Breaking New Ground

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.

All words and opinions are my own. I was given a complimentary copy of this book b the publisher.

AmyClipson is a master at creating characters that come alive. Their struggles and joys mirror real life and make them very relatable.

Amy Clipston is a favorite of mine and of the patrons at our library. She does not disappoint with this book. I loved the fake boyfriend/girlfriend story. Keep up the good work!

I'm so happy that Korey finally gets his own story!
Oh My Goodness !
Clipston has done an amazing job with this book!
I loved "watching " Korey grow into himself. I found myself rooting for him. You see, at 1st I didn't like him because I thought he was too self centered. But such really wasn't the case as the 1st 2 books seemed to suggest. Really Korey was just trying to come to terms with all of the changes that were happening in his life along with everyone else.
Changes aren't easy for some and in that I can relate to Korey for sure!.
Some handle grief differently.
My favorite part was the banter/fake girlfriend/boyfriend scenes. Some of them made me laugh out loud
I very much enjoyed the faith filled themes scattered throughout this story too. Those were my 2nd favorite thing.
I was pleased and surprised with the ending of this wonderful story. I loved every minute of it.
I didn't want it to end but I will be looking forward to seeing what she writes next!
Maybe they'll have their own family lol!
That would definitely be interesting!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this book as I have all in this series. The story of Korey and Savannah and their pretend courtship is so cute. I recommend this book. I was provided a copy by Netgalley but it didn’t affect my opinion.

Amy Clipston is truly one of the queens of Amish fiction, and I couldn't wait to dive into this one. I've been looking forward to another visit with the Bontrager family of Lancaster County, and especially looking forward to Korey finally getting his own story. It was going to take a pretty amazing story to redeem this prodigal son in the reader's eyes, and I'm happy to say that the author managed to deliver exactly that.

Fake dating is one of my all time favorite romance tropes, and I've never had the pleasure of reading an Amish fiction title that's employed this before. When Korey returns home, he's still struggling with the familial troubles that sent him running in the first place, and he's tired of his family and friends trying to push him into dating when he's not ready to chance his heart. Savannah Zook is tired of her friends trying to set her up on blind dates, when all she wants is to be able to watch out for her younger brother. When Korey and Savannah become friends, she proposes they pretend to date to get their friends and families off their backs. Only, neither of them expected the feelings to become real, and both have hurts and insecurities they need to deal with before being able to move forward into their own happily ever after.

Once again, Amy Clipston has delivered a heartwarming, wonderful romance that tugs at the heartstrings and brings tears to the eyes. These characters have truly come to feel like old friends, and I'm so thankful that readers finally got to see another side of Korey, and what was his reason for his actions in the previous titles. The Bontragers truly have come together as a family, and I can't wait to read Jayden's story when it releases next year!

Final Rating: 5/5.

Thanks so much to Zondervan for allowing me to advance read and review this one!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Zondervan) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

Wonderful and Heartwarming

Korey Bontrager has come a long way from the person he was in the past. He knows God has brought him back home, but moving forward is going to take a lot of work. However, moving forward becomes a little less challenging and a lot more interesting when Savannah Zook suggests they fake date. That's when things take a turn for them in ways they never thought possible.

I truly did not like the old Korey, but the new Korey touched my heart in a special way. I could feel his frustrations and struggles as he worked at moving forward from his past and moving toward making things right. His situation struck a cord with how realistic and true to life it is. It shows how hard life is when you mess up and have to own up to your mistakes in order to make things right, especially when it involves moving from blame shifting, to taking responsibility, to asking for forgiveness. As Korey worked through all of that, his faith in God, his determination and his friendship with Savannah kept him moving forward. The same can also be said for Savannah. Her situation was different from Korey's, but she too had struggles and things to work through. Just as with Korey, their friendship, her determination and her faith in God helped her move forward as well.

I loved Korey and Savannah's story. It was truly a joy to see how their "fake" relationship developed and grew. I also loved the how the themes of faith and family were woven into the story in such a way that added a very special touch to their story and to that of the other characters as well. This made for a wonderful and heartwarming story that I did not want to see end and one that I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and strictly my own.

Many thanks to Zondervan Fiction for allowing me to read an advance copy of Breaking New Ground by Amy Clipston that will be published April 11, 2023. This is book three in Amy’s Sweet, inspirational Amish romance following Book 1: Foundation of Love and Book 2: Building a Future.

Again, Amy Clipston has taken us to the community of Lancaster County just as Korey Bontrager returns to his community after being away for fourteen months. He had run to Ohio after a falling out with his older brother. He returns because he feels God wants him to return and make amends with his family and his community.
Because both families insist it is time for each of them to marry and neither are interested, Korey and Savannah Zook enter into an agreement that they will pretend to be courting just to keep inquiries from family and friends at bay.

Characters in this story are realistic and the plot is well developed and easy to follow. You really will not want to put it down.

I am pleased to give this book 5-stars and suggest you preorder your copy today. All opinions are my own, and was not required to give a positive review.

You can't let that fear hold you back from living the life God has given you.

I have really enjoyed reading this series and it was wonderful to be reminded of the characters of the past two books. Korey Bontrager had left his family after the hurt of his brother's betrayal. Tyler his brother had fallen in love with the girl Korey had hoped to marry. Even though Korey had treated her badly, his competitive feelings for his older brother was deep rooted. His father had also remarried, and it was painful for him to see his father replace his wife.

Coming back home and facing his family again was difficult. His emotions were all over the place. However, the wisdom of an older man had sent him back home. How do you even start the healing process and begin fresh. Savannah Zook fits that bill. Savannah and Korey had grown up together but really did not know each other well. Korey had always looked up to Savannah in the way she stood up for her younger brother and said exactly what she meant. Savannah had her own family problems. Her mother died while giving birth to her younger brother (5 years apart) and her father bailed on his family, never to be heard from again. Savannah and her brother Toby were taken in by her mother's brother but Savannah put on her shoulders Toby's well being. Toby struggled with learning and others had bullied him at school.

Together Savannah & Korey came up with an agreeable plan to put off family and friends from forcing them into dating. They both were not in a good place to date so they became good friends. This was a sweet somewhat predictable romance that broke down walls of mistrust, rejection, and facing the truth of sharing your burdens. Sometimes the first step in forgiveness is seeing yourself in God's eye. Our pain can make us blind to what is really at the root of relational problems. Again, I really enjoyed getting to know these characters.

A special thank you to Zondervan and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

Korey Bontrager left home after his brother and his girlfriend got married. He felt betrayed by his brother and was unhappy with his father for remarrying after his mother died. When he finally comes back hom he discovers that family is more important than being offended. He meets Savannah Zook who has family issues of her own. They decide to pretend to be courting so fiiends and family will stop trying to matchmake. As is usual in these types of situations, they realize that they are playing with fire where their feelings are concerned. This is a fun Amish story and is another story about the Bontrager family.

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

Breaking New Ground is the third book in this series. But you do not need to read the first two to understand what is going on. Though after reading it you may want to read the others.

Cute and simple romance Just like I like them.

Korey Bontrager is not happy when his widowed dad remarries. He is not nice to his stepmother. He is also mad at his brother and is not speaking to him. He leaves and goes to Ohio. When he returns to Pennsylvania he feels he does not fit in with his family. His brother has married his ex girlfriend. When his family is on his back about getting married he befriends Savannah Zook who is very outspoken and her family wants her to marry they pretend to be dating. This is a cute book. I loved the characters.

I'm going to start out by saying, after reading the first two books in Amy Clipston's 'Amish Legacy' series, I did NOT like middle son, Korey Bontrager. He came across as just plain disagreeable. Honestly, I wasn't looking forward to reading his story, but Clipston is in the business of redemption both in her character's personal lives, and in their spiritual lives, and she definitely turned Korey around.

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 Amishman in Ohio, he has realized that his family is important to him, and that the rift in the family is all his doing. Can he dial back his emotions enough to see everything from another viewpoint?

While 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 5 years old and he was an infant, when their mother died in childbirth, and their father abandoned them. Even though she's now 25 and he's 20, 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, so she cooks up a scheme with Korey to fake date each other. His family believes that a relationship will cement his staying in the community, and her friends won't stop the blind date nonsense unless she's off the market.

As Korey and Savannah spend time with each other, they discover a deep friendship. As they confide their deepest hurts, and their greatest joys, they also find out that fake dating can lead to not so fake feelings. Can they find a way out of their pretend courtship, to a place where they can share their real feelings with each other?

This was the perfect way to tell Korey's story. Yes, he turns around, but it's not immediate, which would not have looked genuine, knowing his personality. I worked with a teacher once who said that there is a "miracle of maturity' that happens sometime between the 8th and 9th grade years, and I felt like Korey had his maturity miracle hit while he was in Ohio. He learned to bite his tongue and not spout off when his temper flared. He learned to think before he spoke, and to walk away before he said words he couldn't take back. He still had he emotional highs and lows, but he found a friend he could talk things out with when he found Savannah. I loved the way they helped each other.

All in all, this was a wonderful read that - once I started it - I couldn't put it down. Readers who love Amish romance should pick up Breaking New Ground. While it can be read as a stand-alone story, it is far more satisfying to read it in sequence with the first two books. Korey's transformation is far more dramatic if you first see what he was like in the first two books. I definitely recommend!

This book was a joy to read! It's a heartwarming Amish romance that will keep you turning the pages. I loved everything about this book; the characters, the setting, the plot and the faith filled themes woven into the story. This is a book you don't want to miss.
I received a complimentary copy from Zondervan Fiction via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Breaking New Ground is the third in the series. I am so glad that Korey finally has his own story and what a story. Returning to Pennsylvania after months in Ohio, Korey continues to struggle with the same problems which drove him away. Add to the fact, his friends and family have moved on while he is stuck in the past. Wanting to escape the advice of all urging him to marry and settle down, Korey starts spending time with the most outspoken female he could find. Savannah Zook is only interested in protecting her brother. Meanwhile everyone else believes she needs to find a spouse and settle down. Hence a plan is hatched! Korey and Savannah begin "dating". When fantasy and reality collide, how will the story end? Looking for a story of redemption and forgiveness, this is it! Amy Clipston has a wonderful way of writing lovable and hatable characters. I have enjoyed the whole series. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

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.

What a wonderful conclusion to this series. Loved all of the books, and this one sure didn't disappoint!

Korey has come home, he loves his family, but is he really sorry? This is also Savannah's story, a woman who has had so much hurt, but the light of her life is her brother Toby.

In the previous books Korey was so dislikeable, but it seems a more mature young man has returned back to Pennsylvania. This Korey will warm your heart with his kindness to his stepmother and Toby.

I loved the concept of dating the author gives us between Korey and Savannah, pretend. Get their friends and family off their backs! Yes, but my mind was thinking how great there are together, but of course life isn't always the way we want it to be, and a big bombshell enters their lives.

This is a wonderful page turner and now I'm waiting for the next in this series by one of my favorite authors!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.

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

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.

is third book in the Amish Legacy series centers on Korey Bontrager who we met in the previous book.

He had left home after his mother died and his father remarried. He had been very upset and disrespectful to family members and felt he just had to get away. He realizes that family is more important and returns home. Everyone seems to be pressuring him to find a wife, but he has no desire. He meets Savannah Zook, who is in the same situation of being pressured to find a husband. She, too, has no desire for one. They decide to fake a relationship so that people will leave them alone.

The book is a cute romance you will not want to miss. Amy Clipston always gives us a great entertaining book. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy Amish romances.

Thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book. The opinions expressed were 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Breaking New Ground by Amy Clipston has Korey Bontrager returning home to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. I am glad that Korey is returning home and it seems his time away has matured him. Korey’s attitude toward his stepmother has also changed. He is still struggling with how he feels toward his brother, Tyler who is now married to Korey’s former girlfriend. Korey needs to find a way to heal the rift between him and his brother. He needs to find a way to forgive. Savannah Zook is the only one of her girlfriends who does not have a boyfriend. Her friends are determined to find Savannah a beau. Korey is having a similar problem. His family believes it is time for him to start dating. Savannah and Korey can help each other by having a pretend relationship. Breaking New Ground is a heartfelt tale. I enjoyed getting to know Savannah and her family. I admit that I was not a fan of Korey in the earlier books. I was happy to see that he is not the same angry, bitter fellow who departed for Ohio. I like the mature Korey. He still has some things to work out, but we are all works in progress. I can understand Korey’s struggle with forgiveness. It can be hard to forgive someone who has wronged you especially when it is a family member. Savannah finds herself going through an emotional time when someone from her past returns. She must make a tough decision. Savannah also finds herself grappling with forgiveness. She knows that she is supposed to forgive, but Savannah anger are getting in the way. I like that we get to catch up with the characters from Foundation of Love and Building a Future. There is some predictability to the story as well as repetitive details. However, those aspects are overshadowed by great characters, the touching moments, the humor, the close friendships, and the loving family members. I like how the author worked the title into the story. My favorite line from Breaking New Ground is, “We’re all different. I’m different from mei bruders, but God gives us all our own gifts.” I am looking forward to Jayden’s story in The Heart’s Shelter. It will be interesting to see who ends up being Jayden’s romantic partner. I find Jayden to be a mature and insightful young man. Breaking New Ground is a poignant tale that will tug at your heartstrings (keep the box of tissues nearby). While Breaking New Ground can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the series in order. It will allow you to get to know the characters along with their struggles and the community. Breaking New Ground is an uplifting tale with a returning brother, matchmaking chums, finding a friend, a dissatisfied sibling, an uninvited visitor, a difficult decision, and finding forgiveness.

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.