Amy Clipston

What a beautiful ending to an emotional series. This one really tugged at my heart and I believe it is the authors best book to date. She wrote with such compassion as the characters experienced pain, disappointment grief and loss of trust. When the hope chest is opened we are swept back to a time when Mattie was on top of the world. She slowly began to tell her story that had long been a secret . As the items from her hope chest are revealed her children begin to hear about their mom's show more past. Is Mattie ready to relive the past? Is the pain still fresh as she begins to share her memories?

Mattie was a woman in love . She had found the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. But in one instant everything changes for Mattie. She begins to realize her husband has been gone along time. He went to the bank but that was hours ago. A knock on her door will send her into despair and grief. How will she deal with the sudden death of her husband ? I loved how the author showed readers that Amish are just as vulnerable as anyone else when we go to public places. Mattie is told that her husband died a hero but that doesn't make her pain any easier. What will she do now that she is alone and pregnant?

I have to say that Leroy was my favorite character. He is a very good , honest and caring man. He has known Maddie since they were kids. Leroy has always loved Maddie but stepped aside when her heart fell for another. He hates to see her in pain and decides to step in and marry her. He wants to do everything he can to help Mattie and the baby she is carrying. Will they be able to handle anymore tragedies? Will Mattie turn to Leroy for support? What a wonderful man Leroy is. He reminded me of my husband so much. We had a lot of problems through out early married life. My husband continued to stand by me and pray for me even when I hurt him emotionally. He showed me what unconditional love was and helped me find my way back to God.

This story is about forgiving, trusting God and letting go of the past. I loved how the author used a basket from one of the earlier books in the series. It will play a pivotal role in Mattie and Leroy's relationship. Throughout the book we see how hard it is for Mattie to let anyone in as she griefs . Do we push people away when we are hurting? Do we forget that God is there waiting to comfort us? One of the things I loved the most about this book was how Leroy would not give up. He knew that God had chosen Mattie to be his wife and he held on to that promise. I encourage you to grab some tissues as you read this emotional story of grief and unconditional love.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion. show less

Brianna Porter loves working alongside her father at the family resort on Splendid Lake. After her father passes away suddenly, Brianna struggles to manage on her own while her mother deals with her grief. Scott Gibson, a real estate developer, arrives to make an offer on the place. Scott is just the first in a line of people who wish to purchase the Porter property. A set of circumstances threatens her family home and Brianna finds solace with kindhearted Scott. Brianna has been engaged to show more Taylor for three years and she is not one to back out on a commitment. What does the future hold for Brianna and the Porter resort? The Heart of Splendid Lake is Amy Clipston’s debut contemporary romance novel. I was drawn into this engaging story right away. I admit I was surprised because this is not the type of book that I normally read. I thought it was well-written (I would not expect less from Amy Clipston) with developed characters and a charming setting. It is an emotional story that will tug at your heartstrings. I could certainly relate to Brianna having to deal with her father’s death and her mother’s overwhelming grief. I thought all the characters were realistic and relatable. I enjoyed getting to know Brianna, Scott, Ava, Lois, and the other secondary characters. There is a friendly cat as well. Amy Clipston’s writing draws the reader in and holds them until the very end. The picturesque descriptions allowed me to visualize Splendid Lake, the town, and the resort. I could certainly understand Brianna and Scott’s desire to live there. The Heart of Splendid Lake is one of those stories that will have you staying up late to see how everything turns out. The Heart of Splendid Lake is a heartwarming, poignant tale with prodigious grief, moving memories, masses of maintenance, a mournful mother, a considerate developer, and an enthralling lake. show less

"Foundation of Love" highlights the lives of two characters seeking love and friendship, but stymied by interfering friends and family. Duane lost his wife to cancer, and now is left to raise three young adult sons, while tending to his roofing business and farm. Crystal lives with her brother and cares for his growing family, yet yearns for a love and family of her own. When Duane and Crystal begin to care for each other and plan a life together, family and community members continue to try show more to match them with others and find reasons to keep them apart.

This book impressed me with its attention to a theme seldom seen in novels about Amish people: love later in life. Duane and Crystal are no starry-eyed youngsters; instead, they are mature adults who seek a fulfilled life together. The story is realistic and shows how friends and family can disrupt relationships for reasons of their own. In this case, Duane is pushed to take a widow for his wife in order to help the community, while his sons believe he should not remarry out of respect for his deceased wife.. Crystal's brother and sister-in-law selfishly expect Crystal to continue caring for their large family as a maid of all work, without consideration for her future happiness. It was frustrating to see them continually thwarted and kept apart, and.I quietly cheered when Duane and Crystal finally stood up for themselves. Themes of child bearing, male dominance, and grief also appear in this novel.

This is a clean novel, without adult intimacy scenes, graphic violence, or strong language. The faith component is an integral part of this story. Readers who enjoy novels about Amish people, with a bit of a twist to the usual themes, will find this to be a thoughtful and intriguing choice.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own. show less

The Lighthouse at the Cove by Amy Clipston is such a wonderful literary experience that I know many will enjoy as much as I did. Published by Thomas Nelson Fiction, this contemporary romance is the perfect way to kick off your holiday reading season. I loved the warm, cozy vibes with this novel. I read it over the Thanksgiving holiday and found it harder and harder to tear myself away. The characters are fabulous, and the precocious little Piper and her “adorable bluntness” had me show more charmed from the moment she was introduced. The slow burn between the hot fireman and traveling reporter was entertaining and heartfelt, and the first time Kaiah and Reid explore the lighthouse together is when I lost my own heart. Seeing a budding relationship with mutual attraction and respect will never get old to me.

The whole premise is intriguing, with the festival revival being a genius idea, and oh my gosh, do I wish this was something real that I could attend! I loved hearing about all the planning and seeing the community come together and work for a tremendous goal that benefits many.

I would love to see this turned into a Hallmark movie! There are sweet moments, but there are also some pretty intense scenes full of sentiment that had me holding my breath. The rollercoaster of emotions is real! I know if you pick up this novel, you will not be disappointed. With the small-town charm, characters that feel real, and an overall feeling of hope for second chances, this clean romance shows the magic of new beginnings and the power of community.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. show less