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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
Room on the Porch Swing by Amy Clipston is An Amish Homestead Novel. Laura Riehl lives in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania where her best friend, Savilla Lambert has passed away. It has been less than a year since Laura’s mother died and now her best friend passes after a quick illness. Allen Lambert and Savilla were married such a short time and now he is a widower with a baby girl to raise. The following summer, Irma Mae falls in Allen’s kitchen and her injuries require surgery. Irma Mae, Savilla’s mother, has been Mollie’s caretaker and now Allen must find someone to watch her while he is working. Laura offers to care for Mollie until Irma Mae recovers. Allen and Laura soon discover that they can talk truthfully (open and honestly) to each other. They find their chats on the porch swing helpful and comforting. Rudy, Laura’s beau, is not happy with the time she is spending at Allen’s home and he becomes resentful. As time passes, Laura becomes comfortable with caring for Mollie and her feelings for Allen begin to change. But she has been dating Rudy for four years and is not sure she should give up on their relationship. The time is approaching when Laura will need to make a choice.
Room on the Porch Swing takes us back to Bird-in-Hand and the Riehl family. It was nice to catch up with Jamie and Kayla from A Place at Our Table along with Mark (Laura’s twin) and Cindy (the youngest Riehl). While Room on the Porch Swing is part of a series, it can be read alone (but why would you want to miss out on A Place at Our Table). Change is in the air and Laura is not ready for it. Room on the Porch Swing is an emotional book as Laura and Allen deal with their grief. Every person handles grief in a different way as we see in this novel. Their romance is sweet and progresses slowly. It is not something Laura or Allen are looking for or expect. I thought Room on the Porch Swing was well-written and engaging. My attention was captured from the very beginning and it was held throughout. Laura and Allen are great characters. I thought they were well-developed and perfect for this story. While Rudy was needed for the story, I had many unkind thoughts regarding him. I did not like how he was using Laura and then grew resentful of the time she spent at the Lambert home caring for Mollie (Rudy would go a week without contacting Laura). I like how the faith elements are woven into the story (especially the importance of prayer). We need to remember that things happen in God’s timing, not ours. There is a reason for the events that happen in our lives (tragedy, heartbreak). We must be open to change and be prepared (open/accepting) for what will happen next. Room on the Porch Swing contains hope, grief, joy, heartbreak, faith, and more. It is a heartwarming novel that will have you laughing, crying, and sighing (a happy one at the end). Sit down for a spell in a comfy chair and spend some time with Room on the Porch Swing.
Room on the Porch Swing takes us back to Bird-in-Hand and the Riehl family. It was nice to catch up with Jamie and Kayla from A Place at Our Table along with Mark (Laura’s twin) and Cindy (the youngest Riehl). While Room on the Porch Swing is part of a series, it can be read alone (but why would you want to miss out on A Place at Our Table). Change is in the air and Laura is not ready for it. Room on the Porch Swing is an emotional book as Laura and Allen deal with their grief. Every person handles grief in a different way as we see in this novel. Their romance is sweet and progresses slowly. It is not something Laura or Allen are looking for or expect. I thought Room on the Porch Swing was well-written and engaging. My attention was captured from the very beginning and it was held throughout. Laura and Allen are great characters. I thought they were well-developed and perfect for this story. While Rudy was needed for the story, I had many unkind thoughts regarding him. I did not like how he was using Laura and then grew resentful of the time she spent at the Lambert home caring for Mollie (Rudy would go a week without contacting Laura). I like how the faith elements are woven into the story (especially the importance of prayer). We need to remember that things happen in God’s timing, not ours. There is a reason for the events that happen in our lives (tragedy, heartbreak). We must be open to change and be prepared (open/accepting) for what will happen next. Room on the Porch Swing contains hope, grief, joy, heartbreak, faith, and more. It is a heartwarming novel that will have you laughing, crying, and sighing (a happy one at the end). Sit down for a spell in a comfy chair and spend some time with Room on the Porch Swing.
farmfreshlisa's review against another edition
5.0
Any book which moves me to tears or laughter earns five stars. This book brought me to tears at one point. The richness of the story just grabs you! Yes this is an Amish fiction book, but once you get in it, you realize Amish is just the environment, the setting. The story is about the people. Their emotions. Their lives. Their risks. Their success and their failure. Their love.
The theme of losing a beloved spouse early in a marriage should resonate with those who also have experienced this. The idea of rising a small child on your own. The all nighters due to a sobbing toddler. You don’t have to like Amish fiction to identify with this.
Amy Clipston continues to be my most favorite Amish fiction author because she makes you forget you are reading Amish fiction. ❤️
This is the second book in the Amish Homestead series. I would recommend reading book 1, BUT you don’t have to. This book focuses on characters from one of the same families, but not a lot of references to the characters or story of the previous book.
The theme of losing a beloved spouse early in a marriage should resonate with those who also have experienced this. The idea of rising a small child on your own. The all nighters due to a sobbing toddler. You don’t have to like Amish fiction to identify with this.
Amy Clipston continues to be my most favorite Amish fiction author because she makes you forget you are reading Amish fiction. ❤️
This is the second book in the Amish Homestead series. I would recommend reading book 1, BUT you don’t have to. This book focuses on characters from one of the same families, but not a lot of references to the characters or story of the previous book.
booklvr10's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so good. I believe it is one of the best Amy Clipston books I have read to date. The book was captivating from the beginning. It had a great blend of emotions and would be a great choice for anyone looking for a clean read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
michellef's review against another edition
5.0
#NetGalleypartner
`Room on the Porch Swing` is an Amish romance novel by author Amy Clipston. Allen Lambert's wife has passed away, after being violently sick, and he is left with their new baby, Mollie, to raise by himself.
Laura Riehl is a friend of the Lambert's so she tries to help take care of Mollie. Laura's beau is jealous of Allen because Laura spends most of her time at Allen's house taking care of Mollie. Would jealous feelings break a good friendship?
This is a novel that pulled me in with its twists and turns. It is a novel of family and friendship. There were several Amish words, but if you read it in context they are easy to understand and don't take away from the novel.
I recommend this novel to fans of the Amish.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this ebook from Net Galley. All opinions are my own."
`Room on the Porch Swing` is an Amish romance novel by author Amy Clipston. Allen Lambert's wife has passed away, after being violently sick, and he is left with their new baby, Mollie, to raise by himself.
Laura Riehl is a friend of the Lambert's so she tries to help take care of Mollie. Laura's beau is jealous of Allen because Laura spends most of her time at Allen's house taking care of Mollie. Would jealous feelings break a good friendship?
This is a novel that pulled me in with its twists and turns. It is a novel of family and friendship. There were several Amish words, but if you read it in context they are easy to understand and don't take away from the novel.
I recommend this novel to fans of the Amish.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this ebook from Net Galley. All opinions are my own."
xakyr's review against another edition
4.0
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH NET GALLEY. 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 normally really enjoy reading an Amy Clipston novel, but this one just felt off to me. Don't get me wrong, it was well written and engaging, but it wasn't fully clicking for me either. I think too much time was devoted to trying to save the relationship between Rudy and Laura. It made the story drag and created some (to me) unnecessary conflict for Laura, especially with how selfish Rudy seemed to be. However, the slow build of the relationship between Allen and Laura worked very well for me! I also liked the themes of loss woven into this story and the more traditional "setting" of the story. It was a good story, but had some issues for me personally.
I normally really enjoy reading an Amy Clipston novel, but this one just felt off to me. Don't get me wrong, it was well written and engaging, but it wasn't fully clicking for me either. I think too much time was devoted to trying to save the relationship between Rudy and Laura. It made the story drag and created some (to me) unnecessary conflict for Laura, especially with how selfish Rudy seemed to be. However, the slow build of the relationship between Allen and Laura worked very well for me! I also liked the themes of loss woven into this story and the more traditional "setting" of the story. It was a good story, but had some issues for me personally.
nataliesboooks's review against another edition
4.0
Yet another adorable Amish read from Amy Clipston. Her stories have so much heartbreak and sadness in them, but they also have a hopeful tone and a happy ending.
I liked both Allen and Laura. Little Mollie was really sweet as well. I could sympathize with both Laura and Rudy. They each had valid points about their relationship.
I also enjoyed seeing the couple from the first book together and happy.
Overall a cute and sweet romance. I can’t wait to read the next installment in November.
I liked both Allen and Laura. Little Mollie was really sweet as well. I could sympathize with both Laura and Rudy. They each had valid points about their relationship.
I also enjoyed seeing the couple from the first book together and happy.
Overall a cute and sweet romance. I can’t wait to read the next installment in November.
kristi518's review against another edition
3.0
I started reading this book on my lunch break and the opening scene was so intense and I was so interested in it I was almost late going back to work. (That's not really a bad thing though, right?) I couldn't wait to get home to dive into the story again. However, once I was able to get back to the story I found that it had lost that spark I found it in earlier. I found the story to be predictable and nothing really surprised me on the journey to the end.
Laura was a caring character and I liked that she wanted to help out her deceased friend by taking care of her infant daughter. Taking care of the daughter leads to taking care of the baby's dad and it's easy to see where this story is headed. There isn't a lot of drama or dramatic events but just the day-in and day-out lives of the widower, the friend, and the baby. I feel like there should have been more interaction and conflict between Rudy and Laura. There never really seemed to be a bond between the two that made me care if they stayed together or not. A bright spot in the story is Laura's twin, Mark. He added charm and life to the story and I can't wait to read his story. It should be interesting as he is quite the charmer!
Even though I didn't love this story I still love Amy's writing. She has that ability to pull readers into a story and make them a part of it. Her descriptions made the story come alive and made it easy to picture things as they happened. Amy Clipston is one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read her next book.
I received a free copy from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
Laura was a caring character and I liked that she wanted to help out her deceased friend by taking care of her infant daughter. Taking care of the daughter leads to taking care of the baby's dad and it's easy to see where this story is headed. There isn't a lot of drama or dramatic events but just the day-in and day-out lives of the widower, the friend, and the baby. I feel like there should have been more interaction and conflict between Rudy and Laura. There never really seemed to be a bond between the two that made me care if they stayed together or not. A bright spot in the story is Laura's twin, Mark. He added charm and life to the story and I can't wait to read his story. It should be interesting as he is quite the charmer!
Even though I didn't love this story I still love Amy's writing. She has that ability to pull readers into a story and make them a part of it. Her descriptions made the story come alive and made it easy to picture things as they happened. Amy Clipston is one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read her next book.
I received a free copy from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
audiobooks_sweettea's review against another edition
5.0
I'm so excited to be back on the Homestead with another amazing hit from the incredibly talented hands of Amish author, Amy Clipston. She is one of my top authors when it comes to writing Amish novels and she has once again managed to completely capture my heart and my soul with these beautifully created characters and this page turning plot line.
Instantly, I'm drawn to Allen. Bless him, from the start, I had tears in my eyes and I wanted to wrap my arms around him and tell him God's in control and all will work out. He was wonderfully chiseled, wonderfully life-like and I fell in love with him instantly. Laura's character was wonderful, as well, and I was so happy she was there in a tragic time! She really made the story pop. And sweet Mollie......oh sweet Mollie. A little character that was a perfect addition (not that I think that because of our names, though spelled differently, being the same!). These characters, while suffering from tragic events, were characters that became a part of me, wholly, like family.
I highly recommend this 5 star addition to the Amish Homestead series. You'll be instantly captivated, turning page after page, long into the night. This book is emotional, yet full of God's grace, God's timing and characters that you'll want to invite to your own porch swing and sip tea and visit with until the sun sets on the horizon. Ms. Clipston, you've done it again and I can't sign praises high enough for another hit! Bring on the next!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Instantly, I'm drawn to Allen. Bless him, from the start, I had tears in my eyes and I wanted to wrap my arms around him and tell him God's in control and all will work out. He was wonderfully chiseled, wonderfully life-like and I fell in love with him instantly. Laura's character was wonderful, as well, and I was so happy she was there in a tragic time! She really made the story pop. And sweet Mollie......oh sweet Mollie. A little character that was a perfect addition (not that I think that because of our names, though spelled differently, being the same!). These characters, while suffering from tragic events, were characters that became a part of me, wholly, like family.
I highly recommend this 5 star addition to the Amish Homestead series. You'll be instantly captivated, turning page after page, long into the night. This book is emotional, yet full of God's grace, God's timing and characters that you'll want to invite to your own porch swing and sip tea and visit with until the sun sets on the horizon. Ms. Clipston, you've done it again and I can't sign praises high enough for another hit! Bring on the next!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
booksforchristiangirls's review against another edition
4.0
About this book:
“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.”
Series: Book #2 in the “Amish Homestead” series. Review of Book #1 Here!
Spiritual Content- A few Scriptures are mention, quoted, & read; Prayers; Church going; Talks about God; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; Mentions of God & His will; Mentions of prayers, praying, thanking God, & blessings over food; Mentions of church, church going, services, sermons, hymns, ministers, & youth gatherings; Mentions of Bibles; Mentions of singing Christian children’s song; Mentions of being blessed & blessings; Mentions of sins & being sinful; A couple mentions of Christian novels;A mention of praising God; A mention of a Christian man.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘shut up’ and two ‘stupid’s; A bit of sarcasm & eye rolling; A sudden death & seeing another throw up (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a sudden death, illnesses, & throwing up (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of an accident & death; Mentions of pain, injuries, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of lies/fibs & lying; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of nightmares; A couple mentions of car accidents & injuries.
Sexual Content- a cheek kiss, a head kiss, a not-detailed kiss, a boarder-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kiss, and a semi-detailed kiss; Touches, Embraces, & Shivers (boarder-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Remembering touches (boarder-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing & Staring; Many mentions of dating, dates, boyfriends, girlfriends, break-ups, & jealousy; Mentions of reputations; A few mentions of cheating/affairs; A few mentions of touches; A couple mentions of a possible out-of-wedlock pregnancy; A couple mentions of kisses & kissing (not-detailed); A couple mentions of flirting; A couple mentions of blushes; A couple mentions of crushes; A mention of a wedding night; Love, falling in love, trying to not be in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A couple mentions of unmentionables.
-Laura Riehl, age 22
-Allen Lambert
P.O.V. switches between them
321 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
While this wasn’t my favorite Amy Clipston Amish book, it was a light four-star read that I enjoyed. Some readers might not like the back-and-forth of Laura and Allen’s emotions, but I thought that they were realistic. I think I would share nearly the same reactions as they did if I was in their shoes. Like other connected series, it was nice to see the couple from the first book and get hints about the third book. :)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogspot.com/2018/07/room-on-porch-swing-by-amy-clipston.html
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Zondervan) for this honest review.
“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.”
Series: Book #2 in the “Amish Homestead” series. Review of Book #1 Here!
Spiritual Content- A few Scriptures are mention, quoted, & read; Prayers; Church going; Talks about God; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; Mentions of God & His will; Mentions of prayers, praying, thanking God, & blessings over food; Mentions of church, church going, services, sermons, hymns, ministers, & youth gatherings; Mentions of Bibles; Mentions of singing Christian children’s song; Mentions of being blessed & blessings; Mentions of sins & being sinful; A couple mentions of Christian novels;A mention of praising God; A mention of a Christian man.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘shut up’ and two ‘stupid’s; A bit of sarcasm & eye rolling; A sudden death & seeing another throw up (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a sudden death, illnesses, & throwing up (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of an accident & death; Mentions of pain, injuries, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of lies/fibs & lying; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of nightmares; A couple mentions of car accidents & injuries.
Sexual Content- a cheek kiss, a head kiss, a not-detailed kiss, a boarder-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kiss, and a semi-detailed kiss; Touches, Embraces, & Shivers (boarder-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Remembering touches (boarder-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing & Staring; Many mentions of dating, dates, boyfriends, girlfriends, break-ups, & jealousy; Mentions of reputations; A few mentions of cheating/affairs; A few mentions of touches; A couple mentions of a possible out-of-wedlock pregnancy; A couple mentions of kisses & kissing (not-detailed); A couple mentions of flirting; A couple mentions of blushes; A couple mentions of crushes; A mention of a wedding night; Love, falling in love, trying to not be in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A couple mentions of unmentionables.
-Laura Riehl, age 22
-Allen Lambert
P.O.V. switches between them
321 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
While this wasn’t my favorite Amy Clipston Amish book, it was a light four-star read that I enjoyed. Some readers might not like the back-and-forth of Laura and Allen’s emotions, but I thought that they were realistic. I think I would share nearly the same reactions as they did if I was in their shoes. Like other connected series, it was nice to see the couple from the first book and get hints about the third book. :)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogspot.com/2018/07/room-on-porch-swing-by-amy-clipston.html
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Zondervan) for this honest review.