What a great story written by Amy Clipston! This book touches on abuse, both physical and mental, and really makes you feel the emotions that Priscilla endures. I loved watching Mark and Priscilla's relationship grow and how Mark takes Ethan under his wing. And I especially love how Priscilla's father comes to terms with himself and approaches her for a healthier relationship. Amy Clipston has really written a wonderful book that will make you cry, laugh, and experience all the feels.

Priscilla has returned home looking for a safe place fore her and her son Ethan. She has escaped an abusive relationship with Ethan's Dad Trent. She has put up with a lot of verbal abuse and has physically abused. As she pulls up to her families farm she is greeted my Mark . Mark is one of her best friends brothers. Laura is Marks twin.
Priscilla has to ask her Dad and Mom if she can stay with them after being gone 8 years. Her Mom is the easy one to talk to her Dad not so much. He is the biggest reason she left. He never showed her much respect or trust. She has to follow her Dad's rules and go to the Bishop and ask to rejoin the Church and confess. Also find a husband for herself and father for Ethan. She always felt like a disappointment.
Mark warms up to Priscilla and tries his best to be her friend. Even eating with her and talking to her even though she is supposed to be shunned by the community. She is hesitant because he is know as a flirt and dating a lot of the young ladies in the community. He isn't ready to get married he is only focused on his job and building a house for his self.
As time goes on he comes to care a lot for Priscilla and Ethan. Priscilla is starting to care about him but is cautious. One day Priscilla and Mark have a disagreement and he sees the scar on her arm. He is upset by what he sees and ask her about it. She confesses to him about the abuse she has been through. Her Dad and the Bishop see them together and assume it is more than what it is. Her Dad and the Bishop tell them they must wed seeing as they were in a compromised position. He thinks Mark is the perfect person for her and Ethan. Neither is sure in the beginning but after talking to family decide to go through with the marriage.
Trent shows up right before the wedding and Mark makes it clear he is not welcome.. One day out of the blue he picks Ethan up and has hits another car . Priscilla and Mark tell Trent that they will work with charges if he lets Mark adopt Ethan.
After a lot of prayers and understanding they find themselves to be a happy family.

This story will touch your heart in so many ways. I had great sympathy for Priscilla because of the abuse, both vocal and physical, that she had endured for years. Her strength and determination to protect and provide for her son Is admirable. Mark was the “hero” that she needed and I enjoyed reading their story through all its ups and downs. Amy Clipson has given us another beautiful Amish story set in a wonderful community.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A Seat by the Hearth if a beautifully written Amish romance. Loved the plot and the author’s writing. I recommend this good book. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my digital arc. This is my unbiased review.

A Seat by the Hearth by Amy Clipston is book three of the Amish Homestead Novel series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel. We follow Priscilla who has escaped an abusive relationship with her son and returned to her childhood home. It was easy to feel her emotions as she returns home where she encounters Mark, her childhood best friend's brother. Mark, who is known to be a flirt, is charming and sweet. He instantly cares about Priscilla and her son. I loved that he was okay with taking things very slow, letting her ease her guard down as she was ready.
I found the strained relationship between Priscilla and her father to be a surprise, as she was his only child. It was hard to believe some of the actions he took in the story, but it was very captivating and held my attention from beginning to end. Clipston did an amazing job creating characters that were easy to love. The descriptions brought them to life and made the reader feel everything they were experiencing throughout the book

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley.com and all opinions are my own.

Let me start out by saying although this is book three in the series, you could read it as a standalone. However, reading books one and two will make book three richer for you.

Author Amy Clipston continues to get better with each book, and that’s saying a lot as I believe she is one of the best authors of Amish fiction. This book, in my opinion, is quite possibly her finest so far. Clipston doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects, such as abusive relationships, and shunning. But as always, she wraps it up with forgiveness and redemption.

The characters in A Seat by the Hearth are well developed and very believable. You will fall in love with them; especially Mark. To see how he developed as the story went along was wonderful; it is so well written. This book has all of the feelings; heartache, sadness, anger, and joy. I seriously couldn’t put it down and read it as quickly as possible just to see what would happen next. And yet, I didn’t want it to end. I highly recommend adding this to your library!

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

Amy has out down herself with this book. The characters Priscilla and Mark each learn a special lesson about themselves and about each other. Priscilla's characters made me want to cry and give her a hug and tell her to be strong. Mark's character was a major surprise when he is forced into something he never expected. Everyone who reads this book will fall in love with both characters. Learning to trust is the hardest thing for both Mark and Priscilla

A Seat by the Hearth by Amy Clipston returns us to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Priscilla Allgyer is returning to her parent’s home after eight years with her six year old son, Ethan. Her mother, Edna welcomes her, but her father, Yonnie is just as cold, critical and disapproving as ever. Priscilla is thankful that he is kind to her son and that is what is most important to her. Yonnie will allow her to stay if she follows certain rules. He insists that Priscilla and Ethan wear Amish dress, visit the Bishop right away confess her sins and to get right with the church since she is currently shunned, and then he wants her to find an acceptable husband. Mark Riehl is now working for Yonnie helping him train horses and he is known for charming the local females. Priscilla is the first woman to not fall for his charm and is leery of trusting any man after her experience with Ethan’s father. As time passes, they are slowly becoming friends. One day Priscilla is upset, and she is talking to Mark in the barn. Yonnie and the Bishop walk in and misconstrue the situation. Priscilla must make a choice that not only affects her, but Mark, Ethan and their families. Can Priscilla learn to trust Mark and build a future with him?

A Seat by the Hearth is a lovely story. I thought it was well-written with steady pacing. There are good characters and a beautiful setting. Priscilla is reluctant to return home to her father’s dictatorial rule, but she has no other options. Yonnie has been indifferent, stern and judgmental of Priscilla her whole life. She wishes her family was more like the warm and welcoming Riehl’s. Mark is a charmer and he knows it. He has yet to feel the need to settle down. Mark is baffled by Priscilla’s indifference. He sees how Yonnie treats Priscilla and he wants to be her friend. I like how the relationship between Mark and Priscilla progresses slowly. They are attracted to each other in the beginning, but they take the time to get to know one other. In Priscilla’s case, she has issues to overcome before she can begin again with someone new. I appreciated that we get to see how actions speak louder than words. Amy Clipston created delightful characters for this story and the main characters complement each other. We also learn how upbringing can affect a person (we learn from our parents). The series issue of abuse is handled carefully and responsibly. Some of the Christian elements present in A Seat by the Heart are prayer, forgiveness, forgiveness and trusting in God. While A Seat by the Hearth is the third book in An Amish Homestead series, it can be read alone. Personally, I have enjoyed the journey with the Riehl family in each new book, and I am glad that I read them in order. I started A Seat by the Hearth and finished it within three hours. Amy Clipston has an appealing writing style. It is like Amy is sitting in a chair by the fire and telling us a story. A Seat by the Hearth is an engaging and emotional novel with heartwarming characters.

A Seat by the Hearth by Amy Clipston is book 3 in the Amish Homestead series. I have not read the first two yet. I can honestly say it can be read as a stand alone.
Having read other books by Ms Clipston I was excited to read this one and was not disappointed.
This is a heartwarming story that I did not want to put down. The main characters are great and the story flows. I love Mark, Priscilla, and Ethan. The supporting characters are also likeable.
Clipston tackles the stories of today and shows the Amish have to deal with the same life events of the English.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A seat by the Hearth ( An Amish Homestead Novel-Book 3 )
By: Amy Clipston
A Seat by the Hearth is book three by Amy Clipston in An Amish homestead novel Series. Amy Clipston just keeps getting better. Love the story it was well written and the characters well developed. I did not want to put it down. This is one of those page turner. I caught myself trying to read faster to see what was going to happen next. Ms. Clipston carries us back to an Amish home in Lancaster Co., Pa. This was a very powerful and emotional story about abuse, love, and forgiveness. This is Mark and Priscilla’s story. Priscilla comes back home with a son after several years and is shunned. Mark is a bachelor and a ladies man. Priscilla catches Mark’s eye, but she thinks she has had enough hurt and does not need anymore. I loved the story , but felt really sorry for Priscilla. I caught myself with tears in my eyes several times.
I was given a complimentary ARC by NetGalley and the Publishing Company, but was not told that I had to give positive review. All opinions are my own.

An enjoyable read from beginning to end, and kept me page turning. The author gives us a woman that leaves and abusive home and ends up in another, and to make it more interesting she is Amish.
When she returns to the Amish she comes with her sweet six-year-old son Ethan, and what a joy he is.
I loved how the situation with the violent boyfriend was resolved, and never saw it coming.
Now this is the third book in this series, and loved being back with old friends, but this book can stand alone.

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

In Book Three of The Amish Homestead Series, Author Amy Clipston takes us back to visit our favorite Amish family in Lancaster Co, PA, The Riehls. This time it’s Mark’s story, a confirmed bachelor with a reputation for enjoying spending time with the young women in the community. Priscilla Allgyer left her Amish home to escape her father’s expectations only to find herself in an abusive relationship. Once her situation becomes unbearable, she leaves with her son, Ethan. She returns home knowing she will be shunned. When she catches the eye of Mark Riehl, he is determined to reach out and be a friend. She is just as resolute to not be one of his conquests. Misunderstandings abound, and the emotions will pull at your heartstrings. I have enjoyed this series. Each is stand-alone. Definitely, a great addition for your to-be-read pile!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. The opinions are my own.

Amy Clipston has a way of writing that brings her characters to life. The reader can easily relate to the ups and downs in which the characters must overcome in their lives. Her characters are well developed and her storylines are hard to put down. A Seat by the Hearth is the third book in this series. While I have enjoyed the other two, this one was hard to put down. Pricilla and Mark's story was by far the best. So many woman face the same trials that brought Pricilla back to her Amish heritage. While her first instincts are to run, her quiet resolve to protect her son is one that most can connect with. Mark was shown as a some what play boy who many thought would never find the right wife. Watching these two fall in love but have no idea that they are in love kept me turning the pages. I love how forgiveness, love, understanding, and the need to protect innocent ones played out in the story. Fear often drives us but with someone to love and protect, we can conquer our fears. I highly recommend this book and all of her books. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

This is the third in the series and could be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the first two. This story's underlying theme is abuse, both verbal and physical. Priscilla is trying hard to escape physical abuse but what happens when she brings her son, Ethan back to her family's farm? Will she able to be accepted? Will she have the strength to live at home with an abusive father? Will she be able to go through shunning and confession and find peace? Will she find the love that she desperately wants? Great story! Highly recommended!

Another hit! I can’t sing the praises high enough. Mrs. Clipston has brought us Mark’s story. I’ve been waiting patiently (or, those that TRULY know me, know it’s not all that patient!) to see what Amy Clipston had in store for Mark and Priscilla. Let me tell you this: she truly had a wonderful story for them. They were absolutely perfect in every way for this moving, heartfelt, gripping addition to the Amish Homestead series.

Mark and Priscilla had to endure an “arranged” marriage but they didn’t let that stop them from making the best of it, and learning about one another. Their pasts catch up to them, they learn a lot about what it means to wholly accept oneself, and they learn that there will always be a seat by the hearth for each other to continue their journey in life as not just friends, but as an actual couple.

This book is filled with ups, downs, hope and understanding. Amy Clipston’s trademark messages of acceptance and love are woven perfectly through out this incredible journey. God is definitely working on Mark and Priscilla within these pages and I won’t soon forget them! They are on my keeper shelf to stay. Mark’s play boy ways, and Priscilla’s uneasiness are over come by the true love of friendship. Definitely a 5 star worthy novel in this reader’s honest opinion! I can’t wait for another beautifully chiseled novel from this talented author!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

Priscilla Allyger and her six year old son Ethan have arrived at her parent’s home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. But this is no ordinary homecoming - Priscilla had left her home 8 years ago living as an “Englisher” a non Amish person. She met and lived with Trent, an Englisher who had physically assaulted her and neglected their son, Travis.
Her parents were surprised by her unannounced appearance, her mother was happy, but her father was very angry because she had left before joining the Amish church (this meant that Priscilla was shunned - unable to eat or fellowship with any Amish person) until she was baptized and joined the church.
Priscilla’s son, Ethan is welcomed by his grandfather, but Priscilla is not, her father treats her like an Englisher.
Mark Riehl, an old friend of Priscilla’s, works for her father and he tries to befriend her.
You will have to read the book for yourself to find out if Priscilla can start a new life, or will she have to go back to an abusive boyfriend?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is the third book in Clipston’s Amish Homestead series. It could be read as a standalone, but the reader will have a great appreciation for the overall community if the books are read in order.

A Seat by the Hearth is an emotional read. Serious issues (such as emotional and physical abuse) are tactfully addressed. It’s great to see an author not shy away from such topics just because the setting includes the Amish community. Clipston’s characters demonstrate the challenges and struggles, especially with the main character being a single mother with a child born out of wedlock. It’s an engaging story of second chances, forgiveness, and friendship. I enjoyed seeing the characters grow over the course of the book. I look forward to reading the next installment in the series. Fans of Amish-themed novels will definitely want to check this one out.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to post a positive review.

What a wonderful story! This book has so many emotions running through the story line. I loved this book and can't wait to read more by Amy Clipston. You won't regret getting this book. Once you start reading it, you can't put it down. Thank you Zondervan Fiction via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

I LOVED this story!!!!!!!! I think the author has written her best work ever with a compelling story and characters it is impossible to dislike (ok, with the exception of a couple). I found this book heartbreaking and heartstopping at the same time. This book is just magnificent!!!!!!

I instantly fell in love with Priscilla and Mark. Priscilla has been emotionally and physically abused by her ex-boyfriend and son Ethan's father, Trent. It was easy to feel her emotions as she returns to her childhood home where she encounters Mark, her childhood best friend's brother. Mark is known to be a bit of a flirt but instead of me being turned off by this I found him to be friendly and charming. The way he cares about Priscilla without even knowing it just made my heart skip beats at times. Now some readers may not like the slow pace of the relationship between these characters, but I liked it. I liked the way Priscilla slowly let her guard down and how Mark's actions towards her spoke so much louder than any words. The author did a wonderful job in creating these characters and their personalities. They are a perfect match for each other and it is revealed page after wonderful page.

In addition to the abuse Priscilla received at the hands of her ex, there is also a very strained relationship with her father. There is a bit of a plot twist that I wasn't expecting in regards to this aspect of the story. I thought I knew how this story was going to progress and then *BAM* there it was and I was left rereading sentences to make sure I had correctly read them the first time. Once again Amy Clipston is proving that she is a top-notch author and can keep the reader's interest from beginning to end.

The pace of the story was perfect though at times I became a little impatient for these two characters to hopefully find their happily ever after. I chalk this up to the author's ability to create characters I loved and cared about so much. The descriptions made me feel as if I were there with the characters and experiencing everything along with them.

If I could only recommend one Amish fiction book to someone this would be the one. Everything about the book is perfect and showcases why Amy is one of (if not the) best writers of Amish fiction. This is the third book in the series but I feel like it would be ok to read as a standalone. You will have missed out on the backstory of some of the other characters but you won't feel lost. You can always go back and read the first two books later but this is one you definitely won't want to miss out on. This book is definitely going on my keeper shelf.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through BookLook Bloggers. I was not required to write a review and all opinions are mine.

This was a story that certainly touched my heart. I was quickly engrossed and unable to put it down. Priscilla's life held a whole lot of heartache but she was a a fighter on a mission to secure a better life for her young son and herself. The hope for everything to work out for her was an easily catalyst for finishing the book quickly.

My heart really went out to Priscilla's character. When conflict arises, her instinct is to run from it in order to protect her heart and her son. To be honest I could resonate with some of her thoughts in the book, as I have been a runner as well. I know what some of her thoughts feel like. What I loved about this story was that despite how Priscilla ended up back home, she had found a friend in a man who was willing to stand up for her at all costs. Even if things hadn't happened as they did, I still believe the outcome would be the same. When you love someone, you are willing and want to protect them. I really loved how their relationship evolved, especially with all of the curve balls thrown their way.

This is a story I would absolutely highly recommend. Although it's the third book in the series it's the first one I've read but I was able to successfully read it as a stand-alone. Having said that though, other characters present in the book are the main characters in the first two, and I DO wish I'd read them first. This is a wonderful series for Amish fiction fans. 

*I received a free copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.