Diana Flowers Reviews 'Annie's Christmas Wish' By Barbara Cameron

Annie's Christmas Wish

Annie's Christmas Wish by Barbara Cameron

Abingdon Press, Oct. 2103

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

4.5 stars~

(No Spoilers!)

It's Christmas Time In The City...

In Annie's Christmas Wish, the reader visualizes the bustling city of New York through a vacationing Amish family's eyes...the diverse shops and restaurants, beautifully lit holiday decor, the Rockefeller Center skating rink, the Empire State Building, and plenty of glistening snow!

Ever since Annie was a child and received a snow globe of New York City from her stepmother, Jenny, she has dreamed of going there. Annie is filled with a vivid imagination and dreams of being a writer like her step-mom and wishes to visit the New York Times building. Jenny is to receive a prestigious award for her writing and the whole family goes with her to New York, accompanied by Annie's boyfriend, Aaron. Awed by the sights and sounds of a magical Christmas in New York, Annie's excitement is marred only by the fact that her father and Aaron are afraid she will stay in the city and no longer be content to live in her Amish community of Paradise. And then Annie receives two tempting offers that could forever change her destiny...which one will she accept?

Barbara Cameron is such a great storyteller that although I have never been to New York, I feel as though I have just visited there! Her descriptive imagery will finely tune all of your five senses and some tough issues such as a homeless, pregnant teenager, and the plight of the homeless in rescue missions were touched on--all with compassion and finesse. I feel as though her portrayal of the Amish was very realistic (although this sect didn't seem to be as strict as some) and her characters very endearing. So put another log on the fire, grab a cup of hot chocolate...and snuggle up with this magical, heartwarming holiday novel! It's Christmas time in the city! 

**********************************************

I received this book from Abingdon in exchange for my honest opinion. 

This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, Walmart.com and your local bookstore.

Giveaway: I am giving away a paperback copy of Annie's Christmas Wish to one blessed commenter. Please be sure to leave an email address!

Question: Have you ever gone on an exciting vacation at Christmas time or have you always celebrated the holidays at home?

Review of An Amish Christmas - December in Lancaster County

An Amish Christmas - December in Lancaster County
by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Barbara Cameron and Kelly Long
(2009 version without Kelly Long's novella, 2010 expanded to include, 2011 audio version)


I listened to this book via a download from http://audible.com. My favorite novella was Kelly Long's Christmas Cradles.  I also enjoyed Beth Wiseman's A Choice to Forgive.  However the other two novellas were thin on characterization and story line and I was quite disappointed in the listen.


The narrator was mediocre at best and mispronounced many words.  The ratings on audible.com are low (3's) because of the two novellas that were lacking and because of the poor narration.  However, two of the stories were strong.  Kelly Long's novella was definitely worth reading on its own.  A strong character, an Amish midwife, Anna Stollis, falls for an equally strong handsome and capable young man, Asa Mast,  as they go about delivering babies one stormy Christmas night.  The hero and heroine are in their late twenties. 


Kelly Marie Long is one of my new favorite authors.  She really knows how to craft believable characters and her romances are the best around. Grab this book and curl up by the fire for a great read as Anna and Asa bring new life into the world while beginning their own lives together!


This book is available in multiple formats through Amazon.


Giveaway:  Hardcover copy of this book to one commenter.  Merry Christmas!