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
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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!