Review: A Seat by the Hearth by Amy Clipston

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Priscilla Allgyer, a young single mother, knows she cannot leave the past behind. But can love lead her toward the promise of healing? 

Priscilla Allgyer left her community to escape the expectations of Amish life. Now, years later, she is forced to return—along with her six-year-old son—to the place she thought she’d left behind forever. Though once estranged from her family, Priscilla is welcomed by her mother, but her father is cold and strict. He allows Priscilla to stay with them provided she dresses plainly, confesses her sins, and agrees to marry within the community. Once again, she feels suffocated, trapped, and alone. 

As Priscilla reluctantly completes her shunning, she catches the eye of Mark Riehl, a farmer with a playboy reputation. Wary of Mark, Priscilla barely gives him the time of day—while Mark, unused to being ignored by the women of Bird-in-Hand, won’t give up the pursuit of her friendship. Priscilla desperately needs a friend in Mark, even if she doesn’t realize it—and after Priscilla’s father and the bishop catch her and Mark in a compromising situation, their relationship becomes more complicated than ever. 

As affection quietly grows between them, Priscilla struggles to open her heart and reveal the painful secrets of her past. As Mark works to earn her good faith, can they both learn the hard lessons of love and trust? And can two friends discover a happiness that only God himself could have designed? The third book in the Amish Homestead series, A Seat by the Hearth invites us back to the Lancaster community where friendships are forged and love overcomes all.

My Review

I was drawn into the lives of Priscilla and Mark, two very different people who find themselves in circumstances that spiral out of control. Priscilla was both desperate and courageous to return to her Amish home, even with a verbally abusive father. She has trust issues with men because of that dysfunctional relationship, and also the physically abusive relationship she left behind- causing her to mistrust charming men like Mark. Mark is from a wonderful family who have had their share of hardship, and I enjoyed his close relationship with his twin sister Laura. He is the ultimate bachelor, charming the girls but never committing because he considers them just friends. Plenty of drama and angst ensues as he is drawn to Priscilla who rebuffs his every attempt at friendship, while she adjusts to returning home and what that means for her future. Their story is compelling, but I wished for more time when they were actually getting along and not denying their growing affection- which they held onto stubbornly until the bitter end. The interactions with Mark's family and siblings were my favorite parts.

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.

Don't miss the other books in the Amish Homestead series . . .