Wednesday, January 4, 2012

First Chapter Review: A Simple Amish Christmas by Vannetta Chapman


TITLE:   A Simple Amish Christmas

AUTHOR: Vannetta Chapman

BLURB: Annie Weaver always planned to return home, but the 20-year old RN has lived in Philadelphia for three years now. As her time of rumschpringe is about to come to an abrupt end, bringing for Annie an overwhelming sense of loneliness. She returns home and finds herself face-to-face with a budding romance with an Amish farmer and Annie has several important choices to make.

COVER:  I love this cover! It's why I picked up a FREE copy of this book when it was available. The buggy, the snow covered grounds, and the red barn in the distance make me think of a simpler time. The touch of holly gives it a Christmas feel, and I like the fonts they used.

FIRST CHAPTER:  Now, I am someone who reads prologues, so I dove into that first. Annie Weaver is almost seventeen when she leaves home to live with her Englisch cousins. Chapter One opens three years later in December 2009. Christmas is coming and Annie is feeling homesick. Now an RN, she is making her early morning rounds when her supervisor tells her she has an emergency phone call.

KEEP READING:  Definitely! Since I enjoy exploring different cultures and faiths, I like Amish fiction. I don't read a lot of it, but I've read enough to be familiar with many of the terms used in these novels. I have to admit, I was a bit confused at the very beginning because it seemed like Annie and her best friend Jenny were at school, when actually, they are in the employee area of a hospital where there are lockers. This was further compounded by Jenny being an Amish schoolteacher. It wasn't until Jenny asked about Annie's nursing cap, scope and I.D. that I knew what was going on.

The introduction of a young cancer patient that Annie visits that morning adds a sentimental touch, but it's the superb cliffhanger ending of this chapter that makes me want to read on.


Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press; Original edition (October 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426710666
ISBN-13: 978-1426710667
SRP:  $13.99
Also available in a Kindle edition.

I received no monetary compensation for this review.

17 comments:

Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer said...

this looks very good. I love these tales..thank you for sharing it :)

Cheryl said...

Thanks for your comment, Kimba I can't wait to pick up this one again.

Kelly McClymer said...

This is an interesting concept -- doing a review that showcases all the things that make people pick up a book. Great idea. You certainly made me want to pick up the book!

thewriterslife said...

I can tell you right now I would love this and I love the way you give us a sneak preview into the book...wtg!

Cheryl said...

Thanks for stopping by Kelly and Dot. I'm glad you like this feature. I don't know why I didn't think of this earlier.

Ann Summerville said...

I love the cover too. I'll put this on my list.
Ann

Cheryl said...

Thanks for your comment, Ann. I hope you enjoy the book.

Vannetta Chapman said...

I'm glad you enjoyed the first chapter of Annie's story. I'm actually writing the sequel in the next few months, so the story will continue! And I've also written an Amish murder mystery series. Book one is Falling to Pieces. Thanks again for your review.

Vannetta Chapman said...

I'm glad you enjoyed the first chapter of Annie's story. I'm actually writing the sequel in the next few months, so the story will continue! And I've also written an Amish murder mystery series. Book one is Falling to Pieces. Thanks again for your review.

Cheryl said...

An Amish murder mystery, now that's right up my alley. Thanks for leaving a comment Vannetta. It was kind of you to stop by.

April said...

I grabbed this one as well when it was free and can't wait to read it. Like you, Cheryl, I love Amish fiction and this story sounds so great! The cover is lovely as well.

V.R. Leavitt said...

Great idea, the first chapter review!! Well done, Cheryl!!

Cheryl said...

Thanks for your comments, April and Vanessa. I'm glad I scooped this one up when it was free; though it's a book worth paying for too. I'll have to be on the lookout for more from this author.

Glad everyone is liking this new feature. Another book is up tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

Love the cover, sounds good.

Cheryl said...

Isn't the cover great? Thanks for stopping by.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like an interesting book. The cover is beautiful. I also think of simpler times when I look at it.

Cheryl said...

Hi Suzanne,

Great to see you commenting again. I hope you had a nice holiday season.

Thanks for stopping by.

Cheryl