When an Old Order Amish woman takes a job at a small-town pharmacy struggling to survive in a world of “big box” stores, her motive is to help her Plain community. But the advent of the holiday season brings an unusual mystery to the surface–and possibly love.
Twenty-four-year-old Holly Zook lives a unique life for a young Amish woman. Years ago, her bishop allowed her to continue her education and become the lead technician for Greene’s Pharmacy, an old-timey drugstore that looks out for the Amish community–a group largely without secure healthcare plans. She knows she can’t marry and hold onto her professional job. She’s Amish, and she can only have one or the other, so she spurns love and works toward addressing treatable diseases–like the one that claimed her father’s life.
As long as Holly continues to avoid Joshua Smucker, the one man who draws her like a warm hearth in winter, she should be fine. When something unexpected threatens Greene’s Pharmacy, Holly and Joshua must work together to unravel what’s happened and find the “missing” patient before the Board of Pharmacy shuts them down. As the snows of December arrive, with Christmas in the air, will Holly succumb to the generous spirit of the season?
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Cindy Woodsmall is the “New York Times” and CBA best-selling author of eighteen works of fiction. She’s been featured in national media outlets such as ABC’s “Nightline” and the “Wall Street Journal”. Cindy has won numerous awards and has been finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards. Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in Flowery Branch, GA.
Erin Woodsmall is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of three. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade. She is very excited about their first coauthored book.
Find out more about Cindy and Erin at http://www.cindywoodsmall.com.
My Impressions:
Heartwarming might be an overused word in describing books, but it is spot on in its description of The Christmas Remedy by the writing duo of Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall. I’ve already read a number of Christmas-themed novellas this year, but I have to say this one is my favorite so far. Filled with lovable characters and set in a charming town, The Christmas Remedy shares a message of community and family that is just right for holiday reading. Recommended.
Holly Noelle is an unusual Amish woman. Determined to make a difference in her community, she pushes what is expected for women. But Holly is never rebellious or disrespectful in bringing some modern ways into her Plain community. As a pharmacy tech she is in the unique position to make healthcare a top priority for her friends and family. Joining in her plans is her boss Lyle Greene, pharmacist and owner of the local drugstore. A crisis occurs, though, to derail and perhaps undo all of Holly’s work.
The characters are front and center in The Christmas Remedy. I loved that both Amish and English rang true. The setting of the little town of Raysburg, Pennsylvania and the surrounding countryside is far from the bustle and busyness of the big city, but is perfect for a story that centers on the importance of relationship. Romance is part of several characters’ stories and develops naturally and sweetly. And there’s a bit of a mystery for the characters and the reader to unravel. Characters also discover God’s plans for their lives, even as it leads in surprising directions.
All in all I loved The Christmas Remedy. A quick read, it was perfect for snuggling up with in front of the fireplace.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to the authors for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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