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Plain City Peace #1
The Bargain
It's 1971, and Betsie Troyer's peaceful and predictable life is about to become anything but.
When their parents flee the Amish, nineteen-year-old Betsie and her seventeen-year-old sister Sadie are distraught. Under the dubious guidance of a doting aunt, the girls struggle to keep the secret, praying their parents will return before anyone learns the truth--a truth that may end all hopes of Betsie's marriage to Charley Yoder.
Worse still, Betsie must learn a trade while she boards with a dysfunctional Englisher family: Sheila, a twelve-year-old desperately searching for a friend and in dire need of her mother; the free-spirited mother, who runs off to "find herself" on the stage; the angry father whose structured life crumbles; and Michael, a troubled college dropout nearly killed in the Kent State Massacre.
Thrust into the English world, Betsie must grapple with the realities of war and miniskirts, pot parties and police brutality, protests and desertion. Can she help the Sullivan family and find peace in her new surroundings, or must she forget the bargain she made and seek refuge back in Plain City with protective and reliable Charley?
When their parents flee the Amish, nineteen-year-old Betsie and her seventeen-year-old sister Sadie are distraught. Under the dubious guidance of a doting aunt, the girls struggle to keep the secret, praying their parents will return before anyone learns the truth--a truth that may end all hopes of Betsie's marriage to Charley Yoder.
Worse still, Betsie must learn a trade while she boards with a dysfunctional Englisher family: Sheila, a twelve-year-old desperately searching for a friend and in dire need of her mother; the free-spirited mother, who runs off to "find herself" on the stage; the angry father whose structured life crumbles; and Michael, a troubled college dropout nearly killed in the Kent State Massacre.
Thrust into the English world, Betsie must grapple with the realities of war and miniskirts, pot parties and police brutality, protests and desertion. Can she help the Sullivan family and find peace in her new surroundings, or must she forget the bargain she made and seek refuge back in Plain City with protective and reliable Charley?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2013
37 people are currently reading
720 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Reed
16 books197 followersStephanie Reed lives on the outskirts of Plain City, Ohio, site of a once-thriving Amish community. She gleans ideas for her novels from signs glimpsed along the byways of Ohio, as she did for her previous books The Bargain, Across the Wide River, and The Light Across the River.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 12, 2013
This book piqued my interest as it was set into an era that I honestly know very little about. Having read this book now I’m not sure that it appeals to me.
From watching movies I know that people may have talked this way but I felt like I was watching an episode of Scooby Doo and I just had a hard time taking it seriously.
I think I also felt that everything was just so over-the-top and hard to believe at times. For example, Betsie is working for this family in the harness shop but it seems she hardly ever actually worked there. Why didn’t the just hire her as the housekeeper because she didn’t do much else!
I think I guess I’m just not down with my groovy self because I just couldn’t jive with it. The storyline itself was pretty good I just think the era was not well suited for me!
Betsie Troyer’s parents have abandoned the Amish faith (which she is trying to keep a secret from her community) and have left their family to go live among the English.
Betsie takes a job with another English family in their harness shop until her cousin returns from serving out his time as he was drafted. The family she is working for is a family on the brink of destruction. Between the overbearing dad and the mom that had her head in the clouds—I almost felt depressed to read at times.
The book is obviously part one of a series so it concludes without resolving any issues so I’m left with just a bit of frustration—mostly because aside from the salvation plan the entire set of characters have no other glimmers of hope.
I truly think that others would probably “dig” this book but I’ve just surmised that the seventies is an era that doesn’t hold much interest for me. I guess you just had to be there because to me that type of language just sounds comical. Chalk it up to learning that you will not be drawn to all era settings in historical fiction!
View all my reviews
I received this book free from the publisher through a fantastic program called Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and opinions I have expressed are my own. To view other reviews and learn more about this tour please visit the Litfuse group by clicking here
From watching movies I know that people may have talked this way but I felt like I was watching an episode of Scooby Doo and I just had a hard time taking it seriously.
I think I also felt that everything was just so over-the-top and hard to believe at times. For example, Betsie is working for this family in the harness shop but it seems she hardly ever actually worked there. Why didn’t the just hire her as the housekeeper because she didn’t do much else!
I think I guess I’m just not down with my groovy self because I just couldn’t jive with it. The storyline itself was pretty good I just think the era was not well suited for me!
Betsie Troyer’s parents have abandoned the Amish faith (which she is trying to keep a secret from her community) and have left their family to go live among the English.
Betsie takes a job with another English family in their harness shop until her cousin returns from serving out his time as he was drafted. The family she is working for is a family on the brink of destruction. Between the overbearing dad and the mom that had her head in the clouds—I almost felt depressed to read at times.
The book is obviously part one of a series so it concludes without resolving any issues so I’m left with just a bit of frustration—mostly because aside from the salvation plan the entire set of characters have no other glimmers of hope.
I truly think that others would probably “dig” this book but I’ve just surmised that the seventies is an era that doesn’t hold much interest for me. I guess you just had to be there because to me that type of language just sounds comical. Chalk it up to learning that you will not be drawn to all era settings in historical fiction!
View all my reviews
I received this book free from the publisher through a fantastic program called Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and opinions I have expressed are my own. To view other reviews and learn more about this tour please visit the Litfuse group by clicking here
October 30, 2013
I am an incredible fan of Amish fiction, but I do hold it to a somewhat high standard. While I may jump at the chance to review an Amish fiction book, I do expect the story to be well-written, and the Christian message needs to be clear. I do not intend to read the same story over and over again. I am somewhat reticent when reading an author is new to me in the genre, and sometimes I am disappointed.
Not so with Stephanie Reed! I have never read a historical Amish fiction book, but I think that is the best way to describe this. I was even more pleased to read that the author had loosely based this story on a real life person. There is nothing better than that! The story was well-written, and she always kept the reader guessing as to what the next step in the story might be. She even left the story somewhat open-ended at the conclusion which leaves the option of a sequel (I hope so!). I have never read a story of someone leaving the Amish, and I was amazed to read about some of the more disconcerting beliefs associated with this faith.
The Christian message is strong in this novel. I have never seen potential fallacies of Amish belief stated so clearly in a book, and it truly made me realize that although I could never be Amish because of lifestyle, I don't think I could ever espouse their belief system. I also realize and accept the fact that it does depend on the Amish community as to what exactly is believed. Regardless, the Amish people tend to be way too legalistic for me, and that was true back in the 1970's, too.
I recommend this very different kind of Amish book to my readers. It is an easy read, and I believe it will make you consider your own faith, belief system, and what is truly important in this world.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
Not so with Stephanie Reed! I have never read a historical Amish fiction book, but I think that is the best way to describe this. I was even more pleased to read that the author had loosely based this story on a real life person. There is nothing better than that! The story was well-written, and she always kept the reader guessing as to what the next step in the story might be. She even left the story somewhat open-ended at the conclusion which leaves the option of a sequel (I hope so!). I have never read a story of someone leaving the Amish, and I was amazed to read about some of the more disconcerting beliefs associated with this faith.
The Christian message is strong in this novel. I have never seen potential fallacies of Amish belief stated so clearly in a book, and it truly made me realize that although I could never be Amish because of lifestyle, I don't think I could ever espouse their belief system. I also realize and accept the fact that it does depend on the Amish community as to what exactly is believed. Regardless, the Amish people tend to be way too legalistic for me, and that was true back in the 1970's, too.
I recommend this very different kind of Amish book to my readers. It is an easy read, and I believe it will make you consider your own faith, belief system, and what is truly important in this world.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
October 28, 2013
Betsie is overwhelmed by the changes in her life. Her parents have decided to leave the Amish community and she is to start training for a new job. On top of all of this, in the current year of 1971 the country is at war in Vietnam and are drafting young men even from the Amish community. The sorrow of being alone without her parents is breaking her heart. Thankfully her sister is still living at home and they will continue run the farm along with the help of heir and love of her heart Charley Yoder.
The stress of the war was enough to keep one stressed out I could not imagine my parents not being around to give me a since of security at such a time. The character Betsie was a strong young women taking on the sorrows and problems of the world around her. She may not have gone to war but she battled a war on the home front trying to keep her family together and also an English family she had come to care for.
The author has written a heartbreaking reality tale of love and war within oneself. She also writes of how the Amish perceive the English religion and visa versa.
I was not ready for the book to end wanting to know more about the characters. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publishing/Litfuse Publicity Group for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This is my honest opinion.
The stress of the war was enough to keep one stressed out I could not imagine my parents not being around to give me a since of security at such a time. The character Betsie was a strong young women taking on the sorrows and problems of the world around her. She may not have gone to war but she battled a war on the home front trying to keep her family together and also an English family she had come to care for.
The author has written a heartbreaking reality tale of love and war within oneself. She also writes of how the Amish perceive the English religion and visa versa.
I was not ready for the book to end wanting to know more about the characters. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publishing/Litfuse Publicity Group for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This is my honest opinion.
September 22, 2013
What would you be willing to risk in order to follow your convictions? In the past and even today, people have left behind home and family, friends, employment for a better life. Or, if my family left all that they believed and the way they and their parents had lived, would I blindly follow? As I read The Bargain I had to think on this. This is a very different type of Amish story than most of those I have read, coming at it from the daughters whose parents left the Amish way of life. Although I have never been in this situation, nor has anyone that I know, Stephanie was able to make this personal and instead of telling me the story, she somehow managed to involve me as surely as if it was my own family. This also explains the difference in the Amish lifestyle that goes beyond the dress the very obvious things we see such as mode of travel and lack of electricity and electronics. Those who find that most books on the shelves these days are about the Amish and are looking for a change will find this refreshing, and those who love those same novels will be happy to add this to their collection.
I received this book as an advance reading copy from Amy at Litfuse Publicity Group and Kregel Publishers in exchange for an honest review. A positive critique was not required. These opinions are my own.
I received this book as an advance reading copy from Amy at Litfuse Publicity Group and Kregel Publishers in exchange for an honest review. A positive critique was not required. These opinions are my own.
October 21, 2013
This was a very interesting book. I enjoyed reading about Betsie and her experience living with the
"English". She strikes up a friendship with Michael, the son, of the English family. There is a lot of drama with the family. The year is 1971 and Michael fears the draft. He has quit college after a traumatic experience and he and his father don't see eye to eye. It is a stressful situation for Betsie, besides having to deal with her parents deciding to leave the Amish Faith because they realized the true gospel message of being saved by the blood of Jesus. Betsie decides to stay Amish, because that is all she has ever known, and she fears that she won't get to Heaven if she leaves the Amish Faith. I find books about the Amish fascinating, but it is also confusing in a way. This book had a lot going on and my mind is still reeling for it, this book and the characters will stay with me for a while. Stephanie Reed did such a good job writing this book, that I feel that I know the characters personally and I find myself kind of worrying about them like I would a friend. Great job Stephanie. This book also left me wondering what happens next and I can't wait for the next in Plain City Peace series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.
"English". She strikes up a friendship with Michael, the son, of the English family. There is a lot of drama with the family. The year is 1971 and Michael fears the draft. He has quit college after a traumatic experience and he and his father don't see eye to eye. It is a stressful situation for Betsie, besides having to deal with her parents deciding to leave the Amish Faith because they realized the true gospel message of being saved by the blood of Jesus. Betsie decides to stay Amish, because that is all she has ever known, and she fears that she won't get to Heaven if she leaves the Amish Faith. I find books about the Amish fascinating, but it is also confusing in a way. This book had a lot going on and my mind is still reeling for it, this book and the characters will stay with me for a while. Stephanie Reed did such a good job writing this book, that I feel that I know the characters personally and I find myself kind of worrying about them like I would a friend. Great job Stephanie. This book also left me wondering what happens next and I can't wait for the next in Plain City Peace series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.
January 4, 2014
I loved this story! I couldn't put it down and can't wait to read another book in this series. I've not read an Amish related book and really enjoyed this one. my heart broke for Betsie and Sadie's parents walking away from the Amish community and leaving their children behind to face shunning and scrutiny of the bishop and community. It is what is done. I was born in Nov 1970 in central Ohio and although everyone is familiar with the Kent 4 story you don't realize how effecting it was. It's a part of Ohio history that is not talked about or wasn't in any history or current event class I took in high school or college. I also did not realize that peace rally's and war protests went on in Hilliard (yes I still say Hilliard's), Plain City and Columbus. I should disclose the author is my cousin, the family is so proud of her. I wish my Mother was here to read Stephanie's latest book, she would enjoy it. I loved seeing Aunt Glad's deliciously decadent banana cream pie recipe included in the book. It is delicious!
May 1, 2015
I enjoyed this book. In an interesting twist, in The Bargain, it is the parents who decide to leave their Old Order Amish community, leaving their two teenage daughters behind. The story is set in 1971, already a difficult time for both Englisch and Amish because of the turmoil over the Vietnam war. While Betsie, age 19, and her 17-year-old sister Sadie, are both working outside their home and are able to function on their own, still their life has literally been turned upside down by the actions of their parents.
I am looking forward to reading the second book in this series, The Bachelor.
I am looking forward to reading the second book in this series, The Bachelor.
October 15, 2013
I have to say that this book wasn't the easiest for me to get through. I am not sure why I had a hard time getting through it but I did. I liked the story and the characters. There were parts in the book that I didn't like and I think they could have done without but all in all it was a good book. I didn't like the ending but that is only because I felt bad for the characters and I wanted so much more for them but that is just what happens to me because I feel like the characters are real.
December 16, 2019
Enjoyable read
The author did an excellent job with this book. Well-developed characters and a great story line, had me excited to read each new chapter. Looking forward to the other books in the series.
The author did an excellent job with this book. Well-developed characters and a great story line, had me excited to read each new chapter. Looking forward to the other books in the series.
June 4, 2017
This is an excellent novel. It ended too soon though
January 24, 2014
Betsie is a sweet, innocent Amish girl helping her cousin out while he serves in the military. Her family has to give her a substantial amount of help with talking their Bishop into letting her board with an English (non-Amish) family, but eventually it works out for her to go. She starts her job at a leather shop, and she loves it. Or, should I say, she loves it when she actually gets the opportunity to work? Her boss's bum/hippie son is supposed to be training her, but he always seems to have better things to do. When she isn't working in the shop (which is constantly), she takes to keeping house for her employers family. The mother of this family always has her head in the clouds, thinking that if she just practices enough, she will one day make it big on Broadway. Needless to say, practicing her lines takes up most of her time, and she is basically neglectful of her family. When Betsie starts taking over the running of the home, the lady of the house hands it to her gladly. It doesn't take Betsie long to figure out that this family isn't anything like the one that she grew up in, and it's not just the cultural differences that throw her off. This family has some major issues to sort out.
Meanwhile, at her own home, Betsie is dealing with the loss of her parents. No, they didn't die, they left the Amish faith. Which, to Betsie, was an even bigger form of betrayal than death. How could they break the promises they made to the church, long before she was ever even born? How could they desert their two almost-grown daughters? How could they abandon everything they had taught Betsie and her siblings since the day of their birth? It just wasn't right. At first, Betsie is sure that it's just a phase. She was sure they would come back eventually. I mean, how could they not? But slowly she comes to realization that her parents are gone for good, and now she must face the Amish community and take blame for her parents mistakes.
All at once, things seem to gradually grow worse, both at home, and at work. Will she ever get a break? Will she ever feel true peace again?
~
This book, though well written, was kind of, well, boring. Nothing new here. There was really nothing in it that made it stand out from your average Amish novel. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't great either. It took me FOREVER to finish it. It would probably make a good read for someone looking for a slower moving book with good dialoge, but it's not for me. I like suspense, action and surprise, and this didn't really come through on that. I might have given it a higher rating if there was at least ONE character that took things seriously. I don't know. It just wasn't my cup of tea, ya know? I hope that if you read it, you enjoy it, but I probably won't be reading any more books by this author unless it comes highly recommended.
/ / Favorite Quotes From "The Bargain" / /
"I don't know what to make of Michael. He's like Ohio weather; if you don't like it, wait fifteen minutes for a change."
"The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor the man perfected without trials."
"Young bucks like to try out their antlers some."
"The problem with the English is that everyone wants to lead. No one wants to submit to authority."
"A change of clothes doesn't mean a change of heart."
"Love helps us do for others what we would never have the courage to do on our own."
"The wounds that hurt the most are those which are allowed to fester."
~Madi For The Literary Maidens
Note: I was provided with a free copy of "The Bargain" by the Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not paid to do this review, and all thoughts expressed are completely my own and totally unbiased.
Meanwhile, at her own home, Betsie is dealing with the loss of her parents. No, they didn't die, they left the Amish faith. Which, to Betsie, was an even bigger form of betrayal than death. How could they break the promises they made to the church, long before she was ever even born? How could they desert their two almost-grown daughters? How could they abandon everything they had taught Betsie and her siblings since the day of their birth? It just wasn't right. At first, Betsie is sure that it's just a phase. She was sure they would come back eventually. I mean, how could they not? But slowly she comes to realization that her parents are gone for good, and now she must face the Amish community and take blame for her parents mistakes.
All at once, things seem to gradually grow worse, both at home, and at work. Will she ever get a break? Will she ever feel true peace again?
~
This book, though well written, was kind of, well, boring. Nothing new here. There was really nothing in it that made it stand out from your average Amish novel. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't great either. It took me FOREVER to finish it. It would probably make a good read for someone looking for a slower moving book with good dialoge, but it's not for me. I like suspense, action and surprise, and this didn't really come through on that. I might have given it a higher rating if there was at least ONE character that took things seriously. I don't know. It just wasn't my cup of tea, ya know? I hope that if you read it, you enjoy it, but I probably won't be reading any more books by this author unless it comes highly recommended.
/ / Favorite Quotes From "The Bargain" / /
"I don't know what to make of Michael. He's like Ohio weather; if you don't like it, wait fifteen minutes for a change."
"The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor the man perfected without trials."
"Young bucks like to try out their antlers some."
"The problem with the English is that everyone wants to lead. No one wants to submit to authority."
"A change of clothes doesn't mean a change of heart."
"Love helps us do for others what we would never have the courage to do on our own."
"The wounds that hurt the most are those which are allowed to fester."
~Madi For The Literary Maidens
Note: I was provided with a free copy of "The Bargain" by the Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not paid to do this review, and all thoughts expressed are completely my own and totally unbiased.
October 7, 2013
"The problem with the English is that everyone wants to lead. No one wants to submit to authority." ~ Betsie's Journal
Imagine a novel where an Amish woman makes a bargain with her cousin and winds up experiencing what life is like for an English family in the 1970's. That is just the premise for the latest novel by author Stephanie Reed, The Bargain, her first novel in the Plain City Peace series.
Betsie Troyer has made a bargain with her cousin Nelson to mind the harness shop while he agreed to serve in the Chicago military hospital without being drafted for two years. The arrangement would include her living with the Sullivans, an English family during her apprenticeship, while her own parents have agreed to leave behind their Amish way of life and heading to Belle Center, Ohio. They have agreed to allow their children however, to make their own choices about whether to leave or stay behind. Betsie is more that convinced her parents are making the wrong decision.
She meets Michael Sullivan, a college drop out, hippie and the only son of the Sullivan's she is planning on working for when he arrives to pick her up for work in his yellow-jacket colored Super Bee. He lives in the small town of Hilliard and is prone to the typical emotional outbursts that were common for teens dealing with all the issues surrounding the time in which this novel takes place. He is moved to the peace movement and tries to teach Betsie some of the slang words of the English as she attempts her first visit to their local supermarket in order to fit in. She clearly doesn't have a clue to what she is saying or doing and finds herself at odds in how to fit in with this very different family.
She is befriended by Michael's younger sister, Shelia who is 12, who she teaches the value of hardwork in taking care of the house, which is being left by the wayside by the now newly liberated Phyllis Sullivan, Shelia's mom. The family is used to such modern conveniences like a dishwasher, washer, and dryer and the television which occupies the late night hours after dinner, which they are use to getting out of a box or by making a TV dinner which is clearly unheard of in Betsie's family.
What ensues along the way is a blending of two very different cultures and two very different types of people. There are some great humorous scenes like Betsie watching an episode of Gilligan's Island and isn't sure why a "good buddy" is being hit with a hat by another man all the time, or why Michael seems upset when Betsie fixes his blue jeans and removes all his patches to make him look less like a scarecrow and more like a respectable man. This is truly an example of an Amish woman who finds her way into That 70's show!
I received The Bargain by Stephanie Reed compliments of Kregel Publications and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed are mine alone. There are some great quotes that are included at each chapter opens from Betsie as she journals what her life is like now living among the English family. This one was truly a different kind of Amish fiction for me than I have ever experienced and gave me new insight into what life would have been like for someone so different trying to fit in during a unique time in American history. I rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars and look forward to the next novel in this series.
Imagine a novel where an Amish woman makes a bargain with her cousin and winds up experiencing what life is like for an English family in the 1970's. That is just the premise for the latest novel by author Stephanie Reed, The Bargain, her first novel in the Plain City Peace series.
Betsie Troyer has made a bargain with her cousin Nelson to mind the harness shop while he agreed to serve in the Chicago military hospital without being drafted for two years. The arrangement would include her living with the Sullivans, an English family during her apprenticeship, while her own parents have agreed to leave behind their Amish way of life and heading to Belle Center, Ohio. They have agreed to allow their children however, to make their own choices about whether to leave or stay behind. Betsie is more that convinced her parents are making the wrong decision.
She meets Michael Sullivan, a college drop out, hippie and the only son of the Sullivan's she is planning on working for when he arrives to pick her up for work in his yellow-jacket colored Super Bee. He lives in the small town of Hilliard and is prone to the typical emotional outbursts that were common for teens dealing with all the issues surrounding the time in which this novel takes place. He is moved to the peace movement and tries to teach Betsie some of the slang words of the English as she attempts her first visit to their local supermarket in order to fit in. She clearly doesn't have a clue to what she is saying or doing and finds herself at odds in how to fit in with this very different family.
She is befriended by Michael's younger sister, Shelia who is 12, who she teaches the value of hardwork in taking care of the house, which is being left by the wayside by the now newly liberated Phyllis Sullivan, Shelia's mom. The family is used to such modern conveniences like a dishwasher, washer, and dryer and the television which occupies the late night hours after dinner, which they are use to getting out of a box or by making a TV dinner which is clearly unheard of in Betsie's family.
What ensues along the way is a blending of two very different cultures and two very different types of people. There are some great humorous scenes like Betsie watching an episode of Gilligan's Island and isn't sure why a "good buddy" is being hit with a hat by another man all the time, or why Michael seems upset when Betsie fixes his blue jeans and removes all his patches to make him look less like a scarecrow and more like a respectable man. This is truly an example of an Amish woman who finds her way into That 70's show!
I received The Bargain by Stephanie Reed compliments of Kregel Publications and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed are mine alone. There are some great quotes that are included at each chapter opens from Betsie as she journals what her life is like now living among the English family. This one was truly a different kind of Amish fiction for me than I have ever experienced and gave me new insight into what life would have been like for someone so different trying to fit in during a unique time in American history. I rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars and look forward to the next novel in this series.
October 2, 2013
3.5/4 stars
Stephanie Reed has penned an Amish novel with an unusual twist and the resulting juxtaposition of cultures and personalities is as colorful as a tie-dyed shirt from the era in which the book is set.
Betsie Troyer's steady and predictable way of life is turned upside down in 1971 when her parents quietly decide to leave the Amish community and become followers of Christ. Heartbroken and trying to maintain the facade that her parents are on an extended trip to visit relatives, Betsie must also fulfill an apprenticeship in her cousin's stead to an English harness-making family in a nearby community. (Her cousin is fulfilling his draft commitment at an army hospital in Chicago during the Viet Nam War.) Her determination to keep the English family at arm's length wavers as her heart is drawn to 11-year-old Sheila, who desperately needs a friend and whose mother is more concerned about making a big break in Hollywood than she is caring for her family. Sheila's older brother, Michael, is an enigma--at times friendly and other times brooding and sullen, with occasional eruptions into shouting matches with his dad. Betsie determines to bring some peace to this family, all the while wishing her own fractured family would heal. She must convince her parents to come home before the bishop finds out what they've done. If they don't, will she still be able to marry Charley Troyer?
Set in the troubled and contentious times of the Viet Nam War and following events such as the Kent State shootings, The Bargain portrays the struggles of both Amish and English families in such a pivotal era. Written primarily from Betsie's point of view with occasional changes to Michael's viewpoint, Reed keeps the pace moving. Betsie's efforts to mend Michael's "hippie" clothes provide some amusing moments as cultures collide. Somehow they manage to forge a friendship in spite of--or maybe because of--their differences; it's not certain who stands to benefit and grow the most. Betsie's parents' defection and their faith journey provide a fresh perspective, making this book stand out from other more typical Amish novels.
Readers who prefer stand-alone stories should be prepared that this is book one of the Plain City Peace series and as such, not all the threads are up in a bow at the novel's conclusion. Neither the title nor the timing of book two's release has been announced yet.
The Wordsmith Journal strives to guide readers to books of personal interest, with the understanding and respect that what appeals to some may not appeal to others. Therefore we attempt to keep our reviews focused on content, genre and style. The rating is necessary to make use of Goodreads and Amazon. It reflects the reviewer’s own level of enjoyment, but the review is intended to be informative for the benefit of all readers.
Stephanie Reed has penned an Amish novel with an unusual twist and the resulting juxtaposition of cultures and personalities is as colorful as a tie-dyed shirt from the era in which the book is set.
Betsie Troyer's steady and predictable way of life is turned upside down in 1971 when her parents quietly decide to leave the Amish community and become followers of Christ. Heartbroken and trying to maintain the facade that her parents are on an extended trip to visit relatives, Betsie must also fulfill an apprenticeship in her cousin's stead to an English harness-making family in a nearby community. (Her cousin is fulfilling his draft commitment at an army hospital in Chicago during the Viet Nam War.) Her determination to keep the English family at arm's length wavers as her heart is drawn to 11-year-old Sheila, who desperately needs a friend and whose mother is more concerned about making a big break in Hollywood than she is caring for her family. Sheila's older brother, Michael, is an enigma--at times friendly and other times brooding and sullen, with occasional eruptions into shouting matches with his dad. Betsie determines to bring some peace to this family, all the while wishing her own fractured family would heal. She must convince her parents to come home before the bishop finds out what they've done. If they don't, will she still be able to marry Charley Troyer?
Set in the troubled and contentious times of the Viet Nam War and following events such as the Kent State shootings, The Bargain portrays the struggles of both Amish and English families in such a pivotal era. Written primarily from Betsie's point of view with occasional changes to Michael's viewpoint, Reed keeps the pace moving. Betsie's efforts to mend Michael's "hippie" clothes provide some amusing moments as cultures collide. Somehow they manage to forge a friendship in spite of--or maybe because of--their differences; it's not certain who stands to benefit and grow the most. Betsie's parents' defection and their faith journey provide a fresh perspective, making this book stand out from other more typical Amish novels.
Readers who prefer stand-alone stories should be prepared that this is book one of the Plain City Peace series and as such, not all the threads are up in a bow at the novel's conclusion. Neither the title nor the timing of book two's release has been announced yet.
The Wordsmith Journal strives to guide readers to books of personal interest, with the understanding and respect that what appeals to some may not appeal to others. Therefore we attempt to keep our reviews focused on content, genre and style. The rating is necessary to make use of Goodreads and Amazon. It reflects the reviewer’s own level of enjoyment, but the review is intended to be informative for the benefit of all readers.
May 5, 2014
The parents Noah (Dat) & Fannie (Mem) Troyer no longer want to remain Amish. They move from Plain City & head to Belle Center, OH to join an English church. They give the 2 girls Betsie (19, Squirt, Pippa) & Sadie (17) a choice to go/stay, the 2 stay behind. Sadie remains on the farm. Betsie will struggle most of her life with the parents decision to leave the Amish faith.
The Bargain (book title also) is between Betsie Troyer & her cousin Nelson, both are Amish. He acquired the harness shop from Gerald (Gerry) & Betsie Sullivan. The Vietnam War (1971) is still going on & he is drafted & sent to work at a hospital in Chicago.
Betsie must become an apprenticeship & will now have to step outside her gender role & learn the predominantly male trade in order for her cousin to keep the business while he is gone off to war.
Betsie finds residence in Hillard with the English Sullivan family & the mother Phyllis Sullivan runs off & leaves her 12 yr. old daughter Sheila in her care also as she is working on a community play & is not the typical Susie homemaker. Gerald Sullivan is the father, & really can’t quite keep the family intact. Michael Sullivan, the son is a college dropout, & hippie, into drugs, music, peace movement, & other stuff of that era. He would like Betsie to accept this/his lifestyle also. The family has all the modern conveniences which Betsie really has no clue about how to use. She soon does though. Gerald teaches her the ropes of the trade.
Charley Yoder (Amish) was once Betsie love. She had left him behind & moved on in her new life also.
Will Betsie rekindle her love for Charley Yoder? How will her life turn out? What will happen to her cousin? Will Betsie ever have a relationship with her family again?
The Amish are a very unique culture, religion, PPL. When I lived back east & visited my G/P’s & friends in Kansas we would go through PA & see at awe how they really lived. Even though this is fiction, I was in the Vietnam War & grew up in the era & saw 1st hand most of the historical events that took place in this book.
Awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written book filled with suspense, family, love, culture (religion) & mystery. It was very easy to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. No grammar errors, repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could make also make a great Amish movie mini TV series (A & E, History channel). There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free autographed book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
The Bargain (book title also) is between Betsie Troyer & her cousin Nelson, both are Amish. He acquired the harness shop from Gerald (Gerry) & Betsie Sullivan. The Vietnam War (1971) is still going on & he is drafted & sent to work at a hospital in Chicago.
Betsie must become an apprenticeship & will now have to step outside her gender role & learn the predominantly male trade in order for her cousin to keep the business while he is gone off to war.
Betsie finds residence in Hillard with the English Sullivan family & the mother Phyllis Sullivan runs off & leaves her 12 yr. old daughter Sheila in her care also as she is working on a community play & is not the typical Susie homemaker. Gerald Sullivan is the father, & really can’t quite keep the family intact. Michael Sullivan, the son is a college dropout, & hippie, into drugs, music, peace movement, & other stuff of that era. He would like Betsie to accept this/his lifestyle also. The family has all the modern conveniences which Betsie really has no clue about how to use. She soon does though. Gerald teaches her the ropes of the trade.
Charley Yoder (Amish) was once Betsie love. She had left him behind & moved on in her new life also.
Will Betsie rekindle her love for Charley Yoder? How will her life turn out? What will happen to her cousin? Will Betsie ever have a relationship with her family again?
The Amish are a very unique culture, religion, PPL. When I lived back east & visited my G/P’s & friends in Kansas we would go through PA & see at awe how they really lived. Even though this is fiction, I was in the Vietnam War & grew up in the era & saw 1st hand most of the historical events that took place in this book.
Awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written book filled with suspense, family, love, culture (religion) & mystery. It was very easy to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. No grammar errors, repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could make also make a great Amish movie mini TV series (A & E, History channel). There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free autographed book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
December 4, 2014
THE BACHELOR by Stephanie Reed is the second book in her PLAIN CITY PLACE series.
While most Amish fiction is set in the present, Reed has set her story in Ohio in the turbulent times of the 1970s. In book one, Betsie Troyer worked outside the Amish community. Now back home on the farm, she's been asked to watch the young daughter of the English family she used to board with.
Despite her sister's disapproval, Betsie agrees to keep young Sheila.
Betsie knows that having an Englisher in the family home may mean a disgruntled visit from the bishop, but that aren't her only concerns. Foremost is her fear that her parents whose faith has led them to leave the Amish community may make their break permanent. Her young brother, who had been living with their older brother Eli and family, has returned. No longer a little boy, he is rebellious and at odds with everyone. The only bright spot in her life is the attention of CharleyYoder who has made clear that he wants to make Betsie his wife. Then a letter comes in the mail from Michael, the young Englisher who has fled to a place called The Farm in Tennessee to avoid the draft. Just thinking about Michael upsets her peace, but his letters show that he may be the only person who really knows and cares about Betsie. I am not sure why this book is titled THE BACHELOR as the story is clearly Betsie's, not Charley's or Michael's. And while Betsie does have a romantic interest in Charley (and possibly Michael) her story is much more than a simple romance.
The 1970's provided a new focus to the typical Amish genre and I liked that. I have not read the first book in the series so I lacked some important background, but still could follow the story. This series seems to concentrate heavily on the difference beliefs between Amish and mainstream Christianity. That thread I believe will be just as strong in the next volume. While this book comes to a satisfactory end, it is clear that Betsie's story (as well as the bishop's) will continue in another book.
A secondary thread to this book is the changing lives of the Amish in Plain City, Ohio, as many families sell their farms (for a good profit) and leave for Missouri and cheaper land. This interested me because the first Amish settlers to our central Wisconsin area came in the the mid-70's, shortly after the time period of this book. Similar to the Plain City families, our new neighbors had sold their previous homes in Indiana and searched out cheaper land.
I received a copy of THE BACHELOR from Kregel Publications for my honest review. There is a blog tour of the book next week, but I posted my review early because of other commitments next week.
While most Amish fiction is set in the present, Reed has set her story in Ohio in the turbulent times of the 1970s. In book one, Betsie Troyer worked outside the Amish community. Now back home on the farm, she's been asked to watch the young daughter of the English family she used to board with.
Despite her sister's disapproval, Betsie agrees to keep young Sheila.
Betsie knows that having an Englisher in the family home may mean a disgruntled visit from the bishop, but that aren't her only concerns. Foremost is her fear that her parents whose faith has led them to leave the Amish community may make their break permanent. Her young brother, who had been living with their older brother Eli and family, has returned. No longer a little boy, he is rebellious and at odds with everyone. The only bright spot in her life is the attention of CharleyYoder who has made clear that he wants to make Betsie his wife. Then a letter comes in the mail from Michael, the young Englisher who has fled to a place called The Farm in Tennessee to avoid the draft. Just thinking about Michael upsets her peace, but his letters show that he may be the only person who really knows and cares about Betsie. I am not sure why this book is titled THE BACHELOR as the story is clearly Betsie's, not Charley's or Michael's. And while Betsie does have a romantic interest in Charley (and possibly Michael) her story is much more than a simple romance.
The 1970's provided a new focus to the typical Amish genre and I liked that. I have not read the first book in the series so I lacked some important background, but still could follow the story. This series seems to concentrate heavily on the difference beliefs between Amish and mainstream Christianity. That thread I believe will be just as strong in the next volume. While this book comes to a satisfactory end, it is clear that Betsie's story (as well as the bishop's) will continue in another book.
A secondary thread to this book is the changing lives of the Amish in Plain City, Ohio, as many families sell their farms (for a good profit) and leave for Missouri and cheaper land. This interested me because the first Amish settlers to our central Wisconsin area came in the the mid-70's, shortly after the time period of this book. Similar to the Plain City families, our new neighbors had sold their previous homes in Indiana and searched out cheaper land.
I received a copy of THE BACHELOR from Kregel Publications for my honest review. There is a blog tour of the book next week, but I posted my review early because of other commitments next week.
October 3, 2013
About the Book:
It's 1971, and Betsie Troyer's peaceful and predictable life is about to become anything but.
When their parents flee the Amish, nineteen-year-old Betsie and her seventeen-year-old sister Sadie are distraught. Under the dubious guidance of a doting aunt, the girls struggle to keep the secret, praying their parents will return before anyone learns the truth--a truth that may end all hopes of Betsie's marriage to Charley Yoder.
Worse still, Betsie must learn a trade while she boards with a dysfunctional Englisher family: Sheila, a twelve-year-old desperately searching for a friend and in dire need of her mother; the free-spirited mother, who runs off to "find herself" on the stage; the angry father whose structured life crumbles; and Michael, a troubled college dropout nearly killed in the Kent State Massacre.
Thrust into the English world, Betsie must grapple with the realities of war and miniskirts, pot parties and police brutality, protests and desertion. Can she help the Sullivan family and find peace in her new surroundings, or must she forget the bargain she made and seek refuge back in Plain City with protective and reliable Charley?
About the Author:
Stephanie Reed lives on the outskirts of Plain City, Ohio, site of a once-thriving Amish community. She gleans ideas for her novels from signs glimpsed along the byways of Ohio, as she did for her previous books, Across the Wide River and The Light Across the River.
My Review:
Feeling somewhat betrayed by her parents as they choose to leave the Amish church, Betsie feels like her heart is being ripped from her chest. Her parents gave her and her sister the option of going with them or staying under the rule of the Amish church. Choosing to stay was their choice, Betsie's largely because she feels that her future with Charlie Yoder hangs in the balance. You can feel the strong emotion in the words that the author is trying to convey.
But poor Betsie doesn't really have that much time to linger over the thoughts and feelings she is secretly having to endure because she has been assigned a task to take care of her cousin's store while he is deployed something that won't prove to be too easy. Partly because of the secret she keeps and partly because it is a store among the Englishers.
The author has included discussion questions if you would like to use them in a book club or group type setting. And to top it off she has included a recipe in the back of the book.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity.
It's 1971, and Betsie Troyer's peaceful and predictable life is about to become anything but.
When their parents flee the Amish, nineteen-year-old Betsie and her seventeen-year-old sister Sadie are distraught. Under the dubious guidance of a doting aunt, the girls struggle to keep the secret, praying their parents will return before anyone learns the truth--a truth that may end all hopes of Betsie's marriage to Charley Yoder.
Worse still, Betsie must learn a trade while she boards with a dysfunctional Englisher family: Sheila, a twelve-year-old desperately searching for a friend and in dire need of her mother; the free-spirited mother, who runs off to "find herself" on the stage; the angry father whose structured life crumbles; and Michael, a troubled college dropout nearly killed in the Kent State Massacre.
Thrust into the English world, Betsie must grapple with the realities of war and miniskirts, pot parties and police brutality, protests and desertion. Can she help the Sullivan family and find peace in her new surroundings, or must she forget the bargain she made and seek refuge back in Plain City with protective and reliable Charley?
About the Author:
Stephanie Reed lives on the outskirts of Plain City, Ohio, site of a once-thriving Amish community. She gleans ideas for her novels from signs glimpsed along the byways of Ohio, as she did for her previous books, Across the Wide River and The Light Across the River.
My Review:
Feeling somewhat betrayed by her parents as they choose to leave the Amish church, Betsie feels like her heart is being ripped from her chest. Her parents gave her and her sister the option of going with them or staying under the rule of the Amish church. Choosing to stay was their choice, Betsie's largely because she feels that her future with Charlie Yoder hangs in the balance. You can feel the strong emotion in the words that the author is trying to convey.
But poor Betsie doesn't really have that much time to linger over the thoughts and feelings she is secretly having to endure because she has been assigned a task to take care of her cousin's store while he is deployed something that won't prove to be too easy. Partly because of the secret she keeps and partly because it is a store among the Englishers.
The author has included discussion questions if you would like to use them in a book club or group type setting. And to top it off she has included a recipe in the back of the book.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity.
October 16, 2013
Title: THE BARGAIN
Author: Stephanie Reed
Publisher: Kregel
September 2013
ISBN: 978-0825442155
Genre: Amish
It’s 1971, and Betsie Troyer’s peaceful and predictable life is about to become anything but.
When their parents flee the Amish, nineteen-year-old Betsie and her seventeen-year-old sister Sadie are distraught. Under the dubious guidance of a doting aunt, the girls struggle to keep the secret, praying their parents will return before anyone learns the truth—a truth that may end all hopes of Betsie’s marriage to Charley Yoder.
Worse still, Betsie must learn a trade while she boards with a dysfunctional Englisher family: Sheila, a twelve-year-old desperately searching for a friend and in dire need of her mother; the free-spirited mother, who runs off to "find herself" on the stage; the angry father whose structured life crumbles; and Michael, a troubled college dropout nearly killed in the Kent State Massacre.
Thrust into the English world, Betsie must grapple with the realities of war and miniskirts, pot parties and police brutality, protests and desertion. Can she help the Sullivan family and find peace in her new surroundings, or must she forget the bargain she made and seek refuge back in Plain City with protective and reliable Charley?
THE BARGAIN is the first book in the Plain City Peace series by Ms. Reed. The story is very well written and is—as it says above—about an Amish girl thrust entirely out of her element to work in a saddle shop in place of her cousin who was drafted. Okay, the language was a bit over the top. I understand that in the sixties and early seventies people probably talked like that, but it was just… weird… and additionally, instead of Betsie working in the saddle shop, she mostly worked as a servant/housekeeper for the family. Though I did find it funny how she kept “mending” Michael’s “ripped” clothes when his look was supposed to be “ratty.”
I just don’t know what to say. This book definitely wasn’t your typical Amish book. It is more like a reality show, set in the 70’s – if there is such a thing. “70’s meet the Amish”? I don’t know. It had some really funny moments, and like I said, the writing is good. I would read another book by Ms. Reed. I want to know what happens with Michael. I am just really mixed on this book. I had problems with the plausibility of some of the early events in the book. I’m giving THE BARGAIN 4 stars. It is unique, new and different, and great writing. Fans of reality shows would love it. Fans of Amish fiction who want to “experience” Amish life vicariously, would not. $14.99. 306 pages.
Author: Stephanie Reed
Publisher: Kregel
September 2013
ISBN: 978-0825442155
Genre: Amish
It’s 1971, and Betsie Troyer’s peaceful and predictable life is about to become anything but.
When their parents flee the Amish, nineteen-year-old Betsie and her seventeen-year-old sister Sadie are distraught. Under the dubious guidance of a doting aunt, the girls struggle to keep the secret, praying their parents will return before anyone learns the truth—a truth that may end all hopes of Betsie’s marriage to Charley Yoder.
Worse still, Betsie must learn a trade while she boards with a dysfunctional Englisher family: Sheila, a twelve-year-old desperately searching for a friend and in dire need of her mother; the free-spirited mother, who runs off to "find herself" on the stage; the angry father whose structured life crumbles; and Michael, a troubled college dropout nearly killed in the Kent State Massacre.
Thrust into the English world, Betsie must grapple with the realities of war and miniskirts, pot parties and police brutality, protests and desertion. Can she help the Sullivan family and find peace in her new surroundings, or must she forget the bargain she made and seek refuge back in Plain City with protective and reliable Charley?
THE BARGAIN is the first book in the Plain City Peace series by Ms. Reed. The story is very well written and is—as it says above—about an Amish girl thrust entirely out of her element to work in a saddle shop in place of her cousin who was drafted. Okay, the language was a bit over the top. I understand that in the sixties and early seventies people probably talked like that, but it was just… weird… and additionally, instead of Betsie working in the saddle shop, she mostly worked as a servant/housekeeper for the family. Though I did find it funny how she kept “mending” Michael’s “ripped” clothes when his look was supposed to be “ratty.”
I just don’t know what to say. This book definitely wasn’t your typical Amish book. It is more like a reality show, set in the 70’s – if there is such a thing. “70’s meet the Amish”? I don’t know. It had some really funny moments, and like I said, the writing is good. I would read another book by Ms. Reed. I want to know what happens with Michael. I am just really mixed on this book. I had problems with the plausibility of some of the early events in the book. I’m giving THE BARGAIN 4 stars. It is unique, new and different, and great writing. Fans of reality shows would love it. Fans of Amish fiction who want to “experience” Amish life vicariously, would not. $14.99. 306 pages.
October 27, 2013
The Story Ended Too Soon
Set in 1971, The Bargain introduces the reader to Betsie Troyer, a young Amish women, who is living in both the Amish and "English" worlds. Why? Because her cousin Nelson bought a Harness shop, but was drafted into the Army before he could learn the business. Nelson therefore asks Betsie to learn the business in order to teach it to him when he returns.
In Betsie's Amish world her parents have turned their back on their Amish faith after they learned the truth of Romans 10:9 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Leaving her and her sister Sadie trying to figure out how to convince them to return to their community and their Amish faith.
In her English world she lives with the Sullivan Family, while she is learning the business. She finds her bishop's advice to spend as little time as possible with them nearly impossible, especially as she gets to know them.
I found the main characters easy to like, but my heart went out to the Sullivan's son, Michael. Michael was a witness to the Kent State shooting, which resulted in him withdrawing further into the 1970's peace culture. His attitude and outside appearance, masked his broken and searching heart. As a result his relationship with his father was strained, mainly because their personalities were so different. His father loved him but just didn't know how to relate to him.
Shelia Sullivan is another character that captured my heart. She is eleven years old and full of joy. Even when her and Michael's mother abandons the family to pursue an acting career.
Gerald Sullivan is the patriarch of the family. He has a good heart, and is trying to keep his family together, but when things spiral out of control his temper flares. This results with words being said that he regrets and relationships needing to be repaired.
I found myself drawn into the story, and didn't want to put it down. The reality of what the early 1970's were like was clear...the America of the 1950's, and early 1960's had disappeared. The Vietnam War both tore families apart and drew them together, as parents and their children navigated through those turbulent times.
The Bargain is the first book in The Plain City Peace series, isn't a stand-alone because Stephanie Reed doesn't bring the story to a neat and tidy conclusion; which left me wanting more... now I'll patiently wait for book two to find out what happens next. Or maybe not so patiently...
**The Bargain by Stephanie Reed was provided for me free by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review.
Set in 1971, The Bargain introduces the reader to Betsie Troyer, a young Amish women, who is living in both the Amish and "English" worlds. Why? Because her cousin Nelson bought a Harness shop, but was drafted into the Army before he could learn the business. Nelson therefore asks Betsie to learn the business in order to teach it to him when he returns.
In Betsie's Amish world her parents have turned their back on their Amish faith after they learned the truth of Romans 10:9 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Leaving her and her sister Sadie trying to figure out how to convince them to return to their community and their Amish faith.
In her English world she lives with the Sullivan Family, while she is learning the business. She finds her bishop's advice to spend as little time as possible with them nearly impossible, especially as she gets to know them.
I found the main characters easy to like, but my heart went out to the Sullivan's son, Michael. Michael was a witness to the Kent State shooting, which resulted in him withdrawing further into the 1970's peace culture. His attitude and outside appearance, masked his broken and searching heart. As a result his relationship with his father was strained, mainly because their personalities were so different. His father loved him but just didn't know how to relate to him.
Shelia Sullivan is another character that captured my heart. She is eleven years old and full of joy. Even when her and Michael's mother abandons the family to pursue an acting career.
Gerald Sullivan is the patriarch of the family. He has a good heart, and is trying to keep his family together, but when things spiral out of control his temper flares. This results with words being said that he regrets and relationships needing to be repaired.
I found myself drawn into the story, and didn't want to put it down. The reality of what the early 1970's were like was clear...the America of the 1950's, and early 1960's had disappeared. The Vietnam War both tore families apart and drew them together, as parents and their children navigated through those turbulent times.
The Bargain is the first book in The Plain City Peace series, isn't a stand-alone because Stephanie Reed doesn't bring the story to a neat and tidy conclusion; which left me wanting more... now I'll patiently wait for book two to find out what happens next. Or maybe not so patiently...
**The Bargain by Stephanie Reed was provided for me free by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review.
October 22, 2013
About the book: Book one in the Plain City Peace series. It's 1971, and Betsie Troyer's peaceful and predictable life is about to become anything but. When their parents flee the Amish, nineteen-year-old Betsie and her seventeen-year-old sister Sadie are distraught. Under the dubious guidance of a doting aunt, the girls struggle to keep the secret, praying their parents will return before anyone learns the truth-a truth that may end all hopes of Betsie's marriage to Charley Yoder.
About the Author: Stephanie Reed lives on the outskirts of Plain City, Ohio, site of a once-thriving Amish community. She gleans ideas for her novels from signs glimpsed along the byways of Ohio, as she did for her previous books, "Across the Wide River" and "The Light Across the River." Learn more at Stephanie's website: http://www.stephanielreed.com/
My Thoughts On The Book: Anyone who reads my blog knows that my favorite genre of literature is historical and Amish fiction. I was delighted to get my hands on one by an author I have never read. Reading The Bargain was such a treat because it is both. The book is not your typical Amish tale but it does not disappoint. This book talks of life for both the Amish and English during 1971, the Vietnam war, and its affects on both cultures. Knowing that the Amish are peaceful I never thought much about an Amish man serving in the military until I read The Bargain. Stephanie Reed is an amazing wordsmith and knows her material. Her handling of the Amish, Vietnam War, leather working, and the all the other events that took place during the 1970's is remarkable. This novel had me from the Introduction and I found myself doing without sleep because I simply could not put it down. From the moment I began the book I found myself a character among the book and totally immersed. The characters seem real because they are not perfect and they lead normal lives. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys Amish and Historical Christian Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I give this novel 4.5 Stars!
Statement of Disclosure: I received an paperback copy of this title from Litgfuse Publicity Group as part of their blogger review program . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. Thanks guys for letting me read this and participate!
About the Author: Stephanie Reed lives on the outskirts of Plain City, Ohio, site of a once-thriving Amish community. She gleans ideas for her novels from signs glimpsed along the byways of Ohio, as she did for her previous books, "Across the Wide River" and "The Light Across the River." Learn more at Stephanie's website: http://www.stephanielreed.com/
My Thoughts On The Book: Anyone who reads my blog knows that my favorite genre of literature is historical and Amish fiction. I was delighted to get my hands on one by an author I have never read. Reading The Bargain was such a treat because it is both. The book is not your typical Amish tale but it does not disappoint. This book talks of life for both the Amish and English during 1971, the Vietnam war, and its affects on both cultures. Knowing that the Amish are peaceful I never thought much about an Amish man serving in the military until I read The Bargain. Stephanie Reed is an amazing wordsmith and knows her material. Her handling of the Amish, Vietnam War, leather working, and the all the other events that took place during the 1970's is remarkable. This novel had me from the Introduction and I found myself doing without sleep because I simply could not put it down. From the moment I began the book I found myself a character among the book and totally immersed. The characters seem real because they are not perfect and they lead normal lives. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys Amish and Historical Christian Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I give this novel 4.5 Stars!
Statement of Disclosure: I received an paperback copy of this title from Litgfuse Publicity Group as part of their blogger review program . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. Thanks guys for letting me read this and participate!
December 6, 2014
Stephanie Reed has begun a winning new series, Plain City Peace, with The Bargain. It is not the typical Amish novel, for sure! I was surprised with many things not previously read about - it was a very worthwhile read.
As the 70's brought many changes to the US, it also rocked some of the Amish world. A few were drafted and served in non-combat positions, such as Betsie Troyer's cousin. The bargain included that Betsie would learn to work in and care for her cousin's harness shop until he returned from his tour of duty. She was taught the trade by the English man whose family had originally served the Amish for many years through this shop. His son, Michael, a troubled young man struggling to find his place in the brave new world of 1970's America. His sister Sheila also struggled as a young adult trying to find her way as a teen after here mother left the family to "find herself".
Betsie always knew that she would return home - home where her parents had left to seek - well, that will be a pleasant surprise for you! And she was probably going to return to the comfortable friendship with Charlie, who always looked out for her, she believed.
Characters are fully-developed, likable people who were each trying to find their way in an era where values changed dramatically through the hippie culture, Woodstock ideals, various peace and civil rights movements, and murders on college campuses horrified the first generation that would have such things brought into their homes on TV's nightly news. I truly enjoyed Betsie, Michael, and Sheila. I am probably most like Betsie, for whom any kind of change is difficult at best and try to continue to live in a yesterday that doesn't accept today's changes, good or not-so-good.
I highly recommend this novel to "older" young adults and adults of any age who appreciate good Amish fiction, and fiction from the Viet Nam era in Midwest US. The author has provided an excellent, non-typical look at a changing Amish community that is engaging with very strong characterizations and plot twists that keep the pages turning.
As the 70's brought many changes to the US, it also rocked some of the Amish world. A few were drafted and served in non-combat positions, such as Betsie Troyer's cousin. The bargain included that Betsie would learn to work in and care for her cousin's harness shop until he returned from his tour of duty. She was taught the trade by the English man whose family had originally served the Amish for many years through this shop. His son, Michael, a troubled young man struggling to find his place in the brave new world of 1970's America. His sister Sheila also struggled as a young adult trying to find her way as a teen after here mother left the family to "find herself".
Betsie always knew that she would return home - home where her parents had left to seek - well, that will be a pleasant surprise for you! And she was probably going to return to the comfortable friendship with Charlie, who always looked out for her, she believed.
Characters are fully-developed, likable people who were each trying to find their way in an era where values changed dramatically through the hippie culture, Woodstock ideals, various peace and civil rights movements, and murders on college campuses horrified the first generation that would have such things brought into their homes on TV's nightly news. I truly enjoyed Betsie, Michael, and Sheila. I am probably most like Betsie, for whom any kind of change is difficult at best and try to continue to live in a yesterday that doesn't accept today's changes, good or not-so-good.
I highly recommend this novel to "older" young adults and adults of any age who appreciate good Amish fiction, and fiction from the Viet Nam era in Midwest US. The author has provided an excellent, non-typical look at a changing Amish community that is engaging with very strong characterizations and plot twists that keep the pages turning.
October 11, 2013
It’s 1971, and Betsie Troyer’s peaceful and predictable life is about to become anything but.
When their parents flee the Amish, nineteen-year-old Betsie and her seventeen-year-old sister Sadie are distraught. Under the dubious guidance of a doting aunt, the girls struggle to keep the secret, praying their parents will return before anyone learns the truth—a truth that may end all hopes of Betsie’s marriage to Charley Yoder.
Worse still, Betsie must learn a trade while she boards with a dysfunctional Englisher family: Sheila, a twelve-year-old desperately searching for a friend and in dire need of her mother; the free-spirited mother, who runs off to "find herself" on the stage; the angry father whose structured life crumbles; and Michael, a troubled college dropout nearly killed in the Kent State Massacre.
Thrust into the English world, Betsie must grapple with the realities of war and miniskirts, pot parties and police brutality, protests and desertion. Can she help the Sullivan family and find peace in her new surroundings, or must she forget the bargain she made and seek refuge back in Plain City with protective and reliable Charley?
My Review:
This book was an absolute disaster for the characters! Reed takes a train wreck of a bargain and makes it a heck of a good story. The best way to describe this story is That 70's Show meets the Amish. I felt so bad for Betsie throughout the story, especially with how heartbroken she was when her parents bailed on the only life she knew. And when it came down to either marry the man she was supposed to wed, or forever live a life she was never meant to have, she has no idea which one is the right choice. A well written novel that reads like nothing else out there in the genre, colorful, vibrant, and a dynamic piece of fiction.
This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
When their parents flee the Amish, nineteen-year-old Betsie and her seventeen-year-old sister Sadie are distraught. Under the dubious guidance of a doting aunt, the girls struggle to keep the secret, praying their parents will return before anyone learns the truth—a truth that may end all hopes of Betsie’s marriage to Charley Yoder.
Worse still, Betsie must learn a trade while she boards with a dysfunctional Englisher family: Sheila, a twelve-year-old desperately searching for a friend and in dire need of her mother; the free-spirited mother, who runs off to "find herself" on the stage; the angry father whose structured life crumbles; and Michael, a troubled college dropout nearly killed in the Kent State Massacre.
Thrust into the English world, Betsie must grapple with the realities of war and miniskirts, pot parties and police brutality, protests and desertion. Can she help the Sullivan family and find peace in her new surroundings, or must she forget the bargain she made and seek refuge back in Plain City with protective and reliable Charley?
My Review:
This book was an absolute disaster for the characters! Reed takes a train wreck of a bargain and makes it a heck of a good story. The best way to describe this story is That 70's Show meets the Amish. I felt so bad for Betsie throughout the story, especially with how heartbroken she was when her parents bailed on the only life she knew. And when it came down to either marry the man she was supposed to wed, or forever live a life she was never meant to have, she has no idea which one is the right choice. A well written novel that reads like nothing else out there in the genre, colorful, vibrant, and a dynamic piece of fiction.
This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2013
The premise of an Amish novel set during the turmoil of the Vietnam War was intriguing to me, so I was glad for the chance to review The Bargain. As usual, I enjoy Amish fiction and this book was no different. I actually think seeing how an Amish girl interacted with the Englisch world that was on the cusp of change highlighted the differences more than it would be to juxtapose them against today’s world.
Poor Betsie never seems to get a break. She really doesn’t want to go work at the saddle shop for her cousin Nelson, but really feels she should. This exposes her to Michael Sullivan, who is probably one of the most perplexing Englisch person she could possibly come across. It’s also interesting that I come across another character in an Amish novel that suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in such a short amount of time.
I liked reading about how even the “regular” world was different than ours is now. Adding in Betsie’s Amish ways and her interaction with new-to-her appliances added a bit of humor to the book. One can only imagine how we would have reacted in her place.
I always am captivated when Amish novels have characters that go against the usual way of the plain people and turn to Christianity. It must take a lot of guts and belief that Christianity is the way for them to break away from the strict way of life and worship that is ingrained in them. I admire Betsie for going to the revival meeting even though it reminded her of how her parents left to go find Jesus. It gave her some doubts but I never really thought at any point in the book that she would leave the life that she was used to and follow her parents. I imagine we’ll find out more in the next book in the Plain City Peace series, which I’ll be sure to read.
I received a copy of this book in order to provide a review.
Poor Betsie never seems to get a break. She really doesn’t want to go work at the saddle shop for her cousin Nelson, but really feels she should. This exposes her to Michael Sullivan, who is probably one of the most perplexing Englisch person she could possibly come across. It’s also interesting that I come across another character in an Amish novel that suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in such a short amount of time.
I liked reading about how even the “regular” world was different than ours is now. Adding in Betsie’s Amish ways and her interaction with new-to-her appliances added a bit of humor to the book. One can only imagine how we would have reacted in her place.
I always am captivated when Amish novels have characters that go against the usual way of the plain people and turn to Christianity. It must take a lot of guts and belief that Christianity is the way for them to break away from the strict way of life and worship that is ingrained in them. I admire Betsie for going to the revival meeting even though it reminded her of how her parents left to go find Jesus. It gave her some doubts but I never really thought at any point in the book that she would leave the life that she was used to and follow her parents. I imagine we’ll find out more in the next book in the Plain City Peace series, which I’ll be sure to read.
I received a copy of this book in order to provide a review.
December 10, 2014
A side of the Amish I’d never “seen” before…
WOW! Stephanie Reed is an AMAZING writer!
Reading The Bargain, It feels as if I’ve been transported to the 70s!
Since I was born in 1979, I didn’t really have the chance to experience them. Thanks to movies and television, I’ve had a glimpse but there’s something different about reading a book written about the era. It gives you an immersion that movies simply can not accomplish.
And this book shows the Amish as I have never seen them – as many readers of popular Amish fiction probably have not. Why – because most Amish fiction is written about the plain people of today…
Even the few historical books written about the plain people, up to now, have focused on the time they put down roots in this country or even when they were on their way here from across the ocean.
Stephanie Reed gives us a glimpse into an era of our country that marked great change for everyone – from a perspective that has certainly not been covered before (to my knowledge anyway).
I applaud her skill – it’s clear she did her research! I am in awe of her writing – not only is an incredibly difficult subject to tackle, but she’s done it from an angle that offers little or no precedence. And I am in love with her characters! Betsie and Sheila and Michael and Charley… Oh if get started, I’ll never stop! They’re wonderful! Just read it!
And how exciting that the 2nd book is out as well! I’m so thrilled I don’t have to wait to read it.
Of course I’ll have to wait for the third book so… if you hear a wail of agony in a day or so… that’s just me – I’ve finished the second one and I’m lamenting the long wait until The Bride – book 3 in the Plain City Peace series – coming winter 2016!
By the way... I did NOT receive this book free for an honest review - I bought it.
WOW! Stephanie Reed is an AMAZING writer!
Reading The Bargain, It feels as if I’ve been transported to the 70s!
Since I was born in 1979, I didn’t really have the chance to experience them. Thanks to movies and television, I’ve had a glimpse but there’s something different about reading a book written about the era. It gives you an immersion that movies simply can not accomplish.
And this book shows the Amish as I have never seen them – as many readers of popular Amish fiction probably have not. Why – because most Amish fiction is written about the plain people of today…
Even the few historical books written about the plain people, up to now, have focused on the time they put down roots in this country or even when they were on their way here from across the ocean.
Stephanie Reed gives us a glimpse into an era of our country that marked great change for everyone – from a perspective that has certainly not been covered before (to my knowledge anyway).
I applaud her skill – it’s clear she did her research! I am in awe of her writing – not only is an incredibly difficult subject to tackle, but she’s done it from an angle that offers little or no precedence. And I am in love with her characters! Betsie and Sheila and Michael and Charley… Oh if get started, I’ll never stop! They’re wonderful! Just read it!
And how exciting that the 2nd book is out as well! I’m so thrilled I don’t have to wait to read it.
Of course I’ll have to wait for the third book so… if you hear a wail of agony in a day or so… that’s just me – I’ve finished the second one and I’m lamenting the long wait until The Bride – book 3 in the Plain City Peace series – coming winter 2016!
By the way... I did NOT receive this book free for an honest review - I bought it.
August 10, 2016
The Bargain is the first book written by Stephanie Reed in her series, Plain City Peace.This was my first book to read by this author so I didn't know what to expect. Her description of the characters were very helpful and doing some flashbacks help to set the scene. I can honestly say her knowledge of this time period was spot on has I lived thru this time as a teenager.
This book is an exciting read along with some humor too! When an Amish girl is suddenly thrown into living with an Englisher family , one of which is a hippie, and a mother who believes she was the next up and coming actress by the name of Sunshine Sullivan. Needless to say the Amish girl, Betsie Troyer, was in for a rude awakening. There were parts of this story that made me laugh but others that brought tears to my eyes.
As Betsie tries to navigate the modern world and learn to use modern appliances she has become attached to the young Sullivan daughter. Betsie is being pushed by her Amish boyfriend to give up her harness making , which she is learning from the Sullivan's, to concentrate more on becoming a good Amish women and get married. What will Betsie do? Will she follow her Amish roots and stay home or continue with the bargain of learning the harness making trade for her cousin? When Betsie is faced with being attacked will this help her decide what to do?
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book for review. I am submitting my honest review for a great book that made me remember alot of my teenage years. I highly recommend this book to all those who like a different story about the Amish. I have rated this book with five stars for a wonderful start to the series. I am looking forward to reading the second book which I already have. Congratulations Stephanie Reed on a great story.
This book is an exciting read along with some humor too! When an Amish girl is suddenly thrown into living with an Englisher family , one of which is a hippie, and a mother who believes she was the next up and coming actress by the name of Sunshine Sullivan. Needless to say the Amish girl, Betsie Troyer, was in for a rude awakening. There were parts of this story that made me laugh but others that brought tears to my eyes.
As Betsie tries to navigate the modern world and learn to use modern appliances she has become attached to the young Sullivan daughter. Betsie is being pushed by her Amish boyfriend to give up her harness making , which she is learning from the Sullivan's, to concentrate more on becoming a good Amish women and get married. What will Betsie do? Will she follow her Amish roots and stay home or continue with the bargain of learning the harness making trade for her cousin? When Betsie is faced with being attacked will this help her decide what to do?
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book for review. I am submitting my honest review for a great book that made me remember alot of my teenage years. I highly recommend this book to all those who like a different story about the Amish. I have rated this book with five stars for a wonderful start to the series. I am looking forward to reading the second book which I already have. Congratulations Stephanie Reed on a great story.
October 9, 2013
This is, hands-down, the most unique Amish book I have ever met. I've heard of historical-fiction Amish books, but this one certainly takes the cake. Author Stephanie Reed paints the 70s era with a vivid brush while portraying the uncertainty and confusion of Betsie Troyer clearly.
Each Amish sect is different, but Reed describes Betsie's family as ultra-conservative - even more so than the White Top Amish I grew up near. This makes the contrast between the radical English during this rebellious time stand out even more. The drama creates lots of tension between Betsie and her Amish friends and family, but even more within herself. There's not a single dull moment in this story!
At times this story felt almost outlandish, but having not grown up during the 70s, I thought maybe I was exaggerating a bit. Once I even thought that it was so crazy that it could be true - so I wasn't a bit surprised when I turned the final page to learn that it is based on the experiences of a real woman! They say that life is crazier than fiction and all of that .....
I thoroughly enjoyed The Bargain. I'm more certain than ever that this is not a time period in which I'd belong, but it makes a fascinating setting.
I received a free copy of The Bargain from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
Each Amish sect is different, but Reed describes Betsie's family as ultra-conservative - even more so than the White Top Amish I grew up near. This makes the contrast between the radical English during this rebellious time stand out even more. The drama creates lots of tension between Betsie and her Amish friends and family, but even more within herself. There's not a single dull moment in this story!
At times this story felt almost outlandish, but having not grown up during the 70s, I thought maybe I was exaggerating a bit. Once I even thought that it was so crazy that it could be true - so I wasn't a bit surprised when I turned the final page to learn that it is based on the experiences of a real woman! They say that life is crazier than fiction and all of that .....
I thoroughly enjoyed The Bargain. I'm more certain than ever that this is not a time period in which I'd belong, but it makes a fascinating setting.
I received a free copy of The Bargain from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2017
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
The Bargin is not just another Amish Fiction! It is an Amish fiction with a twist like I haven’t read before, the setting being in the Vietnam War. I loved the history weaved into the book about this era, and especially since I was old enough during that time to remember a lot about the war and the friends I had who fought in it. Betsy’s story was interesting, with her family living as Englisch. This story brought back a lot of memories of when I was growing up, and that I did enjoy very much! It was so interesting because back then, we did really live plain, or so it seems like that now. I really did love the setting, and the story.
Stephanie Reed is a fairly new author for me, so I was excited to review an Amish fiction from a different author. Ms. Reed created characters that were enjoyable and believable, giving readers a real feel of life in the early 1970′s. If you enjoy Amish, you will love this one. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is for you too! So why not put the two together and check out this new book from Stephanie Reed. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!
I received this book from Litfuse to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
The Bargin is not just another Amish Fiction! It is an Amish fiction with a twist like I haven’t read before, the setting being in the Vietnam War. I loved the history weaved into the book about this era, and especially since I was old enough during that time to remember a lot about the war and the friends I had who fought in it. Betsy’s story was interesting, with her family living as Englisch. This story brought back a lot of memories of when I was growing up, and that I did enjoy very much! It was so interesting because back then, we did really live plain, or so it seems like that now. I really did love the setting, and the story.
Stephanie Reed is a fairly new author for me, so I was excited to review an Amish fiction from a different author. Ms. Reed created characters that were enjoyable and believable, giving readers a real feel of life in the early 1970′s. If you enjoy Amish, you will love this one. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is for you too! So why not put the two together and check out this new book from Stephanie Reed. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!
I received this book from Litfuse to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
October 15, 2013
The Bargain, it is between Betsie and her cousin Nelson. He is acquiring a harness shop, but with the Vietnam War on is drafted and is station at a Chicago hospital for two years. They are both Amish, and now she is stepping outside the box and learning a male trade to help her cousin. He bought the business from Mr Sullivan, and she will be living with some English during the week.
Yes, this is a very unusual story, but according to the Author, it is loosely based on a real person. We are in the midst of the civil unrest that hit this country during this war. We meet Charley who was at Kent State the day the world changed for a lot of young people.
Charley is now a changed young man, and we deal with the dysfunction that is going on in the Sullivan home. We also see God trying to work on Betsie, to make her come to him and accept her salvation. Her parents have found their way to God and want so much for their children to come.
I am so glad that this book is continued....I want to spend more time with Betsie and her family, and hopefully the Sullivan. Enjoy a totally different Amish story.
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
Yes, this is a very unusual story, but according to the Author, it is loosely based on a real person. We are in the midst of the civil unrest that hit this country during this war. We meet Charley who was at Kent State the day the world changed for a lot of young people.
Charley is now a changed young man, and we deal with the dysfunction that is going on in the Sullivan home. We also see God trying to work on Betsie, to make her come to him and accept her salvation. Her parents have found their way to God and want so much for their children to come.
I am so glad that this book is continued....I want to spend more time with Betsie and her family, and hopefully the Sullivan. Enjoy a totally different Amish story.
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
December 30, 2013
This book certainly held my attention. I have read many works of Amish fiction and this one was quite different as the Amish parents left their family. I was quite surprised (shocked, actually) that Amish parents would leave their two young adult daughters and their young son to join the English world. Betsie is forced to keep this a secret from everyone in the Amish community and her English employers. I felt deeply for this young woman and her struggle to honor her parents, keep her Amish faith, and still do what is right.
I appreciated the accurate portrayal of the Kent State Massacre in the early 1970's. Michael is dealing with PTSD due to being a part of the Kent State Massacre on the college campus. Stephanie Reed deals with many issues in her book. The English mom is also struggling to "find herself" and leaves her home and family too. Many people seem to think the Amish have no problems and I like the fact that Stephanie Reed portrays them as human beings with all the same struggles and emotions that we all feel from time to time. I will be anxiously awaiting the release of Book Two in this series.
I received a free pdf copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
I appreciated the accurate portrayal of the Kent State Massacre in the early 1970's. Michael is dealing with PTSD due to being a part of the Kent State Massacre on the college campus. Stephanie Reed deals with many issues in her book. The English mom is also struggling to "find herself" and leaves her home and family too. Many people seem to think the Amish have no problems and I like the fact that Stephanie Reed portrays them as human beings with all the same struggles and emotions that we all feel from time to time. I will be anxiously awaiting the release of Book Two in this series.
I received a free pdf copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
November 16, 2014
This was a good book, but left me cold at the end. Betsie's parents left their home because they learned true salvation was not restricted to being Amish or by hard work, but by grace and the saving knowledge of Christ. It would have been too difficult to stay in their community, so they left their home to their barely grown, unmarried daughters, hoping they would learn salvation and follow them.
It irritated me at first that they left rather than stay and help the girls, but once the community found out they turned from their Amish faith, they would have been shunned and the girls would have had no access to them anyway. The ending was unsatisfying to me because I was rooting for a different outcome and for Betsie. I was hoping she could help someone change their life, and end up with him. The way it ended made sense, though, because they stayed faithful to their Amish roots. I just hoped it would have been the other way round. It was good though and I liked the experiences Betsie had with the Englisch family she was learning a trade from, and the love and affection she learned with them.
It irritated me at first that they left rather than stay and help the girls, but once the community found out they turned from their Amish faith, they would have been shunned and the girls would have had no access to them anyway. The ending was unsatisfying to me because I was rooting for a different outcome and for Betsie. I was hoping she could help someone change their life, and end up with him. The way it ended made sense, though, because they stayed faithful to their Amish roots. I just hoped it would have been the other way round. It was good though and I liked the experiences Betsie had with the Englisch family she was learning a trade from, and the love and affection she learned with them.
December 22, 2014
This is book 2 in the Plain City Peace series. I have not read the first book and could keep up with what was going on in this one, however I would definitely recommend reading the first book (The Bargain) before this one. I feel there would be more meaning in this one with the history of the first. This is definitely a series, you will want the next book out soon to find out what happens.
Betsie Troyer is forced to become mother and father to her family farm. When she is also asked to watch an 'English' girl her life is turned upside down. While she knows she should be thankful for Charley and his ever present help and opinion on her farm she can't quit thinking about the 'English' man Michael. Will she be able to find what her heart truly wants or will she do only what is expected even if they clash. Can she convince her parents to return to the Amish life? Betsie must face some hard circumstances, strict people, a loving little girl and hold to the Amish ways.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading good clean amish christian fiction (series). I was given a copy of this book from bookfun.org (The Book Club Network) for my honest opinion.
Betsie Troyer is forced to become mother and father to her family farm. When she is also asked to watch an 'English' girl her life is turned upside down. While she knows she should be thankful for Charley and his ever present help and opinion on her farm she can't quit thinking about the 'English' man Michael. Will she be able to find what her heart truly wants or will she do only what is expected even if they clash. Can she convince her parents to return to the Amish life? Betsie must face some hard circumstances, strict people, a loving little girl and hold to the Amish ways.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading good clean amish christian fiction (series). I was given a copy of this book from bookfun.org (The Book Club Network) for my honest opinion.
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