A Life Of Joy By Amy Clipston

I was really looking forward to this book! Ms. Clipston did not disappoint! It was worth waiting for and a must read! If you have read any of Ms. Clipston's Kauffman Amish Bakery series then you will love this one! This is Book #4 in the series and a wonderful addition to the Kauffman family story.

Lindsay Bedford and her sister were taken in 4 years ago, after the tragic death of their parents, by the Amish sister and her husband of their mother after spending the first 14 years of their life growing up in Virginia. While her sister did not like or want to adjust to the Amish way of life and soon went back to live with family friends in Virginia to attend college, Lindsay took to the Amish way of life and enjoyed living the simple life. Now that she has turned eighteen, the expectation that she will join the church is upon her. Her two best friends are taking the classes to join and can't understand why Lindsay has not signed up. She is just not sure if she is ready to make that commitment yet. She is also getting pressure from her sister who feels she knows what's best for Lindsay, to move back to Virginia and go to college with her after getting her GED. Lindsay sees no reason to go to college and doesn't like her sisters constant criticism of the Amish way of life.

Lindsay's days are filled with working at the Kauffman bakery where she is learning a lot, helping to care for her Aunt and Uncle's two small children, and spending time with her friends. One day she receives a call from her sister who has accepted an internship in New York and says their family friend in Virginia had an accident and broke her leg. Since she can't go because she doesn't want to give up her internship, would Lindsay go and help for the summer. Can Lindsay say no? Of course not. Besides, going home will give her a chance to see which world she really wants to live in, English or Amish.

The reader travels through the ups and downs and indecision that haunt Lindsay and we see her struggle to make the right decision. The time she spends in Virginia offers her the opportunity to not only help, but learn about herself and what she really wants, where she wants to be, and the desires of her heart. When I got to the end of this book I wanted more! I didn't want to see the story end! I can't wait for the next book! Ms. Clipston has done an amazing job of drawing the reader in and keeping them involved in the events of the very large Kauffman family.