The Christmas Visitor

Amish author Byler (Wild Horses) takes on the unrelentingly difficult life of Amish widow Ruth Miller, whose husband, Ben, died at a barn raising, leaving her to care for their six children on her own. With little income, Ruth is forced to give up her farm and move to a home owned by a member of her community. She barely has enough food to feed her family and is too proud to ask her neighbors for any more than they’ve already given her. But who is leaving boxes on her porch, filled with goodies she can’t afford herself? The generosity they represent touches Ruth’s soul and brightens the lives of her children. There is very little romance in this story, and a few point-of-view slips distract from the plot. Still, readers will cheer for the courageous widow as she learns to live and love again. (Sept.)