Love Birds

Amish Market

by Amy Clipston

Seth always thought of Ellie as his friend s little sister. But now he sees her as much more.

While Ellie Lapp and her mother are still mourning the loss of her brother, Seth, Ellie starts working at one of the gift shops in town. Seth s friend Lloyd is talented at carving wooden birds, but his father disapproves and expects him to take over the family farm someday. Ellie sees the beauty in Lloyd s creations and insists Lloyd sell the birds in the gift shop where she works. As Ellie and Lloyd spend more time together, they begin to develop feelings for one another, but she accidentally betrays his trust. Will she lose any hope of a future with him?"

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

91 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2016

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

[Diamond Jones-Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved the story of Lloyd and Ellie. She was so passionate about his bird cravings and her love for him.

[Isis Ray-sisco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet short story. I liked it and will be looking for books by this author in the future.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Birds : An Amish Market Novella
By: Amy Clipston

Amy Clipston continues the story of Ellie Lapp, her mother, and Lloyd who was Seth’s friend. Ellie and her mother are struggling after the death of Seth. This is a sweet love story about trust, betrayal , and forgiveness. Ellie has loved Lloyd since she was a very young girl. Lloyd thinks Ellie has betrayed him. Can he ever trust or be friends with her again? I love the story and the characters, both were easy to follow. I felt sorry for Ellie and Lloyd. At times I felt tears gathering in my eyes and caught myself saying NO NO. I highly recommend Love Birds, I am sure you will love it as I did. Amy Clipston did not disappoint me.

[Kathy Wallen · Rating 3 out of 5]

January 24, 2026

Rating: 3.5/5

I have nothing better to do with my time, so here I am reviewing this book at two in the morning. I wanted something quick and easy to read, and this book delivered. Ellie and Lloyd were sweet characters and I enjoyed their romance quite a bit. I've read three Shelley Shepard Gray novels in the past month and have been very frustrated with the superficial characters, Hallmark movie dialogue, and terrible writing. Amy Clipston isn't my favorite author—her books are very hit-or-miss for me—but she delivered on this novella, and I was happy with the refreshingly consistent characters.

I'm not entirely sure that Lloyd selling birds directly equates to Ellie being able to keep her job, but alright, whatever. I'll be lenient.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute story! Follows a very stereotypical pattern - boy meets girl (though, before the story starts), boy gets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back. So, on that level obvious but that is my lone complaint. You’ve got a teenage character dealing with big things (helping w. paying the bills, grief), while trying to be a typical teenager (granted, a typical Amish teenager, which is different than what most of us went through I’m sure). I liked that the author decided to tackle bug things in the novella & it felt like a complete story. (Unfortunately, I find that novellas frequently do not feel complete.)

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book included in An Amish Market. A short book of Ellie. Her and her mom are trying to manage without her brother, Seth. His death has put a strain on many things. Seth’s friend, Lloyd, does what he can to help. Ellie has admired Seth from a young age. Has she gone too far when she tries to sell his art?

[Megan Macrae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a novella that I’d read again. It’s cute and at the same time it has its down parts to stay level with all the happiness. The best thing about these are that they end with a happily ever after!

[Sandra Bensley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elle looses her brother Seth, so she's stepping up by taking a job at a gift shop for two days a week to help out. Llyod her brothers best friend is also grieving for his lost friend, Can Elle and Llyod find a solution with each other? Loved this, didn't want to stop reading.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story. Enjoyable read.

[Sydni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a precious story of Loyalty, Friendship, and Love.

[Just Commonly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Amish Market consists of 4 novellas under this one book and their storyline has a part or association with the working lives of their respective Amish communities, while focusing on the love story of the main couple. Each novella have its own charm and sweetness that ranges from young love to burnt love to love in time. I find them aptly chosen in compilation for this collection because they are so different, yet so similar in the theme of finding love in unexpected ways. The authors, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin and Vannetta Chapman are all popular authors of Amish stories, and if you've never read any of their works, you'll know why you must after reading their respective stories in An Amish Market. Even each of the novella's title was well selected. You'll understand once you read the story, and appreciate how thoughtful these authors are, down to the last detail, including the title selection.

I thoroughly enjoyed each novella, starting with Love Birds by Amy Clipston. Though I find Ellie a tad bit immature in her handling of Lloyd's wishes, her shy personality and background, having been taken care of by her brother and parents since young, makes it understandable. A story of forgiveness, respecting elders and understanding compassion for others, Love Birds is one sweet start.

"God gave you that talent, and He wants us to share our talents with others to celebrate His glory. Why do you want to hide that talent?" (Loc 656)


In all, a collection not to miss of any Amish fiction fans. An Amish Market have love, a message and some amazing and sometimes quirky characters for you to enjoy. Definitely a must read (and most likely you'll want to in one sitting, and maybe go back for more.)


This review first appeared on Just Commonly Blog.

NOTE: I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher, Thomas Nelson through NetGalley for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.

[Connie Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this book it is contained in the Novella collection in An Amish Market written by Amy Clipston. This story follows the Lapp family after the loss of their son Seth. It is a beautiful story about a father with a strong will and stronger faith, a hard working son Lloyd who also has a beautiful talent of whittling taught to him by his grandfather, and Ellie who is Seth's sister and Lloyd's friend. As family and friends in an Amish community do, they rally around Ellie and her Mamm to help with the family farm and anything that needs repair or taken care of. To help her Mamm and her afford groceries Ellie feels she must take a job outside the family home and learns the lesson of betraying someone's trust. Is it possible to overcome betrayal and trust your best friend again? Lloyd and Ellie teach a valuable lesson about trust and betrayal and true forgiveness. Reading this book also helped me through the deep feelings you have from the loss of a loved one and how dear they are. I truthfully recommend this to any Amish fiction reader. This one is a Must Read - Thank you Amy Clipston.

[Christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Love Birds,” by Amy Clipston is the first of four novellas in An Amish Market. It is a delightful read! Ellie Lapp recently started working at the Bird-in-Hand Gifts and Treasures Shop. She really enjoys working there, and the extra money has been helping her mother and her get by, especially since the death of her brother, Seth. Lloyd Blank, Seth’s friend, has been helping Ellie and her mother with the farm. Ellie and Lloyd start spending more time together and develop a fast friendship. Could this friendship develop into something more? Ellie makes a mistake and betrays Lloyd’s trust. Will he be able to look past that and rekindle the friendship they once had?
Amy Clipston does a great job of bringing the characters to life in this book! Once you start reading, you will feel like you are in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania visiting Ellie’s quaint gift shop. A very enjoyable read!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Clipston will steal your heart in "Love Birds" as you enter the quaint gift shop Ellie works at in Bird-In-Hand Pennsylvania only to convince her friend, Llyod to start selling his beautiful wooden birds. Despite Llyod's opposition, Ellie won't have it. Ms. Cliptson writes a story about forgiveness, trust, and betrayal. This story is lovely, and her attention to character depth, story plot, and smooth transitions will capture you from the beginning of the book as you mourn the loss of Seth till the very ending where your heart is pounding. Will love be in the works for Ellie and Llyod or did her mistake ruin her future? You'll be in a whole ball of knots until the end wondering what happens!! I would recommend this Novella and any other full-length books by Amy Clipston as they are excellent reads.

[Beverly Lytle]

This was a story about a sweet friendship-turned-romance that developed in unusual circumstances. I loved the way Ms Clipston used the hidden talent of the hero as both a conflict and a resolution in the story. The development and depth of the characters draw you into the story, leaving you rooting for the romance to blossom.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't wait to get into this book as it picked up with a backstory first started in the book, Forgotten Recipe. I enjoy getting to know the secondary characters of favorite fiction families and this story of Ellie Lapp does not disappoint. =) When reading Amy's books you don't want the series to ever end and so I'm tickled when these novella's appear with an extra story to jump into.

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

I'm in love with how the Amish community takes care of each other in a time of need. This novella focuses on the romance blooming between Ellie and Lloyd but throughout the reader learns how the Amish help one another.

Anything Amy Clipson writes is a sure thing.

[Tammy Bernadt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Read on back of book. It will sound good to you.
Start reading and find out more of the story and see how you like it.
I am glad I bought. It was good at the beginning to the end.

[Debbie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Love how through tragedy and friendship love can grow.
Lived every minute of this book through Ellie.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet story

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short story that really had a lot of meat packed into a few pages. I really liked the characters and the story line.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

1 ST BOOK OF 4 AMISH MARKET

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Birds is an Inspirational Fiction novella by Amy Clipston. It is one of four stories found in An Amish Market. The characters are from Amy's Amish Heirloom Series. If you have read any of those books I think you will enjoy this spin-off. Love Birds is about learning to trust and discovering love.

In the novella, Lloyd Bank is just being a good neighbor to Ellie Lapp when he has an epiphany. He realizes that she is not a child anymore and has turned into a beauty. The funny thing is that Ellie has always had a secret crush on Lloyd. Love Birds is their story of figuring out if they can be a romantic couple. I liked seeing the theme of putting one's trust in God to provide every need found in this book. This is an enjoyable sweet romance and I recommend this quick read. Love Birds is part of my personal library. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm never disappointed in a story written by Amy Clipston. Love Birds is a great novella to escape in while reading.

I'm thankful Ms. Clipston shares her gift of writing detailed stories containing lovely Amish characters and settings. An Amy Clipston story is not to be missed!

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Birds is the fourth novella written by Amy Clipston in her latest release Amish Sweethearts. I have read this novella before in An Amish Market but didn't hesitate to reread it in this new book. I really enjoyed this story as it not only refers to human love birds but carved love birds.

Ellie Lapp has accidentally discovered her late brothers friend Lloyd's amazing talent for carving birds. As she tries to convince him to sell his birds at the local shop where she is employed she also discovers she has feelings for him. What does Ellie do that may end her friendship with Lloyd? How does one little wooden bird make such a difference to so many people.

The characters in this story are very likeable and are described in great detail that makes them appear to be real. The storyline is amazing and brought tears to my eyes.

I was given an advanced complimentary eBook from Netgalley and Amy Clipston to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable review. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. All statements expressed are strictly my own.

Congratulations to Amy Clipston on writing another outstanding story for her readers to enjoy. I will be anticipating more books from Amy Clipston in the future.