The Amish Clockmaker

The Amish Clockmaker by Mindy Starns Clark and Susan Meissner is a fabulous Amish Christian fiction story. I could not put the book (or, in my case, Kindle) down. The story is about two different men: Matthew and Clayton. Matthew Zook is married (to Amanda), they are expecting their first child, and he runs the family store, Zook's Feed and Tack. Matthew was put in charge of the store by his grandfather after his father tried to run it for five years. Matthew is trying to revitalize the store by expanding it. When he goes to start construction, he discovers that there is a dispute on the plot of land (an acre) that the family purchased from the Raber's many years ago. The hotel that is building next door states that the Zook's do not own the land. The lawyer representing the hotel states that they are going to find the owner and purchase the land. Matthew proceeds to use the Amish grapevine and resources to track down the owner, Clayton Raber. 

Clayton lived with his parents on the land and worked with his father at Raber and Sons Clockmakers. Clayton had injured his leg as a child and as also has a scarred face. Clayton also has a terrible temper and his known for it throughout their community. Clayton's father deeds Clayton the acre of land that sits adjacent to the clock shop, but he never tells anyone (and neither did Clayton). No one ever thought that Clayton would marry because of his injury. Ever since Miriam and her family moved in next door to the Raber's, Clayton has been in love with her. Miriam, however, treated Clayton like a friend. Miriam has fancied English things (items that the Amish are not allowed). One day Miriam's parents ask Clayton for help. Miriam finds herself in the family way and they ask Clayton to marry her. Their marriage is not ideal. After Miriam loses the baby, she starts acting very odd and ends up deceased. Clayton is accused of murdering her and is arrested. The police release him, but that does not stop the gossip within the community. Clayton ends up leaving the community and is not heard from again. 

Matthew has heard the rumors about Clayton, but he feels that Clayton is innocent. Matthew sets out to find Clayton and what really happened to Miriam. 

I found The Amish Clockmaker to be a great book. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars. The Amish Clockmaker will be out on February 1, 2015 (according to Amazon.com). 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Thank you for visiting and reading my review.  If you click on the name of the book above, it will take you to the Amazon page where the book is listed for sale.  I hope you have had a great weekend and have read some great books.  Have a great evening and Happy Reading!

Kris

P.S. -- Here is my star ratings for books:

1 Star   = The book is awful.

2 Stars = The book is so-so.

3 Stars = The book is okay. Worth reading.

4 Stars = Wonderful book. Very enjoyable to read.

5 Stars = Just loved it!  A must read!