Unsettled and unable to follow through with anything, Annie was sent to Philadelphia to live with Englisch relatives during her rumschpringe. While in the city she finished her education and became a registered nurse. When a buggy accident left her dat with both legs broken she immediately left for her Amish home to aid in nursing her dat back to health, her family unaware that she had become a nurse. Samuel Yoder, her dat's best friend and the "doctor" to the Amish community was gruff and mistrustful of Annie's skills as a caregiver, but Annie's change in character was about to open everyone's eyes.

As in Vannetta Chapman's other Amish fiction stories the reader is immersed in the Amish culture and countryside. She paints a peaceful portrait of a hardworking farming community of close-knit godly people. The author has researched the Anabaptist culture closely and characterizes their lifestyle with integrity and intellect. Convincing characters are authentic and evolve naturally throughout the story, and the author has interwoven spiritual qualities throughout, enhancing a well-told story.

Lessons in tolerance, consideration, forgiveness and grace flowed throughout this book and left me yearning for the simplicity the Amish personify. When family and friends asked why I was reading a Christmas book at this time of year I was a bit surprised because this story is so much more than just a Christmas story. It's a story of a people and the lifestyle they represent. I highly recommend this very touching story, at Christmastime or a 90-degree summer day!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book as a gift from the author. In gratitude I have composed an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.