I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Christmas Visitor: An Amish Romance by Linda Byler Published by Open Road Integrated Media on September 3, 2013
Genres: Adult, Amish, Fiction
Pages: 192
Format: eBook
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
One moment, Ben Miller was high up in the rafters at his neighbor’s barn raising. The next, his foot slipped and he plunged to his death, leaving behind a young wife and six children—the youngest born four months after his death.?
Ruth Miller is not alone. Her Amish neighbors help her make the difficult transition from wife to widow. But while the community has been generous, raising six growing children, each grieving their father’s death, is overwhelming. Devastated by her loss, Ruth isn’t sure how she’ll make ends meet or restore order to a house full of rambunctious kids.?
With help from her mother and her energetic, but untidy neighbor, Mamie, Ruth finds a way to start over. Preoccupied with the effort to create a new life and manage her shrinking bank account, Ruth barely notices John King, the handsome newcomer to her community. Besides, how could she—if she had a chance—replace Ben? Does one ever replace a husband? ?
As Christmas approaches, Ruth knows that she can’t afford gifts for her children this year. It’s hard enough to find money for groceries each week. But then banana boxes full of food, treats for the children, and even money begin to appear on her front porch. Who is leaving her these generous gifts? Is it a neighbor or a friend? Or, Ruth wonders, could it be John, who keeps unexpectedly appearing when Ruth most needs help?
I found this book to be very sweet and a thoroughly great read. Ruth Miller is like any other young mother who loves her children dearly and does her best to raise them the best way she knows how. The tragedy of loosing her husband Ben before their 6th child was born only added to the challenges this young mother has to face. Her family and community rallies behind her and offers support. But like most people Ruth has pride too, and while she accepts the help you can tell she really doesn’t want to. You see that like with every family the kids in this story are like real every day life kids, they get into scrapes and messes making Ruth’s challenges increase at times. But they also show her love and tenderness which makes up for those times when Ruth wants to pull her hair out. In this book there is also a mysterious person who leaves gifts for Ruth and her family. Money when it is really needed, and then boxes of extra food and other things that Ruth has had to say no to since money is tight. The children and Ruth delight in these boxes of goodies and wonder who is acting like their guardian angel. I loved that this book has real characters, and not always perfect and sure of themselves. Its easy to relate to Ruth and to really like her and admire her courage and perseverance. The mystery of the boxes also adds a real nice touch to the story
