A Seat by the Hearth by Amy Clipston Book Review

Priscilla Allgyer knows that the past can never fully be left behind. But can love lead her toward the promise of healing?

Priscilla Allgyer left the community in hopes of escaping the expectations of Amish life. Now, years later, she is forced to return to the place she thought she’d left behind forever—along with her six-year-old son. Though once estranged from her family, Priscilla is welcomed by her mother, but her father is cold and strict. He allows Priscilla to stay with them provided she dresses plainly, confesses her sins, and agrees to marry within the community. Once again, she feels suffocated, trapped, and alone.

As Priscilla reluctantly completes her shunning, she catches the eye of Mark Riehl, a farmer with a playboy reputation. Wary of Mark, Priscilla barely gives him the time of day—while Mark, unused to being ignored by the women of Bird-in-Hand, won’t give up the pursuit of her friendship. Priscilla desperately needs a friend in Mark, even if she doesn’t realize it—and after Priscilla’s father and the bishop catch her and Mark in a compromising situation, the two are compelled to enter an awkward, unexpected engagement.

After Priscilla and Mark marry and live as friends, affection quietly grows between them—but Priscilla struggles to open her heart and reveal the painful secrets of her past. As Mark works to earn her good faith, can they both learn the hard lessons of love and trust? And can two friends discover a happiness that only God himself could have designed? The third book in the Amish Homestead series, A Seat by the Hearth invites us back to the Lancaster community where friendships are forged and love overcomes all.

My Thoughts:

A heartfelt story from author Amy Clipston and her Homestead Series. This is the third book in the series. However it is also a standalone story if you haven’t read the previous books in the story. You will definitely get a feel of the characters and some of the back stories if you read the other two first. I had such a hard time putting this one down and I almost think it’s been my favorite one so far in the series.  I loved this story! Then again I have really enjoyed this series.  

Mark Riehl was a character that I liked from the previous stories with his wit and humor. I was glad to get more depth in his character. Mark Riehl is handsome and a flirt. He isn’t looking to get married but enjoys the attention of many young women in his community. He has no problem getting the attention from them. That is until one of his twin sister’s best friends Priscilla returns to the community after 8 years with her son whom she had out of wedlock.  Mark works for her dad and sees her sadness and hurt. For the life of him he just can’t figure out why she won’t warm up to him and be his friend. 

Priscilla and Mark find their future being manipulated by Priscilla’s father. Something neither of them planned. A beautiful friendship that turns into to love.

There are a few things that I predicted to happen and a few surprises. Overal

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