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Oh boy. I have very mixed feelings about this book. Let me explain.
I am one of Clipston's biggest fans (if I do say so myself). I have not read one of her books that I did not like until this one. I often recommend her novels to others (the Roadside Assistance trilogy is phenomenal.) One huge compliment I have about this book is that I was drawn into the story despite what I did not like.
A Welcome at Our Door was a bit different. I still love Clipston's writing. I felt like the romance between Drew and Cindy could have been in a YA romance novel. :( The novel was a bit cheesy and I felt the Romeo and Juliet vibes. (that was alright, I guess)
Even though this was not my favorite book, I will still be reading more works written by Amy Clipston in the future.

Rating: 3 Stars
Content: 4 Stars
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. ( )

This was a pretty interesting book. It did kind of drag on for me. I have mixed feelings about the main character. I sympathized with her loss but found that her stubbornness almost cost her, her happiness.
Cindy lost her mother 7 years ago to a tragic accident. She feels like her entire family has moved on but she can't. She questions her faith.
Drew is an Englisher who starts working at a nearby farm. He and Cindy start a secret relationship. She struggles with leaving her faith or bring with Drew. Through many heartbreaking circumstances they finally decide to join the Amish faith. ( )

This was a delightful wrap up to end the series. This story centers on the youngest of the siblings, Cindy. It’s been several years since the death of her mother, and Cindy is still mourning, even as the rest of her family has moved on in their lives. She feels lost and abandoned, without anyone who understands her. Then she meets an Englisher named Drew and her world is turned upside down. Drew also is looking for some direction in his life, and these two find strength in each other. There are a few twists and turns along the way, which makes it all the more interesting. Peopled with wonderful characters, this lovely story is inspiring and entertaining. ( )

I have really enjoyed the books in this series thus far, but A Welcome at Our Door was a real struggle for me. From the beginning there is conflict and it doesn't let up until the end, which usually doesn't bother me in stories, but for some reason it was quite bothersome to me.

Cindy Riehl hasn't been herself since her mothers sudden passing seven years ago, and has felt like an outcast in her family, since it seems as if everyone is moving on in life except her. When the dairy farm next door hires an English farm hand it only takes a moment for Cindy to notice that Drew Collins is something special and vice versa. This instant spark leads to a friendship that is quickly frowned upon within the tight knit Amish community, and causes a rift between Cindy and her family. It is this strife that goes deeper and grows stronger as circumstances grow and change, and is truly heartbreaking to read.

Amy Clipston is such a great writer and does a wonderful job of getting into the minds of her characters, allowing you to truly feel what they're feeling, which could be why this was such a hard read for me. There are parts of the story that hit very close to home and stir up familiar emotions, though these are subjects I'm not used to reading in other Amish fiction books.

Though a lot of the book deals with difficult situations, there is also a beautiful message of forgiveness, love, and family that is both charming and inspiring. Though at times hard for me to read, I am thankful that I pressed on, as the end made it all worth it.

*I have reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All opinions are completely honest, and my own. ( )