Book Reviews

An Amish Summer: Review by Susan Scott Ferrell

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An Amish Summer – Bring it On!

When you happen upon a novel that contains the stories of four well-known Amish-genre authors, your heart skips a beat. Well, at least mine does – especially when I have the opportunity to read Shelley Shepard Gray, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Irvin! So when An Amish Summer arrived, I said, “Bring it on!”

A Reunion in Pinecraft by Shelley Shepard Gray follows sisters Sharon and Sherilyn Kramer, who have made the trek to Florida for vacation…and perhaps something more. Sherry has been exchanging letters with an Amish man named Graham. Sherry and Graham have decided to rendezvous in Pinecraft. But Graham is shocked to find that he’s been writing to the wrong sister! Now he must choose who he really likes – but it’s not that easy. Who will get a match? Read and find out!

My Take: A Reunion in Pinecraft was a good, quick read. The characters were winsome, and Shelley Shepard Gray kept this reader guessing ‘til the end. Definitely a good start with this first novella of the collection.

Summer Storm by Amy Clipston tells the story of Arianna and her lifetime friend and fiancée, Jesse. All is going according to plan until one eventful night that involves Arianna’s brother (and Jesse’s best friend), Tobias. When Arianna’s dad forbids their union as a result, all plans come to a halt…and maybe that is God’s will after all?

My Take: Summer Storm was a page-turner. The story was believable and agonizing. I couldn’t put it down until I knew just what would happen! Now I want the story to continue!

Lakeside Love by Kathleen Fuller takes you an a journey with Esther Coblentz. Esther has always struggled with comparing herself to her gorgeous younger sister, Sarah. She can’t even catch the attention of her secret love, Judah (whose smitten for Sarah.) When a handsome Yankee named Rhett comes to live with the Coblentzes, everything is turned on end.

My Take: Lakeside Love is a beautiful, charming story of summer romance. Sarah is a hoot – and the other characters are downright loveable. I’d love to go to their lake and just stay for a while. Outstanding novella.

One Sweet Kiss by Kelly Irvin brings you to Bee County, Texas, Jacob King, and Martha Byler. Jacob only has eyes for Martha, and it seems almost everyone can see that but Martha. Martha is afraid to trust again – especially since her mother’s death. Her place is with her father, raising her siblings. Besides, Jacob is a poster child for rumspringas. Martha doesn’t need yet more responsibility. What will happen?

My Take: One Sweet Kiss was an amusing, captivating read. At one point my life had to stop so that I could finish this novella! The subplots were well-executed – I think we all know a Dwayne – and I adored the Simon/Amanda story and the way it was handled.

I was given An Amish Summer in exchange for my honest review. It was fabulous! Each novella held its own (not always the case with a collection of novellas.) This is the perfect book to take with you to the beach. Even if you’re not headed to the beach, don’t waste any time snagging your copy of An Amish Summer – it’s worth the read!


Susan Ferrell and her husband make their home in the Atlanta Metro area. Although Susan struggles with chronic migraine headaches, she stays very busy as a stay-at-home mom to one very precocious little girl. While catching her breath, she feeds her Amishaholic tendencies by reading vast amounts of Amish literature!

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