As a baker myself by hobby, I am always fascinated with Amish baking. Now that's not the main point of this story, however I was drawn in from the premise of the book, and the title of course, and was delighted to read another well written story from Clipston.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I think this title got lost in the shuffle of my books to be read. I have read the last two of The Bake Shop series but this is my favorite. You can read them out of order but they are more enjoyable if you read them in order.

This book was exactly the sweet romance I was hoping for after reading a one-star book earlier today. The fact that this story revolved around a group of cousins made my day. I don’t see enough of those stories. I’m glad to see that the cousins are each getting their own books. I’ll be reading them all.

I enjoyed the farmer’s market setting. It was really fun to have the majority of the book take place there. That’s pretty unique, and it was exactly what I needed today, as it’s been overcast here a lot lately. Having a sunny story to read was so timely for me this week.

The leads in this one were in their late twenties. That was refreshing, as so many romance leads are late teens or early twenties. I don’t mind those, but I also enjoy reading about older characters.

Content: drugs (mentioned)

If you like Amish stories, this book will be perfect for you!
Amy Clipston does a great job of bringing the reader in to the heart of Lancaster County.
Throughout the story, Clipston draws the reader in to the story through a great paced plot with wonderful character development.

Amy Clipston writes stories that speak to my heart and hold my interest from the first page to the last. This particular novel is well written and I enjoyed feeling part of this family through their joys and struggles. Also dealing with overcoming grief, embracing new beginnings, and learning patience in this sweet romance.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series.


I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley with no money exchanged only requirement was an honest review. This is my honest review in my own words.

First of all, I loved, loved, loved, this book. To me it was a bit of a twist from other Amish fiction as we find Christiana trying to make a business of her own, all the while being directed by her Old Order father. Christiana just wants a successful business and possibly the love of her booth neighbor.

I have enjoyed reading Amy Clipston’s novel for many years and THE BAKE SHOP is a prime example of why. Amy pulls you right in and makes you feel as if you are right there experiencing all the heart wrenching feelings her characters are.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Christiana is trying to expand her baking business but is struggling at the family roadside booth she uses. When a booth becomes available in an English market, her cousins, already having their own shops there, talk her into joining them. But it takes some persuasion to get her father to agree to the move. On her first day there, she meets a handsome Amish man by soaking him with coffee, and then discovers his leather shop is next to her bake shop.

My heart was breaking so much for Christiana and all she was going through. I wanted to give her a great big hug and at the same time, shake her a little and make her see what was waiting for her if she would just open up her eyes and heart. THE BAKE SHOP is the first book in the Amish Marketplace series.

I appreciate the clean and wholesome family life that Amish books have. Christiana ‘s family is very supportive, which is not always the case in Amish stories. The ties to the past that help shape the future is just the right touch. THE BAKE SHOP is a quick and entertaining read, and you really won’t know until the end what happens. Why does Christiana’s father have such strict beliefs when even local bishops allow their flock the use of electricity if they work for Englishers? The market is owned by an Englisher so it is legal for Jeffrey to do so.

I became really confused with Christiana’s father and his attitude towards Jeffrey. His inability to listen to reason had me shouting while reading THE BAKE SHOP. The ending however was well worth the wait and as a result I cannot wait for the rest of the Marketplace novels because I don’t want to give these characters up.

I have been enjoying Amy Clipston’s stories for many years and THE BAKE SHOP is exactly why. The twists and turns in Christiana and Jeffrey’s lives pop up when you least expect them. Amy pulls you right in and makes you feel as if you are right there experiencing all the heart wrenching feelings her characters are. When I hear Amy Clipston has a new book coming out, I run to it. She has quickly become one of my favorite Amish authors, and I devour her stories very quickly. I love how her stories allow me to escape my reality and puts me right in the middle of Amish country.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have had an ARC of this book for what feels like forever. Every few months I went back and started reading the book but lost interest quite quickly. I have enjoyed almost every Amy Clipston book in the past but this one just missed the mark for me. It felt a like a very stereotypical Amish novel. Maybe I will give this book a chance in the future, but that day is not today.

Short Review will be published to blog on August 18, 2020.

Loved this book, the setting and characters and story. A story of love and friendship . I couldn’t put it down . Highly recommend

I burned out on Amish fiction when it first became popular because they all started to sound the same. Clipston does give a twist to hers that make them feel a bit different from the norm. This one focuses on the daughter of an old order Amish who strictly sticks to all the rules re no electricity, etc when she becomes friends with an Amish young man who has the leather stall next to her bake shop at the local market. Jeff's district is slightly more lenient on use of some modern inventions if the situation necessitates it. What is behind Christiana's father's stern requirements and will Jeff have a chance to take their friendship to something more?

The Bake Shop is a wonderful and inspiring story of love conquers all! Amy Clipston writes a wonderful story about how you have to be diligent and not give up! Christiana and Jeff are shinning examples of what love can truly do between hurt and disappointment. She writes a story of letting God lead you to where He wants you to be, and when someone tries to take it from you, standing firm on God's promises and His help.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher for my honest opinion.

Amy Clipston's Amish books are always a delightful escape. He characters are interesting and provide a fascinating window to a different way of life.

The Bake Shop is a delightful beginning to the Amish Marketplace series by author Amy Clipston. Set in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania Amish community, readers are introduced to sweet, likable characters who face obstacles with courage and grace. Christiana sets up a new bake shop at the marketplace right near Jeff's leatherwork shop and a romance blossoms despite the past and disapproval. There are some unanticipated twists to the plot and the author gives her readers an enchanting story of mending hearts and true love. I listened to a library copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a review. The narrator, Lauren Berst, did a great job telling Christy and Jeff's story which made for an enjoyable listening experience. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series as well as other books by this author.

I fell in love with Christiana and Jeff's story and characters! I was rooting for them from the moment the bumped into each other! Coffee and donuts brought them together, you could say, but will they stay together? They have some obstacles to overcome. Will their family prove to be one of their biggest supporters or biggest obstacles?

I am now ready for book two in the series!!! I hope the author has her writing fingers working fast cause I know I can hardly wait and I'll bet other readers will feel the same.
I received an ARC of this book from netgalley and Zondervan in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own

Goodreads review: Thank you, Amy, not only for including a cat in this story (and obviously in this series to continue) but or added adorableness, naming her after one of your own cats. I'm looking forward to more Daisy as the series goes on!

When Christiana Kurtz moves her popular baked goods business from her family’s home to the local market, she gets to know Jeffrey Stoltzfus, a leatherworker. The Amish young people hit it off but also tend to aggravate each other at times. Will their budding friendship grow into more or will past heartache and a strict father keep them apart? The story with these compelling characters moves along at a leisurely pace until the latter part of the book, when tension revs up and the stakes become higher. Lessons are learned along the way too. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Bake Shop is the first in a new series. Quite a good start. Enduring characters. Jeff and Christina worked well together.
If you like Amish romance this is definitely for you.

This book started out very slow for me, I know it is introducing a new series but I didn’t expect it. However, once the first part is over, we get some good characters, who have an enemies to friends relationship (As much as one can in an Amish lifestyle). They work through a lot of hang ups and overcome obstacles from the community, family and themselves. I think this was a good start to a new series and I am excited to see what will come next from this author.
I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars for the scene created, the interesting characters, and the overall theme of faith.

I really enjoyed this one! Any story that has to do with baking is always high on my list, and this one doesn't disappoint. The main character Christina was likable, and I really enjoyed her story. Her supporting cast of friends and her sister were also great, and also added to the story.

Some of the other characters were a little more tricky for me. Jeffery seemed wishy - washy, and caused some hurt feelings and issues I don't think his story line needed. I get recovering from a past relationship, but this was beyond what was needed. Also, Christina's father was harsher than I thought he needed to be.

However, it did work out in the end and was a sweet story.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy!

Whenever I pick up an Amy Clipston book, I get an enjoyable Amish romance, with great characters and an interesting twist to the plot. This one was no exception. Christiana loves to bake and runs a roadside stand in front of her home. When the opportunity arises to get a spot in the Amish Market, she is able to convince her father to let her to try it, even though he is not happy about it. Her booth takes off and she finds herself one of the most popular stops in the market. Unfortunately, her customers block her neighbours booth, and he is not happy about losing business. This is a bit of a a love/hate relationship at first, but as they spend more time together, things heat up.

I liked the slow simmer of this relationship. It started with some hard feelings, but being Amish, Jeff continued to help Christiana and as they spend time together the relationship that began to blossom was quite sweet. I really liked Christiana. She was a sweet girl who only wanted the best for everyone. She is caring and is a good friend. I also liked that she spoke her mind, even to her father, although with him, it didn't have the effect she was hoping for. I also liked that she was willing to fight for what she really wanted. At the beginning of the book, I wasn't sure if I liked Jeff or not. He was easy to anger, didn't want to give anyone the benefit of the doubt and was suspicious. As the book went on, we begin to see another side of him and I began to like him a lot more. I was not sure what Christiana's father's problem was, but when we find out it becomes more understandable. My only complaint with this book was that his coming around came really quickly and it just seemed like the end was too abrupt. I liked the secondary characters in the book, her sister, her cousins and even Just Sarah Anne. Overall, I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the next one in this series.