The Farm Stand

Amish Marketplace #2

by Amy Clipston

Salina is engaged to the “perfect” man—except for the fact that Josiah feels more like a friend than a fiancé. In this second installment of Amy Clipston’s Amish Marketplace series, love begins to grow between Salina and Will, a Mennonite chef—and both must decide if it’s a love worth fighting for. Salina Petersheim runs her own booth at the Amish market, where she’s known for having the freshest and most delicious produce in the area. Her family is very close, yet sometimes she tires of being compared to her older brother, Neil, a deacon who is married with two children. She also feels the pressure of having to be the perfect daughter for her mother and father, who is a bishop. Salina has been dating Josiah for almost a year now, but he feels more like a friend than a boyfriend. Her parents approve of Josiah, who is a hardworking roofer. He’s handsome and easy to talk to, but he just doesn’t warm her heart the way she feels a boyfriend and future husband should. She secretly longs for more. Along comes Will Zimmerman, a Mennonite chef who runs a restaurant located next door to the Amish market. Salina begins supplying the produce for his restaurant, and as they forge a business relationship, they both feel themselves falling in love. Salina tries to deny her feelings for Will since her father wants her to marry within the community. Both Salina and Will feel stuck in their current relationships, but they cannot deny what they feel for each other. Will they follow their hearts or bow to the pressure of family? Or will God provide a surprising new road for them?

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

336 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 5, 2020

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/Clean Romance, and this is the second book in the Amish Marketplace series. I read and review the first book in this series as well. I have to say I have loved this series so much so far. This book was so good. I loved that this book went over an Amish felling in love with someone old side of their church. I also love all the characters. I really love the main character. Amy Clipston writes so well and her books characters are very developed. I felt like I went to the marketplace all the time, and I cannot wait to go back to the marketplace and join these characters again.

[Natalia R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salina Petersheim owns a produce stand at the Amish market. She loves gardening and is known for having the freshest and most delicious produce in the area. Her father is the bishop of her church district, and her brother is a deacon. Salina is very close to her family but feels pressured to live up to their high expectations. When she meets Will Zimmerman, a Mennonite chef who runs a restaurant next door to the Amish market, there's an immediate spark between the two and they form an instant friendship. Will soon becomes one of her best customers and their friendship quickly turns into something more. But both are already in committed relationships and come from different religious backgrounds. Can they have a future together, or will they end up marrying the wrong people to please their families?

This is the second book in Amy Clipston's Amish Marketplace series. I thought it was a wonderful and heartwarming read. The story is well-paced, beautifully written, and held my interest until the last page. The author did such a good job of describing Salina's delicious produce that I found myself craving vegetables, particularly green beans. I liked the message of trusting God for the next step and knowing he has a plan for each of us, we just need to pray for guidance and direction and be patient because it's all about his timing, not ours. The characters were wonderful and so realistically described that I felt what they were going through. Will and Salina's story shows us why communication and honesty are needed in a relationship and the importance of following God's plan, no matter how difficult it may be to do so. I also loved the relationship between Salina and her cousins and look forward to reading their stories.
Overall, this was a heartfelt story, with a sweet romance, heartwarming family relationships, and delicious food. If you are a fan of this genre, then I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. I thought the writing was fantastic (this is my first Amy Clipston read) and it was engaging. It does, however, have something in it I can’t stand. Both the H and h were in other relationships for up to the 80-85% mark in the book and ugh. I just don’t love that in any romance.

Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrator: Lauren Berst
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Amish fiction/romance
Length: 7h 57m

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Salina Petersheim has her own fresh produce stand at the Amish market. Selina and Josiah who she has known since childhood, are dating and have been for over a year.
Salina's father is the Amish bishop and her brother is a deacon. Her parents and Josiah’s parents all assume they will marry. But it seems Josiah is on no hurry to propose for which Salina is thankful. Too often she feels he is just a friend not a boyfriend. Then she meets Will Zimmerman who owns a local restaurant across the road from the market. They embark on a business relationship when she starts supplying the produce for the restaurant he and his brother Roger run. Will is the chef. Feelings move from business and friendship to something more. But Will already has a girlfriend, Caroline, who he has been with for years. Plus he is a Mennonite. Amish and Mennonite cannot marry, so there is no hope for anything more. And Salina also knows she has an example as the bishop’s daughter to live up to, which means marrying in her own faith. So why would God give her feelings for someone she can’t have?
I found it very easy to relate to and sympathise with Salina. This is a charming story. Perhaps a bit predictable in some ways, not in others. It does get a little repetitive at times but still a lovely read. I enjoyed the gentle pace and much of the biblical content as well as the likeable, if at times frustrating, characters and the terrific setting. Plus all the garden and food related content adds different elements.
This is book 2 in the the Amish Marketplace series. In usual form I had not read book 1 but this stands alone fine. However I had already read and enjoyed book 3 in the series, so that may have helped that I had already met some of the characters. I liked the interaction between Salina and her cousins.
An enjoyable read that kept my interest. A book that will appeal to many Christian fiction readers.

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 2 out of 5]

About this book:

“Salina Petersheim runs her own booth at the Amish market, where she’s known for having the freshest and most delicious produce in the area. Her father is the bishop of her church district, and her brother is a deacon. They are a very close family, yet sometimes she tires of being compared to her older brother, Neil, who is married and has two children. She also feels the pressure of having to be the perfect daughter for her parents.
Salina has been dating Josiah for almost a year now, but he feels more like a friend than a boyfriend. Her parents approve of Josiah, who is a hardworking roofer. He’s handsome and easy to talk to, but he just doesn’t warm her heart the way she feels a boyfriend and future husband should. She secretly longs for more.
Along comes William “Will” Zimmerman, a Mennonite chef who runs a restaurant located next door to the Amish market. He wants Salina to supply the produce for his restaurant, and as they forge a business relationship, they both feel themselves falling in love. Salina especially tries to deny her feelings for Will since her father wants her to marry within the community.
Both Salina and Will feel stuck in their current relationships, but they cannot deny what they feel for each other. Will they follow their hearts or bow to the pressure of family? Or will God provide a surprising new road for them?”


Series: Book #2 in the series, “Amish Marketplace”. Review of Book #1 Here!


Spiritual Content- A few Scriptures are read; Prayers & Praying; Talks about God; ‘H’s are not capitalized when referring to God; Mentions of God & callings from Him; Mentions of Bible reading & devotionals; Mentions of prayers, praying, blessings over food, & praising God; Mentions of churches, church going, services, sermons, leaders in the church (Salina’s father is a bishop and her brother is a deacon), being baptized, & youth groups; Mentions of blessings & being Blessed; Mentions of sins, sinners, & sinning; A few mentions of Christians; A few mentions of Amish books; A mention of hymns; A mention of a miracle.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a form of ‘shut up’ and two ‘stupid’s; Some eye rolling & sarcasm; Mentions of an accident, injuries, & pain; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of gossip & rumors; A mention of drinking alcohol; A mention of the possibility of a cat being hit by a car (does not happen, the cat is fine).


Sexual Content- eight cheek kiss, a forehead kiss, an almost kiss (barely-above-not-detailed), and two semi-detailed kisses; Touches, Shivers, Embraces, & Winks (barely-above-not-detailed); Nearness & Intimate moment of nearness (up to semi-detailed); Noticing & Staring (barely-above-not-detailed); Many mentions of boyfriends/girlfriends, dating, cheating (also called “emotional infidelity”), exes, break-ups, & crushes; Mentions of kisses, kissing, & hand holding; Mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of purity & reputations; A few mentions of a flirt & flirting; Love, falling in love, being in love, & the emotions.

-Salina Petersheim
-Will Zimmerman, age 30
P.O.V. switches between them
352 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars

I wish I had enjoyed this book more because I did like the gardening and produce parts of this story, but unfortunately, there were too many things I wasn’t a fan of. I found the ending to be a little too coincidental and I wish Salina’s family would have been nicer and less focused on what their community would think of her/them. The writing focused a lot on details of appearances (not in a sexual way, but just lots about someone’s eyes or hair colors) and describing basic daily adult actions. So, I thought it was a little boring in that regard and was disappointed. I didn’t connect with either Salina and Will…they both acted much younger than their ages when it came to their thoughts and actions. I always feel awkward when a main character is dating someone who isn’t the other main character and in this book, they both were dating someone else. My thoughts on the first book of this series would also fit for this book in what I thought about the main characters.

Definitely not my favorite book or series by this author, so I think I’ll pass on reading the rest of the books in this series.


Link to review:
Coming soon.


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite Amy Clipston book! Wait a minute, I say that about all of her books after I read them but this one really was excellent it had an extra depth to it.
When is what seems like a fun and loving relationship to outsiders not really what it appears to be?
If you're in a relationship for a number of years and others expect you to marry should you give into the pressure to do so?
These are some of the questions an Old Order Mennonite man and and Old Order Amish woman ask themselves in their separate relationships.
I love gardening and was thrilled to read all about the fresh produce grown in Salina Petersheim's garden, where she finds comfort in her closeness to God there.
Her half acre garden supplies her booth at the Amish market and she's just started being the fresh produce supplier for a restaurant too, keeping her busier than ever.
Mennonite chef and restaurant owner Will Zimmerman has a business relationship with Salina because she supplies the fresh produce for him. What happens when this business relationship threatens to take a romantic turn but can't because Will and Salina are each involved in their own separate relationships but yet these relationships just don't seem to have the right feel to them anymore. Throw in a Bishop for a father and a Deacon for a brother into the mix for Salina and it's even a more stressful situation.
Trust in God, he will give us the best possible outcome in situations though it may not be the way we envisioned it and it's in his timing not ours. We must trust in God for all things!
Highly recommended, I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this series!

Published May 5th 2020 by Zondervan
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a predicament Will and Salina found themselves in! They were both dating nice people, who their families approved of, yet both questioned why their like for the person they were dating never grew into love.

I think one of the things that made this book so interesting was that both Will’s girlfriend and Salina’s boyfriend were nice people. As a reader, I didn’t want to see them get hurt. However, it was abundantly clear that Will and Salina felt a connection to each other that was much greater than to their own significant others. This lead to a lot of good tension and chemistry. And it raised a good point regarding why these two were in the relationships they were in and what could they possibly do about their feelings for each other when one of them was Amish and the other Mennonite. Made for some good obstacles to overcome.

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

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps I'm just getting too old, but I was really not a big fan of all the drama in this book. Yes, each story needs to have at least some conflict to create tension and keep a reader's interest, but in this case, both Salina AND Will acted in ways that were utterly spineless and unnecessary.
That being said, I enjoyed the book enough to not mark it as a DNF, and did appreciate the reminders to trust in God's sovereignty.
2.5 stars

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Farm Stand by Amy Clipston is the second An Amish Marketplace Novel. Each book can be read on its own, but I recommend reading this charming series in order. Amy Clipston is an amazing storyteller. She manages to engage the readers attention and hold it until the very end (make sure you have two or three free hours before beginning one of her books). Salina Petersheim loves working in her garden where she finds solace and it is where she prays to God. She feels like she has few choices because of her father’s expectations. Being a bishop’s daughter is not easy especially when her heart leads her to a Mennonite chef. I could understand Salina feeling intense pressure and being afraid to speak up. You could tell Salina was feeling a variety of emotions as was Will. I liked that The Farm Stand featured Old Order Amish and Mennonite. I had wondered how a marriage between the two different faiths was possible and how it would work. I thought The Farm Stand was well-written with steady pacing and developed characters. I liked revisiting the four cousins from The Bake Shop. All four are present once again in this tale and we get to see how Christiana and Jeff’s relationship is progressing. I liked the messages present in The Farm Stand. My favorite was that God has a plan for each of us. We need to be patient for things only happen in His timing, not ours. I also found the side story about Daisy, the marketplace cat, to be sweet. The ending left me smiling and looking forward to Bethany’s story in The Coffee Corner. The Farm Stand is a poignant Amish tale with plentiful produce, a missing moggy, a determined dad, a muddled maedel, a confused chef, and a glorious garden.

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 3 out of 5]

THREE POINT FIVE STARS

Both Salina & Will are in a long-term relationship with other people prior to meeting each other. Both of them aren’t sure the people they are with are the ones they want to marry. They struggle with their feelings throughout the majority of the book . . . it isn't until the last 20% when they start the process of breaking it off with their person so they can free themselves to start working on being together.

THE FARM STAND
● Salina & Will
● Amish / Mennonite
● Salina has a booth at the Amish market
● Will is a Mennonite chef
● friendship blossoms over the produce Salina sales to Will
● blackberry pie
● Amish fiction

Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Lauren Berst
Length: 7H 58M

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this new installment in the Amish Marketplace series! I have really loved reading about these four cousins and their lives. I loved Salina and Will. I was so wrapped up in their relationship dramas. I read this whole book in one sitting! I just had to know what was going to happen. You know you are going to get a great story when you pick up an Amy Clipston book!!




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

[Andrea Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a charmer!

It was wonderful to see a pair of couples trying to figure out God’s will for their lives and whether or not that will included each other. This isn’t something I see a lot, so it was refreshing and fun.

I enjoyed the farm stand aspect. The farmer’s market and cousins traipsing through this series are delightful, and I’m quite enjoying this series. I liked seeing Salina’s gardening and business ventures, and throwing a chef into the mix was spectacular.

The cat’s thread was predictable to me, but it was still precious.

[Excel Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Farm Stand by Amy Clipston is a wonderful book that deserves a 5 star rating by me. This is the first book of hers I am reading and I am happy to add her to my list of favourite authors.


I am so happy to be reading another Amish book. I am excited to say I have found a new genre for myself. It is the Amish fiction genre.


The first few pages warmed me up. I can’t help admiring the strong family ties and the food. I wanted to open my own booth right there in the Farm Stand with Salina and Christiana.


I was impressed by Salina’s business ways. She was so precise,thorough,neat,organised and friendly.
I could understand why Will was always coming to her booth for his restaurant food supply.


I love the book cover. It helped me in imagining Salina in her farm stand. That’s a beautiful cover.


There is an animal in this book,a cat called Daisy. She is the market cat and loved by Salina and her cousins. I love how worried they were over not seeing Daisy for a week. I am happy to see characters that has sympathy and love for animals.


While enjoying this book,I was envious of Salina’s garden. The way the author described it,I wanted to buy a land and plant home grown corps!


Oh! You really need to meet a character called Sara Ann in this book. I laughed at her conversations and her nosiness in other people’s business. She seems kind but nosy at the same time.


I enjoyed the happy ending! God surely wants his children to be happy and he granted Salina and Will their heart desires.


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

[Leslie McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second installment in Clipston’s Amish Marketplace series, and it’s a wonderful addition. The books can standalone, but it will make the connection to the characters a bit stronger if you read them in order.

The characters are endearing and well-developed in this sweet romance. The story is well-paced, and Clipston’s writing pulls the reader in, making them feel a part of the story. In particular, I could almost taste the produce, as well as the items Will made!

You can read the full review on my blog: https://leslielmckee.com/the-farm-sta...

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

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first novel by Amy Clipston, and it definitely won't be my last! The Farm Stand is a sweet, touching, faith-filled love story, with an endearing cast of characters. This is book two in the Amish Marketplace series, but I was able to jump in and enjoy without having read book one. I've already ordered books one, three, and four to see what else is in store for these Amish cousins and friends. Highly recommend for those who enjoy Amish Fiction.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were a few things that I enjoyed and a few things in here that I kind of disliked but it really was a good story. I feel satisfied after reading a story like this and this is why I love Amish Genre.
First off, let's just say that this book really made me drool making me want some more Amish cooking. They're such awesome cooks! plus, there's nothing like home grown tomatoes. Yummy!!
I hope after this virus is gone I can get some more good food from the Amish. They really are a neat group of people. I think their way of life is interesting but I don't think I could do without air conditioning. I love how they keep things simple. Maybe that's what the Lord is trying to teach us during this pandemic. He's trying to open our eyes and get us to come to HIm while we still can.
There's some beautiful messages of faith in this book. One this one: God does have a plan for each and every one of us. In His own timing of course. Only He can see the whole picture.
The things that I didn't enjoy were the pushing o two certain people. Yes, I know they wanted the best for them but I really think that is wrong on so many accounts. It's no wonder she didn't want to confide in them I feel like if God wanted these couples together He'd have made it happen. It's not up to us to decide. And the heart does strange things I might add.
.Also comparing two people is wrong. I didn't like that either because there are no two people alike. Not even twins. It makes me upset because that's what happened to my husband with his mom. He doesn't say it in so many words but I know he's jealous and that's definitely not a good thing.
Secrets eventually come out in the wash as they say. To my idea, it's always best to tell the Truth to someone. Even if it means hurting them. It will make you feel better and probably the other person too. I know it has me at times.
I was delighted to find out that there was a second book to this series. I feel that this one is better than the first!
I gave this book a 5 star rating because I love Amy's books and of course I'm never disappointed in them either! Her writing is fabulous! Plus of course I love learning the difference between Amish and Mennonites.
I highly recommend this book. It is too good to put down!
My thanks to Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back at the Bird-In-Hand Market, and back with some characters, that now feel like friends. We are updated and with Christina and Jeffery, and they are also with us in this read, but the focus here is cousin Salina, and her roller coaster of emotions!
Salina Petersheim has a love of gardening and has turned it into her job, she grows wonderful vegetables, and soon catches the eye of a Mennonite restauranteur whom ends up buying her out each day she is at the market.
The author has us standing with Salina as she tries to fall in love with the boyfriend her parents want her to marry, but they sure seem to have a platonic relationship. Will these people be hurt? Will they end up marrying the wrong individual to please others? Answers are forthcoming!
This book quickly became a page turner that I never wanted to end, and yet, I need the answers.
I'm hoping for another visit here!

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

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews)]

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

I enjoyed seeing the different interpersonal relationships play out at the farmers market. It made me look forward to all of the fresh produce of summer!

[Octavia · Rating 2 out of 5]

The second installment of this book series just did not interest me as much as the first one. The storyline between Josiah, Salina and Will seemed to take away from the traditions of Amish culture this time around. Yet, this author always shows God's Power in her wonderful work.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audio and I really enjoyed it!
This is a wonderful series!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light, fun amish romance. Wonderful series!

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Farm Stand is the 2nd book in the Amish Marketplace series about 4 cousins. I have read #1 and #3, so wanted to read the other two that I had missed. This book is about Salina Petersheim, who runs a produce booth. She is known to have the freshest and most delicious produce grown in her own garden. Her father, the bishop, allowed her to open a booth, but hopes she will soon marry Josiah, the son of family friends and give up her booth. Her brother Neil, is a deacon and is hoping the same thing. The problem is, that she and Josiah are good friends, she doesn't feel any magic or excitement when they are together. She knows she wants more. Along comes William “Will” Zimmerman, a Mennonite chef who runs a restaurant located next door to the Amish market. After purchasing produce from Salina a couple of times, he wants her to supply all his produce, delivered on a weekly basis. Salina agrees, and it doesn't take long before they are both feeling things for one another. It is an impossible situation. Both of them are dating someone else, and they are from two different communities. Will is not Plain, and Salina knows her father would never let her marry a Mennonite. Can they find a way to be together, or will they have to give up the hope of marrying for true love?

This was a lovely Amish romance. I enjoyed meeting up with Salina and her cousins once again. They are like sisters and I do like their relationships. They give each other advice whether asked for or not. Will's relationship was a tricky one as his girlfriend was expecting a proposal any day and he didn't want to hurt her. This is one of those books where communication was used to keep these two apart. Neither knew how the other felt, until it was almost too late. Being Christian Fiction, the main characters pray for guidance and if they were not meant to be, to help rid them of their feelings for the other. It was interesting to see that Amish will only accept Mennonite's if they are willing to change to become Plain. This was a bit of a predictable story, but I did enjoy it a lot. If you enjoy a good Amish romance, then I suggest you pick up any book in this series. Lauren Berst narrated this story and does a wonderful job. She gives the main characters their own voice, with subtle changes in tone and expression. I have listened to other books she has narrated and always enjoy the listening experience.

[Kirsten · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to put this book down 40% of the way through. But I powered on and finished it and...it didn't get much better.

Pros: I liked Caroline, Will's girlfriend. In fact, I wish she was the main character of this plot. I was rooting for her, and I felt she was the most mature, least selfish, most godly character of this entire book. I also loved that Salina had a produce stand--the descriptions and writing of the produce and her love for her labor were fun to read. And that's about it.

Cons: Where to start. Oh yeah, 75% of the book is emotional cheating. Will and Salina constantly ask God for a sign and dismiss every sign they get. They constantly tell themselves, I'll do this, and then we'll just be business associates from now on. The destructive cycle was agonizing (and not in a good way), immature, and just downright boring after the 2nd time (oh but it goes on for like four more cycles). I just constantly felt bad for Caroline who is really the person who got hurt. And the main reason for that is that Salina and Will constantly lie throughout the entire book. Lie to their significant other, lie to their family, lie to their friends. The opportunity to tell the truth is given multiple times (as well as friends/family encouraging them to do so--but it "isn't the right sign from God." Gtfo) They are the worst people. And they don't really fess up to the lies or apologize in the end. Like, barely glossed over. In the end, I'm wondering, did they even grow? In fact, my conclusion in the end was that I really felt they would have been better off single to learn how to be better people. I mean, Salina has a best friend supposedly and she spent the entire book being out of touch with said best friend. She is not truly happy for her friend's successes, she asks her friend caring questions simply to...change and the subject and then ignore her friend's answers. Basically, the worst friend ever.

Overall:
I'm not giving up on Amy Clipson, I just don't think this book is for me. I'll still read another story in this series to try it again.

Do NOT recommend to people looking for: likeable characters, healthy relationships, poetic prose, and/or good friendships.

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite part of this book was the environment of the Amish Market. Aren't the covers of this series so vibrant? A group of young women forge friendships as they work alongside each other at different stands, and they each have a unique personality. Will and Salina have fantastic chemistry, but struggle to leave their current relationships behind in order to pursue something beyond friendship. Their relationship naturally develops into a romance, but family dynamics cause conflict and drama. I felt frustrated with repetitive thoughts and stalled progress, and hoped for more depth and connection to the emotions of the characters. I was glad to be able to get to the resolution and happy ending.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mercy, but I'm having a hard time keeping up with all of Amy Clipston's releases so I'm leaping into her Amish Marketplace series mid-stride.

The Farm Stand is book two and it reads wunderbaar well as a standalone, once you get the cousins straight. :-) The series centers around four cousins who all have stalls in an Amish market and there's a great sisterly connection that shines through in this book (and I'm guessing all the others.) Love the teasing and heartfelt talks...even the tough love ones. :-) These four cousins make a great support network and this time round it's Salina who needs it most.

I'm usually not fond of romances where one (or both) of the protagonists are already in a relationship but I am completely enamored with Salina and Will's story despite the fact that they are both dating other people. Clipston does a great job of portraying their circumstances in a compassionate light and I found myself totally fascinated as their drama unfolds!

And the angst is plentiful -- but it's also accompanied with enough lighthearted moments to strike a delicious balance. As well as the tummy-flipping excitement that comes with discovering true love! The perfect escape read for these long, cold wintry days!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Clipston has put out her second Amish Marketplace book and it shines like her other Amish books. In this Marketplace book, Salina is stocking her stall in the market with the produce from her garden. Will has the restaurant across the road and has started buying his produce from Salina's stall and then started calling her on Tuesdays to place an order for delivery on Wednesdays.

In the meantime, Salina's parents are pushing her to marry Josiah, a friend she's known since her school days. She has wanted to chart her own course since she was small, and grew up in the shadow of her older brother.

There are sparks flying between Salina and Will and Salina is confused at the lack of sparks between Josiah and her.

This is a book about the need for communication and honesty in relationships. It's a rather angst-y book but that makes it all the more compelling. I was tempted to read the end before I finished it, but I held off and read it through.

Five stars, two thumbs up, and a freshly grown salad.

Zondervan Fiction through NetGalley.com provided the galley I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up. While I don’t like reading stories about couples falling in love while they are dating other people, I thought this book handled it well in terms of the pressure on both Salina and Will from their respective families. Each of them felt pressured into dating their significant other by their family members, so I didn’t mind that they were dating other people at first. The characters were relatable, and they were sweet with each other. I didn’t like Caroline at all. She came across as desperate and clingy. I was glad she found her own happy ending though. Overall another cute read from Amy Clipston.

[ANNETTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is amazing story with a good blend of romance & forgiveness.A good flow of characters that help the story gets better & better with each chapter.
Loved it.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if you knew exactly what your life was meant to be and then, have everything change? Would you be brave enough to embrace the change or would you hang on because of the expectations of your family? This is the dilemma that Will Zimmerman and Salina Petersheim face because both of them are expected to marry other people. The fact that Salina's dad is the Amish bishop doesn't make it any easier for Mennonite Will! Will Salina and Will follow their hearts to a life of happiness together or will they give in to the expectations of others?

Salina is a gal after my own heart! Some of my deepest thinking and some of my best devotion times happen when I'm in my garden. l enjoy getting dirt under my fingernails so that I can see the 'fruits of my labor' and Salina shares those same feelings. She loves growing garden produce to sell at her farm stand at the Amish market and the local restaurant nearby and it's there that her life is turned upside down. Will runs the restaurant near the market and what begins as a business relationship soon turns into friendship, and then, something much deeper.

Author Amy Clipston has written another heartwarming story and we readers get to once again experience life among the Amish and Mennonites. Troubles are often present, love and romance are sometimes hard, but in the end, family and faith always prevail. A very wise comment from Will's mother says it best! "If it's meant to be, God will find a way. He always finds a way."

The Farm Stand is the second book in the Amish Marketplace series but it can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Amish fiction and Christian romance.

I received a complimentary copy from the author but there was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

[LisLovesReading E.Espinoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Farm Stand, by Amy Clipston, is the second book in the Amish Marketplace series. With its charming marketplace setting, endearing characters, and compelling love story, this novel is certainly a special addition to the Amish fiction genre. From beginning to end, this story is moving, memorable, and truly enjoyable.

Ms. Clipston excels at creating communities and characters that draw the reader in wholeheartedly. The marketplace, the restaurant, the bookshop, the homes, and even the front porches where the characters work, live, and fellowship together are vibrant with life and activity. The relationships between the families and friends within this novel and the ways in which they interact with one another are wholly believable and satisfying. The conflict explored throughout the plot offers an excellent level of dramatic tension that keeps the pages turning toward a gratifying conclusion. Themes of faith, loyalty, obedience, integrity, and love enhance the story and ensure that this book is not only entertaining, but also relevant and uplifting.

Beyond its beautiful cover art, The Farm Stand offers hours of cozy reading time that are definitely pleasurable and enriching. In this novel, Ms. Clipston has written a touching story that is appealing and thoughtful. I enjoyed reading it, and I gladly recommend it.

*I was given a copy of this book by the author. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.