Member Reviews
I'm not afraid that he'll hurt me. I am more afraid of what might happen when I allow someone to love me completely. It's more of a fear of the unknown.
Kira is helping out her aunt's family in Pennsylvania while healing her broken heart. She was engaged to be married however, her fiancé broke off their engagement admitting that he was not ready for marriage. She is now wrestling with why and a bruised heart.
When she is out shopping with her young cousin, she is surprised when a young man shows kindness and tenderness to her the little girl. She actually is impressed how easy going he is. The exchange pleasantries and names not knowing that Jayden's step mother is friends with her aunt. Few days later, Jayden and his brother are working on the family's roof.
Jayden and Kira have had different experiences but one thing that they have in common is the strength of the family. They are both struck and impressed with each other and the values they hold. Jayden has never dated ..friendship is the most important thing to him. His relationship with his brothers, father, stepmother and the people of the community. He is intrigued by Kira and can not believe that a man would break up with her. Kira is struck with Jayden loyalty and kindness.
When they both discover that they want more than friendship, they must overcome different fears.
I thought Amy's style was a little different with this one. After you read so many books from one author, you can recognize their style however, this seemed a little different. More traditional and without any English distractions. I enjoyed getting to know Kira and Jayden and appreciated how they did overcome the fears. That is what faith is all about.
A special thank you to Zondervan Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Wonderful Story
In book four of Amy Clipston's Amish Legacy series, we catch up with Jayden Bontrager. Having met him in the prior books of the series, I would classify Jayden as my favorite Bontrager family member. His kindness, maturity, and all-around good nature are what make him so special, and it was so great to finally read his story.
In the story, I found that Jayden is still the wonderful person that I thought him to be. He is still so caring and kind-hearted, and I wanted his story to be special and have a happy ending. Although that's what I wanted, Kira sure did make it difficult for me to believe it could ever happen. I totally understand why she felt as she did, and I felt for her and what she'd been through. However, she just didn't seem to want to move past that. Thus, I found myself annoyed with her on more than one occasion and was left thinking that it was going to be a hopeless situation. But how it all turns around and turns out is just something you'll have to read for yourself. And trust me. You won't be disappointed. And if you haven't read the prior books in this series, no worries. It can be read as a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are voluntary and completely my own.
Amy Clipston is one of my favorites within the Amish fiction genre, and An Amish Legacy has moved its way up on my list of all time favorite series. I've been waiting to read Jayden's story ever since his character was first introduced in Foundation of Love, and it definitely did not disappoint. This book was sweet, heart wrenching and swoon worthy, and was the perfect conclusion to this beautiful series.
Jayden and Kira were characters that were easy to root for right from the start. Kira comes to her aunt and uncle's farm with a broken heart and a lot of hurt she's holding onto. She's hesitant to trust her heart to anyone ever again, but she never planned on Jayden. Jayden is a sweet, God fearing man who loves his family and would do anything for anyone in need. The more time the two spend together, the more feelings start to develop, but both are unsure how to move past the insecurities they carry to find their own way to happily ever after.
Moving and heartwarming, The Heart's Shelter was a beautiful illustration that God always has a plan for His children, if we can only trust Him to reveal it. The writing was engaging, the characters felt like old friends, the romance was both beautiful and swoon worthy, and I loved getting to revisit previous characters from the series.
I'll still say personally that the first and the third books ended up being my favorite overall, but this one was definitely a wonderful story in its own right, and I would highly recommend both this title and this series overall.
Final Rating: 4/5.
Amy Clipston has delivered another fantastic Amish fiction title, and I can't wait to see what she'll have in store for her reader's next.
Thanks so much to Zondervan for allowing me to read and review this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Zondervan) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
The Heart's Shelter by Amy Clipston
(An Amish Legacy Novel Book 4)
Kira has no interest in dating and putting down roots in Pennsylvania—that is, until she finds a kindred spirit in Jayden Bontrager.
Kira Detweiler doesn’t plan to be in Lancaster County for long. She’s left her family in Indiana to help her aunt after the birth of her fourth boppli. Or at least that’s what she tells people. Deep down, she’s trying to escape the heartache of a broken engagement and has no plans to date again anytime soon.
Jayden Bontrager watches his older brothers with admiration, and he prays that someday he’ll have the kind of life they do. Even so, he’s only twenty-three and not in a hurry to marry and start a family. He’s content to watch from the sidelines and is happy to see his brothers enjoying a close relationship once again.
When Jayden and Kira strike up a friendship, they are each drawn to the other’s gentle and humble demeanor, and they feel things for one another unlike anything they’ve felt before. But Kira is torn between her heart and her home. She sees no point in pursuing a relationship with Jayden when she doesn’t plan to put down roots in Pennsylvania. The last thing she needs is another heartbreak.
Will Jayden and Kira be able to overcome the obstacles in their path to find the future they both dream of?
In this fourth and final book of the Amish Legacy Series, readers will find out if the youngest Bontrager brother will get his happily ever after.
This is Kira Detweiler and Jayden Bontrager's story.
Stan and I were wondering if Kira might consider coming out to Lancaster County to help me when the baby is born. I will certainly have my hands full, and I would love to not only spend time with her but also have the help. Please let me know what Kira thinks. Love to you all, Ellen.” She looked up from the letter and focused on Kira. “What do you think about that?”
Kira’s stomach dropped. “She wants me to come to Pennsylvania to help her?”
“That’s what she said.” Mamm nodded. “You know she’ll need the help.”
“Are you going to go?” Maribeth asked.
Kira hurried over to the cart, where the man spoke softly to
Liesel, and Ruby smiled up at him.
“What’s your doll’s name?” he asked her.
Liesel wiped her eyes and sniffed. “Baby.”
“Baby.” The man looked at the doll. “What a nice name. Hi,
Baby. I’m Jayden.” When he turned to meet Kira’s gaze, he flashed
that warm smile. “She’d thrown her doll. I thought I’d hand it to
her and try to calm her down.”
Kira smiled. “Danki. You seem to be a natural with kinner.”
“Not really.” His expression became sheepish. “I just like to
play with my bruderskinner and baby schweschder.”
I recommend reading this book.
The Heart's Shelter by Amy Clipston is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
If you enjoy Amish stories you will love this book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Amy Clipston.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and was under no obligation to post a review.
Amy Clipston’s Amish Legacy series
Book 1: Foundation of Love
Book 2: Building a Future
Book 3: Breaking New Ground
Book 4: The Heart’s Shelter
Amy Clipston’s book four in The Amish Legacy series is probably my favorite of the set! The Heart’s Shelter is the story of Jayden and Kira! Kira is in Pennsylvania helping her aunt with her four children when she meets Jayden. They have an instant connection, but she has recently had her heart broken and is not planning to stay with her aunt. Can Jayden convince her that he won’t hurt her and that their love is worth it? Jayden is my favorite character. I’ve enjoyed him in every book and was so happy to see his get his happy ending! Thanks NetGalley and the publisher.
The Heart's Shelter is Amy Clipston's 4th (and final, I believe) book in her Amish Legacy series. This books tells the story of youngest brother, Jayden Bontrager (my personal favorite of the Bontrager brothers.)
Jayden Bontrager has watched his two older brothers struggle with each other most of his life. His role in the family always seemed to be the peacemaker. Now that both brothers have fallen in love and married and their relationship is one of mutual respect and caring, Jayden can finally concentrate on his own future. He'd love to marry and have a family of his own, but none of the local girls have piqued his interest. When one of their roofing jobs takes him to the Amish community next to his, he meets Kira Detweiler, a young woman from Indiana visiting her aunt in Pennsylvania. She intrigues him. Could she be the one?
Kira Detweiler jumped at the chance to leave her community and help her aunt following the birth of her youngest cousin. She needed to get away from her ex-fiance who called off their wedding just weeks before the event. Taking her broken heart with her, she vows to have nothing to do with dating or even attending the youth singings. Plus, why get involved with anyone in Pennsylvania when she fully intends to return to the bosom of her family in Indiana? Meeting Jayden puts a kink in that plan. His kindness, understanding, and willingness to "just be friends" with her, soothe her troubled heart. As they spend time together (not dating!) will Kira begin to see that maybe her heart wants to be entrusted into Jayden's keeping?
I've read all four of the books, and I think I'd say this one was neck and neck with Bontrager father, Duane's story for my favorite of the series. I really liked Jayden every time he appeared in any of the books. His gentleness and obvious love for his father and brothers made him easy to like.
Readers who love Amish romance or just who love sweet, tender romance stories, will enjoy The Heart's Shelter. I know I did!
The Heart’s Shelter by Amy Clipston is the fourth An Amish Legacy Novel. We get Jayden’s story in this addition. I have liked Jayden since the beginning, and I have been looking forward to his tale. I find Jayden to be a kind man with a good heart. I thought The Heart’s Shelter was a sweet story, but I found it to be repetitive. I like the Bontrager family as well as Kira’s aunt. I had trouble liking Kira. She is older than Jayden, but he was the more mature person in the relationship. I did like that Kira and her group of friends did kind deeds for those who were struggling in the community. I thought the story lacked depth. The same details are repeated in each chapter. I liked catching up with the other characters in the series. I have enjoyed seeing them develop and watching the Bontrager family grow closer. The Heart’s Shelter can be read as a standalone as the author provided the necessary background information for new readers.
What a wonderful conclusion to a great series.
Jayden and Kira’s story has definitely become my favorite. My eyes watered a few times reading this book. I felt their pain, cross roads and happiness. It was great catching up with Taylor and Korey from the other books in this series. Seeing them bonding was heartfelt. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys romance with a little bit of an inspirational message.
Here is a couple that I loved rooting for. Both Kira and Jayden are both sweet and giving people. Kira has traveled to Pennsylvania to help her aunt that has recently given birth to her fourth baby. Kira also needs time away from Indiana to heal her broken heart. At their first meeting, Kira is impressed when Jayden soothes her upset toddler cousin. Even though they are both attracted to each other, Kira isn't sure if she can trust any man with her heart. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Kira's young cousin Rudy is so precious and I love how Kira is so ready to include in her in her activities. I also love how Kira and Jayden are so involved with their families and their community. This is my favorite book in the series.
The Heart's Shelter is the fourth and final novel in Amy Clipston's An Amish Legacy Series. Jayden Bontrager was always the sweetest brother in the Bontrager family and it was really nice to see him find the love that the rest of his family had already found. Kira Detweiler is hurting from the betrayal she faced from her ex and Jayden is the perfect person to help her get over that and move on. This was a really sweet novel and a fun and easy read.
The Heart's Shelter
by Amy Clipston
This is Amy Clipston’ s fourth book in the Amish Legacy series. Release day is 06 Feb 2024.
Ms. Clipston has outdone herself with this book.
The characters are realistic and the story line is full of emotion and appealing to all. As you read the story, you are pulled into the setting, and plot.
Kira Detweiler and Jayden Bontrager are just right for each, but neither want to admit there is an attraction between them. They both have reasons to be skittish of relationships.
Can these two move forward with a relationship allowing God to guide their lives.?
I highly recommend this 5-star book.
Thank you Zondervan Fiction for allow me to receive and ARC of this great 5 star read I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This was a delightful read from start to finish. From the start of the book I developed a soft spot for Jayden. He was an extremely kind and warmhearted man. I enjoyed watching his interactions with all the small children in his life. From Rudy to Krissy it was adorable. Only such a man could win over the heart of Kira. She was closed off to love (for very good reason) and Jayden with his caring ways, was exactly what she needed. I read this book in one sitting and it left me with a smile on my face. I’m giving 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧'𝗦 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗘𝗥 the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
Kira Detweiler is visiting her aunt and helping after the birth of her aunt's fourth child. It was perfect timing, as her long time boyfriend broke off their engagement.
Jayden Bontrager is the glue that keeps his brothers together. He is happy to see his father and two brothers in happy relationships and hopes one day to have that kind of relationship.
Kira and Jayden meet, and they become good friends. Kira cannot decide if she wants to return home to her family or take a chance and stay in Lancaster County to get to know Jayden.
This is a sweet story, and I am sad to see that this is the final book in this series.
A beautifully written love story that spans two world wars.
A teenage friendship, and a love of books, but from two different worlds. A story filled with music, books, sweet romance, and tragedy.
A story that draws you in and doesn't let go, and through out most of the book we end up at war. A heartwarming read, that made it a page turner for me.
Be sure to read the epilogue, a gift!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give you a positive review.
The Heart's Shelter is another wonderfully sweet Amish read by talented author, Amy Clipston. I liked it and am giving it four stars.
This is the fourth book in the Amish Legacy Series and the author has truly wrote another inspiring book. Kira comes to Lancaster to help her Aunt on the birth of new baby and to run away from her broken heart. Jayden Bontrager admires the life that his older brothers have and one day he will have. Just not quite yet.
He meets Kira at her Aunts while doing a roofing job. They both hit it off, each thinking that they would really like to know each other better. But, Kira is too protective of her heart and Jayden thinks what's the point if she is going to leave. I loved reading this series, watching each person grow into themselves and allow love to bloom.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book, opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
It’s no secret that I love Amy Clipston’s books. I have read them all, from her Amish fiction to her sweet and clean adult romances.
That said, there is a special place in my heart for the Amish Legacy series. I would have to say it is my favorite Amish series of hers. I got so vested in the family and I have loved following each of the Bontrager men’s stories.
This is Jayden’s story. I have loved him as a character since the first book. He had such a nice way about him and was such a sweet character overall. I’ve been eagerly awaiting his turn to find love. I loved seeing more development to his character and how good he was with kids. Kira wasn’t my favorite heroine but I liked that she and Jayden were open with each other from the beginning. I also liked that she was older than him and thought it didn’t matter because he was mature. I also loved the little friend group that went around doing good deeds for people struggling in the community. That was so sweet.
I believe this is this last book of the series so that definitely made it a little bittersweet for me but I really enjoyed this one. I can’t wait to see what Amy Clipston will write next!!!
<i>I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Loved reading this novel, I would definitely recommend it, great writing style. Her books never disappoint!
I've enjoyed this sweet series very much.
I feel that Clipston has hit the tough subjects head on and made them realistic. Grief never goes away and neither does missing someone.
Jaden's story is the best one! He's my favorite brother because he's just so laid back and takes everything in stride. Pretty much like my own husband does. I wish I were more like them. He's also the sweetest boy.
Kira is also a very nice girl. I liked her a lot too.
The very one thing that I didn't like was the repetitive conversation that was through the book about the different reasons why they couldn't be together and it drove me nuts. I kept thinking why they didn't or couldn't see what right in front of their faces! A wonderful second chance at love.
I still finished the novel in one day though. I had to see if they'd work whatever was in their pathway that's keeping them from happiness.
I do want to mention how cute the cover is. The colors in the background are awesome.
5 stars for a well written and realistic characters that will pull you into their lives from day one.
I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Kira Detweiler is in Pennsylvania just to help her aunt with her newest baby and to put some distance between her heartache at home and her present situation. She meets Jayden Bontrager in Pennsylvania and begins to have the dilemma of return home or stay in Pennsylvania. This is the 4th in a series about the Bontrager sons and I have enjoyed the whole series. Amy Clipston is one of my favorite authors of Amish romances.
I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my own honest opinion.