The book is a wonderful collection of stories that bring hope, blessings and love at Christmastime. I really enjoyed each story and thought the characters were well written.

Winter's Treasure by Laura V. Hilton

Paris is a charming character and I loved the idea of the treasure hunt for a birthday. The adventure was fun to follow and I thought the author did a good job of taking Paris to different stops to show how much she was loved by friends and family. I didn't like Sarah at all and I couldn't believe how jealous she was of Paris. Sarah was downright spiteful to Paris and caused some misunderstandings. Quil is the ideal man for Paris and I loved reading how their relationship developed. It wasn't rushed and it made the story more interesting. One of my favorite parts of the story was the visit to Niagara Falls. I have never been, but with the help of the author I felt like I was there on the trip with everyone.

It is a great story that captures how jealousy can make someone bitter and unhappy. Telling lies to belittle someone always backfires. The Bishop shared great wisdom with Paris and made her realize how loved she was by her adoptive parents. We all have things from our past that hurt, but God showed Paris that she is not defined by her past. Will Sarah get over her jealousy of Paris? Can Paris and Quil find happiness with each other? The answers are in the story that is fun and full of surprises.

Mistletoe and Miracles by Rachel J. Good

Oh my I loved this story so much. The characters are wonderful and feel my eyes with tears. Fern is a sweet woman working at the rehab center trying to make ends meet. When she encounters Moses, he is a handful. Her gentle and tender heart really helped a grumpy old man start to peel away his hardened heart. Add to the mix in the story is Daniel. He is Moses's son and meets Fern as she is taking care of his dad at the center. Their attraction is nice and I loved how they respected each other and took things show.

The star of the story for me was a sweet, shy, charming little girl named Lyddie. There is such an innocence about her. Her shyness keeps her from making new friends, but one day while at the center she finds herself in Moses's room. The friendship that develops is one that made me cry. The story is a lesson in friendship and getting rid of sadness. Moses and Lyddie make my heart sing. I love that the author shared a story about four lonely people who are looking for acceptance. The times in the center brought back memories of the time my mom spent in one. It was hard to visit her, but she was so lonely I hated to leave her. Thank you for writing a story that reminds us that there are lonely people out there of all ages.

I received a copy of this wonderful book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

These two novellas were very well written. From the first sentence, the writers pulled you into the lives of their characters using vivid language to describe each person and scene.

Both novellas were enjoyable and easy to read. The story lines are both compelling and you want to keep reading to see what things the characters get into next or how they get out of the situation they are in.

Both authors did a good job of weaving into the characters, story lines, and dialogue biblical truths that guided the characters. In cases where the characters were not being guided by biblical truths, the writers have other characters address the sin issues in loving, gentle, and non-judgmental ways like Acts 4:15 admonishes that we "speak the truth in love."

In Winter's Treasure, I loved the treasure hunt as the guiding story line that took Paris to different locations to interact with several characters.

In Mistletoe and Miracles, difficult issues were primary in the story, yet presented in ways that showed God's mercy and grace in the lives of those going through those difficult circumstances.

Love's Christmas Blessings will make a good read during the holidays and would be a great Christmas gift for you to give.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Celebrate Lit for the purpose of reviewing. Thoughts in "My Two Cents" are my own opinion.

Love’s Christmas Blessing contains two Amish stories by Laura Hilton and Rachel J. Good. Winter’s Treasure by Laura V. Hilton takes us on a journey to Mackinac County, Michigan. Paris Kauffman is enjoying the birthday treasure hunt organized by her father with new friend, Sarah Fisher. While at the bakery, the bus stops and lets out Quil Stutzman. Paris remembers Quil and the crush she had on him, but, at the time, he only had eyes for Priscilla Graber. Sarah is quick to latch onto Quil, but he only prefers Paris. Quil needs to show Paris that he has mended his ways and wishes to court her. Join them on their journey towards love that involves puppies, a skunk, misunderstandings, donuts, a jealous friend and a trip to Niagara Falls.

Rachel J. Good has written Mistletoe and Miracles set in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. Daniel Graber’s father, Moses is currently staying in the Fairview Rehab Center and has four weeks left on his stay. Daniel visits his father each day despite Moses’ cranky attitude. Fern Chupp is a widow and mother who recently moved to town from Charm, Ohio. She sold everything to give the two of them a fresh start. Fern works as an aide at the rehab center, and Daniel is taken by her friendly demeaner and lovely appearance. Lyddie’s teacher, Ruthie wishes to have the children visit the patients and brighten their days. Lyddie is a shy child who prefers to spend her time engaged in a good book. On visiting day, Lyddie disappears and is later found in an unlikely place. Christmas is a time for miracles, and four lonely people might get a very special gift.

I enjoyed reading the two sweet stories in Love’s Christmas Blessing. They both contain good writing and have steady pacing. The stories are set in Lancaster County which has a large Amish population. Both novellas contained pleasant characters apart from Sarah in Winter’s Treasure (I am hoping she will change when she matures). I especially enjoyed the relationship between Lyddie and Moses (it was cute). The romances were adorable and the attraction between the couples was plain. The two stories are told from alternating point-of-views which allows readers to see issues from a male and female perspective. We can see how confusion develops and misunderstandings arise. I liked that a child’s shyness is addressed (I suffered from this affliction myself) and how loneliness can affect a person’s attitude. Some of the Christian elements woven into the story are prayer, having faith, and events happen in God’s timing. There is a unique recipe for coconut potato fudge at the end of the book. Love’s Christmas Blessing contains two heartwarming Amish stories that will have you smiling. ( )

The first story in this book by Laura V. Hilton will make you cringe at times, and then feel refreshed by the kindness and love that is shown. We see that no matter the religion and your upbringing, people are human, and jealousy rears its ugly head.
You will feel the love this family shows their daughter, and who wouldn’t want a birthday treasure hunt, the time and caring that was put into it is a real heart warmer.
The second story is a sweet compassionate story of healing. So much pain from the loss of loved ones, and God places these people in front of each other with the hope of moving on.
We meet a grumpy old man, and a severely shy young girl, and what would they have in common? I enjoyed this story and see the Lord working on both of these two hurting individuals, and you will have to read this to get the sweet conclusion.

I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )

I really enjoyed this set of 2 Christmas Amish Novellas. They were both excellent.
The first was Winter’s Treasure by Laura V. Hilton. This one shows good and bad friendships. Sarah acts like she is Paris’s best friend but cuts her down behind her back. Paris must learn what true friendships are. I really loved the story.
The second novella is Mistletoe and Miracles by Rachel J. Good.
This one teaches a young girl how to make friends and her mom how to love again.
Each of these novellas was very good and I did not want to put it down.
I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )