4.18

4

May 18, 2016

I had trouble with this book, but then Jane Austen’s Persuasion was hard to read also. You know going in that it is a tragedy of the heart and that you will have to wade through it.

In reading the reviews, everyone wants to dump on Anna. You have to realize, she did not have her mother’s influence. After her mother’s death her older sister took on an authoritative roll over her and her younger sister. So not only did Anna lose her mother, she lost the fellowship of her sisters as well as the I had trouble with this book, but then Jane Austen’s Persuasion was hard to read also. You know going in that it is a tragedy of the heart and that you will have to wade through it.

In reading the reviews, everyone wants to dump on Anna. You have to realize, she did not have her mother’s influence. After her mother’s death her older sister took on an authoritative roll over her and her younger sister. So not only did Anna lose her mother, she lost the fellowship of her sisters as well as the emotional connection with her father. The younger sister learned to get attention with negative inappropriate behavior, sulking, complaining, getting out of chores by feigning illness, etc. Anna, being the middle child, tried to keep things going by placating to the younger sister. It was easier to give in to her than to hear her complain.

Thus you have a pattern for life for everyone. The father in his grief failed his daughters by checking out emotionally, by not being economical and spending more than he should. That placed them in debt and in a position of seeking help from their church community if they did not change their financial situation.

Strength of character…she was only 17 when presented with a marriage proposal. Her father was against her marriage into such a family. Her mother’s best friend Lydia also persuaded her to not accept. She was not of an age to go against her family. She was underage, just newly baptized and thus felt she should follow the wishes of her father, as taught by the church.

Not sure if she had approached their bishop if his response would have been different. Oh, the grief she felt for the next eight years. It seemed more intense then in JA’s version. It seemed to go on forever, as well as her misunderstanding as to who was getting married.

There were parts I felt were missing and were not addressed, and threads left hanging. I don’t want to **spoiler** here so I won’t mention them. I just wonder what happened to a character(s) that was/were mentioned and then we hear no more of them.

I enjoyed the book; I just had to work really hard for it. I also was emotionally drained with all the angst Anna dealt with. I tried to realize the cultural setting and what influenced the characters to do what they did. I think in the end it was rushed and that is why there were threads left hanging.

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5

Feb 12, 2015

One of my favorite Jane Austen novels has now been retold in an Amish setting and takes its place as one of my favorite Amish stories!

This retelling of Persuasion was very well done. The characters are both authentically Amish, yet the storyline stays true to the original Austen book. The author does a great job of changing various settings and events to become decidedly Amish, while keeping the original Austen storyline flowing.

I loved these characters! Anna Eicher and Freman Whittmore lost out One of my favorite Jane Austen novels has now been retold in an Amish setting and takes its place as one of my favorite Amish stories!

This retelling of Persuasion was very well done. The characters are both authentically Amish, yet the storyline stays true to the original Austen book. The author does a great job of changing various settings and events to become decidedly Amish, while keeping the original Austen storyline flowing.

I loved these characters! Anna Eicher and Freman Whittmore lost out on their first chance of love together and they need a second chance. However, the author builds in great tension throughout the book and Anna’s hurt is truly palpable. She struggles with her emotions as she has to be around Freman and is constantly reminded about what she gave up.

Austen was a master at creating complex characters and also adding in frustrating family members and situations they must deal with. Sarah Price captures that same essence in her retellings of these famous works. I enjoyed this story so much!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
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1

May 10, 2015

I skipped half of the book and went to the end. Still bored me to death. You can't mix the Persuasion era with an Amish culture. It just doesn't work, which Sarah Price proved.
I was generous giving it one star.
Sorry Sarah, I usually love all of your books. Please don't do this again.

5

Jan 08, 2016

Second Chances

The book started rather slowly as I continued reading I began putting the pieces together, Anna was reunited with the man, that she truly loved and married. It is a well written book of Amish love.

5

Jul 23, 2015

Great reading

I have long been a fan of Sarah Price. Second Chance shows how we sometimes put others happiness or belief before our own. Then by God's grace we are offered a second chance to step out own our own and find happiness

3

Nov 03, 2015

I expected more from this book based on reading the first in the series. This was a let down. There just didn’t’ seem to be much substance in the plot except for the younger sister, Mary, who was so obnoxious. Disappointed.

4

Aug 06, 2015

Maybe more like 3.5 stars. Overall, I enjoyed this Amish retelling of Persuasion, but it was a bit slow in parts. I liked the main characters and the way Price echoes the original story rather than following it exactly. A solid Christian romance especially enjoyable for Jane Austen fans.

3

Aug 21, 2015

An entertaining read, although I think that is due mainly to the borrowing of the plot from Austen (a retelling of Persuasion). The sentence structure was a little iffy in places, but I did look forward to reading it anyway.

5

Jun 07, 2015

Anna and Freman's story is amazing. After years of doing what her family insisted she did she finally realized she was missing out on a chance of a family of her own. Anna's father and a family friend talked her into believing she should break up with Freman. 8 years later she still missed him. When he came back to visit his sister Anna realized she never stopped loving him. You won't be able to stop reading this book. God was truly working on these two special people.

5

May 12, 2015

"Second Chances" is a story about what happens when you don't stand up for yourself and let others persuade you to make wrong choices. It is the story of heartache and regrets. "Second Chances" is God's way of showing us His mercy! I encourage you to read "Second Chances" and fall in love with life all over again as God has a plan for each of us. Sarah Price has a way of making her readers love the Amish and the classics! How much better can it get than that!

"Second Chances" is a five star "Second Chances" is a story about what happens when you don't stand up for yourself and let others persuade you to make wrong choices. It is the story of heartache and regrets. "Second Chances" is God's way of showing us His mercy! I encourage you to read "Second Chances" and fall in love with life all over again as God has a plan for each of us. Sarah Price has a way of making her readers love the Amish and the classics! How much better can it get than that!

"Second Chances" is a five star novel.

I was given a copy of "Second Chances" by the publisher for an honest review.
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5

Jun 03, 2015

Second Chances is another winner in Sarah Price's Amish Classics series, where she puts her own twist on a classic story and brings it to new life in an unexpected setting. Readers will enjoy following the journey of Anna, a young Amish woman struggling against the persuasion of her family and friends as she tries to find her second chance at love.

Fans of Jane Austen's classics should enjoy this retelling of Persuasion in an Amish setting. Thanks to Sarah Price's awesome Amish storytelling Second Chances is another winner in Sarah Price's Amish Classics series, where she puts her own twist on a classic story and brings it to new life in an unexpected setting. Readers will enjoy following the journey of Anna, a young Amish woman struggling against the persuasion of her family and friends as she tries to find her second chance at love.

Fans of Jane Austen's classics should enjoy this retelling of Persuasion in an Amish setting. Thanks to Sarah Price's awesome Amish storytelling skills, fans of that genre are also sure to appreciate her latest work.

Thanks to Sarah Price for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this story in exchange for my honest review. ...more

3

Mar 26, 2015

This faithful retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion captures the superficiality of the community and the resignation of the main character to her place. Austen fans will appreciate these similarities, while those new to the Austen universe will be moved to read the original.

Years after Anna decided to place her family’s concern for their reputation in their Amish community before her wishes, she finds herself again in the company of Freman, the man she loved but turned away. She believes that This faithful retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion captures the superficiality of the community and the resignation of the main character to her place. Austen fans will appreciate these similarities, while those new to the Austen universe will be moved to read the original.

Years after Anna decided to place her family’s concern for their reputation in their Amish community before her wishes, she finds herself again in the company of Freman, the man she loved but turned away. She believes that she will always be relegated to a life serving her unappreciative father and sisters, but Freman might be more forgiving than she believes she deserves. (REALMS, Jun., 304 pp., $14.99)
Reviewed by:
Kerry Sutherland
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev... ...more

3

Oct 21, 2014

Every now and again an author that I really enjoy will create a story that I just do not like and this unfortunately was one of those times. The characters in this book exhausted and bewildered me to no end. A host of unfortunate and unlikeable people! It seemed completely unrealistic to me that no-one told Mary what a selfish wife, friend, sister, and daughter that she was. The entire book; a main character that ruined so many areas of this story; and no-one ever told her. And poor Anna I was Every now and again an author that I really enjoy will create a story that I just do not like and this unfortunately was one of those times. The characters in this book exhausted and bewildered me to no end. A host of unfortunate and unlikeable people! It seemed completely unrealistic to me that no-one told Mary what a selfish wife, friend, sister, and daughter that she was. The entire book; a main character that ruined so many areas of this story; and no-one ever told her. And poor Anna I was left alone through so much of this book with nothing but her agonizing thoughts and unhappiness and there wasn't a single character to balance this storm with a calming and welcome effect. I noticed a lot of mistakes also in the printing where peoples names were wrong; I was able to figure it out but a bit surprised with how often it occurred. I still will return to Sarah Price books but this one was a disappointment. ...more

3

Jun 26, 2015

I finished this book quite a while ago, and have been thinking of how to rate and review it ever since. As an adaptation, I think it works quite well. Most of the elements that make Persuasion endearing are present. The new added scenes, like the horse auction, are quite delightful and enhance our understanding of the characters. Where the book fell short for me was that it relied too heavily on my memory of the original to appreciate the action. I heard all these things about what Freman was I finished this book quite a while ago, and have been thinking of how to rate and review it ever since. As an adaptation, I think it works quite well. Most of the elements that make Persuasion endearing are present. The new added scenes, like the horse auction, are quite delightful and enhance our understanding of the characters. Where the book fell short for me was that it relied too heavily on my memory of the original to appreciate the action. I heard all these things about what Freman was supposed to be, or do, for example, but I did not really have a lot of opportunity to see it play out in real life. And I found Freman to be a great character; he could shine without relying on Frederick Wentworth, any time! I also did not enjoy all of Anna's mental commentary. She told too many things that the reader could infer perfectly well on one's own, and I found that frustrating. But---it is a great story, and I would re-read it despite its (perceived) flaws. ...more

5

Aug 28, 2015

No one writes a Jane Austin re-telling like Sarah Price!

First Impressions: An Amish Tale of Pride and Prejudice (Amish Classics #1)
The Matchmaker: A re-telling of Emma (Amish Classics #2)
Second Chances: A re-telling of Persuasion (Amish Classics #3)

Ms. Price is just amazing… I have read the titles shown above – and I have learned that book #4 – Sense and Sensibility – will be released next year, and I’m so excited about this series!

Honestly, when you begin reading, the story doesn’t
No one writes a Jane Austin re-telling like Sarah Price!

First Impressions: An Amish Tale of Pride and Prejudice (Amish Classics #1)
The Matchmaker: A re-telling of Emma (Amish Classics #2)
Second Chances: A re-telling of Persuasion (Amish Classics #3)

Ms. Price is just amazing… I have read the titles shown above – and I have learned that book #4 – Sense and Sensibility – will be released next year, and I’m so excited about this series!

Honestly, when you begin reading, the story doesn’t immediately remind you of Persuasion, but keep reading… you’ll see it.

Anna Eicher and Freman Whittmore… well, I admit it broke my heart when she told him she couldn’t marry him, but Anna’s hurt was so tangible, I truly felt her misery as she struggled with being reminded of what she gave up whenever she was around him.

Sarah Price is a genius at creating complex characters and frustrating family members – it began with First Impressions and she’s still doing a marvelous job. While the characters are authentically Amish, Ms. Price does a superb job showing the Amish ways, yet the original Jane Austen story shines through!

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5

Jun 21, 2015

"Second Chances"
By Sarah Price

Another winning novel by Sarah Price!! It happens to be the best of the best!! I must apologize as I am not in the best of health at the moment, that I intended to write a complete review, however, find myself at a loss. I have no energy to do so.

BUT I cannnot let this great book go by without some fanfare.
I did write an endorsement for Sarah that appears in the front of the book, which follows:

Sarah Price has once again written a book with a meaningful message. "Second Chances"
By Sarah Price

Another winning novel by Sarah Price!! It happens to be the best of the best!! I must apologize as I am not in the best of health at the moment, that I intended to write a complete review, however, find myself at a loss. I have no energy to do so.

BUT I cannnot let this great book go by without some fanfare.
I did write an endorsement for Sarah that appears in the front of the book, which follows:

Sarah Price has once again written a book with a meaningful message. The theme of forgiveness and the ability to overcome, with God's direction, is evident throughout the intricate plot. Again, Sarah has used her unique talent to develop characters that are realistic and somewhat quirky individuals who appeal to the reader's emotions and sense of humor. Indeed, they become part of you. As you get lost in the plot, everyday life will be forgotten, and you will find yourself transported to this small Amish community. "Second Chances" is yet another Sarah Price book that will live on in your thoughts long after you finish reading!

This book was supplied in exchange for a fair and honest review. ...more

5

Jun 24, 2015

Have you ever wanted to please everyone around you so much that you lost yourself? Have you took their advice to make them happy and found yourself miserable? Have you ever made a decision and immediately knew you would regret that decision forever? These are issues our main character, Anna, was contemplating in Second Chances. I really connected with Anna. I think many people have struggled making others happy at the risk of losing themselves and their own happiness. Anna’s sisters and father Have you ever wanted to please everyone around you so much that you lost yourself? Have you took their advice to make them happy and found yourself miserable? Have you ever made a decision and immediately knew you would regret that decision forever? These are issues our main character, Anna, was contemplating in Second Chances. I really connected with Anna. I think many people have struggled making others happy at the risk of losing themselves and their own happiness. Anna’s sisters and father took her for granted never stopping to think of her sacrifice nor the love she has shown them. It was just what was expected of her and she always did met those expectations because she loved them.

What I love about Sarah Price’s writing is there is always something I can apply to my own life after reading her books. Second Chances left me contemplating the fine line between love and sacrifice for your family and letting your family take advantage of you. There were places where I felt as if Sarah was writing my story. Sarah has a such a way of writing that it draws you in and you can see the world through her characters eyes.

Sarah does a wonderful job retelling Jane Austen’s Persuasion yet stays true to the Amish culture. The themes of love, forgiveness and mercy are beautifully intertwined into this charming story. I could not put Second Chances down from the time I picked up. This must be on your summers TBR list.

I give Second Chances 5 out of 5 stars. This is Sarah at her best. My favorite book so far!

Thank you to Sarah Price for a free copy of her book. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own. ...more

5

Jul 02, 2015

Do you believe in second chances? A second chance to correct wrongs, to repair family relationships or friendships, to find love again?

This book held my attention from the very beginning. I literally could not put it down! I love reading stories that have characters so real you have people in your life that you can identify them with. Not to mention yourself! This is one of those stories!!

Best-selling author Sarah Price takes us to Ohio to spend time with the Eicher family. Father, William, is Do you believe in second chances? A second chance to correct wrongs, to repair family relationships or friendships, to find love again?

This book held my attention from the very beginning. I literally could not put it down! I love reading stories that have characters so real you have people in your life that you can identify them with. Not to mention yourself! This is one of those stories!!

Best-selling author Sarah Price takes us to Ohio to spend time with the Eicher family. Father, William, is a widower with three daughters….Elizabeth, Anna, and Mary. With the death of his wife Anne, Anne’s best friend Lydia Rothberger made herself available for the girls to come to for advice.

Elizabeth, the oldest and most like William, took on the role of matriarch of the family. She was involved in decision making. Anna, the middle daughter, had a loving, servant heart like her mother. She is the family peacemaker. She abides by everyone’s wishes putting her own on the back burner. This trait has cost her dearly. The youngest, Mary, well…she’s just a brat! Mary is totally self-centered and without regard to the feeling of others.

Anna is torn between her love for Freeman and her duty of obedience to her father. William and Lydia had expressed their belief that Freeman’s family was not good enough. Anna chooses obedience and spends years living with regret and a broken heart. Other men have tried to court her but her broken heart belongs to Freeman.

While following the Eicher and Whittmore (Freeman’s family) families, we go through the ups and downs of all families…. heartache, love, forgiveness…

Do you believe in second chances? Do Anna and Freeman get a second chance at love or have they moved on?
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5

Mar 05, 2015

A moving love story once told by Jane Austin and now by master storyteller Sarah Price. One in old time England, and the other in the American Amish Community, the same and yet very different telling of the same story.
From the beginning of the retold story we meet Anna Eicher, and we feel the heartbreak that she is feeling when she gives her love Freeman Whittemore his walking papers. Not because she doesn’t love him, but because her family disapproves, mainly her father.
Eight years go by and A moving love story once told by Jane Austin and now by master storyteller Sarah Price. One in old time England, and the other in the American Amish Community, the same and yet very different telling of the same story.
From the beginning of the retold story we meet Anna Eicher, and we feel the heartbreak that she is feeling when she gives her love Freeman Whittemore his walking papers. Not because she doesn’t love him, but because her family disapproves, mainly her father.
Eight years go by and we find Anna not really living a life of her own, she has never married and now more or less living as a maid for her sister Mary. This girl needs a backbone, and is severely lacking in her own life.
Enter Freeman visiting now from Indiana, and seems to be looking for a wife, he also has never married. Circumstances seem to put Anna and Freeman together, but he is interested in Mary’s sister-in-law Leah.
All of a sudden there seems to be several men interested in Anna, and I wondered if she will end up in Lancaster PA? Or with the pushy distant cousin who seems to be interested.
We get an in-depth look at Amish family life, and the submissiveness of the children to their parents, but at what cost? I don’t agree with some of the actions of these characters toward the youngsters, and thank goodness others are looking out for them.
Will there ever be any happiness for Anna, or will she be stuck as Mary’s helper, and you will wonder what Mary will ever do without her. Will Freeman ever settle down and have his own life as a family man. These and other questions are answered, and we have an epilogue at the end, which I love. Enjoy!
I received this book from the Author, and was not required to give a positive review.
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5

Feb 11, 2015

A Totally Classic Tale!


In Second Chances, masterful storyteller Sarah Price pens a delightful retelling of the classic tale of Jane Austen's Persuasion harmoniously intermingled with the Amish! The Amish community in Ohio where lovely Anna Eicher resides is peaceful, and beautifully replete with rolling hills and white picket fences, grazing Guernsey cows, and red barns with lofty silos. But life also has its problems and heartaches as Anna knows all too well.



It's been eight long years since A Totally Classic Tale!


In Second Chances, masterful storyteller Sarah Price pens a delightful retelling of the classic tale of Jane Austen's Persuasion harmoniously intermingled with the Amish! The Amish community in Ohio where lovely Anna Eicher resides is peaceful, and beautifully replete with rolling hills and white picket fences, grazing Guernsey cows, and red barns with lofty silos. But life also has its problems and heartaches as Anna knows all too well.



It's been eight long years since Anna broke up with Freman Whittmore, the man of her dreams, and nary a night has gone by that she has not spilled tears on her pillow from the pain of their separation. She had allowed her father and a close family friend to persuade her to break it off with Freman on the grounds that he was not good enough for her. Freman moves to Indiana and becomes quite successful, and much to Anna's amazement returns after lo these many years to find a wife. Anna patiently looks after her complaining sister's children, still pleasing her family at the expense of her own happiness. Watching Freman and her close friend, Leah, flirting and spending time together just adds to her misery. Will Anna ever learn the valuable lesson of saying "no" to people and yes to God?...and will the God of second chances grant her just one more?



Readers everywhere will fall in love with the frustrating Anna, who in her inability to say "no" to others, brings much heartache upon her own self. At times I wanted to shake her and say, "Stop doing this!!", but realizing she couldn't brought a tear to my eye. An eloquent tale of family, forgiveness, second chances, and a surprise twist at the end -- this is one that will long be remembered even after the last sigh-worthy page is turned!



"If a book is well written I always find it too short." ~Jane Austen~
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5

Feb 12, 2015

The story of Anna and Freman is filled with anguish and loss, but underlying hope lingers. Anna's controlling family has essentially stolen her freedom and any opportunity for happiness. Although 8 years has passed since she broke off her courtship with Freman at her family's insistence, heartbreak and melancholy remain her constant companions.

Unexpectedly Freman returns to Ohio, and Anna is forced to face her feelings, and her hopes and dreams that a second chance with Freman may be possible. The story of Anna and Freman is filled with anguish and loss, but underlying hope lingers. Anna's controlling family has essentially stolen her freedom and any opportunity for happiness. Although 8 years has passed since she broke off her courtship with Freman at her family's insistence, heartbreak and melancholy remain her constant companions.

Unexpectedly Freman returns to Ohio, and Anna is forced to face her feelings, and her hopes and dreams that a second chance with Freman may be possible. In keeping with Jane Austen's book, "Persuasion," Sarah Price has created an Amish version of this memorable story, and added her own flare.

Anna's character reflects the Amish lifestyle of meeting the demands and responsibilities of her family, but has her lack of fortitude cost her a future of love and happiness? After her mother's death she allowed her father and Aunt Lydia to dictate her future, causing her to lose the love of her life. The author has developed Anna's character to reflect authenticity and a deeply emotional reflection. The story flows in tandem with Austen's "Persuasion," and is exquisite in detail!

Anna continues to allow others to dictate how she lives her life, and unhappiness accompanies her days. This personality trait of feeling obligated to please others at her own expense is representative of how many of us go through life, denying our own needs and desires in order to help others achieve their goals.

"Second Chances" is Sarah Price's finest! The detailing is impeccable and the story flows seamlessly. I was completely captivated by this book, from the very beginning to the end. I highly recommend this poignant and masterfully written Amish representation of Austen's "Persuasion."

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review. ...more

5

Nov 04, 2014

Do family members walk over you? Are you a push-over person?? Do you have a hard time telling others "NO"?
Well then, this is the book for you to read!

Eight years prior, Anna Eicher was courting Freman Whittmore, but before announcements could be made public to their Amish church district, Anna called off their engagement, due to Lydia Rothberger speaking on behalf of Anna's father that Anna and Freman's marriage shouldn't happen.

Anna Eicher is currently twenty-five years old living in an Amish Do family members walk over you? Are you a push-over person?? Do you have a hard time telling others "NO"?
Well then, this is the book for you to read!

Eight years prior, Anna Eicher was courting Freman Whittmore, but before announcements could be made public to their Amish church district, Anna called off their engagement, due to Lydia Rothberger speaking on behalf of Anna's father that Anna and Freman's marriage shouldn't happen.

Anna Eicher is currently twenty-five years old living in an Amish community in Ohio. Anna's family and family friend, Lydia Rothberger, are once again making decisions for the whole family and asking Anna for her opinions, she does give them, but not what she wants deep down in her heart, but what others' want to hear.
Anna has not known what had become of Freman Whittmore over the last eight years, until shortly after Anna moving in with her younger sister's family's home to live and help with her two young nephews.

Freman Whittmore moved from Charm, Ohio eight years ago to his aunt's home in Lancaster County, PA, and then later to Indiana. His return to Ohio is to do one thing, find a wife. With his sister and brother-in-law renting Eicher's place he wasn't sure if he would see Anna or not.

Who will Freman marry? Will another man have intentions for Anna?
I can't tell you the answer to those questions and more, but you can by reading the book and finding the answers to them.


Sarah Price's version of Jane Austin's books to me are so much better to read. Why? I feel Sarah Price's version are better to read because Price's books flow, easier to follow along in what you are reading from the pages even if they are adapted to the Amish. Still fictional but based around the Amish way of life, beliefs, and community.

I am glad Anna was looking out for her two nephews. I wished Anna had stood up for herself more, but then the events in the books would not have happened if she had. I plan to read more books written by Sarah Price.




I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. No money was exchanged and this is all my opinion in my own words. ...more

5

Jul 16, 2017

This is the first book I have read by Sarah Price. It was a moving story and a sweet, though difficult, romance.

5

Sep 17, 2019

I won a copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. I am paying it forward by passing this book along to a family member who I think will enjoy it too.

5

Jun 23, 2017

This book is a modern day Pride and Prejudice story, but with Amish characters. It is a story of family, five daughters, faith and judging people. Many of us let our pride get in the way and first impressions of people are not always what they seem. A tender Christion Fiction book, with rich characters, strong personalities and romance; Amish style. A delightful read!