Annie Bontrager is excited about going to New York City just before Christmas. She's dreamed of this since her mamm brought her back a snow globe years ago. Jenny, actually her step-mother, is the only mother Annie has ever known. Jenny used to be a TV news correspondent before she returned to the Amish community of Paradise, PA and married Matthew. Aaron Beiler and Annie have known each other for years, but lately he is coming around to see her more often. She is totally surprised when he asks her if they can begin dating. Even at twenty-one, Annie has never thought about getting married. She's only been focused on her writing, hoping to be as successful as Jenny one day.

When an accident prevents Annie's brother and grandmother from going with the family to New York, Matthew invites Aaron to go with them. What an experience for him and the whole family! Things are going very well until Jenny and Annie go to the old newsroom where Jenny used to work. Matthew and Aaron both fear that Annie may decide to stay in New York and take a job. Where will that leave Aaron and Annie and their romance? Can Matthew and Jenny bare to let Annie leave home for such a different environment?

It's always great to visit old friends and catch up on what they are doing. ANNIE'S CHRISTMAS WISH is a sequel to Barbara Cameron's Quilts of Lancaster County series, however, the story can stand alone, because Cameron does an excellent job of laying the background for each of the characters and the story line. Annie is a very strong and independent character and everyone knows that. I think that is why they are all a little hesitant about how she will react to this trip. The plot takes several twists and turns and keeps the reader unsure of just what direction it is heading. It's not as predictable as you might think. Ms. Cameron does an excellent job of depicting the Amish community, their lives and the feelings of the Amish people. This one's a page turner; I never found a good place to stop reading. Check it out!

Book Summary

Ever since her step-mom brought her a snow globe of the New York City skyline, Annie has wanted to visit the beautiful, big city. Since it's nearing the time of Annie's rumschpringe—the time when Amish youth experience Englisch life to make a decision whether to live in that world or become baptized into the Amish faith—the family decides a visit is a good idea. They watch the Macy's Christmas parade, admire the decorated store windows, skate at the Rockefeller Center rink and— Annie's favorite—get a glimpse of a writer's life while visiting the New York Times building.

But others aren't as thrilled with Annie's lure to the Big Apple. Aaron has long been attracted to Annie and is sure he's in love. As he watches her engage in big city life, he grows concerned that she won't want to return to their quieter life. Will Annie follow Aaron back home? Or stay and pursue her dreams? Competing for her attention, Aaron sets out to show Annie that Christmas isn't about the glitz and glamour, but about family, love, and the birth of Jesus.