Room on the Porch Swing An Amish Homestead Novel By Amy Clipston

Book Description

When tragedy strikes, can two young Amish people find the hope that lies on the other side?

Laura Riehl is no stranger to heartache. Less than a year after her mother’s death, Laura finds herself burying another loved one: her best friend, Savilla, who has died after a brief and sudden illness. Laura feels heartbroken and alone, but her pain is nothing compared to that of Allen, the husband Savilla has left behind. He now faces a life so different from the one he imagined—plus a baby to care for on his own.

When Laura offers to help Allen with baby Mollie, he jumps at the opportunity until a permanent solution can be found. She’d do anything to lend a hand to Allen and to honor her best friend’s memory. Rudy, Laura’s boyfriend, is initially supportive of her plan, but the more time Laura spends with Allen, the more jealous and frustrated Rudy seems to become.

As Laura and Allen face hardships together, their friendship takes a surprising yet comforting turn—and she discovers an attraction she’s never felt with Rudy. Would falling for Allen betray the people she cares about most, or would denying those feelings betray her heart? This latest installment in the Amish Homestead series returns us to Lancaster County, home of the beloved Riehls, where a family’s strength—and advice from a new friend—may help Laura find God’s direction.

My Review

Amy Clipston brings us another book from Bird In Hand, Pennsyvania.  This is another of the Amish Homestead series, but book 2 stands by itself, you don’t need to read book 1. The plot was predictable but had enough twists and turns to make this a different kind of Amish fiction.  My mother is a fan of Amish fiction and has been waiting for this book to arrive so she could read it when I am done.

The characters were well developed. Allen was a devoted father and a hardworker. Rudy was both immature, somewhat controlling, and self-absorbed as he showed little concern for Laura in the difficulties she faced  Laura was a very caring person and showed her concern for both Allen and Mollie in everyday life and activities

This heartwarming story deals with some of the heavy stuff of life. Loss of a spouse, grief, insecurity; things that aren’t fun but are real. And through it all is God; forgiveness, compassion, and love. Second chances. I would give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”