The Amish Clockmaker

The Men of Lancaster County #3

by Mindy Starns Clark, Susan Meissner

The Amish Clockmaker explores the men of an Amish community in Lancaster County, how their Amish beliefs play out in their unique roles, and the women who change their lives.

Newlywed Matthew Zook is expanding his family's tack and feed store when a surprising property dispute puts the remodel on hold—and raises new questions about the location's mysterious past.

Decades earlier, the same building housed a clock shop run by a young Amish clockmaker named Clayton Raber. Known for his hot temper, Clayton was arrested for the murder of his beloved wife, a crime almost everyone—including his own family members—believed he'd committed, even after charges were dropped. Isolated and feeling condemned by all, Clayton eventually broke from the church, left Lancaster County, and was never heard from again.

Now the only way Matthew can solve the boundary issue and save his family's business is to track down the clockmaker. But does this put Matthew on the trail of a murderer?

A timeless novel of truth, commitment, and the power of enduring love, where secrets of the past give way to hope for the future.

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

520 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of more than 30 books, both fiction and nonfiction, and has received numerous literary honors, including two Christy Awards and RT Book Review Magazine’s 2012 Career Achievement Award. Mindy and her husband, John, have two adult children and live near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A property dispute sends ,Matthew Zook on a search for the previous owner who owned it 60 years ago. The book then tells the sad life story of the previous owner,Clayton Raber . What a riveting story that I just couldn't put down. Matthew does find Clayton and the story wraps up but Clayton's life story is so sad. I do hope there is a continuation of the story!

[Adrienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Adelightful Amish mystery with a very happy ending. A tack and feedstock store owner, Matthew Zook, is seeking to expand his store. But a property dispute puts his expansion on hold.
He needs to locate a prior owner on an adjacent block of land to the shop. But he has disappeared. After being Amish excommunication following the murder of his wife.
Unputdownable.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic!!! The story is great and I love the way it was told. The two stories, Matthew trying to get the land to expand his business, and Clayton and Miriam's relationship, were well-written and perfectly combined into one great book. I love how the book starts out in the present day and then we are taken back in time to learn Clayton's story as it happened. Then we are again in the present day to finish up the book and wrap up the story. The book has a great flow to it and keeps you interested from beginning to end.

A great job was done creating and writing about the characters. I will admit at first I wasn't sure about Clayton. Did he do what he was accused of? But then as the story begins to focus on him and Miriam I had a whole different opinion of him. I went from being unsure of him to feeling sorry for him. Not only for his disability from an accident that happened in his youth but also because of his love of Miriam. The characters were easy to get to know and relate to that soon I forgot they were fictional.

I really enjoyed this book and was sad when I reached the last page. Not sad over the way it ended but just the fact it ended. I had become so engrossed in the story I wasn't ready for it to be over.

Mindy Starns Clark is a new to me author and I can definitely say this won't be the only book of hers I read. Not only did I get to read a great book but I found another great writer of Amish fiction.

This book is a must read for fans of Amish fiction.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than just an Amish novel, this is a heartbreaking portrait of how assumptions and false accusations can ruin families and relationships. As someone who has a tendency to point the finger at others--something I am not the least bit proud of--reading this inspires me to get all the facts before making the final assessment of a situation.

[Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very "Amish novel," The Amish Clockmaker tells the story of two men tenuously connected by the fact that they grew up in the same house. Matthew Zook needs help with a property dispute so he can expand his tack and feed store, and the one man who can help him is Clayton Raber, the owner of the property who hasn't been seen in decades in the community after being accused of murdering his wife. Aside from being basically a gentle story, this book shows what can happen when people judge too quickly without the facts, making false accusations that can ruin an individual's life and rip families apart. I enjoyed this book very much as a welcome break from more traditional murder mysteries. If you're looking for a lot of excitement and gory details, pass this one by. But if you want a story about decent human beings and how they handle what life throws at them, I highly recommend this book.

[ANNETTE · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of love and strong faith .God's grace is shown through out.
Matthew Zook does a good job tracking down and listening to different people surrounding a murder. I liked the way Matthew had a tender heart towards Clayton and kept an open heart.

[Victoria Zigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is the best of the series so far. I enjoyed following the two timelines, and seeing how things converged at the end.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS



This is the third book in the Men of Lancaster County. It tells the story through two different Amish men point of view. I wanted the story to go on. I admitted I liked the ending I just wanted another couple of chapters. I did shed some tears in the last few chapters.



There is a lot of drama in the two stories that take place 50 years apart but the past story has a major impact on the currant story. Mathew Zook is a newlywed and is in charge of the family business. He is going to extend his family hardware store to save the business when he finds out that the land he is going to build on. The hotel which is going up thinks that they are going to buy that land and wants Mathew Zook to stop his building. He needs to find Clayton Raber.



Clayton Raber was arrested for killing his wife. Everyone believed that the Amish clockmaker got away with the murder. Mathew was raised in same bedroom that Clayton was raised in and believes he was innocent. No one knows where Clayton had moved to after the cops let him out of jail and dropped the case.



I liked the characters and wanted Clayton to have a happy ending. His story was sad. I also wanted Mathew to save his family business. Both stories made me feel with the characters.



The story is set in the Amish Lancaster county. A mix of Amish and English.



This is a clean read. A gripping story. Of characters that have a struggle to live what they believe. Some have weakness that you can see others you see trying to accept God's will.



I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and Harvest House Publishers . In return I agreed to give honest review of the Amish Clockmaker.

[Kay Defreese · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amish Clockmaker is book 3 in the Men of Lancaster series and is the one of the series that I think it the best. It is the story of two different Amish men. The first story is told in first person during the present time and is the story of Matthew Zook. He wants to expand the business that his grandfather started about 60 years ago. His grandfather had purchased land that was formerly owned by Claburn Raber, an Amish clockmaker who was accused of murdering his wife. He was innocent but his family and the community never believed his story that his wife was mentally ill. He was ex-communicated and left town never returning to Lancaster. It is important that Matthew locate Claburn Raber since there is a problem with the deed of one acre. A resort wants to acquire that one acre. The second part deals with Claburn Raber. He marries the troubled Marian Beiler. He loves her even though she does not return his love. Of course we learn in the first part that Marian dies and Claburn leaves town. I felt bad that most of Claburn's family dies believing that he a murderer.
I felt the storyline and characters were well developed. It kept me turning the pages to determine the outcome. I don't want to give too much of the story away to spoil it for the reader. You won't regret reading this one. It is better written than most Amish fiction.

I received this ebook compliments of Netgalley and Harvest House publishers.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given To Me For An Honest Review


The Amish Clockmaker (The Men of Lancaster County Book 3) by Mindy Starns Clark & Susan Meissner is unique. Most Amish stories are told by the women. This book is told my the men's point of view. This book is a must read, it is so good. Once you open to page one, it will grab you and hold you down on the edge of your seat. You'll then be watching those pages turn and turn and turn until you get to the last page. If you're like me you'll get a bit upset because it shouldn't have ended. As you are reading the story begins drawing you in and before you know it you feel like you are now a part of the story. There are two stories being told at the same time. Matheww is trying to buy some land in order to expand his family business and it also tells about about Clayton and Miriam's relationship. It begins in the present day, then it switches to the past to learn Clayton's story. Then the story goes back to the present to finish the story. I was sad when it ended, yet happy that the truth finally came out about Clayton. Does Matthew find Matthew find Clayton in time to buy the land? Did Clayton murder his wife? I gave this book 5 stars but wish I could have given it more because it deserves more. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I look for more from Mindy Starns Clark & Susan Meissner.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this on the Kindle

This was one of the best books i have read in a while it about Clayton who is arrested for the murder of his wife in the 1950s he is then released saying no evidence with his family & the church believing he did it he leaves

Sixty years later there is a dispute on a piece of land which Clayton's father had signed over to him but no one in his family knew so Matthew who is expanding or lose his business so he much find Clayton

So you go on a journey, the first part of the book is Matthew's story the 2nd part is Clayton's then the 3rd part is Matthew's journey trying to find out more & where Clayton is if he still alive

In the story a clock is found which is made by Clayton,

if i have any criticism of this story it would be i like to know what happens to the clock, also a little more about the hotel & the company who the dispute of the land they also wanted how they dealt with it also rather than a just a thought type of finish it would a chapter to finish it off but that aside it a very good read & would highly recommend this book i couldn't put it down until i finished it

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Matthew Zook was shocked to find out the land he was using to expand his store was not his after all. After a lot of embarrassment and searching, the land belongs to long ago Amish clockmaker named Clayton Raber. Raber had a horrible temper and rumors were that he killed his young wife, but no one knew anything about it, or didn’t want to talk about it. Authors Mindy Starns Clark and Susan Meissner does a fantastic job of writing this story, weaving together the present with the past, uncovering long ago secrets and facts that were years ago swept under the rug and believed. This story ended up being a really sweet and heartwarming story, one that I still think about. The characters were so well created and developed that they were just like real! I felt as though I was talking with good friends. If you enjoy Amish fiction, then this one is a must for you. Go HERE and check it out.

I received this book from Revell to read and review. 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 55.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word. THE AMISH CLOCKMAKER is a very poignant story. The third book in this dynamic duel’s newest series, THE AMISH CLOCKMAKER easily stands alone. Fans will want to read THE AMISH BLACKSMITH and THE AMISH GROOM though.

There are two stories in THE AMISH CLOCKMAKER. One, modern times about an Amish man trying to expand his business but running into obstacles from the business expanding next door when they discover a land dispute. Matthew must hunt down the owner of the parcel of land in question in order to expand—but the other business wants it, too, and will pay a premium to get it.

The second story is Clayton’s. And that broke my heart. Clayton was handicapped, coddled by his family, and wanted to be accepted as a man. But he knew no woman would ever want him. That he’d always be alone. When and opportunity came to marry the woman he’s loved from afar for years, Clayton doesn’t hesitate.

I won’t say any more because I don’t want to give away spoilers, but I literally cried when I reached the last two-thirds of this book.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a tough one to read. It wasn't very happy but mostly troubling and sad. I also struggle reading these two authors; I think I just don't like their style. It maybe seems to educational at times and mundane. The writing just doesn't grab you. Clayton was a very interesting character though; I just wish his story had not been so hard to read about. Clayton's part in this book is what kept me reading; but I probably will not revisit these authors.

[Patty Champion · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I never wanted it to end. This book has so many layers to it, it makes you realize that no mater what your life is like someone else has it harder. I wish there was going to be more books with the same characters in is so we know how their life continued.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to all my customers.

[Kallie Freel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kept my attention the whole time! I truly enjoyed it! However, the ending was a little disappointing- the last w chapters had some much to cover that it seemed like it was rushed. I wanted more after the last few words.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You can't help who you love, Mr. Raber. That's how love is." p.245

[Cherese Akhavein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third in The Men of Lancaster County Series by Mindy Starns Clark and Susan Meissner
"The Amish Clockmaker"
Wow this book like books one and two are like stories within stories, this series is unlike other Christian Amish fiction in that it's told through the eyes of the character duing parts of the book, and at the same time you will still get the romance, scripture, and simple life you are use too.
Matthew Zook wants to expand his families tack and feed store and after much prayer and contenpltion he is finally ready to take the step toward his future, only to find out at the last minute that a surprising land dispute could put a halt to his plans.
Clayton Raber the old clockmaker who lived in Matthew's homestead years prior and in fact his clockmaking business was at onetime Matthew's tack and feed now, left town after he was accused of killing his wife in a fit of rage. Matthew has a special feeling for Clayton since he grew up in his old bedroom, now can he find Clayton some 60 years later and make things right and fix the property dispute at the same time.
This book was a wonderful example of deep love and and faith. The message in this book was one of such deep understanding it will strick a cord with everyone. To love someone so deeply that you are willing to give up your own life to leave everything you know and believe behind is a wonderful act of god's grace. This series is truly a must read.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It may sound strange but I found this story soothing, especially because there is a murder involved. In this novel of the series Matthew Zook must find Clayton Raber if he is still alive to get a signature on a quitclaim deed to preserve land that Matthew's family has owned for 60 years. The story inside a story is the life of Clayton and the murder he is accused of. Clayton has a very bad temper, but he also is the victim of an accident as a young boy leaving him crippled in one leg and with a terrible scar on his face. He is a clockmaker along with his father. The family next door has a daughter that is beautiful and enjoys talking to Clayton who falls in love with her. But she becomes pregnant by an Englisch man and is ruined when he leaves town. Clayton is asked by her family to marry her and preserve their name. He does so and that sets the story up for the murder and the events that follow.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book follows the life of two men: Matthew Zook (tack and feed store) and Clayton Raber (former Amish clockmaker). When Clayton is suspected of killing his wife, he leaves Amish country, and no one knows where he has been the last 60 years. Matthew is desperate to locate Clayton to settle a dispute about some property so he can expand his shop.

At first, I wasn't certain if I liked the story going back in time, but I soon found myself engrossed in the book and unable to put it down. It was so sad to see how many years were wasted and a man's life was nearly ruined when he was falsely accused of a crime that was truly a tragic accident.

[Ursula · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gentle well-paced tale of love and devotion, family life and practical difficulties with a dark undercurrent. I was gradually drawn in and learnt more and more about this unusual community and the values of its members. This is not a book you can set aside easily as you become caught up and don't mind how far the story must go to ensure all the threads are carefully spooled.

I hadn't realised there's a whole genre of Amish stories. If this is representative of their quality then I'll look out for others.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Expansion of the family Tack & Feed store , the one my father was not for. I as owner now, looking to the future, thought we needed the double space and revenue. A neighbor stops the construction saying that the parcel did not belong to my grandfather, as I thought he bought sixty years ago.
As walls came down, a secret was revealed. Setting upon himself, to uncover the questions of why it was hidden. Coming to meet a man who reminded him of his grandfather . Accusation broke the man from his faith and lived a life of isolation, until now. A good story of clearing the past.

[S. Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books this year! Heart felt writing that made me cry! I love books that speak to me, and this one did just that..!

I love it when these two writers work together. They have written two series that I'm aware of and each book gets better! I highly recommend this one, but it would be best to read all three of them in order: The Amish Groom, The Amish Blacksmith and then The Amish Clockmaker.

There were a few duplicate words and missing ones. A reprint can fix it! Happy reading!

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed reading the 2 time periods of the Amish Clockmaker Clayton Raber, and the current day family of Matthew Zook in the same building and home, now a tack and feed store. The book starts with Matthew, dealing with a property dispute which will keep him from expanding his store unless he can find Clayton Raber, whose bedroom Matthew grew up in. Then the story switches to a young Clayton and the accusations that sent him away from his home and Amish roots. Well told, creating people who I cared about, sympathized with, and even cried for at the end.

[Sandra The Old Woman in a Van · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intersting qick read - but you have to be in the mood for a half romance/half soft mystery and a healthy dose of Christian (Amish) advise. This is not a book I would have chosen myself, but I enjoyed reading it as I enjoy most of Susan Meissner’s books. This was an excellent choice for Thankgiving weekend when I needed sonething light and uplifting.

[Carlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book, ending the story line of The Men of Lancaster County. Matthew has been in love with his next door nebhorbor Miriam, since her family moved to Lancaster County, Pennslvania. She worked as a housekeeper for an English lady, which caused her to desire fancy things and their way of life. This changed both of their lives, in unforsean ways.

[Donna Mcnab · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a beautiful ending. I had a rather difficult time getting through the middle of the books based on Clay and Miriam's life knowing that Miriam died and Clay was thought guilty by everyone, which was known from the beginning of the book. However, the ending made up for the difficult section.

[Denver Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ecclesiastes 3:1 simply stated means there is an appointed time for everything! In this particular case, there is absolute certainty of the closing statement of this book. He sent me here to bring you home! What a powerful powerful ending to a book! Could not have asked for a better read if I had to, best book of the series I’ve read so far.

[Mrs. · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I was thinking this was going to be a dud, but it shaped up to be one of the best in the series so far! Little love story, a healthy dose of angst and a whole lotta mystery wrapping up with a delightful ending. Great book!!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It spoke about honour, love and a father's love. The book had me pulling out my Bible and praying. The prompting of the Holy Spirit used this book to draw me closer to God.