Breaking New Ground (An Amish Legacy Novel)

BREAKING NEW GROUND by Amy Clipston is the delightful and heart-tugging story of Korey Bontrager and Savannah Zook. Helping each other they work through their past mistakes and present responsibilities while wonder if there might be a happily ever after out there.

Korey loved his mother dearly. When his dad started to date Crystal and then marrying her so shortly after her death, bringing Crystal in to take over his mother’s home, he felt like his dad was replacing his mother. He had always argued or bucked heads with Tyler, his older brother, but it wasn’t until Tyler started dating the girl he had once thought would be his bride so shortly after they had mutually decided to just be friends, that the tension became more than Korey could take. He felt like his brother had crossed the line of respect. Between Crystal coming into his mom’s home and Tyler’s actions, it was more than he could take causing him to leave his home town. He went live and work with his cousin in Ohio. After 14 months and at the urging of an elder friend and feeling it was God’s calling, he knew he had to return home, try to rectify his relationship with his brother and to accept his dad’s decisions. He also knew it wasn’t going to be easy.

Savannah’s mom died giving birth her brother Toby. She was only five when her dad disappeared after dropping them both off at her uncle and aunt’s. She felt it was her job to protect Toby, care for him just as if she was his mom from the very beginning even though she was a child herself. Savannah had dedicated her life to Toby’s happiness and well-being. That often meant defending him from bullies that harassed and embarrassed him a lot at school due to his difficulties in math and reading. So much so, that now as an adult, Toby considered himself dumb, with no friends and stuck in a job he didn’t enjoy. Savannah is determined to see Toby happy willing to put dating or having a family of her own off the radar until she knows he’s happy.

Savannah refused to listen to the town gossip about Korey. She just knows that he’s shown kindness to her brother. When the man her friends had set her up with leaves her stranded after a social, Savannah started the long walk home. It was Korey who saw her and insisted on taking her home. Through their few brief conversations in the past and those on the way home, Savannah concocted the idea of them becoming a pretend couple as a way to ward off uninvited matchmaking. After a bit of consideration and question asking, Korey agrees to become her “pretend” boyfriend. He asked her father for permission to see her when he deliveries her back safely home.

With pray and Savannah’s ability to shine light on a subject, will Korey be able to mend the relationship with his family and feel like he belongs both at home and in his community? Can he release his hurt and anger and do God’s will? Can they fool folks into thinking they are a “real” couple? After seeing many changes in Toby, including him finding joy in a job he loves, can Savannah ever feel like her job is done? Will the long conversations and enjoying being in each other’s company awaken feeling neither of them thought was possible? With fear of ruining a friendship have them delaying speaking up until it’s too late? What will happen when an unexpected visitor shows up?

BREAKING NEW GROUND is an exceptional story of family, commitment, a promise of tomorrow, prayerfully following God’s lead, forgiveness and sweet romance. Amy Clipston tells us this fabulous well-written story with a thread of faith that will have you feeling many of your emotions as you read each riveting chapter ending with a big sigh of happiness. In my opinion, Korey and Savannah’s story is a must read and definitely gets my FIVE STARS.

Although I received an ARC, I was not asked or requested to write a review. All opinions are completely my own.

Wonderfully written book. Clean language and nothing that is embarrassing to discuss in mixed company.

Be by nice read.

“Breaking New Ground” is Amy Clipston’s latest Amish fiction book. In true Amy Clipston fashion she has done an excellent job with this book. After his mother’s death and his dad remarrying, along with not getting along with his brother, Korey had left to live out of state. This book is about his return to the family and his community. Korey meets Savannah l but is not really interested in dating and then things change.

I really enjoy Amy’s style of writing. I get so lost in Amy’s books and have to finish them quickly (usually in under 24 hours). This book did not disappoint and kept my interest. This book is appropriate for any adults, for young adults, and teens.

A wonderful heart warming romance that will leave you wanting more.

Breaking New Ground, Amy Clipston’s newest novel is beautiful story of hope, healing and family devotion through being led by God. This book has a sweet romance, with the thread of faith woven in the story. While this story has its ups and downs, the characters will win your heart. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to read Savannah and Korey’s story! You will really enjoy this book.

Breaking New Ground, by Amy Clipston, is the third novel in the Amish Legacy series, and with each new book, this series just keeps getting better! Set in a small, Amish community this novel explores the value of family, friendships, and faith. With important themes such as forgiveness and reconciliation, the story itself is quite meaningful.

From the very first page, engaging storytelling combines beautifully with effortless character development to craft a novel that quickly captures the reader’s interest.
The characters in this book are as likable and interesting, as they are vulnerable and believable. The characters face a variety of conflicts and misunderstandings that are sprinkled throughout the story. These events add just the right amount of drama and concern to the plot as it leads the reader to an ending that is full twists and heartwarming surprises. In addition to forgiveness and reconciliation, themes of loyalty, commitment, and honesty also add meaning to the story and make it thoughtful and inspiring.

Breaking New Ground is a very special novel. Page after page, it offers a memorable story that is truly enjoyable and worthy of a reader’s time and attention. I happily recommend it, and I sincerely hope there will be more books in this series.

*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.

Amy Clipston does such an excellent job writing her books. The characters are usually dealing with real life issues that make the reader feel drawn into the story and sometimes can relate to the situation. She also weaves themes of faith throughout her books which make them enjoyable and thought provoking. I highly recommend this third book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley and the publisher. All words and opinions are my own.

This is the third book in a series about a father and his three grown Amish sons, but it could be read as a standalone. Writing the family dynamic is often a strength of Clipston and I've enjoyed the whole mult-book series based on them. Thankfully, this book made Korey so much more sympathetic and nuanced soul whereas in the other books, he was kind of portrayed as a jerk and the foil to his brother Tyler. But I fell in love with this other side of Korey- a new more mature man who has such a kind heart and just needed to find his place in his community and family. Savannah, on the other hand, some parts I felt her also to be a sympathetic, relatable character, others, just grated. She was fiery in her overprotectiveness of her brother, but it also seemed over the top and somewhat unrealistic for a 25 year old. Is she a good match for the new Korey? I did love the build up of the romance, the drama towards the end was an interesting conflict to overcome. As always the resolution is sweet, heartfelt and comforting. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a final story based on Jayden, because out of all of the brothers, he is the most likeable. Can't wait for Clipston to create his perfect match.
Thank you to #NetGalleyand Zondervan Fiction for the Arc. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Breaking New Ground, the third installment of the Amish Legacy series, is a faith-filled, emotional Amish read with themes of forgiveness and healing broken relationships. Well-crafted characters pull you into their lives and touch your heart. The plot is well-structured and flows smoothly with some unexpected twists. The pretend courtship romantic trope is not one I typically see in Amish fiction, and it is very well done in this story. I love the way Korey and Savannah’s relationship develops as they both deal with familial challenges. I loved this story, and highly recommend it for fans of Inspirational Amish Romance. Note: Even though it is the third book in the series, this book can be easily read as a standalone.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.