Review: An Amish Barn Raising: Three Stories by Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, Kathleen Fuller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

From bestselling authors in the Amish genre come three sweet stories centered around Amish traditions and the possibility of romance. 

Building a Dream by Amy Clipston
Though they’ve known each other a long time, Kathryn and Anthony have finally decided to try becoming more than friends—but they are devastated when Kathryn’s father won’t allow them to date. He wants his daughter to marry a man with a more respectable job than building gazebos for Englishers. But when Kathryn’s father’s dairy barn burns down during a thunderstorm, Anthony is the one to arrange a barn raising. Will Kathryn’s father realize he has misjudged Anthony?

To Raise a Home by Kelly Irvin
A year after the wildfires, life has returned to normal for the West Kootenai Amish community. Evan Eicher, son of Deacon Tobias Eicher, has done his best to move on too. Helping his neighbors and friends rebuild has helped soothe a heart broken when Delilah Mast—the woman he loves but never had the courage to approach—moved with her family back to Kansas. At his father’s urging he courts Anna Burkholder, a sweet woman who adores him. But when Delilah moves back to teach school, Evan must wrestle with feelings he’s tried so hard to put in the past. And an accident at a barn raising will force Anna, Delilah, and Evan to face the truth about their hearts.

Love’s Solid Foundation by Kathleen Fuller
Devon Bontrager only returned to his old hometown to make good on a past misdeed. He hadn’t counted on reconnecting with Nettie Yoder, especially since she strung along his younger twin brothers some years ago. Nettie knows she’s made some mistakes in the past, but she’s determined to be an asset to her community from now on. But just as she’s making headway, her family’s barn burns to the ground. Why does it seem like God is punishing her family when she’s finally starting to turn her life around? Can she convince Devon that she has changed? Can Devon trust the woman who broke his brothers’ hearts?

My Review

I love the unity and service that is shown when a community comes together for a barn raising! What a great theme for a collection. There is often a tragedy that occurs in order for there to be a need for a new barn, and the outpouring of love and support is reflected in the gathering. The first story was a bit melodramatic with Kathryn and Anthony's forbidden love, and I found it surprising that her father would hold to such an attitude about non-farming Amish. It makes me wonder if that is based on reality. I liked the second story even though there is a love triangle, and was able to connect to the emotions of the characters. The stand-out story for me was the third by Kathleen Fuller, since I recently read the full-length book that serves as a prequel to this novella. Nettie's 180 degree change in attitude and perspective was surprising, and I enjoyed the way Devon gave her another chance even though he knew about her past. Great chemistry!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.