Foundation of Love

I was excited to read this first book in An Amish Legacy series as Amy Clipston always delivers a different spin on an Amish story that shows they are flawed just like everyone else. I loved Crystal and admired her tenacity to keep going when she was wore out and needed a life of her own. I felt she was taken advantage of by her brother and sister-in-law but she also needed to find the strength to choose her own path in life. Duane and his family were interesting and I particularly appreciated that he talked with his sons and encouraged them to air their feelings. In spite of obstacles and discouragement from others they both find a way to pursue a relationship and the attraction they feel for each other. I throughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in the next book in this series. I won a copy of this book from a blog. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

Foundation of Love is a wonderful story about a friendship that develops between Duane Bontrager and Crystal Glick, and I was rooting for them to find a deeper bond. Duane is just about perfect! He remains devoted to his recently deceased wife, he is trying to be a calming, supportive father for his three grown sons, and he is a hardworking and respected member of his Amish community. Is it any wonder that he might be considered a prime catch? Crystal is also special, and she's endured tremendous hurts. Her parents are dead, her fiancé walked away, and she's being taken advantage of! I had a time hard with Crystal's brother and sister-in-law, because they seem completely oblivious to the demands that they place on her. Poor Crystal! She loves her nieces and nephews and she's thankful to have a roof over her head but taking care of this family of ten leaves her no time for herself. If she did find a suitor, how would she find the time to court? She hungers to hold her own baby, but what hope is there for a single woman in her thirties? This is a touching portrayal of how we allow others to cloud our vision and alter our perspective. Everyone believes that two people, fourteen years apart in age, can never find happiness together, and Duane's sons can't imagine another woman taking their mother's place. Clipston proves that the heart knows best and we readers are gifted with a heartwarming story of two people who find romance when they least expect it. We're reminded that love can come at any age, and we should never, ever turn down a chance for happiness. Hope, faith, and trust are woven into Duane and Crystal's sweet romance and I'm truly looking forward to the next Amish Legacy novel! I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

I was born in Amish country. I love reading books about the Amish

Oh, my! This story grabbed me right from the start and wouldn't let go until the last page was turned. It's a May-December romance with 33-year-old Crystal Glick experiencing a spark of romance with 46-year-old widower Duane Bontrager. Can they overcome their 13-year age difference and the resistance of their families, to find a love that seems meant for them? When Crystal chose caring for her father over moving out of state with her fiancé, Owen dumped her and left her heart-broken and suspicious of any man who tried to date her. Now that her father has died, she is grateful for the home she has with her brother's family. Caring for their home and children, gives her purpose - even if she gets no time for herself. When Duane stops in to give her brother a roof-repair estimate, she is immediately attracted to the kind, gentle man who is so sweet to her young niece. Can she convince, not only Duane, but all of her friends and family that age is really just a number, and the man she is most interested in isn't her newly-returned ex-fiancé, Owen, but Duane. Duane has missed his wife every minute of every day since she died a year-and-a-half ago. He cannot imagine another woman taking residence in his heart, until he meets Crystal. As they spend time talking with one another, they discover that they never run out of things to discuss. When they officially begin dating, they meet resistance from every side - his sons are not ready to see their dad dating; his bishop wants him to marry a widow from their district to take the burden of her care from the district's shoulders; her friends all think he's too old for her; her brother and sister-in-law see their free, live-in help leaving; and her ex is making noises about wanting her back. Can the two of them convince each other that their love deserves a chance to flourish? Can they stand together against all of the outside pressures and find a way to give their love a strong foundation? I love Amy Clipston's stories, but this one was one of the best full-length Amish romances I've read in a while. Readers who enjoy Amish romance should definitely pick this one up. It was a treat!

I think this is my favorite Amy Clipston novel so far! Crystal Glick is thirty-three, unmarried and lives with her brother, sister-in-law, and their six children. It is obvious to everyone but Crystal that her family is taking advantage of her for childcare. Duane is forty-seven and a widower raising three young men. The men are dealing with their grief in different ways. Crystal and Duane become friends and want more. But their families and community are against the relationship. Duane's son Korey is especially giving the pair a difficult time. This book did not sugarcoat the challenges of a May- December romance and blending families. I'm looking forward to the other books in the series. I want to thank Amy Clipston, Zondervan Fiction and Netgalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

It has been too long since I've read an Amish novel, and after reading this one I wonder what else I have missed out on. Clipston had my interest from the first page and I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. It was unique reading a book about a couple that was 14 years apart. Duane has 3 mostly grown sons, and Crystal has been taking care of her family for what seems like forever. Putting aside her hopes and dreams, life seems to be passing her by until she meets Duane. Despite their age difference they both feel drawn to each other. Regardless of their feelings others in their community think they should get to tell them who they should marry. When Crystals ex boyfriend enters the picture everything is confusing and mixed up. Are Crystal and Duane made for each other? Or are there more practical answers for both of them? I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Romance. It was nice watching Crystal and Duane get to know each other and I enjoyed their chemistry. Seeing Duanes' family dynamic as they still grieve losing his first wife, and then seeing their dad meet someone new was interesting. The boys are each so unique and I can't wait to see what the next story holds. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Zondervan Fiction and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this first book called Foundation of Love in Amy Clipston's new Amish Legacy Series !! It dealt with Duane Bontrager, a widower who had 3 grown sons and Crystal Glick who is in her early 30's and has never been married. Crystal is basically a live-in nanny to her married brother's six children ... with another set of twins on the way. Crystal cherishes her nieces and nephews, but would love a family of her own. I liked the storyline as I've not read anything of Amy's that deals with a romance between two people with a 14-year age difference between them ....and the opposition that they meet from family members because they want to get to know one another better. They truly understand each other and want to find out if God has brought them together to fill the hole in both their hearts. I will definitely look forward to the next book in this series !!

Foundation of Love, by Amy Clipston, is the first novel in the Amish Legacy series. A touching love story, this book is filled with hope, family, friendship, faith, and new beginnings. With its small town setting and endearing characters this novel is certainly special. From beginning to end, this book offers a moving, memorable, and truly enjoyable reading experience. Ms. Clipston is very talented at writing character-driven stories that quickly capture the reader's interest. The characters in this book are very appealing as they show themselves to be authentic, vulnerable, and relatable. The relationships between the families and friends that are developed within this novel are wholly believable and compelling. The conflicts and tensions that are explored throughout the plot offer just the right amount of drama that keeps the story flowing smoothly toward its gratifying conclusion. Themes of thankfulness, faith, loyalty, and love enrich the story making it entertaining as well as thought-provoking and uplifting. Beneath its beautiful cover, Foundation of Love offers hours of cozy reading time that are definitely pleasurable and enriching. In this novel, Ms. Clipston has written a story that is thoughtful and satisfying. I am happy to recommend Foundation of Love. I certainly enjoyed reading it, and I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in this series. *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.

The Foundation of Love is another must-read if you are a fan of Amish Fiction. Amy Clipston is known for her Amish Marketplace series and many other fantastic novels in the Amish community. Foundation of Love is a love story and a story about healing from loss, adjusting to change, and rebuilding from the sudden shifts that life brings. This is a beautifully written story and a page-turner that engages the reader. I could not put it down. With Spring just around the corner, this is a suitable story to read for this time of year, as it takes place in the Springtime with blooming flowers and gardens. This story was very moving as I could relate to some areas with Crystal as she loves gardening, and I, too, have experienced the loss of both parents. I have often felt that same tug to go in my garden and have peace of mind while working in the soil. “As Crystal walked out to the barn to call Kane's driver, she looked up at the bright-blue sky and breathed in the fragrance of mid-may. She looked out toward her garden and felt a tug at her heart. How she longed to sit on a garden stool and soak up the sun while working the soil.” – Clipston, Foundation of Love p. 143 I was very impressed with how the story held the reader's attention throughout the entire book. From beginning to end, the storyline kept suspense that made you feel like you were right beside each of these characters wanting to know what would happen to them next. Clipston has such a talented way of describing the scenes in her stories to make the reader feel more connected. This story encompasses the heart of selfless love enveloped with following what is important and not what others think. The title of this story fits ideally. We are introduced to two characters who build upon a foundation of love that was once broken down. How will they rebuild their foundations, and what obstacles will they endure and overcome?

Foundation of Love by Amy Clipston has Crystal Glick living with her brother and sister-in-law along with their six children. Her sister-in-law is currently expecting another set of twins. Crystal spends her days taking care of the house and the children. Duane Bontrager is a widower with three grown children. All four of them miss Connie, Duane's deceased wife. Duane struggles to manage his roofing business and the household chores. Duane is replacing the barn roof at the Glick's when he meets Crystal. Duane and Crystal find themselves attracted to each other, but various obstacles stand in the way of their happily ever after. Foundation of Love by Amy Clipston is the first An Amish Legacy Novel. I thought Foundation of Love was well-written with realistic, developed characters. What could be more wonderful than two people falling in love? Unfortunately, family and friends do not make it easy for Duane and Crystal. Even Duane's bishop has an issue with him falling in love with Crystal. I liked how the story (Duane and Crystal's relationship) was not rushed. We get to follow Duane and Crystal as their relationship progresses. We get to see them meeting, falling in love, having doubts, and dealing with their concerned friends and family. There is a great cast of supporting characters. The troublesome bishop who wants what is best for the whole community, Crystal's nieces and nephews, and Duane's three sons. Crystal's nieces and nephews were a busy bunch. I thought Hope was a sweetie. I do not know how Crystal handled the day-to-day work of caring for six children plus the cooking, cleaning, and laundry (I would have gone mad). Faith is important part of these characters lives. I liked how Duane and Crystal prayed about their relationship and how to deal with the obstacles in their path. Prayer can work miracles. Amy Clipston combined faith, family, friends, and love into one heartwarming Amish story. I cannot wait to read Building a Future this summer. Foundation of Love is a touching Amish tale with an ardent aunt, a big brood, a tender roofer, a bothersome ex-beau, a burdensome bishop, sensitive sons, a lasting love, and a gracious God.