Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (September 9, 2008)
ISBN-10: 1595546308
ASIN: B0023RSZT6

A search for peace in Amish country proves anything but simple for a woman on the run from life…and herself.

As she discards the distractions of her former life, she befriends the young boy working on her family’s farm and his attractive widowed father, Samuel Stoltzfus. Despite Lillian’s best efforts to the contrary, her feelings for Samuel–and his for her–deepen. Will Lillian find her faith in Plain living, or will she be forced to return to her former life?

This was a sweet story about a woman who is searching for something. Miserable with her life, she escapes from her abusive, live-in boyfriend and goes on a quest to find her estranged grandparents in Amish territory. Lillian’s life is full of questions: Why did you mom leave the Amish community when she was young? Who is Lillian’s father? Can she find the peace she seeks by living as an Amish woman for awhile?

While living among the Amish, Lillian grows closer to her grandparents, feeling sadness about her grandfather’s cancer. He is suffering, but will only do so much to ease his own pain because of his Amish beliefs. Lillian’s grandmother is worn out, and Lillian attempts to make the lives of the elderly couple easier as she learns the Amish way of life.

Romantic sparks fly when Emily meets Samuel, a young Amish widower. She grows close to Samuel’s son, but the couple struggles with the fact that it’s a sin to be unequally yoked and Lillian is not an Amish woman.

I thought this story was sweet and enjoyable. It was a light, inspiring read.

SPOILER BELOW:

Don’t read the following if you haven’t read the book but plan on reading it in the future.

I did think it was a bit unrealistic that Lillian became Amish at the end. I’ve noticed in some of the Plain/Amish stories that an English person will become Amish at the end – this especially happens when they want to live happily ever after with their Amish mate. I’d think it would be a rare feat to give up all modern conveniences that we’ve enjoyed since birth and convert to the Amish way of live. Although it’s possible, I don’t feel that it’s plausible. This comment has no bearing on the story – I still thought it was a nice read, but I just couldn’t imagine the ending to turn out like it did.

~Cecelia Dowdy~