Building a Future - by Amy Clipston

Building a Future by Amy Clipston is a heartwarming Amish novel. I like Amy Clipston’s writing style. It is casual and engaging. I feel like I am visiting old friends. I found myself easily drawn into the story. I like the characters in this story especially Michelle and Tyler. I was not a fan of Korey who was inattentive to Michelle and did not realize that she is a caring woman with a big heart. Korey came across as juvenile. His behavior reminded me of a sulky teenager. I was surprised that his father let him get away with that type of behavior. Korey states he wants to help run the business with Tyler when their father retires. However, we do not see him coming up with business ideas or displaying the maturity needed for a leadership position. We get to see what it is like to be ignored by someone we care about and the pain that it causes. I enjoyed the lovely descriptions of Michelle’s paintings. I want one of her milk can scenes. I was surprised when one scene mentions Michelle putting the milk can in her tote bag. I did not know that milk cans came in such a small size (there are vintage milk cans that measure 3.5” by 6.25”). I thought the relationship between Tyler and Michelle progressed at the right pace. I could see this scenario playing out in real life. I like how the faith element was incorporated into the story (the author strikes the right balance). It never comes across as preachy. There are good messages (and life lessons) in the story. We see the importance of prayer to seek God’s guidance. The story had a sweet ending. Building a Future is the second An Amish Legacy Novel. It can be read as a standalone for those who have not read Foundation of Love. I like that we get to see how Crystal is faring since she married. There is a glossary of Amish terms at the beginning of the book which I found helpful. Building a Future is a hopeful Amish tale with relationship woes, finding a friend, enjoyable youth gatherings, roofing business strategies, and a guiding God.

Michelle Lantz has been dating Korey Bontrager for over a year and she dreams of the day she marries him. But, he still hasn't proposed or even hinted about wanting to take their relationship further. In fact, he seems to be becoming more and more distant and she's not sure what to do about it. At this point, though, Michelle feels like she's already put enough time into the relationship that she doesn't want to give up now. There's also the fact that she and Korey have been friends since childhood and she'd hate for anything to hurt that. She has also been good friends with Korey's brothers, especially his brother, Tyler. Lately, though, her friendship with Tyler seems to be growing stronger and Michelle is finding herself wondering how deep her feelings for him truly go. Tyler and Korey seem to butt heads regularly. They disagree on a lot of things, but especially on how Korey is treating their new stepmother. Tyler is also focused on expanding his father's roofing company and hopes to take over one day. He hopes that both he and Korey can run the family business one day, but Korey sees it as one more way that Tyler is trying to push him out of the way. Tyler also doesn't approve of how Korey is treating Michelle and Korey is taking this as his brother trying to take what's his. Tyler tries to end his friendship with Michelle to save his relationship with his brother, but when there's an accident and Michelle is in actual danger, Tyler's true feelings show loud and clear. Can Michelle and Tyler put their feelings aside to save their relationships with Korey? Wow, I loved reading more about the Bontrager family. I loved getting updates about Crystal and Duane. Tyler is definitely one of my favorite characters in this series and it was good to see him taking more of a role in the family business and in the family. At the same time, my heart hurt for Korey. He is still struggling so much with the loss of his mother and feeling like she was replaced and with his relationship with his brothers. He is in a difficult place in his relationship with Michelle and didn't know how to fix things. There is just so much that's relatable about Korey. I am very much looking forward to reading his story in the next book. I truly love how Amy Clipston writes such believable characters and scenarios that we can all relate to. This may possibly be my favorite series of hers though. I received a copy of Building a Future through Netgalley, Zondervan, and Amy Clipston in exchange for an honest review. My review was not affected in any way by receiving the book in this manner.

This is everything you would want in an Amish book and more! “Building A Future” is the second book in the Amish Legacy series by Amy Clipston. This book follows the story of Duane’s sons, Korey and Tyler. Korey and Michelle have been dating for over a year, but Korey isn’t ready to get engaged. Michelle is frustrated by Korey’s behavior and becomes friendly with Tyler. However, Tyler is dating Michelle’s friend, Charity. So instead of a love triangle, we have a love rectangle. If you like Amish books that are different, then this book is for you. I would recommend reading the books in order. I loved the first book in the series and the second is just as good! Amy Clipston does an amazing job of bringing to life real characters with serious problems. I want to thank the author, Zondervan Publishing and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Family and relationships are very important to most people. Michelle and Tyler care for each other but neither lets the other know because of hurting family members and close friends. Michelle has been dating Tyler’s younger brother Korey for over a year and is expecting him to propose any day. Tyler has started seeing Michelle’s best friend Charity although his heart is not fully engaged. Tricky stuff to maneuver when family and friends are involved. Lots of prayer is lifted up for clear answers but God’s timing is always best. All of these characters won my heart and I enjoyed getting to know them. I just wanted to jump in and tell them what to do. I wanted God’s best for them but I got frustrated a time or two with their hesitancy. This was an enjoyable and fast read for me. I highly recommend this book, especially to those that love reading stories about the Amish. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.