The Christmas House

Englisch and Amish worlds collide in this endearing Christmas novella from Lewis (The Heirloom). As the holidays approach in the Amish community of Hickory Hollow, Pa., 22-year-old Liz Lantz stays busy running a buggy tours business that ferries Englisch visitors to the small town’s sights. Chief among them is, somewhat improbably, the Hyatt family’s front yard Christmas display, which has divided the Amish town with its loud music, bright lights, and accompanying car traffic. Still, Liz appreciates the business the house has brought her and befriends Ashley Hyatt, a mom of three who’s moved to the town with her kids and husband for some peace and quiet. When a massive snowstorm knocks out power to Hickory Hollow, Liz joins forces with attractive neighbor Matt Yoder to bring the community together to provide for the Englischer family, who has little food on hand. While the obstacles here are few, Liz makes for a winsome heroine as she works to unite the townspeople in the true spirit of Christmas, and the tensions between the Amish and Englisch communities are rendered with nuance. This is sure to fill readers’ hearts with holiday cheer. (Sept)