderful read not just for Christmas but for any time of the year. It was my first read on the Amish people and I really loved it.
  
  Gods love for us remains perfect. It doesn't change even in our unfaithfulness, when we doubt Him and don't leave everything to Him even when we claim to have totally surrendered our lives to Him.
  
  I was reminded in this book that sometimes we chase things to fulfill us, or rather to fill a void in our hearts whereas what we are really lacking is God in our lives to fill that void. Nothing material, no matter how huge or expensive can fill that void...no human being, no matter how much they love us and are always there for us can fill that void...only God.
• 
  SheLove2Read

  Loosely related to The Choice, this is about two couples - one English and one Amish - who spend a Christmas weekend together after an unfortunate situation with a car, a pond, and a bad winter storm.
  
  I think the title is a misnomer. While it does take place during the Christmas holiday, there is very little to do with the actual celebration. It's a story about difficult decisions, taking a step back and looking realistically at your situation, and trusting in God. I think both families benefited from their encounter, and isn't that the way God works for our greater good?
  
  I give this a 3 star only because I thought certain parts of the story dragged on a bit.
• 
  Melisa

  Once you figure out that the story is being told by like 5 different voices (characters) then it is easy to follow and gives you 5 interesting points of view. All of the characters were struggling with something, and their chance meeting gave them all new perspectives. I love that idea! I will read her books again. The Amish bits are intriguing too since it is a culture I know very little about.
• 
  Rhonda Gayle

  I was moved by this book as Mattie worries like I do and had to seek forgiveness from God. Jamie
  wants to give up and run away as I also struggle with doing far too often. Mattie and Sol willingly welcomed Jamie & C.J. into their Amish home at Christmas time. Mattie ans Jamie are both searching for peace. Read to see if/how these two women from different worlds discover their own peace.
• 
  Debbie Landry

  I am a sucker for these kinds of books/movies..... Christmas love/faith/humanity, etc. This book was well done, appreciative of the documentation of the Lancaster PA Amish as they are dear to me and my family visits often. I liked the characters: their strengths and weaknesses and how those both ebbed and flower during the book.
• 
  ѦѺ™

  inspiring, heartfelt and a perfect holiday read! this fast-paced book is filled with flesh and blood characters whose actions, dreams, frustrations and hopes reminded me of myself and other people i know. thumbs up!
• 
  RebekahAshleigh

  This is one of my favorite Christmas books. It is so good. The whole story takes place in 3 days, but it didn't drag on. This story is about Solomon and Mattie Riehl who you meet in "The Choice". This is definitely a book that I will read again.
  
• 
  Melanie Kilsby

  A sweet story of two worlds finding contentment with who they are and acceptance with the love they already have surrounding them.
  
  The PERFECT Christmas book to snuggle up by the fire, let the snow fall and pop some real popcorn!
• 
  Paula

  This was a very enjoyable Christmas novel. An Amish story with the true meaning of Christmas