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Plains City Bridesmaids #1
Something Old
Travel to Plain City, Ohio, to witness the Mennonite and English culture clash. As Katy Yoder accepts a new job and struggles to define her place in the world, childhood friends and a past romance get in the way. Even when her friends try to help her change her judgmental attitude, Katy is certain that seeing things as black and white is the only way to please God. But as love softens her heart, slowly shades of gray seep into her world, and she discovers the right answer isn’t always the easiest one.
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2011
25 people are currently reading
951 people want to read
About the author
Dianne Christner
23 books94 followersDianne Christner - Christian Fiction Author - writes Christian romance novels. She writes both Historicals and Amish Fiction. Raised in the Mennonite church, she brings authenticity to "The Plain City Bridesmaids" series.
She keeps a lighthearted reality blog called plaingirl romanticizing.
Her passion is reading and connecting with other readers and writers.
She keeps a lighthearted reality blog called plaingirl romanticizing.
Her passion is reading and connecting with other readers and writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 7, 2011
“Katy Yoder lives a simple, sheltered lifestyle ensconced in the traditions of the Conservative Mennonite church and holds a naive black-and-white worldview.” – Back Cover
At first, the prologue held my attention with some difficulty. Then, the story grabbed hold of me and I finished the book in about two days. The characters fascinated me, especially Katy Yoder.
I could relate to Katy. She holds very tightly to tradition and to her prayer kapp. Her worldview is indeed black-and-white with very little grace. In typical story formula, the woman is always right in women’s fiction and the men are wrong. In Amish fiction, I normally see the men and women portrayed very chaste-like. However, Dianne Christner spins the story that seems a cross between women’s romance and Christian romance. I might even tip-toe over to edgy (though I really hate that word). It’s edgy in a good way.
Katy notices Jake’s tight jeans and how the tool belt hangs over his waist. There’s a physical tension between Katy and Jake complicated only by her own predjudices against him for mistreating her years before. Her father disapproves of Jake. He thinks Jake is wild still and wants Katy to date David as a condition to her moving out on her own with her two best friends. The book becomes quite complicated. The reader can relate to the characters; at least, I can.
Right away, Katy’s black-and-white way of seeing things, her quickness to judge and her lack of grace eventually come out in the book making for an interesting plot as quickly Jake becomes the good guy and Katy the self-righteous and overly pious wrong one. Christner manages to keep the reader totally connected to the characters in spite of the role switching. In the end, I see how the prologue was very necessary. It’s not just a romance story, but a story about friendship, family and traditions. It digs into the controversial issue of the prayer kapp.
All in all, I give it five stars! A friend is borrowing the book, but I am keeping it in my permanent library.
Book was given by the publisher to review.
At first, the prologue held my attention with some difficulty. Then, the story grabbed hold of me and I finished the book in about two days. The characters fascinated me, especially Katy Yoder.
I could relate to Katy. She holds very tightly to tradition and to her prayer kapp. Her worldview is indeed black-and-white with very little grace. In typical story formula, the woman is always right in women’s fiction and the men are wrong. In Amish fiction, I normally see the men and women portrayed very chaste-like. However, Dianne Christner spins the story that seems a cross between women’s romance and Christian romance. I might even tip-toe over to edgy (though I really hate that word). It’s edgy in a good way.
Katy notices Jake’s tight jeans and how the tool belt hangs over his waist. There’s a physical tension between Katy and Jake complicated only by her own predjudices against him for mistreating her years before. Her father disapproves of Jake. He thinks Jake is wild still and wants Katy to date David as a condition to her moving out on her own with her two best friends. The book becomes quite complicated. The reader can relate to the characters; at least, I can.
Right away, Katy’s black-and-white way of seeing things, her quickness to judge and her lack of grace eventually come out in the book making for an interesting plot as quickly Jake becomes the good guy and Katy the self-righteous and overly pious wrong one. Christner manages to keep the reader totally connected to the characters in spite of the role switching. In the end, I see how the prologue was very necessary. It’s not just a romance story, but a story about friendship, family and traditions. It digs into the controversial issue of the prayer kapp.
All in all, I give it five stars! A friend is borrowing the book, but I am keeping it in my permanent library.
Book was given by the publisher to review.
January 25, 2016
I don't know if this was supposed to be a young adult or teen novel, but it sure wasn't for adults. The main character's were childish, selfish and thoughtless to the extreme and I can't even use the fact that they are Mennonite's to excuse their behavior. Katy especially was one of the least Christian characters that I have ever read about.
I admit that I don't know as much of the Bible as some, but I do know that so many of Katy's thoughts and actions could not have been truly Christian thoughts and actions -even her prayers are selfish.
I have wanted to read about the Mennonites for quite a while since I have been reading a lot of Amish romances and thought that books of the Mennonite faith would be equally as interesting. It was not. It disturbs me to find out just what this culture or rather author really thinks of us "Outsider's". I know that this is fiction, but behind ever fiction is an author who is supposedly writing a little about what they know - and this appalls me.
This book needed an editor in the worst way too.
I admit that I don't know as much of the Bible as some, but I do know that so many of Katy's thoughts and actions could not have been truly Christian thoughts and actions -even her prayers are selfish.
I have wanted to read about the Mennonites for quite a while since I have been reading a lot of Amish romances and thought that books of the Mennonite faith would be equally as interesting. It was not. It disturbs me to find out just what this culture or rather author really thinks of us "Outsider's". I know that this is fiction, but behind ever fiction is an author who is supposedly writing a little about what they know - and this appalls me.
This book needed an editor in the worst way too.
March 21, 2021
Something Old was my first introduction into the Mennonite world through fiction.
The Mennonite culture is very similar to the Amish in the sense that they have very strong family connections, try to live a simple life, and have a deep devotion to God. However, since they have slightly more access to modern things than the Amish do (cell phones, cars, computers, electricity, etc.), it opens the door to more temptation from the world.
Katy and Jake’s relationship in this book was all over the place, mostly because Katy had such a rigid devotion to her Mennonite upbringing, and she let their rules get in the way of her relationship with God. She was constantly looking for and finding fault with people and circumstances around her, thinking that it would justify how well she tried to adhere to Mennonite rules.
The most surprising topic I found was the subject of their prayer coverings. Their congregation debated whether or not the women should continue to wear them, and if so, where they should be worn. I won’t spoil the outcome of this, but I was surprised that Katy’s friends disagreed with her. I understood their reasons, but still… Within my basic knowledge of Amish culture, their prayer caps are sacred and I suspected the same would be true of the Mennonites. Katy had the same opinion of hers, and I found it odd that a church pastor would hold a vote to potentially remove something so intrinsic to their faith.
All in all, this book wasn’t easy to finish, but I persevered. Katy’s judgmental attitude annoyed me, but Jake surprised me. At one point, he decided that he’d had enough, and I was actually glad! No doubt that there were sparks between these two, and they were flying every time they kissed – mega surprise there! I’m hoping that the next two books focus on Katy’s friends because I liked both of them immensely.
The Mennonite culture is very similar to the Amish in the sense that they have very strong family connections, try to live a simple life, and have a deep devotion to God. However, since they have slightly more access to modern things than the Amish do (cell phones, cars, computers, electricity, etc.), it opens the door to more temptation from the world.
Katy and Jake’s relationship in this book was all over the place, mostly because Katy had such a rigid devotion to her Mennonite upbringing, and she let their rules get in the way of her relationship with God. She was constantly looking for and finding fault with people and circumstances around her, thinking that it would justify how well she tried to adhere to Mennonite rules.
The most surprising topic I found was the subject of their prayer coverings. Their congregation debated whether or not the women should continue to wear them, and if so, where they should be worn. I won’t spoil the outcome of this, but I was surprised that Katy’s friends disagreed with her. I understood their reasons, but still… Within my basic knowledge of Amish culture, their prayer caps are sacred and I suspected the same would be true of the Mennonites. Katy had the same opinion of hers, and I found it odd that a church pastor would hold a vote to potentially remove something so intrinsic to their faith.
All in all, this book wasn’t easy to finish, but I persevered. Katy’s judgmental attitude annoyed me, but Jake surprised me. At one point, he decided that he’d had enough, and I was actually glad! No doubt that there were sparks between these two, and they were flying every time they kissed – mega surprise there! I’m hoping that the next two books focus on Katy’s friends because I liked both of them immensely.
September 18, 2011
I didn't really like this book. Sure, I did like the plot, the Christian part of it. I liked some characters too. But seeing as I utterly hated the main heroine and she was in 90% of the book, I just couldn't bring myself to enjoy the book. I give this book 2.75 stars. Just for the heroine, I would give this book a 1. But I think the plot deserves a 3.5 star and the other characters all deserve about a 4 star. Yes, I know it doesn't add up to 2.75! Just pretend:)
The only reason why I didn't entirely hate this book and think it was a waste of my time, was because the heroine finally changed in the end. And because she changed, and that was a true change, could I actually say that after about 300 pages of me hating her, I actually started to not hate her. I wouldn't go so far as like. There are 300 pages to tell me why I shouldn't.
Hmm, so the plot and all were ok, but I found it really dry and boring most times. How would I say it? Its like the plot wasn't moving on and the author was just bugging on one point over and over again. I was really annoyed. Simply put, the pace was way too slow. And inconsistent.
From the start, I was already kinda bored by the book. I like the Christian aspect of it, but as I have never read about the Mennonites, I could not understand that at first. But later, as I read more and understood more, I couldn't stand Katy's actions. She was soooooo conservative, it was annoying. There was one thing I just couldn't get. She thought dancing was bad, and by dancing I mean, ballet. But she found kissing all right??? That just doesn't make sense to me.
I guess the plot was fine and all, it just couldn't catch my attention. To be honest, I have no idea what Jake was doing with her. I mean, she can't even forgive him for something that he's already repented for... Argh, I just can't stand her character. She likes to categorize people. Mennonites and outsiders. People who wear the prayer covering and those who don't. The way I figure it, she should let them have their own choice. If she thinks its right, then just encourage it, not force it on people. Sigh, I dunno, I just felt that she was way too conservative and it didn't make her her an appealing character.
I don't really know what to say about this book. All I can say is that I just couldn't enjoy the book. Other than being rather dry throughout, there just didn't seem to be anything that the book was talking about. Like, I couldn't get the plot, it didn't really make sense. Sigh, I know that at last she finally accepted and forgave him but I felt it came too late. Normally, I love it when people fall in love. But this time, I just feel that they aren't a good match at all...
All in all, I didn't like this book. I didn't hate it, but it just couldn't catch my attention. I won't be reading this book again, that's for sure. I know I said I would give it 2.75 stars earlier? But after writing this review, I realised that I just couldn't give it that much. So I decided to give it 2 stars. Honestly though, I felt that the book was ruined by Katy. She just wasn't a likable character and though I loved her transformation, I felt that it came too late.
This ebook was provided by Netgalley!
The only reason why I didn't entirely hate this book and think it was a waste of my time, was because the heroine finally changed in the end. And because she changed, and that was a true change, could I actually say that after about 300 pages of me hating her, I actually started to not hate her. I wouldn't go so far as like. There are 300 pages to tell me why I shouldn't.
Hmm, so the plot and all were ok, but I found it really dry and boring most times. How would I say it? Its like the plot wasn't moving on and the author was just bugging on one point over and over again. I was really annoyed. Simply put, the pace was way too slow. And inconsistent.
From the start, I was already kinda bored by the book. I like the Christian aspect of it, but as I have never read about the Mennonites, I could not understand that at first. But later, as I read more and understood more, I couldn't stand Katy's actions. She was soooooo conservative, it was annoying. There was one thing I just couldn't get. She thought dancing was bad, and by dancing I mean, ballet. But she found kissing all right??? That just doesn't make sense to me.
I guess the plot was fine and all, it just couldn't catch my attention. To be honest, I have no idea what Jake was doing with her. I mean, she can't even forgive him for something that he's already repented for... Argh, I just can't stand her character. She likes to categorize people. Mennonites and outsiders. People who wear the prayer covering and those who don't. The way I figure it, she should let them have their own choice. If she thinks its right, then just encourage it, not force it on people. Sigh, I dunno, I just felt that she was way too conservative and it didn't make her her an appealing character.
I don't really know what to say about this book. All I can say is that I just couldn't enjoy the book. Other than being rather dry throughout, there just didn't seem to be anything that the book was talking about. Like, I couldn't get the plot, it didn't really make sense. Sigh, I know that at last she finally accepted and forgave him but I felt it came too late. Normally, I love it when people fall in love. But this time, I just feel that they aren't a good match at all...
All in all, I didn't like this book. I didn't hate it, but it just couldn't catch my attention. I won't be reading this book again, that's for sure. I know I said I would give it 2.75 stars earlier? But after writing this review, I realised that I just couldn't give it that much. So I decided to give it 2 stars. Honestly though, I felt that the book was ruined by Katy. She just wasn't a likable character and though I loved her transformation, I felt that it came too late.
This ebook was provided by Netgalley!
October 13, 2011
Something Old by Dianne Christner
I received a copy of Something Old by Dianne Christner free from NetGalley. I am under no obligation to write a positive review, just an honest one.
Something Old, rather than being Amish fiction, is actually Mennonite fiction. We meet Katy Yoder, a young Mennonite girl whose favorite work is cleaning. Katy has recovered from a bad heartbreak caused by Jake Byler who left her and went to the Englisch world, and the last time she saw him he was drunk and almost assaulted her...
Katy, having no prospects, decides it is time to follow her lifelong dream of living with her two best friends, Lil and Megan. After obtaining her father's permission, complete with conditions, the girls set out to prepare their new doddy house as their home. One of Katy's conditions though is that she must go on 3 dates with David, a young Mennonite boy who has asked her out twice before and one she just does not have interest in. But she decides it is worth it, probably...
Much to Katy's surprise, Jake shows up back in the Mennonite community in Ohio, and unbeknownst to her, Lil has hired him to remodel their new doddy house... After much debate she decides she may attempt to tolerate him, but that is it... Plus, David isn't as bad as she had thought, in fact, she has quite good fun with him...
Things get challenging when Katy loses one of her good jobs, causing financial hardships, and is forced to take on nanny work, which she detests. Then David and Jake get jealous of one another, over her, and everything is just one giant mess...
Will Katy be able to sort everything out? What does God mean for her? And is her community beginning to go the wrong way when they consider changing the kapp requirement?
Read Something Old to find out!
While I definitely enjoyed comparing the differences between Mennonites and Amish, they are still both Plain people. Yet the Mennonites have come to terms with cars, electricity, and some computer usage, etc.
My biggest problem with this book is that Katy was just hard to like sometimes. While the book does show her growth as a character, she was almost off-putting at times. So close-minded and so stuck in her own ways... Generally, the main characters in books like this are firm in their beliefs but are less quick to push their one track views on everyone else, like Katy.
Though she is 19, I often felt I was reading about a younger character. Someone maybe 14 that just needed a huge dose of growing up. It also made the book almost feel like juvenile fiction rather than adult fiction...
It was also very hard for my to understand her extreme dislike for dancing. While I do think that there are some moms pushing to sexualize their young children through provocative dancing, which I find abhorrent, I see nothing wrong with classical ballet. But then again, as a former ballerina myself I am quite biased...
Overall, I enjoyed the book and will look into reading the next book in the series, Something New, when I get a chance.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
I received a copy of Something Old by Dianne Christner free from NetGalley. I am under no obligation to write a positive review, just an honest one.
Something Old, rather than being Amish fiction, is actually Mennonite fiction. We meet Katy Yoder, a young Mennonite girl whose favorite work is cleaning. Katy has recovered from a bad heartbreak caused by Jake Byler who left her and went to the Englisch world, and the last time she saw him he was drunk and almost assaulted her...
Katy, having no prospects, decides it is time to follow her lifelong dream of living with her two best friends, Lil and Megan. After obtaining her father's permission, complete with conditions, the girls set out to prepare their new doddy house as their home. One of Katy's conditions though is that she must go on 3 dates with David, a young Mennonite boy who has asked her out twice before and one she just does not have interest in. But she decides it is worth it, probably...
Much to Katy's surprise, Jake shows up back in the Mennonite community in Ohio, and unbeknownst to her, Lil has hired him to remodel their new doddy house... After much debate she decides she may attempt to tolerate him, but that is it... Plus, David isn't as bad as she had thought, in fact, she has quite good fun with him...
Things get challenging when Katy loses one of her good jobs, causing financial hardships, and is forced to take on nanny work, which she detests. Then David and Jake get jealous of one another, over her, and everything is just one giant mess...
Will Katy be able to sort everything out? What does God mean for her? And is her community beginning to go the wrong way when they consider changing the kapp requirement?
Read Something Old to find out!
While I definitely enjoyed comparing the differences between Mennonites and Amish, they are still both Plain people. Yet the Mennonites have come to terms with cars, electricity, and some computer usage, etc.
My biggest problem with this book is that Katy was just hard to like sometimes. While the book does show her growth as a character, she was almost off-putting at times. So close-minded and so stuck in her own ways... Generally, the main characters in books like this are firm in their beliefs but are less quick to push their one track views on everyone else, like Katy.
Though she is 19, I often felt I was reading about a younger character. Someone maybe 14 that just needed a huge dose of growing up. It also made the book almost feel like juvenile fiction rather than adult fiction...
It was also very hard for my to understand her extreme dislike for dancing. While I do think that there are some moms pushing to sexualize their young children through provocative dancing, which I find abhorrent, I see nothing wrong with classical ballet. But then again, as a former ballerina myself I am quite biased...
Overall, I enjoyed the book and will look into reading the next book in the series, Something New, when I get a chance.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
September 25, 2011
This was my first Mennonite Christian Romance - I've always been intrigued by them, but hadn't picked one up until this one. I thoroughly enjoyed this story - getting a more in depth look into a society I normally would know very little about.
Katy cleans houses for several families outside of her community. She is surrounded by temptation - like TV's, pop music, dancing, romance novels.. all the things she taught to avoid. Brought up in a very traditional household she hold true to her values and tries to stay in the right path.
With her two best friends by her side; they look to become more independent by renting a house from another Mennonite couple. In the process of this project - Jake Byler (her first love) returns to the community and is hired to complete the renovations for their little house. Cousin to one of her BFF's Jake tries to overcome Katy's distrust of his past actions and get her to see beyond what was.
Katy is being courted by David - a friend of the family. She's unsure of what she really wants and causes a bit of a love triangle between her, David and Jake. Sometimes looking at the world in black and white can bit you in the butt - and this is exactly what happens to Katy. She needed to overcome her own impressions and take a fresh look on life.
This was a cute story - I had some issues with Katy at the start of the story. She does redeem herself and become a great character. Definitely not a story for everyone, but those who do enjoy Christian Romance or Mennonite based romances will enjoy this book. Dianne Christner is a new author for me - and I will be checking out more of her books.
Katy cleans houses for several families outside of her community. She is surrounded by temptation - like TV's, pop music, dancing, romance novels.. all the things she taught to avoid. Brought up in a very traditional household she hold true to her values and tries to stay in the right path.
With her two best friends by her side; they look to become more independent by renting a house from another Mennonite couple. In the process of this project - Jake Byler (her first love) returns to the community and is hired to complete the renovations for their little house. Cousin to one of her BFF's Jake tries to overcome Katy's distrust of his past actions and get her to see beyond what was.
Katy is being courted by David - a friend of the family. She's unsure of what she really wants and causes a bit of a love triangle between her, David and Jake. Sometimes looking at the world in black and white can bit you in the butt - and this is exactly what happens to Katy. She needed to overcome her own impressions and take a fresh look on life.
This was a cute story - I had some issues with Katy at the start of the story. She does redeem herself and become a great character. Definitely not a story for everyone, but those who do enjoy Christian Romance or Mennonite based romances will enjoy this book. Dianne Christner is a new author for me - and I will be checking out more of her books.
December 31, 2012
Finally finished it and I can say it was the worst book I've read this year. If possible I would give it a 1.5 because I liked some characters, like Lil, but they weren't the focus, Katy was. And she is just so self righteous and judgmental through almost the whole book. It is grating! Talk about remove the plank from your own eye! She can't fathom through almost the entirety of the book that just because people can be different from her that they could be good & have their own relationship with God. She shows no growth until the very end when she suddenly does a 180. It just irked me to no end. The nonstop, childish judging just completely ruined the book for me. I didn't care if she got Jake back, by the end I was hoping he'd find a girl that could be more open minded while still holding her own convictions & beliefs, which Katy couldn't do. Sure, at the very end she does a complete 180, but by then I didn't care. The story of Katy would have been great if she could have evolved through the book, learned through her experiences that people can be different then her and she can still maintain her faith. Instead this was a dreadful, annoying, fairly boring book about a girl that keeps digging in her heels in her belief that her way is the only right way and anyone that lives or behaves differently should be pitied for not having her relationship with God.
September 6, 2011
I enjoyed this book! The story is about young Katie Yoder a Mennonite woman, who wants to move in with some of her friends. One of her friends is cousins with Katie's old love Jake Byler, and she doesn't like Lil interfering in her life. Lil has been helping Jake by putting them together.
Jake had gone kind of wild and Katie fears that he had a fling with Jessie. What brings this all together is some of the changes that are happening at their more conservative Mennonite Church.
Katie holds on to old hurts, and feels she has given forgiveness to people. She has also been judging others, because they don't hold on to her strict beliefs.
The messages given are some that we all need to follow. Love the compassion show to Jake's elderly Grandmother, there are a few chuckles and a few tense moments.
All in all I enjoyed this quick read book. Loose yourself in a good pace book!
I was provided with a copy of this book by Barbour Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review!
Jake had gone kind of wild and Katie fears that he had a fling with Jessie. What brings this all together is some of the changes that are happening at their more conservative Mennonite Church.
Katie holds on to old hurts, and feels she has given forgiveness to people. She has also been judging others, because they don't hold on to her strict beliefs.
The messages given are some that we all need to follow. Love the compassion show to Jake's elderly Grandmother, there are a few chuckles and a few tense moments.
All in all I enjoyed this quick read book. Loose yourself in a good pace book!
I was provided with a copy of this book by Barbour Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review!
August 29, 2011
I loved this book! I couldn't stop reading it, I quickly became addicted, and it when everywhere with me in case I found myself with a few minutes where I could read.
So well written that you often forget that it's a fictional story.
Christner has just become one of my favorite authors!
I enjoyed being able to have a look into the Mennonite lifestyle. I really enjoyed the issue of a prayer covering that the book brought up, and has me researching some of that on my own now.
I enjoyed reading about all of the messes that Katy created for herself and how she ended up with her "happily ever after" princess ending.
And reading about her trouble with boys and how complicated relationships are as a young adult sure made me thankful that I no longer have to go through that craziness now that I'm married. It was so easy to relate to how Katy felt, and her story brought back a lot of memories from my own life.
I received the book in a giveaway...
So well written that you often forget that it's a fictional story.
Christner has just become one of my favorite authors!
I enjoyed being able to have a look into the Mennonite lifestyle. I really enjoyed the issue of a prayer covering that the book brought up, and has me researching some of that on my own now.
I enjoyed reading about all of the messes that Katy created for herself and how she ended up with her "happily ever after" princess ending.
And reading about her trouble with boys and how complicated relationships are as a young adult sure made me thankful that I no longer have to go through that craziness now that I'm married. It was so easy to relate to how Katy felt, and her story brought back a lot of memories from my own life.
I received the book in a giveaway...
June 27, 2011
Here's a little secret. I typically cannot make it through Mennonite fiction. Y'all know I adore Amish fiction, but the mennonite ones don't grab me…I miss the buggies, the lack of electricity, the plainness that the Amish provide. With that said, this book had me from nearly the beginning (it didn't instantly grab me, but about a quarter of the way in I started loving it). The main character, Katy, had such an amazing transformation in this book. I loved her character development. She grew so much and I felt like I was growing along with her. There were a few parts that were a little flat, but the book had such a great payoff in the end for me.
August 15, 2011
Katy is an Mennionite follower that struggles as she comes across those that are referred to as "outsiders", the worldly things they are involved with and the technology that goes with it. Jake, Lil, Mlegan are friends that help Katy realize that there'd are ways to except people that are different and not loose your values at the same time.
Jake and Katy have a past the seems to come full circle through much heart ache, forgiveness, humbling and love.
Jake and Katy have a past the seems to come full circle through much heart ache, forgiveness, humbling and love.
September 18, 2011
This is a story of a Mennonite woman getting her first experience with life, beyond her sheltered sphere. It is amusing how she struggles with things most people take for granted. It is a wonderful story of forgiveness. It also gives insight into the Mennonite lifestyle.
I found it better than most because it didn't just put a bonnet on a normal romance plot, but actually made the character real, even if not always likeable. Very real.
I found it better than most because it didn't just put a bonnet on a normal romance plot, but actually made the character real, even if not always likeable. Very real.
July 23, 2011
I love the heroine, Katy and her relationship with her girlfriends. I especially enjoyed reading about the Amish doddy house. I grew up Mennnonite and I thought Christner gave an authentic look at the Mennonite faith. I would recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
July 28, 2011
GENRE: ROMANCE
PUBLISHER: BARBOUR PUBLISHING
PUBLICATION DATE: AUGUST 1, 2011
RATING: 6 OUT OF 10
Nineteen-year-old Katy Yoder is looking forward to cherishing friendship and the single life when she moves in to a renovated Dawdi house with her best friends, Lily and Megan. Katy is satisfied with her lot in life, working as a cleaner for various local families, and isn’t quite ready to settle down and get married just yet, unlike many other Mennonite girls her age. Still suffering from the hurt she experienced when her long-term boyfriend, Jake, left to join the English world, Katy would rather not entertain thoughts of dating anyone else until she’s sure that she’s completely over Jake. But her simple little world is soon disrupted when Jake himself returns to the church, not looking any worse for wear from his worldly adventures and keen to help get involved in rebuilding the church hall – a project which Katy is also participating in. No matter what she does, Katy can’t seem to avoid Jake, and his constant presence makes her wonder whether she can ever get over their past relationship. Jake is keen to pick up where they left off before he went to university, but Katy doesn’t want to settle for “damaged goods”, especially after seeing his English ex-girlfriend. Can Katy put aside her judgements of the English world and accept Jake for who he is now, ignoring his past transgressions?
As a fan of Amish fiction, it was fascinating to read about a Mennonite community and learn about how different – or similar – their way of life is. The mentions of electricity and cars came as a surprise initially, but some similarities remained, such as prayer kapps and the distrust of the internet. But as much as I enjoyed learning about a new way of life, I did struggle to view the Mennonite lifestyle through the eyes of Katy. She had a very narrow-minded perspective of the world, to the extent that any form of dancing was a sin and drinking alcohol immediately brought about drunken and lewd behaviour. As someone from a church which engages in dancing as a form of worship and who appreciates a good Shiraz, naturally I was a bit bemused by Katy’s black and white view on life. It’s particularly interesting to note that I’m nineteen myself, and have been living away from home for two years and am engaged to get married next year – a lot of similarities to Katy. But despite these connections, I still found her outlook on life to be very narrow-minded and judgemental, and her attitude towards her relationship with Jake very immature. I’m not saying this as someone with a wealth of life-experience who can view events in hindsight, but as someone who’s actually at a very similar stage in their life to Katy. To be honest, if I came across someone like her in a class at my university, I wouldn’t be rushing to become friends with her, particularly if she was going to call me a sinner when I attended a dance class or went to the pub.
That said, Katy does redeem herself. It just takes a very long time for this to happen. In a sense, this is a coming-of-age story, where Katy slowly comes to realise that her attitudes are wrong and gently matures throughout the course of the story. I’m not sure whether this book is being marketed for the adult or young adult range, but I definitely think it would be better suited for girls in their mid-teens, perhaps 14 – 16 year olds. If I, at nineteen, struggled with Katy’s immature behaviour, I’m not sure how someone my mum’s age would react. Maybe they’d have more patience, or maybe they’d be even more frustrated! But as Katy’s attitudes were very typical of a teenager – I’m sure I probably shared some of her limited world-views as a fifteen-year-old – this is probably a book that would appeal more to the young adult market. There are a lot of life-lessons to be learnt from this book, about everything from friendships to living to arrangements to relationships with parents to boyfriends to job-hunting. The friendship between Katy and her house-mate Lily is very typical of the ones I remember from high school, and would probably be easily recognised by girls of this age.
The romance between Katy and Jake was all over the place, and one of those ones that could have easily been made more manageable if the two of them sat down together and talked and actually listened to each other. One pet peeve of mine in romance novels is when everything blows up in a relationship because of a Big Misunderstanding that could be cleared up if the characters slowed down long enough to talk it over. I’m afraid this book had a few BMs in it. Naturally, these BMs can be attributed to Katy’s immaturity, but this doesn’t negate how irritating it was for me as a reader. As pleased as I was that Katy eventually got the guts to talk to Jake about his time “in the world” and forgive him for his mistakes, I couldn’t help but wonder if the book would have been more interesting if Jake had truly rebelled in his time at university and Katy had had to come to terms with Jake truly being “damaged goods” in her eyes. As it was, Jake had merely gone to a few parties, drank a few beers and shared a couple of kisses with one girl. Katy spent a lot of the book worrying about whether Jake had still remained pure in his time at university, and I know from personal experience that a lot of nice Christian girls end up marrying guys who did far worse than Jake in their rebellious periods, so I think the book might have been more interesting if Katy had bigger and more serious relationship hurdles to overcome. Alas, the issue of remaining pure until marriage and then marrying someone who never considered the importance of purity in their youth has yet to be covered in any book I’ve read. But back to Katy – naturally, as this series is titled Plain City Bridesmaids, the book ends in a wedding. Despite my misgivings about the BMs scattered throughout their relationship, I am happy that our hero and heroine put aside their preconceived ideas about relationships and accepted each other for who they are. I just with that the book hadn’t suddenly jumped to a wedding, as I felt that Katy and Jake’s relationship was still quite young and immature, and they needed more time to make sure that they can actually remain a couple without blowing up again over a tiny issue, before tying the knot.
If it appears that I’m ripping this book to shreds, I do apologise. The problems that I encountered when reading this book aren’t to do with flaws in the plot or characterisation or even the writing itself, but the simple fact that this book seems to have been written for a younger audience. I’m sure a teenage girl would adore this book and understand Katy’s dilemmas, not finding her as immature and narrow-minded as I did. I would caution more mature readers to be aware of the very teenage feel of this novel, although those who love YA fiction probably wouldn’t have the same frustrations as myself. Despite my misgivings with this book, I will admit that I did mostly enjoy reading it, although I did want to take Katy by the shoulders and shake her several times throughout the story.
Review title provided courtesy of Barbour Publishing.
PUBLISHER: BARBOUR PUBLISHING
PUBLICATION DATE: AUGUST 1, 2011
RATING: 6 OUT OF 10
Nineteen-year-old Katy Yoder is looking forward to cherishing friendship and the single life when she moves in to a renovated Dawdi house with her best friends, Lily and Megan. Katy is satisfied with her lot in life, working as a cleaner for various local families, and isn’t quite ready to settle down and get married just yet, unlike many other Mennonite girls her age. Still suffering from the hurt she experienced when her long-term boyfriend, Jake, left to join the English world, Katy would rather not entertain thoughts of dating anyone else until she’s sure that she’s completely over Jake. But her simple little world is soon disrupted when Jake himself returns to the church, not looking any worse for wear from his worldly adventures and keen to help get involved in rebuilding the church hall – a project which Katy is also participating in. No matter what she does, Katy can’t seem to avoid Jake, and his constant presence makes her wonder whether she can ever get over their past relationship. Jake is keen to pick up where they left off before he went to university, but Katy doesn’t want to settle for “damaged goods”, especially after seeing his English ex-girlfriend. Can Katy put aside her judgements of the English world and accept Jake for who he is now, ignoring his past transgressions?
As a fan of Amish fiction, it was fascinating to read about a Mennonite community and learn about how different – or similar – their way of life is. The mentions of electricity and cars came as a surprise initially, but some similarities remained, such as prayer kapps and the distrust of the internet. But as much as I enjoyed learning about a new way of life, I did struggle to view the Mennonite lifestyle through the eyes of Katy. She had a very narrow-minded perspective of the world, to the extent that any form of dancing was a sin and drinking alcohol immediately brought about drunken and lewd behaviour. As someone from a church which engages in dancing as a form of worship and who appreciates a good Shiraz, naturally I was a bit bemused by Katy’s black and white view on life. It’s particularly interesting to note that I’m nineteen myself, and have been living away from home for two years and am engaged to get married next year – a lot of similarities to Katy. But despite these connections, I still found her outlook on life to be very narrow-minded and judgemental, and her attitude towards her relationship with Jake very immature. I’m not saying this as someone with a wealth of life-experience who can view events in hindsight, but as someone who’s actually at a very similar stage in their life to Katy. To be honest, if I came across someone like her in a class at my university, I wouldn’t be rushing to become friends with her, particularly if she was going to call me a sinner when I attended a dance class or went to the pub.
That said, Katy does redeem herself. It just takes a very long time for this to happen. In a sense, this is a coming-of-age story, where Katy slowly comes to realise that her attitudes are wrong and gently matures throughout the course of the story. I’m not sure whether this book is being marketed for the adult or young adult range, but I definitely think it would be better suited for girls in their mid-teens, perhaps 14 – 16 year olds. If I, at nineteen, struggled with Katy’s immature behaviour, I’m not sure how someone my mum’s age would react. Maybe they’d have more patience, or maybe they’d be even more frustrated! But as Katy’s attitudes were very typical of a teenager – I’m sure I probably shared some of her limited world-views as a fifteen-year-old – this is probably a book that would appeal more to the young adult market. There are a lot of life-lessons to be learnt from this book, about everything from friendships to living to arrangements to relationships with parents to boyfriends to job-hunting. The friendship between Katy and her house-mate Lily is very typical of the ones I remember from high school, and would probably be easily recognised by girls of this age.
The romance between Katy and Jake was all over the place, and one of those ones that could have easily been made more manageable if the two of them sat down together and talked and actually listened to each other. One pet peeve of mine in romance novels is when everything blows up in a relationship because of a Big Misunderstanding that could be cleared up if the characters slowed down long enough to talk it over. I’m afraid this book had a few BMs in it. Naturally, these BMs can be attributed to Katy’s immaturity, but this doesn’t negate how irritating it was for me as a reader. As pleased as I was that Katy eventually got the guts to talk to Jake about his time “in the world” and forgive him for his mistakes, I couldn’t help but wonder if the book would have been more interesting if Jake had truly rebelled in his time at university and Katy had had to come to terms with Jake truly being “damaged goods” in her eyes. As it was, Jake had merely gone to a few parties, drank a few beers and shared a couple of kisses with one girl. Katy spent a lot of the book worrying about whether Jake had still remained pure in his time at university, and I know from personal experience that a lot of nice Christian girls end up marrying guys who did far worse than Jake in their rebellious periods, so I think the book might have been more interesting if Katy had bigger and more serious relationship hurdles to overcome. Alas, the issue of remaining pure until marriage and then marrying someone who never considered the importance of purity in their youth has yet to be covered in any book I’ve read. But back to Katy – naturally, as this series is titled Plain City Bridesmaids, the book ends in a wedding. Despite my misgivings about the BMs scattered throughout their relationship, I am happy that our hero and heroine put aside their preconceived ideas about relationships and accepted each other for who they are. I just with that the book hadn’t suddenly jumped to a wedding, as I felt that Katy and Jake’s relationship was still quite young and immature, and they needed more time to make sure that they can actually remain a couple without blowing up again over a tiny issue, before tying the knot.
If it appears that I’m ripping this book to shreds, I do apologise. The problems that I encountered when reading this book aren’t to do with flaws in the plot or characterisation or even the writing itself, but the simple fact that this book seems to have been written for a younger audience. I’m sure a teenage girl would adore this book and understand Katy’s dilemmas, not finding her as immature and narrow-minded as I did. I would caution more mature readers to be aware of the very teenage feel of this novel, although those who love YA fiction probably wouldn’t have the same frustrations as myself. Despite my misgivings with this book, I will admit that I did mostly enjoy reading it, although I did want to take Katy by the shoulders and shake her several times throughout the story.
Review title provided courtesy of Barbour Publishing.
December 30, 2020
This book was simple and cute. Although there were some grammatical errors throughout the novel, it didn’t detract from the story too much. The pace of the novel was perfect, up until the last 100 pages or so when the story moved much more quickly. It was as though the author realized she only had a handful of pages left but still had much to say, so she summed up the details as quickly as possible. It left those last 100 pages to feel choppy and dramatic without much explanation, and the characters seemed to be doing uncharacteristic things for no reason. However, the last 5 pages or so reverted back to the soft, flow-y writing that wrapped up the story with neat little bows. The main character’s change was difficult to swallow for me because of its abruptness, as well as the uncharacteristic drama that led to her change. I think the point of this change was that God changed Katy’s heart and that’s why she was able to change quickly. Although I wholeheartedly believe God can change people’s hearts, some of the changes Katy experienced seemed a little too far-fetched to have changed literally overnight. Also, the religious aspects are much more conservative than I’m used to. Even though such stark religion isn’t my cup of tea, the author does an excellent job showing why faith is important to the characters, as well as their growth throughout. I felt like I understood the Mennonite religion better by the end! Overall, I enjoyed reading the story of Jake and Katy, but I don’t think I’ll keep reading the books in this series. I think I would read this author again if I was looking for an easy beach read, but I don’t think I would do this genre of conservative religious love story again. If you’re looking for a light-weight story with a little bit of thought-provocation involved (based on religion), this could be the novel for you.
June 6, 2019
I don't often go through Christian fiction phases anymore, but I do really enjoy it when books are set in cities other than London, NYC, and Chicago; and even more so when they're set somewhere I've lived -- which is the primary reason I picked up this ebook. Set in Plain City, a rural area just outside Columbus, OH, with a male protagonist that went through the construction systems major at OSU (*points to the building right outside her office*), it's the first in a series following a trio of Conservative Mennonite women who are establishing their own household in a neighbor's "doddy house" aka granny flat. I did cringe a bit at Katy's strict and judgmental attitude, but only because I remember being that way when I was younger.
January 20, 2021
3.5 stars. While some other reviewers talked about how annoying the heroine was, I saw it as an interesting view into the mind of someone who had been brought up with very strong convictions and teachings. She struggled to adapt to the shifting views of those around her. Whether I agreed with her viewpoints or her conclusions, I was nevertheless interested to watch the wheels turn. This is something that people do grapple with, whether it's shifting from your spiritual upbringing, political upbringing, or any other opening of the mind to a viewpoint you didn't grow up with, along with one's own judgmental attitudes.
July 1, 2022
Katy lives in Plain City. She works cleaning homes. She is saving to being able
to move into a home she wants to share with her two friends.
Katy is trying to mend her broken heart after Jake broke up with her. They are not
sure she should move from her home. But her father relents with the provision that
she go on three dates with David after he heard that Jake had returned to Plain City
Who will win Katy's heart - Jake or David?
to move into a home she wants to share with her two friends.
Katy is trying to mend her broken heart after Jake broke up with her. They are not
sure she should move from her home. But her father relents with the provision that
she go on three dates with David after he heard that Jake had returned to Plain City
Who will win Katy's heart - Jake or David?
May 14, 2018
I had a difficult time caring about the main character. She is everything that most non-Christians hate about Christians - judgmental, overbearing, and oblivious to her own faults. While the author eventually corrected her behavior, it came too little too late. I appreciated the insight into the Conservative Mennonite community, but not enough to continue the series. 2 stars
November 9, 2019
Katy is struggling with not only her job, but also some aspects of the Mennonite faith while trying to get her parents to agree to let her live with friends before getting married. Add her ex back in the picture trying to prove himself and you get one very confused girl. This story is about Katy learning about herself and growing without compromising her beliefs.
July 4, 2020
This was a nice, innocent romance story. It was definitely a story that never had any doubt as to what was going to happen in the end, but sometimes that is a nice change from our crazy reality of today. I didn't love any of the main characters, which makes it harder to love the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2021
This story seemed to get better . Katy grew on me and came to a full circle with alot of humbling and heartache. A good story about forgiveness.
November 22, 2022
The ways of the world, the ways of God, they affect us all, whether we chose to believe. The greatest thing is that we can be kind.
May 4, 2012
3.5 Stars
Katy is a conservative Mennonite and she takes it very seriously. Her goal is to move out of her parents home and into an apartment with her friends Lil and Megan. They have been friends since childhood and this has been their dream to share a home together. Katy is a housekeep and loves to clean and keep things neat. The only thing missing in her life is love. Her old flame Jake left her a few years back as he fell of the wagon and distance himself for his faith and Katy. One of the stipulations put on her by her father in order for her to live away from home is she has to go on three dates with a young man named David. On the first date her old flame Jake returns and claims he is a changed man and is returning to the church and wants a 2nd chance with her. Katy still has feeling for Jake but is bitter because he dated another girl while they where apart and she feels betrayed.
Jake has come home to start a new. He has been in love with Katy since he is 10 and want to make up for being a jerk and leaving Katy. Can Katy over come her judgment of Jake and the outside world and find true love or will she not be able to let the past go?
This was a well written book. I grew up in a modern Mennonite church so I was looking forward to reading this book. I read a lot of Amish fiction books where the characters are 19 or 20 just like Katy and have never felt they where YA(young adult) books but this one felt that way to me. As much as I liked Katy I also felt she was very immature and self centered. I understand she was raised with a lot of the values like her Amish cousins but very few of the Amish fiction books I read feel so judgmental. Katy came across as having the view point of outsiders that they where all nonbelievers. I felt her over the top attitude took away some of my excitement for this book.
I really liked Jake. Yes he made some mistakes but he has returned with his faith renewed. I could not help but feel sorry for him a little as Katy was acting so badly towards him. I also wondered where her parents where during most of the book. In the beginning they made a big deal about her moving out yet we heard nothing from them after that which considering how close family’s tend to be in the Mennonite faith I found that kind of odd. Over all I liked the book and look forward to the others in the series due out next year.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2011/1...
Katy is a conservative Mennonite and she takes it very seriously. Her goal is to move out of her parents home and into an apartment with her friends Lil and Megan. They have been friends since childhood and this has been their dream to share a home together. Katy is a housekeep and loves to clean and keep things neat. The only thing missing in her life is love. Her old flame Jake left her a few years back as he fell of the wagon and distance himself for his faith and Katy. One of the stipulations put on her by her father in order for her to live away from home is she has to go on three dates with a young man named David. On the first date her old flame Jake returns and claims he is a changed man and is returning to the church and wants a 2nd chance with her. Katy still has feeling for Jake but is bitter because he dated another girl while they where apart and she feels betrayed.
Jake has come home to start a new. He has been in love with Katy since he is 10 and want to make up for being a jerk and leaving Katy. Can Katy over come her judgment of Jake and the outside world and find true love or will she not be able to let the past go?
This was a well written book. I grew up in a modern Mennonite church so I was looking forward to reading this book. I read a lot of Amish fiction books where the characters are 19 or 20 just like Katy and have never felt they where YA(young adult) books but this one felt that way to me. As much as I liked Katy I also felt she was very immature and self centered. I understand she was raised with a lot of the values like her Amish cousins but very few of the Amish fiction books I read feel so judgmental. Katy came across as having the view point of outsiders that they where all nonbelievers. I felt her over the top attitude took away some of my excitement for this book.
I really liked Jake. Yes he made some mistakes but he has returned with his faith renewed. I could not help but feel sorry for him a little as Katy was acting so badly towards him. I also wondered where her parents where during most of the book. In the beginning they made a big deal about her moving out yet we heard nothing from them after that which considering how close family’s tend to be in the Mennonite faith I found that kind of odd. Over all I liked the book and look forward to the others in the series due out next year.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2011/1...
November 13, 2011
Katy Yoder is 19 and doesn’t date anyone because of the heartbreak she experienced with Jake Byler joined the Englisch world, meeting worldly girls and doing things she doesn’t approve of. Their last time together, Jake was drunk and pushed himself on her, so she has hated his since. But she still just can’t get over him enough to date anyone else. But what a surprise she gets when Jake shows back up in town, and it seems like everywhere she goes, he is there. Not only that, everything she is involved in, Jake is involved in it too. She just can’t shake loose of him. All she was interested in now was moving in with her childhood friends for a while.
Jake Byler’s life changed while he was away and he wants to come back to the church and try to win his only love Katy back. But this will be a challenge because of her hatred and bitterness over him leaving her.
I enjoyed this Mennonite story as I met Katy and her best friends Megan and Lil, and was in on the excitement of their moving in with each other. The author created a cast of characters that played their parts so well in the story and it was fun getting to know them, even though at times some of them were irritating.
The main character Katy sometimes acted like goodie-two-shoes because she was always judging others. And Lil really got on my nerves when she was trying to nose into Katy’s life, pushing her to go back with Jake. I wanted to scream at her sometimes and tell her to tend to her own business. At first I didn’t like Jake, but as I got to know him, I really liked him because he was real. He had accepted the Lord and his life had definitely changed for the better. And David, well I couldn’t figure out if he really liked Katy or he was just being a jerk because Katy’s dad kinda forced her to go on three dates with David. And then he was so jealous of Jake, but that could have just been a male thing, right? I was proud of Jake for finally speaking up to Katy about her attitude, she really had that coming.
Over all this was an enjoyable read and I hope there is a second book to follow these characters further in their lives. Though I do think this could be a YA book too, it just seems like something younger people would enjoy reading. Which is a good thing, we need more YA books! I encourage you to grab a copy of this book, read and enjoy it. You will not be disappointed.
Jake Byler’s life changed while he was away and he wants to come back to the church and try to win his only love Katy back. But this will be a challenge because of her hatred and bitterness over him leaving her.
I enjoyed this Mennonite story as I met Katy and her best friends Megan and Lil, and was in on the excitement of their moving in with each other. The author created a cast of characters that played their parts so well in the story and it was fun getting to know them, even though at times some of them were irritating.
The main character Katy sometimes acted like goodie-two-shoes because she was always judging others. And Lil really got on my nerves when she was trying to nose into Katy’s life, pushing her to go back with Jake. I wanted to scream at her sometimes and tell her to tend to her own business. At first I didn’t like Jake, but as I got to know him, I really liked him because he was real. He had accepted the Lord and his life had definitely changed for the better. And David, well I couldn’t figure out if he really liked Katy or he was just being a jerk because Katy’s dad kinda forced her to go on three dates with David. And then he was so jealous of Jake, but that could have just been a male thing, right? I was proud of Jake for finally speaking up to Katy about her attitude, she really had that coming.
Over all this was an enjoyable read and I hope there is a second book to follow these characters further in their lives. Though I do think this could be a YA book too, it just seems like something younger people would enjoy reading. Which is a good thing, we need more YA books! I encourage you to grab a copy of this book, read and enjoy it. You will not be disappointed.
November 26, 2011
More like 4.5 stars but close enough to round up.
I was pleasantly surprised at the many deep spiritual themes in this book. The most compelling had to do with the consequences of festering anger and unforgiveness. It truly made Katy difficult, unattractive, and I daresay, downright ugly at times. In contrast, forgiveness and grace changed her countenance as well. The ordinary becomes beautiful when gratitude and grace result in living at peace with men.
The story did a great job at illustrating how the outside of the cup can be clean (I found it ironic that Katy was a cleaning lady,) but the inside can still be full of dead man's bones. And while the heroine was a Christian and did sincerely love God, she'd let the structure and boundaries of her Mennonite faith determine how she lived her life rather than reflecting God's love onto others. In short, the symbol became more important than the meaning behind it.
But I loved how Katy often softened around Jake, and how she wanted to forgive him, but that stinkin' pride kept getting in the way. But when they kissed, wow! Sparks flew and the room got a bit warmer. I have to say I loved that this wasn't a one kiss at the end type story. That gets bonus points from me. There was realistic tension, desire, and passion between them that made for some great scenes.
Jake was the consummate hero. There was nothing not to love about him. I was actually glad at one point when he said he was tired of the fighting and maybe it wasn't meant to be. Good for him. I was getting ticked at Katy and her back and forth emotions myself, all of which were propelled by anger. That is such the antithesis to Christ's love, whether the anger is deserved or not. I loved how God used the foolish things to confound the wise, in other words, how God used the person that Katy believed was so worldly that she couldn't be a good person, to show her how to be honest with herself and others. I loved that!
I was pleasantly surprised at the many deep spiritual themes in this book. The most compelling had to do with the consequences of festering anger and unforgiveness. It truly made Katy difficult, unattractive, and I daresay, downright ugly at times. In contrast, forgiveness and grace changed her countenance as well. The ordinary becomes beautiful when gratitude and grace result in living at peace with men.
The story did a great job at illustrating how the outside of the cup can be clean (I found it ironic that Katy was a cleaning lady,) but the inside can still be full of dead man's bones. And while the heroine was a Christian and did sincerely love God, she'd let the structure and boundaries of her Mennonite faith determine how she lived her life rather than reflecting God's love onto others. In short, the symbol became more important than the meaning behind it.
But I loved how Katy often softened around Jake, and how she wanted to forgive him, but that stinkin' pride kept getting in the way. But when they kissed, wow! Sparks flew and the room got a bit warmer. I have to say I loved that this wasn't a one kiss at the end type story. That gets bonus points from me. There was realistic tension, desire, and passion between them that made for some great scenes.
Jake was the consummate hero. There was nothing not to love about him. I was actually glad at one point when he said he was tired of the fighting and maybe it wasn't meant to be. Good for him. I was getting ticked at Katy and her back and forth emotions myself, all of which were propelled by anger. That is such the antithesis to Christ's love, whether the anger is deserved or not. I loved how God used the foolish things to confound the wise, in other words, how God used the person that Katy believed was so worldly that she couldn't be a good person, to show her how to be honest with herself and others. I loved that!
May 29, 2012
Title: SOMETHING OLD
Author: Dianne Christner
Publisher: Barbour Books
August 2011
ISBN: 978-1-61626-231-0
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance/Mennonite
Katy Yoder is a conservative Mennonite girl, and she takes her beliefs very seriously. She and her two best friends, Lil and Megan, plan to rent an old Amish house, remodel it, and live together. Her parents are against it, but then finally agree if she agrees to date a young man named David. Katy has been in love with Jake Byler since she was ten, but he never gave her the time of day and left the community to go to college where he dated other women. Katy is bitter about this, and so she decides to go ahead and date David.
Jake has returned home to start a new life. He wants to make up for being a jerk and leaving. Jake takes a job working as a construction worker, renovating the Amish house into something habitable for Mennonites, but this causes more problems. He and David are jealous of each other, not to mention Katy can’t stand him.
What will it take for Katy to find love and who will she choose? Jake or David?
I enjoy most Amish books, so was looking forward to reading this Mennonite one, since it’s a “close cousin.” However, this book didn’t read so much as a romance, but more as a young adult. Katy was very immature, blaming Jake for cheating on her, but not seeing that she was doing the same to him. She was a very judgmental character, and there was a lot of telling in the story, and way too much backstory in the beginning.
Jake was a sweet hero. He did make some mistakes, but he has some faith. I felt a bit sorry for him when Katy was so mean to him. I would have marketed this book as a young adult and not an adult romance, but it was an okay read. I didn’t like Katy, as I said, but Jake was a sweetheart. If you’re looking for something a bit different than typical Amish, pick up SOMETHING OLD. Some tips and cleaning recipes are included. $12.99. 315 pages.
July 18, 2017
I chose to read this book because I thought it would be a nice, wholesome, Christian romance. I was right, but not everyone might agree.
First of all, the series title (Plain city Bridesmaids) is a giveaway that that someone will be getting married at some point. That was somewhat of a spoiler, but it wasn't a big deal to me. Secondly, the description of this book says Katy (the main character) is torn between her Mennonite life and the worldy life her friends are leading. This isn't accurate, since Katy is the one who holds fast to her upbringing and beliefs. Again, not a big deal, but somewhat misleading.
"Something Old" is definitely a Christian book that is a lot more wholesome than other romance stories, however, the use of the words "seductive", "sensuous", and "smouldering" were a little off-putting. Those words were written as the thoughts of a young man towards Katy, but it was still surprising to read. Conservative readers might have a problem with the use of those words, as well as the frequent mentioning of a man's tight jeans. Katy often stares at his body in the jeans and makes note of them, however, later the issue of his pants is addressed.
Other reviews have said that Katy is whiny and annoying, and uses her faith as an excuse for her behavior but I disagree. Yes, Katy is self righteous at times, and often closed minded, but she later realizes how unhealthy her behaviour is and works towards changing it.
I enjoyed how honest the writer was when making the character of Katy. Katy is written to be a real, Christian, young women with struggles and issues, which was refreshing to read. It made her more relatable and real, since we were able to "see" what was on her mind.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I'd recommend it to others who enjoy Christian fiction, but would caution against letting teens read it.
First of all, the series title (Plain city Bridesmaids) is a giveaway that that someone will be getting married at some point. That was somewhat of a spoiler, but it wasn't a big deal to me. Secondly, the description of this book says Katy (the main character) is torn between her Mennonite life and the worldy life her friends are leading. This isn't accurate, since Katy is the one who holds fast to her upbringing and beliefs. Again, not a big deal, but somewhat misleading.
"Something Old" is definitely a Christian book that is a lot more wholesome than other romance stories, however, the use of the words "seductive", "sensuous", and "smouldering" were a little off-putting. Those words were written as the thoughts of a young man towards Katy, but it was still surprising to read. Conservative readers might have a problem with the use of those words, as well as the frequent mentioning of a man's tight jeans. Katy often stares at his body in the jeans and makes note of them, however, later the issue of his pants is addressed.
Other reviews have said that Katy is whiny and annoying, and uses her faith as an excuse for her behavior but I disagree. Yes, Katy is self righteous at times, and often closed minded, but she later realizes how unhealthy her behaviour is and works towards changing it.
I enjoyed how honest the writer was when making the character of Katy. Katy is written to be a real, Christian, young women with struggles and issues, which was refreshing to read. It made her more relatable and real, since we were able to "see" what was on her mind.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I'd recommend it to others who enjoy Christian fiction, but would caution against letting teens read it.
October 18, 2012
Love is rarely Plain and Simple....
This is book by Dianne Christner of series Plain City Bridesmaids, book#1 "Something Old"
Katy Yoder is just a young girl of 10 when a little boy, Jake Byler, is always pulling her pony-tail and teasing her-she decides then -she will marry him. ahhhhh young love.
three young girls bond and become best friends that will last a lifetime-Megan, Lil and Katy -as young girls they have a dream to live together when they finish school and always to be there for one another.
Life is not all that simple though and as the years go by this young man causes much heartache when he is unsure if he wants to remain Mennonite and goes into a time of rebelling. He breaks her heart when he leaves the community and she is sure she will never be able to forgive him.
Katy settles into life after schooling is finished doing cleaning for other folks. Life is sweet when the girls rent a house that is called a Doddy house. Megan cannot move in right away so Lil and Katy have the place to themselves.
This book is about Trust and forgiveness and you will see as you read chapter after chapter that Katy has big problems with this.
Megan wants to be a missionary, Lil is cousin to Jake and tries her hand at matchmaking when Jake has a life change and comes back to the community. She believes strongly that Katy and Jake belong together.
you will want to read this book and discover waht happens for these three young girls and how Jake, after leaving his community and his religous beliefs, makes his way back....
This is book by Dianne Christner of series Plain City Bridesmaids, book#1 "Something Old"
Katy Yoder is just a young girl of 10 when a little boy, Jake Byler, is always pulling her pony-tail and teasing her-she decides then -she will marry him. ahhhhh young love.
three young girls bond and become best friends that will last a lifetime-Megan, Lil and Katy -as young girls they have a dream to live together when they finish school and always to be there for one another.
Life is not all that simple though and as the years go by this young man causes much heartache when he is unsure if he wants to remain Mennonite and goes into a time of rebelling. He breaks her heart when he leaves the community and she is sure she will never be able to forgive him.
Katy settles into life after schooling is finished doing cleaning for other folks. Life is sweet when the girls rent a house that is called a Doddy house. Megan cannot move in right away so Lil and Katy have the place to themselves.
This book is about Trust and forgiveness and you will see as you read chapter after chapter that Katy has big problems with this.
Megan wants to be a missionary, Lil is cousin to Jake and tries her hand at matchmaking when Jake has a life change and comes back to the community. She believes strongly that Katy and Jake belong together.
you will want to read this book and discover waht happens for these three young girls and how Jake, after leaving his community and his religous beliefs, makes his way back....
October 10, 2011
i really enjoyed this book it amazed me how different the mennonite is to the amish. Like they must go though high school because Katy and her friends always wanted to live together after high school.
I did not realize they are more simmlar to the english than they are to the amish.
The book started out Katy and her friends was going to rent a dauti house and katy had to ask her parents if she could. Her father said yes but she had to go on three dates with David because David was a nice guy. Katy did not know her old boyfriend Jake came back and join the church her father knew but Jake he was on the wild side and her father did not want Katy to return to him. When Jake left Katy was crushed she cried for days and deep down she never got over him.
Katy had alot of changes happen to her she moved out. Her employer wanted her to be a nanny to her kids she begged Katy to help her Katy said she would till she found someone else. She made Katy go to a dance studio with her daughter and have to sit inside to watch her which Katy felt very uncomfortable because to her dance was a sin. Then there was this thing a church were the members had to vote if the women should wear there head covering outside of church. Katy was stun that the members voted it was up to the women when they wanted to wear it. Katy she only thought there was only a right and a wrong not something in between and that scared her.
This book was a page turner to me i just could not put it down I did not know who Katy would pick David or Jake. Can not wait till the second book comes out.
I did not realize they are more simmlar to the english than they are to the amish.
The book started out Katy and her friends was going to rent a dauti house and katy had to ask her parents if she could. Her father said yes but she had to go on three dates with David because David was a nice guy. Katy did not know her old boyfriend Jake came back and join the church her father knew but Jake he was on the wild side and her father did not want Katy to return to him. When Jake left Katy was crushed she cried for days and deep down she never got over him.
Katy had alot of changes happen to her she moved out. Her employer wanted her to be a nanny to her kids she begged Katy to help her Katy said she would till she found someone else. She made Katy go to a dance studio with her daughter and have to sit inside to watch her which Katy felt very uncomfortable because to her dance was a sin. Then there was this thing a church were the members had to vote if the women should wear there head covering outside of church. Katy was stun that the members voted it was up to the women when they wanted to wear it. Katy she only thought there was only a right and a wrong not something in between and that scared her.
This book was a page turner to me i just could not put it down I did not know who Katy would pick David or Jake. Can not wait till the second book comes out.
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