An Amish Year

Amish in different stages of life find love despite difficult circumstances in this collection of four novellas from Wiseman (Plain Perfect). Each novella is around 90 pages and takes place in a different season. Lonely Rosemary longs for a partner, but she knows she can never be with the only man she could ever love. Irma Rose is finally allowed to date and quickly finds a perfect match only to realize her heart belongs to another. Eli is looking for a wife and, to his own surprise, finds three possible matches, the least likely of which manages to steal his heart. Katherine fears the first Christmas without her husband, but embraces the unexpected surprise of a poor Englischer that comes to stay. The romances are sweet but never go further, and the plot conclusions feel rushed. A glossary of Lancaster County Amish terms and descriptions of Amish tradition are helpful for those interested in learning more about the community. Discussion guides at the end of each novella make this a nice addition to a book club. Wiseman’s simple romances will please fans already well-read in Amish fiction. Agent: Natasha Kern, Natasha Kern Literary Agency. (Dec.)