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“Foundation of Love” by Amy Clipston is a wunderbar story of falling in love at a ‘mature’ age. And the challenge of a second marriage. It is the the first installment of Amy Clipston’s “Amish Legacy” series.
Duane Bontrager’s wife of twenty-four years died over a year ago but he and his sons miss her deeply. He is operating a successful roofing business with his grown-up sons but especially at night he misses Connie, his wife. Duane also has a bishop and how that man loves to dictate what people should do and who they should do it with.
Crystal Glick lives with her brother’s family and remarkably, I think, gladly helps them with their six children who she loves dearly. Her sister-in-law is pregnant with twins, again, and having a difficult pregnancy. Crystal is tired and babies seven and eight aren’t even here yet. Privately, she longs for her own husband and her own babies.
The Glick buildings need new roofs and that is how Duane meets Crystal. You know how you meet someone and within an hour, you feel immediate friendship? That is Duane and Crystal. They enjoy talking with each other. There is always something to talk about. At first, Duane’s sons are fine…
Duane also sees that Crystal’s brother and sister-in-law take advantage of her. Crystal has no time for herself. When you have no time for yourself, your life feels empty even if the hours are beyond full.
Complicating matters is Owen. He was Crystal’s special young man in her youth. He choose to move out of state to start a business with his cousin. That was five years ago. She has not heard from him in all that time. And now, he is back! He is determined to get Crystal back.
As the friendship between Duane and Crystal grows into love, both of their families are not happy about the development. Her family states a considerable age difference and Owen is back… His sons feel it is too soon after their mother’s death.
Then there is Duane’s bishop who seems determined that Duane should marry a nice widow with young children as the continued support of the widow and children was monetarily heavy on the Gmay.
The development of this story is thankfully not rushed. The progression of the growing love and their own personal doubts as well as joy of having a person who they can share the ups and downs of life is handled so well.
The supporting characters are marvelous. From that very aggravating bishop to the oldest of Crystal’s children who is delightful. Is it acceptable for this reviewer to say Evie, one of the twin bruderskinner, has been spoiled rotten? A child who screams when she wants Crystal.
This is simply a delightful story. And highly recommended by this reviewed for your Must-Read List.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 5 stars
Cover rating: Exactly right.
Expected Publish date: 1 February 2022
#FoundationofLove #NetGalley
