Cover Image: Building a Future

Building a Future

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Member Reviews

Amy Clipson creates complex characters that come alive on the page. Michelle's faltering romance with Korey and her growing feelings for his brother, Tyler, make for intense family dynamics. Building a Future would be a good choice to read with a group of middle school or high school aged girls. It should spark discussions on identifying and understanding feelings, knowing if relationships are healthy and growing, and determining just what commitment means.

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Amy Clipston has given us another great hit. This is the second book in The Amish Legacy series featuring the Bontrager family. Brothers Korey and Tyler have experiences sibling rivalry their entire lives, but it really becomes an issue when Korey, who has dated Michelle Lantz for over a year, seems to be wary of a commitment and extremely jealous anytime he sees Michelle and Tyler talking. Tyler has no intention of getting involved with any woman as he is trying to build the family business and that takes all of his time and attention, but has a hard time convincing Korey.

There are a lot of twists and turns that makes this a great book. I received a copy of the book from Zondervan and NetGalley.

Sibling rivalry, love, jealousy, family dynamics, life and near-death makes this a riveting book. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Amish books.

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Thank you Zondervan Fiction, for allowing me to read Building a Future by Amy Clipston through NetGally. This book is Book 2 in The Amish Legacy series features the Bontrager family. Release day is August 2, 2022.
This book has it all. love, distrust, anger, a lover’s triangle, two families who have been neighbors and friends for years, and brothers struggling to try to understand each other when jealousy and sibling rivalry come between them.

What is it about middle children? Some of them always think that they have to fight for their place in the family. Korey is the child. He always thinks that Tyler, his older brother is always trying to one up him.
Michelle Lantz and Korey Bontrager have been dating a year now, and she is ready to get married and start a family. But as time passes, Michelle knows that Korey has no plans for such a commitment In the near future.
In fact, Korey is a spoiled brat and seems very distant toward Michelle and even unkind to his family. He is rude and disrespectful to his stepmom and just generally rude and Unlikable.

Tyler, on the other hand wants to expand his dad’s roofing business so when he takes over one day, it will even be bigger and better.

Because of Korey’s negligent, Tyler and Michelle become wonderful friends. Kory become jealous and this pushes a wedge between these three friends. Tyler hides his feelings in order to save the relationship with his brother.

When an accident happens, there is no denying feelings in order to build a future.
You can’t miss this 5-star story. All opinions are mine, and I was not required to give a positive review.

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I would like to thank the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this book. I have read several books by Amy Clipston. This book's storyline was a little bit different from the typical boy meets girl and they get married. Korey is not a typical Amish character in that he does not exhibit the general kindness most Amish characters display. He is not very likable.
The pace of the book was a little slow. The biggest problem with the book and others written by Ms. Clipston deals with editing. There is a lot of redundancy in expressions and the sentences have a tendency to be clunky. As I started to read the book and didn't know who the writer was I soon realized that this must be one of her books since I recognized this issue. I am surprised this has not been fixed by the editors..

It's a nice book but the editing needs to be tightened up and this book could be shortened by about 25 pages to pick up the pace.

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Book 2 in Amy Clipston's Amish Legacy series features the Bontrager family again, with oldest son Tyler. Tyler is in a quandary. The only woman his heart keeps turning toward is his brother Korey's girlfriend, Michelle Lantz. Since their father's remarriage, Korey has been angry with the world, but especially with his family. How can Tyler possibly maintain a relationship with his brother (who already thinks Tyler takes everything that is his) when he has such strong feelings for Michelle?

Michelle has been dating Korey Bontrager for two years, and she is ready to get married and start a family. Every time she brings it up with him, he puts her off, saying he's not ready yet. He has seemed to be pulling away from her and his inattention is starting to grate. As her romance with Korey cools and her friendship with Tyler deepens, can she tread the fine line that will keep from destroying the brothers' relationship?

I have enjoyed this series from the opening pages of Foundation of Love into Building a Future. Duane and Tyler were both wonderful main characters, and their ability to love, despite the obstacles was sweet to see. Book 3 centers on brother Korey, and I've got to say, I'm wondering how Clipston will be able to make such a disagreeable man into a sympathetic main character! I didn't like his pouty, angry disposition in either of the first two books, and hope he has a revelation of some kind in his book!

Readers who enjoy Amish romance should definitely pick up this series. While they can be read as stand-alones, they are much better read in order.

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Yes yes yes! Another amazing story from Amy Clipston! The characters are easy to follow and you never get any “filler” - it’s all straight story that doesn’t lead down rabbit holes. (Which makes me cuckoo!) This is a genuinely fun book and one that you will want to keep reading to know how it turns out. Prepare to enjoy the journey! It’s super sweet and clean.

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received this copy through Netgalley..I always love Amy's book can never get enough. I couldn't put it down, I always love her stories and the characters in it. I can't wait for the next book..
I am grateful for the opportunity I got to read it.

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Always a book by Clipston! Nice characters with a lot of family interaction. This author is a favorite of many patrons at our library.

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Title: Building a Future
Series: An Amish Legacy, #2
Author: Amy Clipston
Genre: Amish
Publisher: Zondervan Fiction, Zondervan
Release Date: August 2, 2022
Format: Kindle (read), Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback
Pages: Unknown
Source: NetGalley
Cover: Matches the cover of book one in the series.

Description:
Michelle and Korey have been dating for over a year but Korey has not proposed. Korey and his brother Tyler have “strong” disagreements on almost a daily basis; Korey has a huge chip on his shoulder. He is inattentive to Michelle. As the story moves along, Tyler and Michelle are drawn to each other but do their best to stay apart. Will Korey ever grow up? Will he realize he is pushing Michelle away? What about Tyler’s growing feelings for Michelle?

Review:
Having reviewed the first book in the series, I was pleased to be accepted as an early reviewer for book 2, "Building a Future". I seem to have a like/dislike relationship with the author’s books. The same held true for this one — parts I *really* liked and parts I *really* didn’t.

Likes
… The building of the relationship between Tyler and Michelle.
… Allowing the reader to understand how being ignored hurts and can even destroy a relationship.
… Placing the Amish glossary at the front of the book.
… The Amish 'maedel' who gushes about her upcoming wedding ad nauseam.
… The ending. If you decide to read this book, you’ll like the ending.

Dislikes …
Korey’s behavior is hardly that of a young man of 22/23; he acts like a brat. And seems to get away with it — that I didn’t like.
… The milk cans — Michelle paints milk cans with scenes. But when she places one in a bag and puts the bag’s handle over her shoulder while ALSO carrying a casserole and a dessert. REALLY! Milk cans on a farm are BIG and HEAVY. The story says these are old and she asked her father’s permission and there seems to be an endless supply. Milk cans do wear out but not dozens of them. By the way, the Amish still use the same 10-gallon milk cans as my daddy did on our farm when I was growing up. That information was found in literally a five-second search on the web here.
… The use of very ‘Englisher’ words such as love life. I just can’t see an Amish son asking his 'dat' to not ask him about his love life.
… Korey’s about-face was too quick and thus not believable.

What does my three-star review mean? A three-star book is just okay. The kind of book that I read once and not again. And it doesn’t make me want to read another book by the author.

I received a complimentary e-ARC copy of "Building a Future" via NetGalley from the publisher, Zondervan Fiction, Zondervan. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

#BuildingAFuture #NetGalley

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Crystal and Duane's family are the main characters in this riveting story. Korey, who resents Crystal as his step-mom, is dating Michelle. Michelle struggles to come to terms with her relationship with Korey as he takes her for granted. When Michelle starts having feelings for his older brother, things start to get strained. Will Michelle stay with Korey, or will she find true love with his brother? Unexpected twists keep the reader flipping the page. Now, we just need a sequel!

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This story is about an Amish girl who has been dating one brother for over a year and realizes that it is really his brother who is her perfect match. These are all people and families that we have noticed before in other books by this author and it is always fun to get more insight into the community and its inhabitants. This is a fun and engaging tale. Recommend!

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my own honest opinion.

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MIchelle Lantz has been dating her childhood friend Korey Bontrager for a year. Their Moms were friends. They are next door neighbors. Michelle can't imagine not having Korey in his life. So though he becomes distant, removed, and even misses a planned date she still pursues the relationship.

Though Korey missed the dinner date she planned, Michelle had a nice dinner with Korey's older brother Tyler. Tyler Bontrager - like Korey - is a childhood friend. But Michelle has always felt closer to Korey. They are the same age, both middle children it seems destined. But then Michelle and Tyler start talking and getting to know one another better. They realize conversation is easier with one another than with their respective significant others.

As time goes on Michelle and Tyler have to decide if the future they want to build includes each other or who they are with. And is it worth hurting the people they love.

This is the fourth book by this author I have read and I was not disappointed. Though it is different from other Amish books I have read - for example asking a Father's permission to date instead of courting in private - I know each community is different. And approaches the same concepts in different ways.

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Building a Future (Amish Legacy) is another sweet Amish story by Amy Clipston. I liked it and am giving four stars.

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Michelle Lantz dreams of marriage and raising a family. Her heart belongs to Korey Bontrager. They have been dating for over a year, and Michelle believes Korey will propose soon. But, Korey is not ready for marriage and a lifetime commitment.
Tyler Bontrager, Korey’s older brother, is focusing on helping his father to build their father’s roofing business. His plans are to build the business and be financially secure prior to marriage.
The two brothers have been rivals and argue constantly. As Korey and Michelle drift apart, Michelle is increasingly drawn to Tyler.
Michelle, Korey, and Tyler must make decisions that will impact the brother’s relationship. Tyler believes that Korey is not respectful of Michelle’s feelings. Korey resents Tyler because Tyler has always taken what belongs to him.
Tyler tries to ignore his feelings because he does not want to lose his brother’s relationship. Michelle cannot hurt Korey, so she hides her true feelings. Will Tyler and Michelle find their way to each other? Each character must search their own heart and make difficult choices to find not just love but themselves.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review. The opinions stated are my own..

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Gosh, I didn't realize that this book contained the characters from the book, Foundation of Love! I enjoyed reading about how Duane and his family were doing.

This book takes a closer look at the relationships between the two older boys, Tyler and Korey. It frustrated me a little bit on how immature Korey was throughout the book. His family and friends gave him so much grace but his character was pretty unlikable.

I enjoyed the character Michelle and how hard she cared about those she interacted with. It was pretty cool how her hobby brought her so much joy!

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

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Michelle has been dating and obsessing with Korey for over a year now. His older brother Tyler is fun, but she never gave him much thought. Tyler is focused on building himself more in his father's company, and doesn't realize his growing feelings for Michelle either. Liked this one overall, although did drag a little in the middle with all side characters. Not that that is bad, but wanted more of Michelle and Tyler instead. Would recommend.

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Michelle has known the Bontrager brothers, Tyler, Korey, and Jayden since they were young, so it comes as no surprise when Korey and Michelle begin courting. Michelle dreams of a future consisting of a husband and children and Korey being that man to fulfill that dream. After a year of courting, the more Michelle talks to Korey about their future and her dreams, the more he begins pulling away from her. She slowly begins confiding in Tyler, who she feels is a good friend, about her relationship with Korey. The more Michelle and Tyler talk, they realize how much they have in common and their feelings between each other begin to grow into more than a friendship even though they both try and deny it. Tyler prefers to put all his attention into growing his dads business, but he agrees to Michelle’s suggestion to ask her best friend Charity out. When their relationship never takes off, Tyler has no choice but to break up with her.

How will Michelle and Tyler’s feelings for each other affect her relationship with Korey? How will it affect her friendship with her best friend Charity when Charity realizes Michelle has feelings for Tyler? How much more of a strain will it put on Korey and Tyler’s relationship as brothers? So much is at stake and so many hearts stand to be broken if the wrong decision is made.

I loved reading this book and finished it in a day and a half. I found it to be an easy storyline to follow which made the book enjoyable.

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley for my honest an opinion and review.

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