A Christmas Home

Our Review

A CHRISTMAS HOME by Marta Perry gives the reader interesting insight into the Amish lifestyle. Sarah Yoder is returning to Promise Glen where she was born. Sarah has raised her younger siblings since her mother’s death when she was a very young girl. Sarah’s father has moved the family to other communities as his ‘next big thing’ philosophy dictates. All Sarah wants is a home, family and no more moving around. Wanting to be independent and encouraged by her grandmother, Sarah takes a job working for Noah Raber, who has his own furniture business. Noah has twin boys he is raising but his wife has left and is nowhere to be found. Noah is not much of a business man, he does beautiful carpentry work, but is laid back and doesn’t promote his business. Sarah takes a job doing the books for Noah and becomes involved not only with Noah and his business but also enjoys his twin boys. The author’s insight into the Amish lifestyle is very much in evidence in her writing and while using the vernacular of the Amish community does not over do it and the story is very easy to read. There’s a look at Sarah’s reintroduction to her brother and his family with whom she is going to live with which also includes her grandmother. Sarah’s character is shown to be understanding and accepting of the family hierarchy both with her brother’s family and Noah’s family. Noah and Sarah are aware of each other, but respect the dictates of the Amish community. As for the Christmas aspect of the story, I found the author’s explanation of the Amish celebration of Christmas quite informative. There is a HEA for Noah and Sarah as the story concludes with what has happened with Noah’s wife and Noah’s dealing with his grief and anger.