An Amish Barn Raising: Three Stories by Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, Kathleen Fuller
Narrator: Lauren Berst
Publisher: Zondervan
Publication Date: April 6, 2021
Genres: Amish Romance
Length: 7 hours and 3 minutes
Format: audiobook
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IFrom best-selling authors in the Amish genre come three sweet stories centered around Amish traditions and the possibility of romance.

Building a Dream by Amy Clipston

Though they’ve known each other a long time, Kathryn and Anthony have finally decided to try becoming more than friends – but they are devastated when Kathryn’s father won’t allow them to date. He wants his daughter to marry a man with a more respectable job than building gazebos for Englishers. But when Kathryn’s father’s dairy barn burns down during a thunderstorm, Anthony is the one to arrange a barn raising. Will Kathryn’s father realize he has misjudged Anthony?

To Raise a Home by Kelly Irvin

A year after the wildfires, life has returned to normal for the West Kootenai Amish community. Evan Eicher, son of Deacon Tobias Eicher, has done his best to move on too. Helping his neighbors and friends rebuild has helped soothe a heart broken when Delilah Mast – the woman he loves but never had the courage to approach – moved with her family back to Kansas. At his father’s urging he courts Anna Burkholder, a sweet woman who adores him. But when Delilah moves back to teach school, Evan must wrestle with feelings he’s tried so hard to put in the past. And an accident at a barn raising will force Anna, Delilah, and Evan to face the truth about their hearts.

Love’s Solid Foundation by Kathleen Fuller

Devon Bontrager only returned to his old hometown to make good on a past misdeed. He hadn’t counted on reconnecting with Nettie Yoder, especially since she strung along his younger twin brothers some years ago. Nettie knows she’s made some mistakes in the past, but she’s determined to be an asset to her community from now on. But just as she’s making headway, her family’s barn burns to the ground. Why does it seem like God is punishing her family when she’s finally starting to turn her life around? Can she convince Devon that she has changed? Can Devon trust the woman who broke his brothers’ hearts?

My Review and Reflections

I’ve read this book a couple of times. The most recent version I read was an audiobook narrated by Lauren Berst. All three stories are amazing! Of course, this is a group of my favorite authors. Lauren’s narration was excellent—she balanced the different characters, both men and women, with distinct voices while still sounding natural and animated.  

In the first story, Building a Dream by Clipston, I really liked the characters. I felt bad for Kathryn and how her dad was so prejudiced against certain career choices, which really isn’t the Amish way—especially since Anthony was nothing but a perfect gentleman.  

I enjoyed Irvin’s story, To Raise a Home. It’s a second-chance romance, and I do love that. I thought the Montana location was unique—it’s not a typical setting for an Amish romance. It almost made it feel a little bit like a ranch/western story with the Amish. I do think Evan’s perspective on what is right and wrong when it comes to courting was a little off, but it was also a driving force of the story. I just couldn’t believe anyone would think the way he did!  

For this collection, Fuller’s story, Love’s Solid Foundation, was my favorite. Nettie’s desire to change from a selfish, snooty young girl into a caring woman was touching. I also liked that she subtly did this—she didn’t point it out to people, but they just started seeing the change in her. That’s why, when Devon realizes this is the new Nettie, it’s all the more special.  

I’d say this is a book I’d read again—but I already have! 

Green Pastures by Patricia Johns
Series: The Amish of Shepherd’s Hill – Book 1
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publication Date: March 18, 2025
Genres: Amish Romance
Pages: 352
Format: paperback – received from Publisher
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Tabitha Schrock’s return to Lancaster County shakes the foundations of her family and community. After her departure during rumspringa and a recent divorce, Tabitha faces the challenge of reintegrating into Amish society while pursuing her dream of working as a veterinarian. Meanwhile, her sister Amanda, whose own prospects were dimmed by Tabitha’s leaving Shepherd’s Hill, decides to seize her chance at love by pursuing a man with a shadowed past. And their youngest sister, Rose, despite her beauty and romantic hopes, faces the harsh realities of matrimony, grappling with the weight of vows made before Gott and her community.

As the sisters navigate the intricacies of love, faith, and tradition, they are bound by their commitment to uphold their Amish way of life. But as they strive to keep their promises, how much are they willing to sacrifice to remain true to themselves and their community?

My Review and Reflections

This story is about the love of three sisters who lead very different lives in their Amish community. It’s primarily from the point of view of the oldest sister, Tabitha, and the middle sister, Amanda.

Tabitha leaves the Amish community for ten years, living in the English world, getting married, and divorcing. When she returns, the Amish community is forgiving and welcomes her back, allowing her to continue working as a veterinarian, even though it’s considered men’s work. Since she is divorced, she cannot marry an Amish man, which brings a different type of heartbreak but Tabitha is content with her decision. I admire her bravery in returning and building a new type of Amish life for herself.

Amanda is left unmarried partly because of her sister‘s decision to become English but longs for a family of her own. She learns that Menno Weaver is looking for a wife. His reputation isn’t the best because of his family’s choices and his own troubled past, but he is working hard to change. I feel connected to Amanda because choosing to love someone who fights an addiction daily is not an easy choice, but it can be worth the risk. And I absolutely fell in love with Menno myself!

This book is beautifully written. There were moments that made me laugh, times when I had tears in my eyes, and times when I couldn’t help but smile. Every part has meaning and depth, full of love for people of all types of backgrounds and God. There are hints of a possible love story for Tabitha in future books, and I can’t wait to see how that unfolds given her circumstances.

This is a great read for anyone who loves Amish romance, real-life marriage struggles (Amish or not), and stories that show what the power of family, community, and God can do.

The Peacemaker by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Publisher: Barbour Fiction
Publication Date: March 1, 2025
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 361
Format: ebook – received from publisher
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An Unresolved Mystery Holds an Amish Community in Limbo

In book two of A Mifflin County Mystery series, Rosa Petersheim’s disappearance continues to cause suspicion and pain to swirl in the Big Valley.
 
Ada’s best friend, Rosa, disappeared a year ago and still has not been found. In their grief and confusion, Ada and Rosa’s boyfriend, Ephraim, have grown very close. But some in the community feel Ephraim is responsible for Rosa’s disappearance. Now Rosa’s younger sister is making accusations against Ephraim that can’t be true, and he pulls away from Ada, feeling betrayed. A fire set by an arsonist might finally be the thing to reveal secrets that have long been dividing this community of friends and family. But will it be too late for love between the peacemaker and the suspect?

My Review and Reflections

In book two, the focus shifts to Ada, Rosa’s best friend, and Rosa’s ex-boyfriend, Ephraim. Ada is sweet and nurturing to all those around her. Ephraim is living with his grandmother in Bird-in-Hand, and while he misses his community, he does not miss having to deal with people thinking he had something to do with Rosa’s disappearance.

Ada has always secretly had a crush on Ephraim, so when Ephraim’s family circumstances bring him back to Belleville, PA, it stirs up all those feelings. Ada doesn’t want to act on them because of her loyalty to Rosa. Plus, she’s convinced that Ephraim still loves Rosa. On the other hand, Ephraim feels a strong sense of duty toward his family and believes it’s his responsibility to care for his grandmother. Since she lives in another city, he sees no point in starting a new life in Belleville.

In this book, we continue to hear from Rosa’s brother, Norman, and her sister, Susan. Susan is a character I do not care for, but I feel like Brunstetter is going somewhere with this storyline. I’m holding out to see what happens throughout the entire series because of it.

This book is for anyone who enjoys series, loves a cliffhanger, and is willing to wait for the mystery to be solved. It’s also perfect for those who love sweet romances involving younger and older couples. I am committed to this series and am still anxiously waiting to find out what happened to Rosa.