Something Old, Something New - by Amy Clipston (Paperback)

Something Old, Something New by Amy Clipston is a sweet small-town romance. I like Amy Clipston’s casual writing style. It makes the story easy to read. I enjoyed getting to know Christine Sawyer and Brent Nicholson. Christine operates an antique mall in Flowering Grove, North Carolina. Christine is a fraternal twin. She always felt she was the nerdy twin compared with her pretty, outgoing sister, Britney. Britney has fraternal twin girls, Maddy and Mila (“the M&M’s) whom Christine loves dearly. Maddy and Mila are cuties. They are active little girls who love the color purple. Brent dated Britney in high school. He was the star quarterback, and she was the popular cheerleader. Brent’s life has not turned out as he expected. He has returned to town to help his Aunt Millie get her house ready so she can list is for sale. Brent has no intention of staying in Flowering Grove because he cannot stand listening to his father’s criticisms. The chemistry between Brent and Christine was obvious from the beginning. The two are attracted to each other. They each have a different reason for not reacting to the attraction. I enjoyed the descriptions of Flowering Grove especially Christine’s shop (I could spend hours exploring). I wish I was Christine when she found the Nancy Drew’s packed away in Aunt Millie’s house. I am glad the romance was not rushed. I like how it progressed (become friends first and then move forward). Christine and Brent got to know each other as they worked at Aunt Millie’s house. I was not a fan of Britney. She reminded me of the cheerleaders in my school (the pretty, stuck-up blonds who thought they were better than everyone else). I thought the characters were realistic and relatable as was the town and situations. The Friday night high school football games which are attended by everyone in the town is something that occurs in small towns all over the south (I lived in one for twenty years). The story had some drama which kept things interesting. I would have liked less repetition of details regarding the characters. I just loved Aunt Millie. She is a kind woman who does not hesitate to help bring Brent and Christine together (she would get the mischievous twinkle in her eye). In Something Old, Something New we get to see that someone or something may have a beautiful exterior (or seems to have it all), it does not mean they do not have troubles. I like how the title played into the story. Something Old, Something New is a charming tale with Friday night football, a disparaging parent, lilac loving twins, an aunt in need, an improbable pairing, a twin conflict, and an abundance of antiques.

Something Old, Something New, by Amy Clipston, is a charming contemporary story full of heartwarming scenes and plenty of sweet romance. From beginning to end, this novel offers a satisfying blend of drama, emotion, and small town whimsy. With characters who are authentic and vulnerable, and a setting that is altogether engaging, this book is truly enjoyable. Featuring relevant themes of family, forgiveness, and second chances, this novel is genuinely touching and thoughtful. A small town in North Carolina is the ideal setting for a story that shines with good friends, family dinners, and Friday night football games. A cheery antique shop that is also home to two fluffy cats is the opportune place for many important scenes. Add a house that is under renovation, and there are several meaningful spaces from which the story can easily unfold. The appealing characters in this book are also quite special. Though they experience heartache and uncertainty, they dare to take risks, share their vulnerabilities, and overcome their insecurities. With honesty, perseverance, and courage, they endeavor to heal from hurt and rejection as they pursue wholeness and acceptance. They learn the value of honesty, generosity, and trust as they pursue their hearts’ desires. Ms. Clipston has succeeded once again in writing a story that is uplifting and very entertaining. Something Old, Something New is certainly memorable and inspiring. It is a novel that is delightfully worthwhile, and I gladly recommend it. *I was given a copy of this book by the author. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

This is a wonderful heartwarming romance. I really cannot recommend this book anymore than I already am!! It is is really amazing story. Amy pulls you in with the characters and you just don't want to leave them at the end.

If you have read Clipston’s other contemporary romance novels, The Heart of Splendid Lake and The View from Coral Cove, you will enjoy her latest novel ‘Something Old, Something New.’ This story is an easy read that sets place in a lovely fictional town called Flowering Grove, North Carolina. Amy’s novels are written in a casual and very descriptive style that holds the reader’s attention from beginning to end. Amy creatively sets up each scenario that is well-thought-out and can be relatable to anyone reading the story. Every novel I have read from Amy made the reader feel so connected through her realistic characters so skillfully created it almost does not seem like a fiction story. In Something Old, Something New, the reader will meet two main characters, Christine Sawyer and Brent Nicholson. What they thought their life would be like takes different routes for both of them. A lot can change over the years but what remains the same for these two is their true passions, talents, and ability to accept change even when the odds are against them and embrace something new. In this story, there is a dramatic plot that, I must say, from the beginning, absorbed my attention, and I could not wait to find out how Amy would have this story unravel. I enjoyed Brent’s Aunt Midge, who seemed like such a gentle spirit who was, as Amy described, “not so subtle” when it came to throwing hints at Brent and Chrissy but was a sweet lady. How will Brent working for his Aunt involve Christine and her Antique Store? Amy has done an excellent job with this novel and how this love story progressed. The title of this book fits so perfectly with the entire story in more ways than one. I would recommend it to anyone, teen to adult, who enjoys a cozy, clean romance/love story. This would be an excellent gift for someone you love, or a fun read for yourself.

I'm so used to reading Amy Clipston's Amish fiction that it was fun to read about English people for a change. This was such a sweet story with really great characters. Amy portrays them in such a way that you feel like you are in the story. I love Aunt Midge and her quick responses. She made me laugh on more than one occasion. It's not always easy playing second fiddle, but I think Christine triumphed in the end seeing that she wasn't that "behind the scenes gal" any longer. Showing the low self esteem of Brent too brings to light that men have the same struggles as women. Amy did an excellent job on this story. Christine's antique mall reminds me of one I visited in November in Berlin, MD with all the different booths by various people. I kept picturing that one in my head when they were in Christine's business

Christine Sawyer discovered how special Brent Nicholson was when they were in high school, but he only had eyes for her twin sister. Ten years later, he's returned for a temporary visit to their hometown and Christine still finds him irresistible. His romance with Britney was over a long time ago but will Christine still feel lost in her sister's shadow? Something Old, Something New is Amy Clipston's new contemporary novel and it may just have become my favorite! Do I love it because it centers around family values, a small town, and the successes and failures that are part of life's journey? Did it remind me that shattered dreams and disappointments often pave the way to deeper happiness? Clipston made me want to visit Flowering Grove, North Carolina, shop at Christine's antique shop, and get to know those charming Southern people! If you enjoy contemporary romance and second-chance stories, you definitely want to read this book. I received a copy of this book from the author but there was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

Amy Clipston's Amish books are always wonderful, so it stands to reason that her forays into the contemporary romance genre would also be amazing. Something Old, Something New is a shining example of my "trust the author" method of choosing new books to read! Christine Sawyer hasn't ventured far from her hometown since graduation 10 years ago. She has opened her dream, The Treasure Hunting Antique Mall, has her own home, and even refinishes antique furniture on the side. She throws herself into the lives of her family, ignoring the fact that, essentially, she is alone. She's used to being on the sidelines, watching her fraternal twin become head cheerleader, prom queen, homecoming queen in school, and now, watching her marry and have fraternal twins of her own. Will it ever be her turn? Brent Nicholson left town a hero - the quarterback who took the team to the state championship. One injury was enough to make him lose his scholarship. Now his business has folded and he's returning to town to help his aunt, but feeling like the failure his father has always accused him of being. As he rehabs Aunt Midge's house, he realizes that the house needs to be cleared, and where better to get rid of the stuff than Christine's shop. As the two work together, a friendship forms but, oh, the complications! Brent is the ex-boyfriend of Christine's twin, who, in spite of her happy marriage, is quite vocal about her sister staying away from him. Also, Brent is focused on a job that is waiting for him in Virginia Beach. He has no intention of staying, and Christine has no desire to leave. Can the love and support from Aunt Midge and Christine, change Brent's attitude from defeated to triumph? It's been a while since I read a book and got so involved in the characters' lives that I actually said, "Yes!!!" when one of them finally gave another character a few home truths, but when Christine finally told her sister, Britney off, that was my reaction. Clipston has a gift for painting characters that could be next door neighbors and friends and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this cast of characters. Readers who enjoy a sweet contemporary romance will enjoy Something Old, Something New. I definitely recommend!

In this sweet, small-town, Hallmark-esque romance Christine has grown up in her twin's shadow. When Britney's former boyfriend and the town's football hero quarterback comes back to town, he and Christine reconnect immediately. They quickly become reacquainted as friends and find they have a strong attraction to each other. Their friendship is full of banter and lightheartedness. They understand each other as they've both struggled with self-esteem, and I enjoyed the difficulties that both these characters had to overcome. This is a sweet story with great characters, a fun storyline, and a great romance! I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Something Old, Something New by Amy ClipstonSomething Old, Something New by Amy Clipston (Goodreads Author) Read My rating: 1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars[ 5 of 5 stars ] Amy Clipston's most recent contemporary book is another I was easily drawn into. The plot centers around Christine Sawyer who manages the Treasure Hunting Antique Mall in honor of her late grandmother. Her fraternal twin sister, Britney, is a big part of her life....along with her two young twin nieces....whom she calls her M+M's. Christine is a very doting auntie !! Back into town comes Britney's old high school boyfriend, Brent, who needs to help his great-aunt spiff up her old house to make it more saleable. Britney thinks Brent cheated on her back in high school and doesn't want Christine to have anything to do with him. But soon Christine is helping Brent go through his aunt's old things to see what can sell in her shop. Some sisterly drama ensues throughout the book as they untangle what truly happened all those years ago. This has been a fun book to read since I've always loved poking around used bookstores and antique stores looking for just the right treasure !!

Sometimes you find you've been looking for in the last place you'd expect to find it. In the decade since high school graduation, Christine Sawyer has achieved her dream of opening Treasure Hunting Antique Mall, where shoppers find gems that are new to them. Between her store, her house, and doting on her adorable twin nieces, Christine is happy with her life, overall, even if she is a little lonely. She's used to being in the shadow of her fraternal twin sister, Britney. Britney was the popular one, the head cheerleader, the one who dated the homecoming king and quarterback. Christine always saw herself as "the nerdy twin." Brent Nicholson is trying to come to terms with how his life has turned out. It's certainly nothing like the way he always expected it would be. After leading his high school football team to the state championships and being awarded a football scholarship, he has a career ending injury and loses his chance to finish college and his high school girlfriend. Now, he's lost the construction business that he worked so hard to make successful. When his great aunt, Midge, asks him to help him get her house ready to put on the market, he jumps at the chance to spend time with her. As they remodel her home and go through her belongings to help Midge downsize, the antiques they find lead him to an unexpected partnership with Christine, his ex-girlfriend's twin sister. He'd never really seen her as anything more than a friend and Britney's sister but now he's wondering if he had pursued the wrong twin. I've probably said this before about one or more of Amy Clipston's books, but I really think that this is my favorite of Amy's writings! Amy's characters are always relatable but I found myself really relating to both Brent and Christine. I think most of us have experienced the disappointment of feeling like you never measure up to the expectations of your loved ones or feeling like you don't compare to someone you respect. Many of us have been in Brent's shoes where you realize that your life doesn't resemble what you planned. But, sometimes that's what leads us to exactly where we need to be in life. Sometimes our unralized dreams lead us to something even better. And, Amy illustrates that beautifully in Something Old, Something New. I really enjoyed watching Brent's and Christine's relationship grow from friends who hadn't seen each other in years to even more. They really complemented each other's personality well. This really was a fun, easy read and I enjoyed every word. Thank you, Amy Clipston for sending me a copy of your book. As always, it has not affected the contents of my review.

Another heartwarming book by Amy Clipston. "Something Old, Something New" was the perfect way to kick off the new year. It's a cozy, feel-good story that takes place ten years after high school. The quarterback returns to his hometown only to run into his high school girlfriend's twin sister. As they spend more and more time together, their feelings grow, but neither feels good enough for the other. Christine has spent her life believing she is the "nerdy" twin, unlike her beautiful cheerleader sister and Brent, who lost his college scholarship after a knee injury ended his football career, doesn't feel like he has anything to offer. The story is not only about finding love but also about self-discovery and learning to overcome feelings of inadequacy. I think this book has a little something everyone will enjoy and a wonderful cast of characters that you can't help but fall in love with.

My last book of 2022 was a 5 star and beyond read by Amy Clipston. I should very much like to thank Amy Clipston and Zac Weikal for my ARC copy of this book. The review below is truly my honest opinion. Amy has succeeded again and surpassed herself. This 5 star plus, plus, plus and more pluses book was an amazing read. Amy thinks this is her favorite contemporary book that she has written. I started by loving it but not necessarily agreeing but, after finishing it, yes it is right up there with her Coral Cove book. What a beautiful story of failure, success, truth, lies, love, hate, and so many more emotions. Written in Amy's brilliant style the story moves through the lives of Christine and Brent. Each character in this book has been wonderfully researched and as I read through I felt like I was getting to know each and every one of them. The scenes and descriptions made me feel that I was in Flowering Grove and I should definitely love to visit Christine's store. I adored the M&M's and thought it great that a fraternal twin also gave birth to fraternal twins. I laughed out loud and yes, I cried loudly, big tears with a box of tissues by my side keeping me company as I savored each and every moment of this book. This cute book has it all. That down South small home town vibe. Antiques and more at Christine's store. The cats - truly a wonderful addition to the book and had such an important part of it too. The conversations were so real. Everything about this book was real and true to life. If you are a fan of antiques, down south stories, Amy's books, romance and so much more you must put this at the top of your TBR list. It cannot be missed. Never read an Amy Clipston book before? Start here and you will not be disappointed and will become one of her many thousands of fans and supporters. Thank you Amy for this wonderful treat to end 2022 for me and I like forward to reading anything and everything you write and release in 2023 and beyond.

I loved this story, I loved the characters, I loved how the title fit so well! Christine and Brent graduated high school together. Brent dated Christine’s fraternal twin sister, Britney. They were the quintessential perfect couple while in school. Brent went on to play college football with an athletic scholarship. After an injury, he could no longer play and lost his scholarship. Britney got married and started a family. Christine found her dream of opening an antique store and loved the interaction with her customers. When Brent loses his business and comes back to town to help his great aunt, he and Christine keep running into each other. Christine has always felt inferior to her twin and Brent has never met his dad’s goals for his life. These two have some self worth issues that need working on. How all this plays out was truly a fun story to read and enjoy. Teasing and funny moments added to my gratification. This is a don’t miss book! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and author but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

What a great way to end the year with a bang of a book. This small town romance drew me in from the beginning with characters that had real self esteem issues and watching them grow and fall in love was endearing to my heart. I loved Aunt Midge and what she added to the story. Ms Clipston is a pro at tender romance with broken people who find wholeness together. I wanted to visit the antique mall that Christine operated and I also wanted to help Brent renovate his aunt’s house as I’m interested in both. I didn’t want this one to end as I found it enjoyable from beginning to end. A must read for 2023. I won a copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.