A Seat by the Hearth (Amish Homestead #3) + Blitz Giveaway

Title: A Seat by the Hearth
Author: Amy Clipston
Series: Amish Homestead #3
Genre: Amish Fiction
Publishing Date: November 13, 2018

About the Book:

Priscilla Allgyer knows she cannot leave the past behind. But can love lead her toward the promise of healing? 

Priscilla Allgyer left the community to escape the expectations of Amish life. Now, years later, she is forced to return—along with her six-year-old son—to the place she thought she’d left behind forever. Though once estranged from her family, Priscilla is welcomed by her mother, but her father is cold and strict. He allows Priscilla to stay with them provided she dresses plainly, confesses her sins, and agrees to marry within the community. Once again, she feels suffocated, trapped, and alone.

As Priscilla reluctantly completes her shunning, she catches the eye of Mark Riehl, a farmer with a playboy reputation. Wary of Mark, Priscilla barely gives him the time of day—while Mark, unused to being ignored by the women of Bird-in-Hand, won’t give up the pursuit of her friendship. Priscilla desperately needs a friend in Mark, even if she doesn’t realize it—and after Priscilla’s father and the bishop catch her and Mark in a compromising situation, their relationship becomes more complicated than ever.

As affection quietly grows between them, Priscilla struggles to open her heart and reveal the painful secrets of her past. As Mark works to earn her good faith, can they both learn the hard lessons of love and trust? And can two friends discover a happiness that only God himself could have designed? The third book in the Amish Homestead series, A Seat by the Hearth invites us back to the Lancaster community where friendships are forged and love overcomes all.

My Review:

This was a story that certainly touched my heart. I was quickly engrossed and unable to put it down. Priscilla’s life held a whole lot of heartache but she was a a fighter on a mission to secure a better life for her young son and herself. The hope for everything to work out for her was an easily catalyst for finishing the book quickly.

My heart really went out to Priscilla’s character. When conflict arises, her instinct is to run from it in order to protect her heart and her son. To be honest I could resonate with some of her thoughts in the book, as I have been a runner as well. I know what some of her thoughts feel like. What I loved about this story was that despite how Priscilla ended up back home, she had found a friend in a man who was willing to stand up for her at all costs. Even if things hadn’t happened as they did, I still believe the outcome would be the same. When you love someone, you are willing and want to protect them. I really loved how their relationship evolved, especially with all of the curve balls thrown their way.

This is a story I would absolutely highly recommend. Although it’s the third book in the series it’s the first one I’ve read but I was able to successfully read it as a stand-alone. Having said that though, other characters present in the book are the main characters in the first two, and I DO wish I’d read them first. This is a wonderful series for Amish fiction fans.

*I received a free copy of this book from JustRead Publicity tours through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

Rating: 

Age Appropriateness/Content Warnings:

A major part of Priscilla’s story hovers around a history of abuse- both physical and emotional. She has a scar on her arm from being attacked by her son’s father. She eventually shares the details of what happened along with with a few other incidents. There are several references to his alcohol abuse. Other than that I would consider it a clean read along with the romance. I would recommend for ages 13 and up.

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Giveaway!

Stop by my Twitter page for more information and a chance to enter a special tour-wide giveaway through JustRead Publicity Tours!