The Heart's Shelter

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Pub Date Feb 06 2024 | Archive Date Mar 06 2024

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Description

Kira has no interest in dating and putting down roots in Pennsylvania—that is, until she finds a kindred spirit in Jayden Bontrager.

Kira Detweiler doesn’t plan to be in Lancaster County for long. She’s left her family in Indiana to help her aunt after the birth of her fourth boppli. Or at least that’s what she tells people. Deep down, she’s trying to escape the heartache of a broken engagement and has no plans to date again anytime soon.

Jayden Bontrager watches his older brothers with admiration, and he prays that someday he’ll have the kind of life they do. Even so, he’s only twenty-three and not in a hurry to marry and start a family. He’s content to watch from the sidelines and is happy to see his brothers enjoying a close relationship once again.

When Jayden and Kira strike up a friendship, they are each drawn to the other’s gentle and humble demeanor, and they feel things for one another unlike anything they’ve felt before. But Kira is torn between her heart and her home. She sees no point in pursuing a relationship with Jayden when she doesn’t plan to put down roots in Pennsylvania. The last thing she needs is another heartbreak.

Will Jayden and Kira be able to overcome the obstacles in their path to find the future they both dream of?

In this fourth and final book of the Amish Legacy Series, readers will find out if the youngest Bontrager brother will get his happily ever after.

  • Sweet, inspirational Amish romance
  • Full-length novel (92,000 words)
  • Fourth book in Amy Clipston’s Amish Legacy series
    • Book 1: Foundation of Love
    • Book 2: Building a Future
    • Book 3: Breaking New Ground
    • Book 4: The Heart’s Shelter
  • Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Kira has no interest in dating and putting down roots in Pennsylvania—that is, until she finds a kindred spirit in Jayden Bontrager.

Kira Detweiler doesn’t plan to be in Lancaster County for long...


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ISBN 9780310364443
PRICE $16.99 (USD)
PAGES 384

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Average rating from 52 members


Featured Reviews

Kira is visiting her Aunt in Pennsylvania in order to heal from a broken heart. Her fiancé backed out of their wedding and she needed a change to overcome her grief and shame of not being good enough. She meets the handsome roofer Jayden at the grocery store and then later he and his brothers are hired to work on her Aunt’s house. Very slowly she and Jayden are drawn to each other. He feels like he has nothing to offer the pretty Kira and she fears getting hurt, as well as the uncertainty of when she returns to Indiana.

Amy Clipston weaves a sweet and compelling story that has us turning the pages to see how and when this couple can finally find their way to each other. Her writing is vivid and I found my mouth watering for fresh baked cookies and pie and roast chicken. Reading Amish stories is relaxing for me as it whisks me away to a simpler world of family and faith. A world where people work hard and love deeply. Amy handles the story with just the right amount of realism and emotion. It was an enjoyable way to spend a few hours away from my much more complicated life.

I received an advance copy of this book and my opinion is my own.

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Kira goes to stay with relatives after her engagement is broken off by her ex. There she meets Jayden and the two become friends. Soon it progresses to love but Kira is afraid to trust love again. This is the final book of the series.

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This is the fourth and final book of in the Amish Legacy Series centered around the Bontrager brother, Jayden. He is only 23 and sees how his brothers have found happiness with their wives and families and wonders if he will ever be able to find that as well.

Kira Detweiler has come to Pennsylvania temporarily to help her aunt with her children when she has her fourth child. Secretly, she also has left her home in Indiana to try to recover from a broken heart after her fiancé calls off their wedding. She declares she is not ready for another relationship, nor will be for a long time.

Her aunt encourages her to get to know some of the other people in the area. She finds many new friends, young and old. When she meets Jayden, they seem to have an instant connection, however, she is unwilling to open her heart, nor is she willing to leave her family in Indiana should a permanent relationship develop.

As time passes will Kira and Jayden be able to get past questions and concerns regarding a relationship between them?

This is a sweet Amish romance and a quick read. I highly recommend it to those who like to read Amish romances. Thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book.

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Loved reading more about Jayden's story. He is probably my favorite character of Bontrager boys. I really liked how the young people in the community stepped up to perform service to those around them. I found Aenti Ellen to be so wise and helpful to Kira and Ruby was adorable!





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

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Loved this one! This series has become one of my favorites. I love how we get updates on the prior couples throughout each book. This one, on that front, did not disappoint!

Kira and Jayden are just wonderful too. I love how all of their individual personalities really stand out in each book. They felt real and genuine, and I enjoyed reading their love story as it progressed.

Some of it was a little repetitive throughout. Their reasons for not being able to come together were mentioned repetitively in different parts of the novel. But I still devoured this book. I hope there are more to come in this series, and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Clipston's Amish novels now!

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I always look forward to anything written by Amy Clipston, but I devoured this book in one sitting. I just could not put it down. The characters came to life as I read, becoming my friends. I feel like I would know would know them if I passed them on the street. I hope Jayden and Kira are included in future books.

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Such a sweet Amish romance that kept me engaged from page 1. Amy Clipston makes you feel like you are part of the story. I recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

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I enjoyed this book. Kira comes to help her aunt and to escape seeing her ex fiancé regularly at church and in her community.
Jayden is the peacemaker in his family and fine with his life until he meets Kira . It’s then that he knows that he is missing something in his life: Kira.
Kira isn’t so sure about Jayden. She thinks he’s a nice guy and there’s something about him however she just got out of a serious relationship and she’s not sure if she wants to leave her family to date Jayden.
This love story is a wholesome; clean romance. If the family was real- I would love to meet the family and be a part of their lives. Love and family were the message of this book. I will read this again.
Thank you to Netgalley for a free download in exchange for an unbiased review.

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I loved this book!! The characters are relatable and the storyline kept me captivated. I will be telling others about this book as well as the series itself.

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Kira Detweiler is in Pennsylvania just to help her aunt with her newest baby and to put some distance between her heartache at home and her present situation. She meets Jayden Bontrager in Pennsylvania and begins to have the dilemma of return home or stay in Pennsylvania. This is the 4th in a series about the Bontrager sons and I have enjoyed the whole series. Amy Clipston is one of my favorite authors of Amish romances.

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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I've enjoyed this sweet series very much.
I feel that Clipston has hit the tough subjects head on and made them realistic. Grief never goes away and neither does missing someone.
Jaden's story is the best one! He's my favorite brother because he's just so laid back and takes everything in stride. Pretty much like my own husband does. I wish I were more like them. He's also the sweetest boy.
Kira is also a very nice girl. I liked her a lot too.
The very one thing that I didn't like was the repetitive conversation that was through the book about the different reasons why they couldn't be together and it drove me nuts. I kept thinking why they didn't or couldn't see what right in front of their faces! A wonderful second chance at love.
I still finished the novel in one day though. I had to see if they'd work whatever was in their pathway that's keeping them from happiness.
I do want to mention how cute the cover is. The colors in the background are awesome.
5 stars for a well written and realistic characters that will pull you into their lives from day one.
I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Loved reading this novel, I would definitely recommend it, great writing style. Her books never disappoint!

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This is the fourth book in the Amish Legacy Series and the author has truly wrote another inspiring book. Kira comes to Lancaster to help her Aunt on the birth of new baby and to run away from her broken heart. Jayden Bontrager admires the life that his older brothers have and one day he will have. Just not quite yet.
He meets Kira at her Aunts while doing a roofing job. They both hit it off, each thinking that they would really like to know each other better. But, Kira is too protective of her heart and Jayden thinks what's the point if she is going to leave. I loved reading this series, watching each person grow into themselves and allow love to bloom.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book, opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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A beautifully written love story that spans two world wars.
A teenage friendship, and a love of books, but from two different worlds. A story filled with music, books, sweet romance, and tragedy.
A story that draws you in and doesn't let go, and through out most of the book we end up at war. A heartwarming read, that made it a page turner for me.
Be sure to read the epilogue, a gift!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give you a positive review.

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Kira Detweiler is visiting her aunt and helping after the birth of her aunt's fourth child. It was perfect timing, as her long time boyfriend broke off their engagement.

Jayden Bontrager is the glue that keeps his brothers together. He is happy to see his father and two brothers in happy relationships and hopes one day to have that kind of relationship.

Kira and Jayden meet, and they become good friends. Kira cannot decide if she wants to return home to her family or take a chance and stay in Lancaster County to get to know Jayden.

This is a sweet story, and I am sad to see that this is the final book in this series.

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Here is a couple that I loved rooting for. Both Kira and Jayden are both sweet and giving people. Kira has traveled to Pennsylvania to help her aunt that has recently given birth to her fourth baby. Kira also needs time away from Indiana to heal her broken heart. At their first meeting, Kira is impressed when Jayden soothes her upset toddler cousin. Even though they are both attracted to each other, Kira isn't sure if she can trust any man with her heart. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Kira's young cousin Rudy is so precious and I love how Kira is so ready to include in her in her activities. I also love how Kira and Jayden are so involved with their families and their community. This is my favorite book in the series.

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What a wonderful conclusion to a great series.
Jayden and Kira’s story has definitely become my favorite. My eyes watered a few times reading this book. I felt their pain, cross roads and happiness. It was great catching up with Taylor and Korey from the other books in this series. Seeing them bonding was heartfelt. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys romance with a little bit of an inspirational message.

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The Heart's Shelter is Amy Clipston's 4th (and final, I believe) book in her Amish Legacy series. This books tells the story of youngest brother, Jayden Bontrager (my personal favorite of the Bontrager brothers.)

Jayden Bontrager has watched his two older brothers struggle with each other most of his life. His role in the family always seemed to be the peacemaker. Now that both brothers have fallen in love and married and their relationship is one of mutual respect and caring, Jayden can finally concentrate on his own future. He'd love to marry and have a family of his own, but none of the local girls have piqued his interest. When one of their roofing jobs takes him to the Amish community next to his, he meets Kira Detweiler, a young woman from Indiana visiting her aunt in Pennsylvania. She intrigues him. Could she be the one?

Kira Detweiler jumped at the chance to leave her community and help her aunt following the birth of her youngest cousin. She needed to get away from her ex-fiance who called off their wedding just weeks before the event. Taking her broken heart with her, she vows to have nothing to do with dating or even attending the youth singings. Plus, why get involved with anyone in Pennsylvania when she fully intends to return to the bosom of her family in Indiana? Meeting Jayden puts a kink in that plan. His kindness, understanding, and willingness to "just be friends" with her, soothe her troubled heart. As they spend time together (not dating!) will Kira begin to see that maybe her heart wants to be entrusted into Jayden's keeping?

I've read all four of the books, and I think I'd say this one was neck and neck with Bontrager father, Duane's story for my favorite of the series. I really liked Jayden every time he appeared in any of the books. His gentleness and obvious love for his father and brothers made him easy to like.

Readers who love Amish romance or just who love sweet, tender romance stories, will enjoy The Heart's Shelter. I know I did!

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Amy Clipston’s book four in The Amish Legacy series is probably my favorite of the set! The Heart’s Shelter is the story of Jayden and Kira! Kira is in Pennsylvania helping her aunt with her four children when she meets Jayden. They have an instant connection, but she has recently had her heart broken and is not planning to stay with her aunt. Can Jayden convince her that he won’t hurt her and that their love is worth it? Jayden is my favorite character. I’ve enjoyed him in every book and was so happy to see his get his happy ending! Thanks NetGalley and the publisher.

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The Heart's Shelter by Amy Clipston
(An Amish Legacy Novel Book 4)
Kira has no interest in dating and putting down roots in Pennsylvania—that is, until she finds a kindred spirit in Jayden Bontrager.
Kira Detweiler doesn’t plan to be in Lancaster County for long. She’s left her family in Indiana to help her aunt after the birth of her fourth boppli. Or at least that’s what she tells people. Deep down, she’s trying to escape the heartache of a broken engagement and has no plans to date again anytime soon.
Jayden Bontrager watches his older brothers with admiration, and he prays that someday he’ll have the kind of life they do. Even so, he’s only twenty-three and not in a hurry to marry and start a family. He’s content to watch from the sidelines and is happy to see his brothers enjoying a close relationship once again.
When Jayden and Kira strike up a friendship, they are each drawn to the other’s gentle and humble demeanor, and they feel things for one another unlike anything they’ve felt before. But Kira is torn between her heart and her home. She sees no point in pursuing a relationship with Jayden when she doesn’t plan to put down roots in Pennsylvania. The last thing she needs is another heartbreak.
Will Jayden and Kira be able to overcome the obstacles in their path to find the future they both dream of?
In this fourth and final book of the Amish Legacy Series, readers will find out if the youngest Bontrager brother will get his happily ever after.
This is Kira Detweiler and Jayden Bontrager's story.
Stan and I were wondering if Kira might consider coming out to Lancaster County to help me when the baby is born. I will certainly have my hands full, and I would love to not only spend time with her but also have the help. Please let me know what Kira thinks. Love to you all, Ellen.” She looked up from the letter and focused on Kira. “What do you think about that?”
Kira’s stomach dropped. “She wants me to come to Pennsylvania to help her?”
“That’s what she said.” Mamm nodded. “You know she’ll need the help.”
“Are you going to go?” Maribeth asked.
Kira hurried over to the cart, where the man spoke softly to
Liesel, and Ruby smiled up at him.
“What’s your doll’s name?” he asked her.
Liesel wiped her eyes and sniffed. “Baby.”
“Baby.” The man looked at the doll. “What a nice name. Hi,
Baby. I’m Jayden.” When he turned to meet Kira’s gaze, he flashed
that warm smile. “She’d thrown her doll. I thought I’d hand it to
her and try to calm her down.”
Kira smiled. “Danki. You seem to be a natural with kinner.”
“Not really.” His expression became sheepish. “I just like to
play with my bruderskinner and baby schweschder.”
I recommend reading this book.
The Heart's Shelter by Amy Clipston is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
If you enjoy Amish stories you will love this book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Amy Clipston.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and was under no obligation to post a review.
Amy Clipston’s Amish Legacy series
Book 1: Foundation of Love
Book 2: Building a Future
Book 3: Breaking New Ground
Book 4: The Heart’s Shelter

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Wonderful Story

In book four of Amy Clipston's Amish Legacy series, we catch up with Jayden Bontrager. Having met him in the prior books of the series, I would classify Jayden as my favorite Bontrager family member. His kindness, maturity, and all-around good nature are what make him so special, and it was so great to finally read his story.

In the story, I found that Jayden is still the wonderful person that I thought him to be. He is still so caring and kind-hearted, and I wanted his story to be special and have a happy ending. Although that's what I wanted, Kira sure did make it difficult for me to believe it could ever happen. I totally understand why she felt as she did, and I felt for her and what she'd been through. However, she just didn't seem to want to move past that. Thus, I found myself annoyed with her on more than one occasion and was left thinking that it was going to be a hopeless situation. But how it all turns around and turns out is just something you'll have to read for yourself. And trust me. You won't be disappointed. And if you haven't read the prior books in this series, no worries. It can be read as a standalone.

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

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The Amish Legacy Series is Clipston's finest Amish series to date! I absolutely loved all the books from the this series! And this was the perfect conclusion to the series about this Amish family. Jayden was a special character in this series, with his big heart and loving nature....and I'm so glad Clipston wrote a him such a happy ending and created a lead who complemented him perfectly in Kira. And the epilogue...all the feels.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Zondervan Fiction for the ARC.

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What a beautifully written story. It's a sweet Amish story that is perfect to relax with. I loved reading Kira and Jayden story and stepping back to a simpler way of life.
I received a complimentary copy from Zondervan Fiction via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Kira Detweiler lives with her family in Indiana, but has been asked to go to Lancaster County to help out her aunt, Ellen, for awhile who has just given birth to her fourth child. The offer could not have came at a better time for Kira. She had thought she would be married soon, but her boyfriend broke off their engagement, breaking her heart, also. She has no desire, whatsoever, to put her heart on the line again. Too big of a risk. Too much pain.
But...she meets Jayden when his family's roofing business does a job for Kira's uncle. Jayden comes from a wonderful family and is a wonderful man. Jayden wonders if he'll ever have a wife and family like his older brothers. He's not sure that roofing is what he wants to do with the rest of his life.
Kira and Jayden have some 'chance' meetings in town. Kira's little niece is just too adorable and is taken with Jayden from the get-go.
This was such a lovely, sweet story with such great characters. A great happy ending proving there is such a thing as second chances. Amy Clipston is one of my favorite authors and never disappoints.
I was given an advanced ecopy by the publisher, Zondervan through NetGalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

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The Heart's Shelter by Amy Clipston, the fourth and final book in an Amish Legacy series, is a heartwarming Amish romance novel that delves into themes of love, family, and the power of faith in the context of a close-knit community. Kira Detweiler arrived at her aunt and uncle's farm with a broken heart and a lot of hurt she's holding onto. She's reluctant to trust her heart to anyone ever again; only she never planned on meeting Jayden. Jayden Bontrager is a sweet, God fearing man who loves his family and would do anything for anyone in need. The more time the two spend together, Kira and Jayden are drawn to each other; developing feelings for each other. They are both unsure how to move past the insecurities they carry and the obstacles in their path to in order to find the future they both dream of.

As they navigate the intricacies of their budding relationship and the challenges that come with it, what unfolds is tender and deeply rooted in the characters' faith, the Amish way of life, including the importance of community, simplicity, strong family ties and shared values, making it both heartwarming and relatable.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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This book is #4 in The Amish Legacy series. What a story this is! Dealing with a broken heart and trying to open it again to a new love. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys romance with a little bit of an inspirational message.
Thank You to Net Galley for a copy of this book.

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This is another heartwarming book by Amy Clipston. This book centers around Kira and Jayden. Kira leaves Indiana to go to Pennsylvania to help her aunt after she has her 4th child. It's good timing for Kira as she is escaping a broken heart after her fiancé breaks up with her. Kira meets Jayden and they become friends. Can Kira learn to trust again? . She finds herself falling in love with Jayden, but she is afraid of being hurt again. Also, can she leave her family in Indiana? Kira turns her life over to God and asks Him to show her what decisions she needs to make. This book is about faith, family, forgiveness, trust and being brave enough to follow your heart. This is a good read. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

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The perfect ending to the Amish Legacy Series!

The Amish Legacy Series was one of my favorites by Amy Clipston. I was so invested in the whole Bontrager family!

I love Jayden and Kira’s story. Jayden is such a kind sweet soul throughout the whole series, but I loved seeing his character develop in this story. Kira is so sweet and helpful to everyone around her. She and Jayden complement each other perfectly!

I highly recommend this book and series!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own, this is my honest review.

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Loved this story as it took us back to see what has happened to different characters we have read about in Amy’s other books. I love the way she intertwined the story of Jayden and all that he wanted and needed in his life to his brothers who we had read about in previous books. Also his step mother Chrystal and how the families had grown together and were happy.
We are introduced to Kira as she has moved from the Indiana community to Pennsylvania to help her aunt and mend a broken heart. Amy’s books show us that even when we are at our lowest GOD has a plan for us and we just need to stop, pray and wait for his answer.
I would highly recommend this book not only for all of her followers but it would be a wonderful edition to any teenager’s collection as to how wonderful it is to wait for the right person to come along.

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“The Heart’s Shelter” by Amy Clipston is a good ending to this series. Kira went to help her aunt and young children after her boyfriend broke off their engagement. She becomes friends with Jayden, the youngest brother in the Bontranger family. I like how the other characters were also featured in this story.
Many thanks to the author, Zondervan Fiction and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheHeartsShelter #AmyClipston #AmishFiction #AmishSeries #NetGalley #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks

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It turned out that this book was the last in a series. Although I did not get the opportunity to read the previous books, this one did do well as a stand alone book. I did not feel lost as I read and enjoyed it.

Kira just went through a tough breakup in her Amish community with a long time boyfriend. So, she decides to go and help her aunt with a newborn and her other two young daughters. She meets a roofer who works with his brother in a grocery store, and there is an instant connection (thanks to one of her nieces who takes a real liking to him (Jayden). This proves to be a very nice, clean book that I really enjoyed. I have never been disappointed with any of Ms. Clipston's work, and this one was one more in a collection of many that I have enjoyed. I will continue to enjoy books by her.


Thank you, NetGalley and Zondervan Fiction, for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review. I greatly value this opportunity!

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The Amish Legacy series has been one that I have really enjoyed. The Heart’s Shelter was a very nice wrap up to the series, with Jayden Bontrager finally getting his happily ever after.

Jayden and Kira were quite the match up! They were both very unsure of themselves for a good portion of the story. Jayden had quite a few reasons, including the knowledge that Kira was just in their community temporarily, that had him hesitant to explore a relationship with her. Kira was getting over a broken heart and did not think there was any reason to allow herself to possibly have her heart broken again by jumping into a relationship with a new man, especially when she was so homesick for her family. However, these two were continually drawn to each other and had a rapport that they did not experience with anyone else.

I loved getting to see what was going on in the Bontrager family, with all of the previous couples from the first three books. That has been something very enjoyable throughout this entire series. Of course, you could jump in and only read this novel and probably still enjoy it a lot. However, this series has been one of my favorites and I definitely recommend all of the books. The family went through some rough times as Jayden’s older two brothers struggled with the family dynamics in earlier novels.

I really enjoyed listening to the audio book. The narrator did a good job and kept me actively listening from the start to the finish.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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