Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise

Scripture Connection

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Heb. 11:1

As a disclosure, I finished reading this book before Christmas and have read several others since then. My memory of the faith content (and specific details) is a bit foggy, but as I flip back through, what does stand out to me is the characters’ confidence and assurance. They trust that God’s plans are best, and that His desires for them are higher than theirs.

Spiritual Themes

As with Mindy Steele’s first book in the series, there’s sweet faith content woven gently throughout. The characters demonstrate a calm, assured, faith in Gott (German for God), and there are a number of references to trusting His plans and that they will happen.

There’s also a subtle thread about what it means to be a neighbor. This is specifically mentioned when Jonas offers to help Ruth, not because she is helpless, but because he wants to be “neighborly.” We also see how Lydia and Ruth are good neighbors to one another. In contrast, there are also examples of less neighborly behavior (though it’s not explicitly described in reference to this theme).

What I Liked

I had been hoping to read this title because I enjoyed book one in the series and because I was delighted by the coziness and Christmasy feeling of “ginger snap” in the title. I started reading the day I received the book and I enjoyed it even more than I’d expected.

Characters

Something I noticed, while reading, is that I enjoyed scenes from Jonas’ perspective, as well as those from Ruth’s. I realized that I sometimes find the male perspective a little bit boring, in Amish fiction, but that wasn’t my experience this time. I also like Jonas’s daughter, Abby, which was also refreshing, because it often feels to me like I am supposed to like the children of protagonists, but instead find them a little annoying.

Secondary characters were interesting and well-developed. Lydia, who is both a friend and mentor to Ruth, is very sweet but also on the sly side. That word is a little too strong, but Lydia is willing to make her own plans without letting people in on them. I really enjoyed Ruth’s friendship with Lydia!

Ruth’s relationship with Bishop Troyer is presented as nuanced. She very much desires to honor him as an elder and for his role in the community, but she is also willing to stand up for herself.

Evelyn, the bishop’s granddaughter, is one of the funniest characters I’ve read in a while. Her brash behavior is truly shocking, and her presence really livens the story. Although she isn’t a main character, I do think that I enjoyed the story much more because of her role in it.

Ambiance

Ruth raises goats for soap, cheese, and textiles. She’s also a great baker (there’s a running joke about her fantastic cinnamon rolls), and the title itself includes the word “ginger snap.” While it turns out that the ginger bread in the title isn’t the cookie (and the cover offers a clue for that), I found the book to be delightfully cozy.

The novel is a great read for winter, because a bit of the book takes place in winter. The story does include Christmas, and released in December, but it’s not a Christmas emphasis.

Content Notes

I don’t recall any content concerns.

Recommendation Status

Between the sweet plotline and the lack of “content” concerns, this is a book I am delighted to recommend. Recommended to readers who enjoy Amish fiction, gentle romance and cozy baking!