When does duty become a privilege? When does a promise become a blessing?

The Amish Christmas Promise is an emotional story that tugged at my heartstrings and reminded me of the power of faith and forgiveness. Mattie and Samuel's growing awareness of each other is both sweet and tantalizing but there is one enormous hurdle to overcome. Is the shunned Samuel willing to ask for forgiveness from his Amish community?

This is Lillard's first Harlequin title but I'm sure it won't be her last! This book has endearing characters, an Amish Christmas setting, and an inspiring faith message! I highly recommend The Amish Christmas Promise to all who enjoy Amish Christian romance.

I received a complimentary digital copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. ( )

The Amish Christmas Promise by Amy Lillard is a heartwarming tale. Mattie Byler, a pregnant widow, is shocked when she finds her husband’s twin, Samuel on her doorstep. Samuel has returned to the community to honor a promise he made to his twin many years ago. Since Samuel is shunned, he will need to make a kneeling confession before the baptized members of the community. That is easier said than done. The Amish Christmas Promise is an easy story to read. There is an interesting cast of characters. Mattie is lucky to have sisters to help her. They are outspoken and supportive. My favorite character was Charlie, Mattie’s pygmy goat that lives inside her home. That goat has a larger-than-life personality. She goes where she wants, eats what she wants, and is quite the escape artist. Charlie is also an excellent emotional support animal. She has a knack for knowing when Mattie (and others) needs comforting. There is one scene involving the bishop’s wife (aka the biggest gossip in the community) and Charlie that had me laughing out loud. The Amish Christmas Promise is a story about healing, restoring faith, trust, new love, letting go, forgiveness, and God’s timing. When you are a widow or widower, it can be hard to open your heart to a new love. I did feel that the ending was a tad rushed. I enjoyed experiencing Christmas with the Amish. I hope the author will return us to this community because I would love stories featuring Mattie’s sisters. The Amish Christmas Promise is a touching tale with a returning twin, a naughty goat, supportive sisters, an unwavering widow, shunning guidelines, finding forgiveness, and a gracious God. ( )

Mattie finds herself expecting a child as her husband unexpectedly passes on. Samuel is her husband's twin, one who left the Amish and was shunned by his Amish community. He has come back to keep a promise to care for his twin brother, David's family.
I so enjoyed this sweet romance. The characters were all believable and Samuel was trying to find his path back to his Amish community, but because of his past life experiences, he is having a difficult time moving forward. Gossip spreads quickly and things become more and more difficult.

I loved the little goat in the story, always into mischief. I really thought this was a most engaging book. I was caught up in it right away. This was a very sweet romance. But will Samuel be able to move beyond the events of his former English life?

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )

Amy Lillard brings us a story of inspiration, but also a story of forgiveness from the community and from oneself.

This is an Amish story of shunning, and yet there is some compassion. A story of doing what a bother wanted, and yet, living through your own pain.

A young widow with two daughters and another baby on the way, she is dealing with so much, and yet, you will see her living her faith, yet struggling with the rules!

A man unjustly accused, comes back after finding out his brother has died, he for once wants to do the right thing, but can he?

This is a page turner for answers, but it is also a story with so much emotion, and I loved how the story worked out, just wish it was a bit longer!

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