This lively tale of an Amish family starts with girls
chattering as they relax after a barn-raising for the new
preacher. Rebecca Yoder at twenty-one will soon start to
look for a husband, but she's determined not to accept just
anyone. He's got to love her. She's not quite sure what
else should be involved, but on an autumn day like today
the young people from miles around get to mingle.
REBECCA'S CHRISTMAS GIFT tells how Caleb Wittner, a
woodworker, has come to the Delaware community with his
four-year-old daughter after his wife was killed in a fire,
which left him scarred. As the preacher he understands that
God was not to blame, and he is just grateful that his
daughter Amelia was saved. He wants to start again, but
life seems very challenging, even with good neighbours.
After the barn raising he discovers Rebecca saving an
abandoned katzenbaby or kitten, and he has to chuckle as he
mentally calls her headstrong and unpredictable.
Among these good people we see that older or special needs
family members are cared for in the community and that a
mother of fifteen children has enough work to do running
the home, even with labour-saving machinery. The women
agree that a preacher should be married, and that little
Amelia is running wild without a mother. This isn't what
Rebecca has in mind when she agrees to take on a
housekeeping job for Caleb. The more senior ladies are not
sure that this is a respectable arrangement, even if
Rebecca lives at home, so they drop over with plainer
cooking; like all kinner Amelia has been going through
eating phases.... maybe older, respectable, unmarried
Dorcas should call on Caleb more often.
There's a lot of understated amusement running through Emma
Miller's tale and she has a fine eye for detail, showing us
the women's point of view. Here they may wear a blue dress
but a kaap is still required, and Rebecca writes pieces for
their local paper but does not sign her own name.
Mennonite girl Grace is a fine contrast with more liberal
customs. Dorcas cooks the strongest-tasting traditional
foods which Caleb can't admit he dislikes. The cost of
healthcare is another issue, and overall we can learn a lot
about the strong family values of the Amish. REBECCA'S
CHRISTMAS GIFT may not be what the girl was expecting, but
the book is a lovely, readable inspirational romance.
During the Christmas season, Rebecca Yoder agrees to help
new preacher Caleb Wittner with his mischievous daughter.
Amelia's turned the community of Seven Poplars upside down.
Only Rebecca can see the pain hidden beneath the little
girl's antics—and her father's brusque manner. After losing
his wife in a fire, Caleb's physical scars may be healing,
but his emotions have not. Yet Rebecca's sweet manner soon
has him smiling and laughing with his daughter—and his
pretty housekeeper. Soon Caleb must decide whether to invite
Rebecca into his life—or lose her forever.
Hannah's Daughters: Seeking love, family and faith in Amish
country
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