Wednesday, August 20, 2014

A Plain Man - by Mary Ellis

book title front

About the book:

Bestselling author Mary Ellis offers an engaging new standalone Amish romance about a prodigal seeking to find his way home.

Though Caleb Beachy lived in the Englisch world for some years, he is a Plain man at heart. When he decides to return to the Amish lifestyle, he moves back home and goes to work for his father. Soon these two strong-willed men find themselves at odds. Caleb discovers there’s more to embracing his faith and reconnecting with the community than merely driving a horse and buggy and giving up Levis.

Josie Yoder was just a girl when he left. All grown up now, she gives Caleb hope for the future. She soothes his frayed temper and is determined to remind him that while his faith may have wavered, God never left his side. Caleb is tempted to return Josie’s feelings, but the choices he made while away are a heavy burden on his conscience. Will past mistakes end up destroying their fledgling romance? Or will she be able to break through the wall around his heart?


A Plain Man is more than just a sweet romance centered in Amish beliefs. It’s the ever-fresh story of a wounded heart finding joy, health, and healing in God’s infinite grace.

My review:

I really enjoyed this refreshing Amish story with a strong male point of view.  I haven't often seen stories about Amish people who leave for quite a few years and then return and it was interesting how Caleb had to adjust back to the Amish way of doing things after living as an Englishman for so long.  He had really strayed from the straight and narrow while away, so seeing how all of his baggage affected his choices and relationships was tough.  It's a good reminder that we may be forgiven, but there are always consequences.  The romance was cute and I really liked the banter Caleb and Josie had with each other.  Josie was such a fun, spunky character!  I enjoyed both her and his sister, Sarah's, viewpoints, too.  I thought what Caleb decided to do was unique when he was struggling with all of the sins of his past, but wondered how it could really fit with his Amish faith.  I was pretty frustrated with his father and how stubborn and almost mean he could be when his children disagreed with him, especially since he was the bishop.  Caleb's other sister was a piece of work, too!  I liked most of the characters, though, and would definitely recommend this story to Amish fiction lovers!

I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

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