Brianna is reeling from the death of her father. Things go from bad to worse when she discovers that the summer resort owned by her parents is drowning in debt. Unable to pay off the loans, she may have to sell, something she is loathe to do. In the middle of this turmoil, her mother experiences a serious health event. Coming to Bri’s rescue is not her fiancé, but a man who had wanted to buy the resort to improve and then flip it. Brie has a lot to consider, and then reconsider. Yes, it’s likely readers will see where this story is headed, but that really doesn’t matter. With masterful storytelling and writing, the journey to the end is delightful and very entertaining. This title says it all: it is a sweet romance. Recommended especially for romance readers. ( )

Brianna’s world comes crashing in on all sides with the unexpected death of her father. She finds that things she thought were safe and secure were not. She learns some things about their financial situation that has her head spinning. How was she going to handle all this? That’s the questions. Would Brianna reach out to her two older sisters for help. Then in walks Scott Gibson a man that enters Brianna’s world because he is interested in buying the resort in the Splendid Lake community. Neither one of them could have imagined what would happen after Brianna threw Scott off her property. No, she wasn’t going to sell their family business. But there was something about the way Scott Gibson treated her that caught her attention.
This author deals with grief, loss, love and facing insurmountable obstacles together with family and friends. I enjoyed the small town feel and hanging out in Splendid Lake with all the locals and liked how they pull together and grew throughout the story.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org ( )

Amy Clipston is a beloved author of Amish fiction but this book demonstrates just how versatile her writing skills are. The Heart of Splendid Lake is a contemporary romance that grabbed my heart and wouldn't let go! I loved meeting the Porter family who live in the magical town of Splendid Lake, North Carolina, and I'm convinced that I would absolutely fit in. From finding the latest best-seller at the Bookend, going to a movie at the Warner, or grabbing a special coffee at the Coffee Bean, this could be a place that I would like to call home. I might even find romance on the shores of Splendid Lake!

This story, however, isn't all light and fluffy romance. There are some heavy moments that involve death, grief, and the decisions that must be made after losing a loved one. I could understand Brianna wanting to hold on to the past, and I sympathized with the uncertainties in both her professional and personal life. Should she honor what had been, or accept that change can be good? Does her future include a love from her past, or is there a deeper love with someone new?

The Heart of Splendid Lake is a heartwarming story about family, faith, and hope, and the characters and setting make it especially appealing. I recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary romance.

I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts. ( )

This may be The authors first Contemporary Romance but I know it will not be her last. I have always loved her Amish books and I felt this was as great. Brianna needs to learn that her fiancé, Taylor, just is not the right guy for her. Scott and Brianna grow together over months. I am looking forward to reading many more books by this author. I love her ideas of romance. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

Brianna Porter loves working alongside her father at the family resort on Splendid Lake. After her father passes away suddenly, Brianna struggles to manage on her own while her mother deals with her grief. Scott Gibson, a real estate developer, arrives to make an offer on the place. Scott is just the first in a line of people who wish to purchase the Porter property. A set of circumstances threatens her family home and Brianna finds solace with kindhearted Scott. Brianna has been engaged to Taylor for three years and she is not one to back out on a commitment. What does the future hold for Brianna and the Porter resort? The Heart of Splendid Lake is Amy Clipston’s debut contemporary romance novel. I was drawn into this engaging story right away. I admit I was surprised because this is not the type of book that I normally read. I thought it was well-written (I would not expect less from Amy Clipston) with developed characters and a charming setting. It is an emotional story that will tug at your heartstrings. I could certainly relate to Brianna having to deal with her father’s death and her mother’s overwhelming grief. I thought all the characters were realistic and relatable. I enjoyed getting to know Brianna, Scott, Ava, Lois, and the other secondary characters. There is a friendly cat as well. Amy Clipston’s writing draws the reader in and holds them until the very end. The picturesque descriptions allowed me to visualize Splendid Lake, the town, and the resort. I could certainly understand Brianna and Scott’s desire to live there. The Heart of Splendid Lake is one of those stories that will have you staying up late to see how everything turns out. The Heart of Splendid Lake is a heartwarming, poignant tale with prodigious grief, moving memories, masses of maintenance, a mournful mother, a considerate developer, and an enthralling lake. ( )