Amish Fiction Book Review: The Bake Shop
About the Book
Title: The Bake Shop
Series: An Amish Marketplace Novel
Author: Amy Clipston
Genre: Amish Fiction
Publisher: Zondervan
Release Date: November 5, 2019
Click here to purchase a copy of this novel for yourself.
Publisher's Description
"Return to Lancaster County with the first installment of Amy Clipston's
charming new Amish Marketplace series.
Christiana Kurtz loves to bake, but when her
bake stand becomes too busy, her mother encourages her to move her business to
the local market. Her new bake shop becomes so inundated with customers that
the line blocks the leather and woodcraft shop next door, which is run by
Jeffrey Stoltzfus. When Jeffrey complains that her stand is driving away
business due to the lines, she complains to him that his personalization
machine smells. Though their relationship starts off on bad footing, they eventually
forge a friendship.
When Christiana’s father makes a surprise
visit to the market, he is upset to find that Jeffrey uses the building’s
electricity to personalize his items. He tells Christiana that Jeffrey is too
modern for her, and she’s forbidden from dating him. Christiana is crushed, but
she knows she must obey her father.
When Jeffrey’s shop catches fire one day, he
puts the entire market in jeopardy—including Christiana’s bake shop.
Christiana, however, can’t deny how she feels about Jeffrey despite his
mistakes. Though the odds are against them, can two young people find a way to
rebuild both their businesses and their relationship?"
My Review
The Bake Shop, by Amy Clipston, is the first book in the Amish Marketplace series. With a delightful setting, endearing characters, and an engaging story this novel is entertaining, touching, and full of heart.
Whether offering specialty
coffee drinks, baked goods, quilts, or handmade leather and wooden items, the
booths at the local market are a remarkably special setting for the story that
unfolds in The Bake Shop. In and
around the booths, friendships are formed, dreams are nurtured, and romance finds
a space to bloom. This distinctive setting offers the characters a place to
display their talents, laugh with one another, and persevere through
uncertainties.
And as they work in their booths, the characters
within this novel reveal themselves to be authentic, vulnerable, and utterly
relatable. They demonstrate courage and patience as they strive to overcome
their struggles, pursue their goals, and develop their faith. Themes of
obedience, forgiveness, and family resonate as the characters grow and mature
by facing tough choices and overcoming personal losses, doubts, and fears. And
as the characters press on, the light of God’s grace and mercy shines through
with hope, redemption, and restoration.
The Bake Shop is certainly an
enjoyable novel. The elements of grace, forgiveness, and faith that are included
throughout the story ensure that it is very encouraging and edifying. Its genuine friendships,
appealing characters, and memorable setting blend together to
create a moving and uplifting reading experience offering just the right
combination of struggle, romance, and charm. A satisfying story from beginning to end, I
recommend it to all readers.
*I was given a copy of this
novel from the author. A review was not required. The review I have written is
voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
My Reflection
I was deeply touched by the main characters’ willingness to patiently trust in God’s timing in their lives. Though they had to endure periods of waiting and uncertainty, they did so with great faith and perseverance. Though they had to set aside their hearts’ desires, unsure of what their futures might hold, they did so with grace, trusting fully in God’s goodness. The Bake Shop not only offers a charming story, but it also offers an encouraging story that reveals the transformative power of placing one’s faith and trust wholeheartedly in God.About the Author
Comments
Post a Comment