Foundation of Love

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 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.

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.

What a story! Usually, Amish romances are between younger people, but Amy Clipston turned that around in her story, Foundation of Love, where she has written another wonderful Amish fiction novel full of emotion. The two main characters, Crystal Glick

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.

I finished this book in 2 days and now I'm heartbroken to say goodbye to the characters way too soon. Clipston has a beautiful gift for not only creating a story that exemplifies love and hope, but also one in which the reader feels the characters' frustration and grief. You'll cheer, swoon, cry, and maybe even get a little angry as you read this story of Crystal and Duane and their undying commitment to God and hope. I'm grateful for wholesome books such as this that are every bit as engaging as other genres.

This is a sweet, heart-touching story of two people who are struggling to find their way in life again after suffering great loss. Crystal Glick has spent most of her young life taking care of family members. Her father has died; her fiancé broke their engagement, and Crystal finds herself living in her brother's household and helping with the care of their six children. Her sister-in-law is expecting twins, and is experiencing a difficult pregnancy. The majority of the care of the household now falls on Crystal's shoulders. She loves her family and loves helping with them, but at times she wonders if she'll ever experience the joy of having husband and family of her own. Duane Bontrager is still recovering from the loss of his wife of 24 years. Crystal and Duane meet and feel an instant connection to each other. But with 14 years of age between them, their match is not looked on with favor by their friends and family. To add to the confusion, Crystal's fiancé returns to try to win her love again. There are quite a few complications for Duane and Crystal to work through, and I found myself reading quickly to find out what happened next for them. I loved the characters of Crystal and Duane and the author did an excellent job of allowing us to get to know them. This helped me feel compassion for these characters and that added depth to their story. I had a difficult time warming up to the characters of Crystal's brother and sister-in-law. Although kind to her, I felt their lack of recognition of Crystal's situation went on a little too long. But I also liked the fact that not every problem was resolved for Crystal and Duane by the end of the book. It made the story seem more true to life, and highlighted their decision to move forward with their lives in hope and faith. This is a great beginning to a new series, and I'm already looking forward to the next book. I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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.

loved the character of Crystal She was such a hard worker and I got tired just reading about all she had to do each day She was a caregiver first to her father that passed away and now to her brothers six children and to his pregnant wife Unusual for an Amish woman she is in her mid thirties and still not married She meets an older Amish man and his three grown sons while they are roofing her brothers barns They form an unlikely friendship but get such negative feedback from family and friends that forming a true relationship is next to impossible Fourteen years age difference is a stumbling block that has them weighing in on pluses and minuses I was put out by her brother and sister-in-law and how they selfishly took advantage of Crystal She loved her nephews and nieces but taking care of them left her no time for herself She desperately wanted a home of her own a husband and children but is it too late Many obstacles get in the way of her dreams but many prayers are lifted up as well A very heartwarming, enjoyable read I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the author but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise

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.