A Place at Our Table

A Place at Our Table by Amy Clipston is the first An Amish Homestead Novel. Kayla Dienner lives in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania with her family. They are awakened in the middle of the night when lightning strikes their barn setting it on fire. James Riehl is one of the volunteer firefighters who responds and he is smitten with Kayla. Kayla, though, does not appreciate James encouraging her younger brother, Nathan in signing up for volunteer firefighting training. The Dienner family lost their oldest son, Simeon while he was serving as a volunteer. Kayla is attracted to James, but she is not sure she is willing to risk her heart again. After several chance encounters, James starts to court Kayla. Then a tragic accident happens upsetting James and his plans for his future. Kayla becomes frustrated and pushes James away. Is there a chance for these two to have their happily-ever-after?

A Place at Our Table is well-written and has a good pace. I thought the characters were well-constructed and realistic. I was immediately drawn into the story and it held my attention until the very last page. There is heartache, love, grief, anger, forgiveness, grace, fear, guilt and regret in A Place at Our Table. I also appreciated the messages regarding God’s will, power of prayer, and His has plans for each of us. It is lovely to see how an Amish community comes together to help their neighbors. It is a shame there is not more of this in our world. I enjoyed the Amish volunteer firefighter angle. This is my first Amish novel with this theme (very unique). A Place at Our Table is a heartwarming as well as heartbreaking story. I look forward to reading the next An Amish Homestead Novel (Room on the Porch Swing) when it comes out in the spring.

A PLACE AT OUR TABLE. by Amy Clipston. Zondervan Publishers Amish Homestead series. Book 1
Jamie was called out with a barn on fire. Rescuing children, and animals in this Amish community. Kayla is angry now, that Nathan wants to begin training as a firefighter. He was a hero, until he encouraged Nathan, she didn't want to lose anyone, again. Her eyes lingered on James, how strong he was, in control. Jamie apologizes, yet, the hostility that Kayla has. Then the guys told him, of her brother dying as a firefighter. When Jamie reacts without thinking at a fire, Kayla realizes , the deep love she has for him. Will Jamie except her, and will Kayla be okay with Nathan going in as a volunteer. This was an emotional look at a family that had suffered a lose, yet, letting Nathan following what he wants to do. It wasn't following his brothers footstep, but the need within him. Readers will feel the emotion of the characters in this story, and the healing that came about. A new series, and looking for more by her. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.