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Annie's People #1-3
Annie's People Boxed Set
Annie Zook is forced by her father, the bishop, to choose between her forbidden art and joining the church, the only life she knows.
1056 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2006
About the author
Beverly Lewis
258 books3,058 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."
Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 19, 2008
I get sucked into all of Lewis' Amish books, even though they are not great pieces of literary work, I am interested in the Amish way of life and I like to see the romances and family relationships unfold. What I liked about the Annie's People book was her friendship with a non-Amish woman. It was interesting to read about a person in our day and age immersing themselves in the Amish world. I was also very interested in the way the domestic violence issue was handled in the Amish community since I work with DV victims. I prefer the Abram's daughter's series, but this one was also good. Quick reads, I like to read Lewis' latest books when I travel. Make the flights go faster!
July 20, 2007
I read the first book in this series because I have a bias against authors who market themselves as Christian, and I was trying to overcome it. I was also interested in the fact that the protagonist is an Amish artist. While the overall story seemed muddled and the book lacked an ending, this is one of the only novels I have read that features an artist who is not a stereotype, but thinks and behaves in a sympathetic and realistic way.
May 15, 2026
I enjoyed this book, but I do have some things to note:
Annie, the protagonist can be quite whiny at times. (-2 stars) (For no spoilers stop reading here.) First, she is whiny at any mention of Louisa leaving. I understand they’re good friends (almost like sisters), but she has to have a more mature understanding of Louisa’s visit. She certainly can’t expect it to be forever. I guess I’m saying that for a girl Annie’s age, she is acting too childish. Second, towards the second half of the last book, Annie really got on my nerves! She keeps insisting her point (familial relationships) like a whiny child instead of going about this situation like an adult.
Beverly Lewis jumps around a lot. There are multiple peoples’ storylines happening and often she will leave it at a cliffhanger and then not pick it up again for a few chapters. Just keep in mind that it might be harder to track if you’re not reading it in one sitting.
By the middle of the last book, it became fairly predictable. While I was eager for the story to advance faster to get to the resolution, I did (for the most part) enjoy the lead-up. If needed, it definitely could be condensed, though.
Things to be aware of in “Annie’s People”
Language:
- 6 “stupid”
- 5 “dumb”
- A mention of cursing under his/her breath.
Violence:
- Themes of parental and spousal strictness and/or violence.
- A daughter is whipped on her bare legs by her father (as a punishment, but out of anger)
- There is a mention of “serial killing”
- A kidnapping is mentioned and discussed.
- Abuse is alluded to within a family (fatherly abuse toward his wife and daughters).
- A man slaps his wife.
- A character claims to be a murderer.
- A character imagines what seems to be describing a kidnapping: “if they weren’t quiet or obedient, they were pushed into the trunk and there they stayed for hours and hours, till they were so cold they couldn’t get warm. . .”
- Side note: I honestly wish this was developed a bit more. I was still left with questions.
Romantic Content:
- A kiss is romanticized as “fervent.”
- At night, a married couple kiss and embrace. Yearning is also mentioned (nothing beyond that).
- There is a mention of a woman marking a calendar in case she gets pregnant (so she would know)
- “A man has certain needs - the Lord God ordained marriage for plenty good reasons, to be sure and for certain.” (The context is speaking of intimacy specifically)
- A woman announces a pregnancy with an unknown father.
Spiritual Content:
- There are wonderful faith elements of: new believers’ fire for the Lord, forgiveness, and conversion!
Additional Notes:
- A mention of a burger being “far too much fat for a bride who must fit into her size two gown.”
- A mention of a girl being “too skinny”
- A woman is described as “plump”
- There is quite a bit of characters doing “rebellious” things against their parents wishes (granted, most are adults who are just still living under their parents’ roofs).
- A woman considers having an abortion.
- Divorce is discussed.
- Lots are cast and discussed.
Read my full review here: https://kbook-reviews.blogspot.com/20...
Annie, the protagonist can be quite whiny at times. (-2 stars) (For no spoilers stop reading here.) First, she is whiny at any mention of Louisa leaving. I understand they’re good friends (almost like sisters), but she has to have a more mature understanding of Louisa’s visit. She certainly can’t expect it to be forever. I guess I’m saying that for a girl Annie’s age, she is acting too childish. Second, towards the second half of the last book, Annie really got on my nerves! She keeps insisting her point (familial relationships) like a whiny child instead of going about this situation like an adult.
Beverly Lewis jumps around a lot. There are multiple peoples’ storylines happening and often she will leave it at a cliffhanger and then not pick it up again for a few chapters. Just keep in mind that it might be harder to track if you’re not reading it in one sitting.
By the middle of the last book, it became fairly predictable. While I was eager for the story to advance faster to get to the resolution, I did (for the most part) enjoy the lead-up. If needed, it definitely could be condensed, though.
Things to be aware of in “Annie’s People”
Language:
- 6 “stupid”
- 5 “dumb”
- A mention of cursing under his/her breath.
Violence:
- Themes of parental and spousal strictness and/or violence.
- A daughter is whipped on her bare legs by her father (as a punishment, but out of anger)
- There is a mention of “serial killing”
- A kidnapping is mentioned and discussed.
- Abuse is alluded to within a family (fatherly abuse toward his wife and daughters).
- A man slaps his wife.
- A character claims to be a murderer.
- A character imagines what seems to be describing a kidnapping: “if they weren’t quiet or obedient, they were pushed into the trunk and there they stayed for hours and hours, till they were so cold they couldn’t get warm. . .”
- Side note: I honestly wish this was developed a bit more. I was still left with questions.
Romantic Content:
- A kiss is romanticized as “fervent.”
- At night, a married couple kiss and embrace. Yearning is also mentioned (nothing beyond that).
- There is a mention of a woman marking a calendar in case she gets pregnant (so she would know)
- “A man has certain needs - the Lord God ordained marriage for plenty good reasons, to be sure and for certain.” (The context is speaking of intimacy specifically)
- A woman announces a pregnancy with an unknown father.
Spiritual Content:
- There are wonderful faith elements of: new believers’ fire for the Lord, forgiveness, and conversion!
Additional Notes:
- A mention of a burger being “far too much fat for a bride who must fit into her size two gown.”
- A mention of a girl being “too skinny”
- A woman is described as “plump”
- There is quite a bit of characters doing “rebellious” things against their parents wishes (granted, most are adults who are just still living under their parents’ roofs).
- A woman considers having an abortion.
- Divorce is discussed.
- Lots are cast and discussed.
Read my full review here: https://kbook-reviews.blogspot.com/20...
July 25, 2018
I love reading this book it was very speaking I like how there was three books in one I can’t find Amish book that much
March 24, 2021
loved this series, so much heartache and leaning on God for answers for your problems.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2021
Again Amish obsessesion
December 10, 2011
This series really spoke to me. I sympathized with Annie as an artist, being artistic and musical myself. To be an artist or to be Amish? This dilemma takes the whole series and some surprising turns to discover the answer.
I also enjoyed seeing those characters moving in and out of the Amish life. Louisa, Annie's penpal, is thoroughly Englisch and from a privileged family, but she cancels her wedding and leaves in a whirlwind, finding refuge and peace with Annie's People. Her acclimation and perspective on the Amish lifestyle is really interesting.
Then there is the mystery of Isaac, Annie's lost childhood friend. The reader feels the lingering effect on Annie, who paints the scene which haunts her and changes her life forever, and on Zeke, Isaac's brother, who suffered the blame his brother's disappearance and now takes it out on his wife and children.
Amidst the tumult, the virtues of peace, patience, forgiveness, and love are learned, and God's providence touches the People.
I also enjoyed seeing those characters moving in and out of the Amish life. Louisa, Annie's penpal, is thoroughly Englisch and from a privileged family, but she cancels her wedding and leaves in a whirlwind, finding refuge and peace with Annie's People. Her acclimation and perspective on the Amish lifestyle is really interesting.
Then there is the mystery of Isaac, Annie's lost childhood friend. The reader feels the lingering effect on Annie, who paints the scene which haunts her and changes her life forever, and on Zeke, Isaac's brother, who suffered the blame his brother's disappearance and now takes it out on his wife and children.
Amidst the tumult, the virtues of peace, patience, forgiveness, and love are learned, and God's providence touches the People.
April 19, 2010
I loved the first book in this series. The whole concept of an amish girl and a modern girl meeting up in the amish world was fun and interesting. The second book was kind of a let down for me. Not sure why. It just wasn't as good as the first. The third tied things up nicely, but I still don't think it was as good as the first either. I also have a hard time with the decision that Ben made. I really don't think he'll be happy with his choice in the long run. It got a little too preachy towards the end, too. Don't get me wrong, though. These were books that I couldn't put down. I totally had to finish the series once I got started. I loved learning about the amish community. I did discover that I'm glad I'm not amish.
September 21, 2009
I wanted to hate this series because all the publishers want Amish and prairie novels right now, but it's awesome. I was hooked right away. I was pleasantly surprised by the way the author juxtaposed the beauty and simplicity of the "Plain" life with the problems and undercurrents hidden beneath the surface. Way grittier than I would have imagined.
My only complaint is that book 1 ended leaving almost all threads still open. I would have liked a little more resolution, but of course that forced me to run out and buy books 2 and 3.
My only complaint is that book 1 ended leaving almost all threads still open. I would have liked a little more resolution, but of course that forced me to run out and buy books 2 and 3.
January 18, 2008
I'm intrigued by the internal conflicts that Lewis presents in her characters. Having grown up near the Amish community, her books have caused me to sympathize and understand their culture. I'm so wrapped up in these characters that I'd be happy to avoid all responsibilities to read to the end of this 3 book series.
April 11, 2008
I really enjoyed this series. I like learning about the Amish culture. This story is set in modern times. I really can't imagine living without all the conveniences we have...by choice. But, understand the commitments towards religion. and I do feel the need for a simpler life sometimes. I guess that is why I live in the country at the end of the earth.
January 11, 2010
I love all of Beverly Lewis's Books. I have read almost all of them. She writes so well about the Amish. I learned the same from all her books and that is how the Amish live. She writes just like you are there. It has been a while since I read these books. I usually buy them right when they come out and I read them right away.
March 23, 2008
I love this series! Beverly Lewis is an amazing author. She can really tell a story in a believable way, and things that happen are not random; they are things that you can see happening in real life!
April 8, 2008
I really enjoyed these books except for whenever the girls went shopping they all wore a size 2. OH come on! How many people wear a size 2 who are over 20 years old. The author could have put they wore a size 6 or 8 or 10. Tried to have me feel a little better.
February 14, 2008
Good story, but not my favorite writing style.
January 7, 2010
These ended so well! We have visited Amish farms near in TN and it is very interesting to learn more about them!
Re-reading!
Re-reading!
February 25, 2008
LOVED this series!!!! Really like Anne, the main character and the way the story was resolved. Very good!
February 29, 2008
loved them
March 10, 2008
i enjoy the Amish life style
March 11, 2008
I really liked this book. It was a simple and relaxing story about an Amish Girl. I didn't give it 5 stars only because I didn't LOVE it, just liked it a lot.
March 17, 2008
I really liked these three books. I read them all in one weekend.
March 19, 2008
Again, I like this author and enjoyed reading this series. I was disappointed when it ended after only three books.
March 23, 2008
I really learned to sympathize with the young people growing up in today's Amish community by reading this series. These three books are perhaps my favorites of all I've read by Beverly Lewis.
March 27, 2008
It was great to read & learn about the Amish people.
April 14, 2008
This is a great series about life as an Amish person. I enjoyed learning the tidbits of information about the Amish explained throughout the book. These books are well written and captivating.
May 12, 2008
Liked this series . . . definitely a "light" read. I always like learning more about the Amish and their lifestyle. It was sappy at times, but it had a bit of mystery to it.
May 30, 2008
This is my most favorite Serious of all time!
April 29, 2009
OH I LOVE LOVE LOVE these books! They have been my favorite series that Lewis has written! I love all her books but these are the best so far!
June 13, 2008
I really enjoyed this series. A part of me became enthralled with the Amish while reading. Great read.
July 3, 2008
very, very good. I couldn't put it down there was so much suspense and I could relate to the moral dilemmas of Annie.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews