Review: A Place at Our Table by Amy Clipston

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Kayla Dienner has suffered her fair share of heartache, which is why she vows to protect her heart at all costs . . . until she meets Jamie Riehl.

Along with his volunteer work at the local fire department, running his Amish farm keeps Jamie Riehl busy. He barely has time to eat at the family table, never mind find someone to date. But when he meets Kayla Dienner, he is smitten.

Kayla tries hard to deny her attraction to Jamie. After all, she’s spent the last year discouraging her younger brother, Nathan, from becoming a firefighter. The death of their older brother in a fire a year ago is fresh in her mind—she can’t bear the idea of putting her heart on the line every time the sirens blare.

Then tragedy strikes, and Jamie wants to extinguish any flame between him and Kayla. Can Kayla set aside her own fears to save the love she was determined to deny?

My Review

I unfortunately read this series out of order, and this first book is the one I read last! I already knew from the later books one of the major plot points in this story, but I still wasn't prepared for the emotion of the scene. I loved the way Kayla kept reaching out to Jamie and his family during their difficult times. The book description isn't correct- Kayla doesn't have an issue with Jamie being a firefighter, she has difficulty trusting men who keep letting her down and not following through with promises. Jamie never wanted to "extinguish their flame" as described, he was begging for another chance when he let Kayla down. The angst between the two of them was a bit immature and premature- I think their relationship needed to develop more for the type of expectations Kayla had for Jamie. I love Jamie's family and it was great to see the earlier days of those characters that have their own stories in the other books in the series.

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 . . .

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 . . .

Review: An Amish Harvest by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Vannetta Chapman

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Faith, hope, and love remain forever in season in this collection of four richly absorbing novellas set amidst the wonder of an Amish autumn.

Under the Harvest Moon by Beth Wiseman
When Naomi Dienner is suddenly widowed, she never expects to find love again . . . until she meets Brock Mulligan, an English family friend hired at harvest time. As a sinister presence begins to threaten Naomi, Brock seeks to prove himself trustworthy while struggling with growing feelings for Naomi and her children. Will God open Naomi’s heart—and give Brock his own second chance at love?

Love and Buggy Rides by Amy Clipston
Janie Lantz is a cashier at Lancaster Souvenirs and Buggy Rides, where Jonathan Stoltfuz is a buggy driver. A frightening accident brings Janie and Jonathan together in a blossoming friendship, yet daunting obstacles stand between them and something deeper. Can love kindle into flames that burn away fear and regret—and lead them to a life together?

A Quiet Love by Kathleen Fuller 

Dinah Hochstetler, quiet and bookish, longs for marriage but hides in her shyness. Amos Mullett, a simple farmer, knows he’s different but aches for a loving wife. As Dinah and Amos navigate a budding romance, will the power of love—and the blessing of God—be enough to overcome their doubters?

 

Mischief in the Autumn Air by Vannetta Chapman 

When items start going above market value at his auction house, Eli Wittmer is first thrilled, and then puzzled. But when the pieces are linked to an elderly couple in their district, Eli and his new bookkeeper, Martha Beiler track down a trail of clues. Will they solve the mystery before the fall festival ends—and discover an unexpected new love?

My Review

Under the Harvest Moon by Beth Wiseman- 4 stars

I was interested in seeing how a non-Amish man and Amish woman would strike up a friendship and be able to have a future together. Naomi suffered domestic abuse in silence, and Brock was a good contrast for her to experience after her husband died. Without expecting anything in return, he provides support and validation when she trusts him with her secret. I enjoyed how their relationship progressed in a natural manner.

 

Love and Buggy Rides by Amy Clipston- 2 stars

This author is hit and miss with me. I liked the characters at first, but then grew impatient with the cliché angst and drama. Skimmed until I could find out how the plot wrapped up.

A Quiet Love by Kathleen Fuller- 5 stars

My favorite of the collection! Dinah and Amos are so incredibly genuine and sweet together. I loved how the author made me care about them right away, and being in the head of Amos who has some degree of autism was eye-opening. Dinah is a true friend and has confidence in him, defending him against those in his family who have known him so much longer but not seeing how much he has grown. There is some lovely romantic tension as their attraction blossoms along with their friendship.

Mischief in the Autumn Air by Vannetta Chapman- 3 stars

The romance in this story took a backseat to the mystery of the furniture that auctioned at a much higher price than they were valued. Martha's relationship with her irritable aunt is also part of the story as she seeks to have more patience and love for her. Interesting plot, but would have been more compelling with greater chemistry between the leads.  

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.

Review: Room on the Porch Swing by Amy Clipston

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Ever since her best friend died six months ago, Laura Reihl has vowed to make each day count. And that means she should probably break off her relationship with Rudy. They’ve been together for so many years, and his friendship means the world to her. But she knows friendship doesn’t come close to the fireworks of true love, and she’s not really feeling the fireworks.

So when Savilla’s widower, Allen, asks her to help him take care of the baby Savilla left behind, Laura jumps at the chance. Maybe the change of scenery will help her gain perspective on her relationship with Rudy. And she’d do anything to help Allen out—he’s always been a good friend to her, and he’s Rudy’s best friend as well.

When she arrives at Allen’s house, though, she finds a man she barely recognizes. Allen is distraught over his wife’s death, blaming himself for not taking her to the doctor soon enough.

As Laura helps Allen work through his grief, she remembers just how easy he is to talk to. And she discovers an attraction she’s never felt with Rudy. She can’t be falling for Allen, can she? It would be a betrayal to the two people she’s care most about, Savilla and Rudy. But if she denies her feelings, is she betraying herself?

My Review

Laura is such a sweetheart, and loves taking care of baby Mollie. She and Allen grieve Savilla together and focus on the care of Mollie, who requires extra comfort as she is going through teething. Contrary to the book synopsis, Laura is not thinking about breaking up with Rudy, and they make extra attempts throughout the book to stay connected despite Rudy's frustrations that she is spending too much time at Allen's home. They have all been friends for years, and Laura finds comfort in her friendships. 

 

Laura finds joy and purpose in her job caring for Mollie and making sure Allen takes care of himself. It's a natural progression as they begin to be attracted to one another, connecting on a deeper level and understanding the changes in each other. I didn't understand why she kept trying to make things work with Rudy when she knew that they didn't have anything in common anymore and didn't act like a caring couple. After some conflict and drama, it was good to see them finally come to terms with the inevitable.

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.

Review: The Farm Stand by Amy Clipston

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Salina Petersheim runs her own booth at the Amish market, where she’s known for having the freshest and most delicious produce in the area. Her father is the bishop of her church district, and her brother is a deacon. They are a very close family, yet sometimes she tires of being compared to her older brother, Neil, who is married and has two children. She also feels the pressure of having to be the perfect daughter for her parents. 

Salina has been dating Josiah for almost a year now, but he feels more like a friend than a boyfriend. Her parents approve of Josiah, who is a hardworking roofer. He’s handsome and easy to talk to, but he just doesn’t warm her heart the way she feels a boyfriend and future husband should. She secretly longs for more. 

Along comes William “Will” Zimmerman, a Mennonite chef who runs a restaurant located next door to the Amish market. He wants Salina to supply the produce for his restaurant, and as they forge a business relationship, they both feel themselves falling in love. Salina especially tries to deny her feelings for Will since her father wants her to marry within the community. 

Both Salina and Will feel stuck in their current relationships, but they cannot deny what they feel for each other. Will they follow their hearts or bow to the pressure of family? Or will God provide a surprising new road for them?

My Review

My favorite part of this book was the environment of the Amish Market. Aren't the covers of this series so vibrant? A group of young women forge friendships as they work alongside each other at different stands, and they each have a unique personality. Will and Salina have fantastic chemistry, but struggle to leave their current relationships behind in order to pursue something beyond friendship. Their relationship naturally develops into a romance, but family dynamics cause conflict and drama. I felt frustrated with repetitive thoughts and stalled progress, and hoped for more depth and connection to the emotions of the characters. I was glad to be able to get to the resolution and happy ending.

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 Marketplace series . . .

Review: An Amish Quilting Bee by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Shelley Shepard Gray

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Three charming stories of cozy quilting circles and budding romance
 

Patchwork Promises  by Amy Clipston 
When Colin Zook and his beloved grandmother lose everything in a fire, their greatest loss is a beloved family heirloom quilt that helped keep her dementia at bay. When Joanne Lapp hears about the loss, she decides to re-create the quilt. Colin soon feels himself developing feelings for her, but he’s held back by the knowledge that a future with him would involve care of his grandmother and his farm. Will Joanne look past his list of responsibilities and see him for who he truly is?

A Common Thread  by Kathleen Fuller 
Susie Glick returns from a shopping trip laden with beautiful fabric for her quilting group. On the bus ride, Alex Lehman—her crush from three years ago—sits next to her. Alex left Middlefield to explore the country, and now he’s back and ready to join the church. Susie was just a kid when he left, but now she’s a woman—and she definitely has his interest. The women in her quilting circle aren’t as excited about Alex’s return, assuming that he’ll leave again in search of adventure. Susie is convinced they’re wrong, but just as they start dating, Alex tells Susie he has to leave. He says he’ll return, but Susie must decide whether or not she can trust the man she fears has captured her heart.

Stitched Together by Shelley Shepard Gray 
Rosie’s joy is her yearly project for the Pinecraft Mennonite Quilt Sale, and she dreams of being the top earner. But she’s worried that she’s bitten off more than she can chew with her latest entry. To make things even more confusing, after coming to terms with her single state, she’s recently formed a friendship with Tim Christner. He’s only in town for a month, but he has Rosie wondering if she’s found love at last. Now all she has to do is figure out how to get the quilt done so she can concentrate on him. But with her once very organized life in total disarray, everything comes to a head just before the sale. Rosie is forced to reexamine her priorities before she loses not only her place in the quilt show but everything else she’s ever wanted.

My Review

I love these Amish novella collections! They are perfect for the end of a busy day, when I'd like to read and finish a story quickly before falling asleep. I grew up tying quilts with my grandma, and I've loved admiring Amish quilts when visiting Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. 

 

In the first story Patchwork Promises, Joanne helps Colin by recreating his grandmothers beloved quilt, a sweet gesture of service. It took her a long time to do by herself, and I didn't understand why she didn't enlist the help of others during a quilting bee (especially since it's the theme of the collection) in order to get it done as soon as possible so the grandmother didn't have to suffer anguished nights any longer. It seemed like she wanted all the credit, and it didn't even occur to her to allow others the opportunity to serve with her.

 

The second story by Kathleen Fuller was my favorite. She excels at bringing depth and emotion to her stories and characters. Susie and Alex are sweet together, with an immediate attraction when they are reunited, yet both uncertain of the others' feelings. The conflict comes from Susie's mother, who has abandonment issues from when her husband left their family, and she tries to influence Susie against Alex because of his past as a wandering traveler. An unforeseen separation, letters back and forth, an intervention from the quilting ladies, and a providential reunion bring Susie and Alex together as well as heal the relationship between Susie and her mother.

 

The final story tests the patience of Rosie as she takes pride in her quilt entry and the admiration of others, yet learns humility through several experiences and mishaps out of her control. It was nice to see her able to let go of her expectations of perfection of herself, and learn to find joy in her relationships.

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.

Review: An Amish Christmas Wedding: Four Stories by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin, Vannetta Chapman

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

From bestselling authors of Amish fiction come four delightful stories perfect for celebrating love, joy, and the everyday miracles Christmas brings.

Evergreen Love by Amy Clipston
Ryan Lapp had promised to marry Lorene Bontrager as soon as he was able to build them a house, but the day never came. Ryan moved away. Five years later, Lorene has settled in to her old maid role, and she’s shocked when her younger sister announces her quick engagement to Ryan’s younger brother. As they rush to plan the wedding, Lorene is constantly around the family she almost joined. Worse, she’s forced to face Ryan himself, who has returned to town. As both Ryan and Lorene examine their own feelings, they must decide if they can find grace with each other—and the young people they once were—this Christmas season. There just might still be love in their future.

Holiday of Hope by Kelly Irvin
Henry Lufkin is one of four bachelors who lived in the West Kootenai, Montana, cabins that were destroyed by wildfires. He’s the only one of them who hasn’t since married, but he likes his solitude. Then an old friend asks him to care for his son, and Henry has to share his small cabin and his life with bewildered and rebellious ten-year-old Tommy. When the child encounters trouble at school, Henry reaches out to Tommy's teacher. Leesa Yoder never expected to find herself single and teaching sixteen young scholars, and she certainly didn’t anticipate an inexperienced bachelor telling her how to do her job. Amid the flying sparks, can Henry and Leesa see that there might be hope and love in this unexpected situation?

Wreathed in Joy by Kathleen Fuller
Mary Wengerd and Jakob Mullet have been best friends since childhood. Pressured by friends and family, they decided to date—with disastrous results. When they break up, their friendship is ruined. A year later, Mary is baking her Englisch friend’s wedding and groom cakes for a Christmas Eve wedding. Mary loves the Christmas season, and had always dreamed of marrying during that time. Now she wonders if she’ll ever marry. After she and Jakob form a tenuous new friendship, Mary breaks her arm. As he steps in to help her with the cakes, Mary is inexplicably and suddenly falling for him. But they've already dated, and that ended so horribly. Could it be better this time?

A Christmas Prayer by Vannetta Chapman
Widower Micah Miller runs the Amish Tour Company, offering Englischers a glimpse of a simpler life as well as tea at Rachel King’s. Rachel has never married and has recently lost her parents. When Micah comes across an abandoned and injured dog, he gives it to Rachel for company. As Rachel is charmed by the dog and shocked by news of the existence of family she never expected, her heart and mind bend toward the possibilities of change in her life—even toward the possibility of love.

My Review

What a sweet collection of second chance at love and love later in life! It's always wonderful when I enjoy each story, and just can't stop reading. I was impressed by the vivid personalities, romantic chemistry, individual plots, and cozy Christmastime setting. The two that stood out to me are Holiday of Hope by Kelly Irvin and Wreathed in Joy by Kathleen Fuller. I admire when characters can make the best of a difficult situation and recognize the blessings that come because of their efforts.

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.

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.