Anything but Plain by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Product Details
Web ID: 16835825Great story!
Once again, we return to the picturesque Stoney Ridge with some familiar characters from past novels; however, this particular book does stand well on its own. I really enjoyed reading about Lydie, who feels like an outcast. Her emotions were well written and it made it easy for me to feel connected with her in the story. I also love the research that this author pours into her work. It is clear that she puts much effort into the details and the stories are richer and better for it. The topic of ADHD was interesting to read about from an Amish perspective and I thought the author handled it very respectfully. The romance was endearing and sweet, but was also deep and realistic. Amish fiction is not a genre I typically gravitate towards, but I always pick up a book by this author because she writes so well! I recommend this wonderful read! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Wonderful book
This book is not like other Suzanne Woods Fisher books, I have been a fan of this author for quite a while and with this book I am even more of a fan. Wondering why you don’t fit in with your entire family means many troubling days for Lydia Stoltzfus. Nathan Yoder is a wonderful friend to Lydia and is determined to stand by her side. One of the reasons I loved this book it sheds light on the fact that the Amish are just like everyone else, with the same stresses, problems and even medical issues. This is for sure one of my top books this year. I loved the characters, storyline and really loved returning to Stoney Ridge I hope this is not the last we see of this wonderful town. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Partial read
Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of my favorite authors of Amish fiction, but I really struggled with this one. I don't think I was in the best place emotionally to read it, because I felt the hidden hopelessness and despair of Lydie keenly, and the injustice of Nathan's father's cruelty was too much. Nathan has commendable goals to improve the farm, but Mick and their father are persuaded by the easier way with empty promises, and Nathan is not given enough regard to present his plan or enough time to actually execute it. I will have to finish this book when I'm able to wade though the hardships they are sure to endure. Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
UNUSUAL AND ENTERTAINING!
This book combines two very unusual subjects and modern day topics and weaving them into an informative, entertaining and interesting story! Lydia is quirky and can’t seem to keep her life in order. This leads her quickly going from job to job in rapid succession. She feels doesn’t fit in anywhere, especially not in the ordered life of the Amish. She secretly plans to leave. Nathan’s dream is to become a successful organic farmer. He loves Lydia and only sees her sweet spirit and unusual insight into situations. Unfortunately his father and brother are sold out to using as many harmful chemicals on their crops as the can. Ignoring the impact they have on the environment and health. To complicate matters more Lydia’s paternal grandmother comes to stay. She is overbearing, unkind, controlling and has a master plan to “fix” Lydia once and for all. Lydia’s Aunt, Dok is a physician who left the Amish years ago. She offers her a job in her office. Her suspicions are validated with some testing, Lydia has ADHD. All the characters are so multifaceted! Each has their own faults and struggles they are secretly dealing with. Ms. Fisher beautifully weaves them all together in their relationships and community! I learned much about ADHD that I wasn’t aware of. Not only some of the challenges but also how greatly it impacts one’s day to day existence. I appreciated that the author presented that it can be treated without medication. A wonderful story of forgiveness and God’s healing in unexpected ways. I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
New twist on an Amish romance
I loved everything about Anything But Plain, which is no surprise. Suzanne Woods Fisher has created a wonderful, intricately planned world, and I'm always happy to see another story set in it. Even if you haven't read any of the other books, this works fine as a standalone. If you have read any (or all) of the others, you'll enjoy seeing familiar names and places making an appearance. This novel focuses on Lydie, a young woman who doesn't quite fit in with her Amish community. Due to a temporary job with the local doctor, she discovers she has ADHD. I really liked seeing how the Amish community dealt with this, as well as how it affected Lydie personally. The author has really done her research and it shows. Everything felt very authentic and realistic. The major characters were all very well-written and detailed; I felt like I really got to know each of them, with all their good qualities and flaws. I also enjoyed seeing the growth of each of them as the story progressed. The romantic relationship between Lydie and Nathan was also handled beautifully. I got to observe the couple's interactions, and really believed it as the relationship progressed and became meaningful. I also enjoyed the setting. The descriptions of the countryside and Amish community were detailed enough for me to "see" everything, but not so detailed that I felt bogged down. Lastly, I've read a fair bit of Amish fiction in the past, and always enjoy learning more about the culture. This book provided a new perspective with the ADHD element, which I thought was handled beautifully, and was a great way to put a new spin on Amish fiction. Definitely 5 stars!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
enjoyable
Lydie never feels like she really fits into her community. She wants to leave but is just not sure. She gets a chance to have a little more time to figure things out when she is offered a new job. While there she has to work out her feeling and decide what really matters.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Good insights on issues while providing great read
Anything But Plain By Suzanne Woods Fisher Lydie Stoltzfus has always been the "trouble child" in David Stoltzfus's family, and the scrutiny she was under only grew once he was bishop. She knows her intentions might be good, but somehow, something always goes wrong, getting her into a mess. Worse, she can't keep a job - some last mere hours before she's asked to leave (or, in some cases, ordered away). As Lydie struggles with her inability to fit in, her neighbor, Nathan Yoder, wants to use organic farming methods on the family farm. But change doesn't come easy, and Nahan's family is all into pesticides and thinking more is better. Anything But Plain is a standalone title set in Suzanne Woods Fisher's much-loved Stoney Ridge community. But when her "non-Amish" Aunt Ruth (aka Dok) discovers Lydie's struggles, she could hold the key to helping Lydie, giving her hope that leaving all she knows and loves might not be her only choice. This book looks at Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and its effects on not only the life of the person with it but how it affects those around them - friends and family. But the secondary storyline of organic farming versus pesticides/herbicides is timely and important. And somehow, the author manages to weave these two threads into her story so that it doesn't feel forced or preachy. I appreciated the insights this book offers. This would be an excellent book club selection as there is much to discuss. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Beautifully written
Oh Lydie, I felt everything for you, It is so hard when she doesn't feel like she fits. I loved the way that she was depicted in this Amish community. She tries so hard and finds that it doesn't help. The fact that this book looks at ADHD in the world of the Amish is illuminating. I was in awe as i read this. I work with people with disabilities and have a son with ADHD. This is a topic that is dear to me and something that I felt was treated respectfully and beautifully done. Her relationships with her family, with the community, and in her employment showed that it is possible to find a way to help someone with ADHD find where they fit. The author did a beautiful job showing the challenges in the Amish community and with their neighbors, but still showing love, faith, and healing. I would recommend this book to those that love to read Amish fiction or for those that want to understand more about how someone with ADHD feels and thinks. I received an early copy through the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest review.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com