Description; i.e., the Blurb
Korey was, well, just plain mad when his father married again and had no problem letting his kind stepmother know it. Adding to his unhappiness, his other brother was distancing himself to the point of estrangement. So off Korey goes to Ohio for 14 months. Now he has returned home after some growing up only to discover that life has moved on without him. Friends are married and everyone seems to think he should get married too.

Savannah Zook is the only maedel that he feels comfortable with. She isn’t interested in acquiring a husband; her #1 priority is protecting her bullied brother. But both are feeling the pressure — MARRIAGE. So they come up with a plan — pretend to date each other. Emphasis on pretend. So how does their plan work out?

My belated review …
I’m still in catchup mode on NetGalley reviews having read this in April. You can beat me with a wet noodle later.

Can’t you see it? These two young people coming up with the perfect plan to get parents and friends off their backs about getting married. You learn quickly why his older brother was torqued at Korey. Or was it the other way around?

Unless it was changed in the final version, Chapter One is overloaded with the introduction of characters. And it’s a long chapter.

In Chapter 10, I had about had it with “poor” Korey and his continued immaturity. To the point I marked a note to deduct as much as 2 stars. And there are 19 chapters to go. I understood why Korey was upset re his older brother but feel it wasn’t enough of a reason to make him act the way he continues to. I wished there had been another element to the situation. Otherwise, for me, Korey comes off as a whiner. And I really have a problem with whiners — in books and in real life.

I wonder if everything was just too drawn out … Had I not had to read for (it felt) the umpteenth time about Korey and why he left for Ohio … maybe I would have a higher rating.

Now, I’m in the minority as far as ratings go. Most are four and five stars. But for this reader, it was a three (3) star. I did not know until after I finished that it was the third in a series. The book can be read standalone.

Turns out I had read books 1 (5 stars) and 2 (3 stars). I noted in the latter review that I seem to have a love/hate relationship with Amy Clipston Amish books. And that remains true. I can’t recommend this one due to Korey’s character but others love it. I won’t be continuing the series.

I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of Breaking New Ground via NetGalley from the publisher, Zondervan Fiction, Zondervan. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 3 stars
Cover: Good cover. Goes well with the previous two books in the series.
Pages: 336
Series: An Amish Legacy, book #3
~ ~ (links to) My reviews on Book 1: Foundation of Love and Book 2: Building a Future
Publish Date: 11 Apr 2023
#BreakingNewGround #NetGalley #AmyClipston

Breaking New Ground by Amy Clipston
If you’ve been around a while and read any of my other reviews, you know I’m a huge Amy Clipston fan. She will always be a favorite author; I’ve re-read some of her series (Kauffman Amish Bakery & The Marketplace).
We are getting to know the Bontrager family in the Amish Legacy series. Korey has been a highlight in each book, and in this third installment, we get to dive deeper into why he is the way he is.
This is an excellent lesson on how we never know who may enter our life and how much of an impact they can make on us. Even though the two main characters – Korey & Savannah – went to school together, they didn’t know one another. When Korey returns from Ohio, they reconnect and learn that they mean more to one another than either could have guessed.
I love how Amy weaves in trials for each character and allows the character to develop and grow with each trial. It feels like art imitating life, and I couldn’t get enough of it.

Heartwarming, author Amy Clipston’s book 3 in the Amish Legacy Series can be read as a stand alone but will make more sense if you read book 1 (Foundation of Love) and book 2 (Building a Future) as she revisits the same community and we see several people from these books.

Korey needs an attitude adjustment. Can that even happen? Savannah needs to mother her younger brother who is an adult. Can she let go and move on? Both characters are dealing with challenges and pretending to date just adds more challenges as neither wants to get married.

I enjoyed the story, and I really like the people in the community. It was good to see both main characters growing and maturing. I do wonder why nobody helped Savannah’s brother when he needed it. Doesn’t seem normal for the Amish community. And if one of the characters “snorted” one more time I may have thrown the book. But all in all it was enjoyable.

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

A charming fake-relationship romance set in the heart of Amish country.

Korey Bontrager returns home knowing what he is coming home to and hoping to mend bridges between himself and his family. His family welcomes him with open arms, but it doesn't mean that returning home isn't a little awkward seeing his brother and former girlfriend married.

Savannah doesn't want to jump into a relationship just because her friends are dating now, but their nagging is getting hard to ignore. So she and Korey decide to fake a relationship to get everyone to leave their love lives alone.

Korey and Savannah are both likable characters from the start and I could easily see how they brought out the best in each other. Korey has come a long way in accepting how things are now, and I liked seeing his more mature side as well as his friendship with Toby. Savannah is a caring sister, and a supportive friend.

This was a fun fast paced read with compelling characters and a sweet romance. A very enjoyable read with compelling characters, strong faith, and good character growth. Definitely recommend!

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

Amish fiction is typically my genre of choice but Amy Clipston is an author I'll make an exception for. Breaking New Ground is the third novel in the Amish Legacy Series and it was nice to see characters from the previous novels. I was really anticipating getting to read Korey's story and it didn't disappoint. The growth that he went through from the first novel to the third was a wonderful story to read. This was a very sweet and lovely book.

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. Breaking New Ground is the third book in the Amish Legacy Novel series. I enjoyed reading the other books in this series, and was anxious to get to read Koreys story. Korey was a mess, he was emotionally hurt, and lashed out far too often. He was also devoted to his mama who passed away, and we all have a soft spot for boys who love their mamas. I couldn’t wait to see his attitude change and for him to finally make up with his family.

Korey wasn’t afraid to let people know when he wasn’t happy. Especially if it was his dad or his brothers. His dad falling in love wasn’t part of his plan, and not being able to stand life at home anymore, he went away to another county to move on with his life. Little did he know, that wasn’t God’s plan for him. Korey being back with his family and working on being a changed man was fun to watch. But now that he’s back home, everyone is anxious for him to settle down and get married. Feeling pressure from all sides, Korey agrees to a plan to pretend like he is dating a girl he knew years ago. Savannah is also tired of the pressure and just wants her brother to be happy. Neither can imagine what life has in store for them, but it’s a worthwhile ride.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish Romance Fiction. I enjoyed every moment I spent reading this book, and can’t wait to see what Clipston comes up with next. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the last book in An Amish Legacy series. Book #3 focuses on Kory Bontrager whom I’ve had a love hate relationship with. I enjoyed reading Kory’s growth and redemption with the support of Savannah Zook.

The ending was amazing, especially with a finale wrap into Crystal from book #1 and Tyler and Michell from book #2.

A story about never giving up on faith, hope, and love. This is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. This is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Korey Bontrager has just returned to his family home in Pennsylvania from almost two years in Ohio. He has been estranged from his family after one of his two brothers married his ex-girlfriend. This was soon after his father had remarried two years after his mother died. Korey was not ready to see another woman take his mother's place, and it burned him to see his brother with his former girlfriend. Korey has come home to try to reunite in peace with his family.

Savannah Zook's main focus is her brother Toby. He is younger, socially inept and has difficulty with reading and mathematics. She is so intent on looking after him that she doesn't spend much time getting to know the young men who attend some of their socials. As a result, as her friends are pairing up, Savannah is left sitting on the sidelines and feeling uncomfortable. Korey and Savannah get to know each other, and make a plan to be each other's plus-one to take the attention off of them as unpaired adults.

While this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I didn't realize it was part of a series until after I finished it. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher Zondervan Fiction via NetGalley. It was my pleasure to voluntarily read and review this book.

When Korey Bontrager returns to his home town after a year away, he is determined to mend relationships and start over. This proves to be difficult when past conflicts get in the way of his relationship with his older brother Tyler. When Korey meets Savannah, neither of them expect to find a future together. However, God has a way of working things out once people are willing to get out of His way.

For readers of the Amish Legacy series, old friends make an appearance, and redemption occurs for some characters. However, this clean sweet romance can be enjoyed by readers who are new to the series and have not read them in order. The Christian message is strong.

I hope this is not the end of this series, as I am anxious to read about how things go on for the characters in these books.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Although I received a complimentary review copy through NetGalley, I ended up deciding to purchase the audio version because I have loved each book in this series and was excited to listen to this one. I am so glad that I did! I really enjoyed both the story and the narration.

Korey was such a frustrating character in the first two books in the series. He had some real anger issues and was very immature. It was clear that his behavior stemmed from emotional distress related to his mother’s death, as well as jealousy of his older brother. He definitely did not handle himself well.

I did wonder if I would be able to care about Korey as a main character as much as I had for the other Bontrager men in the first two novels. I am happy to report that the author did a wonderful job of redeeming this young man! I liked that his change in attitude was gradual, which made it very believable. He still battled some anger, resentment, and hurt toward Tyler and Tyler’s wife, Michelle, when he first returned. I found that extremely realistic. I loved watching Korey grow and work at asking for forgiveness and granting it, as well. His change in attitude as the story progressed was refreshing.

Savannah was a sweet character who definitely took on more responsibility for her brother than she ever needed to. I understood why she did this, however, her stubbornness almost cost her everything! It was great to see what a good friend Korey was to both Savannah and her brother, Toby. I loved seeing Savannah and Korey falling for each other. And this story has such a wonderful epilogue! It left me smiling and eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary ebook copy, however, I purchased the audio book format for myself. All opinions are my own.

Korey has come home a different person in the this next book of An Amish Legacy series. Savannah is determined to remain single and care for her brother, Toby even though he's nineteen. Korey and Savannah pretend to be dating because everyone seems to think each should be looking for marriage. Both have lots of past history and hurt to overcome. Sweet and enjoyable story with a predictable ending. Readers should read the first two books in the series for a more complete background.

Breaking New Ground by Amy Clipston, book three in An Amish Legacy series, is a story with a fake relationship, understanding, forgiveness, friendship, tolerance and lasting true love somewhere in all of this. When his father remarried, then his older brother 'stole' his girlfriend and married her, Korey Bontrager left his home in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania to work in a factory in Ohio. Yes, there was some door-slamming and stomping off involved, and he gave every indication that he was a champion grudge-holder. Fast-forward a little over a year, and Korey has returned home to make things right with his family. Influenced by an elderly Amish man in Ohio, he has realized that his family is important to him, and that the rift in the family is all his doing. Hopefully he can dial back his emotions enough to see everything from another viewpoint.

Savannah Zook's friends are all pairing off, she is actively avoiding dating. She has seen herself as her brother's main caregiver since she was five years old and he was an infant, after their mother died in childbirth, and their father abandoned them shortly afterward. Even though it’s twenty years later, she still feels responsible for his happiness. When her friends start setting her up on blind dates, she can't convince them she's not interested. Witnessing Korey befriending her brother has her re-examines the situation and her view of Korey. After a Sunday picnic/sing alone Korey ends up bringing Savannah home. While discussing their situations, with his family believing that a relationship will help him wanting to stay in the community and her friends won't stop the blind date nonsense unless she's off the market, Savannah suggests that they fake date each other. As Korey and Savannah spend time with each other, they become friends and start having real feelings for each other. However, her family situation is as troubled as his, with a similarity neither one of them can see coming that threatens to separate them just when they are ready to admit their true feelings to each other. As Korey and Savannah struggle to work through this unexpected situation, it will take their friendship, determination and faith in G-d before either one will be able to move forward, toward a future together.

Ms Johns wrote an endearing and heartwarming story weaving the themes of faith, forgiveness, and family that added a very special touch to their story and to that of the other characters as well. I highly recommend Breaking New Ground to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

This is a Clean Amish Romance, and this is the third book in An Amish Legacy series. I have read the first two books in this series before picking up this book. I do feel you need to at least read the second book in this series before picking up this book. A lot of the characters in this book play a big part in the second book in this series. The second book is the book you get to see a different side of Korey, and the events they talk about in this book happened in the second book. I am happy we get to see a better side of Korey. I loved the characters in this book. I did feel the main character acted younger than they were, but I can see why they acted that way. This storyline really touched my heart. The ending of this book had me crying so much. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Zondervan) or author (Amy Clipston) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

Amish ways are always novel and of interest to me so this book sparked my notice. Both Korey and Savannah deal with their respective painful issues but strive to do so acccording to their Amish way.

I appreciated that the issues required the characters to go to God in prayer and depend upon Him, overcoming pride, anger and the like in order to forgive. These were themes that ran through the pages of this fictional romance story - ha, ha, fictional in more ways than one...

This is the third book in The Amish Legacy Series and is a 4-Star quick and satisfying read.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

April 2023

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Welcome back to Lancaster, Pennsylvania! Amy Clipston does an amazing job of transporting you back to this small town in the third novel in The Amish Legacy Series. This book had me turning the pages so fast to see what would happen. I suggest reading the first two books not only because they are amazing, but this story will make more sense if you do.
“Breaking New Ground” is Korey’s story. He’s the Amish bad boy we love to hate, because we know that under all that gruff and grumpiness is a man with a good heart. Korey was horrible to his father Duane, stepmother Crystal, older brother Tyler and ex-girlfriend Michelle (who is now Tyler’s wife). He befriends Savannah Zook who feels duty bound to care for her younger brother.
This book is more than just a romance novel. It’s also a “love” story between a brother and sister. Savannah’s devotion to her brother is honorable. Korey shows us that no matter what, family comes first. Many thanks to the author and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

READ THIS BOOK IF YOU
Love a good redemption story
Savor a slow burn
Enjoy a sweet romance
Appreciate a good series

Sweet story about second chances, making amends and finding love when you least expect it. After becoming upset with his father and brother and moving away Korey is back seeking forgiveness.

When Korey left home with fourteen months, he was struggling with his feelings with his stepmother and his oldest brother. Now fourteen months later, Korey has returned home and wants to reconnect with his family. Savannah has been watching over her younger brother since her father left after her mother died. Both Korey and Savannah are being pushed by friends and family to find someone to date. Since neither are ready for that, Savannah suggests that they pretend to date. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I like that Korey is really trying to reconnect and get over his negative feelings. Savannah is having a harder time with growing feelings towards Korey, but still wanting to watch over her young adult brother. I like seeing how their romance grows through their sharing confidences and friendship.

Breaking New Ground by Amy Clipston is such a sweet story! It is the third book in the Amish Legacy series and it is Korey’s story. Korey left home and went to Ohio when his brother married his ex-girlfriend. But now he’s home. And he’s trying to make amends, but he is having a hard time. Savannah Zook lives in the community and works at her aunt and uncle’s store. When the two start talking and realize that their friends and family will not stop trying to get them to start dating someone, they decide to be in a fake relationship with each other. However, the more they get to know each other, they discover that they might actually be made for each other. But then, savanna’s world is turned upside down, and she must decide if her relationship with him is worth fighting for. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book. I do believe it is my favorite of the three so far.

I'm happy to revisit the Bird in Hand community and Korey Bontrager who has come back home to his family. It is easy to see that the character has matured since leaving the area when his brother Tyler, fell in love with his girlfriend Michelle. Korey has a lot to own up to and residual anger at the couple to deal with. The author shows his trepidation as he tries to blend back into the family and community.
Savannah Zook has a group of female friends with romance and marriage on their minds to the point that they are irritating. She isn't interested. After being set up with a 'date' Vannah has had enough. Korey notices her walking alone at night and when he offers a ride home the perfect opportunity sets up that will help both of them. Savannah talks Korey into being pretend girlfriend and boyfriend so everyone will leave them alone. They just have to spend some time together in public then eventually 'break up'. Perfect plan, sweet story.
I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my own unsolicited opinion about it. This is an excellent third story in "An Amish Legacy" series by Amy Clipson. She has created strong characters with solid back stories. She delves into the damage that is caused by feelings of abandonment. I love this series and look forward to more books. I'm expecting brother Toby's romance in the future.