The Courtship Basket - Amy Clipston

Genre:  Christian Fiction

Publisher:  Zondervan

Publication Date:  June 28, 2016

Pages:  320

About the book...

Years ago, a picnic basket brought two hearts together. For Rachel and Mike, history may be about to repeat itself. Rachel Fisher is devastated when the young man she’s loved for years leaves her to date her best friend. Her heart is broken, and she has all but given up on love. Rachel is determined to keep her mind off the pain, and she starts teaching at an Amish school for children with learning disabilities. Since his father became ill, Mike Lantz has been overwhelmed with the responsibility of providing for his family and caring for his six-year-old brother, John. When John joins Rachel’s class and she learns that his mother is deceased and his father sick, she desperately wants to help the family, even with something as simple as a meal. With her parents’ old picnic basket, Rachel begins sending food to the Lantz family. As the weeks go by, John’s grades start to improve, and the attraction grows between Rachel and Mike. They can’t deny that their friendship is growing toward something more, but both of them are hesitant to risk a more serious relationship. The last thing Rachel wants is another heartbreak, and Mike is worried about providing for his loved ones. Will the two be able to reconcile their past hurts with new hope for the future?

My thoughts...

Readers can tell when an author pours themself into a novel; when the subject matter is near and dear to their heart.  The Courtship Basket is that novel for Amy Clipston (see "The Making" below).  

If I had to choose the one thing I love the most about Clipston's books, it would be the consistency she writes with.  Well developed characters, carefully thought out plot lines, vivid imagery of locations, and just plain (pun intended) well written stories in general.  One can definately feel confident when picking up a Clipston novel - they know they are about to embark on a heartfelt journey through the countryside.

In this second book of the series, readers are again enticed by the beautiful cover (everyone knows I'm a cover person!) and the scene it sets for the story.  When it comes down to it, the front cover sets the mood for the inside...and Clipston was blessed enough to get the covers right.  I absolutely LOVE each and every cover in this series.  

About Amy...
Hop on over to Amy's page and learn a little bit about her.  Find out what she is an advocate for, and even sign up for her newsletter!

The Making of The Courtship Basket

The Courtship Basket is a book that’s very close to my heart. The story touches the topic of kidney disease, and my husband, Joe, has had two kidney transplants. Joe received his second transplant through a swap, where I donated to someone and Joe received a kidney in exchange. I dedicated this book to Nyeisha and Eric, who were part of our kidney donation swap. Both Joe and Nyeisha struggled with kidney disease similar to how Raymond Lantz does in the story.

Interested in pre-ordering this book?  Visit Amazon

**I was provided a copy for review purposes from the author.