An Amish Family Christmas |
Harvest House Publishers,
0ct. 2013
Reviewed by Diana Flowers
5 stars*****
The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!
In An Amish Family
Christmas, author
Murray Pura weaves a magical Yuletide tale, set amidst a beautiful, snow
covered Amish community in Paradise, Pennsylvania—where Christmas "tis not
the season to be jolly" for one grieving Amish family.
Naomi Bachman has lost everyone who matters most in her life and is
seemingly without hope. Her parents and sister have been recently killed in a
buggy accident which has also left her brother, Luke, in a catatonic state—unable
to speak or care for himself. Her husband, Micah, may as well be dead also, for
the Amish elders have placed him under the meindung, or shunning, for joining the
military in Afghanistan. Naomi is not allowed any fellowship with him at all
and cannot speak or partake of meals with him.
Micah feels that God called him to serve in the war as a medic—to nurse
the wounded back to health and those near death's door, back to life again. No
one understands, not even Naomi who seeks to shut him out of her heart and
life. But will a Christmas miracle occur during this most wonderful time
of the year, bringing reconciliation and changing the minds of this strict
community?…and will Naomi's heart open up to love once again?
As with all of Murray Pura's books I had major trouble putting this one
down! Although a wonderful Christmas story filled with romance, miracles, and a
beautiful, seasonal setting—this book also causes one to think
deeply about man-made rules versus the Bible. Aren't we all called to
obey God rather than man...to serve others in whatever capacity He lays upon our hearts? But what if that calling removes the people we love
the most…furthest from our lives? Make sure to throw another log on the fire, grab a
cup of hot chocolate, and snuggle up with this tender, heartwarming story of
healing and God's faithfulness! Nicely done, Murray Pura!
****************************
Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
GIVEAWAY! Murray Pura has graciously offered an autographed copy of An Amish Family Christmas to one blessed commenter!
Love Murray Pura books. Love to read this one sounds wonderful. Loved your review Diana. Fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
joeym11@frontier.com
I love all of his books, too, DIANA, but he writes them faster than I can read them all! :( I need two heads---one for Murray's books and one for all the others I need to read for reviews! But I love it! Thanks, DIANA!
DeleteI am an Amish fiction fan, but have never read Murray Pura - this would be a great opportunity! :)
ReplyDeleteTIFFANY, you have really missed out, my dear! Murray is one of THE best authors around these days! Hoping for a win for you!
DeleteCant wait to read this book
ReplyDeleteruttie77@gmail.com
RUTH, thanks for coming by! Got you in the draw!
DeleteI HAVE NOT HAD THE PLEASURE OF READING THIS AUTHORS BOOKS YET, BUT I SEE PLENTY COMING THIS WAY STARTING NOW!!!
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU,
bonnieswiney@gmail.com
BONNIE, I hope you get a chance to begin reading some of Murray's books ASAP. You won't be disappointed!
DeleteWould love to win this book...thank you for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, LORRAINE!! Good luck to you!
DeleteLovely review DIANA!! I would love to win this book too... but since it would be against our policy for your cohort to enter, I'm going to have to add this one to my TBR pile! Sounds great!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, NOELA! I'm sorry my dear cohort. :( You will want to add this one to your Christmas collection for sure!
DeleteI haven't read any of Murray Pura's books yet but would love a chance to!I love Amish fiction!
ReplyDeleteMarie Ferland
mariefluffy@yahoo.ca
MARIE, I would love for you to get a chance to read one of Murray's books! Warning: You will be hooked! lol He writes romance better than any man author I know!
DeleteIt sounds like a great book! I have not read his books but I like learning and reading different authors! Angie Carroll a_stonecipher@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteHi, ANGIE! As I told MARIE above, once you get started on Murray's books you WILL be hooked. lol
DeleteI would love to read this book! I have not tried any by this author yet, but I have great love for Amish fiction. This would be the perfect book to read for the upcoming holiday season! Tina Robison kitchenwitch04@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteIndeed it would, TINA! Since I read the galley of this book I don't have a paperback copy either. I need to rectify that situation and also buy some for Christmas gifts!
DeleteI, too, am a great fan of amish fiction but have yet to read one of his books, This one in particular combines the two things I love to read about most; Amish life and Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI am off tp Amazon to check out more of his books.
God bless,
Helen
grammea22@gmail.com
Wonderful, HELEN! I'm thrilled my review prompted you to go to Amazon! Take your time...he has a'plenty on there. :P
DeleteThanks for the review. I love Christmas and books about the Amish. Will look forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteANONYMOUS, please come back and leave your email addy if you want to be entered in the contest...otherwise you will remain sadly anonymous. :( :(
DeleteI haven't had the chance to read any books by this author, even though I have heard how wonderful his books are. Hope to have the opportunity soon. I would love to win this!
ReplyDeletesusanlulu@yahoo.com
Do you mind me telling you one more time, SUSANLU? lol They are wonderful! Hoping for a win for you!
DeleteLove all the books I have read of Murray's.
ReplyDeleteLove the Amish Christmas books. Wonderful
review.
seraphinangel7@aol.com
Thank you! He has alot of them to love, JUANITA! lol I really enjoy the Amish Christmas books as well. :)
DeleteWould love the opportunity to win this book...I just love the fact of so many Amish Christmas books are coming out...As I will probably be laid up this winter with both feet getting opperated on...and nothing better then reading one of Murray's Christmas Books..Thanks
ReplyDeletebearangel0@yahoo.com
Oh, KATHY! Will be praying for you! Not fun!...but hoping these wonderful Amish Christmas books will cheer you up while you are indisposed. Blessings~
DeleteI would love to win. angelachesnut246@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteANGELA, how are you? Just dropped your name in my cyberhat here. ;)
DeleteI am definitely a fan and follower of Murray. He uses good research to formulate his stories. So I would love to read this one, since Amish books are so fun to read!
ReplyDeleteEmail: Sonja.nishimoto (@) gmail (dot) com
DeleteYes, I agree, SONJA! Murray's research is impeccable. Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteI have read several Amish books but have not read any of her books yet. This one sounds interesting. I just read some Amish mysteries and loved them so this could be another thing sorta like that
ReplyDeleteTONDA, welcome to OWG! Murray isn't a "her" but a male who really knows how to write romance! Please come back and leave your email for contact purposes should your name be drawn. Using {at} and {dot} will prevent spammers from stealing your addy. Thanks so much!
DeleteTMarcum at hotmail dot com And thank you. I love love the Amish series. I live in Ohio not far from Holmes county so it is even more interesting to me.
DeleteOops it is TMarcum3 at hotmail dot com LOL always forget that 3
DeleteI have not read any books from Murray Pura, but this one sure sounds very interesting! Would love to win!!! Exciting to always find new authors.
ReplyDeleteLinda Ortiz
strgth4yu(at)Hotmail(dot)com
I would love for you to win, LINDA, and have a chance to get acquainted with this wonderful author. But if not, please do yourself a favor and go to Amazon. He has a vast array of books listed there! And I do mean VAST!! :)
DeleteI have plenty of time to read and this one sounds right up my alley :) When can we expect to see your name on the cover of a book, Diana?
ReplyDeleteAwww, bless your heart, ANNE. I have been praying for you. Hoping the pain has lessened and you are able to enjoy some good books while recuperating.
DeleteWell, not on any covers for awhile, however my name is in the front of a few and that is way cool! (endorsements and acknowledgements) :)
And don't forget the dedication. ;)
DeleteOh yes, ANNE. And a dedication. :)
DeleteAnd don't forget about Diana Darling in Murray's Painted Sky as well, as you and your hubby Paul Flowers in Carries book, as well. ;-)
DeleteSounds like a book I want to read.Looking forward adding a copy to my Christmas collection.
ReplyDeleteDONITA, thank you for coming by OWG! Please leave your email addy for contact purposes. :)
DeleteThis is a wonderful review, Diana! I have MANY of Murray's books but don't have this one yet. It sounds just like a great Murray Pura story! Joy Ross Davis
ReplyDeleteThanks! It is a wonderful story, JOY! When you say MANY just how many are we talking here? Never mind...I can't count them either. :P
Deleteso excited for the christmas reading season to start. winning this would be a good start ladydipap@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteMe, too, LADYDI! Nothing like a good Christmas book to cuddle up with next to the fireplace during freezing cold weather!
DeleteThis sounds like an awesome read. I like the twist of the husband being "shunned". Never thought about that circumstance before. Look forward to reading how it all turns out.
ReplyDeletedoretha_stroud@yahoo.com
Very interesting twist and what a sad situation, too, DORETHA. :( Good luck in the drawing!
Deletei have not read any of this authors book would love to win!!!! Always looking for more Amish books to read.thanks for entering me!!!...............cindyba_1994@verizon.net
ReplyDeleteThis author has written alot of fabulous Amish books, CINDY. I hope you get a chance to read one ASAP! Thanks for coming by!
DeleteLove my christmas book, would sure like to add this one. Thank you
ReplyDeleteLORETTA, thank you for entering! Please leave your email addy for contact purposes and thank you for visiting OWG!
DeleteI loved this book. Great review, as always!
ReplyDeleteThank you, md cohort! :) We are so glad you are back from vacay!
DeleteThank you for this review. I definitely want to read it. It has been added to my want to read list,
ReplyDeleteI hope all your wishes come true, WILANI! Please leave an email addy for contact purposes! Thanks!
DeleteI would so love to win this book! I love the cover and I loved the books I did read by Murray - On the Wings of Morning and Ashton Park. This book reminds me of fond memories of going to Amish country in Ohio during the Christmas holidays with my cousin, Renee and her family: places like Sugarcreek and Walnutcreek, etc. Yes, I do hope I win. Thanks for this chance! Mary Lou K
ReplyDeleteflowersmarylou85(at)gmail(dot)com.
MARYLOU, it sounds like you may have a good story to tell within you! :) I gotcha entered!
DeleteMurray Pura is a great person, and i would love to win this book, and a review will be given, thank you
ReplyDeleteShirley B. jcisforme@aol.com
Yes, we all think the world of the man and his books. Thank you for writing a review, SHIRLEY. That means alot to every author!
DeleteBarbara Gauthier I love and adore Murray Pura. I have had the pleasure of reading some of his books. He is an out of this world author. The more you read, the more you want. Would love to win this one. Thank you. Am heading for a full shoulder replacement. Bgauthier49@live.com
ReplyDeleteBARBARA, may God keep His hand upon you as you go into surgery. Murray is a great author and I know he will appreciate your words of encouragement!
Deletegreat review, sure makes me want to read but then I already know of this author and know it will be good if he wrote it. thanks for sharing today your comments.
ReplyDeletePaula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
I'm with you on that remark, PAULA! If he has written a bad one...I don't know about it! Good luck to you!
DeleteOh, I love your books, Murray. Thanks for sharing another one. Hope I can win this one. It looks awesome and just in time for Christmas!!! yyyyaaaayyyyy Shirley bluebell5071@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteSHIRLEY, I take it you like Murray's books just a little. lol Hopefully you will win it for Christmas right here on OWG!
DeleteLove Murray's books. Only one problem with what I was reading. I wanted more. Love how it keeps you wanting to read more n more. I would love to win one too. Thank you. LeAnn angel4gof(at)charter(dot)net
ReplyDeleteI hit the wrong button. angel4god(at)charter(dot)net
DeleteThanks for sharing, LEANN! Yes, don't you love that when you finish the last page of a book and feel let down cuz it's the end?
DeleteI have not read any of Murray's books. Would love to win this one, it sounded very interesting from your review.
ReplyDeleteTina Watson
bluehair1967(at)yahoo(dot)com
TINA, Murray's books are awesome and I don't often care for male authors. But Murray knows what women like in the romance dept. and he delivers! haha
DeleteWonderful! Murray is one of my top 4 favorite authors. Would love to have this book in my collection and read it. Hard to believe the holidays are apon us already.
ReplyDeleteIt is almost surreal at how quickly summer flew by, JANICE! I always say I'm going to start Christmas shopping early...we'll see if I stick to that this year! lol Hmmm...would love to know who the other 3 are! (wink)
DeleteWhat wonderful giveaway. Very nice review. I look forward to reading this book and would be thrilled to win it. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for coming by, MARY ELLEN! Good luck in the drawing!
Delete***Please remember to leave an email address for contact purposes should your name should be drawn. Thanks all!***
ReplyDeleteHaving grown up in Amish country and also loving Murray's style of prose, I will be enjoying this book whether I win it or puchase it! Gdenton1964@sanroy.com
ReplyDeleteGINA, thank you for your support of Mr. Pura's books. I am certain this one will be no exception.
DeleteI am going to buy this one irregardless.... Murray is a very good story teller and I have two of his books. This reveiw has grabbed my attention and interest. scraver60@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed the review, SHARON! Maybe you won't have to buy this one...we'll seeee...
DeleteWow! I can't believe I'm finding out about your blog just now! :) I've never read Murray Pura's books, but I have been wanting to, and would love to win this one. I'm visiting via Fiction Addiction Fix which posted that you have a giveaway running. Thanks so much for the chance to win! :)
ReplyDeletesnowflakes2hotcakes {at} gmail {dot} com
SNOWFLAKES, we welcome you to OWG! I would love to see a few snowflakes this upcoming winter, but doubtful. :P You are in for a real treat with Murray's books!
DeleteI have read two Mura's books. He is a talented author and I am looking for to reading this book.
ReplyDeleteDawn Crawford
dcofohio@yahoo.com
Yes, he is a very talented author, DAWN. Have you read Whispers of a New Dawn btw? Your name is on the cover and my name is in the endorsements. lol
DeleteI am one blessed commenter
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this print copy of Murray's An Amish Family Christmas ~ I am looking forward to this story of hope and love. I agree ~ God's Word prevails. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
Yes, you are one blessed commenter who will be doubly blessed if she wins! That was cute, KATHLEEN. :)
DeleteI would love to win this copy of Murray's book - Christmas iis in the air!
ReplyDeleteStimmer@familylife.com
Yes, it is, SHARON, and we are still only in September. lol But these wonderful holiday books will put you in the mood for sure!
DeleteI'm an Amish fiction fan and I love Murray Pura books! He's a fantastic author! Would love to win his book! Thank you for sharing and please enter my name.
ReplyDeleteBarbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
BARBARA, I have you entered! Thank YOU for sharing, dear, and good luck!
DeleteDiana Flowers, very nice review ! and I agree, he writes faster then I can read them all...
ReplyDeleteLove Murrays Books and Amish Fiction. Diana M. I will share if I win...smile OK kindred ?
I love this website for all its great reviews, author interviews and giveaways !
Linda Finn
faithfulacres7@gmail.com
Faithful Acres Books
http://www.faithfulacresbooks.wordpress.com
Thank you so much, LINDA, for your kind words about Murray's books and our blog! What a sweet friend you are to share also. I do the same with my books as well. They are just too good to keep to myself!
DeleteAn Amish Family Christmas sounds wonderful. Please enter me in contest. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
ReplyDeleteEmma, what a pretty name you have. Like something right out of a Jane Austen novel. ;) Please return and leave an email address for contact purposes in case you are our blessed winner. Thanks!
DeleteI would absolutely love to win an autographed copy of An Amish Family Christmas. I love reading Amish stories and very much enjoy reading Christmas stories. This one sounds like an excellent read and I'd be so very happy to win. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteKatie J.
johnsonk133ATyahooDOTcom
KATIE, it's so great to see you here on OWG! You can't get much better than Amish and Christmas combined AND written by Muray Pura to boot! Hoping for a win for you!
DeleteAnother Murray Pura book I'm looking forward to reading.
ReplyDeleteA most helpful review thank you.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
You're welcome, MARY! I know you'll enjoy this one!
DeleteYour books are always 5 stars, I would love to win your newest book.
ReplyDeletelora_dietrich(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you, LORA, for your encouraging words for Murray Pura!
DeleteI love books about Christmas!!! And this one is set in my home state of Pennsylvania...Maybe I'll win??!!! Blessings estamaelaughner@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteESTAMAE, perhaps you will! Wouldn't this be a lovely early Christmas present?
DeleteWonderful review! I love Murray's books. Ü Please enter me in the drawing to win a copy of this one. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteOoops, I forgot to add my email. It's cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com
DeleteCINDI, so glad to see you made it! I got your name in my cyberhat here! ;)
DeleteHello Diana. Good job with this Christmas book. It's hard at times to understand some of the Bishop's rules, for to me they pick and choose what they will read and use from the Bible. The Bible teaches us to help others, yet they don't believe in helping those who keep their right to their religion. They left other countries to come to America to worship as they want, but where will they go if that right here disappears. I love the cover of Murray's book, as usual. And, I would love to win the book. PLEASE put my name in. And heello to you other OWG gals and too Murray. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com
ReplyDeleteMAXIE, this book will make you think, that's for sure! We always enjoy your insightful comments and love it when you come by!
DeleteThis is a book that I just can't live without! Hoping to win it, but either way it will be on my bookshelf : ) makeighleekyleigh at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteI just love your enthusiasm, MEGAN! Enjoy!
DeleteI would love to win this.I don't have a book by Murray yet.Thanks for the chance.jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteJACKIE, you've been missing out! Let's keep our fingers crossed that you will win your first "Murray" book here! ;)
DeleteChristmas + Amish = what's not to love??? kkakins at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteExactly KARLA. :)
DeleteI would love to win one of Murray's books!!!!! especially if he signs it....
ReplyDeleteToo cool, eh, VIRGINIA?!
DeleteCongrats to Juanita Cook for winning a signed copy of An Amish Family Christmas! Congrats to Juanita whose name was picked randomly out of all of these wonderful comments! Thanks so much to all of you!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of Murray's books, actually I don't believe I've read any Amish or Christian Romance written by a male author - perhaps it's time!
ReplyDeletemissionwife AT hotmail DOT com
When you are reading Murray's books, MELODY, you tend to forget it is a male that is writing it. He has the romance down pat! ;)
DeleteWhat a touching book! I love anything Amish, Christmas stories, & stories of healing through the Lord - so will surely love this book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
I like Christmas and the Amish.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a chance in this giveaway.
Lisa
korell62@Aol.com
Murray pura a great writer. He has a fabulous writing style. The only thing better than an amish book is an amish christmas book. This is a great review. Maria. Plainfancy4@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI love Christmas stories and am looking forward to reading as many as I can during November and December. I haven't yet read any books by Murray Pura, so am looking forward to reading An Amish Family Christmas. It sounds intriguing.
ReplyDeletemay_dayzee@yahoo.com
How many books does Murray Pura have? I will be looking forward to reading An Amish Family Christmas. Thank you for the opportunity to win .
ReplyDeleteI love Murray's writting and I look forward to reading more of it as soon as possible!:)
ReplyDeleteI would love to be that 'blessed commenter', so PICK ME! ;-).
ReplyDeleteSeriously though, this sounds like an interesting book & I love Christmas stories, so I guess I need to check it out--AFTER I make sure I don't win a copy! ;-)
Vicki
vmarney(at)hotmail(dot) com
this would be a great book to read.. I loved the review.
ReplyDeleteI loved this review. I am an avid reader of Amish fiction but have never read this author. would love to start with this book.
ReplyDeleteso plz pick me. thanks
judy
avon369@hotmail.com
I love Amish fiction books and authors. I am expanding my search on authors of Amish fiction and would love to add this book and author to my list. This review makes me want to read this book as soon as I can.
ReplyDeleteThanks and have a blessed day.
Christie
sweetsunnie@hotmail.com
I love to read Amish books, love the Christmas season, and love reading books by Murray Pura. Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
ReplyDeleteJanet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
I would so love to win Murray Pura' s book An Amish Family Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI am such a book addict!
I would so love to win Murray Pura' s book An Amish Family Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI am such a book addict!
I've read some of Murray's books and they are fantastic, I would love to win this, thank you for the chance.
ReplyDeletewfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Loved your review Diana . Also love Murray's books . Would love to win a copy of this book .
ReplyDeletelizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
Blessings
I love your review Diana and love Murray's books . Would live to win his book .
ReplyDeleteBlessings
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
This really looks like a must read and would be blessed to win it.
ReplyDeleteI just finished Majestic and Wild by Murray Pura - I would love to read another one of his books!
ReplyDeleteStimmer@familylife.com
Haven't found any of his books so am anxious to read them
ReplyDelete