“A Christmas Courtship” is such a delightful story. A wonderful addition to Christmas as well as Amish reads. It is the third of Shelley Shepard Gray’s Berlin Bookmobile series. The first two books in the series are on my Want-to-Read list. I found this book enjoyable as a standalone.
The print version has 317 pages which the author uses wisely to build the story so that it remains interesting throughout. The book does not drag; the book does not rush. The story just weaves its way and feels believable.
Such great characters in this list which should help set the story:
- There is Sarah Anne Miller Canon (Englisher), who drives the bookmobile and is a bride, even if she is 62 years old.
- Atle Petersheim (Amish) who you will like immediately. A bachelor in his 40s but not a “confirmed” bachelor if you get my meaning. He asks Sarah for a reference book on ‘courting’.
- Sadie Mast (Amish), a widow not quite 40, runs a baking business selling through stores in town.
- Cale, 16 and the oldest is very aware of the financial strain and works hard. But Cale also feels a great deal of responsibility for his mother and siblings. His plans of being on his own at 18 may not happen now.
- Viola who is 14 wanting to be 16 and not afraid to voice her discontent. Her discontent is rarely directed to her mamm.
- Jason is 11 and well, opiniated, a bit spoiled but will, at times, make you chuckle if not laugh out loud.
- Hope Overholt (Amish), also 16 and hopes Cale will notice her someday.
- Hope’s parents who are gut people but tend to treat her as if she was much younger than she is.
- Animal characters — I personally enjoy animal characters. They tend to add charm to a story. There is Prudence the sheep who is contrary as can be but especially around Cale. And Bonnie, a mare, and her companion, a silly, sweet goat named Gwen.
Be aware that Sadie’s husband was abusive not only in words but in his actions toward her and her two oldest children. The abuse is only in past tense and in reference to how it has affected Sadie and the children. It is important to the story; descriptions are minimal.
Another ‘different’ approach is the book Mrs. Canon recommends to Atle — each chapter of “A Christmas Courtship” begins with a bit of the reference book. You will smile at Atle’s reading of the “reference” book.
This is SUCH an enjoyable read and takes place at Christmas time. But for me, the story’s emphasis was on learning to trust again. I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Gallery Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 5 stars
Cover rating: 4.5 stars. A particularly good cover but not sure how the objects held in her hands have to do with the story.
#AChristmasCourtship #ShelleyShepardGray #NetGalley
