Plain Peace

by Beth Wiseman
Thomas Nelson Publishers

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? 

My Review:

Legalism in the church setting I am all - too familiar with, so I have a whole lot of an opinion with this novel! Anna's desire to please and honor her grandparents, while being forced to be deceptive in order to pursue romantic possibilities, is also a theme I have personal experience with, so naturally, I loved this book. 

That being said, Wiseman creates a story full of likable, believable characters; complete with situations that are true to life (I've been there, done that!) and weaved a story of love, forgiveness, hope, despair, acceptance, rejection and second chances. It's a fine line that's drawn when a family forbids a relationship, yet the individual feels it's the right one. It doesn't always work out in the end, but it is a tough call to make when you love your family yet want that other person more than life itself. Anna faces this scenario among many other mini-conflicts, and Wiseman drew me to the story from the very first page. A triumphant novel for the world of Christian Amish Fiction, and recommended for any lover of reading. 

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.