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Amish Christmas Gift

An Unexpected Joy

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Abigail has driven other suitors away, but can Micah find a way to show her he cares?

Being a caregiver for Micah Zook's grandmother is the answer to Abigail's prayers. In fact, the elderly lady keeps finding ways to set Abigail up with her grandson. Despite Abigail's constant chatter, Micah realizes he's beginning to care for her--until he makes a decision that leaves her feeling betrayed. With Christmas in their midst, can Micah find a way to reconcile with Abigail and to reveal the true feelings of his heart?

134 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2015

4 people are currently reading
81 people want to read

About the author

Ruth Reid

24Ìýbooks369Ìýfollowers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ database with this name.

Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She's a full-time pharmacist who resides in Florida with her husband and three children.

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5 stars
54 (34%)
4 stars
61 (38%)
3 stars
37 (23%)
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5 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for J.C. Morrows.
AuthorÌý29 books186 followers
December 17, 2015
And now I have to apologize to Kelly and Any because, once again, Ruth has stolen the show!

An Unexpected Joy by Ruth Reid is THE BEST story in the book (in my humble opinion).

WOW!

WOW! WOW! WOW!

I picked up the story and COULD NOT put it down! Gabby Abby and Micah butt heads and rub each other the wrong way constantly.

Like the other two novellas, Abigail is certain she’s not destined for love or marriage. She has an idea that she can gain some independence at least and make some sort of happiness for herself with her own horse.

Like every other guy in the district, Micah has no patience for Abigail’s “gift of gab� but soon he � NO! I’m not going to tell you. Just trust me. Read it!

You’ll LOVE IT!
Profile Image for Christy.
689 reviews
March 31, 2022
Loaded with Amish goodness and snowy Christmas bliss!! Micah and Abigail make for a very interesting couple; still authentic but refreshingly different.
596 reviews4 followers
December 28, 2023
Abigail is a talker! Most of the Amish men have driven her home but never asked to see her again. Feeling she will never marry, she has saved for a year to buy her own horse. When her Uncle, Aunt and cousins have been given the silent treatment by the bishop and community, Abigail loses her jib baking for a local store and takes a job as companion for Milan's grandmother, Edith. Micah & Abigail are like oil and water until Edith steps in and Abigail stubbornly refused to shun her relatives. A good story that challenges some of the "disciplines" of the church that seem, in this case, to be oh so wrong.
Profile Image for Anna.
1,271 reviews123 followers
December 15, 2017
Abigail has given up on finding a husband, and is saving her earnings to purchase a horse in order to have greater independence. Abigail jumps at the chance to care for Micah Zook's elderly grandmother, in order to add to her savings. Micah appreciates Abigail's kind heart, but not her chatty personality. Yet as Micah experiences Abigail's kindness to both strangers and friends, his heart sees Abigail in a whole new light.
A sweet Amish Christmas romance.
Profile Image for Julie Brown.
117 reviews10 followers
January 28, 2019
Was a great book about an Amish woman who talked way to much and expected not to ever marry. Then she became a companion to her brothers friends mother. With the wonder of God's love she finds her true love and helps her cousins become loyal members in the community.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cheryal.
891 reviews2 followers
December 28, 2017
Absolutely loved this novella. Not perfectly true to the Amish faith but close enough.
Great Christmas read.
41 reviews
December 15, 2020
Such a sweet story. Loved the strong female character and loving spirit of this story. Perfect for Christmas!
Profile Image for Joann.
561 reviews9 followers
July 12, 2021
Great book! I loved the characters and the story- just a well written book that leaves you feeling happy
Profile Image for Sydni.
201 reviews
September 11, 2022
Love can be found in the most unexpected ways when you simply listen for God's voice.
Profile Image for Beth.
609 reviews1 follower
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December 16, 2022
A
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Simona.
295 reviews
January 9, 2024
"An Unexpected Joy" by Ruth Reid is a heartfelt gem that touched my soul. Reid's storytelling brought to life characters facing life's struggles, finding healing and unexpected love. The vivid setting and authentic characters drew me in, making it a deeply personal and resonant read. Themes of forgiveness and second chances are woven seamlessly into the narrative, creating a compelling story that stays with you. In this charming tale, Reid reminds us that joy often emerges from life's unexpected twists, a sentiment that lingered in my heart long after the final page.
Profile Image for Nadine Keels.
AuthorÌý47 books214 followers
November 3, 2015
This story took a while to grow on me, but once it did, it did. I like that the talkative heroine is sweet, but not so-sugary-til-it's-corny sweet. She has a convincing compassion that gives her boldness. And the hero's change is a gentle challenge, showing what it's like to find out you were wrong about people you've made assumptions about, what it's like to find a way to do better.

Still, what I appreciate most about this story is the moral tension. "Abigail wasn't sure if she could repent for helping the lost, feeding the hungry--despite breaking the rules of the Ordnung." Might adamantly adhering to all the "rules" (following the "letter of the law," as it were) actually get in the way of God's intent at times, get in the way of true love and compassion?

I've not read an overabundance of Amish fiction, but out of what I have read to date, An Unexpected Joy is my favorite.
__________________
BookLook Bloggers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in a collection from the publisher for an honest review.
Profile Image for Judy Adams.
708 reviews4 followers
October 10, 2016
Abigail has the gift of chatter, she drives most men crazy until she meets Micah. He needs a caregiver for his grandmother and Abigail is available. Micah blows glass and has a lot. Of work to do for an English couples wedding. As time goes by, Micah starts falling for Abigail, if she would just stop talking so much, so he can let her know.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
662 reviews33 followers
May 3, 2017
Ruth Reid wrote a wonderful story in An Unexpected Joy. I always enjoy Ms. Reid's stories, yet this one was extra special to me. The setting of winter/Christmas and the giving nature of the characters made this story enjoyable!

Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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