Simply Sara

Plain and Simple #2

by Hillary Manton Lodge

Following up on Plain Jayne , a fun new look at Amish life from the outside in, author Hillary Manton Lodge continues with young Sara Burkholder's perspective on English life and romance in Simply Sara . Sara, who left her Amish family to live with Jayne, discovers that the English world is a bit more challenging than she expected. As she finds a job, buys English clothes, wears makeup, and learns to drive, she begins a journey to becoming the person she might have been had she not been born into an Amish family. But when romance becomes complicated and school proves difficult, Sara escapes to her Amish sister's home, wondering if she should return to the life she left. Torn, she seeks answers in prayer, but is the God she is seeking the same in both worlds? What's a quilt-making, fashion-loving, formerly Plain girl to do when a new way of life starts to change her?

Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction, Romance, Amish Fiction, Christian Romance, Fiction, Adult Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

Reviews

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd read the first book in the series years ago, and didn't bother to go back and re-read it late last month before reading this one. Having said that, I have to say that it was not hard to follow the characters in this one at all! For me, that is a major feat and kudos to the author for writing that way!

This book starts practically where the first left off, but the difference is that the focus is on Sara's experiences, and not Jayne's. The author gives us plenty of context so we get a good impression of what happened in that first story, but also advances it without taking the focus off Sara. It really strikes a good balance there!

However, the character of Sara is where the book lost a star for me. While I loved her as a character overall, her loss of ambition for fashion turned into total wishy-washy-ness about what direction her life should take. It became a bit tedious.

Will was an interesting character, but his backstory wasn't as fleshed out as I would like. We only get snippets about him, something I wasn't that crazy about. I did like the bit about him being a former figure skater!

The romance was very subtle, as was the religious aspect. The story wasn't "OMG, I must preach to you to convert you to Christianity!" type at all, and I would actually recommend it to a non-inspirational reader!

I'm actually a little sad that the series seems to be over for now, as this series has a great cast of supporting characters that I'd love to see have their own stories!

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the second book in the Plain and Simple Series.

Sara's character came to life through the well-written first person. William was a mystery to me at first, but I definitely did like him by the end. I enjoyed getting more of Jayne and Levi, and of course, her crazy and funny friends.

The plot was definitely not predictable which I liked. I didn't really know where it was going or how it was going to end. Honestly, the end took me a little by surprise, but it was a good surprise. Secondly, it really didn't feel like a romance book either, even though, there was an obvious romance sub-plot, by the end.

The reason I took off a star is for three main reason:
1) There was a little too much kissing detail at one point.
2) Gemma says, "And since you're not going all Genesis on us and doing it stark naked, and since it will be a wedding, that means you need a wedding dress." I really didn't see the need for this quote.
3) "...Jayne said, stepping out of her dress, "Hurry up, Sara. I'm half-naked over here." Honestly, I wished the characters would have changed clothes in separate rooms. I just don't see the need for showing that.

Overall, this was definitely a good book! Though, it was an Amish book, it honestly felt more like a contemporary book, since it mainly showed how Sara was adjusting to the English World.

[Naomi Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The character development and mystery of William as well as the relatable insecurities and doubts of Sara really drew me in. I loved being in Sara’s mind as she struggled to connect and fit in to her new English world. I also enjoyed the enemies to lovers trope with William and Sara. I do have to admit though, sometimes it was hard to keep up with all the characters, especially when influential characters are mentioned and then never talked about again, or show up only once. My second criticism is the ending seemed very rushed. Overall I very much enjoyed this book even having not read the first one.

[C Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series.

Sara Burkholder was born and raised Amish. Her brother Levi left the faith and went to college and built a good life in the English world. Sara loves to draw and wants to be a clothing designer. At age 18, Sara decides to leave her roots and go into the English world to pursue her dream.
This book picks up where Plain Jayne leaves off. This is a story about Sara's adventures adapting to the English world. It is easy to get into this book. It was a light read but enjoyable.

[Rebekah Peurifoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So it took me awhile to love the characters as much as I loved them in book 1, but by the end it was perfect

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, even though i haven't read the first one. Great storyline!!

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet follow up to Plain Jayne. I liked how HML depicted Sara's internal struggles about her career, family, and love.

[Lorraine Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the majority of the book I felt this was more a 3 star story. Mostly for reading preference reasons, I prefer a book that kicks off the chemistry between the main characters, well before the 230 page mark. Also I'm not a fan of one dimensional first person accounts. I felt like I was reading a journal/diary, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, it's more personal preference to read books that are told from the perspective of at least 2 people. I am fully aware that as the plot line for this book that wouldn't have worked either since Will was not a major factor in Sara's life until much further on. Had he been involved sooner and his thoughts written in, I do think I would have enjoyed it there, a missed opportunity to read some banter between the 2 of them. As it is, the relationship falls a little flat and is lost in the story.

I'm thinking though, that a story just about the romance was not the intention of the author here, and that's the reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 3. This book prompts you to really think and consider the implications of making choices, big ones that alter the course of your life, and just about how hard it is to stay on the track. For some, in this case, Levi, he has a stronger stamina and has stayed firm in his convictions. For Sara, as it may be for most of us, doubts come, we learn its not as easy as we dreamed, obstacles and trials will likely be there that we didn't foresee. In this case, it was the tale of a young Amish girl, breaking free of her past to create a different future than she'd been raised to expect. Leaving and becoming 'English' is anything but straightforward. You can draw parallels from this as a reader, without being Amish. It's a relatable story of finding yourself, that I am certain the majority of us on this Earth have gone through at least once.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: SIMPLY SARA
Author: Hillary Manton Lodge
Publisher: Harvest House
September 2010
ISBN: 978-0736926997
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance

Sara Burkholder has made a new life for herself after running away from her Amish home in the trunk of a friend’s car. She has passed her GED test, enrolled in a school of design and gotten a job working at a bookstore. Except her new supervisor, William Blythe seems to be a bit unfriendly toward her, treating her with contempt and hesitating to teach her anything related to running the store.

Sara is happy except for one thing. Living with Jayne seems to be causing Levi and Jayne to put their wedding plans on hold. So, even though she doesn’t know how she can afford it, Sara starts looking for an apartment to call her own.

When Sara is involved in a car accident, everything changes. Not all for good but not all bad either. But when her world falls apart, Sara has to make a decision. Can she return home to her Amish roots, or should she continue trying to make a new life in Portland.

SIMPLY SARA is the sequel to Plain Jayne , but it easily stands alone. I enjoyed getting to know Sara a bit more as she lived and worked in the English world, and some of her discoveries made me laugh out loud.

Written in first person, I really got to know Sara well and could relate to her. She is a fun heroine, strong and courageous, even though she doesn’t see herself that way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope to read more by this author. Discussion questions and a recipe are included at the end of the book. $10.99. 288 pages.

[Meagen Farrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in this series so anticipated enjoying this sequel, but it wasn't up to par. I finished and it was okay, but I wouldn't even classify this as Amish Lit. The author is very skilled at bringing characters alive, using rich description of the setting, and the details make it a fun, easy read. The main romance really sizzles. But I was really disappointed to discover the lack of genuine conflict with other characters, which was repeatedly sidestepped and glossed over. Sara could have had some really interesting, pointed discussions about violence, and other cultural differences with her new friends. Instead every time a question was raised, I thought Sara either avoided or quickly dismissed it if it distracted from the romance. Maybe it's just a frustrating flaw with the main character that I thought she'd grow out of, but I hoped for more from Sara, especially after Jayne's transformation. The most glaring example is the lack of any real theological inquiry. It is full of movie and pop culture references, but doesn't quote one scripture. Characters who debated what to wear for pages resolved their theological differences with cliche platitudes. Cupcake bakeries and fabric shops are sensuously described but worship services are vaguely summarized. In the middle I thought Sara's relationship with God and the church would be her primary conflict, jumping off from Jayne's yes-or-no to Jesus into a deeper exploration of differences between Sara's church choices outside of Amish life. Instead that conflict became a minor theme, resolved indirectly through Sara's love relationship. God is agape, not eros.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another fun read by Hillary Manton Lodge! I came across the book Plain Jayne while browsing in the library one day and thought it sounded like some light, enjoyable reading. I loved the book and noticed that it was the first book in a series, so I started doing some checking to find the second book, Simply Sara.

This book continued on where Plain Jayne left off. I loved being able to revisit the story of Jayne and her new boyfriend Levi. They are such a great couple, and I really enjoyed reading about their budding romance. This second book focuses on Levi's sister Sara, who, like her brother, decided to leave her Amish way of life to live in the English world. This story picks up as Sara acclimates herself to living with Jayne in the city, and her quest to go to fashion design school. It was just like the first book in that it was a quick and entertaining story, and I even caught myself smiling a couple times as I was reading. I don't know if there is another book or not, but I truly hope so! You can bet I will be looking for it!

For Amish fiction lovers like me, I highly recommend this series. Even if you've never read the genre, you should give these books a try. It is a fun, easy-to-read series, that caters to anyone's love of a happily-ever-after story. Hillary Manton Lodge has proved to me that she is an author that I will keep on my "favorites" list.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was an enjoyable story, I really liked Sara. I was a little disappointed when the story was finished. I really enjoyed the story and the struggle that Sara went through with her faith. Here is the story as broken down on the back of the book:
Following up on Plain Jayne, a fun new look at Amish life from the outside in, author Hillary Manton Lodge continues with young Sara Burkholder’s perspective on English life and romance in Simply Sara.

Sara, who left her Amish family to live with Jane, discovers that the English world is a bit more challenging than she expected. As she finds a job, buys English clothes, wears makeup, and learns to drive, she begins a journey to becoming the person she might have been had she not been born into an Amish family. But when romance becomes complicated and school proves difficult, Sara escapes to her Amish sister’s home, wondering if she should return to the life she left. Torn, she seeks answers in prayer, but is the God she is seeking the same in both worlds? What’s a quilt-making, fashion-loving, formerly Plain girl to do when a new way of life starts to change her?

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time that I have read any Amish literature. I really enjoyed it. I immediately was hooked on the story and liked the main character, Sarah Burkholder. I identified with her too. We both had very protected childhoods and were maybe too trusting.

She was raised in an Amish community and since her passion was fashion design, she decided to leave and become English. As the story goes on, all the differences between Amish living and English living become apparent, a few are no mirrors or telephones in the homes, no cameras, no Santa Clause, no hair salons and no higher education.

This book is the second of a two. The first book, 'Plain Jayne' dealt with the romance between Jayne Tate and Sara's brother who also decided to become English. What really stood out in the book was Sarah's relative saying that maybe some people were meant to be Amish.
I like that simple acceptance of reality and lack of judgment associated with it.

I recommend this book to all who are curious about the Amish and those would just love a good read.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this one *almost* as much as I loved the first book, Plain Jayne. Sara's character was well-written, and I also loved Will -- he was multi-faceted and not easily pigeonholed, unlike most romance-novel type main guy characters. I do have a couple of complaints, though. I thought Sara's inner conflict about having left her Amish family could have been a bit more developed. It was sprinkled sort-of here and there throughout the story, but it didn't really come to a head until toward the end, and since there hadn't been more about it earlier on, it didn't seem to make as much sense when it did show up. Also, I realize Sara is a clothing designer, but occasionally I thought there was a little too much detail about the clothes. There is also one passage where she is putting on makeup for a date that went on a little long. Giving every detail of how she lined her lips, what kind of eyeshadow she wore, etc., slowed the narrative down.
Overall, though, I loved the story, and highly recommend it!

[Kame · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple Sara is the continuation of Plain Jayne.

Sara is 18 years old and an Amish girl who has always loved fashion. She hides fashion magazines in her floor boards in her room. She longs for patterned fabrics and dresses that are more complex than the simple designs. Sara decides to hide in the back of Jayne's trunk and rides to Portland to get away. Jayne and Levi, Sara's brother who left the Amish life years before are there to help her make the transition, along with a large group of their friends.

Sara is determined to be independent and in a short time, gets her GED, drivers license, gets accepted to college, cuts her hair, shops for English clothes and goes on a date. With all these momentous occasions she still feels something is missing - but can she find it? How does she get over the feeling that Jayne and Levi are not moving forward in their relationship between themselves because they must take care of her. Was becoming English the right decision?

[Miriam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought Sara was one of the most interesting characters from the first book, so I was interested in seeing her story continued. The book wasn't bad overall, but it certainly seemed like Jayne and her friends had a lot of time to sit around and watch movies. I thought it was lazy for the author to drop in references to all the movies they watched with Sara but not really show much about her reaction to them and the ways that she was changing. I also felt like the characters surrounding Sara saw her as some sort of doll to be turned into a modern woman. On an unrelated note, the repeated digs at the Twilight books came off as a bit smug on the part of the author and will date the book in the future.

[Rev. Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel continues the story that Hillary Lodge began with
"Plain Jayne", and tracks the life of Sara, an Amish runaway who follows her dream of being a fashion designer (obviously not something that would happen in her Amish community). I found it very revealing as far as the differences between the "English" and Amish cultures, particularly those related to pop culture and relationships. Really enjoyed both works by this author, and hope to find other books that she has written appear in the future.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book of this series, 'Plain Jayne', and so was excited to read this next book. As much as I liked Jayne's story, I think I liked Sara's more!
I loved that Sara was so willing to do what she needed to succeed as an 'Englisher', and how she found freedom in finding friends who had similar thoughts and ideas to her. And then, how she saw something she could do to improve a situation and then took steps to improve it. I really liked Sara's personality, and especially loved how she learned to become who God created her to be!

[Alisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sequel to Plain Jayne, which I liked. This story was different as it follows one of the Amish girls who left the community to become English and follow a career in fashion design. The story started off well but got slow in the middle and I didn't pick it up for a week or so. But once I got going again, the story finally picked up and ended nicely. Again, super clean and highly enjoyable!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet and intriguing story by Hillary Manton Lodge. A sequel to Plain Jayne it did not disappoint and introduced new, interesting characters. I love the fun twist at the end and, no, I won't even hint or it would spoil it for you. Imagining a different life than the one you were born into is hard enough to fathom but Lodge tells it well with enough conflict to make it believable bringing smiles and even sweet tears to my eyes. I hope she keeps writing because I will be reading.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of a series written by Hillary. The first being Plain Jayne.

Sara is an amish raised girl who decides she wants to try being non amish as she loves fashion. This is her story and is written so that you will fall in love with Sara as she struggles in the non amish world.

A great read.

[Donna Zakem · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very inspirational novel. Sarah leaves her Amish home and all she knows to try the English life.Only getting downtrodden and confused she returns and stays a short time with her sister, only to find herself more miserable. I have learned sometimes you have to leave what is comfortable and familiar to truely find yourself and find your peace with God and place in this world.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sara runs away from her Amish family to join her brother who also left the faith. The author uses the relationships and situations to explore the conflict between tradition, faith, and family. There is conflict between Sara’s nativity and secluded upbringing that conflicts with the level of education portrayed. However, the anguish she suffers from breaking family ties is very believable.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first experience with Amish fiction, and I liked the simplicity of the story. A good quality, quick read. Now I need to go back and read the 1st book in the series. :) I hope there will be a third (and fourth.)

[Michelle Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet, uncomplicated quick read. It's great for a light read between more challenging novels.

I really enjoyed reading about Sara's growth as an Englisher and Will reminded me of a person and a time from years ago.

I'd read thus author again.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was an easy read and a tad predictable but good. It's about an Amish girl who loves fashion and goes to fashion designer college. It's fun to see her being pulled the English way and the Amish way.

[Margaret Chind]

*Thanks to Jeane Wynn of Wynn Wynn Media for providing a Manuscript ARC for review.*

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet, simple romance story. The way things are SUPPOSED to happen.

[Miss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing writing. Very insightful. Can't recommend it enough.