The Christmas House by Beverly Lewis

Book Details: 

Title: The Christmas House 

Author: Beverly Lewis

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Release Date: September 2, 2025

Pages: 146 

Genre: Amish Romance

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Book Description:

With the holidays approaching, Liz Lantz is dedicated to using her Hickory Hollow buggy tour business to share God's love with the Englisher tourists who visit her Lancaster County community. But when her father and brother are called away for a while, Dat finds a young Amishman to assist her on the tours in her brother's place, much to Liz's dismay. Regardless, the popularity of her Christmas House Buggy Tour means she could use the help, so as the countdown to Christmas begins, she works alongside Matthew Yoder, who quickly takes a genuine interest in the tour customers--and Liz.

As an Englisher family in Hickory Hollow expresses their festive spirit with a lavishly decorated house for the second year running, Liz's Amish community becomes increasingly concerned about attracting unwanted traffic and attention, and Liz wonders if there is any way to bridge the gap to help the new neighbors feel welcome. At the same time, she grapples with her growing feelings for Matt, whose position with her is only temporary. Can she find a way to bring harmony to Hickory Hollow in time for Christmas?

Beverly Lewis's homespun Amish romance will draw in readers who love family, small towns, and Christmas festivities. This charming holiday novella brings cheer and faith for the winter season.

My Thoughts: Heartfelt

Liz and Matthew get thrown together when a family situation causes her to need a new helper for her buggy tour business. At first, Liz doesn't know what to expect and isn't sure that Matthew is a good fit. However, as he rises to the occasion, Liz's reservations get replaced with different feelings about Matthew. And while the addition of Matthew doesn't affect the buggy tours, a new addition to the community does. 

This beautiful and heartwarming story of romance is accompanied by lessons on following God's example of love, especially when we have different views on things, and how that impacts our treatment of each other. It makes for a very beautiful and heartfelt story. 

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author:  Beverly Lewis 

Beverly Marie Jones (Lewis) was born in the heart of Amish country—Lancaster, Pennsylvania. At the tender age of nine, she began writing short stories and poetry. Prior to that, she made up lyrics to the "little fingers" piano pieces she learned, at the age of five.

"My mother saved everything I wrote, even the stories I dreamed up during my grade school years," Beverly says. One such tale is semi-autobiographical, about a young girl whose parents can no longer afford to give her piano lessons. The manuscript was 77 pages long and titled "She Shall Have Music," penned under the shade of a lone willow tree. "Reading, writing, and playing piano have been top three on my list of favorite things," she says.

Not until her own children were well into middle school did Beverly seek to publish her work, first in magazines such as Highlights for Children, Dolphin Log, and Guideposts for Kids. Her first book followed in 1993—Mountain Bikes and Garbanzo Beans—presently retitled Big Bad Beans (book #22 in the popular Cul-de-Sac Kids series of chapter books—see list of Bev's children's books).

His Alaskan Christmas: A Clean and Uplifting Romance (A Swan Falls, Alaska Novel Book 2) by Beth Carpenter

Book Details: 

Title: His Alaskan Christmas

Series: Swan Falls, Alaska Falls Book 2

Author: Beth Carpenter

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

Release Date: September 30, 2025

Pages:  336 

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance

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Book Description:

An instant family

Is a gift he never expected!

The tiny town of Swan Falls, Alaska, has everything engineer Emily Cooper needs—except a nanny for the holidays. But her Christmas wish could be granted in the most unexpected way! Grounded as he waits for corrective eye surgery, pilot Nick Bernardi needs a place to stay. And helping his best friend’s widow with her two kids is an easy yes. But it’s not long before the dedicated bachelor starts to feel more than he should…especially considering he’s moving far away to Hawaii. Could falling in love change his flight plan?

My Thoughts: Remarkable

I never know what to expect from an author who is new to me, but I always have high hopes. In this case, my high hopes were met and then some. 

First off is the setting, which is a key factor in this story. Beth Carpenter's descriptive writing helped me picture and connect with Swan Falls and the people who live there, making the story feel real.

Second are the characters and their relationships. Emily's relationships with her children, mother-in-law, and Nick, as well as Nick's relationships with Emily, her children, and her mother-in-law, were key elements in Emily and Nick's story. I loved that Emily and Nick had shared a great relationship for so many years. It was solid and fit well into their new way of seeing each other, as did Nick's relationship with Lyla and Max. The progression, development, and pacing of their relationship were perfect. Nothing was rushed, which made it feel incredibly realistic and believable. 

Emily and Nick's story is a heartfelt journey of love, second chances, and stepping outside one's comfort zone. Some of it almost brought me to tears, while other parts had me laughing out loud. The realism throughout these elements added an extra special touch, making this remarkable story one that should not be overlooked.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author:  Beth Carpenter

Beth Carpenter's window view alternates between mountains in Alaska and canyon walls in Arizona. She believes that life is brighter in the company of a dog, that love and laughter are inseparable, and that there is no such thing as “too many books.

 

The Christmas Playbook by Lisa Carter

Book Details: 

Title: The Christmas Playbook

Author: Lisa Carter

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: November 25, 2025

Pages: 208  

Genre: Sports Romance/Religious Romance

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Book Description:

When the goal is love
it’s time to break the rules…

When her football coach father has a sudden heart attack, Maddie Lovett finds help from an unlikely source: her high school crush, Tanner Price. Back in town to care for his mother, former star athlete Tanner agrees to step in temporarily. As he leads the team to the state championships, Maddie’s support helps him see her as more than just the coach’s daughter. But when a family crisis occurs, Tanner knows his time in Truelove is limited. With his Christmas departure quickly approaching, can Maddie convince him to stay...for more than just football?

My Thoughts: Touching Story

This is a wonderfully touching story that had me on a bit of an emotional roller coaster, where I was smiling one minute and holding back tears the next. 

Although Maddie and Tanner have a history, their reconnection and the pacing of the development of their relationship were perfect. Blended into the romance are faith and some realistic situations that were dealt with. There is also a lesson on how great an impact our caring and attention can have on others. 

For me, an added plus came from the conversations among the characters. They had me pausing to reflect and take to heart the message their words carried. These elements added even more to this beautiful story. It is definitely one that should be added to your must-read list. 

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author: Lisa Carter

Writer. Book Lover. Avid Gardener. World Traveler.

Lisa Carter is the Publishers Weekly bestselling and award-winning author of more than thirty books. She writes the contemporary Truelove Matchmaker romance series with Love Inspired. She also writes romantic suspense—best described as “Sweet Tea with a Slice of Murder.” When not hard at work on her next fictional adventure, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family. A native North Carolinian, she has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball.

  

The Heart of the Amish Cookbook SAMPLE: 200 Traditional Amish Recipes by Barbour Staff

Book Details: 

Title: The Heart of the Amish Cookbook SAMPLE

Author: Barbour Staff

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Release Date: November 1, 2025

Pages:  224 

Genre: Comfort Food Cooking

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Book Description:

Explore the Taste of Family, Faith, and Community Found in Amish Country

Just down the lane past a pasture full of Jersey cows, you may turn the corner and find yourself carried back in time—transported to a place where the only vehicles are horse-drawn buggies and the picturesque farms remain unobscured by electric lines. Here in Amish Country, you can finally escape from the frantic pace of modern life. And if you are particularly blessed, you will have time to sit down at a table and feast on traditional Amish foods.

In this cookbook, you’ll find favorite recipes shared by Amish cooks, taken straight from their simple but surprisingly efficient kitchens. Plus, you’ll see how these comforting foods work to build family and community connections.

This beautiful full-color, hardback collection of over 175 recipes—for breakfast, breads, main dishes, sides, and desserts—is a delight for the eyes and the stomach. It is a treasure that belongs on the shelf of every household.

My Thoughts: Great

Although this is just a sample of the book, I can tell that it is a great cookbook! The photos are stellar, the background stories and information are fascinating, and the Bible verses add a special touch. There is a great variety of recipes, and many of them are simple enough for the novice cook. Although this is a sample, I look forward to reading the entire book.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author: Barbour Publishing

Barbour Publishing is a leading Christian book publisher offering bestselling books featuring exceptional value, biblical encouragement, and the highest quality. Barbour is the home of New York Times Bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter along with well-known fiction authors Gilbert Morris, Olivia Newport, Michelle Griep and many others. If your interest is Christian Living or Bible Reference, you'll find excellent titles by bestselling authors Josh McDowell, Jonathan McKee, Debora Coty, and Stephen M. Miller's The Complete Guide to the Bible. Barbour also publishes the top classic devotionals God Calling by A.J. Russell, and Come Away My Beloved by Frances J. Roberts. With inspirational Christian books available in all genres--fiction for adults and children, Bible Promise books, devotionals, Bibles, Bible reference, puzzle books, and gift books there's something for everyone to enjoy.  

Let's Learn the Bible: A Kid's Guide to God's Word compiled by Barbour Staff

Book Details: 

Title:  Let's Learn the Bible: A Kid's Guide to God's Word

Author: Barbour Staff

Publisher: Barbour Kidz

Release Date: December 1, 2025

Pages: 128  

Genre: Children's Inspirational Books

Ages: 8 - 12 years old

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Book Description:

Here’s a fun new way for you
to understand your Bible better!

Let’s Learn the Bible was written and designed especially for 8–12-year-olds, to help you know exactly what God’s Word is, where it comes from and who was involved in the process, and what it’s really all about.
This book shows you why you can trust God’s Word, and encourages you to follow up with your own reading and study of scripture.

You can read Let’s Learn the Bible yourself, or with your family, or even in a Sunday school or other church class. The Bible is the most important book of all—so let’s learn it together!

Features:

• fun, colorful design
• easy-to-understand explanations
• quick quizzes, highlights of key points, memory aids

My Thoughts: Fantastic

This book is so well organized. The explanations are perfect for 8-12-year-olds. They are easy to comprehend, especially with the examples given that help make it pertinent to a child's level of understanding. It also does a great job of connecting Bible verses to every topic, including subjects such as feelings and other issues that this age group can relate to.

This book is a wonderful and comprehensive compilation of information about the Bible. It also includes activities and quizzes that review all of the information in each section. The questions are easy to understand, and the answer keys, along with explanations of the scoring, are provided as well. It even includes a scavenger hunt of Bible verses and a Bible reading plan.  

This book would be a fantastic read for any child. It will also be a great tool for parents, grandparents, and caregivers to use with children and promote sharing about the Bible. 

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author:  Barbour Staff

Barbour Publishing is an employee-owned company based in the small town of Uhrichsville, Ohio. We create Christian books that help to fulfill our mission of inspiring the world with the life-changing message of the Bible.  

A Daughter's Choice (The Heart of the Amish) by Kelly Irvin

Book Details: 

Title: A Daughter's Choice 

Series: The Heart of the Amish

Author: Kelly Irvin

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Release Date: November 1, 2025

Pages: 256 

Genre: Amish Romance

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Book Description:

Henrietta Miller loves animals—especially her goats. She wants to marry and have children someday, but right now her goal is to have her own business selling snacks made from goat's milk and goat's soaps. Against her the wishes of her father--who's also the bishop—she applies for a job as a veterinary assistant to earn money. Then newcomer Nicholas Byler snatches the job out from under her—or so it seems to Hen. Now Nicholas is treating Hen's beloved animals as if he knows more than her. Hen turns her frustrations toward expanding her business to include wool-producing goats, even while her aunt hatches matchmaking plans—with Nicholas Byler, no less.

My Thoughts: Wonderful and Captivating

Wow! This wonderful story was quite the emotional roller coaster ride. It had me frustrated, laughing, reflecting, soul-searching, and even almost in tears. 

First of all, Hen is quite the character. She is not your typical Plain woman, and although I could understand where she was coming from, I initially found her a bit abrasive. Her father, the Bishop, didn't exactly help. While his intentions were understandable, his delivery wasn't. And because Hen didn't quite fit the mold of typical, her actions and reactions often had her and her dad at odds.

Enter Nicholas, who is not a typical Plain man. The funny thing is that the non-typical Plain man and non-typical Plain woman are so much alike in some ways that they initially butt heads. However, little by little, time and circumstances change that, and their deeply caring natures take over. Their journey results in a beautiful and moving story of love, faith, family, and the importance of reflecting on how our spiritual life beliefs and commitments play into our life decisions and God's will, all of which makes this wonderful and captivating story one that I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author:  Kelly Irvin

Best-selling novelist Kelly Irvin's latest Amish romance, Every Good Gift, debuted in February 2023. The third novel in the Amish Blessings series takes place in Yoder and Haven, Kansas. The series takes a look at adoption in Amish communities. The first book, Love's Dwelling, won second place in the Selah Awards contest in the long contemporary romance category. The series follows the Amish of Sky Country series, which featured Amish communities in Northwest Montana affected by wildfires that destroyed thousands of acres in the state in recent years. The first book, Mountains of Grace, debuted in August 2019, and delves into the impact on not only an Amish man and woman, but also a smoke jumper, a sheriff's deputy, and a young English woman forced to confront her past because of the fires.

Kelly also writes romantic suspense novels. Her most recent forays into this genre include Trust Me, Her Every Move and Closer Than She Knows, all set in San Antonio and South Texas. Publishers Weekly says of Closer Than She Knows, "this brisk, smoothly written thriller from Irvin pits court reporter Teagan O’Rourke, a murder mystery lover, against a cunning and vicious serial killer. Fans of serial killer fiction with a Christian slant will be satisfied."

A two-time ACFW Carol finalist, Kelly's novellas have been included in numerous anthologies, including An Amish Summer, The Amish Christmas Gift, An Amish Market, an Amish Christmas Love, and Amish Quilt, An Amish Reunion, An Amish Picnic, and An Amish Christmas Bakery.

Kelly retired in 2016 from her position of 22 years as public relations manager for the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department, where her duties included writing and designing an employee newsletter, writing news releases, collaborating on marketing campaigns, coordinating ribbon-cuttings and groundbreakings, coordinating press conferences, updating the web site, and acting as a media spokesperson.

Kelly has been married to photographer Tim Irvin for 35 years. They have two children and four grandchildren. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories and poetry, read books by her favorite authors, and visit the babies.

For more information, visit http://www.kellyirvin.com 

Lost Alaskan Memories (Opportunity, Alaska Book 2) by Heidi McCahan

Book Details: 

Title: Lost Alaskan Memories 

Series: Opportunity, Alaska Book 2

Author: Heidi McCahan

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: October 28, 2025

Pages: 208  

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance

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Book Description:

An unexpected homecoming
brings another chance at love.

For two years, mountaineer Max Butler was presumed dead after a tragic climbing accident in Peru…until his return to his small town of Opportunity, Alaska. But now a traumatic brain injury keeps him from remembering his former life and who he left behind—including physical therapist Hayley Morgan. Heartbroken after Max chose his mountaineering dreams over her, Hayley is determined to guard her heart against him, even as he steps in to help her with babysitting duties for his infant sister. As Max slowly regains fragments of his past and buried feelings resurface, can Hayley convince him to stay…for a second chance at happiness?

My Thoughts: Deeply Heartfelt

Wow! That sums up my reaction to Lost Alaskan Memories. First of all, I greatly enjoyed the theme of amnesia and how deeply it affected Max's life. I know it's fiction, but author Heidi McCahan did an outstanding job describing how it all happened, what Max went through during those two years, and how difficult it was for him to try to reconnect and remember. My heart went out to him completely.

I also can't imagine how it was for Haley and the others who knew Max. They were pretty much walking on pins and needles around him as they tried to help him and not overwhelm him.

This beautiful story is one of faith, healing, forgiveness, second chances, redemption, and love, "the kind of love that heals, that forgives, and that gives second chances." This deeply heartfelt story is not one to be missed. 

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author:  Heidi McCahan

Heidi McCahan began dreaming up stories as a little girl. Now she writes uplifting, inspirational romance novels set in small towns. Heidi's a huge fan of coffee, dark chocolate, and reading books with happy endings. She's originally from Alaska but currently lives in North Carolina with her handsome husband, three amazing boys, and the world's greatest goldendoodle. Heidi loves connecting with readers, so please visit her website, www.heidimccahan.com.

Forever in Alaska (Moose Falls, Alaska 3) by Belle Calhoune

Book Details: 

Title: Forever in Alaska 

Series: Moose Falls, Alaska Book 3

Author: Belle Calhoune

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: October 28, 2025

Pages: 304 

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance

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Book Description:

In the beloved small town of Moose Falls, a holiday dating charade between coworkers starts to feel like the real thing . . .
 
The youngest of three brothers, Landon Stone would do anything for his grandmother, Hattie—even return to his hometown of Moose Falls. Hattie’s heart is set on her grandsons taking over the family business—and finding their happily-ever-afters in Alaska. When Hattie gets the idea that Landon is romantically entangled with his gorgeous colleague, Bailey Daniels, Landon doesn’t just go along with it—he asks Bailey to join the ruse.

Bailey isn’t sure if she agrees because she adores Hattie for helping her family through their darkest times . . . or because she finds the charmingly nerdy Landon completely irresistible. Either way, it’s extremely easy to appear totally into him. But as they collaborate at work—and after hours—to make Hattie’s Christmas extra special, Bailey and Landon’s relationship starts to feel all too real. What if the only people Landon and Bailey are fooling this season . . . are themselves?

My Thoughts: Charming and Heartfelt

On the surface, Bailey seems like she's got it all together, but she struggles with something from her past, and the same goes for Landon. But when they are placed in a situation where they agree to fake a relationship for the greater good, otherwise known as Hattie, a very special and spunky character, things take a very unexpected turn. 

Along with the romance is the impact of family relationships, rethinking our priorities, dealing with a sensitive topic, and healing from our past. The interactions are endearing, entertaining, and heartfelt, which had me smiling more than once. This charming romance also has a touch of contemporary flair, evidenced in some of the words, ideas, and a slight hint of heat. The result of that combination is a fun and enjoyable read that will leave you smiling. 

Along with the romance, there is the impact of family relationships, rethinking our priorities, dealing with a sensitive topic, and healing from our past. The interactions are endearing, entertaining, and heartfelt, which had me smiling on more than one occasion and tearing up the next. This charming romance, which is listed as a clean and wholesome romance, also has a touch of contemporary flair, evidenced in some of the language used, ideas, and a slight hint of heat. The result of that combination is an enjoyable read that will touch your heart and leave you smiling. 

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author: Belle Calhoune

New York Times Best Selling Author Belle Calhoune was born and raised in Massachusetts, one of five children. Growing up across the street from a public library fed her hunger for books, particularly romance novels and mysteries. A member of the RWA (Romance Writers of America) Honor Roll and a Publisher's Weekly Best Seller, Belle has written over 50 books. Her novel, An Alaskan Christmas, has been made into a television movie by Brain Power Studios, to be featured on UPtv in October of 2019.

  

A Hiddden Hope by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book Details: 

Title: A Hidden Hope 

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: October 7, 2025

Pages: 320  

Genre: Amish Romance

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Book Description:

Supervising two newly minted medical residents might be the toughest challenge Ruth "Dok" Stoltzfus has ever faced. Wren Baker, sharp and ambitious, graduated at the top of medical school with a hidden agenda in tow. Charlie King, at the bottom of the class, is determined to succeed--though Dok isn't convinced he's got what it takes. Then there's traveling nurse Evie Miller, whose quiet love for Charlie doesn't go unnoticed, especially by Wren.

Boarding at Windmill Farm, the trio struggles to balance modern medicine with plain living. Between medical emergencies, cultural misunderstandings, and brewing romantic tensions, Dok finds herself juggling far more than she bargained for. Soon the stage is set in the small Amish community of Stoney Ridge for plenty of professional and personal complications.

In A Hidden Hope, step into a heartwarming, humorous tale of healing, love, and lessons to be found in the most unexpected places.

My Thoughts: Fantastic Story

Many think a second set of hands is what Dok Stoltzfus needs for her practice. Everyone except Dok, that is. However, when she finally gives in, she not only gets one extra set of hands but three extras. And the three extras come with quite a connection among them. Now what?

Catching up with Dok and the residents of Stoney Ridge was so entertaining. The hypochondriacs, know-it-alls, and romance had me smiling, laughing, and even frustrated a few times. 

The new additions and their drama were just as entertaining. My first impressions of the newbies put Evie and Charlie on my list of likable characters, while Wren was not. However, in her defense, as I got to know her better, I began to understand the reasons for her behavior and felt compassion for her.

Watching Dok and her personal journey, along with that of the Stoney Ridge community and the newbies, was a true delight. The story perfectly blends romance, hope, faith, discoveries, intriguing medical facts, and unexpected surprises, making this a truly fantastic story.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher loves stories worth telling about people worth remembering. With over a million copies of her book sold worldwide, this bestselling, award-winning author of more than 30 books is always on the lookout for the unsung hero with an untold story.

Readers are invited to stop by Suzanne's website at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com