A Seat by the Hearth by Amy Clipston

A Seat by the Hearth (Amish Homestead, #3)

by Amy Clipston

Priscilla Allgyer knows that the past can never fully be left behind. But can love lead her toward the promise of healing?

Priscilla Allgyer left the community in hopes of escaping the expectations of Amish life. Now, years later, she is forced to return to the place she thought she'd left behind forever--along with her six-year-old son. Though once estranged from her family, Priscilla is welcomed by her mother, but her father is cold and strict. He allows Priscilla to stay with them provided she dresses plainly, confesses her sins, and agrees to marry within the community. Once again, she feels suffocated, trapped, and alone.

As Priscilla reluctantly completes her shunning, she catches the eye of Mark Riehl, a farmer with a playboy reputation. Wary of Mark, Priscilla barely gives him the time of day--while Mark, unused to being ignored by the women of Bird-in-Hand, won't give up the pursuit of her friendship. Priscilla desperately needs a friend in Mark, even if she doesn't realize it--and after Priscilla's father and the bishop catch her and Mark in a compromising situation, the two are compelled to enter an awkward, unexpected engagement.

After Priscilla and Mark marry and live as friends, affection quietly grows between them--but Priscilla struggles to open her heart and reveal the painful secrets of her past. As Mark works to earn her good faith, can they both learn the hard lessons of love and trust? And can two friends discover a happiness that only God himself could have designed? The third book in the Amish Homestead series, A Seat by the Hearth invites us back to the Lancaster community where friendships are forged and love overcomes all.

Reviewed by Molly J(Cover To Cover Cafe) on

5 of 5 stars

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Another hit! I can't sing the praises high enough. Mrs. Clipston has brought us Mark's story. I've been waiting patiently (or, those that TRULY know me, know it's not all that patient!) to see what Amy Clipston had in store for Mark and Priscilla. Let me tell you this: she truly had a wonderful story for them. They were absolutely perfect in every way for this moving, heartfelt, gripping addition to the Amish Homestead series. 

Mark and Priscilla had to endure an "arranged" marriage but they didn't let that stop them from making the best of it, and learning about one another. Their pasts catch up to them, they learn a lot about what it means to wholly accept oneself, and they learn that there will always be a seat by the hearth for each other to continue their journey in life as not just friends, but as an actual couple. 

This book is filled with ups, downs, hope and understanding. Amy Clipston's trademark messages of acceptance and love are woven perfectly through out this incredible journey. God is definitely working on Mark and Priscilla within these pages and I won't soon forget them! They are on my keeper shelf to stay.  Mark's play boy ways, and Priscilla's uneasiness are over come by the true love of friendship. Definitely a 5 star worthy novel in this reader's honest opinion! I can't wait for another beautifully chiseled novel from this talented author! 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 3 November, 2018: Finished reading
  • 3 November, 2018: Reviewed