Picture a storyteller who weaves tales of faith, family, and Amish simplicity—meet Amy Clipston! This award-winning American author has captured hearts with over one million books sold, blending heartwarming Amish fiction with contemporary romance. From her bestselling Kauffman Amish Bakery series to her poignant memoir about kidney donation, Clipston’s stories resonate with readers seeking hope and connection.
Born in New Jersey, Clipston’s writing journey began in elementary school, crafting silly stories with a friend. Now a North Carolina resident, she balances a full-time job with the City of Charlotte, her family, and a menagerie of spoiled cats. Her unique path, marked by perseverance and a life-changing act of generosity, makes her a standout in Christian fiction.
The Making of Amy Clipston
Amy Clipston’s love for storytelling sparked early, fueled by childhood visits to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where she was enchanted by Amish culture. Her German heritage deepened her connection to their simplicity and faith. After earning a communications degree from Virginia Wesleyan University, she worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before her writing career took off. Joining the Chesapeake Romance Writers group in 2007 led to her first book deal, launching her into the world of Amish fiction.
Clipston’s personal life, including her husband’s chronic illness and two kidney transplants, profoundly shaped her work. Her faith and experiences infuse her stories with authenticity, making her a beacon of resilience for readers.
Amy Clipston’s Unforgettable Stories
Clipston’s Kauffman Amish Bakery series, starting with A Gift of Grace (2009), is a cornerstone of her career. Set in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, it follows women navigating love, loss, and faith amid cultural clashes. The series’ five novels, praised for their emotional depth, have hit Christian bestseller lists. Her Amish Heirloom series, beginning with The Forgotten Recipe (2015), explores family secrets through a cherished raspberry pie recipe, earning accolades from RT Book Reviews.
Beyond Amish fiction, Clipston’s contemporary romance, like The Heart of Splendid Lake (2021), showcases her versatility, weaving love and healing in a lakeside setting. Her memoir, A Gift of Love (2014), details her 2011 kidney donation at Johns Hopkins Hospital, which enabled her husband’s second transplant through a paired exchange. This raw, inspiring narrative highlights her advocacy for organ donation.
Clipston’s style blends heartfelt storytelling with themes of faith and family, often drawing from her Amish research with a friend in Lancaster County. Her plots, rooted in real-life struggles, offer readers hope and relatability, whether in Amish barns or modern settings.
Why Amy Clipston Matters
Amy Clipston’s impact extends beyond her million-plus books sold. Her Amish fiction has brought the genre to new audiences, illuminating the beauty of simplicity and faith. Her advocacy for organ donation, inspired by her personal sacrifice, has encouraged countless readers to consider becoming donors. Through her stories, she fosters empathy and resilience, reminding us that love and faith can triumph over adversity.
Her work’s presence on CBA and ECPA bestseller lists underscores her influence in Christian fiction. By sharing her journey, Clipston inspires aspiring writers to pursue their dreams, proving that passion and perseverance can transform lives.
- Born: New Jersey, USA
- Key Works: Kauffman Amish Bakery series, The Heart of Splendid Lake, A Gift of Love
- Awards: Multiple bestseller list appearances (CBA, ECPA)
- Fun Fact: Lives with five spoiled cats!
Snag A Gift of Grace or A Gift of Love and dive into Amy Clipston’s world of faith-filled, heartwarming stories!