Belonging

Temptation #2

by Karen Ann Hopkins

I left everything I knew behind.

But it was worth it. He was worth it.

No one thought an ordinary girl like me would last two minutes living with the Amish, not even me. There are a lot more rules and a lot less freedom, and I miss my family and the life I once had. Worst of all, Noah and I aren't even allowed to see each other. Not until I've proven myself.

If I can find a way to make it work, we'll be NOAH & ROSE

together forever.

But not everybody believes this is where I belong.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Amish, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Young Adult Contemporary, Teen

408 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

You can visit Karen Ann Hopkins at her website: www.karenannhopkinsfiction.com.

"I loved joining Rose and Noah during their journey in the Temptation series by Karen Hopkins."-Katie McGarry, acclaimed YA author

Karen Ann Hopkins resides in northern Kentucky with her family on a farm that boasts a menagerie of horses, goats, sheep, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, pigs, dogs, and cats. Karen rescues and fosters a variety of pets and farm animals, but she also finds time to give riding lessons, coach a youth equestrian drill team, and of course, write. She was inspired to create her first book, Temptation, by the Amish community she lives in. The experiential knowledge she gained through her interactions with her neighbors drove the story of the star-crossed lovers, Rose and Noah.

Karen grew up about a mile from Lake Ontario in Upstate New York. She was bitten by the horse bug at the age of five, and after diligently taking riding lessons for several years, was rewarded with her first horse at the age of eleven. The feisty horse’s name was Lady, a Quarter Horse-Thoroughbred cross, who became Karen’s steadfast companion. Through the years, the constant force in her life was horses. Eventually, she found her place as a riding instructor herself. Before accepting her fate in the barnyard, she worked a short stint as a paralegal, traveled abroad, and guided tourists on horseback riding tours in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

Karen is currently working on her bestselling Amish mystery series, Serenity's Plain Secrets, along with several new projects. Karen is also excited to announce there will be more books in the Temptation series.

Reviews

[Stacia (the 2010 club) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a moment to pick my jaw up off of the floor after finishing this book. I honestly had no clue what was coming in the last 20% and it surprised me in a very good way. Even though everyone seemed to have taken the bus to batshit-crazy town, the final chain of events provided a good dose of suspense which delivered me to a place of wondering what could possibly happen next.

Backtracking for a second, I feel compelled to mention a show that I watched not long ago in which a young girl decided she might want to try living life in an Amish community in order to see if it would drive her to a place where she would eventually convert/join up with their church and community.

I thought of that show while reading Rose's transition over to living in the Amish community. Imagine being taken from a life of modern convenience and moved over into a life where every task is now 10 times more difficult to complete. You aren't able to use cell phones, drive cars, or even use appliances in order to go about completing your daily duties. Your life is now about getting up before dawn, doing everything by hand, and falling asleep bone tired while the rest of the world is settling in to watch their nightly t.v.

This is what Rose signed up for when she decided that her love for Noah was worth more to her than her life of convenience. I appreciated that the author took the time to really delve into the details of day-to-day life in an Amish community and showed in detail how rough the transition was on Rose.

Belonging showed more of a balance to this intense and all-consuming love story than the first book did. In other words : if you want to sacrifice all for love, you might actually have to learn the meaning of the word sacrifice. There was a depth to the relationship which wasn't really shown before, because book 1 was all about the fall.

Now, it's all about life after the fall. And this is where life gets tricky.

As Rose's new friend noted, love is about giving up your life but not your soul. This is something Rose is still struggling with. It's good to see how life's tough decisions are not so easily finalized, even when you think you've already decided your path.

Book 1 was a sweet love story but the story was still finding a leg to stand on. Book 2 stood on its own and then took off sprinting from out of nowhere. Bravo, Ms. Hopkins. I am looking forward to what comes next for Noah and Rose after the exciting ending of Belonging.

No gripes, except for one brief annoyance. Noah, you said one thing - ONE thing to Constance and you hurt my heart in that moment. Whether it was true or not made no difference. I was disappointed. Sigh. You better be stepping up to the plate and making me fall in love with you again in book 3.

This book was provided from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Are you an adult who is still young at heart? Come share your passion for YA fic with us! Rated YA-MA

[Audrey Henning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow....Wow...Wow...WOWOWOWOWOW

This series so far has just been INCREDIBLE. There were a few minor things that bugged me a bit and I will get to those in a second, but this book took me on an emotional roller coaster!

The one major thing that irritated me through this series was the fact that Rose only made the commitment to be Amish because of Noah. She didn't like their ways, didn't agree with their beliefs, but solely joined them just to please Noah. That's a huge NO NO. I can't really imagine that an Amish Bishop would be ok with an English girl joining their community just because of a guy. It would have to be more than that. Just doesn't seem realistic.

Other than that, after I finished this book, I just had to sit there for a second. I was so blown away I could barely think. Karen Ann Hopkins writes an incredible teen romance. This book is filled with so many surprising twists and turns. You never know what is going to happen next!

This book is definitely one of the best books I've read so far this year!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, now that I got that out of my system, lets get down to my incoherent thoughts. ::exhales:: How can I like and strongly dislike a series at the same time? In all seriousness these books put me in such a foul mood but I can’t stop reading them. The story is enticing, but the characters drive me freaking nuts.

Belonging starts off where Temptation left off. Rose is now living in the Amish community and she is thrown into the daily life of an Amish woman. She gets up at the crack of dawn everyday, does laundry by hand, scrubs the white fence, and even helps deliver a baby or two. I admire Rose for sticking it out and working so hard but she hates being there and can’t see herself being an Amish woman for the rest of her life yet she continues to torture herself and her family so she can make a life with Noah. Yes, love requires sacrifice at times but Rose is sacrificing everything and Noah is sacrificing nothing. And don’t even get me started on Rose being told to distance herself from her brothers and father. It fills me with rage.

I know this review is all over the place and it isn’t much of a review but more of a rant on how Rose and Noah’s relationship angers me. I want them to be together, but I don’t. I don’t think they are mature enough to handle the road that is head of them. I really don’t. I’m still not sure if Karen Ann Hopkins wrote this as a YA romance novel, or a YA not to do novel. It’s like Rose and Noah have no freaking sense!

Ughhh. I’m sorry, I’m just so frustrated with those two! The book as a whole was alright. A lot of drama happens throughout this book and it keeps you interested in the story but the real drama doesn’t start until the last half of the book. Reading from Sam’s pov, and having a new character, Summer, was sort of Belonging’s saving grace. That’s right, this book has three POV’s. But they pretty much have their own voice so it reads smoothly. Even though this book drives me to insanity I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book. That ending though, why, just why. I’m happy but so unhappy. Damn freaking cliffhangers and crappy situations. UGH!

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to
This is book 2 in the ‘Temptation’ series, and kicks off where book 1 ‘Temptation’ ended.
**Warning – some unavoidable spoilers for book 1 ‘Temptation’ (ie: like the fact that Rose and Noah are still together)**
Having made the decision to join the Amish community in order to be with her Amish boyfriend, Rose now has to get used to her new plain life, and all the new rules and laws that come with it. The Amish aren’t exactly making this easy for her, but thankfully a few key people are supporting her which she desperately needs.

Just because Rose and Noah are trying to build a relationship, doesn’t mean that everyone else is helping too. Rose’s father and brothers are still expecting her to come home, and are unhappy when it seems that she’s not budging, and there are several members of the Amish community who are trying to put a spanner in the works too.
Can Rose and Noah really be together? Will Rose take the next step and become fully Amish for him? And how long can a relationship work, when people are trying to tear it apart?



Beautiful and un-put-down-able, this story is one hell of a rollercoaster ride through Amish customs, and one girl’s undying love for her Amish boyfriend.

I was really excited when I saw this book on Netgalley because I was so interested to find out what would become of Noah and Rose, and how Rose would manage living an Amish life. Book 1 raised some serious questions for me about Rose and Noah’s relationship, and by half-way through this instalment, these same questions were raised again. How could Noah seriously expect Rose to give up everything to become Amish to be with him, when he was willing to give up… nothing? Even after Rose has made such huge sacrifices; given up her family, her friends, her home, her way of life, and even her clothes, watch, and shoes, Noah seems unwilling to give up anything, which gives me serious worries over the longevity of their relationship – how long will it be before Rose resents the fact that she is the only one to have made sacrifices for this relationship?

Anyway, there isn’t really a lot of romance in this instalment, as most of the time Rose and Noah are kept separated for some reason or another. When they are together things are emotionally heated though, and it is obvious that they feel real passion for each other. It’s this passion and longing that keep the tension in the story, and keep you desperately reading to find out what will happen next!
Rose and Noah both seem to love each other, and it seems to be constantly other people’s interfering that messes with their relationship, it’s good to see how difficult it is for people to keep them apart though, and good to see what happens after the ‘love at first sight’. Even against the odds I kept routing for Rose and Noah to somehow find a way to make their relationship work, as it seemed unfair how difficult it was for them to be together.

We got a bit more of an insight into the Amish way of life in this instalment which was interesting, and it was easy to see where Rose might have difficulties with the lifestyle, and difficulties realising that her own wedding would be a sullen and dull affair – something difficult for any girl to accept. Again though, it seemed that Noah thought that Rose would become Amish and love it, and it was a little difficult to accept that he thought that this was easy for Rose.

I really liked the storyline in this book, and I thought that the whole Amish thing was dealt with really well. The problems between Noah and Rose were not going to be easily solved, but I really hope that the possible light at the end of the tunnel comes through for them.
The ending of this book was pretty messed up, with Rose regretting some decisions that she made, and a massive cliff-hanger for us to think over until the next book comes out! (I want it now!)
Overall; a beautiful and compelling tale of a young couple in love, and the people that are trying to tear them apart. Highly recommended.
8.5 out of 10.

[Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great second book to this series! Everything within this book just makes me love Karen Ann Hopkins even more than I did when I began the first one!!!

[Bonnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars originally posted to Words at Home blog: http://www.wordsathome.ca/2013/07/bel...

Belonging is the second book in the Temptation series. Belonging finds Rose attempting to give up her English life and become Amish so that she can be with Noah. Rose gives up her family, friends, school (her dad insists that she finishes High School by correspondence) for what she thinks will be the opportunity to date Noah. Little does she know that physical contact, or even spending time alone with Noah will be forbidden until she takes her vows, joins the Amish church and essentially becomes engaged to Noah. This is what Noah has always wanted but Rose is in complete turmoil over the decision and is constantly second guessing herself and her decision. While she wants desperately to be with Noah she struggles with the Amish way of life, their beliefs and expectations of her.

When I read Temptation I quickly found that I hated the characters but I still enjoyed the story and found that it really held my attention. Unfortunately I really had to struggle to finish Belonging. Noah with an arrogant jerk and Rose was stupid and naive. They didn’t get any better in Belonging, if possible Noah actually became worse. He was controlling, rigid and selfish. Noah treated Rose like a child and certainly did not want to be in a relationship with an equal, he was looking for someone he could control and who would be at his beck and call.

“I knew that there weren’t any burning flames within the girl – and that was what drew me to her. She was the complete opposite of Rose. Here was the type of girl that was passive and agreeabel – the kind that would follow her husband anywhere.”

Gross, I mean seriously. Yes the Amish have very strict gender roles, the men are typically farmers or work construction, where the women work in the home and raise children, but never have I encountered this completely disrespectful, view of women in any Amish reading I have done.

Rose was definitely unsure in her decision to join the Amish, but she did it anyways and this is another one of the reasons that I just cannot identify with the girl. She was just so ridiculous. At 17 she was willing to leave her family, throw away everything she had ever known, life a lifestyle that she didn’t necessary enjoy or believe in all to be with her complete jerk of a boyfriend who treated her like crap. Rose may have joined the Amish but she was secretly hoping that one day she could convince Noah to leave the Church and live English. Other than being a great kisser or offering some eye candy I don’t know what Noah ever did for, or gave to, Rose. It was just bad. Seriously bad.

“That was the thing I hated the most – not being sure whether I was doing the right thing.”

“Don’t listen to him… You’re everything to me, and we’ve finally reached the point where we can be together. I’m not going to let your damn brother mess things up for us.” He didn’t cuss very often, so I knew he was feeling insecure.

And… I was wondering if Noah was becoming so addicted to me that he might change his mind about becoming English someday. The secret wish that I’d had for so long came to life in my mind… and for the first time I thought it might be a real possibility.

Rose and Noah certainly did not have a mature relationship. They did not respect each other at all and other than having some physical chemistry there was nothing there. They spent all of their time apart hoping the other person would change to fit the definition of what they wanted in a partner with no regard to what the other person wanted or needed. It made me sick.

I just didn’t buy the Amish connection in this book. It was supposed to be about the Amish, but it just didn’t feel authentic. From what I know about the Amish they are rigid in their beliefs but they also strive to live a simple, Christian life. The portrayal of the Amish in Belonging was incredibly negative and Rose’s family is constantly referring to the Amish as crazy, backwards, uncivilized and cult-like. The book is loaded with tones of value statements about the Amish and the author’s portrayal of them certainly doesn’t help. In Temptation I felt as though Noah was vilinized, in Belonging the entire Amish way of life was vilinized. There was little to no mention of any of the positive aspects of the Amish community. Their willingness to help each other without question, their deep sense of family, or faith were all conveniently left out and instead they were shown to be an oppressive cult that one would have to be insane to want to join.

Belonging just wasn’t for me. Between the ridiculous and unlikable characters, the annoying relationship that Rose and Noah had and the completely critical and overly dramatized view of the Amish I truly had to struggle to finish reading this book. This is the end of the temptation series for me and unfortunately I just don’t care enough about Rose and Noah to invest any more time in reading the last book of the series.

I received an eARC of Belonging via Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC through NetGalley.

Wow. Woah. What?! I did not see that ending coming at all! While I really enjoyed Temptation, Belonging is even better! In the first book we got see Rose and Noah fall in love despite being from totally different worlds. Now we get to see their dedication to each other, or at least Rose’s dedication to becoming Amish. It’s not a decision to take lightly, but Rose wants Noah more than anything, so giving up her life of luxury comes easily. However, actually making the transition and adapting to the Amish way of life is hard work. I don’t just mean doing laundry by hand. Rose also has to take their values and customs to heart, not just play the role of dutiful Amish girl. Things were going quite well for Rose…until they weren’t.

I still found myself frustrated with Rose at times, but she did grow on me in Belonging. She is determined to prove that she can make it as an Amish woman in order to be with Noah. But that’s just it, she’s trying to prove something. A lot of the time I felt like it was her stubbornness keeping her in Meadowview rather than her love for Noah and an actual want to become Amish. It also seemed like she was trying to show him that she’s willing to make sacrifices for him, so that he’d make the ultimate sacrifice and leave his community for her. Maybe I’m just suspicious though. Rose does work very hard, but her attitude didn’t change much as she kept pointing out how the Amish are doing things “wrong.” She wasn’t really making the change, just putting on a show. I never doubted her commitment to Noah though.

Speaking of Noah, I adored him before, but now I like him even more! Sure some of his ideals about relationships are “backwards” but I could tell he really wanted Rose to succeed and become Amish so they could be together. He tried really hard to make sure she stayed on the righteous path, even though that was hard since they had very little time together. But he is a teenage boy with raging hormones, so at times he was less than gentlemanly. ;)

My favorite part of Belonging was learning more about this Amish community. As Rose settled into her new life, she of course asked questions, and her host parents answered them. It all felt natural without being info-dumpy, which I really appreciated. We also got to witness a few special events and observed how the Amish celebrate them. One being a wedding (one of the things Rose felt wasn’t up to her standards), the other being child birth. Rose also encounters members of other Amish communities and a Mennonite, so there were some contrasts between these different groups. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about a lifestyle so different than my own. We’re also let in on some of the more scandalous secrets of some of Rose’s new Amish girlfriends.

I also enjoyed seeing how Rose’s relationship with her family changed as she spent more time at Meadowview. It’s definitely not happy, as her father wants her home, but is hoping she’ll make that decision herself. Her brothers also miss her. There are actually a few chapters from Sam’s POV, which I didn’t really see the point of at first. However, it becomes clear toward to middle of Temptation. I can’t say more without spoiling, but it truly is rotten!

That ending was insane! Well, there’s actually two shocks. The first, I never saw coming at all, and it definitely had me at the edge of my seat. The second, however, was fairly predictable. I had a suspicion, since it was hinted at few times throughout, but I wasn’t sure if it would actually happen. Things are definitely going to get more complicated for Rose and Noah.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

[Jordan Rucks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose was your typical teenage girl,she was obsessed with her phone and clothes, until she fell in love with an amish boy. She wanted to do everything and anything so that she could be with him forever.Noah wouldn't be a disgrace to his family and leave the Amish community. That meant one thing,if Rose and him were going to be together, Rose was going to have to join the Amish community. When I started reading the book, I liked Rose from the very beginning. Her personality and mine are a lot alike. The one thing that makes us different though, is I don't think I would have the guts to join an Amish Community just like she did.Rose is a very stubborn person, she does what she thinks is right and doesn't care what anyone thinks.
Rose struggles the first few weeks, trying to keep up with all the new traditions and being away from her family.It doesn't help that most of the people in the Amish community are against her joining them.Even her expected her to give up the Amish life and come home after a week or two. Rose makes some friends right away, but Noah doesn't approve of them. I think Noah was just trying to protect her and make sure that they could stay together. The girls she becomes friends with are not the type of girls who follow all the rules. Rose is trying to prove herself along the way, but things don't get any easier. People are trying to get her in trouble for every little thing she does. Finally, she is accepted into the church and the community. Only problem is her dad has had enough with her join the Amish Community. Her dad and her brothers developed an evil plan to get her back. I was so mad at how Sam and his dad secretly wrote a note and gave it to Noah saying it was Rose. That is just an awful thing to do. After Noah read the note he hated Rose and Rose hate Noah for never coming and getting her. Rose didn't know about the note at all. Sam set Rose up with one of his friends, named Hunter. Personally, I thought they were really cute together and I was happy she could move on over Noah.
One day, Summer, who was one of Rose's friends and Sam's girlfriend, found out about the note and made Sam tell Noah and Rose. Rose was so upset with her family, but really she had a reason to be I thought. Noah and Rose get back together, but only problem is her dad says she has to go to college before she can move back to the Amish Community. Rose is hoping Noah will abandon his community and come and live in her world for awhile. I think Rose and Noah are really cute together. Rose was a little to young to make the decision of spending the rest of her life in a Amish community.
I would recommend this book to Middle School and High School girls. It is a book about a high school girls relationship and it has your usual high school drama. This book is also about feel different or out of place, which many middle school girls probably feel sometime. Once you start, you won't be able to put it down. The author uses words that most kids know and it is very well written. I would definitely recommend this book to others!

[Once · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempted by a love from a girl he couldn't have. Tempted by a love from a boy that was so different. Belonging to one another with a love so strong that neither one could deny, priceless.
Noah and Rose are inseparable. Faced with many challenges and extreme roadblocks ahead, they are each headed down a path with a common destination, however the path must be traveled alone. Belonging is the next chapter in this story of love and determination. Rose has found herself in a situation where she is excepted by many, however not all. The Amish community have given her the chance to prove herself. She has to prove that living the simple life is enough for her. She is willing to do this, because deep down inside she knows that the end of the path, means reaching Noah, her one and only love. Rose is up for the challenge. She strives to go above and beyond to prove herself worthy of the Amish way. The novel begins with a sense of comfort that the challenge may be an easy one however she learns quickly with the introduction of new characters and old, that the path to travel may be rocky.

An observation that I made very early regarding Belonging, was the cover. I understand that many authors do not have 100% final say on book cover picks. However, in the first book of the series, Temptation, it was left up to my imagination what Rose and Noah looked liked. The cover projected a shadow of true hidden passion. With Belonging, my visualization of what they look like has changed. This cover portrays a very older Noah and Rose. Her attire also threw me off a bit as well. Was the cover a deal breaker for me, NEVER!

Belonging was filled with many unexpected story lines, twist and turns that I didn't see coming. Karen Ann Hopkins has truly captured her audience by providing a novel that is filled with well thought out character development and a descriptive plots that is sprinkled throughout the novel with just enough hope to push the reader on. I'm invested in Rose and Noah's story. Belonging is a novel that you won't put down until the last page. Thank you Karen Ann Hopkins for putting their world down on paper for all readers to enjoy. I shall wait patiently for the 3rd book in this wonderful series.

[Farrah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely sequel that takes things to a new level. Belonging was a wonderful read that had everything that made Temptation so good-forbidden love, defying expectations-and did it even better. I really enjoyed this book.

In this book, Rose is struggling to adapt to the Amish way of life. Though she doesn't find it easy, she still perseveres so that she can be with Noah. She proved her strength in how she adapted to Amish lifestyle and how she reacted when her family took things into their own hands. I really liked her in book 1 and I still do in this book. Though after that ending, I wonder what she will do.

Noah was still so sweet in this book. I did have one complaint, though. He reacted like a total drama queen when something happened, courtesy of Rose's family. I don't want to give it away, because it's the biggest twist in this book, but he didn't react very well. I wouldn't have minding some pouting and brooding, but he brought another person into it and that was unfair. Nonetheless, I still liked his character. He was just so adorable.

The romance definitely deepened in this book. Even as it was challenged in a very difficult way. But I still thought these two lovebirds were super sweet together. I did think they needed to learn some sensitivity. They had a tendency to run blindly towards each other and not realize how many people are affected by their decisions. And that was a little frustrating. But, I still really liked them as a couple. And, after the twist at the end, I'm curious to see how they deal with that revelation.

The plot was well paced. Like book 1, it went at a steady and restful pace. There were definitely more twists and surprises in this book and I loved it. The ending was a huge cliffhanger and now I can't wait to get my hands on book 3 to see how things end for our star-crossed lovers.

Belonging was a brilliant sequel that didn't disappoint. Quite the opposite, actually. It took what made Temptation so great and did it even better. Loved this book! Fans of book 1, you won't be disappointed in this book. For those who haven't started the series, you should definitely give it a try because it's wonderful.

*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belonging, will Rose belong amongst the Amish? Does she have what it takes to live amongst the Amish? Well I have to say Rose does a good job, and I do mean it was a job. Washing, baking all by hand and from scratch, but she does it, yay for her. I don't think I would have faired to well, to spoiled now with all the modern conveniences that are in my life. She has Noah though the love of her life and she is willing to sacrifice and go the distance for him. Rose has to do it alone too, she is not aloud to spend time with Noah other than a few chance moments they are able to steal, until they start officially courting. There are some HUGE surprises in this one. Plenty of heart wrenching moments, hold your breath moments and jump up and down moments. I love the chemistry between Noah and Rose it nearly left my kindle scorched. I love Noah he is so chivalrous, as well as thick headed. Rose is such a good friend too, I was so proud of her subtle ability to comfort Miranda. I love the way Mrs. Hopkins wrights its so engaging and beautiful. I love this series and anxiously await the third.

Clean read sex no details

[Naima · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you read a book on a Tuesday and by Thursday have re-read it four times, it becomes necessary to get on goodreads and leave a 5 star review. I give in. I adore this series. In this sequel, seventeen year old Rose decides to join the Amish church in order to be with ie. one-day-marry her Amish boyfriend Noah. What this author does an amazing job at is creating lots of emotional tension between Rose and Noah. It's a hands off courting community and they must still sneak around to talk to each other. And of course there are plenty of obstacles in their way that they must get around. Rose's family isn't happy, nor are some people in the Amish world.

Another thing I liked about this book is that it doesn't paint a simple happy facade of the Amish community. It's very real both good and bad, and it makes Noah, Suzanna, Sarah, Ruth, Miranda and the others more appealing to read.

I really really really hope i don't have to wait a year for the next book in Rose and Noah's saga. I have my own firm idea of what will happen next in the Amish community but ack. i need to read the next book ASAP. I hate waiting.

[Deitre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belonging was filled with many unexpected story lines, twist and turns that I didn’t see coming. Karen Ann Hopkins has truly captured her audience by providing a novel that is filled with well thought out character development and a descriptive plots that is sprinkled throughout the novel with just enough hope to push the reader on.

To read the rest of the review, simply follow the link: http://www.aleisuremoment.com/2014/02...

[TinaB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adored, Loved. And Im going to go totally bonkers waiting on book 3.

Review posting closer to release date.

[Chelsea Dulieu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, first I have to set the record straight (as it may shape the rest of my review) and say I was actually unaware that this was book 2 out of 4 of a series. I plucked it from my pile thinking it was a stand alone and never realised until I reached the end and saw the preview for the next instalment.

Perhaps that is why I couldn't get absorbed in the story, although to be honest I just didn't much care for the storyline.

This portion of the story starts of with our main heroin, Rose, who has just begun to make her transition in to the Amish community to be with the boy she loves, Noah. Rose must learn to live by the Amish ways, moving in with her surrogate family the Hershbergers - an elderly couple who's children have started their own families.

Overcoming her extreme new lifestyle has its challenges but she has the thoughts of finally being accepted in to the community and being able to be courted by Noah to pull her through. Spending her days baking, scrubbing the outdoor fences by hand and attending several-hour-long Church services is a far cry from her old teenage life - one that always comes crashing back to her whenever she runs in to her (unsupportive) father or older brother Sam.

Although her new community is not without friends after she immediately bonds with rebellious girls Suzanna, Miranda and 'Englisher' Summer Sage. The story is a constant battle between following her head or her heart and trying to decide if this Plain way of living can really be the rest of her life.

The part where I think the plot loses its grip on me is the age of our main characters. Rose is only sixteen at the beginning of the novel, an age that no family would let their child leave to experiment with a new life in an Amish community for love. Yes, discovering who you are, falling for your first love and exploring new friends and foes are all strong themes in any teenage based tale but here we are pushing the boundaries just a tiny bit too far.

Don't get me wrong, there were some endearing characters that were quite enjoyable. Ruth Hershberger is probably my stand out favorite and the part where Rose was snatched back by her family while unsuspecting Ruth entered the store to do her groceries was the only part of the story where I felt a true emotion. A loving and innocent mother figure I felt quite sad and sorry that her trust was taken advantage of. Noah's father was another heartwarming figure in the background that I grew fond of throughout the book.

Was it my favourite book ever? No. Did I hate it? No. Might it have been more enjoyable if I had read the rest of the series? Quite possibly! Have you read it? Let me know your thoughts!

[Sarah {Literary Meanderings} · Rating 3 out of 5]

♥ Find my reviews here: Literary Meanderings

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*This review contains spoilers for Temptation—book one in the series!*

Belonging picks up right where it's predecessor left off. Rose has decided to join the Amish community to be with Noah. She left her family behind and is now being integrated into the Amish community and lifestyle. She is living with an older Amish couple that I guess could be considered a “host family” or something similar.

Rose is accepted by some, but mostly she is met with wariness or outright hostility. Right from the get-go, Rose knows this will be a tough journey. She is told that she and Noah may not court until she is better acquainted with their “Plain” ways and joins the Amish church. But being with Noah is all she cares about, so she tries her best to fit in and prove herself.

Only, things won't be so easy once others decide to get involved. Not only does Rose have people within the Amish community working against her, but her own family is opposed to the arrangement as well. Her father only let her go to live with them under the assumption that Rose would tire of the back-breaking work and strict rules and come running home within a couple of weeks. But Rose proves to be very resilient, and months later, her father and older brother decide to take matters into their own hands.

The fallout of their actions causes a dramatic chain of events that will change all of their lives forever.

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**MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD!**

I enjoyed Temptation, but I did have my problems with it. The same is true for this book. Some of my issues are the same, some different. The first thing that I cannot wrap my head around is the fact that this is supposed to be a real and true love story. Rose and Noah are supposed to be this crazily epic couple, but what I read made it seem more unhealthy than anything. I understand all-consuming love, and I am all for it when done right, but this story bugs me. I don't like Noah. I just don't like him! He is way too possessive and judgmental. Everything Rose does is met with criticism! She gives up EVERYTHING for this guy, and all he does is complain! Not only that, but when Rose's family gets involved, Noah is too quick to bad-mouth Rose and cast their relationship aside.

I just don't see any real basis for love. I see lust. Pure lust. Throughout most of Noah's POV, he just thinks about how gorgeous Rose is, how much he wants to kiss and grope her, and how he can't wait to get some time alone with her so they can flirt and paw each other. The only thing about her personality that he outright claims to love is how strong-willed she is, but even that doesn't make sense, because within the next few pages he is putting her down for that exact thing.

And then we have Rose herself. I admire her to an extent for how much she puts forth to be with Noah. It's a heck of a lot more than he puts forth. She gives up her family, her clothes, her personality, her holidays, her beliefs, her time, her LIFE. And she does it with barely a complaint. She puts up with having to ignore Noah until they can court, and then she puts up with the hands-off (they can't even hold hands!) policy when they finally do begin courting. I admire the strength and dedication, the ability to persevere, etc. What I don't admire is giving up the very essence of who you are just to be with a boy who doesn't seem to care what you are sacrificing for him.

“Now here I was, within an hour of becoming officially an Amish woman. I'd agreed to obey a doctrine that I didn't understand, and to be honest, really didn't believe in. I felt as if I was a fraud.”

That pretty much says it all.

Their feelings for each other may be all-encompassing, but they don't seem like more than lust and the temptation of forbidden fruit.

What I really DID enjoy was how many new things the author threw into this book. For one thing, we had not two, but three POVs to read from. Rose, Noah, and Sam. Sam is Rose's older brother. We get to learn more of how her family feels about her being with the Amish. We also get a nice little side-story about Sam and his own love life. I am really excited to read more about this in the next book. :) I enjoyed having the extra element of Sam's POV to the story. He was the person I could relate to most of all. He doesn't agree with the fact that Rose has to join a religious order to be with the boy she loves.

Along with the side-plot involving Sam, we also meet some new Amish characters. Rose becomes close friends with Suzanna and Miranda, two of the more rebellious girls in the community (Noah, of course, DISAPPROVES). There is a side plot within this piece of the story as well. I don't want to give a major spoiler, so I won't tell you the deets, but it all weaves together perfectly!

Sam's friend, Hunter, is also brought back to the story. He adores Rose, and we get a little bit of a love triangle going on. I know, I know... not a love triangle! It's done very well, though. I enjoyed Hunter. I like him A LOT more than I like Noah. I obviously will not get my wish for Hunter to be the winner of Rose's heart, but a girl can dream, can't she?

The biggest surprise of all was Rose's family getting involved in her Amish life. Again, I can't go into specifics without giving away the biggest, best part of the story, but it's fantastic. All my frustrations faded away once we neared the climax. It's completely unexpected and mind-blowingly dramatic. After the big blow-out we get to see some major character development and growth; some changes for the better, and some for the worse.

Overall, this was a good follow-up to Temptation! If you enjoyed the first book, I think you'll enjoy this one as well. The plot progresses at a wonderful pace. The new characters are fantastic, and I really enjoyed seeing the interaction between them. They all have such different beliefs and opinions, it made for an interesting read. I think the romance is frustrating, but I do hold hope that things will play out for the better in the next installment. I definitely plan to read it. :) I promise this book will not let you down in the way of surprises and plot twists! I definitely recommend it if you liked the first book in the series.

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Book source: NetGalley
Publisher: Harlequin TEEN

[Lindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belonging is the exquisite sequel to Temptation by Karen Ann Hopkins! Belonging began right were Temptation left off. Rose is dropped off with a kindly elder Amish couple to learn the ins and outs of becoming Amish herself. As soon as she arrives at her foster parents home, she is met with the Bishop, and the ministers of the Amish church. She doesn't exactly get a warm welcome, and the Bishop lays down the strict rules of the Amish society of Meadow View, and lectures Rose that she has to prove herself fit for the Amish culture, and become a part of the church before Noah, and her can begin courting, and belong to one another. Rose is upset to learn that the process of learning before she can become a part of the church can take several months. This means that Noah and Rose must adhere to all of the church's rules, or Rose will be removed from the society, and her and Noah will not be able to be together.

The first half went at a slow pace, and consisted of Rose and Noah's day to day lives, their thoughts of each other, and interactions with one another. The story was still told in alternating view points between Rose, and Noah, but this time we also get Sam's (Rose's eldest brother) perspective here and there. It all tied together seamlessly. In Belonging, we got to know a lot more about the secondary character's that were introduced to us in Temptation. We learn a lot more about Sam and his day to day life. Also, Rose become's closer to Suzanna (an Amish friend she met in Temptation,) and Suzanna introduces her to Miranda (another Amish girl,) and Summer (a girl from the country who has grown up among the Amish.) Rose develops close-knit friendships with these three girls, and they all help, and support one another throughout the story. We also learn about the "Amish Way," of doing things. Rose wakes up everyday at dawn and works very hard in a very strict, structured, and regimented environment day to day. Church and prayer are also a big part of the culture, and Rose makes it her mission to do whatever it takes to win over the bishop, and the rest of the Amish community to be with Noah.

The second half of the story picks up pace, and I was sad to finish the book. The characters really developed, and the plot was highly engaging! There were so many plot-twists, and surprises, that kept the story moving along at a rapid pace. Poor Rose and Noah's relationship is tested time and time again! These two couldn't catch a break, and they had so much going against the success of their relationship. Not only did they have cultural differences to overcome, but they also had to deal with two horrific antagonists (Ella, and Levi from Temptation,) and her family being dead set against them being together. At the end we're left in suspense with a surprising cliffhanger! I don't know how I'm going to wait for the third book! The way Belonging left me, I am dying to have answers now. All I know is that I jumped from Temptation to devour Belonging, because there was some suspense at the end of Temptation. However, the suspense we are left with at the end of Belonging was much more intense. I have no doubt, that I will be reading the third and final book of this trilogy in one sitting!

I wonder if love will be enough for Rose and Noah to overcome all of the obstacles that have been thrown in their paths. I hope with all my heart that they will succeed and not only be together, but be happy. I fear that Rose will lose herself, all that she loves, her family, her passions, and her wild, and free spirit! I really want her to have it all! Noah and Rose have the kind of love that two people share if they are lucky enough to, once in a lifetime, and I for one am rooting for them to make it, and have the happily ever after that they both deserve.

I give Belonging 4.5 Suspenseful, Self-Sacrificing, Challenging, Passionate, and Once in a Lifetime Stars! If you have read and enjoyed Temptation, you will enjoy Belonging even more! I highly recommend this series to fans of YA Contemporary Romances that enjoy realistic fiction, angst, suspense, passion, and stories about other culture's. Belonging is an excellent choice for a bookish escape, and it stands out in a genre were a lot of stories are written very similarly. This series is a very memorable read, that you will be thinking about long after you have finished it!


My Favorite Quotes:

"If I'd lost Noah on that fateful night, a part of me would have died also. I couldn't even imagine a world without him-it would be as if the sun disappeared from the sky. My heart wouldn't have recovered, and that's why I had to be brave now. I couldn't live without him, and somehow I had to make my decision to become Amish work-so that the two of us would never be torn apart again.
~Rose (Kindle Loc. 33)

"Deep down, I knew that Rose's headstrong personality was one of the things that I both hated and loved about her. Things were always exciting with her, that's for sure."
~Noah (Kindle Loc. 751)

"The feel of Rose in my arms was better than ever before. And that was hard for me to believe. Each time I touched her, I experienced more desire; just a glance from my sweetheart made the blood pump heavily through my veins. I didn't know if I could rein myself in again if I found myself completely alone with her. All reason went out the door when she was in my embrace.
~Noah (Kindle Loc. 1453)

"See, that's where you and I are different. If I fell in love, I'd give my life for my guy, but not my soul, she said cryptically. What are you saying? The fact that Summer was getting all philosophical had me suddenly on edge. She gazed at me with steady eyes and said, That if you give up your spirit, who you really are, for a guy, you won't have much left to love him with."
~Summer (Kindle Loc. 3066)


For more book reviews, visit A Bookish Escape at Http://www.abookishescape.com

[Kristy G · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmm I’m still not loving this series. 2.8 stars.

For someone as stubborn and strong-willed (and “appropriately” rebellious for her age) as Rose, I couldn’t accept how easily she allowed herself to be taken away. And convincing the post to not send letters...? She’s 17, not 12. I don’t agree with her being allowed to become Amish at such a young age....Noah has grown up in the community so it’s normal to marry young and start a family. Rose isn’t even close to being ready.....when they connect later on and totally cross the line—how sloppy is that? No care whatsoever given for Rose and her future by getting her pregnant. So naive. Might not bother reading the remaining books because this is all a bit too childish!

[Crystal Borst · Rating 5 out of 5]

So intriguing and the suspense.. Ugh such a must read

Wow, I started and finished book 2 in one day because I couldn't put it down. Thankfully my housework was already done before I started reading. I was frustrated in the beginning g because of how the characters were divided and it seemed like the book was shifting, but in the back of my mind I was waiting for flip! And man it flipped fast and furious. I was so into his book that I didn't e e wanna put it down to make dinner, and guess what I didn't! My boyfriend said keep reading and I'll cook. Thanks boyfriend. Back to the book, I was so excited to turn the page to see what happened next! Well now on to the finale book 3. I really hope that more books are added to this collection !

[Brayden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the first one but still not good. Continued to hate the characters but there were a few great additions and so many mistakes than another edit could have picked out. Rose's age also didn't make sense she was in her Junior year of high school but turned 17 before christmas of that year so she should have been a Senior. At least where I am from she should have been and I didn't think the States was much different than Canada in regards to school age. The way Rose was portrayed she wouldn't have failed a grade either. But I somehow want to read the next one still. One of those books with a good story but you just want to slap some sense into all the characters.

[Becki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still have mixed feelings about the series but I think the books are written well and I don’t feel as if I wasted my time reading it. I am still disgusted with Noah and the way he treats Rose. I am baffled by Rose’s willingness to do whatever is demanded of her for a boy she really just met. I have a hard time believing any parent would do as Dr. Cameron and allow their daughter at the age of 16 (soon to be 17) go live with another family and learn the Amish way all because he’s to afraid she’ll run off or get pregnant on purpose. Just very far fetched in my opinion.
My library does not have Forever the final book in the series so unless they get it I will not finish the series.

[Mary L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice romance but no real ending to the story.

I give this four stars for how the story has been woven. Sadly, there needs to be some serious editing done. I can see a series of books, but this is not that. This one has no ending. No conclusion. Nothing. It simply drags into the next book that I'm not sure I'll read as so far the books simply drag a story out and not actually conclude with a ending plus a side story for the next book in said series.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into Belonging with quite a bit of trepidation. I enjoyed Temptation, but I also found myself also frustrated with it and the characters. So I just wasn't sure how I was going to feel about Belonging. Not to mention that the only review I've seen of Belonging was a 2 star rating. And after reading Belonging I still feel myself torn. On the one hand, I eagerly read Belonging and struggled with putting it down--I wanted to keep reading; while at the same time, feeling extremely frustrated with these characters, their decisions, and specifically the last 20% of the book. I can't decide if the writing style that kept me devouring the pages wins out over the fact that I wanted to smack these characters.

My issues with Belonging are pretty much the same as they were with Temptation. You can read my review of Temptation on Goodreads, but this will pretty much be a repeat of those same issues.

I still found myself annoyed at Rose's ignorance of the Amish culture while at the same time deciding to join it. Their culture is not some obstacle in the way of your forbidden romance (yes, I'm talking to Rose). It's a way of life. And the only way you survive it is if you believe in it (now speaking in general). Rose continually gets frustrated with the rules placed upon her and the differences in the gender roles, but she actually does a pretty good job of biting her tongue which I give her kudos for. As I said in my review of Temptation, I actually find women who are extreme feminists really annoying, and Rose bordered on that for me.

Continuing from Temptation is the fact that both characters still wish to change the other so much. Noah actually says in his first narration that it's Rose's wild side and spunk that he loves more than anything else. How is that going to work when she turns into a meek, chaste, Amish girl? Summer, a new character to the series who becomes Rose's best friend, actually brings this up to Rose. If she changes who she is to become Amish, will she still be the girl who Noah fell in love with? And if Noah wants someone who's wild, unpredictable, and full of heat, passion, and fire, then is Amish was he really wants? *Minor spoiler alert (just skip to the next paragraph): And why does Rose wait until AFTER she's taken the vows to join the Amish church and community to bring up her thoughts to Noah? Why would she think that he would suddenly become English AFTER she's already gone and joined the Amish community? There's no reason for him to. Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free? Am I right? (That's rhetorical, you don't have to answer.)

All of that said, I still find myself questioning whether Rose and Noah's relationship can possibly survive the test of time when all they want to do is change each other. And that's not to mention the other issues facing them. This is one of the rare cases when I don't think love conquers all. I could never marry someone who's world view is so vastly different from mine. Plus there's the reaction that both Rose and Noah have to some misinformation which causes them both hurt and pain. They both lean toward the immature side, definitely typical of teenage behavior, but it doesn't indicate a response of someone capable of making such big decisions that will affect the rest of their lives.

While I can't say that Belonging was an exactly predictable book all around, it was easy to spot signs throughout the book that led my thinking in one direction or the other. For example, when I was about 45-50% through and a certain event takes place that I could have imagined happening closer to the end of the book, I begin to think, "well obviously something's going to happen to disrupt these events that are taking place now." And then when I had 20% left there were similar feelings. I could guess a general feeling of "bad things are coming" or "now it's time for us to be happy again" based on where I was in the book and the other events taking place, but as Temptation had a twist and cliffhanger, so does Belonging.

I enjoyed the addition of the new characters in Belonging. Rose makes friends within the Amish community that you can't help but love. And these new friends show a darker side of the Amish culture proving that no matter the culture, the human element can be unpredictable, dark, and rebellious. Sam, Rose's brother, is an additional narrator in this installment. There were times when I struggled with Sam's character, for instance that he seemed to find Summer appealing only because she wasn't fawning all over him like every other girl, and other times when I was rooting for him and I could understand his concern for his sister's life choices.

Even after writing my review, I'm not 100% sure how I felt about Belonging. I couldn't put this book down, but I felt that the characters decisions, thought process, and reactions were usually frustrating, immature, and unhealthy. Frustration drove my frantic pacing through this book. Because of the ending to Belonging, I've GOT to find out how this story ends, but I can already tell that I'll be continuing with the same frustrations in the next book as well.

All in all, Belonging gets 3.5 Stars from me. Have you read Belonging? What did you think? Let me know!

Check out Somewhere Only We Know for more reviews.

[Liza · Rating 2 out of 5]

Note: Harlequin Teen was gracious enough to give me a free copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.



I have to say I feel guilty about not loving this book, because I requested it after all. When I initially requested it I had no idea that this was a sequel, but more importantly I was intrigued at the idea of a modern girl giving it all up for an Amish boy and how she would survive in the Amish culture. That plot line to me was fascinating and what drove me to request it and buy the predecessor to this novel.

All in all, what changed between the first novel and the second novel, wasn't my feelings towards the couple. I never truly rooted for them, though I gave the previous book a higher rating. What changed is that I no longer felt the love that Noah and Rose claimed to have to be authentic. In order to keep their love alive both characters had to become very selfish and hurt a lot of people in the process.

As a reader you will be told that any action Rose's father and her brother Sam takes is inherently selfish and wrong. However, we're suppose to be okay with this couple lying to themselves, leading other people on, and hurting those closest to them. Even the portrayal of Amish culture, which I didn't necessarily jive with in the first book changed, because it seemed to have more of a condemning tone instead of presenting their lives as is.

What initially lost me was Rose's handling of a sexual predator. She tried to find a way to deal with him in an "Amish Way," and though she claimed to do it for the benefit of her friend, the actions and tone convinced me she only did so to ensure her eventual courtship with Noah would survive. There isn't an Amish or English way of handling a sexual predator. You just call the cops. She put the entire community's safety at risk until she took action and all for what? Discretion? Her friend's feelings? There were several times she even admitted to using people up to a certain point and I think that's the real Rose. Rose only cares about Rose and that's it. She didn't care about her family or those closest to her who tried to help her. She used so many people that it made me sick of her. Even when things started to change she messed it all up again by being selfish all for "Noah and his love." That was when Rose became distasteful to me.

As for Noah I was disgusted by his actions in the end. I absolutely hated the surprise twist and I hated what he did no matter how it harmed others- all to be with Rose. It was harder now not to judge his actions as inherently sexist, because unlike the previous novel that seemed to be more of an exploration of Amish culture Hopkins had Rose judging their lifestyle and struggling with her decision. His eventual return to her seemed possessive and crazy, rather than romantic and endearing.

I think the best part of the book happened to be Sam, Summer, Justin, and Hunter. They are all terribly flawed and at times I felt some of the characters made terrible choices in order for the romantic plot to continue, even if it seemed out of character. One of Sam's decisions will have you questioning why exactly Sam made that choice. I don't think he would have, but I suppose the story had to continue somehow. Yet, those characters were always honest about their intentions and explained what they felt even if at times they lacked finesse. You can't help, but be on the side of those characters.

I believed the story had the strength to become a three or four star read (after all I liked the previous novel, but didn't love the couple) when I was given the impression that Hopkins was heading towards a romantic tragedy. In those chapters I saw the characters of Rose and Noah become so much more honest with themselves and what they wanted, that by the time the events led for them to be together, the whole surprise ending was just cheap to me. I found it hard to believe they truly loved each other after reading what they truly desired. I for one second don't believe they made such decisions in order to move on.

You still learn more of Amish culture and get to meet more interesting character's such as Rose's Amish friends. Summer is a new character who hangs out with the Amish girls Susanna and Miranda that Rose befriended. Learning about their lives and the medical trials and day to day life is still an eye opening experience.

If Rose and Noah had not made so many poor decisions and hurt so many people, I may not have been enamored with them as a couple, but I would have found it a better read. However, since this novel revolves around them being selfish creatures who only want to be together despite what their heart truly longs, the appeal that the first book had was lost.

As a reader if you disliked the first book, you will probably dislike this book even more. However, if you loved the previous book then your feelings of it will be altered by your perception of the main characters Rose and Noah. If you feel they are being dealt an ugly hand, this book will continue on the forbidden love theme that you will immensely enjoy. Yet, if your perception is that the couple degraded those around them for their relationship to survive, the luster of the previous book may fade away.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Spoiler alert! This one kept me on the edge of my seat especially at the end but I was hoping that Noah and Rose would be together by now. It was kind of frustrating. I guess I will have to start on the 3rd book to see what happens. 🙂

[Wendell Hennan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Page 50 and it was not going anywhere. I also realized it was written as a teen romance.

[Sandra "Jeanz" · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY REVIEW
I received an e-arc of this one to review form Harlequin Teen via Netgalley. Thankyou!
So the cover gives a very sunshine-esque scene, maybe leading us to believe all will be well for Noah & Rose? Hmm. Back to the cover, I like it, with the young couple carefree and holding hands, it's probably how they both see their relationship working out! The cover fits well with BK#1's cover in theme and likeness. I love the scolly type of writing for the title mixed with the more no nonsense font of the authors name. the placement of words on the book is great too, nothing interferes with the "bigger picture" a bit like what Rose is wishing for with her relationship with Noah! I also love a good byline as you all know by now. The byline on this book says "He's Amish. I' not. Will love be enough?" Well that is the number one big question throughout the book. Would I pick this one up from a book shelf? The cover is attractive enough so maybe, though as I'd read and loved BK#1 I would definitely pick it up! The blurb also does it's job well in selling the outline of the story to us in a nutshell.
I read just 6% in my first "reading session" and my feeling were literally wow I'd love to punch Noah. The reason I wanted to punch him? Well he seem's to take rose and all she is giving up for him for granted. He really does expect her to know and live the Amish way from day one of her entering their community. Obviously many of the elders and ministers are against the union but seem to come around at Rose's persistence and the fact the Hershberger's agree to "adopt" Rose and teach her the "plain ways". From my point of view Noah becoming an "Englisher" would have been the simpler option, but no the hard headed guy is set he will not change or turn from his plain ways and religion, it is always Rose who has to change for him. I mean yes Rose is willing and really does try what happens is not her fault. I can't say much more on what happens as you really need to read that yourself.
I just mused to myself really at about 30-45% of the book what would happen if all works out and Noah and Rose marry. Rose will still have the restraints of the Amish upon her throughout her life, any children she would have in her union with Noah would have to be brought up the Amish way. Sometimes I think that Rose hasn't fully thought things through. Then you read of her feelings for Noah, even if they are not together in each others company, even when she is around "englishers" and you do believe the feelings Rose has for Noah are true love.
I love the Amish characters and can see how Rose becomes attached to the Millers and also in time really does have true familial feelings for the Hershbergers too, especially the patient Ruth who shows Rose the "plain ways".
I also love the new "englisher" in this book Summer Sage. Summer is everything Rose used to be before meeting Noah, free, and a little wild. Summer is also a very good friend to Rose who I feel will support her no matter what her decision is. Summer can see the Amish life too as her mother is a driver for the Amish. We also see in this book that just because the amish are a religious people they do still have "bad Amish" within their community, something Rose comes close to on ore than one occasion.
this book also looks at Rose's family and how they are handling her life decisions, Sam who is her elder brother, who seems to treat everything as a joke, does come to a kind of understanding with his sister by the end of the book. Rose's father starts the book thinking the Amish some sort of cult and sadly by the end of the book I think he feels the same. Justin Rose's little brother just seems to get steam rollered into his fathers way of thinking.
Now how to talk about the ending without giving anything away, well one word describes how I felt with the end of the book and what is happening then and that word is "stunned!"
So did I enjoy the book? Overall I really enjoyed it. The book invokes powerful feelings and emotions in the reader, at times I wanted to punch Noah for his pig headedness and his seemingly blindness to what Rose is giving up for him, as well as his easiness to jump to thinking bad of Rose too (you'll see what I mean when you read the book). Other times I wanted to shake Rose and say leave the self centred Amish idiot and find a good "englisher" to date. Then other times I was like go for it Rose I'm 100% you and Noah are meant to be together. I loved how my opinions changed as I read the book! Would I recommend the book? Yes! if you still haven't read Bk#1 why not? lol!! Would I read Bk#3? YES! definitely I need to read it asap!! Would I read other books by Karen Ann Hopkins? I would certainly pick them up and look other books by her over for sure.

[Nicole (Reading Books With Coffee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

For pretty much the entire book, I found myself rooting for Noah and Rose...while being so freaking irritated with her family, particularly her dad and her older brother!

Rose lasted several months longer in the Amish community than anyone ever expected, and while it was a hard adjustment for her, she did make the effort to try to fit in. She finds some new friends- Miranda, Suzanne and Summer, and I like her friendship with the three girls, as well as the relationships she forms with her foster family.

I loved seeing Noah and Rose narrate the novel, which still works so well, because you see their interactions with those around them and their thoughts on what's going on. You really see how different their beliefs are, much more than in Temptation. We also have a new narrator in the form of Sam, Rose's older brother. For a good chunk of the book, I wasn't sure about Sam as a narrator, but by the end I warmed up to it. He does add the perspective of what it was like for him to have his younger sister gone and what he thought about it.

So. The irritation with her family. It was really well-done, and while I totally wanted to punch them in the face or something, I get why they acted the way they did. I HATED how they went about it. They assume that Rose won't go with them if they show up at the house where she's living, so they come up with this plan that involves getting Rose to Wal-Mart, where they plan to...surprise her with their presence, and having a police officer on hand, and drag her home. Then they have her younger brother write a letter to Noah (because Justin's hand-writing is similar to Rose's) and when Noah arrives at Rose's house, he gets a letter from Rose saying she doesn't want to see him again.

I get that they thought she'd be home sooner, and I get they want her to make sure that she wants to be Amish, and to live in the English world a little longer. But the entire time, they're totally dismissive of what Rose wants. They don't like this particular Amish community because her dad and Sam think they're backwards and they think the entire thing is stupid and ridiculous. They tell her she can do whatever she wants when she's 18, but in the meantime, she's cut-off from the Amish world. I feel like they do everything in their power to make sure she NEVER joins the Amish community. I don't want to speculate on whether that's intentional on Hopkins' part, but that's the vibe I got from her family. You see her and Noah move on- Noah even becomes engaged to a girl who is the polar opposite of Rose, and Sam's reaction is so frustrating! He's all annoyed that Noah moved on, but what does Sam expect when he broke up Noah and Rose? You don't get to break them up and be all happy when Rose moves on but all mad when Noah also moves on. He did think that Rose broke up with him, after all. In the end, he feels bad, and tells Noah he had Justin write the break-up letter- and all because of Summer being upset with what they did.

In my review for Temptation, I mentioned that her family's reaction to her decision was one reason why the novel worked so well, and I wasn't quite sure why. But in Belonging, I realized that it's BECAUSE her family thinks it's stupid and are totally dismissive of the whole thing. The whole time, I definitely understood their concern with Rose making such a huge decision at the age of 17, because she hasn't experienced a lot of life. It's just...as much as their reaction irritated me, I could see it.

Something that I didn't mention in my review of Temptation was when Noah suggested that Rose pretend to be pregnant so that they'll have to get married. Initially, she balks, because her dad's a doctor, and she feels like she wouldn't be able to fool him. It becomes irrelevent in Temptation because of the accident Noah has...so imagine my surprise when Noah and Rose sleep together and she gets pregnant! We have yet to see her dad's reaction, or what Rose thinks, but we see that Noah hopes she's pregnant, because it will ensure that he will marry her...I mean, there are rules to follow in the Amish community.

Final Thoughts: I know this review is mostly me talking about things that happen as opposed to my really scattered thoughts, but those events are huge in terms of why I like the book. I really enjoyed Belonging, and I LOVE the contrast between Rose and Noah. Rose's family was definitely irritating, and while I disagree with how they went about things, I can also understand. Their reaction to the Amish way of life makes the novel work, because you see how much they don't want that life for Rose. Belonging gets 4 stars.

*Temptation is an e-arc from netgalley.com, which has not influenced my review in any way

[Gina - Behind the Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

View the original review on my blog:



Hopkins has done it again with a romance that epitomises what love really is. The beautifully written sequel that has you gripping every page and heartbroken at the tale of these two soul mates.

If you’ve read my review of Temptation, the first book in this trilogy, you would know how much I loved it. What I love most about this series is how it is so different, yet similar to a lot of other love stories. It is so similar because of the love aspect of two falling madly in love and they can’t be together. The difference? Well, just the teeny tiny reason that Noah is Amish and now Rose has become Amish so they can be together. Oh, this IS the meaning of forbidden love. And another thing.... the second book is just as good as the first!

When you finish Temptation, you get an excerpt from Belonging, and you know exactly what is going to happen. So when you start Belonging, you are waiting for it to happen. What you don’t expect is to watch Rose within the community for a while, as well as how she copes and what battles, emotionally and physically that she has to face. We go through heartbreak with her and Noah, as well as know what is coming up in their future... we wait.

Ok, you might be thinking that it might be a bit boring just going through the Amish lifestyle with Rose, but it is the complete opposite. We see through three different perspectives, Rose, Noah and now Sam as well. We sometimes see things that are going to happen, and then sometimes we need to guess at what we think is going to happen. But even when we are in Rose’s perspective (as we are most of the time), we don’t get bored of the Amish life. You’ll find that even though Rose is trying to become Amish, she still finds a way for something to happen, not even intentionally. When reading, you find that you are wishing for certain things to happen that could make their lives easier together.

I really don’t like her dad (David) and Sam (Justin gets peer pressured into it so he doesn’t count really) in this book. What they do is inexcusable, no matter how old Rose is. Especially what they do, coming to the end of the book. I WAS SHOCKED. How could a parent do something like that! Ok, everyone can relate in some teeny tiny way, but that is what makes us have the reaction that we do. I love the way that Karen (Hopkins) can create the same feeling in her characters, and draw the reaction from something happening, in the way that a teenager (well anyone really) would understand and relate to.

I love that Summer is introduced into this story, she is a character that changes everything in this book. When you think about it, without her, Rose probably wouldn’t have coped as well as she did, Sam wouldn’t turn out to be the person he ended up turning out being (in the end), and through her, none of what happened would have been the same and we end up loving Summer as a best friend. From Sam’s actions,
I do, but then I don’t, want him to find love for himself. Especially after what Rose does to help him (even in small ways) and then he goes and does something that betrays her.

As events come to life, we see that the world of the Amish isn’t as perfect as it was seemed. We see some horrible things happen throughout the book, that we might not have thought would happen in their “world” compared to our English world. We
get a glimpse of it in Temptation, but we don’t even spare a second thought on it until it all comes together in Belonging. One part, where it is mentioned (not directly) we think we know exactly what they are talking about. Then further on in the book, we are fully known to this.

The only thing I have to say about the ending was that I wished there was more of a struggle in the end between Rose and her Father (it’s hard without spoilers), with the spirit we see in Rose throughout the whole two books, we would have wished that it was seen here as well. When you start to think that you want a bit more “action” when you are getting close to the end, the mother-load lands. The last few chapters are (excuse my Aussie) “chock-a-block” with hair raising, spine tingling, eye squinting, jaw dropping, eye widening action to leave us hanging for the final in this series. I don’t even think that I can get over what happened, and it is a struggle not to reveal anything.

[Joli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like with my review of Temptation, the first book of this series, I find it difficult to share my thoughts about Belonging without revealing too much. So this is my warning: This review gets a little spoilery - so read at your own risk.


Rose and Noah, the star-crossed lovers of Temptation, try to make their love work in Belonging.


As much as I love reading about the romance in Temptation and now in Belonging, I am still conflicted with the idea of Rose and Noah being right for each other. There are times I can believe that they have an overwhelming, real love but I continue to question if it is the constant separation that feeds their need to be together. Is it just the longing or is it forever love? In Temptation, Rose and Noah were forbidden to love one another because Noah was Amish and Rose was not. In Belonging, Noah and Rose are still kept from being together and openly showing love and affection, because Rose must prove to everyone that she wants to give up her ways and assimilate into the Amish community.


In Belonging, I got to know Rose a lot better. This probably had a lot to do with her introduction into the Amish community and the new friends that she made there. I enjoyed seeing Rose in this new role - friend and confidant. She’s strong-willed and protective of her friends. She’s more than just the girl who loves Noah.


Her relationships with her siblings was key to this story too. She was giving up more than just the comforts of modern life. By choosing to become Amish, she was leaving her family behind.


The introduction of Sam’s point of view was a nice surprise. Temptation was told in Rose and Noah’s alternating POVs and adding this new perspective in Belonging was a great contribution to the story. Getting outside of the minds of the main characters is refreshing because they can be pretty intense. Plus Sam is an entertaining character to read. He is completely full of himself and does fill the role of over-bearing, know-it-all older brother. Their interactions are some of the more entertaining moments of the book. They push each others buttons, but Rose holds her own.


Rose adapted to her environment to bide her time but it’s obvious that she never completely accepted what she was doing. She was changing but still playing a role. While reading, I made a note of many passages where Rose acknowledged that she was giving up and giving in just to be with Noah and how she often had to numb her thoughts of the truth of what she was doing because it was easier to pretend she was doing the right thing. One of the most telling conversations was between Rose and Summer, when Rose doesn’t know if she can continue “playing Amish”:



“I don’t know. Sometimes, when I’m with Noah, everything is fine with world. But other times, it’s like waking up in a nightmare . . . The alternative would be to leave Noah, and I’ll never do that,” I said, scooting my chair a little back form the stove to avoid melting.
“See, that’s where you and I are different. If I fell in love, I’d give my life for my guy, but not my soul,” she said cryptically.
“What are you saying?” The fact that Summer was getting all philosophical had be suddenly on edge.
She gazed at me with steady eyes and said, “That if you give up your spirit, who you really are, for a guy, you won’t have much left to love him with.” (pg 273)



THANK YOU SUMMER!


What really gets me going is why Rose has to be the one to give up everything. What Noah loves so much about Rose are her differences from the Amish ways. He loves her joy, her impulsiveness, all of the things that makes her who she is. Why would he want her to change or suppress these things that make her alive just so they can be together? Why can’t Noah be the person who has to make the sacrifices?


Why? Why? Why? I really do understand why. It is easier for Rose to give up her life and her family because her family would eventually accept her choice. If Noah was the one to change, to leave, his would be shunned and never allowed back in his community. His family wouldn’t be as forgiving. He would have nothing.


To say that their love story infuriates me would be melodramatic and it would give the wrong impression of my opinion of Belonging. I love the complexity of the story and the portrait of this life and love and the community that Hopkins has created. Rose and Noah’s story is far from over and knowing the dramatic ending (not spoiling that part here) of Belonging has me aching to read the final book of the series, Forever.