Vikki McCombie
Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary audio copy of The Coffee Corner by Amy Clipston. I voluntarily agreed to listen and review prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and no one has influenced them. The Coffee Corner is a heartwarming Amish fiction novel with character you’ll grow to love, and a plot that will touch your heart. The pacing kept me involved from the beginning and kept me until the end. Ms. Clipston’s novels always give me a strong sense of the Amish life, which is why I enjoy this genre. I listened to the audio version of The Coffee Corner, and Lauren Berst is the narrator. Her beautiful reading pulled me in right away. She brings the various characters to life and made it easy to determine each of them. Her ability to pronounce the Dutch Pennsylvania added greatly to my enjoyment of this lovely Amish tale. That is not the case in some of the other narrators I’ve listened to, and I have listened to a great many over the years. Bethany Gringerich is the heroine, and she stole my heart from the beginning. Her insecurities over her desirability as an Amish wife touched me at my core. It showed her deepest vulnerabilities. Her willingness to offer the hero her friendship, even though she believes it will cause her future disappointment if he doesn’t develop feelings for her only made me love her more. Micah Zook is the hero, and he too has issues with self-esteem. He grew up with a father who is constantly critical of him and his desire to learn his grandfather’s carpentry skills. He’s estranged from his family and lives with his gros-dadi learning his chosen trade. He’s suffered the death of the Amish girl he’d expected to marry, which caused the rift with his family. I could feel his confusion and fear when he finds he’s drawn to Bethany. The romance is sweet and gentle as with most Amish romances, and I enjoyed their journey to finding their happy ending. It’s a rough road since both don’t believe they will because of their insecurities. Bethany, because doesn’t believe the hero could possibly love her, and Micah, because of his belief he is not worthy. I truly wanted them to find their way to each other. If you enjoy Amish fiction with endearing characters, and a plot that will have you rooting for them, then you will love The Coffee Corner as much as I did. I always know I’m in for a treat whether I’m listening or reading one of Ms. Clipston’s delightful Amish novels. Happy reading and listening!
Kristina Anderson
The Coffee Corner by Amy Clipston is the third book in the Amish Marketplace series. Each book in the series can be read on its own, but I recommend reading this charming series in order. I thought The Coffee Corner was well-written with developed, realistic characters. Bethany Gingerich runs The Coffee Corner at Bird-in-Hand Marketplace where her cousins also have stalls. Bethany is an attendant at the wedding of her cousin, Salina to Will Zimmerman. This is the second cousin to marry and Bethany wonders if God has someone special in mind for her. She is smitten with Micah Zook. Bethany looks forward to his visits to her stall each Saturday with his grandfather, Enos. They never get more than a few minutes to chat about superficial topics. Micah is attracted to Bethany, but he suffered a terrible loss that makes him reluctant to risk to his heart. When Micah’s grandfather dies, Micah is devastated. Enos was his mentor, work mate, and best friend. He needs help in dealing with his grief, and it appears that Bethany is the one to assist him. The Coffee Corner is a touching story. It is one that will tug on your heartstrings. I liked the side stories of Bethany dealing with confidence issues and Micah’s problems with his father. We also get to catch up with Leanna, Salina, and Christiana. I am eager to read Leanna’s story in The Jam and Jelly Nook. The Coffee Corner is a moving Amish tale about family, forgiveness, fitting in, second chances, and love.
Annette Bango
love this booķ won't let me buy it