Disclosure: I received these books to review. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

We recently visited a new salon to have my daughter’s hair cut. While I waited, I pulled out a novel to read. The stylist asked me what the book was about.  She commented that she has never heard of an Amish romance novel.   If you’re a newbie to this genre, too, consider grabbing An Amish Year to see if you’ll like the setting. It’s the perfect answer to the question, “What to read this weekend?”

Beth Wiseman is an accomplished author, with 13 novels published so far.  An Amish Year reflects some of her work.  Although each of these novellas is only a few chapters long, they pack as much action as a full-length Amish romance.  Since the story wraps up quickly, I actually preferred this style in lieu of the novels that tend to drag things out.  The first and last novellas were previously published, so if you’re a Beth Wiseman fan already, be aware that “Rooted in Love” and “When Christmas Comes Again” may be familiar to you!

In these novellas, Wiseman made her characters seem realistic and well-rounded.  My favorite character was Miriam, an Amish woman who defied the cultural norms in the story “Patchwork Perfect.”  She was unmarried (by choice) at age 28, had a messy house, and — shocker — ate boxed macaroni and cheese!  While I respect Amish tradition and self-discipline, I loved that Miriam lived life by her own set of rules.  Unlike other novella collections I’ve read, An Amish Year did not follow the same characters throughout all 4 stories.  That was an interesting change, and meant that I could pick up reading without worrying that I’d forgotten the first story.   If you’re wondering how an Amish romance might tickle your fancy, consider picking up a copy of An Amish Year.

Back in the day, I used to love to hand-write letters.  I never, though, considered writing those letters to God.  Love, Lexi is an interesting twist on the traditional diary format.  Seventh-grade Lexi writes letters to God instead of personal diary entries.   A relevant Bible verse, a note from God, and a personal reflection space ends each chapter.  The book is colorful, as it’s printed in pink/red ink, and has some doodle-font throughout.

Lexi’s “letters” are typical of middle school.  As a middle child, Lexi describes sibling rivalry and complains of being ignored by her parents.  She sometimes comes across as self-centered, which is also appropriate for the middle school age.  Additionally, Lexi endures some mild teasing and peer pressure at school.   She is determined to achieve popularity with the “cool” group, as well as catch the eye of the boy she crushes on.  While it’s not exactly realistic, the story is definitely something that today’s Christian teen can relate to.  Each letter shows the ups-and-downs Lexi faces as a 12 year old trying to find her way in life.  Luckily for Lexi, she’s got two really sweet friends who seem to have their heads on straight.  There were some situations in the story that I feared would set up false hopes for some kids reading the book.  I also hoped to see Lexi confide in her parents – at least in her mom – with some of the problems she faced.  The journaling pages and reflection exercises provide an opportunity for teens to consider their own growing pains, and learn to lean on God through this new devotional style.