The Jam and Jelly Nook

Amish Marketplace #4

by Amy Clipston

In the final installment of Amy Clipston’s bestselling Amish Marketplace series, a young widow struggling to raise her son dreams of one more chance at love. Since her husband died seven years ago, Leanna Wengerd has done her best—caring for her son, Chester, and running her Jam and Jelly Nook at the Amish market. Though she enjoys seeing her cousins and customers at the marketplace, she wishes she could find more time for her rebellious teenage boy. When Chester gets into trouble for trespassing, he winds up at the police station with his friend Maggie, who was riding with him to a youth group gathering. Leanna comes to the police station to fetch Chester and happens to meet Emory, Maggie’s father. Emory is also a widower, raising Maggie alone—and both he and Leanna have similar burdens and problems. Over time Emory and Leanna become closer friends, discovering how much they have in common. As single parents, they struggle with the limits of what they can provide for their children and feel somewhat responsible for what happened to their respective spouses. The two eventually realize they have feelings for each other—but when they try to date, their children resist. Will God pave a way for them to build a family together, or will hurdles block the path to a second chance at happiness?

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

336 pages, Paperback

First published May 4, 2021

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 4 out of 5]

This is an Amish Clean Romance Fiction book, and this is the 4th and last book in the Amish Marketplace series. I have read and review all the other books in this series. This book follows Leanna who runs Jam and Jelly Nook at the Marketplace. I wish this book took place more at the marketplace because I love the marketplace setting in the first couple of books. The storyline of this book was really good, and it was well written. I really loved the characters of this book. When I was reading the other books in this series I always wanted to learn more about Leanna the single mother that runs the Jam and Jelly Nook. I really love her character, and I love getting to know more about her. This book is more of a slow burning book then the other books in this series, and I wish that the characters would have talk more to each other. This series is one of my favorite Amish fiction series. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Zondervan) or author (Amy Clipston) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed the Amish Marketplace series and am sorry to see it come to a close.
It's been so fun getting to know the cousins and see their shops at the Amish Marketplace. Seeing these ladies have romances and start families has also been fun.
This last book in the series features Leanna Wengerd a widowed woman with a teenage son.
Just like the non Amish Mother's she has doubts on how well she is mothering her son and how to reach him and make that personal connection. She feels doubtful about her mothering capabilities and feels maybe if she had remarried sooner while her son was younger he would be more manageable with a man's influence.
After not being able to find her son late one evening she gets a call she dreads.
When she goes to pick her son up at the police station she meets an Amish man whose daughter is also there because of the same incident.
Having someone to talk about they share their frustrations with each other about their teenagers over coffee and a connection is made.
Are each of them ready to move on and let their heart be free to welcome the possibility of a second chance at love and how will their children feel about this possibility after they have had just one parent for so long?
I am really going to miss this series but I know the author will WOW us with something new soon just as spectacular!

Pub date May 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Octavia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was reluctant to return to this series after the third installment of this series which did not keep my attention. Despite that, it's hard for me to leave a series incomplete. So glad I decided to read this final installment by Amy Clipston. Honestly, this turned out to be my favorite installment of this entire series. Such a remarkable Heartwarming Finale.

[Lisa M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book of the Marketplace series by Amy Clipston. You don’t necessarily need to read them in order, but for the character development you really should. This was my favorite of the four, but the others were wonderful as well. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the series from the marketplace and what a fun way it was to end it.

Leanna is a widowed mother of Chester who owns the Jam and Jelly Nook in the marketplace. Emory is also a widowed father of Maggie who owns the shed shop. The families are drawn together after the two kids ate arrested for trespassing.

I really enjoyed how the families work hard to support each other. I also really enjoyed how the parents sought the children's input on any decisions that they made.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so going to miss going to the marketplace with the cousins! These girls have been a wonderful treat to get to know. I wish I could have had such a tight relationship with my cousins.

[Andrea Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet and savory finale to the Amish Marketplace quartet. I enjoyed the cousins’ stories, and Leanna’s was no exception. I liked very much that her love interest and she helped each other out with their rebellious and confused teenagers. Those dynamics were complex and beautiful and oh-so-sweet.

About the rebellion, I would have appreciated a much more original option than teen smoking. That one has been overdone by books and films.

If Leanna and Chester would have had a conversation early on, they could have easily solved their problems—but then we wouldn’t have a story. Still, I feel like communication was lacking.

Those negatives aside, I adored this story and would gladly read it again.

Content: teen smoking

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jam and Jelly Nook by Amy Clipston is the 4th (and final) An Amish Marketplace Novel. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading this charming series in order. It will allow you to get to know the characters and follow their progress. We get Leanna Wenger’s story in this tale. I have been looking forward to getting to know Leanna better. Leanna is a widow of seven years with a teenage son named Chester. Chester went from sweet boy to surly teenager who is smoking and carrying a cell phone. Leanna worries about Chester and wonders she can do to help him. Emory Speicher is a widower of six years raising his teenage daughter, Maggie. Maggie is a sweet girl who prefers to remain at home. She does not spend time with other people her own age and she lacks joy. When Emory and Leanna end up at the police station to pick up their kids, they discover they have things in common which leads to a friendship. Of course, friendship could lead to something more if the circumstances are right. I thought The Jam and Jelly Nook was well-written with friendly, relatable characters. We get a chance to catch up with Bethany, Christiana, and Salina. I have enjoyed getting to know these four ladies and I was sorry to see this delightful series end. I love the setting of the Bird-in-Hand Marketplace. I liked watching the friendship develop between Leanna and Emory. Patience is the key to their having more (waiting is key when you have faith). Faith is at the forefront in this book. It is nicely woven into the story. The Jam and Jelly Nook was a good book to read and one that I was sorry to see end (because that meant the series was over). I will miss these lovely characters. My favorite phrase from The Jam and Jelly Nook is, “With God all things are possible.” The Jam and Jelly Nook is a great escape novel. The Jam and Jelly Nook is an enticing Amish tale with jewel-toned jellies, quality quilts, darling dolls, beguiling birdhouses, a problematic lad, a jam-packed marketplace, a dutiful daughter, and a snoopy sister-in-law.

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the conclusion of the series entitled An Amish Marketplace Novel. Book 4 was a sweet book with members of the marketplace from prior books of the series which were fun to again meet and remember. This was Leanna's story, a single mother who operates a booth at the Amish market and has a son that wasn't following Amish guidelines.
Emory is a widowed Amish man with a teen daughter. As the paths of Leanna and Emory cross, they find they have much in common and they start a friendship. But their feelings change, but due to misunderstandings, little lies and other outside influences, things just don't seem to work out as either had expected or hoped.

It's a sweet novel and has good family situations of learning to understand and listen to each other's needs and feelings.

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a visit with old friends, those that I have come to know and love from previous books, and as they move on with their lives we are updated! This is cousin Leanna's story, and her journey along with her son Chester, a young man that is sewing his wild oats, and unsure of where he should plant his feet. Chester is the catalyst to a meeting with widower Emory, and a change in both of their lives.

We are there as Leanna embraces and helps Emory's daughter Maggie, and we watch as Emory begins a new relationship.

This is the fourth and final book in this series, and I will miss the updates, but loved the epilogue, what a great ending!

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

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great conclusion to the Amish Marketplace series! Even if you haven't read the other books, you could probably still pick this one up and enjoy it. However, if you have read the prior stories, you will most likely have been waiting for Leanna to have her chance at love again. I loved that Emory and Leanna clicked so early in the book as widower and widow, with concerns about their children. It was clear that they both began to develop feelings for each other early on, but many things came between them, which simply built the emotions up for me in anticipation of everything finally working out! I loved the ending of this book and the wonderful epilogue, too.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book and loved it!
The characters were interesting and the storyline is charming.

This is a book full of friendship, family and love!

[Alexandria Camp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a really good book but the ending was predictable! Glad it had some good twists though to make you guess if it would end the way you hoped

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. This is the fourth and final book in the Amish Marketplace series about four cousins who have shops in their local marketplace. It is the story of the oldest cousin, Leanna, a widow with a teenage son. Chester has gone from being a sweet boy to a sullen, contrary, young man, leaving her at her wit's end. Her worries come to a head when she receives a late-night call to pick him up from the police station. When Leanna arrives, she discovers he was trespassing with friends, one of whom is a young Amish girl named Maggie.

Maggie's father, Emory, is a widower struggling to raise his daughter on his own. Maggie is shy and would rather stay at home working on her sewing and taking care of her dad instead of going out with other young people.

Leanna and Emory meet at the police station and quickly connect over their shared troubles. Grateful to talk to someone who understands their challenges, a solid friendship forms between them. There are some sweet scenes between them as they share their troubles over coffee or a quick conversation in her jelly shop. As Leanna and Emory spend time together, Maggie and Chester aren't ready to see their parents moving on and make their displeasure known. When Emory discovers that Chester doesn't like his job, he offers Chester the opportunity to work with him at his shed business. Leanna is thrilled to see Chester with such an excellent role model and soon notices a change in his attitude.

Meanwhile, Emory's family pressures him to start dating, claiming that Maggie needs a mother's influence. His brother and sister-in-law are especially vocal with their opinions and quite pushy with their attempts to set him up. Justin also does his best to discourage Emory from spending time with Leanna. When Emory gives in and starts seeing Madelyne, he feels guilty because he feels more for his friend Leanna than he does for her. Meanwhile, Chester tells Leanna that Emory is seeing someone and tells Emory that his mom isn't interested in dating. Their friendship becomes awkward as each struggles to hide changing feelings.

When Leanna gets an offer to expand her shop, she invites Maggie to join her and sell her items. I loved Maggie's excitement and seeing Leanna take her under her wing. It was sweet to see how Leanna's cousins make Maggie part of their group. Leanna becomes very protective of Maggie, especially when Sarah Ann attempts to stir up trouble. Sarah Ann has been a thorn in the cousins' sides since the first book, and I loved seeing Leanna snap and read her the riot act when she started in on Maggie.

Meanwhile, Emory feels increasingly guilty over his relationship with Madelyne. He knows he doesn't love her but feels like he may have gone too far to back out. Besides, he thinks Leanna is only interested in friendship. At the same time, Leanna's feelings for Emory continue to grow, even though she thinks it's useless. If Emory were interested in her, he wouldn't be dating Madelyne. A crisis in Leanna's family forces both Leanna and Emory to do some soul-searching about what is important. I loved the ending, as both Chester and Maggie do what they can to make things right for their parents. The scene with Emory and Chester warmed my heart, and I loved the difference it made to Emory. Leanna's conversation with her grandmother gave her the confidence she needed to talk to Emory. I loved Emory's big moment as he shared his feelings and Leanna's unique way of showing him hers.

I loved the epilogue and getting a chance to catch up on the lives of all four couples.

[Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jam and Jelly Nook is truly Amy Clipston at her best. This heartwarming, Amish fiction novel tugs at the heartstrings, brings a smile to the face, and reminds us all that nothing is impossible for our Heavenly Father.

I've been looking forward to this one ever since Leanna's character was first introduced in The Bake Shop. While I've loved every one of the titles in this series, I knew this one was going to be a little bit different. Leanna's story is different than her cousins; her husband died tragically when their son was young, and she's been trying to make it alone with her parent's help ever since. When her son Chester ends up in trouble that lands him at the police station, she ends up meeting an Amish man named Emory who lost his wife a few years earlier, and is currently trying to raise his teenage daughter on his own.

Emory and Leanna have both been deeply hurt, and both are hesitant to move on. Circumstances seem to widen the gap between their chance at a relationship, and I loved how concerned they both are with their children's feelings on the entire matter. It was awesome getting one last visit to the special Amish marketplace, and getting to check in with previous characters from the series. I especially loved how all four cousins remain so close to their grandmother, and that Amy Clipston chose to shed some light on fertility issues through one of the four women.

I picked this one up only meaning to read the first chapter or so as I had other things to get done at the moment, but I ended up almost reading half of it in one sitting. I could barely put it down, and it's one of my favorite of Amy's novels to date. Everything felt so realistic and authentic, and I loved how strong the faith element is throughout. It's the perfect ending to the Amish Marketplace series and it's definitely the finale I was both hoping and waiting for.

Final Rating: 5/5.

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

I voluntarily read and reviewed 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.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a great series and this Amish Marketplace novel caps it off nicely. There's lots of glimpses into the other heroes and heroines' happily-ever-afters as Leanna and Emory strive to find their own. Their meet-cute is kinda funny -- can't say I've read an Amish novel where the couple meet in the police staton! And that first encounter really shows what an upstanding man, Emory is. Have to say I was intrigued before Leanna! :-)

This is a gentle love story that grows out of a friendship bonded by mutual loss. It's been years for both Leanna and Emory and yet they've never felt the need to look beyond their single solitude...until that fateful midnight meeting! The addition of two less than enthusiastic and polar-opposite teens makes the possibility of romance that much more tentative. And, of course, there's plenty of opinionated family members around to add a little chaos and misdirection to the mix. :-)

A lovely, faith-infused look at loss and grief and the hope of second chances.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

God puts people in our lives when we need them the most.

I have enjoyed the Amish Marketplace series. Romance at the marketplace brings a sense of simplicity and by-gone days. But this romance takes it at a new level at the police station.

Leanna Wengerd has her Jam and Jelly Nook to bring a little income to her small family. She has been widowed for over 6 years and raising a 16 year old can be tough. Leanna gets the dreaded phone call in the middle of night to pick up her son Chester at the police station. She finds herself in a room with her son and a young Amish girl with her single father. God works in mysterious ways. Emory is raising his young daughter Maggie alone for over 5 years and he is feeling inadequate overwhelmed.

Chester and Maggie are not dealing with the loss of a parent in these formidable years and their parents see an opportunity in the other. The families develop a friendship and the adults feel an attraction that they don't know how to express.

I appreciated how the friendship bloomed and how they waited for the sake of their children. Waiting is a key component to faith and their relationship became a product of that. The Amish Marketplace becomes a place not only a place where the Amish are selling but where are lives are touched and community is formed.

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

[Sally Mander · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE JAM AND JELLY NOOK by Amy Clipson

When you get that call in the middle of the night when your child isn't where he or she is supposed to be. Leanna Wengerd, a widow finds out that her son Chester is in police custody and he requests that she come to the police station to pick him up. Leanna meets Emory Speicher a widower with his teenage daughter Maggie who along with Chester have gotten themselves into a little trouble and are in police custody.

Both of the families are Amish, both teenagers are in their Rumspringa (or running around time) before they decide to commit to the church and their religion.

Leanna and Emory begin a friendship based on their shared experiences raising teenagers without the assistance of a spouse.

Emory wants to be friends with Chester and maybe become a sort of mentor for the boy. Emory is realizing that his daughter Maggie might need a womanly figure in her life since he can't seem to get Maggie out of the house, she wants to stay home with her dad and take care of him.

The book is very good, unputdownable for me, it is a standalone in a series of four. Highly recommend.

Many thanks for the complimentary copy from #netgalley and #zondervan of #thejamandjellynook I was under no obligation to post a review.

[Terese · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I was younger people used to tell me that I didn’t know how to “pleasure” read because I only read heavy and obscure books by their standards. Now when I read books like these for more simple pleasure, I’m told it is weird to do so. Moral of the story: read whatever you want and don’t listen to others.

Now, this book was just what I look for in books like this - wholesome, sweet, and romantic. It is easy to read and a pleasure to do so, what I really appreciated about this book in particular is that the romantic focus is on widowers with troubled teens and the prospect of dating after the loss of a spouse, and while taking the feelings of teenagers/ children into the equation. It was lovely to see this balance of thinking of ones own needs, but also considering the needs and wishes and growth of the children.

Therefor I thought it was a bit redundant adding a romantic complication that mostly felt forced and which made me feel terrible for another character. That dampened the happy ending a little for me.

I would wish the the characters had been developed just a bit more deeply, now there is a lot of telling, rather than showing, and while it is fine, I personally felt there was just a little something lacking for me to really “feel” the main characters. I still kind of cried at the end when Maggie and Emory spoke of his intentions, because I am soft like that and Maggie was my favorite character whose growth felt the most organic,

One pet peeve however is that, for some unknown reason, this text does not use a regular period “.” Instead it uses some form of a little star that my keyboard doesn’t have, and it drove me up a wall! Periods do not need to be festive! I just couldn’t tolerate that and don’t understand the purpose of it at all. Less sensitive readers may not relate to my outrage, I realize, but this was something that genuinely bothered me.

All in all, a very sweet read that I would recommend to those enamored with this genre, at least if you don’t mind the grammatical nightmare mentioned above.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zondervan for this ARC and thus giving me some well-needed read-relaxation when not handling my hurricane of a 10 week old puppy.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raising a teenager is hard enough when you have a partner to help, but what would happen if your spouse was deceased and you had to travel this journey alone? This is an issue facing both Leanna Wengerd and Emory Speicher, and author Amy Clipston successfully shares their trials and their triumphs in this wonderful, heartwarming story. She also offers Leanna and Emory a second chance at happiness, but will their respective teenagers willingly accept a new Mamm or Dat?

The Jam and Jelly Nook is the fourth book in the Amish Marketplace series and I believe that it is my favorite. I enjoyed watching Leanna and Emory's realistic interactions with her son Chester and his daughter Maggie, and I absolutely loved the special connection that these middle-aged adults began to feel with each other. There were heartwarming moments of discovery, thrilling instances as they recognized the possibilities, and heartbreaking times when they doubted that their feelings were reciprocated.

Clipston's novels often include romance, but this book celebrates love in a refreshing way! Romantic love is a special gift, and finding it again makes it even more wondrous to receive. The Jam and Jelly Nook shows us that love is possible the second time around, and finding it in later years makes it even more special.

This is an uplifting tale of hope, learning to let go, and accepting the new blessings that God freely offers. It also allowed me to reconnect with some characters from the first three Amish Marketplace novels. I recommend The Jam and Jelly Nook to all who enjoy Amish romance fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

[Sherry Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadly, this is the fourth and final installment of the Amish Marketplace series by Amy Clipston.

I have enjoyed this series so much, always looking forward to learning how the four cousins are doing and how each one is featured in each book.

This final book features Leanna Wengerd, the young widow cousin and her son, Chester, who is going through the pains of growing up and missing his father and his influence. By chance, Leanna meets a widower, Emory, whose daughter is going through similar behaviors, missing her mother. When Leanna and Emory meet, they realize they have much in common and someone to listen who understands what they are going through. Each child is very opposed to their parent dating again. Will Leanna and Emory’s friendship lead them to want to date and if so, will they be able to overcome the obstacles of their childrens’ feelings?

We meet up with the other three cousins and learn how their lives are progressing. Through these books, it feels like you are a part of their lives and enjoy reading about all the adventures and trials that come their way. There are things that happen in this book that had me laughing out loud.

You do not want to miss reading this book. I highly recommend it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I see the final installment written in the description of book, I become sad. This really has been a wonderful and loving series by Amy Clipston. Following the lives of cousins living in Lancaster County, we come to the last book about Leanna Wengerd. Following the death of her husband, Leanna and her son Chester moved in with her parents. Running her jam and jelly nook at the local market, Leanna sees her cousins and friends. As the years progress and Chester grows, Leanna realizes she may not be equipped to raise her teenage son alone. When Chester finds trouble with the law, Leanna finds a friend in Emory. A single father to a teenage girl, Emory feels like he may not have what it takes to raise a girl alone. With similar burdens and problems, Emory and Leanna forge a friendship. However, as feelings grow, they face an uphill battle when the teenagers resist the pairing. Will they find love or will they part ways?

This story and series has always brought one back to the closeness of cousins and family. Some say cousins are your first friends. Leanna and her cousins act as a support system to one another. However, finding love and a life partner may have its advantages also. This series has been a testament to love, family, and support. I look forward to more books by this author. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

[Chloe (Always Booked) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This series isn't anything exceptional or life changing, but binging it has been a really pleasant and cozy time. This one follows the oldest cousin, Leanna. She is a widow with a teenage son, Chester. Her son is starting to get in to trouble and the book opens with him calling from the police station after having been arrested for trespassing. He was with a girl named Maggie who is being raised by a single dad, Emory. Leanna and Emory have an instant spark, but of course dating with kids is complicated and neither want to be upfront about things. The rest of the book is them dancing around their relationship. He dates someone else, etc. There really wasn't a reason they couldn't be together so I didn't feel any tension really. I really liked the inclusion of the parents' relationships with their teens. It was fun to see the young people starting to engage in adult life. It felt very realistic for the context. Overall, this was sweet, but the romance wasn't the strongest.

[Pam Graber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of the four books in this series, I think this one is my favorite. Maybe because the main characters are both older than the typical Amish romance, or maybe I just liked these characters more, but Leanna and Emory were perfect for each other from the get-go. Both were widowed fairly young, each had one child, neither was "looking".

When Leanna's son, Chester, calls late at night from the police station, Leanna is first frightened, then embarrassed. Arriving at the police station, she learns that Emory's daughter, Maggie, was arrested right along with Chester. While Chester is rebellious, Maggie is horrified. The only good thing to come out of the experience for Leanna, is meeting Emory.

As their friendship grows, jealousy comes at them from their children. They are used to being their parents' focus and don't want a new dad or mom. Emory also has the added shove of a pushy sister-in-law who is forever setting him up on dates he doesn't want. She has no clue that his heart has already chosen Leanna, even though Emory is sure Leanna isn't interested in dating him. Can Emory navigate a dating world he hasn't been a part of in years, without breaking anyone's heart - including his own?

I have to say, at one point, I wanted to jump into the book and shake Empry's sister-in-law! She really needed to be told to mind her own business. Just when Emory and Leanna's friendship was getting off the ground, she invites Emory to join them for supper and just "happens" to invite her friend to join, and hey, Emory can drive you home... Why he didn't tell her to lay off, I have no idea, but I was invested in the story enough that, had she stepped from the pages, I would have done it for him.

It's the mark of a good book that emotions get involved when you read it, and mine were often tangled in what was happening to the characters. Readers who enjoy Amish romance, will love The Jam & Jelly Nook. This is the fourth in Amy Clipston's Amish Marketplace series, but it works as a stand alone story. If you want to go back and read the rest, start with The Bake Shop, then move to The Farmstand, then on to The Coffee Corner to catch up with Leanna's three younger cousins. I've enjoyed the whole series.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute! It’s basically an Amish version of the movie Blended (with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore) in the sense that the widow has a son who is acting out and the widower has a daughter who is withdrawn and shy. The female main character helps the shy daughter and the male main character helps the rebellious son. I really enjoy all of Amy Clipston’s books, but I especially liked this series because of the bond between the cousins and because Leanna finally tells off Simply Sara Ann!

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the series. I was sad to see it end, but I think Amy Clipston did such a great job wrapping it up! I was so happy to see Leanna get a second chance at a happy life! I loved it!


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This takes place in the summer. The story is about two people moving on and helping their teenagers after loss. I didn't like the way the author went with Sarah Ann. I thought that part of the series should have been done differently. The romance was okay. I didn't think it should have ended the way it did, but I know that it is realistic.

[Abby Stopka · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful way to end the series. Liana was the best person I think to close this off. Having to mend a broken heart after her husband's passing and build a new relationship it definitely put her in a wonderful light in my opinion. And it kept me riveted it was definitely a one day listen for me.

[Mary Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this novel about a widow and a widower finding second love in spite of misunderstandings and interference from family and friends. I can count on Amy Clipston to produce a good read and look forward to reading more of her books.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed author Amy Clipston’s Amish Marketplace series, and highly recommend it if you enjoy Amish fiction. You can read this as a standalone but I think it will be a better read if you read the other books first. The main characters weave in and out of all of them, which I really liked.

In this final book of the series, we see Emory and Leanna becoming friends as they have single parenting in common. They have been written as strong characters who face life’s challenges through faith in God. This is done in a very organic way, nothing preachy. Give it a read. You’ll be glad you did.

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