The Bake Shop

Amish Marketplace #1

by Amy Clipston

The first installment of Amy Clipston’s bestselling Amish Marketplace series! Cakes, pies, and a tender romance await you in The Bake Shop . Christiana Kurtz loves to bake, but when her bake stand becomes too busy, her mother encourages her to move her business to the local market. Her new bake shop is an instant success, but it becomes so inundated with customers that the line blocks the leather and woodcraft shop next door. The shop’s owner, Jeff Stoltzfus, catches Christiana’s attention at first glance with his dark brown eyes and sad expression, and she longs to know more about him. After a series of mishaps and Jeff’s complaints that her stand is driving away his business due to the lines, their relationship begins rockily. Drawn to each other despite themselves, Jeff and Christiana forge a friendship that begins to deepen, and Jeff slowly begins to trust her with the painful secrets of his past. When Christiana’s father makes a surprise visit to the market, he is upset to find that Jeff uses the building’s electricity to personalize his items. He tells Christiana that Jeff is too modern for her, and she’s forbidden from dating him. Christiana is crushed, but she knows she must obey her father. When Jeff’s shop catches fire one day, he puts the entire market in jeopardy—including Christiana’s bake shop, but she can’t deny how she feels about him despite his mistakes. Though the odds are against them, can the two young people find a way to rebuild both their businesses and their relationship?

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

312 pages, Paperback

First published November 5, 2019

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 5 out of 5]

This is an Amish Fiction and clean romance, and this is the first book in the Amish Marketplace series. I have to just say I love the covers to the books in this series. I stayed up late just to finish this book because I was so into it. I loved the characters, and they where very developed. I also loved the setting of the story, and I love the shops. I loved all the side characters, and I cannot wait to read more books in this series.

I re-read this book by listening to the audiobook. I enjoyed the audiobook, and the narrator was really good.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bake Shop is the exciting first book in the author's new Amish Marketplace series.
I always know when I pick up an Amy Clipston book I will enjoy it.
Her stories have likable, realistic characters and well plotted stories.
This one taking place in Lancaster County is full of lush descriptions make you want to pack up and drive to Amish country try to find this bake shop. No one bakes like Christiana Kurtz, she can't keep up with her customers demands at her home stand and is thrilled at the offer of opening at bigger stand at the Amish Market Place.
The meeting of her neighbor at the Market Place gets off to a rocky start as she meets Jeffrey Stoltzfus.
He's in the next stall over with his leather shop.
This is a man who's gone through a lot of hurt through his ex-fiancee and he has about given up on finding God's chosen mate for himself.
Christiana's father is ultra conservative past the point of what the bishop is even. As we read we come to realize why this deeply religious man is this way.
The path getting from here to there is not an easy one and there are many struggles along the way as this couple look for a way to commit to a lasting love.
Once I started I read it almost the whole way through in one sitting, it's just that good!

Published November 5th 2019 by Zondervan
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christiana is trying to expand her baking business but is struggling at the family roadside booth she uses. When a booth becomes available in an English market, her cousins, already having their own shops there, talk her into joining them. But it takes some persuasion to get her father to agree to the move. On her first day there, she meets a handsome Amish man by soaking him with coffee, and then discovers his leather shop is next to her bake shop.

My heart was breaking so much for Christiana and all she was going through. I wanted to give her a great big hug and at the same time, shake her a little and make her see what was waiting for her if she would just open up her eyes and heart. THE BAKE SHOP is the first book in the Amish Marketplace series.

I appreciate the clean and wholesome family life that Amish books have. Christiana ‘s family is very supportive, which is not always the case in Amish stories. The ties to the past that help shape the future is just the right touch. THE BAKE SHOP is a quick and entertaining read, and you really won’t know until the end what happens. Why does Christiana’s father have such strict beliefs when even local bishops allow their flock the use of electricity if they work for Englishers? The market is owned by an Englisher so it is legal for Jeffrey to do so.

I became really confused with Christiana’s father and his attitude towards Jeffrey. His inability to listen to reason had me shouting while reading THE BAKE SHOP. The ending however was well worth the wait and as a result I cannot wait for the rest of the Marketplace novels because I don’t want to give these characters up.

I have been enjoying Amy Clipston’s stories for many years and THE BAKE SHOP is exactly why. The twists and turns in Christiana and Jeffrey’s lives pop up when you least expect them. Amy pulls you right in and makes you feel as if you are right there experiencing all the heart wrenching feelings her characters are. When I hear Amy Clipston has a new book coming out, I run to it. She has quickly become one of my favorite Amish authors, and I devour her stories very quickly. I love how her stories allow me to escape my reality and puts me right in the middle of Amish country.

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

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whenever I pick up an Amy Clipston book, I get an enjoyable Amish romance, with great characters and an interesting twist to the plot. This one was no exception. Christiana loves to bake and runs a roadside stand in front of her home. When the opportunity arises to get a spot in the Amish Market, she is able to convince her father to let her to try it, even though he is not happy about it. Her booth takes off and she finds herself one of the most popular stops in the market. Unfortunately, her customers block her neighbours booth, and he is not happy about losing business. This is a bit of a a love/hate relationship at first, but as they spend more time together, things heat up.

I liked the slow simmer of this relationship. It started with some hard feelings, but being Amish, Jeff continued to help Christiana and as they spend time together the relationship that began to blossom was quite sweet. I really liked Christiana. She was a sweet girl who only wanted the best for everyone. She is caring and is a good friend. I also liked that she spoke her mind, even to her father, although with him, it didn't have the effect she was hoping for. I also liked that she was willing to fight for what she really wanted. At the beginning of the book, I wasn't sure if I liked Jeff or not. He was easy to anger, didn't want to give anyone the benefit of the doubt and was suspicious. As the book went on, we begin to see another side of him and I began to like him a lot more. I was not sure what Christiana's father's problem was, but when we find out it becomes more understandable. My only complaint with this book was that his coming around came really quickly and it just seemed like the end was too abrupt. I liked the secondary characters in the book, her sister, her cousins and even Just Sarah Anne. Overall, I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the next one in this series. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars (and a half)

This wasn’t my favorite by this author, but I do plan to try out the rest of the series.
Jeff and Christiana were both ‘meh’ characters for me in terms of their thoughts and actions. The romance was completely the main focus of this book with the both of them determined to only be friends, panicking that they like the other, and misunderstandings. Both main characters had flaws to make them more realistic, but for some reason it came across as 2-Dimensional to me? They weren’t my favorite, but I appreciate how clean this book is. That’s always nice. :)


{{Official Content Review to Come.}}

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bake Shop by Amy Clipston is the first An Amish Marketplace Novel. I know when I pick up a book written by Amy Clipston, that I will enjoy it. The Bake Shop did not disappoint with the lovely setting of Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania and the developed as well as realistic characters. I picked up The Bake Shop and was quickly drawn into the story thanks to Amy Clipston’s engaging writing style. You cannot help but root for the young couple whose relationship got off to a rocky start. I like how the characters developed over the course of the story especially Christiana’s father, Freeman. Faith is woven into the story beautifully. We see the importance of having faith, the power of prayer, and how forgiveness is good for not only the person receiving it but also for the person giving it. I like the messages or life lessons I got from reading this book. The Bake Shop allows us to see how the past can influence our present behavior. We need to work through our issues if we are to have a fulfilling life. I was happy that there was an epilogue that nicely wrapped up the story. The Bake Shop is a sweet Amish novel that will leave you with a smile on your face.

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

I always enjoy reading Amy Clipston’s books. The bake Shop was a great book to read. Christiana touched me and so many ways. Even when she thought she was right, she took the time to listen to other’s views. She had a hard time with Jeff in the beginning but didn’t completely give up on him.

I enjoyed reading about the two of them and Christiana’s drive for her bake shop. She has a strong bond with her cousins and it was fun reading about it.

If you a looking for a great book, I definitely recommend reading The Bake Shop.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite authors Amy Clipston has written another wonderful Amish novel. I always enjoy her books and this one didn't disappoint!! Her writing is just fantabulous!!
Don't you just love the Amish language? Now whenever I see them or do business with them I can sort of understand them. Amy has an excellent dictionary of some of the words in her book. Of course, depending on which district they're from I'm sure there's a slight difference. But, I think that most are the same.
Of course, I read this book all those sweets!! Yummy!! They have the most amazing cooks!
I had the pleasure of taking a bus tour to Amish Country in Indiana and we were invited to eat in an Amish home. I wish we could do that again. I really enjoyed that day.
I also enjoyed the little bit of romance that was in the book. However; I won't tell you who because you just have to read the book.
Sometimes it's hard to make a change even if it is for the better but I think in Christiana's case this was for the good! Christiana is a sweetheart in my opinion. I'd love to have her talent as a baker but I think my son got that talent. I'd be eating the raw dough as I think that is the best part lol!!
I think that Christiana would make a great friend and I could imagine myself sitting in the coffee shop with her
I like Jeff too. I love his kind and caring ways. Sometimes I wanted to shake him though like I do with my husband. They can't see past the end of their nose at times.
I love how Amy shows us that even the Amish have their flaws and that's why I love her stories. Also too her books have a way of teaching us a few things as we read along. Such a good story and one that you won't want to put down until you've finished it.
I strongly recommend this book if you love the Amish.
My thanks to Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books by this author, and she never disappoints me, and you are in for another treat with this book.
The author gives us a young woman who goes about her life living her faith, and works hard to help support them.
Then we are given a young Amish man who has been deeply hurt by his fiancée and sure doesn’t want that pain again, but does God have other plans for him?
Enter a man who is deep man of faith, to the point that he won’t bend any rules that might lead anyone in is family from being Amish.
You are about to embark on a journey that is not smooth, and has a lot of up and downs, to maybe bring a couple together.
The pages flew as I picked this one up!

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

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bake Shop was a nice start to The Amish Marketplace series. The main characters definitely struggled with communicating with each other and making assumptions for awhile. But, once they figured out how to communicate, I really enjoyed watching as they began to fall for each other.

It was difficult to read about how strict and unyielding Christiana’s father was regarding decisions that he made. His unwillingness to listen or change his mind about things created problems for Jeff and Christiana. This was a good story and I think that fans of Amish fiction will be happy for the start of this new series, set at a local Amish market, which I found to be a very interesting setting.

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...

[Andrea Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly the sweet romance I was hoping for after reading a one-star book earlier today. The fact that this story revolved around a group of cousins made my day. I don’t see enough of those stories. I’m glad to see that the cousins are each getting their own books. I’ll be reading them all.

I enjoyed the farmer’s market setting. It was really fun to have the majority of the book take place there. That’s pretty unique, and it was exactly what I needed today, as it’s been overcast here a lot lately. Having a sunny story to read was so timely for me this week.

The leads in this one were in their late twenties. That was refreshing, as so many romance leads are late teens or early twenties. I don’t mind those, but I also enjoy reading about older characters.

Content: drugs (mentioned)

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fans of Amish fiction are going to love Amy Clipston's latest, THE BAKE SHOP. It's filled with warm and cozy moments as Jeff and Christiana find their way from strangers to friendship to love.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christiana's little farmstand bake shop does a good business, but sometimes eager customers do not respect business hours and come knocking at the door in the midst of meals. When she visits her cousins who operate businesses at the Bird in Hand market, she notices a vacant booth. Her strict Amish father hesitates to allow her to operate there because they have electricity, but she convinces him she'll use a propane oven. On that first visit she spilled coffee on Jeff whose wood and leather business adjoins the vacant booth. The challenges to their budding relationship sometimes seem insurmountable. Can either of them trust the other? Will her strict Amish father allow it? The novel's theme seems to be God can help you get past your past. I listened to the audiobook. I noticed the reader slowed down a bit after the first few chapters which made its pacing move more like other readers. (It really was a tad too fast at first. I usually listen to audiobooks at 1.25x speed, and I had to pay closer attention because of the really super fast speech until it slowed down to a more normal pace.)

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bake Shop was a cute read and it tackled some great issues that we can all relate to, I know I did. This doesn't have to be read in order, and I say that because I read the third one first, and now the first one in the series.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story featuring several booths in a Amish marketplace.
I enjoyed learning more about Amish families and their communities.

[benebean · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I'm not close to any Amish myself, nor have I personally researched amish extensively, but I have some doubts about the authenticity of some of the portrayals of amish in this book (Rumspringa anyone?). That said people in every culture often misrepresent principles held by their communities.

It also did a lot of cliche christian fiction things that drive me crazy-- advocating certain ways of living a christian life that I actually find not just inadvisable but actually wrong.

I didn't like the men in this book. I come from a pretty conservative community which I like, and these men and some of the women reminded me of some of the worst aspects of that community. It felt rather like traditional family done wrong. Most of the arguments surrounding why various people were behaving badly were not focused right. After all, whether a family member ought to be allowed to do something shouldn't be based on how happy or unhappy the restriction and or permission makes them, but rather whether the restriction/permission is one backed up by Biblical principles and not from the twisted judgements of a dictator.

All this said this story was written compellingly so it was able to keep me reading without much effort on my part and district me from some rather miserable health problems. So in that sense it was a success.
1.5 stars

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet first-in-series Amish romance novel. I enjoyed the characters, and while it was a little predictable, who cares? Enjoy a clean, fun read to escape reality.

[Cheryl Gatling]

I have maintained what I consider a healthy skepticism toward Amish fiction, since the authors, in general, are not Amish, and may or may not represent what Amish life is really like. But I think I understand the appeal. It’s a yearning for a simpler time, when people had strong ties to their parents, grandparents, cousins, and neighbors, and when people were honest and kind. And I am not immune to that tug on the heartstrings. It reminds me of how I used to like watching Barney with my children. All those kids saying please and thank you, and taking turns. It was a fantasy world, but it was a happy place.

The first half of this book is Christiana and Jeff striving to be nice to each other. Jeff has a booth selling wooden toys and leather goods at the market. Christiana rents the booth across from his to sell her baked goods, which are the best cookies and pies in Lancaster County. The first time they meet, Christiana thinks Jeff has sad eyes. But he is rude to her. The next time they meet he is friendly, and helps her set up. Then he is rude again. Then he is friendly. Then he is rude. Christiana yells at him. It isn’t going well.

Both Christiana and Jeff get advice from their family and friends, who tell them: try to apologize, maybe he had a bad day, maybe you misinterpreted what you saw, give him another chance. And they do. They apologize. They give each other another chance. They repair their friendship. I loved that part, that doing the work to become better humans, supported by the community. (Compare that to today’s standard relationship advice on the internet: “If anyone disrespects you, walk away; you don’t need that kind of negativity.” And now everyone is anxious, depressed, and lonely.)

The biggest thing that Christiana and Jeff have to get out in the open is that Jeff had a previous fiancée who dumped him on the day of their wedding. He has been an emotional wreck since then, and that’s why he acts weird. Christiana tells him that is very sad, but that he should not feel like a failure, as it’s not his fault his ex changed her mind. And then Jeff and Christy can begin to admit that they like each other.

The second half of the book is the struggle to get Christiana’s overly strict father to allow her to see Jeff. Her father has very traditional views, and is stubborn. His word is law in the home. Even his wife never contradicts him. Will Christiana and Jeff find happiness, only to have it ripped away forever?

So it’s mostly a feel-good read, light and quick. The sprinkling of the text with Amish words and phrases was very annoying at first, but I noticed it less as the book went on.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a little late in reading this newest beginning to An Amish Marketplace series, but it means I don’t have to wait long for book two to be released and that is good news as I’m anxious to read more. I love these characters and feel such empathy for Christiana having such an overbearing father. This is a story of hope and relying on God to work all things out for our good even when we can not see how it will happen. I love the marketplace and the different sights and smells that are described in a way that make you feel like you are there. A good solid book of family, faith, friendships, and falling in love. I want to grab a cup of flavored coffee and sit in the Coffee Corner and get to know these characters more.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

[Loraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I burned out on Amish fiction when it first became popular because they all started to sound the same. Clipston does give a twist to hers that make them feel a bit different from the norm. This one focuses on the daughter of an old order Amish who strictly sticks to all the rules re no electricity, etc when she becomes friends with an Amish young man who has the leather stall next to her bake shop at the local market. Jeff's district is slightly more lenient on use of some modern inventions if the situation necessitates it. What is behind Christiana's father's stern requirements and will Jeff have a chance to take their friendship to something more?

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars: 5/5 stars

I fell in love with Christiana and Jeff's story and characters! I was rooting for them from the moment the bumped into each other! Coffee and donuts brought them together, you could say, but will they stay together? They have some obstacles to overcome. Will their family prove to be one of their biggest supporters or biggest obstacles?

I am now ready for book two in the series!!! I hope the author has her writing fingers working fast cause I know I can hardly wait and I'll bet other readers will feel the same.
I received an ARC of this book from netgalley and Zondervan in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[kerrycat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Amy, not only for including a cat in this story (and obviously in this series to continue) but or added adorableness, naming her after one of your own cats. I'm looking forward to more Daisy as the series goes on!

[Lisa Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

[Aminata Coote · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christiana has outgrown the bake stand that she has on her family’s property and gets her father’s begrudging permission to rent a booth at the local market run by Englishers. At the stand, she meets Jeff who creates leather and wooden goods. Their meeting starts on a bad foot but eventually the two become friends and decide to pursue a romantic relationship. But this is forbidden by Christiana’s father who fears that Jeff will be a bad influence on his daughter and draw her out of the Amish faith to her detriment.

Usually, I enjoy Amish stories because they tell of a simpler life and their faith is almost tangible and reminds me that God is all-powerful and is worthy to be praised. I did not enjoy this book. It felt repetitive as each event that happened was repeated multiple times as each character had to tell their circle of friends and family members what happened almost verbatim. I had to do a lot of skim reading to finish the book. A lot of the focus was on trivialities… “Hi, how are you? Let me tell you about my day…”

I did not get the sense that either Jeff or Christiana had a strong faith. In fact, there was no real mention of God until Jeff’s friend asked if he had prayed about his relationship with his ex-fiancé. Only then did we see Jeff praying. The resolution of the issues the characters faced also seemed contrived as if they happened without the characters really doing anything to solve their problems. Christiana was defiant of her father’s wishes and Jeff was forward in his advances—not what I’m used to in Amish romances.

Know God—when we go through challenges as Christians, it’s our faith that will help us through those times.

Know yourself—each of us has varied character flaws that can sometimes be misinterpreted by those who don’t know us. While we should not change ourselves to suit others, it helps if we are aware that some of our traits can and will be misinterpreted in various situations.

Run your race—it’s important for us to allow the people closest to us to run the path set before them. We do them a disfavor when we chain them to our expectations and experiences. They can’t live their lives a certain way because of the emotional scars in our past—and they shouldn’t be expected to.

The author did a great job of communicating how delicious the items were and the general excitement experienced by her customers. I found myself wishing I could sample some of the goodies Christiana baked. I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one bakes sweets like Christiana Kurtz, and her empty bake stand every day proves it. People come from all over to buy her goods, many times coming to her house during their dinner to buy pies or cakes.

When Christiana visits her cousins at the Bird-in-Hand market tell her of a booth opening up, Christiana approaches her extremely strict father about opening up her bake stand in the market booth. She has to talk really hard to convince her father about moving to the market and the benefits it will bring her family to only be open three days a week. She will have more time to help out at home while she does her baking in between chores, and no more after hours visits from customers.

The Bake Shop is Amy Clipston's newest book and the first of a series taking place in the marketplace. I think the coming books in the series will be about Christiana's cousins who already have booths in the marketplace.

In the booth next to Christiana's is Jeff Stolzfus, maker of gifts in leather and wood. It's not long before they notice each other and find that there is something more than friendship between them. The only fly in the ointment is Christiana's father's attitude.

Amy is one of the best Amish fiction writers around. I will read her books (along with Kathleen Fuller's) any time I get a chance. They are fun, engaging, intriguing, and altogether consuming. This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a homemade whoopie pie.

My thanks go to Zondervan Fiction and NetGalley.com for providing the galley I read for this review.

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just okay. I had hoped for more.

I had a hard time accepting the ML (male lead). I do know what it is like to have your self esteem shattered and, no, you don't just "get over it". But you can't display that to the world. And you don't blow up at nice people either. This ML does it over and over again. He doesn't seem to WANT to overcome the feelings and sinks into a pity party at any bump in the road.

The FL (female lead) has a father that is a SUPER control freak yet it never seems to bother her as in making her wonder even if he will EVER let go. She is independent enough to have a bake shop yet never questions why her father acts like she is about to catch a bus out of there. She gives him no cause to think that. I just don't buy that she never once chaffs at his treatment and mistrust.

She runs a bake shop but never once buys groceries. Her family doesn't seem to buy them for her. Guess they magically appear in the kitchen. Then how she bakes SO many items after the shop closes. No mention of extra ovens in their home. She has an oven at work for cookies but where the dough comes from is not covered.

This book is in Kindle Unlimited and book two is on sale. I thought I would read the first book in the series before buying book 2. I won't be purchasing it. I ploughed through 60% of the book then jumped to the last 10%. It is "okay", my rating for 3 stars but I really can't recommend.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Amy Clipston begins a new series with this book. An Amish Marketplace is sure to be a winning series for those who enjoy Amish fiction, as Clipston has become one of the premier authors of this genre.

Well developed characters, with flaws and insecurities, make this story very believable. Threads of forgiveness, and learning to trust God are throughout the book, reminding us of what is really important in life. Christiana’s struggle for independence from a strict father added a very human side to this sweet story.

I think if I had one “complaint” it was that there was a bit too much rehashing of tales between the characters, making the story slow down at some points. But it was definitely worth sticking with and I look forward to book two.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christiana loves to bake, and has a stand to sell her goods in front of her home. When a booth becomes available in an English market center, her cousins, already having their own shops there, talk her into joining them. But it takes some persuasion to get her father to agree to the move. On her first day there, she meets a handsome Amish man by dousing him with coffee, and then discovers his leather shop is next to her bake shop. But gradually, a friendship develops between them. What seems like a perfect relationship is thwarted when her father forbids it. Overly strict and uncompromising, his word is law in that household. What transpires after his edict is a fascinating and moving tale. This first book in the series is well written, has interesting characters, and a lovely plot.

[Ebosereme Nwamu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story woven with themes of forgiveness, faith and family.
Treating people with grace and giving them the benefit of doubt instead of writing them off.
Christiana with a loving family and her business from home.
Jeff was going through a season in his life where he doubted himself and was so distrustful of people. His meeting with the Christy challenged the both of them to let go of their less desirable characters and embrace the truth of who God made them to be. Jeff learn to let go of the past and his insecurities with people and embrace the feature. He had a way of getting under Christy's skin which made her learn to treat people with grace.

I received a copy of the book and this is my honest opinion.

[Rose | Adventurous Bookworm · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have had an ARC of this book for what feels like forever. Every few months I went back and started reading the book but lost interest quite quickly. I have enjoyed almost every Amy Clipston book in the past but this one just missed the mark for me. It felt a like a very stereotypical Amish novel. Maybe I will give this book a chance in the future, but that day is not today.
Rating: DNF
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.