I have read and loved many of Amy Clipston's books. My favorite series by her is the Kauffman Amish Bakery series. I've personally read it more than once. Amish Sweethearts contains within it 4 novella length stories. I really loved reading all of them and even though novella length the characters we were able to learn about their personality and the stories were fully developed with a satisfying plot. Beautiful stories full of light,laughter,hard times but yet forgiveness and understanding. Throw in a little romance and you have a book you'll want to revisit more than once.
Pub Date 09 Jan 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and Zondervan Fiction for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

I'm a fan of Amy Clipston's stories. She has this uncanny ability to capture the beauty in the sometimes mundane activities of life. Even if those stories center around the Amish community, we can still relate with the emotions of the heart and the comprehension of the mind. With that said, I'm thrilled the publisher, Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction compiled a collection of her novellas! Amish Sweethearts as the name suggests, are stories of love and relationship, specifically couples.

Love and Buggy Rides was first published in An Amish Harvest collection. Having had the pleasure of reading it already, it was a pleasant reminder of why I love the author's stories. Relationships, especially new ones are interesting to see how they develop.

A Home for Lindsay centers around an engaged couple learning to communicate and trust each other as life's trials head their way. This story connects to the author's acclaimed Kauffman Amish Bakery series that have been on my radar for some time. The Kauffman family plays a role in here and it gives me a glimpse of what to expect, a message of faith and the love of family.

Where the Heart Is is just as sweet as the title suggests. I love how the author took a character that some may have forgotten or didn't like and turn it around. Tobias was a character in Summer Storms, released in the collection, Amish Summer. His mistakes caused quite a stir to his family, and we start this story with his desire to make amends. I like seeing this side of him, and I like to see how well developed the characters are. There's a lesson of forgiveness, letting go of past hurts, and judging a person by who they were, not who they are in this well layered story.

In the final story of this collection, Love Birds was another sweet story from another collection, Amish Market. I'm a little surprised by putting this as the last story in this collection, but after rereading it, I can see how ending it with a story that's filled with compassion rounds up this collection beautifully. I like that there's a bit of or rather a touch of the message one will find in the first three in this last one.

In all, a well-rounded collection on romance, but also the ups and downs of relationships, from meeting to building a trust with each other and with family. Well done.

"They say home is where the heart is, and I guess that's why I can only imagine my home with you in it." (Where the Heart Is)


Disclaimer: I received a digital ARC copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.


Please note, if planning to share quoted quotes, please verify with release copy, since it was taken from an uncorrected proof copy (ARC). Thank you.

The four novellas of Amish Sweethearts were romantic, tender, and sweet love stories. I enjoyed each one, though they probably make more sense to those who have read Amy Clipston's full-length series. I recommend this book for lovers of sweet romance and Amish stories. By the time, you finish you will have a hankering for meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans, but I won't tell you why! This book is great for those looking for some short, tender love stories for St. Valentine's Day or for any time of the year.

Amish sweethearts was such a great and easy read. I really loved the character development. Amy's riding style is great. It was a bit of a page turner because after Jonathan is in a buggy ride accident Janie is the only that can help him clear his name and keep his job. Janie's dad forbids her to involve herself in any legal matters and then he forbids her from talking to Jonathan. Finally he accepts that Janie and Jonathan are in love and allows them to date. Such an amazing love story. I really enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it.

A Home For Lindsay-
Matthew was building a home for his fiance Lindsay. In five months Lindsay would be married and start a new life in the house Matthew was building. Matthew had come to Bird In Hand, he had come to bring his mother there so Betsy could help nurse their mother through her last days. Matthew worked at the Kauffman and Yoder Furniture store. Matthew and Lindsay’s relationship grew over time. Lindsay was everything to Matthew. Daniel Kauffman was Lindsay’s uncle and guardianand had recently took on the role of father to Matthew. As his father had been gone since Matthew was ten. Betsy’s husband couldn’t find any steady work and now they were in a position where Betsy and her husband had to go bankrupt. In three weeks they were heading to Western PA and told Matthew that he and Lindsay could come also. But Matthew to take Lindsay away from the home she had finally settled into with her uncle. Matthew then calls off the engagement and Lindsay is heartbroken.
Love and Buggy Rides -
Jamie meets Jonathan when Jonathan is driving a buggy for tourist and there is an car accident and Jamie was the only witness it was not Jonathan's fault. Jonathan is trying to get over a broken heart. Jamie knew the right thing to do was go to the police and tell them Jonathan was not at fault but her father doesn’t want her to talk to the police. The buggy belonged to Jamie’s boss and this was a new job for Jamie. Jonathan would lose his job and end the friendship growing between Jonathan and Jamie.
Love Birds -
Ellie and her mom were struggling after Seth’s death. Ellie had loved Lloyd since she was a girl. Ellie takes a job in town to make ends meet. Lloyd notices Ellie has grown up an is not just Seth’s little sister. Lloyd gave Ellie a special gift and she shows it to her new boss and it gets Lloyd in trouble. Lloyd believes Ellie betrayed him. This could end Ellie’s and Lloyd’s growing relationship.
Where The Heart Is-
Tobias is going home after being- in rehab for alcohol and also handling his anger- in Florida. Tobias wonders if he will be welcomed back. Tobias is coming back a new man and wants to make amends to his father.
I enjoyed all four novellas. I didn’t really have a favorite one. I liked them all. I liked the plots and paces. If anything I wish they had been longer. But that is a good thing. I liked the characters a lot and even choked up at times. I liked the ins and outs of this book and i recommend.

4 love stories you won't want to put down!

Amy Clipston never disappoints, and she has once again created 4 novellas that will warm your heart, make you smile, and bring tears to your eyes. This 4 novella book combines four very touching stories of finding love, forgiveness, healing, redemption, and allowing God to work out their "happily ever after."

Amy Clipston did a wonderful job as always of making her characters so life like with real life situations. I was drawn into them as if I was a part of them. It is a wonderful group of stories for Valentine's or anytime of year. If you are an Amish fiction fan, you do not want to miss this book!
I was given a copy this book from Netgalley and the author, but was not required to give a positive review.

One thing is for sure and certain, you cannot go wrong picking up a book of Amish novellas to read during a winter storm and when it is a book full of Amy Clipston novellas it is wunderbar (wonderful)! I found myself falling in love over and over again when reading the novellas in Amish Sweethearts.

Love and Buggy Rides is a story about Janie and Jonathan who work together at Lancaster Souvenirs and Buggy Rides. One day while Janie is eating lunch she witnesses an accident while Jonathan is driving a buggy full of tourists. Janie is drawn to helping Jonathan in the aftermath but is afraid to go against her father. Will their new friendship survive or will another tragedy tear them apart?

A Home for Lindsay is a novella with characters from the Kauffman Amish Bakery series (one I need to move up my TBR pile). Matthew has been building a home for his beloved, Lindsay, on his sister's farm and is looking forward to being married to Lindsay in six short months. Everything comes to a screeching halt when Matthew learns of his sister and brother-in-law's pending bankruptcy. Matthew becomes fearful of not being able to provide for his future wife. Will Matthew share the terrible news with Lindsey or run away leaving her heartbroken?

Where the Heart Is shares the love story of Tobias and Mariella (a beautiful and unusual name). Tobias has returned from his time in an alcohol rehab in Florida and is ready to make amends with his community and family, especially his Dat (dad). He returns in time for his little sister's wedding. Mariella is one of the wedding party and has been helping her best friend get everything ready for the wedding. Sparks start flying as Mariella and Tobias find themselves together over and over again.

Love Birds is one of my favorite Amish novellas. For some reason I find myself reading this novella over and over again. I has previously read it when I read An Amish Market. This story definitely fills you with the warm and fuzzies when you finish. I'm in love with how the Amish community takes care of each other in a time of need. This novella focuses on the romance blooming between Ellie and Lloyd but throughout the reader learns how the Amish help one another.

If you love to read Amish stories, ask your sweetheart for this book for Valentine's Day. You won't be sorry.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zondervan for a copy to read in exchange for a review based on my own honest thoughts.

A very well written book with a great plot and well developed characters. I have read this author's books before and really enjoy her writing style. This book was excellent. I highly recommend this .

Amish Sweethearts by Amy Clipston contains four Amish novellas. The book includes Love and Buggy Rides (from An Amish Harvest), A Home for Lindsey, Where the Heart Is, and Love Birds (from An Amish Market). In A Home for Lindsey we get the story of Lindsey Bedford from the Kauffman Amish Bakery series. Matthew Glick is looking forward to marrying Lindsey, but unexpected news ruins his plans. Feeling he is not good enough for Lindsey, Matthew calls off the wedding and makes plans to move to Ohio. Lindsey is devastated and is determined to find out what happened. Will Lindsey and Matthew reconcile?

Where the Heart Is tells the story of Tobias Smucker. Tobias has returned home after leaving his home and community in the middle of the night. He wants to make things right with the community and find a way to have a relationship with his father. Mariella Ebersol has been in love with Tobias for many years, but Tobias is oblivious to her feelings. He develops a friendship with Mariella who helps him find his place within the community. They uncover a family secret that helps him understand his father and for healing to begin.

Amish Sweethearts contains four lovely stories (I summarized the new stories for you above) that each contain a life lesson. They are well-written, easy to read and engaging. Ms. Clipston creates real characters that people will enjoy reading about and can relate to. We get to follow the characters through their journeys where they learn a lesson, get their life on track and find love with their soul mate. Each of the stories contain nice Christian messages such as having faith, following God’s path, helping others, love, hope and forgiveness. The stories are set in Lancaster County and Bird-in-the-Hand. I appreciated the descriptions of the areas. Amish Sweethearts are Christian stories that can be treasured by readers from 12 to 102 (PG rated stories). Amish Sweethearts has four sweet, simple Amish stories that will delight readers (especially fans of Amy Clipston).

I think that with every novella or novella collection I review I state that I’m not a novella fan. And that’s still pretty true after reading so many. I just prefer a full-length novel where I can really get to know the characters and their stories. I like the detail provided in full-length novels, too. This being said though I truly enjoy Amy’s novellas. She is able to pack all the qualities I love about full-length novels into a novella and leave me completely satisfied. Amish Sweethearts is no different.

I don’t have a favorite among these four stories as each one is unique in its own way. The collection is about Amish people finding love and Amy does it in a way that is so genuine and real. The characters and their stories are well-developed and the stories are perfectly paced. There are no feelings of things being rushed or skipped over to meet a word count or to meet all of the requirements of a novella. Each of these four stories is a complete story from beginning to end and I loved that I could really get to know the characters throughout their stories.

Amish Sweethearts is Amy Clipston doing what she does best. She has created characters that we will soon think of as real and stories that we will treasure and talk about long after reading. Fans of Amy are sure to enjoy this collection and this would also be a fantastic way to introduce someone to Amy and the genre. This book is definitely one for the keeper shelf.

While a few of these stories were familiar, I loved reading them, and the others were new to me. While you can read one in a setting, I couldn’t stop with one, and they were soon all consumed and enjoyed.
The theme of this book is Love, and sometimes it is just seeing what is in front of us, and age doesn’t seem to matter.
Also shown in these novellas is a strong father figure, and we won’t always agree with them, but it shows the importance in the Amish culture.
I will tell you that once you start you won’t be able to put this book down, and it is perfect if you have just a little bit of time, but you will quickly be looking for a chance to read more.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.

What a wonderful collection of short, sweet clean love stories! I sometimes feel like short story collections are all the same. Quick little stories with little detail and super fast abrupt endings. This is not the case with these stories. I was sad to see each end and found myself wanting more about these characters. They are so fully developed in such a short amount of pages! Clipston has such a way of building characters into real people! The stories read easily and flow so well. Her words paint pictures. She is great at describing emotion and making the reader picture what is happening in their head. I especially loved the 2nd story in the collection. From the start I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. I found myself at the edge of my seat reading as quick as I could to see what happened. I wished the stories were longer. But they were a great length to read fast and feel the fulfillment of reading a regular length story. Clipston is such a great story teller and she’s done it again with this one! Wonderful. Loved it.
I received a digital copy from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed each of these sweet stories. Some of the characters will be familiar if you’ve read other books by Author Amy Clipston. I especially loved visiting the Kauffman family again, and seeing what Lindsay is up to. Amy has such great story lines and descriptions that you feel as if the characters are real and you are a part of their lives. She also understands the Amish culture and writes about it with professionalism.

Each story kept my interest with its ups and downs; life isn’t always smooth. The thread of hope and love made these tales refreshing and enjoyable, and I appreciated that the characters allowed God to lead them.

If you enjoy Amish fiction and sweet romances, you will enjoy Amish Sweethearts.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Amish Sweethearts is a four novella collection by Amy Clipston. Each of these stories is like going back to visit old friends and making some new ones. Her Amish characters are well written and inspire the reader. She makes the stories fun and easy to read. As a reader you want to turn the page. During the stories you laugh, cry, and can relate to the situations and story lines.
Love and Buggy Rides bring Janie and Jonathan together after an accident. Will they be able to prove innocence? Will they be able to overcome the obstacles thrown at them?
A Home for LIndsay brings us back to the Kauffman Bakery. Lindsay was left an orphan at a young age. Finding her place among the Amish has been a struggle but it is the life she wants. Becoming Matthew's wife is a dream she wants to fulfill. When he appears to get cold feet will that dream come true?
Where the Heart is finds Tobias home. Will he be able to reconcile with his family? Will his father ever forgive him?
In Love Birds, Ellie Lapp is mourning the death of her brother Seth and feeling the financial responsibilities that he carried. When Seth's friend Lloyd and she become close, will her betrayal tear them apart?
Come back to old friends and make some new. I received a copy through Netgalley. The review is my own.

Amish Sweethearts is a sweet, romantic wonderful story. One is accidental (Jonathan and his buggy with a group of visitors are in a bad accident. Who is at fault? Well I can't ruin that for you can I?) Heartbreaking (Matthew and Lindsay are to be married but guess what happens? I can't ruin this one for you either. Will true love survive?) Rejectable (Tobias stays in Florida extra long. When he returns home he is worried if they will accept him back into the fold? Well do they?) Forgiveness (Ellie and Lloyd were in love, but he thinks she betrayed him. Will he ever trust her or forgive her?) And most of all a GODly story of such amazing Faith for all of this. These stories truly move you to tears.

Amish Sweethearts consists of four novellas that revisit some favorite characters from some of Amy Clipston’s existing series. I really enjoyed getting an additional glimpse into the lives of characters from sets that I’ve already finished and connected with, as well as being introduced to characters in series that I haven’t been introduced to yet. I definitely added to my “to read” list as I do want to read the series that with the “new to me” characters.

As always, these novellas included amazing characters and sweet storylines. Even in the limited space, each story managed to give further character development and details about their families and daily lives. Typically, I don’t read a lot of novellas, because I usually feel that the story suffers from a lack of detail but I honestly don’t feel this is the case here. Each story felt like it was fully developed and allowed to follow a natural pace. I truly enjoyed each of the four stories and I now have two more series that I need to read and new characters that I need to get to know better, and I may need to revisit the other two series, or beg the author to write more books with the characters that I already adore.

I really enjoyed each story and loved reading about the different couples. The author always writes with details and makes the story come to life. Each story in this collection will bring you a smile and remind you of unconditional love.

Love and Buggy Rides

This is a great story about Janie who witnesses an accident involving a buggy and car. She knows that the driver of the buggy was not at fault but has heard he is being blamed for the accident. Her father has forbade her to get involved as a witness. As Janie gets to know Jonathan they seem to strike up feelings for each other. It was interesting to read how Jonathan was a bit worried about their age difference. I thought he was a great character and was very respectful towards Janie. What happens when Janie goes against her fathers advice? This is a great story of doing the right thing and I loved the excitement towards the ending of the story.

A Home for Lindsay

This story really tugged on my heart strings. Matthew is a hard worker and is excited about building a home for his fiancé Lindsay. That dream gets shattered when he finds out that his sister is losing her farm and land. All Matthew has wanted is to provide a home for Lindsay . How can he do that now that the land he is building on will no longer belong to the family? Lindsay is very aware that something is bothering Matthew. Why won’t he tell her what is wrong? I loved how the author shows how pride can get in the way of making good decisions. What happens when Lindsay finds out the truth? Can Matthew find a way to stay or will he walk away from the love of his life? This is a great story of communication and trust and faith.

Where The Heart Is

I can’t tell you how many times my dad would say “If you live in my house, you will obey my rules.” Tobias heard similar words from his dad when he starts to act out. His poor decisions causes friction and he leaves home. When he returns months later, how will the community react to him? He knows that he must face what he has done, but will the Bishop welcome him back? How will his family react when they see him? It must be very difficult to stand before a congregation and admit your sins. I could hear Tobias’s heart thumping out of his chest as he stood before the church. His relationship with his dad is something I really enjoyed reading about. It’s a great story about forgiveness and starting over.

Love Birds

Oh my I loved this story so much. It has been hard on Ellie and her mother since her dad and brother both passed away . The community is helping with chores at the farm, but money is still tight. When an opportunity arises to work at a shop, Ellie thinks it will help them out financially. I loved Ellie’s enthusiasm to help out with finances and her desire to contribute to the household funds. Lloyd is doing all he can to help his friend’s family . I really enjoyed reading about the bird carvings that Lloyd makes. I could picture the delicate dove he carved and how special it was. When he gives it to Ellie as a special gift to remember her brother, she gets emotional . I won’t give the story away, but it is a great lesson in forgiveness and helping others.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

As a longtime fan of the authors writing, I was excited to read this collection of novellas. I think that this compilation is fantastic!   I have to admit that I have two favorites  although I loved all four of them.
I've been a huge fan of the Kauffman family since I read the first book in the, Kauffman Amish Bakery series. So. A Home for Lindsay  is one of my favorites.  Lindsay  and Matthew are characters that I adore.  There is so much love and tenderness to their story that you can't help but love them.  I desperately wanted things to work out for these two.
My other favorite in the collection was, Where the Heart Is. This one is touching in so many ways.  I loved Tobias and could imagine the courage it took for him to face his family and community when he returned home from Florida.  It is a story of forgiveness and encouraging those that you love.
All of the stories are filled with loveable characters that will appeal to everyone that reads this book.  
I received a copy through Netgalley and was not required to write a positive review.  All opinions are my own.

Amish Sweethearts
Amy Clipston
Fans of Amy Clipston won’t be disappointed with her new set of heartwarming Amish stories. Each one is full of fun and will bring a smile to your face.
In the first one, Love and Buggy Rides, Janie is a cashier at Lancaster Souvenirs where Jonathon works as a buggy driver, taking tourists for rides. When Jonathon is in an accident, he has to go to work in the stables instead of driving passengers because the person driving the car insists that Jonathon was at fault. Janie helped Jonathon when the accident happened and they begin talking more and more in the days that follow. Their friendship starts to grow into something more, but there are obstacles to overcome. Jonathon is almost ten years older than she is and her father does not want them in a relationship. Other troubles follow, but will love find a way to bring these sweethearts together?
The second story is A Home for Lindsey and it is the one I looked forward to the most. In the Kauffman Amish Bakery series, we met Lindsey and Matthew. It is finally looking like their happy day is coming and they are approaching marriage with excitement. However, Matthew finds out that the land he has been building their house on is no longer going to be owned by his family. He is devastated. How can he provide for Lindsey if he can’t even build her a home? Rather than try to find a solution with her, he decides they should not be together. Lindsey is devastated. Can Matthew look beyond his fear of failure to the love they share and find a way to bring them back together?
The next story is Where the Heart Is. This story continues Tobias Smucker’s story from Summer Storms. When we last saw Tobias, he had left his Amish home to head for Florida where he checked himself into an alcohol treatment facility. He is home now and wants to reconnect with his family. Heading to the Bishop’s home first, he runs into Mariella, the bishop’s daughter. She helps him as he transitions back into the fold, giving him strength and helping him repair his relationship with his father. Will he realize that she is more than his little sister’s best friend? I think this one ended up actually being my favorite of the four. I really enjoyed how it all came together!
In the final story, Love Birds, Ellie Lapp and her mother are still recovering from the death of Seth, her brother (The Forgotten Recipe), when she starts spending time with Lloyd, one of Seth’s friends. She is working at a gift shop and Lloyd has a remarkable talent with wood carvings. She really wants him to sell his products at the store, especially when her boss tells her that her hours will be cut. Lloyd’s father thinks it is too prideful though. Will they find a way to help each other and maybe find love along the way?
I really enjoyed these stories and am grateful to NetGalley for the chance to read and review them. Amy Clipston has done a good job of bringing her characters to life (like always!) and I look forward to more!