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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
The Bake Shop by Amy Clipston is the first An Amish Marketplace Novel. I know when I pick up a book written by Amy Clipston, that I will enjoy it. The Bake Shop did not disappoint with the lovely setting of Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania and the developed as well as realistic characters. I picked up The Bake Shop and was quickly drawn into the story thanks to Amy Clipston’s engaging writing style. You cannot help but root for the young couple whose relationship got off to a rocky start. I like how the characters developed over the course of the story especially Christiana’s father, Freeman. Faith is woven into the story beautifully. We see the importance of having faith, the power of prayer, and how forgiveness is good for not only the person receiving it but also for the person giving it. I like the messages or life lessons I got from reading this book. The Bake Shop allows us to see how the past can influence our present behavior. We need to work through our issues if we are to have a fulfilling life. I was happy that there was an epilogue that nicely wrapped up the story. The Bake Shop is a sweet Amish novel that will leave you with a smile on your face.
cilabilla's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
jencook29's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed this one! Any story that has to do with baking is always high on my list, and this one doesn't disappoint. The main character Christina was likable, and I really enjoyed her story. Her supporting cast of friends and her sister were also great, and also added to the story.
Some of the other characters were a little more tricky for me. Jeffery seemed wishy - washy, and caused some hurt feelings and issues I don't think his story line needed. I get recovering from a past relationship, but this was beyond what was needed. Also, Christina's father was harsher than I thought he needed to be.
However, it did work out in the end and was a sweet story.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy!
Some of the other characters were a little more tricky for me. Jeffery seemed wishy - washy, and caused some hurt feelings and issues I don't think his story line needed. I get recovering from a past relationship, but this was beyond what was needed. Also, Christina's father was harsher than I thought he needed to be.
However, it did work out in the end and was a sweet story.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy!
tiggeruo's review against another edition
4.0
I have read Amy's book in the past so I was excited to get a chance to read this one. I liked Christiana and the relationship she had with her sister and her cousins they were fun to read about and the close relationship was more like a bunch of sisters instead of cousins. I also enjoyed the relationship with Jeff and Nick, Nick was that annoying little brother you just have to love no matter what. When the information comes out about Christiana's dat it broke my heart and made everything makes sense. I did feel like it was pretty predictable but over all a really fun read. This book is suitable for all ages and is a good clean read if you love amish reads or a good love story this book is totally worth the read. I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion
booklvr10's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a sweet story about Christiana and Jeff. Christiana is having such good luck with her bake stand at home, she feels its time to expand and get new customers by opening a booth at the local market. She soon meets Jeff, who runs a leather and woodcraft shop at the market. They begin a friendship that soon becomes tumultuous and suddenly realize that may be there's more to their relationship than just being friends. Will Christiana and Jeff be able to overcome some of the obstacles that prevent them from moving their friendship forward or will they decide its not worth the effort?
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
scoutmomskf's review against another edition
4.0
Good story about love, friendship, and forgiveness. Christiana is a wonderful baker and runs a bake stand from her family's home. It is such a success that it nearly takes over her entire life and that of her family. When customers start knocking on her door at all hours of the day and evening, Christiana's mother suggests that she look at opening a booth at the local farmer's market. Her two cousins, who also have shops there, are all for the idea, but Christiana's father worries that being around so many Englischers will pull her away from the Amish faith. With a great deal of effort, Christiana convinces her father to give her a chance. She's excited for the opportunity to grow her business, and with the market only open three days a week, she may have enough free time for a social life too.
Her first day gets off to a rough start when she collides with a young Amish man, spilling his coffee on him. Jeffrey doesn't react well, and both are dismayed when they realize that their shops are next door to each other. The situation becomes even more contentious when the lines to her shop block the entrance to his. There are some harsh words spoken between them, as neither wants to admit to being the problem. Cooler heads encourage Christiana and Jeffrey to talk through the issue and find a compromise.
I found both Christiana and Jeffrey a little on the stubborn side. Christiana seems to be quick to judge and slow to forgive, something unusual in Amish books. She doesn't seem to like to admit when she is wrong and digs in her heels. Jeffrey started his wood and leather business as a new beginning after a huge disappointment. He is low in self-confidence in his abilities but blames Christiana's shop for his lack of sales. But under the antagonism are sparks of interest. Unfortunately, Jeffrey's heart was broken when his fiancée left him for another man, and he is reluctant to trust his heart to another. Christiana falls foul of his distrust several times, causing her to pull away from any interest she might have in him.
Slowly, Christiana notices that there is more to Jeffrey than his attitude and becomes curious about the sadness she senses in him. With patience on her part, they become friends, sharing lunches and laughs. Jeff's depression begins to lift a little, but the past continues to haunt him. Christiana works hard to show him that she can be trusted. But just as each begins to think that there could be something more between them, Christiana's father discovers that Jeffrey uses electricity in his shop. Furious, and convinced it's just the first step on the road to leaving the Faith, he forbids Christiana from spending any more time with Jeffrey. Both are heartbroken.
I ached for both Christiana and Jeffrey, as it looked like they would be separated for good. I was also angry at Christiana's father for his refusal to listen to either of them. I became a little more sympathetic to him after Christiana's conversation with her grandmother, but I wasn't sure if he would ever let go of his fear and anger. I loved Jeffrey's determination to find a way to reach him and make him understand his intentions and the depth of his faith. A near tragedy almost ends Jeffrey's hopes altogether, but love wins the day. I loved the way things worked out and what finally brought Christiana and Jeffrey back together.
Her first day gets off to a rough start when she collides with a young Amish man, spilling his coffee on him. Jeffrey doesn't react well, and both are dismayed when they realize that their shops are next door to each other. The situation becomes even more contentious when the lines to her shop block the entrance to his. There are some harsh words spoken between them, as neither wants to admit to being the problem. Cooler heads encourage Christiana and Jeffrey to talk through the issue and find a compromise.
I found both Christiana and Jeffrey a little on the stubborn side. Christiana seems to be quick to judge and slow to forgive, something unusual in Amish books. She doesn't seem to like to admit when she is wrong and digs in her heels. Jeffrey started his wood and leather business as a new beginning after a huge disappointment. He is low in self-confidence in his abilities but blames Christiana's shop for his lack of sales. But under the antagonism are sparks of interest. Unfortunately, Jeffrey's heart was broken when his fiancée left him for another man, and he is reluctant to trust his heart to another. Christiana falls foul of his distrust several times, causing her to pull away from any interest she might have in him.
Slowly, Christiana notices that there is more to Jeffrey than his attitude and becomes curious about the sadness she senses in him. With patience on her part, they become friends, sharing lunches and laughs. Jeff's depression begins to lift a little, but the past continues to haunt him. Christiana works hard to show him that she can be trusted. But just as each begins to think that there could be something more between them, Christiana's father discovers that Jeffrey uses electricity in his shop. Furious, and convinced it's just the first step on the road to leaving the Faith, he forbids Christiana from spending any more time with Jeffrey. Both are heartbroken.
I ached for both Christiana and Jeffrey, as it looked like they would be separated for good. I was also angry at Christiana's father for his refusal to listen to either of them. I became a little more sympathetic to him after Christiana's conversation with her grandmother, but I wasn't sure if he would ever let go of his fear and anger. I loved Jeffrey's determination to find a way to reach him and make him understand his intentions and the depth of his faith. A near tragedy almost ends Jeffrey's hopes altogether, but love wins the day. I loved the way things worked out and what finally brought Christiana and Jeffrey back together.
karaklos's review against another edition
3.0
The Bake Shop is a very sweet story about a young Amish woman starting her own life under the watchful eye of her very strict father. She opens her own bake shop at the local “Englisher” (non-Amish) market where she meets a very sad young man. They develop a friendship which turns romantic.
This is my first Amish novel and I wasn’t sure what to expect. There isn’t a lot of plot to the story and it’s very predictable and repetitive. I found the book to be funny...the characters were so shocked by certain behaviors and events that wouldn’t even register by regular standards. They thank each other a lot. The innocence was charming. This is a book for a person who doesn’t like violence, swearing, or any real angst.
After reading a couple of depressing books, this was a nice change to clear the bad stuff out of my brain. The descriptions of the baked goods had me craving sweets. A very light, quick read.
This is my first Amish novel and I wasn’t sure what to expect. There isn’t a lot of plot to the story and it’s very predictable and repetitive. I found the book to be funny...the characters were so shocked by certain behaviors and events that wouldn’t even register by regular standards. They thank each other a lot. The innocence was charming. This is a book for a person who doesn’t like violence, swearing, or any real angst.
After reading a couple of depressing books, this was a nice change to clear the bad stuff out of my brain. The descriptions of the baked goods had me craving sweets. A very light, quick read.
diamondc's review against another edition
5.0
I always enjoy reading Amy Clipston’s books. The bake Shop was a great book to read. Christiana touched me and so many ways. Even when she thought she was right, she took the time to listen to other’s views. She had a hard time with Jeff in the beginning but didn’t completely give up on him.
I enjoyed reading about the two of them and Christiana’s drive for her bake shop. She has a strong bond with her cousins and it was fun reading about it.
If you a looking for a great book, I definitely recommend reading The Bake Shop.
I enjoyed reading about the two of them and Christiana’s drive for her bake shop. She has a strong bond with her cousins and it was fun reading about it.
If you a looking for a great book, I definitely recommend reading The Bake Shop.
andiapfel's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0