Caffeinated Reviewer

I didn’t realize A Christmas Courtship by Shelley Shepard Gray was part of the Berlin Bookmobile series and book three at that, but I loved the idea of a bookmobile librarian helping an Amish bachelor court his neighbor. This sweet holiday story shares two romances to warm your heart.

In this endearing Christmas tale, a bookmobile librarian knows just the novel to help an Amish bachelor woo his next-door neighbor in the latest installment of the "charming" (Carla Laureano, RITA Award-winning author of Five Days in Skye) Berlin Bookmobile series.

A solitary sort, forty-two-year-old Atle Petersheim spends his time hard at work in his wood shop. But as the days get long, he realizes just how lonely he's become. When his longtime crush, Sadie Mast, a widow and mother of three, asks him to help her build a room in their barn for her son Cale, Atle can't say no. Eager to pursue Sadie at last, he turns to bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller for courting advice. More than happy to help, Sarah Anne decides the best way to learn about love is through books--romance novels to be precise.

Between completing holiday orders for her flourishing food business, helping Cale navigate a dramatic new relationship with his boss's daughter, and coming to terms with the trauma her late husband had inflicted upon her and her children--not to mention Atle showing up at her door with flowers--Sadie is in over her head. Though Atle's efforts are initially clumsy and his declarations a bit awkward, Sadie can't help but be charmed by him. He's patient and kind...and at times even seems to know far more about romance than he's let on.

I enjoy an Amish story every now and again and was drawn to the idea of a bookmobile librarian helping with matters of love through books.

Forty-two-year-old Atle Petersheim enjoys working in his wood shop, but is lonely. He has silently had a crush on Sadie Mast. When the mother of three, now a widow, approached him about building a room for her son Cale, he readily accepts the job. He knows how to build, but not women, so he seeks the help of bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller for courting advice.

This was a sweet story, and I loved Atle and how wholeheartedly he attempts to court Sadie. He gets nudges from Cale, and of course the romance novels Sarah recommends to him.

Sadie is a loveable character raising three children and trying to do right by them. It was delightful to witness their banter, uncertainty, and genuine feelings.

We get a second romance between Cale and his employer’s daughter. It was complicated and sweet. Gray did a lovely job with Hope and Cale’s story, weaving in lessons, character growth and first kisses. Hope sought Sarah Anne’s help. Of course, she recommended just the right book.

I loved the relationship that built between Cale and Atle. Sadie’s marriage wasn’t a good one, and Gray touched on the subject while allowing her characters to have hope.

If you are looking for a sweet holiday romance, you’ll love this heartwarming tale. Tavia Gilbert is a new to me narrator, and I enjoyed listening. She gave voice to each of the characters, capturing their emotions and personalities.

Amazon | Audible

About Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

Website | Twitter | Instagram

About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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