Kelly’s Amish books have received many stellar reviews from publications such as Publisher’s Weekly, Romantic Times, and The Library Journal. Here’s a sampling:
Kelly’s Amish Books Reviews
Through the Autumn Air
In Irvin’s enjoyable third Every Amish Season novel (after Beneath the Summer Sun), widow Mary Katherine Ropp faces pressure from her 10 children to move out of her large house and into a “dawdy haus” (an Amish retirement home) as other grandparents do. But Mary Katherine has plans of her own: even though she knows it’s a sign of “pride and vanity, twin sins,” she has writerly aspirations and wants to start a bookstore with her English friend, Dottie.
When a hungry itinerant man appears in her house, spirited Mary Katherine takes him under her wing for the simple reasons that he is curious about the Amish and has “a way of talking that was delightful.” While the community attempts to make her work in an Amish store, her lack of submissiveness draws the censure of the “fierce threesome”—the bishop, the deacon, the minister—and her disapproving eldest son, Thomas. However, Mary Katherine is not cowed, and, along with widower Ezekiel Miller, she embarks on a second rumspringa. Irvin’s fun story is simple (like Mary Katherine, who finds “every day is a blessing and an adventure”) but very satisfying. (Aug.)
Harold Wolf
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Through the Autumn Air
In Irvin’s enjoyable third Every Amish Season novel (after Beneath the Summer Sun), widow Mary Katherine Ropp faces pressure from her 10 children to move out of her large house and into a “dawdy haus” (an Amish retirement home) as other grandparents do. But Mary Katherine has plans of her own: even though she knows it’s a sign of “pride and vanity, twin sins,” she has writerly aspirations and wants to start a bookstore with her English friend, Dottie.
When a hungry itinerant man appears in her house, spirited Mary Katherine takes him under her wing for the simple reasons that he is curious about the Amish and has “a way of talking that was delightful.” While the community attempts to make her work in an Amish store, her lack of submissiveness draws the censure of the “fierce threesome”—the bishop, the deacon, the minister—and her disapproving eldest son, Thomas. However, Mary Katherine is not cowed, and, along with widower Ezekiel Miller, she embarks on a second rumspringa. Irvin’s fun story is simple (like Mary Katherine, who finds “every day is a blessing and an adventure”) but very satisfying. (Aug.)
Harold Wolf
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An Amish Heirloom
Irvin, Kelly. An Amish Heirloom: Four NovellasBeneath the Summer Sun. Zondervan. (Every Amish Season, Bk. 2). Apr. 2018. 400p. ISBN 9780310351887. pap. $15.99; ebk. ISBN 9780310351870. CF
Four of today’s top Amish fiction writers contribute to this sweet collection of novellas about love, marriage, and secrets found in family heirlooms. In Clipston’s “A Legacy of Love,” Leon King realizes he still cares for ex-girlfriend Susie Bontrager when he agrees to repair her grandparents’ rocking chairs for her upcoming wedding. Susie, still drawn to Leon, knows she is marrying the wrong man. The titular object in Beth Wiseman’s “The Cedar Chest” contains family love letters that reveal a long-hidden secret; Catherine Fisher and her mother must decide whether to share it. Kathleen Fuller’s “The Treasured Book” revolves around a young man’s choice between the Amish life he desires to join and the law practice his father expects him to assume. His answer may lie in an old Bible he finds at a flea market. As Iris Beachy cares for an abandoned newborn wrapped in an antique crib quilt, she and Mahon Kurtz consider the possibility of a future together in Kelly Irvin’s “The Midwife’s Dream.” VERDICT Recommended for fans of the authors as well as newcomers who want a sampler of the best the genre has to offer.
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Beneath the Summer Sun
Kelly Irvin continues her “Every Amish Season” series with “Beneath the Summer Sun.”
Jennie’s husband died in a farming accident four years ago, and everyone believes it is time for her to remarry to take care of her and her seven children. Nathan Walker, a Mennonite book salesman, has befriended Jennie and her family and wants to help them, but she always seems tense. Leo Graber, a former classmate, has had secret feelings for Jennie and feels like he should have spoken up long ago. Will she take a chance on either man? Or has her marriage and the trouble inside it, keep her from every trying romance again? Readers will be drawn into this story of one woman with two eligible suitors to choose from who could both give her a new start at life.
“Beneath the Summer Sun” is published by Zondervan. It is $15.99.
An Amish Christmas Love
Wiseman (An Amish Year), Clipston (The Beloved Hope Chest), Irvin (Upon a Spring Breeze), and Reid (A Dream of Miracles) lend their considerable talents to this enjoyable Christmas collection.
In “Winter Kisses,” Wiseman provides a multigenerational romance. When three men of similar ages rent out their Daadi Haus (guest house), a grandmother and mother (both widowed) and an unmarried daughter are all smitten, but a one-to-one pairing is not without its complications. Clipston’s “The Christmas Cat” is a tale of remembered love as well as love of neighbor. Emma Bontrager is lonely on her first Christmas without her husband of 45 years. After a rotund orange tabby arrives and makes himself at home during a snowstorm and four local youth come to check on her, she shares the memories of her long-ago courtship and early married life.
Irvin’s “Snow Angels” features David Byler who must choose between a faith-filled future with his Amish sweetheart or leaving the community to pursue a woman he had romanced during his rumspringa. In Reid’s “Home for Christmas,” Ella Whetstone and her canine companion Lulu inherit her aunt’s farm, forcing her to return to the Amish community she left at six years old. The four novellas vary in style and substance, but all are feel-good stories perfect to indulge in during the busy holiday season.
An Amish Summer
Romantic Times Magazine 4-Star Review
These sweet stories are a charming treat for those relaxing summer days. The young adult growing pains these couples share will be relatable to many readers, and the happy endings are an uplifting reinforcement of the power of love, patience and trust.
Four young couples find romance in the midst of sibling rivalry, insecurity and awkward misunderstandings. A Florida vacation gives Graham the chance to meet his pen pal, but when he discovers that he has mistaken Sherry for her sister, he must find a way to manage his error without hurting either of their feelings. Ariana finds her engagement to Jesse threatened when his behavior seems immature and dangerous, but her heart can’t resist him when he sets out to prove his love for her. With a beautiful older sister who attracts a lot of male attention, Esther is certain that Judah will never be interested in her; when her crush on him lessens as she finds more confidence in herself, Judah takes notice. Martha is used to being responsible after taking care of her six younger siblings for a decade, but will her inability to trust keep her from a future with Jacob, who understands her only as someone else who has lost a mother at a young age can? -Kerry Sutherland
Upon a Spring Breeze
Romantic Times Magazine 4-Star Review
Irvin takes a sad beginning and spins a sweet story of hope and love in the midst of tragedy, reminding readers that God has a plan we often don’t understand. Aidan’s guilt and Bess’ depression, which keep them both from moving on in their lives, are realistically portrayed as the roadblocks to happiness that they are, and the danger that Caleb’s mother Mattie’s dementia-driven actions creates will speak to readers dealing with this problem within their own families.
Bess is thrilled to be carrying her husband Caleb’s child, but her joy turns to sorrow when he is killed in a car accident on a snowy road. Caleb’s best friend Aidan is overwhelmed by guilt when he is unsuccessful in his efforts to save Caleb at the scene of the collision, and he promises to watch over Bess and the unborn baby. But his promise is complicated by a secret Bess and Caleb never suspected: he has been in love with Bess since they were teenagers. Aidan wants a future with Bess and her son Joshua, but how can he admit to his feelings without betraying the memory of his friend?
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The Saddle Maker’s Son
“A warm-hearted novel that is more than a romance, with lovable characters, including two innocent children caught in the red tape of government and two people willing to risk breaking both the Englisch and Amish law to help in whatever way they can. There are subplots that focus on the struggles of undocumented immigrants.”
“Kelly Irvin’s Amish tales can’t be categorized as romance, contemporary, mystery, or Christian; BUT “The Amish of Bee County” series involves all of that and more. Readers do not need to be Amish, or Amish genre story lovers, to relate to a second chance plot of a man who has lost his first marriage partner via death. Those of us who have been in that grief-loneliness-renewal road will relive the heart warmed fullness of walking the path holding a new mate’s hand. Bee County is a Texas-authentic location, Beeville the county seat. Readers will come to believe they are reading nonfiction…”
To Love and to Cherish
“… VERDICT Irvin succcessfully moves from romantic Christian suspense (A Deadly Wilderness;
No Child of Mine) to Amish romance with this series debut. Her sympathetically drawn, three-dimensional characters struggle with real-life dilemmas and are certain to appeal to fans of Wanda E. Brunstetter and Marta Perry.” Read More Reviews
A Heart Made New
“Irvin’s warmth and authenticity shines through in her latest novel. She brings back her heartwarming characters that reside in the Amish community of Bliss Creek. She touches on values that bind family and community together and the conflicts that arise when individuals rebel against them. Irvin’s knack for good storytelling makes this book a delight.” Read More Reviews
Love’s Journey Home
“Irvin’s warmth and authenticity shines through in her latest novel. She brings back her heartwarming characters that reside in the Amish community of Bliss Creek. She touches on values that bind family and community together and the conflicts that arise when individuals rebel against them. Irvin’s knack for good storytelling makes this book a delight.” Read More Reviews
Love Redeemed
“4 STARS!!!”
In this novel, romance, secrets and heartfelt tragedy align. Irvin describes matters of the heart with grace and empathy. She also gives readers a glimpse into the world of the Amish and shows that they are not so different from the non-Amish when dealing with losing a loved one…“ Read More Reviews
A Plain Love Song
4-Star Review
“In the dramatic conclusion to the beautifully written New Hope Amish series, the characters get the chance to see their lifelong dreams come true. The author writes her Amish stories with kindness and respect and gives readers a glimpse into a different way of life…” Read More Reviews
The Beekeeper’s Son
A Publishers Weekly Starred Review!
“Timeless stories of love and loss reach across two generations in this romantic opening to Irvin’s (A Plain Love Song) Amish of Bee County trilogy…” “…The awesome power of faith and family over personal desire dominates this beautifully woven masterpiece.” Read More Reviews
An Amish Christmas Gift
“VERDICT – Readers who enjoy Richard Mabry, Colleen Coble, and Max Lucado will be drawn to Collins’s narrative style. And, of course, any reader who delights in a little murder and mayhem in their holiday fiction will be satisfied.” Read More Reviews
An Amish Market
4 Star Review
“This charming collection of four novellas will have fans of the genre booking a trip to their nearest Amish market or tourist community. Sweet love stories, gentle nudges of faith and even a dash of suspense combine nicely with characters who feel like dear friends…” Read More Reviews
Kelly’s Romance Suspense Books Reviews
Over the Line
“This is a fun suspense novel that is very different from Irvin’s Amish writings, and will definitely attract a new fanbase. Those who like action and suspense should check this one out.”
Tell her No Lies
“No one is above suspicion in a tale sure to appeal to readers beyond its main Christian audience.”
“With plenty of twists and surprises, this is a story readers will be shocked by.”
No Child of Mine
“A fast-paced novel with an underlying message of faith in God. The characters are believable and honest about their flawed and complex natures. The romance and suspense will hold readers’ attention, but the intricate relationships between family, friends and co-workers are the real draw. This sequel to A Deadly Wilderness can be read as a stand-alone.” Read More Reviews