A Lancaster County Christmas

Jaime and C. J. Fitzpatrick began their married life as most couples do--in love and looking forward to a bright future together. But four years later they've drifted apart and are almost ready to call it quits.

Mattie Riehl was hoping to give her husband Sol the Christmas gift they have both longed for--news that a baby was on the way. But as usual, she is disappointed. The holidays bring an acute awareness to Mattie that her dream of a big family isn't likely to become a reality.

Then a winter storm raging outside blows the Fitzpatricks into the Riehl home--and into a much slower pace of life. Can these two couples from different worlds help each other understand the true meaning of love this Christmas?

I don't read much Amish fiction, but I am glad I read this one. I liked it that there was not the immediate (magnified) distrust/dislike between the "English" and "Plain People" that I've read in other books. Each "side" was willing to listen, trust and work together. I hope that books like this help us to understand and be willing to accept others that are different than us. This is a touching, emotional story that reminded me of the mystery and power of prayer, as well as not allowing circumstances to regulate my faith .

About Suzanne:

Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. She has many, many Plain relatives living in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and travels back to Pennsylvania , as well as to Ohio , a couple of times each year for research.

Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. In both her fiction and non-fiction books, she has an underlying theme: You don't have to "go Amish" to incorporate many of their principles--simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily-- into your life.

When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.

Visit Suzanne's website. 
Link to the book


It's Christmas in September - iPad Giveaway and Facebook Party!
Enter 9/7-9/26!

But, wait! There's more! The winner will be announced at the A Lancaster County Christmas Facebook Party on 9/27 at Suzanne's author page. During the party she'll be revealing something *BIG* - you won't want to miss it. She'll also be hosting a book chat, trivia contest and giving away a few early Christmas presents! Hope to see you there.

Blog Tour Schedule:




This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from LitFuse Publicity Group and Revell and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.