Thanks so much for visiting Destination Amish, Amy! Let’s chat about your new book, Building a Future.
What is the message you want readers to take away from reading Building a Future?
The message in Building a Future is to not give up on true love. Also, you may find love in unexpected places, and it will happen in God’s perfect timing. In the story, Michelle is certain she’ll marry Korey, and she’s hurt when he starts to pull away from her as well as take her for granted. Tyler is surprised at how easy Michelle is to talk to, and they are both stunned when they realize they have feelings for each other. Both Tyler and Michelle are determined not to hurt Korey, but no matter what they do, they can’t seem to stay away from each other. Throughout the story, they learn that God has the perfect plan for all of us, and sometimes that plan is not what we had envisioned for ourselves.
What is your favorite thing about writing Amish fiction?
I enjoy the challenge of finding a new way to write an Amish story. Since my Legacy series is my sixth Amish series, I have written many, many Amish novels and novellas. I love brainstorming with my both my Amish friend and my editor to imagine new characters and situations. Amish folks have their unique culture, but they deal with the same issues we do, such as grief, strained relationships, loneliness, and guilt. I learn something new about their culture with every book I write, and I love every moment of my journey while writing these stories.
What’s next on your writing to-do list?
I’m working on edits for Breaking New Ground, which is the third book in my Amish Legacy series and is Korey’s, the middle Bontrager son’s, story. I’m also working on more contemporary romance novels. My next one, Something Old, Something New, will release on January third, and it’s my favorite contemporary romance so far.
These next questions are for fun!
Favorite Amish community to visit?
I love Lancaster County, Pennsylvania! I have an Amish friend there and I cherish the times I have spent visiting her on her dairy farm. We met when I wrote my first Amish book, A Gift of Grace, and we’ve become dear friends. I’m excited to visit her this fall. I also enjoy shopping in Bird-in-Hand, and the other towns there. As silly as it sounds, when I’m there, I feel like I’m home, even though I grew up in New Jersey. I suppose I’ve “lived” there in my heart through my books.
Fry Pie or Whoopie Pie?
Oh, I’ve never met a Whoopie Pie I haven’t liked. They are my favorites—all the flavors! The first time my mom and I went to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, we ate Whoopies Pies during our ride home to North Carolina and enjoyed every one!
Buggy or Scooter?
I’ve never ridden on a scooter, but I have enjoyed a buggy ride.
Barn Raising or Quilting Bee?
Oh, that’s a tough one. I would love watching the Amish men build a barn, but I also would have a blast sitting with a group of Amish women and talking while they quilted. May I choose both?
How can readers connect with you?
You can find me on social media and my website. I love hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
Facebook Page: facebook.com/AmyClipstonBooks/
Instagram: instagram.com/amy_clipston/
Twitter: twitter.com/AmyClipston
Website: AmyClipston.com
They both had different plans for their futures . . . until their hearts led them to each other.
Michelle Lantz dreams of marrying and starting a family, and now that she’s been dating Korey for over a year, she thought it was only a matter of time before he proposed. But lately, Korey has seemed distant and is far from the attentive boyfriend she once knew. They’ve spent so much time together that she feels she can’t give up on their relationship, but she begins to question her own feelings as his seem to cool.
Tyler Bontrager is focused on expanding his father’s roofing company so he can take over one day. He throws himself into his work and thinks he’s too busy to worry about finding a wife. He and his brother Korey find themselves continually arguing: Tyler doesn’t approve of how Korey treats Michelle and Korey thinks Tyler is out to take anything that’s his. When Tyler happens to be around when Michelle needs a listening ear, he is startled to realize that he has feelings for Michelle, so he denies them because his relationship with his brother is too important.
But when there’s an accident and lives are at stake, true feelings come to the surface. Is it possible for Michelle and Tyler to put aside their feelings for the sake of their relationships with Korey, or will they find a new foundation on which to build their future?