Building a Future: Library Edition

An Amish Legacy #2

by Amy Clipston, Lauren Berst (Reading)

They both had different plans for their futures . . . until their hearts led them to each other. Michelle Lantz dreams of marrying and starting a family, and now that she's been dating Korey for over a year, she thought it was only a matter of time before he proposed. But lately, Korey has seemed distant and is far from the attentive boyfriend she once knew. They've spent so much time together that she feels she can't give up on their relationship, but she begins to question her own feelings as his seem to cool. Tyler Bontrager is focused on expanding his father's roofing company so he can take over one day. He throws himself into his work and thinks he's too busy to worry about finding a wife. He and his brother Korey find themselves continually Tyler doesn't approve of how Korey treats Michelle and Korey thinks Tyler is out to take anything that's his. When Tyler happens to be around when Michelle needs a listening ear, he is startled to realize that he has feelings for Michelle, so he denies them because his relationship with his brother is too important. But when there's an accident and lives are at stake, true feelings come to the surface. Is it possible for Michelle and Tyler to put aside their feelings for the sake of their relationships with Korey, or will they find a new foundation on which to build their future?

Genres: Amish, Amish Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian, Christian Fiction, Christian Romance

Audio CD

First published August 1, 2022

About the author

Hi! I'm a bestselling author of heartwarming romance and happily ever after.

Contemporary Romance (Non-Amish)
The Heart of Splendid Lake (2021)
The View from Coral Cove (2022)
On the Way to Christmas (Anthology) (2022)
Something Old, Something New (2023)
Starstruck (2023)
Finding You (2024)
With This Ring (2025)
Second Chance at Sunshine Inn (7/2025)
The Lighthouse at the Cove (12/2025)

Stand Alone Amish Fiction
Caring for the Amish Family (4/2025)

Guideposts Amish Suspense
A Heart Set Free (9/2025)


An Amish Legacy
1. Foundation of Love (2022)
2. Building a Future (2022)
3. Breaking New Ground (2023)
4. The Hearts of Shelter (2023)

An Amish Marketplace
1. The Bake Shop (2019)
2. The Farm Stand (2020)
3. The Coffee Corner (2020)
4. The Jam and Jelly Nook (2021)

An Amish Homestead
1. A Place at our Table (2017)
2. Room on the Porch Swing (2018)
3. Seat by the Hearth (2018)
4. A Welcome at Our Door (2019)

An Amish Heirloom
1. The Forgotten Recipe (2015)
2. The Courtship Basket (2016)
3. The Cherished Quilt (2017)
4. The Beloved Hope Chest (2017)

Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel
1. A Hopeful Heart (2013)
2. A Mother’s Secret (2014)
3. A Dream of Home (2015)
4. A Simple Prayer (2015)

Kauffman Amish Bakery
1. A Gift of Grace (2009)
2. A Promise of Hope (2010)
3. A Place of Peace (2011)
4. A Life of Joy (2012)
5. A Season of Love (2012)

Amish Anthologies
• An Amish Kitchen (2012) – Spoonful of Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Cradle (2015) – A Son for Always (This story complements A Mother’s Secret)
• An Amish Market (2016) – Love Birds (This story complements The Forgotten Recipe)
• An Amish Harvest (2016) – Love & Buggy Rides (This complements The Courtship Basket)
• An Amish Home (2017) – Home Sweet Home (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Summer (2017) – Summer Storms (Stand-alone story)
• Amish Sweethearts (2018) –Complements The Kauffman Amish Bakery Series and also has a sequel to my story in An Amish Summer
• An Amish Heirloom (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• An Amish Homecoming (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• Seasons of an Amish Garden (2019) – Complements The Christmas Cat, novella included in An Amish Christmas Love
• An Amish Reunion (2019) – Complements Room on the Porch Swing
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019) – Cookies and Cheer (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Singing (2021) (Collection of four stories by Amy Clipston)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020) –Evergreen Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Barn Raising (2021)
• An Amish Schoolroom (2021)
• An Amish Quilting Bee (2021)

Young Adult
1. Roadside Assistance (2011)
2. Reckless Heart (2012) (Kauffman Amish Bakery young adult book)
3. Destination Unknown (2014)
4. Miles from Nowhere (2015)

Non-Fiction
A Gift of Love (2014)

Seasonal
• A Plain and Simple Christmas (2010) Naomi’s Gift (2011)
• Kauffman Amish Christmas Collection (2012)
• An Amish Christmas Gift (2015) includes Naomi’s Gift
• An Amish Christmas Love (2017) –The Christmas Cat
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020)
• On the Way to Christmas (2022)

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Clean Amish Romance, and this is the second book in An Amish Legacy series. I was pulled into this story super quick, but I found I really did not like the fact the two main characters were really emotionally cheating. I liked the two main characters, but I really did not like Korey's character. I felt Korey really just needed to grow up and act his age. I did not understand why his father did not have a big heart to heart with him. I also did not like how the step mother was treated. The things I had a problem with in this book is personal to me and not because the book was not written well. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Zondervan) or author (Amy Clipson) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow!

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Description:
Michelle and Korey have been dating for over a year but Korey has not proposed. Korey and his brother Tyler have “strong” disagreements on almost a daily basis; Korey has a huge chip on his shoulder. He is inattentive to Michelle. As the story moves along, Tyler and Michelle are drawn to each other but do their best to stay apart. Will Korey ever grow up? Will he realize he is pushing Michelle away? What about Tyler’s growing feelings for Michelle?

Review:
Having reviewed the first book in the series, I was pleased to be accepted as an early reviewer for book 2, "Building a Future". I seem to have a like/dislike relationship with the author’s books. The same held true for this one — parts I *really* liked and parts I *really* didn’t.

Likes
… The building of the relationship between Tyler and Michelle.
… Allowing the reader to understand how being ignored hurts and can even destroy a relationship.
… Placing the Amish glossary at the front of the book.
… The Amish 'maedel' who gushes about her upcoming wedding ad nauseam.
… The ending. If you decide to read this book, you’ll like the ending.

Dislikes …
Korey’s behavior is hardly that of a young man of 22/23; he acts like a brat. And seems to get away with it — that I didn’t like.
… The milk cans — Michelle paints milk cans with scenes. But when she places one in a bag and puts the bag’s handle over her shoulder while ALSO carrying a casserole and a dessert. REALLY! Milk cans on a farm are BIG and HEAVY. The story says these are old and she asked her father’s permission and there seems to be an endless supply. Milk cans do wear out but not dozens of them. By the way, the Amish still use the same 10-gallon milk cans as my daddy did on our farm when I was growing up. That information was found in literally a five-second search on the web [link below].
… The use of very ‘Englisher’ words such as love life. I just can’t see an Amish son asking his 'dat' to not ask him about his love life.
… Korey’s about-face was too quick and thus not believable.

What does my three-star review mean? A three-star book is just okay. The kind of book that I read once and not again. And it doesn’t make me want to read another book by the author.

I received a complimentary e-ARC copy of "Building a Future" via NetGalley from the publisher, Zondervan Fiction, Zondervan. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#BuildingAFuture #NetGalley

Title: Building a Future
Series: An Amish Legacy, #2
Author: Amy Clipston
Genre: Amish
Publisher: Zondervan Fiction, Zondervan
Release Date: August 2, 2022
Format: Kindle (read), Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback
Pages: Unknown
Source: NetGalley
Cover: Matches the cover of book one in the series.


Link about milk cans: https://www.agupdate.com/agriview/lif...

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Building a Future by Amy Clipston is a heartwarming Amish novel. I like Amy Clipston’s writing style. It is casual and engaging. I feel like I am visiting old friends. I found myself easily drawn into the story. I like the characters in this story especially Michelle and Tyler. I was not a fan of Korey who was inattentive to Michelle and did not realize that she is a caring woman with a big heart. Korey came across as juvenile. His behavior reminded me of a sulky teenager. I was surprised that his father let him get away with that type of behavior. Korey states he wants to help run the business with Tyler when their father retires. However, we do not see him coming up with business ideas or displaying the maturity needed for a leadership position. We get to see what it is like to be ignored by someone we care about and the pain that it causes. I enjoyed the lovely descriptions of Michelle’s paintings. I want one of her milk can scenes. I was surprised when one scene mentions Michelle putting the milk can in her tote bag. I did not know that milk cans came in such a small size (there are vintage milk cans that measure 3.5” by 6.25”). I thought the relationship between Tyler and Michelle progressed at the right pace. I could see this scenario playing out in real life. I like how the faith element was incorporated into the story (the author strikes the right balance). It never comes across as preachy. There are good messages (and life lessons) in the story. We see the importance of prayer to seek God’s guidance. The story had a sweet ending. Building a Future is the second An Amish Legacy Novel. It can be read as a standalone for those who have not read Foundation of Love. I like that we get to see how Crystal is faring since she married. There is a glossary of Amish terms at the beginning of the book which I found helpful. Building a Future is a hopeful Amish tale with relationship woes, finding a friend, enjoyable youth gatherings, roofing business strategies, and a guiding God.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply love this series and don’t know how I am going to wait so long for book three to come out! If you haven’t read book one, Foundation of Love, you can still enjoy this story. However, book one is such a good book and sets the stage for Korey and Tyler’s dad’s marriage.

Having read the first book, I knew how badly Korey had begun behaving towards his stepmother. That very childish and basically, bratty, behavior continued in this story. I was bewildered as to why his father allowed him to show such disrespect. I also felt that Korey was given chance after chance to make up for the many times his actions emotionally hurt his girlfriend, Michelle. I am hoping that by the time Korey gets his own book, he will have matured a lot. It could be a wonderful redemption story!

Tyler was a great character who I couldn’t help but like. Both he and Michelle did begin to care for each other, unbeknownst to each other, and they both walked a thin line while they tried to force their feelings to match who they were currently dating. I really enjoyed the way things played out in the latter half of the novel, as feelings ramped up and decisions had to be made.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet book about two brothers who love the same girl. After a lot of discussion, prayers, and arguments, Michelle and Tyler finally get together. Korey was my least favorite character.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am going to start off right away by saying that this plot would have been better suited for the English world instead of the Amish. The plot in a nutshell. Girl (Michelle) grows up with brothers, (Korey and Tyler Bontrager) begins dating the younger brother for over a year. Relationship goes no where without realizing it is going no where until a connection with the older brother Tyler. Then the torment of your heart growing fonder for another while being trapped in a relationship that is stale. For me, it was hard to believe that it would get to that point. however, in an Amish tie the bow way, it worked out.

There were many threads to this romance. The brothers mom had died several years ago and their father remarried. Brother rivalry that went beyond a girl but a competition that was rooted in insecurities. Michelle who was wrapped up in the whole ideal of marriage instead of knowing Korey beyond the right now. It was her relationships with both brothers that she saw reality more than a dream of marriage. Getting past the "Amish" and that we all are prone to wander and a God that desires we live in reality is always a good lesson to learn.

A special thank you to Zondervan and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy Clipston is one of my all time favorite authors, and I always look forward to her new book releases. I was especially excited for this one, after finding out that it's connected to one of her last releases, Foundation of Love. I'd absolutely adored that one from start to finish, and I was looking forward to reading more about the Bontrager men, and the lovely ladies who have captured their hearts.

This one was full of so many of the wonderful qualities I've come to expect from this author's books, and I could barely bring myself to put it down once I picked it up. I loved the setting, the friends and family that make up the community, and the way that Tyler and Michelle's friendship slowly grows into something that neither of them could have seen coming. I also wholeheartedly enjoyed just how present the faith element was, and I loved how Michelle and Tyler were determined to turn to prayer, rather than just deciding to follow their hearts.

However, I have to say that I wouldn't consider this one of my favorite of Amy's novels, and that was primarily due to two facts.

First, Korey's character had annoyed me in the first book, and that didn't change with this one. If anything, he was even more rude and obnoxious, and I got tired of reading about his selfish and juvenile behavior. I hope when he gets his own story that the reader will see a gigantic redemptive arc, because his character definitely needs it.

Secondly, I'm not generally a fan of plot points where the main couple are involved with other people when they fall for each other, and while I did think the author did a pretty good job of handling this trope, it still wasn't exactly what I wanted to be reading about.

Overall though, I really did enjoy this one, and thought it was a pretty worthy follow up to the wonderful Foundation of Love.

Final Rating: 4/5.

Thanks so much to Zondervan for allowing me to advance read and review this one!

I voluntarily read a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Zondervan) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read and enjoyed many of Clipston's books over the years, and she's one of my favorite authors. She's a wonderful storyteller who crafts realistic and relatable characters. That said, this wasn't my favorite book, but it was still an enjoyable one.

The setting is easy to visualize, and I like the characters and community overall. Relationships develop at a realistic pace. I love how the faith element is incorporated into the story so it's not preachy. I also appreciated how the characters looked to God and prayed for guidance. However, I didn't care for Korey. He was obnoxious and selfish, and it was hard to connect with him and his attitude and juvenile behaviors. I liked the ending and found it quite satisfying.

There is a glossary of Amish terms, which will be helpful to the reader, particularly those who are new to the genre.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad that I'm not the only one who didn't really like the book but I did find a few favorite things about it.
I do appreciate the Amish golassary and I loved the setting.
Clipston does do a favorable job of describing the Amish life well and I will still recommend this book to others.
I think that because this is part of a series that it's starting to drag a little bit.
Korey did ruin the story a bit but that was because he only thought about himself.
Unfortunately this was a did not finish book for me and it broke my heart because Clipston really is a favorite of mine.
The cover is gorgeous though.
I'm a sucker for beautiful covers.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Stephanie Liller · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoyed Foundation of Love by Amy Cliptson, you would want her latest in Amy Clipston's Amish Legacy Series. Amy has an incredible way of making the reader feel like they are right in her stories with such descriptive writing that makes each of her stories richly atmospheric to make the reader feel more connected and true-to-life.

"The midmorning sky was bright blue and blushed with white, fluffy clouds. Birds sang in nearby trees while the colorful flower in her mother's garden danced in the warm breeze. Two squirrels raced by, chattering on their way toward a large oak tree. The air smelled of moist earth mixed with animals" (Clipston, 2022, p.28).

Building A Future is a follow-up story from Amy's Foundation of Love story. The way Amy interlaced the characters before this story made me feel like I was like catching up with some dear friends. That is how believable and relatable Amy develops each of her Amish characters. With the seamless plot twists,  the story held my attention very well all the way through until the very end. In Building a Future, Amy introduces Michelle and two familiar characters, Korey and Tyler, from Foundation of Love. Throughout the story, my heart felt tugged on, wanting to see the best for each of these characters and have a happy ending. Amy captured each character's struggles and conflicts so well that I could not wait until the next chapter. There were moments in this book I, as the reader, felt that I could feel and relate to Michelle and Tyler in some ways. With an overly complicated situation, it is sometimes challenging and distracting to pray and hope to do the right thing and not go against God's will or intentions when wanting something or wanting to be with someone so bad. While one may know something is meant to be or happened, it can seem impossible when everything is standing in the way and seems unimaginable to move or make happen. These characters kept seeking and praying for guidance and understanding, which is often very hard to do when you want no one to get hurt and uncertain about what is God's will. I think this type of situation is not often discussed or touched on often because it is hard to talk about or admit. Amy does an incredible job writing about similar circumstances to let her readers know this does happen even in Amish communities, and the reader, if in this type of situation, is not alone. It was evident in the story Michelle and Tyler had a decision to make but was trapped like wheels spinning in the mud. Amy skillfully wrote the plot with great depth and precision with a peaceful resolution, taking each character's feelings into account and the ability to seek and correct unresolved conflicts. I hope to read more about Korey, Tyler, and Michelle and their journey in the upcoming series. This is an excellent delivery of what is meant to be and will always find a way. 

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michelle has been dating Kory for over a year and it is getting harder to see all of her friends getting married and beginning their families. Kory seems distant and uninterested in taking the next step in their relationship, while his brother, Tyler, is a surprising source of friendship.

An engaging Amish romance with likable characters, and sweet relationship building throughout. I liked how Tyler is a good listener, and he encourages Michelle in her hobbies. He is hardworking and a guy who is trying to do the right thing. Michelle is a kind young woman, she dreams of a husband and children. I liked that she kept trying to think the best of Kory and encourage her best friend.

Overall, a delightful read. Well written and engaging, with characters that you can root for to overcome their complicated situation. A satisfying and enjoyable read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Sunnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book from the author. It showed characters that needed to grow up a little more in their personal relationships, Korey, especially. As Korey and Michelle's relationship continues, they are lacking the communication that they once had. Michelle finds a good friend in Korey's brother and so there are jealousies and issues that start to appear.

The book is engaging and keeps your attention, although some characters are not always so easy to like, but all in all I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more of the author's writings.

I received a complimentary ebook from NetGalley and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
Building a Future
by Amy Clipston

This is the second installment of this series; however, this book can easily be read as a stand alone. Each book follows the same family of men within their Amish community. Amy Clipston writes characters and stories that reach in and capture your heart and imagination. Clipston just has a gift for words. I hope she continues writing about the Bontrager family men! A perfect easy read for a lazy afternoon.



I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Building A Future ( Amish Legacy )
Amy Clipston
This is book two in An Amish Legacy, but Building A Future can be read as alone with no problems. Two families that grew up as neighbors. I would say this is Michelle, and Tyler’s story. Michelle has been dating Korey for a year now and she feels like he should propose if he loves her. There is also friendship between Michelle and Koreys brother, Tyler. There is a lot going on in this book, love, jealousy between siblings, families, and trust. Will Korey come around and propose to Michelle or is he to late?
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[kerrycat · Rating 4 out of 5]

this one got to the drama right off the bat, making for a compelling read. Korey continues to be a jerk, and I didn't quite believe him at a certain point when he wasn't - I hope we'll get his story as part of this series, too, just to see him grovel at Crystal's feet.

[Sarah Bickings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own..
This was an enjoyable read! I thought the leads of Michelle and especially Tyler were very well written. Tyler in particular was such a solid romantic lead (honestly, kind of swoon worthy) and you could totally understand why Michelle was drawn to him and vice-versa. I think the themes of friendship and love and being honest with yourself and knowing when to let go were definitely relatable. Good pacing and a fast, entertaining, heartwarming read. My only issue would be that sometimes the phrases the main characters said seemed a little too modern English and not Amish. I had to stop and thinking, "Would an Amish person really say that?" But granted I have never really be around the Amish community, but I have read alot of books in this genre. I really did enjoy this book and look forward to the next in this series! Thank you for the ARC, NetGalley & Zondervan Fiction!

[Angela Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first book in this series in a matter of days and did the same thing for “Building A Future.” I am excitedly waiting for book 3 to release!

Amy Clipston has a way of creating characters that come to life within the readers’ imagination, making them feel like family/friends. I feel connected to the Bontrager Family & cannot wait to see how life unfolds for Korey.

Michelle & Tyler find a way to be together through the adversities they are faced with & before you know it, you’re rooting for them.

You HAVE to read this book!

I gave this a 5-book stack rating

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC of Building a Future. Join the Bontrager Family once again. Michelle and Tyler will have their relationship challenged. Love, jealousy and distrust are among many things that will keep you turning the pages. I recommend this story. Will Michelle and Tyler find their way to each other? Blessings from God are certainly a great foundation.

[Michelle Rhoden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle has known the Bontrager brothers, Tyler, Korey, and Jayden since they were young, so it comes as no surprise when Korey and Michelle begin courting. Michelle dreams of a future consisting of a husband and children and Korey being that man to fulfill that dream. After a year of courting, the more Michelle talks to Korey about their future and her dreams, the more he begins pulling away from her. She slowly begins confiding in Tyler, who she feels is a good friend, about her relationship with Korey. The more Michelle and Tyler talk, they realize how much they have in common and their feelings between each other begin to grow into more than a friendship even though they both try and deny it. Tyler prefers to put all his attention into growing his dads business, but he agrees to Michelle’s suggestion to ask her best friend Charity out. When their relationship never takes off, Tyler has no choice but to break up with her.

How will Michelle and Tyler’s feelings for each other affect her relationship with Korey? How will it affect her friendship with her best friend Charity when Charity realizes Michelle has feelings for Tyler? How much more of a strain will it put on Korey and Tyler’s relationship as brothers? So much is at stake and so many hearts stand to be broken if the wrong decision is made.

I loved reading this book and finished it in a day and a half. I found it to be an easy storyline to follow which made the book enjoyable.

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley for my honest an opinion and review.

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy Clipston has a way to weave emotional stories with a guaranteed happy ending.

In Building a Future we focus on Michelle and Tyler. Michelle is dating Tyler’s brother Korey and Tyler is dating Michelle’s friend but feelings may not be where they should be.

I couldn’t stand Korey. He was very immature and rude. Oh so rude. Not just to Michelle but his treatment of his stepmom Crystal was heartbreaking. I sometimes think adult children can be the worst at thinking they have the right to treat stepparents in a horrible fashion. I was more upset he never thought his actions to anyone was wrong. So much of his anger was rooted in the way distant past that I’m not sure a backhoe could remove it.

I do agree that there seemed to be what other readers call “emotional cheating” going on but I have to say that it goes in in many, many other books and we readers think nothing of it. It seemed harder to take in this book because we expect our Amish books not to be so worldly. All parties involved realize what is happening and try to rectify in the best possible way. The big question is: what should trump when it comes to happiness: forever love or family?

This is book two in the Amish Legacy series but each book can be read as a standalone.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, I read in one setting! Clips ton never disappoints with her characters and Michelle and Tyler come alive on the page.

[KC · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't as sweet as I thought it was going to be. I found the writing to be childish and a little asinine. It seemed to go in loops a lot of the time and a lot of the 'issues' were just... so easy to solve. It's one of those stories where a mountain is repeatedly made out of a molehill and I didn't connect enough right away to the characters to care.

It's also an Amish story. I've read a lot of Amish books and generally love them. This didn't feel Amish, at all. It sort of just felt like an English story with some Amish words scattered in and a vague Amish setting. It was a little jarring. The plot of Michelle clinging to a certain idea of marriage was also a little forced, plus I feel like Korrey got off way too light, he was just... not a good or nice character at all.

This was okay and I read it fairly quickly, it just didn't stun me.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series, but this is a book that can be read alone, and you won't be lost.

This is Michelle Lantz's story, and it pulls in the entire Bontrager family, as she is in a relationship with one of them and the hopes of every Amish girl to marry and have a family! This a journey we take with Michelle, but also go deep into the Bontrager family and their relationships.

We travel along for answers and I couldn't figure out how it was going to end without a complete fracture of the Bontrager family.

There is a great faith in God here, and we journey with these families as answers come, will they be as you figured? There are some surprises!

The author gives us a wonderful story to get lost into, and there are two more books to come in this series!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Susan Faloon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy Clipston gives us a new story that has quite a bit of tension flowing through it. My review will follow at a later date.

[C Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Zondervan Fiction, for allowing me to read Building a Future by Amy Clipston through NetGally. This book is Book 2 in The Amish Legacy series features the Bontrager family. Release day is August 2, 2022.
This book has it all. love, distrust, anger, a lover’s triangle, two families who have been neighbors and friends for years, and brothers struggling to try to understand each other when jealousy and sibling rivalry come between them.
What is it about middle children? Some of them always think that they have to fight for their place in the family. Korey is the child. He always thinks that Tyler, his older brother is always trying to one up him.
Michelle Lantz and Korey Bontrager have been dating a year now, and she is ready to get married and start a family. But as time passes, Michelle knows that Korey has no plans for such a commitment In the near future.
In fact, Korey is a spoiled brat and seems very distant toward Michelle and even unkind to his family. He is rude and disrespectful to his stepmom and just generally rude and Unlikable.
Tyler, on the other hand wants to expand his dad’s roofing business so when he takes over one day, it will even be bigger and better.
Because of Korey’s negligent, Tyler and Michelle become wonderful friends. Kory become jealous and this pushes a wedge between these three friends. Tyler hides his feelings in order to save the relationship with his brother.
When an accident happens, there is no denying feelings in order to build a future.
You can’t miss this 5-star story. All opinions are mine, and I was not required to give a positive review.

[Lori Wilen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I must thank Amy Clipston and Zac Weikal for my ARC copy of this book in return for a review. All the opinions shared below are completely mine.

Amy Clipston has produced another 5 star plus read for me. I loved going back and visiting with those we had met in book one of the series but a little over a year later. I enjoyed getting to know the three brothers and Michelle, her two sisters and friends. I found the one that was getting married a little overbearing and annoying...so much so I can't remember her name.

The plot was extremely believable for both the Amish and English world and I have known couples who have actually gone through this. I loved the characters and how they developed in this book. We got to see the boys father happily married...book one featured his story. I really felt the emotion of the characters by the words and descriptions that Amy used. She never fails to paint a picture with her words and those images are as clear as the painting I could imagine on Michelle's milk can pictures. I loved the idea of the scripture on the base of the can.

I am glad that things worked out in the end and I really look forward to seeing how all the marriages progress in hopefully a third book and see how the new relationships work out. Maybe we will see some little Bontragers???

If you have never read an Amy Clipston book before this can be read without having read the first book, Foundation of Love but I prefer to read a series in order. I would definitely recommend this along with all other of Amy's books including her contemporary fiction and feel blessed to have been able to read and review this book.

[Dave Carrig · Rating 5 out of 5]

As far as Amish Fiction/Romance goes this is top notch stuff. The dynamic of the relationship between to the brothers made for an interesting story. They already had their issues but when one starts falling for the other’s girlfriend things really get complicated - which is what made for an intriguing story. Clearly the younger brother, Korey, is going through some stuff that he needs to work out. I think the author was trying to purposely paint him as unlikable but I couldn’t help feeling bad for the guy. In the first book in this series he was set up in this role and Tyler being made out to be the more mature likable brother.

Still - one thing you don’t ever do is encroach upon a brother’s or good friend’s love interest - particularly when that relationship is over a year old. So as I read on in this story I began to grow a disdain for Tyler. It just goes against every unwritten guy code there is. Tyler is a man with no honor - because if he had honor he would have suppressed those feelings no matter how strong they got for the sake of his brother - who had already admitted to Tyler he was jealous of him. Not to mention the kid is taking the death of their mother harder than anyone else in the family. So yea - not a Tyler fan by the end of the book. Even though he tried to do the right thing - he failed miserably.

The book itself was very well written. Truly Mrs. Clipston is a master of her craft and everything I read by her I thoroughly enjoy. Here’s hoping she follows Korey’s journey in the next one in this series. The young man deserves to find true love after getting punked by his brother and girlfriend…

[Jaquelyn Scroggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book after reading Foundation of Love, which is the first in this series. In Foundation of Love we meet Duane and his 3 sons, and we get to see Duane fall in love. Building a Future focuses on Tyler, Korey, and Michelle. Tyler and Korey are the oldest of the 3 boys, and always seem to butt heads. Tylers’ focus has always been on the business, and how to grow it to provide even better for their family. Korey is more selfish, and has had an attitude ever since his father remarried. Tyler is quick to call him out on it, wanting Korey to see how he’s acting, but it just seems to cause more problems between the two. When Tyler and Michelle become friends, it’s on Koreys’ last nerve.

Watching all of her friends get engaged and married is making Michelle restless. Her and Korey have been together forever, and she feels like any day it will be her turn. But lately Korey has seemed distant. Is she pushing towards something that she feels like she deserves, rather than something she really wants? Relationships are tricky, especially in such a small community. Will Michelle find who she is meant to be with? Or settle for second best? I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction. The Amish genre is always a delight to get to escape to. I enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait to see what happens in the next one. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan Publishers, and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say that I found myself extremely irritated with one of the characters in this new book! Korey Bontrager has problems, and many of them have to do with his outlook on life! He's disappointed that his father chose to marry again after his mother's death; he feels that his older brother Tyler gets more respect, and he's unsure of his feelings for the girl that he's expected to marry. Korey Bontrager is one unhappy fella!

This is the second book in the Amish Legacy series, and it has many of the issues that are relevant today, but surprising when we think of Amish families. Anger, distrust, and clinging to the past are some of the realistic problems in Building a Future, along with sibling rivalry and a love triangle that adds additional conflict. Author Amy Clipston kept me fully engaged in this story of a family still reeling from the loss of a loved one, and her stunning depiction of the two brothers who are complete opposites. Korey's rudeness and disrespect are a glaring contrast to Tyler's sweet and thoughtful nature. Throw in the budding friendship between Tyler and Korey's girlfriend and there are surely fireworks ahead!

Building a Future has memorable characters, intriguing family dynamics, and a strong message of faith woven into its plot. I recommend it to all who enjoy Amish romance.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.