I loved this story by Amy Clipston. I love the fact that the characters from the first book in the series, “A Place at Our Table”, all appear in this book and that their stories all continue. And I absolutely love the fact that there is a “Cindy” in this series. I’m Amish if only in a book. Ha! Heartache plays a major part in the plot, and I went through a few tissues while reading this story. I wish I could have smacked Rudy upside his head – what a selfish, no good person. But as usual in Amy’s stories, love prevails in the end, and we get that warm fuzzy feeling we all love to feel.

I highly recommend this story. You don’t have to read the first book in the series, but I think you should, so you get a better feel of the Riehl family and learn more about who’s who. I can’t wait for the next book in Amy’s Amish Homestead series. And a little bird told me there will be a book all about me in this series, oh I mean Cindy Riehl, too. Now that is something to look forward to. Woot woot!

This is one of my favorite books by Amy Clipston. The storyline is one of pure selflessness from family and friends as they help newly widowed, Allen care for his infant daughter. I expected that the Amish community would in fact do just that, what I didn’t expect was Laura giving of her time so freely and putting Allen and his daughter, Mollie’s needs before her own.
I loved that Laura treasured her friendship with Savilla, her deceased friend and Allen’s wife. As the story unfolded, I started to see how much Savilla meant to the characters and how much friendships play an important part in the community. I also started to see that Rudy just wasn’t a person that has too much consideration for other people’s feelings. I’m interested to see if he’ll be the next book in the series.
The relationship between Laura and Allen seemed natural which was something that I really liked and I loved Mollie.
Overall, I found the story both heartbreaking and heartwarming. The characters are endearing and will cross my mind occasionally.
I received a copy from the publisher and was not required to write a give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Excerpt]:
I requested this book because I’ve only recently learned about the genre known as “inspirational” or sometimes “Christian” fiction. It includes feel-good, “pure” stories with no overtly sexual content (sex, cheating, dirty talking, etc.) and basically no untoward content (drug use, partying, cursing, or any other “bad” behavior). A big part of this genre are the Amish romances. Honestly, I’d seen books like this before in passing but I’d NEVER thought about what they’d be about or even that they were actually quite popular. I decided to read one of these inspirational books because I was curious to know if they were any good.

I gave Room on the Porch Swing, the second book in Clipston’s Amish Homestead series about an Amish town in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, a solid 3 stars. I have to start off by saying I didn’t hate it nor love it. I went into this not expecting much, and I wasn’t too far wrong about the content.
[Full review on my blog!]

Change can be scary. If you’re like me, you have a conflicting relationship with change. You cringe at monotony—can’t imagine doing the same thing or living in the same place for years and years, but at the same time you can’t imagine moving away from the people you care about or giving up a job you love—or throwing out your firstborn’s old ragged teddy bear. No matter how you feel about changed, there are certain changes no one desires to face—the lose of a loved one.
And that’s where we find our characters in “Room on the Porch Swing.” Laura and Allen have both come face to face with the most frightening change of all. Laura lost her mother and Allen—his wife. Both sudden deaths. These two bleeding hearts come together over one common goal. Little Mollie Faith needs someone to care for her. And Laura just wants to help. Savilla was her best friend and she’d do anything for her. And without considering the consequences, she does.
But Laura’s boyfriend Rudy is not happy that his girlfriend is spending so much time with another man, even spending the night at his house. In a way I don’t blame him for getting jealous, but I will agree that Laura definitely deserved better.
Room on the Porch Swing is a beautiful Amish love story about hope and healing after facing a tragedy. It’s about finding love and support from those God has placed in your life. It’s about accepting his will in all things and opening your heart to the next step. I enjoyed this book. It’s about wanting “God’s best” and not accepting “good enough.” Come with Allen and Laura as they seek faith to overcome the heartache they carry and move forward into the beautiful future God has prepared for them.
My favorite quote from the book is, “We can’t allow ourselves to question God’s plans for us or blame ourselves for what’s not in our control. We all know God is in control. He has the best plan for our lives because it’s his plan.”

One of them books that you can't put down. I found myself wandering throughout the day what happen with the characters and couldn't wait to pick it up and read it. The characters are amazing along with the story line.

Just when I think author Amy Clipston can’t write a better book, here comes Room on the Porch Swing. I read it in two days, only because I had to go to work. Seriously, I couldn’t put this book down.

This heartwarming story deals with some of the heavy stuff of life. Loss of a spouse, grief, insecurity; things that aren’t fun but are real. And through it all is God; forgiveness, compassion, and love. Second chances.

The characters are so well written that they come to life as the story plays out. Written with such depth of emotion you’ll probably shed a few tears, gasp, and laugh. I really would love to go visit these people. I’m sure we’d be friends. I highly recommend reading this book.

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

A sweet story that will pull on your heartstrings starting on page one. The characters are relatable and baby Mollie is adorable. When Allen Lambert becomes a widow and his mother-in-law takes a fall, he is in desperate need of help with little Mollie. Allen’s late wife, Savilla, was Laura Riehl’s best friend so she decides, with her family’s support, to help Allen until Irma Mae gets back on her feet. Laura doesn’t inform her boyfriend, Rudy Swarey, of her decision. Their main problem is communication and commitment. Will Rudy finally step up and be ready to make a commitment to Laura? Is Laura getting too attached to Allen and baby Mollie? Is their special friendship blossoming and growing into love? During one of their conversations on Allen’s front porch, Allen tells Laura, “there’s room on the porch swing for you”. After losing the love of his life, is Allen ready to tell Laura, “there’s room in my heart for you”? Author Amy Clipston writes with passion inviting you in to be a part of her stories. I think this is a great book to add to your stash!
I was provided a complimentary copy from NetGalley. The opinions are my own.

ROOM ON THE PORCH SWING by Amy Clipston. May 8
Allen his wife Saville dies suddenly, leaving him with baby Mollie now. Since first day of school , Laura had been friends with Saville, now she keeps checking on how Allen is doing, which makes her fiancé Rudy concerned, it’s too often. When he needs someone quick, it is Laura
With Rudy, he is immature, easy to be with, in no hurry for marriage or family, how long does one wait, she wonders. After a time Allen realizes the balm of the healing was Laura. Would she love him, or feel like just a replacement to tend to Mollie. A good story of healing and second chance at love again. Given ARC by Net Galley and Zondervan for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

I always enjoy Amish books. They all seem to have a little different rules the church uses. I was a little surprised Laura moved in to take care of Mollie without another woman living in the house. I enjoyed several all the courtships going on, brother getting married, father a widower also. Not sure if any woman would really hang onto a relationship for so long, without something being understood about what each person expected. Maybe that is just me. LOL. A sweet book you could share with your Mother.

Room On The Porch Swing ( Amish Homestead #2 )
By: Amy Clipston
Room On The Porch Swing is book two in Amish Homestead Series by Amy Clipston. Both books in the series are wonderful. They seem to be getting better and better with each book. I think the name was just right for this book. I was drawn in at the start and was hooked. The author did not disappoint. Clipston writes one of those page turners where you cannot seem to find a place to put it down. Tragedy strikes in this story and it is hard to go on. This is Laura and Allen’s story. Can two people who have had so much heartaches and grief see their way to pick up the pieces and go on with their lives? This is a heartwarming story and I found tears in my eyes several times.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is an amazing book and so relatable. It was a true good read. It has grief, heartbreak, loneliness and discovery, friendship and love.

https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-review/room-porch-swing

Another winner by Amy Clipston. Classic writing. An inspirational story. I enjoyed it very much...you will too!

In the next book in her Amish Homestead Series, Clipston brings us Laura’s story. Laura is Jamie’s sister. We met Jamie and his family in the first story of the series, A Place at our Table. Not long after the end of that story, Laura’s best friend Savilla dies from an unexpected illness, leaving behind a grieving husband and infant child. Reeling from the death of her mother and now her best friend, Laura wants to help Savilla’s husband Allen any way that she can. When Allen needs someone to help care for Mollie, the baby, she jumps at the chance, even though her long time boyfriend Rudy seems upset by it. As Laura and Allen spend time together, she begins to feel something for him, something more than friendship. She is certain this is not only a betrayal to Rudy, but also to Savilla. How can she possibly be falling in love with her best friend’s widower? And what should she do about it? This story is so heart-warming. I loved reading about Laura and Allen as they juggled the obstacles in their way, trying to decide what was best for them and Mollie. Is it each other? Or is Laura’s future with Rudy? How can they know for sure? The moments were kind, sweet, and funny, in a way that only Clipston does. There was also pain and heartache along the way. I found myself laughing, crying, and praying right along with the characters. I really enjoyed this story. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series and will be counting the days until it comes out! I received a free copy of this story for my honest review from NetGalley. All opinions in it are expressly my own.

Amy Clipston is one of my favorite Amish authors. Her books always seem authentic, true, and respectful to Amish beliefs. This is another good story from Amy about love, loss, and second chances. The characters of Allen and Laura were interesting as they worked through tough situations. The storyline was a little bit too predictable, but that didn’t taken away from my enjoyment of reading the book. I was hoping for things to turn out as they did. I’ll be looking forward to reading the next book from Amy Clipston.

This is a clean, sweet Amish love story with no bad language or embarrassing scenes. It’s a good book to read when you have the time to spend reading a light, enjoyable story.

Room on the Porch Swing is a good second installment to Amy Clipston’s series, Amish Homestead. I enjoyed the first book of the series, A Place at Our Table, but enjoyed this one so much more. Laura’s story starts off with heartbreak and turmoil. I had a hard time putting the book down because I wanted to know where her heart would go next. So many readers would find it relatable and be inspired by it. I give Room on the Porch Swing a full five stars.

Highly recommended

I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review was 100% my honest opinion.

This is the last installment in Amish Homestead series.

Laura Riehl, whose best friend Savilla has passed away, is devastated. She wants to do whatever she can to help Savilla’s husband, Allen, and his baby daughter, Mollie. In helping him during this terrible time, her boyfriend, Rudy, becomes very jealous of the closeness he feels is developing as Laura shares in the daily lives of Allen and Mollie.

Will finding comfort from each other in the loss of their loved one create problems with family and friends? As they seek God’s guidance in their relationship, will they admit their feelings, or will Laura stay true to her long-time boyfriend, Rudy?

I enjoyed this book very much. It was a very quick read as I didn’t want to put it down until I found out how it would all end. I highly recommend it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Room on the Porch Swing is a beautifully written inspirational romance. Loved the plot and the characters. I always enjoy this author’s books. If you are a fan of Amish fiction this is. Must read.

In Amish Homestead book 2, Room on the Porch Swing, Laura Reihl is mourning the loss of her best friend, Sevilla. When Sevilla’s widower, Allen, asked for help with their young daughter, Mollie, she can’t say yes fast enough. Allen, Sevilla, Laura, and her longtime boyfriend, Rudy, have been friends for several years and she would do anything to help her friend out. Although she yearns to help Allen cope with Sevilla’s passing, she can’t see her own relationship issues. She and Rudy have been growing apart and she hates to break off their relationship because they have been together four years.

Allen is exhausted and still blames himself for not getting Sevilla to the doctor sooner, convinced that her death was his fault. As she talks to Allen and helps him with Mollie and his own grief, Laura soon discovers she is falling for her best friend’s widow.

Amy Clipston has written another captivating story. Laura is no stranger to loss as in the first Amish Homestead book, she lost her mother to an accident. This book touches on grief and coping with loss, as well as, second chances.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from netgalley and Zondervan Fiction in return for my honest opinion of the book. All opinions and statements expressed are strictly my own.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review .Allen never thought that one day he would be a young widower having lost his Savilla and be left with a young daughter . He has no family to help and is blessed to have his mother in law step in and help. Watching her sweet Mollie she had an accident and had have surgery and rehab.

Savilla's best friend Laura steps in to help with taking care of Mollie. She watches as Allen struggles with being a single dad and running a business. It starts to take a toll on him , so she ask if she can be stay overnight in Mollies room so he can be well rested . Lauras family is fine with this but not her boyfriend Rudy. He is jealous . He tries to cause issues for Laura with the church.
Lauras family notices how close she is to Allen but she is in denial. When the mother in law is able to come back she realizes she has fell for Allen and of course Mollie. In the end they make plans to become a family.
I enjoyed reading this book and seeing how loved bloomed for Laura and Allen