A Christmas Engagement by Linda Byler

Book Description: 

Bestselling Amish novelist Linda Byler spins a sweet tale of heartache, disappointment, and ultimately hopes fulfilled at Christmastime.

Liz had been in love once, had even been engaged. In fact, the wedding had been planned, the barn cleaned, and the celery was set to be harvested to make the traditional wedding soup. Just two weeks before the day she was to exchange vows with her beloved, he changed his mind, and that was that.

The humiliation was almost as bad as the heartbreak. The whole community had celebrated her engagement, had participated in the wedding planning, had started giving her advice on keeping a home and raising children. When the wedding was canceled, no one knew what to say. She had to bear the pitying looks and awkward glances for many months. She vowed never to be such a fool again, never to trust her heart to a man who could just up and leave her with hardly an explanation. She'd rather be an old maid than go through that again.

Years pass, and Liz has made peace with her life as a single woman, a "leftover blessing" as the Amish say. She can admit to herself that Matthew, the owner of the Amish restaurant at the market where she works, is handsome. And she is aware that he is single. But she reminds herself over and over that it's not worth feeling anything for the man. He's her boss and that's it. So why does she look forward to work so much every day? And why can't she make her heart beat at a normal pace when he comes near?

About the Author

Linda Byler grew up Amish and is an active member of the Amish church today. She is the author of several bestselling fiction series, all set in the Amish world: The Dakota Series, Hester’s Hunt for Home, Lancaster Burning, Sadie’s Montana, and Lizzie Searches for Love. She is also the author of The Healing, A Second Chance, and several Amish Christmas romance novels. Linda is well known within the Amish community as a columnist for a weekly Amish newspaper. She lives near Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

My thoughts:

A Touching Story

I have always thoroughly enjoyed each of Linda Byler's stories, and A Christmas Engagement is no exception to that rule. 

Main characters, Liz and Matthew, have each had their share of heartache from past relationships, making it somewhat difficult for them to trust and love again. As they work through this, they focus on their faith and God's will to help them move forward.  While the journey has some bumps in the road, they remain steadfast in their faith and God's will.

I found this story to be inspirational, funny, romantic, and touching which made it a very enjoyable read. I also love how author Linda Byler includes pieces of Amish culture which help draw the reader in and give the reader more insight.  I especially enjoy the faith message that is an integral part of the story. She has a special talent for adding all of these components in such a way that is not overwhelming and does not overshadow the main characters' story. Those details are what make A Christmas Engagement a very moving and touching story that I'm sure you'll enjoy. 

***I received a complimentary arc copy of this book from the Author and Publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.