Cover Image: A Welcome at Our Door

A Welcome at Our Door

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I had often thought of Cindy Reihl throughout this series and have been curious as to what the future held for her. I find myself doing that when I read this authors books because I get attached to her characters. Cindy is the youngest in her family and has had the most difficulty dealing with the death of their mother, so I was looking forward to reading her story.

Let's just say that I never expected a cow named Cucumber to play a role in her meeting the young man who would become so important to her. There is an obstacle in their way as he is English hand she is Amish. Out of all the young men she could meet, Drew was the one who held her heart but of course that didn't go over so well with her family and friends. The one thing that I have admired about Cindy is that she has remained steadfast in her refusal to settle for anyone just for the sake of getting married and raising a family. I think she has believed that would happen when the time was right and she would be with the one she was meant to be with.

The path to true love and happily ever after isn't easy and through the ups and downs, the highs and lows, Cindy and Drew have so many obstacles to overcome before they can finally have the lives they both deserve.

I received a copy for this book from the publisher through Netgalley but was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Following the devastating loss of her mother, Cindy Rigel finds herself searching for peace. Will she find the peace she so desperately needs in the Amish community she calls home or will she need to look in the English world? She’s watched her siblings find love and happiness. But, as they’ve grown and settled down, Cindy finds herself still grieving and heartbroken. It baffles her that the rest of her family seems to have been able to move on easily. Cindy still has a whole in her heart from her mother’s absence and wonders if she’ll ever be able to find healing and peace. Then she meets a handsome, kind Englisher named Drew and they quickly become friends. Drew dreams of starting a family, having experienced some devastating losses of his own. It doesn’t take long for them to realize that their feelings have grown beyond friendship to romantic, despite the obstacles between them. Will Cindy choose life in the English world with Drew or will she choose her family and the only way of life she’s ever known?

I enjoyed reading this final installment of The Amish Homestead series so much! Honestly, it may even be my favorite. I thought Cindy’s story was so sweet and relatable. I truly enjoyed getting further visits with my favorite characters from the previous books and truly hope that they’ll feature in future books and series. Amy has such a talent at writing characters that you can really relate to and are genuinely likeable, all while writing stories that you find yourself immersed in. I love reading her books!

Was this review helpful?

A Welcome at Our Door is an Amish fiction story about a girl that doesn't know if she should join church or not. She misses her mother who died six years ago, and she meets a neighbor's employee that has had a similar experience. It's a well written story that is clean, and good to read!

Was this review helpful?

A Welcome at Our Door is the fourth and final book in An Amish Homestead series. We have watched as Cindy’s father and siblings have found love, married and started families of their own. Cindy finds herself lost in her grief and not understanding God’s decisions but throw prayer and friends Cindy finds her way home. I would recommend reading this series in order so that the characters and background is like a familiar friend.But if you have been reading this series- you dont want to miss this last book….

Was this review helpful?

I am so grateful Netgalley, Amy Clipston, and the publisher granted me early access to read A Welcome at Our Door for my honest opinion. This was such a wonderful read about the troubles a young couple go thru to be together. The twists and turns just keep one coming after a cow named cucumber escapes its pasture....

Was this review helpful?

I have really enjoyed the books in this series thus far, but A Welcome at Our Door was a real struggle for me. From the beginning there is conflict and it doesn't let up until the end, which usually doesn't bother me in stories, but for some reason it was quite bothersome to me.

Cindy Riehl hasn't been herself since her mothers sudden passing seven years ago, and has felt like an outcast in her family, since it seems as if everyone is moving on in life except her. When the dairy farm next door hires an English farm hand it only takes a moment for Cindy to notice that Drew Collins is something special and vice versa. This instant spark leads to a friendship that is quickly frowned upon within the tight knit Amish community, and causes a rift between Cindy and her family. It is this strife that goes deeper and grows stronger as circumstances grow and change, and is truly heartbreaking to read.

Amy Clipston is such a great writer and does a wonderful job of getting into the minds of her characters, allowing you to truly feel what they're feeling, which could be why this was such a hard read for me. There are parts of the story that hit very close to home and stir up familiar emotions, though these are subjects I'm not used to reading in other Amish fiction books.

Though a lot of the book deals with difficult situations, there is also a beautiful message of forgiveness, love, and family that is both charming and inspiring. Though at times hard for me to read, I am thankful that I pressed on, as the end made it all worth it.

Was this review helpful?

I want to start this review by stating that my knowledge of the Amish and Mennonite communities comes mostly from the fiction books I have read. In no way do I mean to condemn them for their beliefs in any of my comments in this review.
Many times throughout the reading of A Welcome at our Door my heart went out to Cindy. There were several instances when I read with tears streaming down my cheeks at the apparent heartless behavior of those in Cindy’s life. It was heartwarming for me to see attitudes change by the end of the story - which helped bring Cindy back to the faith she was raised in. I think there is a lesson in this story for all parents who have children who marry outside of their denomination or faith - love your child even if you don’t approve of their choices.
Amy Clipson did an excellent job of character development with main character Cindy Riehl. Readers will feel what Cindy is feeling throughout the story. She is a very believable and likeable character.
I appreciated author Amy Clipson’s note to the reader at the start of the book which explains some of her research. The list of Amish terms, the family tree, and the discussion questions were also all very helpful.
I would have no problem adding this title to my K-12 Christian school library although I am not sure how much use it would get by my student body.
I want to thank JustRead Publicity Tours for the complimentary copy of A Welcome at our Door.

Was this review helpful?

Amy Clipston's latest novel, A Welcome at Our Door is a heartfelt tale. I fell in love with this story multiple times as the pages flew by. Characters who have suffered heavy loses made my heart break. But their meeting and friendships soon bloomed into a beautiful journey. I felt hope regrow within the young Amish woman, Cindy. The themes, family, healing, and faith were a perfect touch. Just enough of each to make this book enjoyable. Then, there were the tough choices that had to be made. A relationship that was frowned upon is left to Cindy to figure out where it will lead her. Will it lead her back to her faith and family, or further apart from them and God? The emotions of loss, trouble, and love hooked me. I couldn't stop reading this book. Amy Clipston is a talented writer. Overall, I recommend this beautiful Amish tale to all.

Was this review helpful?

This is the final book in the series and focuses on Cindy. Cindy is still missing her mother terribly, and feels her dad and siblings have moved on with life and not missing her at all. She is in her early twenties, still living in her father and step-mother's home, and feels so lonely and alone. She has yet to join the Amish church. She just feels no pull towards it.
When Cucumber, the cow, gets out, (again) she meets their new neighbor, Drew. Cindy continues to run into Drew, and deliver baked goodies to him. She feels an attraction to Drew, but how can that be, as he in English and therefore, forbidden. Gasp!
Drew is also attracted to Cindy. This is a huge problem as Cindy's Amish community will practically shun her should she decide to marry Drew. Drew doesn't wish to tear Cindy from her family and community. He has lost his parents and then the aunt who cared for him after their death, and knows how it is to be without family.
But...can one tell the heart who to love?
For me, the behavior of Cindy and Drew became annoying. Cindy tried to have her cake and eat it, too. She knew the rules of her community, but behaved as though she thought her family should/would do otherwise. It seemed kind of redundant.
The story had a good ending, and I think if you enjoy reading Amish fiction, that you'll enjoy this one.
I was given a free ecopy of this to read by the publisher, Zondervan and Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

A WELCOME AT OUR DOOR is the fourth and final book In the Amish Homestead series. We finally get Cindy Riehl's story! To be honest, I fell in love with the cover the minute I saw it. I knew I would read it anyway, because It is set in Lancaster County, but the cover really pulled me in. I loved everything about this beautiful story and I'm excited to read more by Amy Clipston. I've read many of her books but not all of them. She has a way of grabbing her readers and she never lets us go. Cindy has been having a very hard time dealing with life since her mother passed away tragically. She fell down the basement stairs and Cindy has been having survivors guilt ever since. She feels like she doesn't fit in in her family anymore, she's feeling lost and can't understand how everyone else in her family has moved on and she just can't.


A WELCOME AT OUR DOOR is filled with twists and turns as well as faith, family, love, hope, and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Amy Clipston was taking us and what would happen to Cindy and if she would ever find peace. Poor Cindy will pull at your heart strings and never let them go. When the family cow, Cucumber, gets loose, Cindy's life heads in a new direction. This is how she meets an Englischer named Drew. She becomes friends with him rather quickly and they share a connection that neither of them can deny. Her father is very much against this friendship because he feels Cindy is getting too close to Drew and might be falling in love with him. She continues to see him secretly and both know what they are doing is wrong. There is so much heart in Amy's writing that I was left with a huge smile on my face and my heart, very happy. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I've known them for a long time.


Make yourself a yummy hot drink, get your favorite blanket and get on the couch. A WELCOME AT OUR DOOR is an awesome way to spend the afternoon or evening. Once you start, you won't be able to put it down and will find yourself cheering for Cindy and her family. I really wanted to reach in to this story and give Cindy a hug over and over again. She is so torn between staying in her faith and joining the church or leaving it all behind and joining Drew in the Englisch world. Amy Clipston will pull you in from the very first page and never let you go! I'm sad that the Amish Homestead series is finished but Amy wrapped it up perfectly and I'm excited to read her next series!

Was this review helpful?

This was the fourth and final books of the Amish Homestead Series. I recognized the characters from previous books as they moved on with their lives after the death of their mother. However, Cindy Riehl was not able to move on even though life moved ahead without her. Feeling misunderstood by other family members, she meets Drew and is immediately taken by him. But there is a big problem, he is not Amish. What to do, follow her heart or the advice of family, friends and religious beliefs?

A difficult time lies ahead as opposition tells her to forget him and find a nice Amish boy in their community.

I really enjoyed this book and found it a sweet and tender book. Feelings were strong and that made decisions all the more difficult.

I recommend this book. It's a good read!

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

Was this review helpful?

This is a sweet story of friendship, healing, and discovering one's path. Cindy has contrasting emotions about her life- she acts as though she is content, but is stuck in her grief and feels like no one can understand. Even though she is sweet and helpful, she also comes across as a bit immature and self-centered. Her quick friendship with Drew fills the void in her life, and they are very sweet together. The narrative is repetitious and the entire plot focuses on the dilemma of their relationship- they are forbidden to be friends because it would prevent Cindy from staying Amish... even though she still had not committed to baptism. The family members are two-dimensional and I wished there had been more depth explored, their feelings shown rather than told. The last part of the book was more interesting and I was curious to see how the author would choose to wrap everything up. I felt like it was overly simple and even though I enjoyed the happy ending, there were issues that I thought were not addressed.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)

Was this review helpful?

Oh boy. I have very mixed feelings about this book. Let me explain.
I am one of Clipston's biggest fans (if I do say so myself). I have not read one of her books that I did not like until this one. I often recommend her novels to others (the Roadside Assistance trilogy is phenomenal.) One huge compliment I have about this book is that I was drawn into the story despite what I did not like.
A Welcome at Our Door was a bit different. I still love Clipston's writing. I felt like the romance between Drew and Cindy could have been in a YA romance novel. :( The novel was a bit cheesy and I felt the Romeo and Juliet vibes. (that was alright, I guess)
Even though this was not my favorite book, I will still be reading more works written by Amy Clipston in the future.

Rating: 3 Stars
Content: 4 Stars
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

"God, I'm so confused, and I need your guidance. Please send me a sign so I'll know if my friendship with Drew is sinful or if you bless it. I can't deny how I feel about him, but I also can't shake this guilt that my family is trying to push on me. Please show me your will."

This is a prayer similar to many that young women have prayed over the years but this young woman is a little different. Cindy Riehl was born Amish but for the past seven years she feels like she has been floating, 'not in the Amish world, yet not in the Englisher world either.' Her mother's death robbed Cindy of her best friend and Cindy continues to feel grief and guilt over this accidental death. She also feels like she's the only family member that hasn't been able to move on. Then she meets a young English man who has also experienced loss and Cindy begins to feel that she finally has a friend, someone that she can honestly talk to. This friendship, however, comes at a price. It is frowned upon and she is warned that it could bring judgement upon her and her family. Her father insists that any involvement with Drew must end and once again Cindy experiences grief and loss; once again she feels alone and like a stranger in her own home.

Author Amy Clipston has been able show the multiple feelings that the two main characters experience. Tremendous loss, overwhelming grief, immense attraction, and being susceptible to tempation. As I read this story I was reminded that the Amish aren't immune to the emotions that all of us feel and they too struggle with doing what is right. One of the Amish characters admits that "Gossip is sinful, but it exists, even among the Amish." Cindy's decision about whether to join the church is one that many English face and her willingness to sacrifice family ties to be with the person she loves is timeless. It is evident that Clipston truly understands both the similarities and the differences between the Amish and English ways of life and she is an expert in stirring our interest with her stories!

A Welcome at Our Door is the final book in Amy Clipston's Amish Homestead series but it can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed this story and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys Amish fiction and Christian romance.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher and Net Galley and was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This is book four, the final book in the Amish Homestead series. You will want to read the other books so you can put the pieces together, but don’t let that stop you. The series is one of author Amy Clipston’s best.

Full of faith, love, and family, this book shows us that God does move on our behalf. A lot of emotional healing happens in this story and I loved how we see that forgiving and moving ahead is possible. The characters are so well developed that they become friends. I’ll be sad to leave them behind.

Clipston’s books are always page turners and I stay up past my bedtime to read them; flashlight and all. This book is no different. Warm yet poignant, I loved it. The ending did surprise me but in the best of ways. I highly recommend A Welcome At Our Door.

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

Was this review helpful?

Amy Clipston finishes up her Amish Homestead series with the fourth installment following Cindy Riehl, the youngest of the Riehl children. I missed the first two books in the series but I did read and enjoy the third. The main characters changed with each book in the series so they can successfully be read as stand-alones if you'd like. There is quite a long list of characters but the author includes a snippet into the backgrounds of the other siblings to help bring a 'newbie' up-to-speed.

I found myself feeling a whole windstorm of emotions throughout this novel. My heart went out to Cindy in her pain, and I was hopeful for happiness in her future. At the same time I was angry with how she was treated by her family. I didn't agree with her sneaking out to see Drew, but at the same point I couldn't help but feel angry for her since she was an adult and capable of her own decisions. The Amish community can be very loving and welcoming, but they can also rule their own with an iron fist. I can't imagine living with the threat of shunning. While peace was made in the end, I still feel mixed emotions as to how it concluded. This story felt incredibly real and has managed to leave me in a book fog I don't often feel when reading Amish fiction.

Amy Clipston is still a newer author to me but I've been moved by both of the books of hers that I've read. Be prepared for a whole lot of emotion, but I highly recommend her stories to Amish fiction fans.

*I received a copy of this book through JustRead. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

Was this review helpful?

A Welcome at Our Door by Amy Clipston
series An Amish Homestead Novel #4
After a devastating loss, Cindy Riehl is still searching for peace. Will she find it in the community she calls home—or will love send her down a new path?
Over the last few years, Cindy Riehl—the youngest of the Riehl children—has watched her siblings find love and happiness in Lancaster County. But as her family has settled down and grown, Cindy has continued to grieve her mother, whose death left an enormous hole in her heart. Since that haunting day, Cindy has struggled to find peace and wonders if the community is the place for her—and if her faith in God will ever feel the same as it once did.
When a handsome and kind Englisher named Drew crosses Cindy’s path one surprising day, the two of them become fast and easy friends. Drew dreams of starting a family after some losses of his own, and before long, he and Cindy discover that their feelings for each other are romantic. As they spend more time together—often in secret—Cindy is drawn further and further away from the Amish community and the family she loves. In time, she is faced with a difficult choice that threatens to upend her world.
Will Cindy find contentment and love, and will she ever find restored comfort in God and her beloved community? In this final installment of the Amish Homestead series, we return to the charming town of Bird-in-Hand for a story of healing, family, and God’s perfect provision.
This is Cindy Riehl and Drew Collins's story.
Cindy Riehl hummed as she hung a pair of her father’s trousers on the clothesline, and then she swept a lock of golden-brown hair escaping her prayer covering away from her eyes. She squinted in the bright June sunlight before pushing the line forward to make room for another pair of Dat’s trousers.
As she lifted them from her wicker basket, she glanced toward the fenced cow pasture just as one of the cows pushed open the gate, trotted down their short driveway, and started down the street toward the neighbor’s farm.
“Ach, no,” she groaned as she dropped the trousers into the basket.
“Jamie! Roy!” Cindy yelled for her brothers as she scurried down the porch steps. “Cucumber got out again!”
When she heard someone laugh, she turned toward the little one-story house across from the barn. A tall Englisher stood on the porch, watching her. She tented her hand over her eyes to get a better look at him in the bright sunlight as he strolled down the porch steps and started toward her.
He looked to be in his mid- to late twenties, and his light-brown hair was short on the sides but long and messy on top, as if he’d just raked his hand through it. His chiseled cheekbones and strong jaw were covered in a few days’ light-brown stubble. And he was smiling.
His smile widened as he nodded toward the cow. “Did I hear you call that cow Cucumber?”
“Yes.” She fingered her black apron as she looked up into his ice-blue eyes. He was at least six inches taller than she was. She guessed he was even taller than her older brothers, who stood close to six feet. “My nephew named her. He’s four and a half, and he thought it was a great name.”
I am looking forward to reading more books by Amy Clipston.
I highly recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
A Welcome at Our Door by Amy Clipston is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
An Amish Reunion
(Amish Reunion)
Their True Home
(Amish Reunion)
A Welcome at Our Door
(Amish Homestead, book 4)
An Amish Christmas Bakery: Four Stories
Cookies and Cheer
An Amish Heirloom: Three Stories
The Bake Shop
(Amish Marketplace, book 1)
An Amish Homecoming: Three Stories
(Amish Homecoming)
Amish Garden
The Fruits of Fall
Home by Summer
Seasons of an Amish Garden
Spring Is in the Air
Winter Blessings

Was this review helpful?

This is book four in the Amish Homestead series. Cindy Riehl is having a hard time. She has lost her mother 7 years ago. While all her siblings and even her father have seemed to move on Cindy hasn't. Cindy still has trouble trying to get passed her mothers death. She don't want to move on like the other want her too.

Cindy's family cow escapes and runs down the lane one day. Cindy goes after him and along the way she meets a guy named Drew. Will he be able to help her? Will things get better for Cindy? Will she be able to get passed her mothers death?

I loved this book. I was sucked right from the beginning. This book is about friendship, love, and loss. I was able to relate to Cindy because I lost my mother at a young age and still have trouble getting passed it. You need to get this book you are going to love it.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley all opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

A Welcome at Our Door is the fourth amazing book written by Amy Clipston in her Amish Homestead series. This story is emotionally charged and really takes the reader on a fantastic journey. I absolutely loved this story and I really felt like I was involved throughout the journey. The author has done a superb job creating her characters and telling their story.

I felt a real connection to Cindy Reihl and all her emtions. The emtional disconnect from her family and her Amish community was truely heartbreaking. Drew Collins is also lost and feeling alone. It's no wonder that they made an instant connection to each other. Their journey to really finding each other is amazing and the author left no stone unturned. I loved this storyline and I enjoyed all the characters because they really bring this story to life. This story is full of love, loss, heartbreak, family and faith. There were so many obstacles for Cindy and Drew to overcome but thru their extreme love for each other and their faith they travel this rocky road together never taking each other for granted.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review from Netgalley and Amy Clipston. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review in exchange. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of an amazing story that I can highly recommend to others.

Congratulations to Amy Clipston for writing another outstanding story for her readers to enjoy. I will be anticipating more fantastic releases from this author in the future.

Was this review helpful?

Love prevails. Two simple but powerful words that I feel best describe Amy Clipston's newest release, A Welcome at Our Door. A Welcome at Our Door is the final book in An Amish Homestead series.
Cindy Riehl, the youngest of the Riehl children, feels like she is just floating along sometimes. At twenty-four she still has not become a baptized member of the Amish community. She can't understand how her entire family seemed to move on with their lives, after her mother passed away seven years ago. One day, after chasing a runaway cow, Cindy meets Englisher Drew Collins and an instant friendship is formed. Cindy cannot help but falling in love with Drew. Pursuing a relationship with Drew is complicated for an Amish woman and an English man. Should she give up her Amish way of life, her close relationships with her family and become English to be with Drew? Or, is God calling her to remain faithful to her Amish roots?
This beautiful story will capture your heart from the very beginning. Once you start reading you won't be putting this book down anytime soon! You will feel like you are right there with the characters in beautiful Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This book is the grand finale in an extraordinary series!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley and have given my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?