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sheilasamuelson's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
juniveve's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
ralen356's review against another edition
Speed runnnnnnn
It's a fine book. Very sweet, and easy to get through.
That being said, I did not listen to the audiobook, so I was able to skim the book, making it easier for me to skip over sub-par writing. My impression was that the writing was fine, nothing excessive in terms of fluff, and pacing was good, but again, I really sped through, so I dunno how accurate my analysis is.
I stopped because nothing stood out to me in terms of the characters, which is a central part of the story. Not bad, but not enticing.
It's a fine book. Very sweet, and easy to get through.
That being said, I did not listen to the audiobook, so I was able to skim the book, making it easier for me to skip over sub-par writing. My impression was that the writing was fine, nothing excessive in terms of fluff, and pacing was good, but again, I really sped through, so I dunno how accurate my analysis is.
I stopped because nothing stood out to me in terms of the characters, which is a central part of the story. Not bad, but not enticing.
princess1989's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book!! Great story!! Loved Christiana and Jeff!!! Didn’t like her dad at first!! Glad that everything worked out for everyone!! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!! Love this author’s books!!
taun's review against another edition
3.0
Clipston has written what I would label as the norm for Amish fiction. Gentle romances, domestic adventures, errant Amish culture, with a smattering of fact and spirituality. The story revolves around a talented Amish Baker, who opens a bake shop in a marketplace, only to fall in love with a dejected and often moody Amish man. Her strict father, struggling with his own tragic past, forbids the relationship only to have a very sudden change of heart at the close of the book, ensuring a happy ending.
I find the characters to be largely two dimensional, the writing style choppy, and the plot line highly predictable. This is not a surprise for me, as I find that most Amish romances are the same. It’s the genre. I particularly found it hard to believe that a father so dead set in his ways, so vehement, and so proud, would change his mind so quickly, and not only ask the forgiveness of his daughter, but also the man she loves. Even in Amish fiction, it seems a stretch of the imagination.
Overall, I would rate the book as ‘fine’. Not bad, or good... just, fine. One could certainly spend the few reading hours on worthier, or worse, books.
Disclaimer; this is not my preferred genre. I’ve done my best to give the book an honest review despite my personal preferences.
I find the characters to be largely two dimensional, the writing style choppy, and the plot line highly predictable. This is not a surprise for me, as I find that most Amish romances are the same. It’s the genre. I particularly found it hard to believe that a father so dead set in his ways, so vehement, and so proud, would change his mind so quickly, and not only ask the forgiveness of his daughter, but also the man she loves. Even in Amish fiction, it seems a stretch of the imagination.
Overall, I would rate the book as ‘fine’. Not bad, or good... just, fine. One could certainly spend the few reading hours on worthier, or worse, books.
Disclaimer; this is not my preferred genre. I’ve done my best to give the book an honest review despite my personal preferences.
travelerswife4life's review against another edition
4.0
This book started out very slow for me, I know it is introducing a new series but I didn’t expect it. However, once the first part is over, we get some good characters, who have an enemies to friends relationship (As much as one can in an Amish lifestyle). They work through a lot of hang ups and overcome obstacles from the community, family and themselves. I think this was a good start to a new series and I am excited to see what will come next from this author.
I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars for the scene created, the interesting characters, and the overall theme of faith.
I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars for the scene created, the interesting characters, and the overall theme of faith.
robinlovesreading's review against another edition
5.0
Christiana Kurtz is an excellent baker, and her bake stand is overwhelmed. She was very excited to move over to the local market at the advice of her mother. However, this creates immediate problem when the owner of the stall next to hers complains that her business is so busy that no one is stopping at his shop. However, time soon changes things and the pair eventually become friends. His name is Jeffrey Stoltzfus and as nice a man as he is, Christiana's father does not like him. Her father feels that Jeffrey is using too many English ways in his shop.
Christiana and Jeffrey want to date, but her father forbids it, and she never wants to disobey her father despite the fact that she is quickly becoming quite fond of Jeffrey. Then, when his shop catches fire, all of her hard work could go up in flame. Can Christiana and Jeffrey find a way to rebuild their businesses while also finding a way to be together?
What a sweet story by Amy Clipston. This is a story about love, trust, loyalty and of course, faith. This delightful book was an excellent start to a new series, and the second book The Farm Stand, is available now.
Christiana and Jeffrey want to date, but her father forbids it, and she never wants to disobey her father despite the fact that she is quickly becoming quite fond of Jeffrey. Then, when his shop catches fire, all of her hard work could go up in flame. Can Christiana and Jeffrey find a way to rebuild their businesses while also finding a way to be together?
What a sweet story by Amy Clipston. This is a story about love, trust, loyalty and of course, faith. This delightful book was an excellent start to a new series, and the second book The Farm Stand, is available now.
xakyr's review
4.0
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH ONE OF A VARIETY OF SOURCES. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!
I've read a lot of this author's works over the years, and they never fail to be a pick me up for me. This book was no exception to that! The story was quick and engaging, but with an interesting story from the past.
I liked the really slow simmer of this relationship! It had a bit of an enemies to lovers vibe at first, but it made the actual blossoming of the relationship that much sweeter to see! I found Jeff a little too quick to anger, though, and he sometimes came off as too indecisive when it came to actually being in a relationship because of his past hurts. I did like how Christiana kept trying to fight for what she wanted, despite the confines of her faith.
I'm eager to see where this series heads next!
I've read a lot of this author's works over the years, and they never fail to be a pick me up for me. This book was no exception to that! The story was quick and engaging, but with an interesting story from the past.
I liked the really slow simmer of this relationship! It had a bit of an enemies to lovers vibe at first, but it made the actual blossoming of the relationship that much sweeter to see! I found Jeff a little too quick to anger, though, and he sometimes came off as too indecisive when it came to actually being in a relationship because of his past hurts. I did like how Christiana kept trying to fight for what she wanted, despite the confines of her faith.
I'm eager to see where this series heads next!
tabbycat26's review against another edition
5.0
I must be a romantic at heart. I definitely enjoyed this book. I was rooting for Christiana and Jeff the hallway. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
nataliesboooks's review against another edition
4.0
Another super sweet read by Amy Clipston. I just love her books! I really enjoyed the relationship between Christy and Jeff and I also liked Christy’s cousins. They were good friends to her. Jeff had a good relationship with his brother Nick and his friend Lewis. I am looking forward to seeing these characters in later books.