A Reunion in Pinecraft by Shelley Shepard Gray

When sisters Sharon and Sherilyn Kramer attend a wedding in Shipshewana, one of them returns with a new penpal while the other returns to her job at the bakery. After sending weekly letters back and forth, Sherry and Graham Holland arrange a reunion in Pinecraft. Upon Graham s arrival, however, he realizes he s been writing to the wrong sister. He decides to use the reunion as a way to get to know both sisters, but can he sort through the confusion in time to turn the worst vacation ever into something truly wonderful?

Summer Storm by Amy Clipston

Arianna is counting down the days until her wedding to Jesse. They have been friends longer than Arianna can remember, and that friendship turned into love over the past couple of years. But when Arianna s brother Isaac, who happens to be Jesse s best friend, gets them both into trouble, Arianna s father puts an end to her engagement to Jesse. Some summer storms pass quickly, but Arianna is afraid the damage from this one may be too much to repair.

Lakeside Love by Kathleen Fuller

Esther has always lived in the shadow of her beautiful younger sister Sarah. Even the boy she has known and loved her entire life, Judah, only has eyes for Sarah. But when a handsome young Englischer comes to live with the family for a summer, everything begins to change.

One Sweet Kiss by Kelly Irvin

Everybody in little Bee County, Texas, can see the obvious: Jacob King and Martha Byler are meant to be together. Everyone, that is, but Martha. Ever since her mother died when Martha was a young girl, she has taken over the role of caregiver to her large family. And reckless Jacob, who has had a little too much fun on his rumspringa, only seems to add to the list of people to manage. But one summer changes everything, and these two may just find a way to meet in the middle and share one sweet kiss.

An Amish Summer consists of stories written by authors, Shelley Shepard Gray, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller and Kelly Irvin. Like many of its predecessors (in terms of Amish novella collections) from the publisher, the title suggest the overall theme of each story. In An Amish Summer, readers will be able to feel the beauty of the season with our Amish characters.

Ah. Kathleen Fuller's Lakeside Love was one I personally connect with the most. Possibly because our main character, Esther reminded me of me. The issue of self-confidence may be a common thread with many females, especially when we're young, but I think even as we grow through experiences, it can sneak up on you. I really love the fact that the author showed that the lack of self-confidence goes both ways, and even when one least expect it.

Kelly Irvin's One Sweet Kiss dealt with growing up and letting go, but also a certain resolve in trust. There are hard issues at play, but I think the message of how growing up isn't just into adulthood, but the discernment and wisdom in one's action is strong even when it's quite subdued. Sometimes maturity or at least thinking you're mature enough can be a hindrance to one's choice to growth.

Overall, An Amish Summer is another great collection that spoke of the heart, but also an encouraging collection on personal development. I enjoyed how each of our characters have evolved and learned more about themselves, others and experienced a crucial moment in their life's journey. Entertaining and insightful.