Building a Future

Written by Amy Clipston

Narrated by Lauren Berst

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?

“Amy Clipston once again entertains us with a story that reaches all the way to the heart.” —Vannetta Chapman, USA TODAY bestselling author

• Sweet, inspirational Amish romance
• Full-length novel (85,000 words)
• Second book in Amy Clipston’s Amish Legacy series
  • Book 1: Foundation of Love
  • Book 2: Building a Future
  • Book 3: Breaking New Ground (coming summer 2023)
  • Book 4: The Heart’s Shelter (coming winter 2024)
• Also by author: Foundation of Love, An Amish Singing, The Amish Marketplace series

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Release date: Aug 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9780310364375

Amy Clipston

Amy Clipston is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Kauffman Amish Bakery, Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel, Amish Heirloom, Amish Homestead, and Amish Marketplace series. Her novels have hit multiple bestseller lists including Christianbook, CBA, and ECPA. Amy holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan University and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and five spoiled rotten cats. Visit her online at AmyClipston.com; Facebook: @AmyClipstonBooks; Twitter: @AmyClipston; Instagram: @amy_clipston; BookBub: @AmyClipston.

Reviews for Building a Future

[George Ehling · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book. I didn't like romance books, but you and others helped me see that bang, bang shoot'em up books are not just the only thing I read now.

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Michelle and Korey have been dating more than a year, and while she is ready for marriage and a family, Korey is dragging his feet. Still grieving the loss of his mother who passed a few years ago, he is content to keep things the way they are. Tyler, his older brother, is working hard at their dad’s roofing business, and has no time for dating. But when circumstances lead to Tyler and Michelle sharing dinner together by themselves, an attraction starts to grow between them. Complicating matters, Michelle’s best friend has a huge crush on Tyler. How all this finally works out is quite interesting. Not everyone gets a storybook ending, but things do work out mostly as they should.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I must say that I found myself extremely irritated with one of the characters in this new book! Korey Bontrager has problems, and many of them have to do with his outlook on life! He's disappointed that his father chose to marry again after his mother's death; he feels that his older brother Tyler gets more respect, and he's unsure of his feelings for the girl that he's expected to marry. Korey Bontrager is one unhappy fella!This is the second book in the Amish Legacy series, and it has many of the issues that are relevant today, but surprising when we think of Amish families. Anger, distrust, and clinging to the past are some of the realistic problems in Building a Future, along with sibling rivalry and a love triangle that adds additional conflict. Author Amy Clipston kept me fully engaged in this story of a family still reeling from the loss of a loved one, and her stunning depiction of the two brothers who are complete opposites. Korey's rudeness and disrespect are a glaring contrast to Tyler's sweet and thoughtful nature. Throw in the budding friendship between Tyler and Korey's girlfriend and there are surely fireworks ahead!Building a Future has memorable characters, intriguing family dynamics, and a strong message of faith woven into its plot. I recommend it to all who enjoy Amish romance.I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

[ladyofthelodge · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In this second book in the Amish Legacy series, two couples seek the right directions to take in planning their futures. Although they have been dating for over a year, Michelle starts to doubt whether Korey will ever be ready to move their relationship to the next level. Korey seems more interested in a long friendship, while he devotes most of his time and energy to his friends. Korey's older brother Tyler tries to hide his growing attraction to Michelle, as he seethes with frustration over his brother's casual attitude towards Michelle. Although Tyler is dating Charity,he cannot foresee a future with her. Kind relatives and friends provide advice and a listening ear, but the young adults must rely on God to show them their future paths.Although this is a highly predictable novel, there are enough twists and turns to keep readers interested. The author includes details of Amish life and culture for the benefit of readers who are new to the genre of Amish fiction novels. The final outcomes of the novel provide a thoughtful set up for the next book in the series, although the stories can be read as standalones. I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Building a Future by Amy Clipston is a heartwarming Amish novel. I like Amy Clipston’s writing style. It is casual and engaging. I feel like I am visiting old friends. I found myself easily drawn into the story. I like the characters in this story especially Michelle and Tyler. I was not a fan of Korey who was inattentive to Michelle and did not realize that she is a caring woman with a big heart. Korey came across as juvenile. His behavior reminded me of a sulky teenager. I was surprised that his father let him get away with that type of behavior. Korey states he wants to help run the business with Tyler when their father retires. However, we do not see him coming up with business ideas or displaying the maturity needed for a leadership position. We get to see what it is like to be ignored by someone we care about and the pain that it causes. I enjoyed the lovely descriptions of Michelle’s paintings. I want one of her milk can scenes. I was surprised when one scene mentions Michelle putting the milk can in her tote bag. I did not know that milk cans came in such a small size (there are vintage milk cans that measure 3.5” by 6.25”). I thought the relationship between Tyler and Michelle progressed at the right pace. I could see this scenario playing out in real life. I like how the faith element was incorporated into the story (the author strikes the right balance). It never comes across as preachy. There are good messages (and life lessons) in the story. We see the importance of prayer to seek God’s guidance. The story had a sweet ending. Building a Future is the second An Amish Legacy Novel. It can be read as a standalone for those who have not read Foundation of Love. I like that we get to see how Crystal is faring since she married. There is a glossary of Amish terms at the beginning of the book which I found helpful. Building a Future is a hopeful Amish tale with relationship woes, finding a friend, enjoyable youth gatherings, roofing business strategies, and a guiding God.