Book Review: Something Old, Something New by Amy Clipston

Posted January 2, 2023 by WendyW in Book Review, bookblogger / 52 Comments

Something Old, Something New
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

by Amy Clipston
Publication Date January 3, 2023
Published by Thomas Nelson
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Genres: Fiction / Christian / Contemporary, Fiction / Christian / Romance / General, Fiction / Romance / Clean & Wholesome, Fiction / Small Town & Rural
Pages: 336
Format: ARC

***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***


Sometimes treasure can be found where you least expect it.

In the decade since high school graduation, Christine Sawyer has realized her dream of opening Treasure Hunting Antique Mall, the place where shoppers find gems that are new to them. Between her store, her house, and her role as a doting aunt, she’s happy with her life—if a bit lonely. But she’s used to being less lucky in love than her fraternal twin sister. Britney was always the popular one, the head cheerleader who dated the homecoming king and quarterback, while Christine stayed in the shadows.

Brent Nicholson is still trying to come to grips with the shambles his life has become. After leading his football team to a state championship, he suffered a career-ending injury. Now he’s lost his construction business thanks to his so-called best friend. So when his great-aunt Midge asks for his help readying her home to put it on the market, the opportunity to spend time with his biggest fan is a balm to his bruised soul.

But the antiques Brent finds in his aunt’s house lead him to an unexpected partnership with Christine. After being blind to her for so many years, is it too late for the former high school jock to win the heart of the self-proclaimed “nerdy twin”?

As they shift through items of the past, Christine and Brent learn to let go of the pieces they don’t want to bring into the future—and realize the value of what’s in front of them today.

“Hometown charm and swoon-worthy second chances make this a must read.” —Kristen Mckanagh, author of Snowball’s Christmas

  • Sweet, stand-alone contemporary romance
  • Book length: approximately 90,000 words
  • Includes discussion questions for book clubs
  • More contemporary romance to love by Amy Clipston:?The Heart of Splendid Lake and The View from Coral Cove

Something Old, Something New by Amy Clipston is a heartwarming small-town romance that I love to read. 

Story Recap: 

Christine Sawyer has realized her dream of opening an antique mall in her small town of Flowering Grove, North Carolina.  She spends her time with her prettier,  fraternal twin sister, Britney, and dotes on her twin nieces, “the M&M’s” Maddy and Mila.  She’s perfectly happy if just a bit lonely.

Brent Nicholson was the star quarterback in High School, but his life hasn’t turned out the way he wanted, and he’s made many mistakes.  He comes to Flowering Grove to help his aunt rehabilitate her home so she can move to a senior living place.  When he finds his aunt’s home full of household items and furniture she won’t need in her new home, she convinces him to take her things to the new antique mall and sell them.  

Brent used to date Christine’s sister, Britney in High School, and he broke her heart.  Brent never had eyes for Britney’s plainer sister, Christine, but working together to sell his aunt’s furniture, he starts to notice Christine’s beauty. 

My Thoughts: 

Something Old, Something New is a sweet romance set in a well-described charming small town.  This had a romance, and some family drama, all set in a beautiful setting.  I can’t imagine being a twin with a beautiful and popular sister, but Christine seems to do pretty well and doesn’t mind living in her sister’s shadow.  I liked Christine very much and loved her strength and determination. But, living in her sister’s shadow, she’s never valued herself enough to believe the star quarterback would ever be interested in her.   

Brent has his own self-esteem issues.  He lost his business to his partner who stole from him, and his own parents are disappointed that he wasn’t able to pursue a career in the NFL.  Helping his Aunt fix up her home is the break he needs.   

I loved that Christine and Brent became friends first.  They have so much in common and they are good together.  Luckily, Christine’s sister is married with two children, so there wasn’t a love triangle. But, there was a big misunderstanding that led to Brent and Britney’s breakup, which causes some tension between Christine and her sister.  

The small town is charming, the romance is swoony and sweet, and there is just enough drama to make the story interesting.  

Recommendation: 

I highly recommend Something Old, Something New to anyone who enjoys sweet romances.  I received a complimentary copy of this book.  The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About Amy Clipston

Amy Clipston is an award-winning bestselling author and has been writing for as long as she can remember. She's sold more than one million books, and her fiction writing “career” began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories. She has a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan University and is a member of the Authors Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America. Amy works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC, and lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and six spoiled rotten cats.

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52 responses to “Book Review: Something Old, Something New by Amy Clipston”

  4. itskoo

    Ack…I like the “plain sister” trope–I have no idea what the trope called–because I’ve always felt I was the plain one. I hate the dating an ex of a family member or friend though. This one sounds like one I would enjoy.

  5. Mallika

    This sounds a lovely read. I like the sound of the setting and the main characters (the twins being so different as well). Great review, Wendy🙂🙂

  14. Stephanie @ Bookfever

    Great review, Wendy! This sounds like a lovely romance. I’m glad there wasn’t a love triangle since I’m not a super big fan of them (unless they’re really well-written) and I also usually don’t like big misunderstandings in books just to create conflict. But maybe this was done well in this book? Thanks for sharing!

  17. Joanna @ TheGeekishBrunette

    Love a small town romance! It sounds like a very cute read. Glad you enjoyed it!

  18. Lark

    Great book to start the new year off with! Happy 2023! I hope it’s a fabulous year for you and your family. 😀

  21. Stephanie

    This sounds perfectly sweet and lovely – a wonderful book to read when you need a mood boost or just a bit of comfort. I’m so glad I read your review because I hadn’t heard about it anywhere else!