Review: Plain Peace by Beth Wiseman

Book Description

Anna loves the grandfather who raised her, but his strict adherence to the Ordnung is scaring away any boy who might be interested in her—except newcomer Jacob.

In normal circumstances Anna Byler would have her choice of any of the young men in her Amish community. But because of the strict rules enforced by her grandfather, the bishop, the available suitors are afraid to court her. Then handsome Jacob Hostetler moves to Paradise and decides Anna is worth the challenge.

Anna sees that the bishop’s legalism is dividing the community and risking the lives of its members—but her grandfather doesn’t. When she is forced to deception in order to pursue her dream of marriage and family with Jacob, Anna feels her own faith slipping. If only she could get her grandmother to help her stand up to the bishop. But Mammi is keeping secrets of her own.

Anna wants to honor her grandparents, the two most important people in her life, but her heart is divided by the rules that guide their little Amish community and the growing love she has for Jacob. How can she be true to both?

Plain Peace is the 6th book in the Daughters of the Promise series.  It is the first book that I have read in the series.  I have to say that it was not at all what I was expecting.  It was definitely not what I would consider a "typical" Amish Fiction.  It is a very good story.  The characters in this book all have real problems and struggles just like the rest of us.  Some of the problems were easier to solve then others, and at several points in the story I wondered how the author would resolve many of the issues.  I enjoyed the plot twists and turns.  I really enjoyed the resolution of the problems, especially how Anna's Mammi dealt with the secrets she had been keeping and the enormous good it brought to her community.  I think that even the big problems were handled well in the story.  The author didn't wave a "happily ever after" magic wand, but instead acknowledged that some things take a long time to work through while still giving the book an ending that was pleasing to the reader.

Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary copy of Plain Peace for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review.  I received no other compensation and all opinions are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC regulations.