Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Good story about love, friendship, and forgiveness. Christiana is a wonderful baker and runs a bake stand from her family's home. It is such a success that it nearly takes over her entire life and that of her family. When customers start knocking on her door at all hours of the day and evening, Christiana's mother suggests that she look at opening a booth at the local farmer's market. Her two cousins, who also have shops there, are all for the idea, but Christiana's father worries that being around so many Englischers will pull her away from the Amish faith. With a great deal of effort, Christiana convinces her father to give her a chance. She's excited for the opportunity to grow her business, and with the market only open three days a week, she may have enough free time for a social life too.
Her first day gets off to a rough start when she collides with a young Amish man, spilling his coffee on him. Jeffrey doesn't react well, and both are dismayed when they realize that their shops are next door to each other. The situation becomes even more contentious when the lines to her shop block the entrance to his. There are some harsh words spoken between them, as neither wants to admit to being the problem. Cooler heads encourage Christiana and Jeffrey to talk through the issue and find a compromise.
I found both Christiana and Jeffrey a little on the stubborn side. Christiana seems to be quick to judge and slow to forgive, something unusual in Amish books. She doesn't seem to like to admit when she is wrong and digs in her heels. Jeffrey started his wood and leather business as a new beginning after a huge disappointment. He is low in self-confidence in his abilities but blames Christiana's shop for his lack of sales. But under the antagonism are sparks of interest. Unfortunately, Jeffrey's heart was broken when his fiancée left him for another man, and he is reluctant to trust his heart to another. Christiana falls foul of his distrust several times, causing her to pull away from any interest she might have in him.
Slowly, Christiana notices that there is more to Jeffrey than his attitude and becomes curious about the sadness she senses in him. With patience on her part, they become friends, sharing lunches and laughs. Jeff's depression begins to lift a little, but the past continues to haunt him. Christiana works hard to show him that she can be trusted. But just as each begins to think that there could be something more between them, Christiana's father discovers that Jeffrey uses electricity in his shop. Furious, and convinced it's just the first step on the road to leaving the Faith, he forbids Christiana from spending any more time with Jeffrey. Both are heartbroken.
I ached for both Christiana and Jeffrey, as it looked like they would be separated for good. I was also angry at Christiana's father for his refusal to listen to either of them. I became a little more sympathetic to him after Christiana's conversation with her grandmother, but I wasn't sure if he would ever let go of his fear and anger. I loved Jeffrey's determination to find a way to reach him and make him understand his intentions and the depth of his faith. A near tragedy almost ends Jeffrey's hopes altogether, but love wins the day. I loved the way things worked out and what finally brought Christiana and Jeffrey back together.
Her first day gets off to a rough start when she collides with a young Amish man, spilling his coffee on him. Jeffrey doesn't react well, and both are dismayed when they realize that their shops are next door to each other. The situation becomes even more contentious when the lines to her shop block the entrance to his. There are some harsh words spoken between them, as neither wants to admit to being the problem. Cooler heads encourage Christiana and Jeffrey to talk through the issue and find a compromise.
I found both Christiana and Jeffrey a little on the stubborn side. Christiana seems to be quick to judge and slow to forgive, something unusual in Amish books. She doesn't seem to like to admit when she is wrong and digs in her heels. Jeffrey started his wood and leather business as a new beginning after a huge disappointment. He is low in self-confidence in his abilities but blames Christiana's shop for his lack of sales. But under the antagonism are sparks of interest. Unfortunately, Jeffrey's heart was broken when his fiancée left him for another man, and he is reluctant to trust his heart to another. Christiana falls foul of his distrust several times, causing her to pull away from any interest she might have in him.
Slowly, Christiana notices that there is more to Jeffrey than his attitude and becomes curious about the sadness she senses in him. With patience on her part, they become friends, sharing lunches and laughs. Jeff's depression begins to lift a little, but the past continues to haunt him. Christiana works hard to show him that she can be trusted. But just as each begins to think that there could be something more between them, Christiana's father discovers that Jeffrey uses electricity in his shop. Furious, and convinced it's just the first step on the road to leaving the Faith, he forbids Christiana from spending any more time with Jeffrey. Both are heartbroken.
I ached for both Christiana and Jeffrey, as it looked like they would be separated for good. I was also angry at Christiana's father for his refusal to listen to either of them. I became a little more sympathetic to him after Christiana's conversation with her grandmother, but I wasn't sure if he would ever let go of his fear and anger. I loved Jeffrey's determination to find a way to reach him and make him understand his intentions and the depth of his faith. A near tragedy almost ends Jeffrey's hopes altogether, but love wins the day. I loved the way things worked out and what finally brought Christiana and Jeffrey back together.
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.
Amy Clipston always delivers with sweet, clean romances! At some points I found this story to be a little cheesy, but it was still very enjoyable.
This book is the first in a series that follows a group of cousins who work at a local market. At first, I found it a little difficult to keep up with all cousins/characters, but I'm sure that will get easier as I continue the series.
This novel focuses on Christiana, her love of baking, and her complicated relationship with a young man she meets at the market. I found their interactions at little immature at points, but it was nice to see the male lead struggling with some very human emotions, like self-confidence issues.
This book does a great job of showing how life can be messy, unpredictable, and downright confusing, but it's all part of God's plan, and if we have faith, everything will work out. I really appreciated that message!
This book is the first in a series that follows a group of cousins who work at a local market. At first, I found it a little difficult to keep up with all cousins/characters, but I'm sure that will get easier as I continue the series.
This novel focuses on Christiana, her love of baking, and her complicated relationship with a young man she meets at the market. I found their interactions at little immature at points, but it was nice to see the male lead struggling with some very human emotions, like self-confidence issues.
This book does a great job of showing how life can be messy, unpredictable, and downright confusing, but it's all part of God's plan, and if we have faith, everything will work out. I really appreciated that message!
