westcoastchelle's review
4.0
A nice, easy, predictable romance... not to be underrated. There's something to be said for a book that doesn't completely shred your insides. Again this book suffers from the whole "miscommunication as a plot device" ailment that seems to be affecting romance authors everywhere. Fortunately there's more to it than that. We don't doubt through the book that they love each other, there's just stuff in the way. As stuff tends to do. The story of God's grace and forgiveness is beautifully woven in between the love story and the book left me feeling at peace. A great little read.
mick's review
2.0
Extremely easy read ("fluff") but a nice enough story. No major surprises, but enjoyable for some very light reading.
xakyr's review
4.0
I have a love hate relationship with getting sick. I love it because I wind up just lying on the couch reading all day, but I hate the fact that getting sick forces me into resting and not doing the things around the house that need doing. I've got one doozy of a cold right now, so I was able to lay down and read this book in a day, that's how good it was!
This is a story about a woman searching for faith, and finding it in the last place she expected. I enjoyed her struggle to find faith in God, and her struggles with her new lifestyle. I loved how flawed she was, with her very colorful and checkered past. Her Amish "hero" was the strong silent type, but when the chips were down, he was there when she needed him, though he often doubted her motives and their relationship. The book was well written, and left me looking to pick up the rest of the books in the series.
This is a story about a woman searching for faith, and finding it in the last place she expected. I enjoyed her struggle to find faith in God, and her struggles with her new lifestyle. I loved how flawed she was, with her very colorful and checkered past. Her Amish "hero" was the strong silent type, but when the chips were down, he was there when she needed him, though he often doubted her motives and their relationship. The book was well written, and left me looking to pick up the rest of the books in the series.
sanderle's review
5.0
didn't like the protagonist that much but wow this was so well-written/constructed
2018: well clearly this didn’t have a lasting impression on me, because I just read it again & had no idea it was on my “read” shelf already
2018: well clearly this didn’t have a lasting impression on me, because I just read it again & had no idea it was on my “read” shelf already
jazzyjan94's review
5.0
This review appears on my blog: https://confessionsofabookwormweb.wordpress.com/2019/08/30/book-review-plain-perfect-daughters-of-the-promise-1-by-beth-wiseman/
Lately I’ve been on an Amish kick when it comes to reading, it’s been several years since I read my last Amish fiction book, and honestly, I don’t know why I stopped reading them. But now that I’ve been reintroduced to them I can’t get enough of them. Beth Wiseman is a new author to me, I’m pretty sure I haven’t read any of her books before, and I think I’ve found a new favorite author.
Plain Perfect tells the story of Lillian Miller who is a 27 year-old woman who goes to live with her Amish grandparents in Lancaster County. Lillian’s mother had left her Amish roots behind before Lillian was born, but her life has been a complicated ever since, as has Lillian’s. Lillian is tired of a complicated life and wants to experience peace for the first time, therefore she decides to spend several months trying to practice the Amish lifestyle despite not having an understanding of it. Another complication arises when she meets an Amish widower, Samuel Stoltzfus, and his son David, and the possibility of an unlikely romance that blossoms between them.
I really enjoyed this novel, I felt like Beth Wiseman does a good job of introducing readers to a character who is desperately seeking for peace, a change of pace and even trying to figure out more about having a relationship with God. I didn’t find the book preachy, but rather through Lillian’s journey to find answers, the readers are introduced to where true peace comes from and just how important forgiveness is. We are also introduced to some colorful characters, especially that of Lillian’s grandpa Jonas, who although he is Old Order Amish doesn’t see any issues with bucking against tradition. I also liked how his wife, Irma Rose contrasted with him, even though they deeply love each other, but yet she is also dispense some great nuggets of wisdom to her granddaughter.
Lillian’s love interest, Samuel, was also interesting because not only do we see him overcoming the grief he has had for his wife who died several years before the start of the novel, he also comes to terms with being able to love again, however he feels the need to fight against his attraction for Lillian, an outsider who doesn’t seem to be interested in joining the Old Order Amish community anytime soon. However, I’m sure most readers will know how things eventually end for this couple, but it is still worth reading. David was another great character, and seeing him grapple with some issues in his beliefs at such a tender age, but yet not losing his innocence was great and he really was a great character.
Overall, I think this was a great story, and I really enjoyed the romance between the two characters (Spoiler Alert), and also watching Lillian grow as a person, as well as Samuel even though he is set in his ways. There are a couple of twists that happen in the novel that I wasn’t expecting, but they only add to the charm of this story, as well as providing information on the Amish culture. I am looking forward to reading more of Beth Wiseman’s books in the future. 4/5 Stars.
Lately I’ve been on an Amish kick when it comes to reading, it’s been several years since I read my last Amish fiction book, and honestly, I don’t know why I stopped reading them. But now that I’ve been reintroduced to them I can’t get enough of them. Beth Wiseman is a new author to me, I’m pretty sure I haven’t read any of her books before, and I think I’ve found a new favorite author.
Plain Perfect tells the story of Lillian Miller who is a 27 year-old woman who goes to live with her Amish grandparents in Lancaster County. Lillian’s mother had left her Amish roots behind before Lillian was born, but her life has been a complicated ever since, as has Lillian’s. Lillian is tired of a complicated life and wants to experience peace for the first time, therefore she decides to spend several months trying to practice the Amish lifestyle despite not having an understanding of it. Another complication arises when she meets an Amish widower, Samuel Stoltzfus, and his son David, and the possibility of an unlikely romance that blossoms between them.
I really enjoyed this novel, I felt like Beth Wiseman does a good job of introducing readers to a character who is desperately seeking for peace, a change of pace and even trying to figure out more about having a relationship with God. I didn’t find the book preachy, but rather through Lillian’s journey to find answers, the readers are introduced to where true peace comes from and just how important forgiveness is. We are also introduced to some colorful characters, especially that of Lillian’s grandpa Jonas, who although he is Old Order Amish doesn’t see any issues with bucking against tradition. I also liked how his wife, Irma Rose contrasted with him, even though they deeply love each other, but yet she is also dispense some great nuggets of wisdom to her granddaughter.
Lillian’s love interest, Samuel, was also interesting because not only do we see him overcoming the grief he has had for his wife who died several years before the start of the novel, he also comes to terms with being able to love again, however he feels the need to fight against his attraction for Lillian, an outsider who doesn’t seem to be interested in joining the Old Order Amish community anytime soon. However, I’m sure most readers will know how things eventually end for this couple, but it is still worth reading. David was another great character, and seeing him grapple with some issues in his beliefs at such a tender age, but yet not losing his innocence was great and he really was a great character.
Overall, I think this was a great story, and I really enjoyed the romance between the two characters (Spoiler Alert), and also watching Lillian grow as a person, as well as Samuel even though he is set in his ways. There are a couple of twists that happen in the novel that I wasn’t expecting, but they only add to the charm of this story, as well as providing information on the Amish culture. I am looking forward to reading more of Beth Wiseman’s books in the future. 4/5 Stars.
pixieauthoress's review
5.0
With so many other Amish books that I own and need to read, I hadn't thought about checking out the work of Beth Wiseman until a friend leant me this book. Picking it up one evening when I was feeling under the weather and wanting to read a "real" book rather than something on my Kindle, I found myself pleasantly surprised. I almost devoured this book in an entire evening, unable to put it down. Lillian was a hilarious character, constantly putting her foot in her mouth whenever she claimed that she wanted to find "peace" amongst the Amish, and insisting that she'd manage fine because she knows how to cook! I loved that Beth had created such an unconventional, flawed heroine. Even though I couldn't entirely relate to her problems (nor her immaturity, that on any other character would have annoyed me) I wanted to keep reading about her because she was so entertaining.
The other characters in the novel were incredibly endearing, from the vastly different grandparents - the grandfather who saw the good in everyone and spoke his mind, and the grandmother who was still hurting from the loss of her daughter - to Samuel and his sweet son - who couldn't help but hope that Lillian would become his new mother. I even liked Lillian's "rival", who ended up being her friend. It was sweet to witness Lillian and Samuel unintentionally falling in love with each other, showing the readers how people from such vastly different backgrounds can find comfort in each other.
While I can sometimes be wary of conversion-to-the-Amish plotlines, Lillian's visit to Lancaster County made sense in that her mother had left the Amish as a teen, and both of them had subconsciously yearned to return there. I would have to say that Lillian's acceptance of the Amish ways wasn't entirely convincing, and that's why I'd give this book 9/10 rather than 10/10. At one point, she questioned why Amish women should be subservient to their husbands and she wasn't satisfied with her grandmother's answer - but this was never brought up again. I personally feel like Lillian would have needed a lot more convincing to join the Amish lifestyle, especially when it came to accepting "God's will" about bad situations. This is probably the part that I had the most difficulty with in this book. Even as a Christian, I don't believe it's "God's will" for bad things to happen - but I do believe it is His will for good things to come out of bad situations. But calling the death of a young woman from cancer "God's will" suggests that God intended for her to die - and I don't think this is the way it is at all. Lillian struggled with this also, but she seemed to finally accept it in the end but it was never really explained. I felt like too much was spent dwelling on the idea of "God's will" and it left me feeling a bit uncomfortable.
Despite my minor struggles with this book, I did really enjoy it. When a sudden tragedy struck Lillian's family near the end of the book I actually had tears in my eyes, which made me realise how attached I'd become to these characters. While the plot may have been rather predictable, the characters were far from conventional and I'd definitely recommend this book to fans of Amish fiction of the likes of Amy Clipston, Barbara Cameron, Vannetta Chapman and Kelly Long. I'm excited to get on to the next book and see where Beth takes our characters next. 9/10
The other characters in the novel were incredibly endearing, from the vastly different grandparents - the grandfather who saw the good in everyone and spoke his mind, and the grandmother who was still hurting from the loss of her daughter - to Samuel and his sweet son - who couldn't help but hope that Lillian would become his new mother. I even liked Lillian's "rival", who ended up being her friend. It was sweet to witness Lillian and Samuel unintentionally falling in love with each other, showing the readers how people from such vastly different backgrounds can find comfort in each other.
While I can sometimes be wary of conversion-to-the-Amish plotlines, Lillian's visit to Lancaster County made sense in that her mother had left the Amish as a teen, and both of them had subconsciously yearned to return there. I would have to say that Lillian's acceptance of the Amish ways wasn't entirely convincing, and that's why I'd give this book 9/10 rather than 10/10. At one point, she questioned why Amish women should be subservient to their husbands and she wasn't satisfied with her grandmother's answer - but this was never brought up again. I personally feel like Lillian would have needed a lot more convincing to join the Amish lifestyle, especially when it came to accepting "God's will" about bad situations. This is probably the part that I had the most difficulty with in this book. Even as a Christian, I don't believe it's "God's will" for bad things to happen - but I do believe it is His will for good things to come out of bad situations. But calling the death of a young woman from cancer "God's will" suggests that God intended for her to die - and I don't think this is the way it is at all. Lillian struggled with this also, but she seemed to finally accept it in the end but it was never really explained. I felt like too much was spent dwelling on the idea of "God's will" and it left me feeling a bit uncomfortable.
Despite my minor struggles with this book, I did really enjoy it. When a sudden tragedy struck Lillian's family near the end of the book I actually had tears in my eyes, which made me realise how attached I'd become to these characters. While the plot may have been rather predictable, the characters were far from conventional and I'd definitely recommend this book to fans of Amish fiction of the likes of Amy Clipston, Barbara Cameron, Vannetta Chapman and Kelly Long. I'm excited to get on to the next book and see where Beth takes our characters next. 9/10
pageturnersandsweettea's review
5.0
A wunderbaar Amish novel set in the quaint Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Beth Wiseman combines love, faith in God, friendship and family in a way that captures the reader and holds them to the very end!
Lillian Miller, trying to escape a life of lies and a relationship she doesn't need, flees to her Amish grandparents' home in Lancaster County, knowing all along that she will never fit in with her modern style. While there, she discovers truths about her past...things her mother never told her.
Samuel Stoltzfus is a young Amish widow, trying to raise his young son. He meets the young Englischer, the granddaughter of his close friends. He knows the rules of the Ordnung, but can he truly deny what he feels in his heart???
She's forced to choose between two worlds...one of lies and abuse, and one of simple, family oriented, Godly, plain living...and a life with a wunderbaar, caring man.
What will happen to Lillian and her perfect, modern life and Samuel, with his plain living? Will they face the truth of their feelings, hearts and God and become Plain Perfectin this amazing inspirational novel?
Grab some coffee and a copy of Beth's novel, sit back and enjoy this first book in a wonderful series, Daughters of the Promise! You'll be glad you did! This book truly deserves to be highly praised and I think you'll agree once you,too, have read Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman!!!!! Two thumbs up and five stars to Mrs. Wiseman!!! This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads
Lillian Miller, trying to escape a life of lies and a relationship she doesn't need, flees to her Amish grandparents' home in Lancaster County, knowing all along that she will never fit in with her modern style. While there, she discovers truths about her past...things her mother never told her.
Samuel Stoltzfus is a young Amish widow, trying to raise his young son. He meets the young Englischer, the granddaughter of his close friends. He knows the rules of the Ordnung, but can he truly deny what he feels in his heart???
She's forced to choose between two worlds...one of lies and abuse, and one of simple, family oriented, Godly, plain living...and a life with a wunderbaar, caring man.
What will happen to Lillian and her perfect, modern life and Samuel, with his plain living? Will they face the truth of their feelings, hearts and God and become Plain Perfectin this amazing inspirational novel?
Grab some coffee and a copy of Beth's novel, sit back and enjoy this first book in a wonderful series, Daughters of the Promise! You'll be glad you did! This book truly deserves to be highly praised and I think you'll agree once you,too, have read Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman!!!!! Two thumbs up and five stars to Mrs. Wiseman!!! This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads