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Annie's People #2
The Englisher
Annie Zook struggles to keep her promise to her preacher father to abandon her art and prove her worthiness to "join church." At the same time she is dangerously close to succumbing to another forbidden desire--a relationship with the handsome Englisher whose interest in her is more than mere curiosity. Yet Ben Martin has secrets of his own...
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2005
162 people are currently reading
2176 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Lewis
259 books3,013 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 262 reviews
May 27, 2022
3 stars
I really struggle with books written in third person that have like seven POV’s throughout. I never know who’s chapter it is until someone points it out so I had a hard time getting though it. I did enjoy it for the most part, and I’m curious to see what happens with these characters so I might get to the next eventually.
I really struggle with books written in third person that have like seven POV’s throughout. I never know who’s chapter it is until someone points it out so I had a hard time getting though it. I did enjoy it for the most part, and I’m curious to see what happens with these characters so I might get to the next eventually.
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 3 stars
Narrator: Stina Nielsen
Narration Rating: 3 stars
Genre: Historical/Amish
Length: 9h 18m
May 26, 2022
Re-read on 5/25/2022
Listening Length: 9 hours 18 minutes.
_______________
I read this book when it was published but didn’t mark it read on here until I joined Goodreads in 2012. I marked that I read books 2 & 3. Since these books were written 17 years ago I can’t remember if I read the first book or not. But for a re-read, I probably should have started with book 1. Lesson learned. 😂
A three-book series centered around Annie and her trying to come to terms with how women are treated versus men. Annie has a love of art but her dad has forbidden her from pursuing anything that deals with art.
Annie’s English pen pal, Louisa “Lou”, has come to visit and experience the Amish lifestyle.
An Amish man begins dating Louisa. And at the same time, Annie is seeing Ben who is an Englisher from Kentucky who has come to work in their community. He is harboring a secret.
Also, another underlining part of the story is Annie’s friend, Esther who has claimed Jesus as her savior. Esther is experiencing troubles with her husband, Zeke. Zeke is an abusive husband who is haunted by his brother's death.
The story continues in The Brethren.
Listening Length: 9 hours 18 minutes.
_______________
I read this book when it was published but didn’t mark it read on here until I joined Goodreads in 2012. I marked that I read books 2 & 3. Since these books were written 17 years ago I can’t remember if I read the first book or not. But for a re-read, I probably should have started with book 1. Lesson learned. 😂
A three-book series centered around Annie and her trying to come to terms with how women are treated versus men. Annie has a love of art but her dad has forbidden her from pursuing anything that deals with art.
Annie’s English pen pal, Louisa “Lou”, has come to visit and experience the Amish lifestyle.
An Amish man begins dating Louisa. And at the same time, Annie is seeing Ben who is an Englisher from Kentucky who has come to work in their community. He is harboring a secret.
Also, another underlining part of the story is Annie’s friend, Esther who has claimed Jesus as her savior. Esther is experiencing troubles with her husband, Zeke. Zeke is an abusive husband who is haunted by his brother's death.
The story continues in The Brethren.
June 9, 2010
I recently started to read Beverly Lewis once again. I started the Annie's People series, I realized immediately why I so enjoyed her books so many years ago. Her style of Amish storytelling is incredible and pulls you right into the Amish way of life. Book one stayed with me until I finished it and then truly couldn't wait to start book two and I am currently on book three. The first of the two books that I have read recently has gave me a wonderfully warm return to continue to the next book. I have to give her a rating of all the stars from above!
March 21, 2022
An interesting Amish story that had no action or suspense. It was also easy to figure out what happened to a young boy who died. Very enlightening to find that an abused wife was banned from the Amish church and her community because she became saved, accepting Christ as her Savior. The Amish focus more on God than Jesus. The crux of the book was about Annie who gave up painting because her father said the Amish were against it. She misses it terribly and instead secretly dates good looking Ben, an English man. We are left hanging at the end. There are more novels in the series but I don’t know the titles.
August 14, 2020
I am not a huge fan of Amish fiction as much of it is very formulaic. But Lewis did a nice job in this one of combining both the Amish, Mennonites, and some "Englishers." She also included a touch of cozy mystery along with the romance. I admire them for their strong family and community support of one another, but definitely have problems with some of their beliefs.
February 8, 2018
The Englisher appear the focus of this story or mostly part of the story. Beverly does do this gradually. Annie Zook has some struggles to keep the promises that she made with her father who by the way is the preachers.
We go through the struggles with Annie. There another struggle that going on as well. Zeke is struggling with something and it does take the whole book to figure it out. There are surprises and twists throughout the book.
Ben Martin as come to Amish county and has his own secrets. He comes to work in the tack shop. He keeps his secret of what brought him there. He seems to run into Annie. Lou had come and is staying with her pen pal Annie. Lou is embracing the Amish and their ways. Will Lou be back or will she leave.
Beverly Lewis - Here a review but you are one of my favorites authors.
We go through the struggles with Annie. There another struggle that going on as well. Zeke is struggling with something and it does take the whole book to figure it out. There are surprises and twists throughout the book.
Ben Martin as come to Amish county and has his own secrets. He comes to work in the tack shop. He keeps his secret of what brought him there. He seems to run into Annie. Lou had come and is staying with her pen pal Annie. Lou is embracing the Amish and their ways. Will Lou be back or will she leave.
Beverly Lewis - Here a review but you are one of my favorites authors.
September 16, 2014
Having read the first book in this trilogy, I was prepared for the story not to have closure. Although I felt answers to quite a few things this time that I did not have at the end of "The Preacher's Daughter".
I can't WAIT to read the last in the trilogy, "The Brethren".
Beverly Lewis is a good writer. And I'm so looking forward to the true answer of what happened to little Isaac.
The Englisher deals with the subject of battered wives. Given the strong belief, part of the Ordung, that the husband is head of the family and makes ALL the rules, etc. I can imagine how easily it would be for a man to start believing that his word is more than just that. Add a bit of temper or a psychological issue...
I highly recommend this book although I do believe you would enjoy it more if you read the first one before reading this one. Also be aware that the books do not truly stand alone. There is too much left that is not known until you have completed all three books.
I can't WAIT to read the last in the trilogy, "The Brethren".
Beverly Lewis is a good writer. And I'm so looking forward to the true answer of what happened to little Isaac.
The Englisher deals with the subject of battered wives. Given the strong belief, part of the Ordung, that the husband is head of the family and makes ALL the rules, etc. I can imagine how easily it would be for a man to start believing that his word is more than just that. Add a bit of temper or a psychological issue...
I highly recommend this book although I do believe you would enjoy it more if you read the first one before reading this one. Also be aware that the books do not truly stand alone. There is too much left that is not known until you have completed all three books.
November 24, 2014
This was a smooth wholesome read about the Amish told in a simple manner. I really liked the characters and am somewhat fascinated by their way of life, although I could never make it being Amish. They are not allowed to express themselves in an artistic way. They are not allowed a higher education, nor are they allowed to read books for pleasure. The women are subservient to the men. I don't have a submissive bone in my body. The narration was superb. I listened to this one. It was read by Aimee Lilly.
November 13, 2008
This book picks right up where the first book left off. Lou is still living with Annie's family. Annie has made a deal with her father not to paint. The story centers around the new beaus that enter both Lou & Annie's lives and how being part or not part of the Amish community is complicating things. I think the first night that I picked this book up, I read half of it and finished it within a couple days. Once again a lovely book from Beverly Lewis.
August 26, 2016
Another unsatisfying ending. You can have a series where each book tells a story and wraps up themes taht readers like and are invested in the characters thereby wanting more. This series forces the reader to read more books just to answer the questions asked in the first book. The characters are interesting but I do not like being forced to another book without having resolved the original scenario.
July 10, 2017
Second book of Annie's people series. Scene is an Amish community but there is mystery. And the cute guy on the cover is part of the mystery which is not answered in this book but adds more to the mystery and questions surrounding the mysterious events that happened 16 years prior.
June 4, 2007
Wonderful wholesome love stories from amish country.
September 3, 2009
Okay! I LOOOOOOOOOOOVED this book! I'm cant wait to find out what happens!!! I'm reading the third book now!
August 1, 2024
3.5 stars. Better than the first! This one continues to follow Annie, Louise (her English friend visiting her), Esther (her Amish friend), Ben (the English guy she's crushing on), etc. This one is called the Englisher because Ben and Annie secretly date and she is really getting a taste of what it will be like if she decides to leave the Amish community. Louise leaves to go back to the English way, despite the fact that she's really crushing on Sam. I bet she'll be back. Esther is banished from the community for having an opinion. Her husband kind of cracks and admits to killing his little brother so many years ago. He points the cops to where his body is. Did he really kill him!? So many things to still find out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2024
LOVED this book⭐️ I’m already fascinated with the Amish lifestyle and this book had a mixture of romance, mystery and a little suspense that just hooked me. Running to my Libby app to rent the next one in this series.
October 13, 2025
What were Ben’s secrets?! We were never told anything! A whole lot of buildup to a whole lot of nothing. Literally nothing is resolved at the ending, which is fine I guess if there’s a next book but I think I’m over it. What I can thank this book for is inadvertently leading me to Google a chicken corn soup recipe, which was delicious.
December 17, 2023
Very strict Old Order Amish. A lot of the plot was aggravating. Hopefully book 3 will have character growth and standing up for what’s wrong.
March 20, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Beautifully written with careful attention to language, character and setting, this story, set in an Amish community, is wonderfully brought to life by the author. The dominant theme is one of conflict. The broader conflict is between those seeking to live a traditional Amish lifestyle, followers of the faith including elements of contemporary tools (such as electricity and travelling by car), and those considering a life outside the Amish fold. They are made concrete through the individuals and their unique stories in 'The Englisher'. What I also enjoyed about 'The Englisher' is that the author does not set out to preach or moralise but tells each person's tale (some with difficult pasts) 'as is' without pity or proselytising. The story unfolds at a gentle pace and is all the richer for it. I look forward to reading more books by Beverly Lewis.
March 18, 2020
The Englisher was a pretty good book. It is a second book in a series called Annie’s People. I did not read the first book, but that did not hinder me from being able to jump right in and understand the characters and their motives in the Englisher. It is about a young Amish Preachers daughter who happens to develop a relationship with an outside, An Englisher (a modern man), Ben who takes up residence in the town outside her Amish community. Annie is also close friends with a young woman, An Englisher was a long time Penpal and has now come to stay with Annie in her Amish Community. Likewise, Annie’s friend from her Amish community is in abusive relationship with her husband. She seeks solace outside the community and discovers a Christian faith that is slightly different from her Amish upbringing. Both Amish and English are confronted with the challenges of seeing society through different lenses.
It was a different book for me. I had never read a book that took place in an Amish setting, even though many Christian Fiction (one of my preferred genres) are set in this world.
The Englisher was told in away that was very immersive, I really felt myself being drawn into the Amish community. These types of books could seem as though they would be unrelatable for a woman like myself (young, African-American, suburban) but somehow the author did manage to capture my attention and engage me with the characters.
The story is told in a simplistic manner which is befitting for the characters and setting of the story. The story isn’t necessarily action-packed, but there is enough depth from the characters that it keeps the pages turning quickly. This book provides a nice glimpse into the somewhat reclusive world of the Amish. For me this book was a cultural learning experience and that is something that I really look forward to experiencing in a book. A book should take you to places unknown. Even though this is not set in some far away land or in the deepest regions of space, it dies give readers the chance to experience a place that many probably have not seen.
One thing that made this book of particular interest to me was that it was set In Pennsylvania, my state and in Lancaster county, a place I have visited often. It was fun to hear the character refer to popular towns, shopping centers, restaurants and theaters that I had visited before. It helped create vivid pictures for me and bring back fun memories.
I would definitely recommend this book for those who are curious to know more about Amish Life along with those who like a good, wholesome quick paced read that is light hearted.
It was a different book for me. I had never read a book that took place in an Amish setting, even though many Christian Fiction (one of my preferred genres) are set in this world.
The Englisher was told in away that was very immersive, I really felt myself being drawn into the Amish community. These types of books could seem as though they would be unrelatable for a woman like myself (young, African-American, suburban) but somehow the author did manage to capture my attention and engage me with the characters.
The story is told in a simplistic manner which is befitting for the characters and setting of the story. The story isn’t necessarily action-packed, but there is enough depth from the characters that it keeps the pages turning quickly. This book provides a nice glimpse into the somewhat reclusive world of the Amish. For me this book was a cultural learning experience and that is something that I really look forward to experiencing in a book. A book should take you to places unknown. Even though this is not set in some far away land or in the deepest regions of space, it dies give readers the chance to experience a place that many probably have not seen.
One thing that made this book of particular interest to me was that it was set In Pennsylvania, my state and in Lancaster county, a place I have visited often. It was fun to hear the character refer to popular towns, shopping centers, restaurants and theaters that I had visited before. It helped create vivid pictures for me and bring back fun memories.
I would definitely recommend this book for those who are curious to know more about Amish Life along with those who like a good, wholesome quick paced read that is light hearted.
December 4, 2017
Louisa has decided to stay on in Paradise despite constant calls from her ex. and a best friend showing up to visit from Colorado who has come to talk her into coming home. Louisa is fitting in very nicely and has become beloved of all the Zook family except for perhaps Jesse who is still cautious towards her. She has found a new man friend here and he is becoming much closer than she had intended. Annie and Louisa & the family attend the wedding of Annie's ex boyfriend and she finds he is quite out of her system. Her father finds out about her painting in a rather nasty way and she is ordered to put a stop to it only to find herself in another great dilemma with her own new beau. I thought this story was going in a certain direction only near the end it switched and went a different way altogether much to my disappointment thus the four stars. Who knows perhaps book three will bring them all together. A wonderful read all in all into a world we all wonder about. Excellent.
March 28, 2014
First, I have to say I am glad I took the risk to continue this interesting series by Beverly Lewis. It was hard to get through at first, having the main character be so ignorant to the truth about having a personal relationship with the Lord (Her people believe it is prideful to consider yourself saved). But, only pages away from the end, *possible spoiler* Annie finally made a decision for herself, which gives me hope that she will soon accept a faith relationship with Our Savior and return to her wonderful gift of painting that the Lord blessed her with. I am eager to read the last book, and to those who are hesitant to read on after The Preacher;s Daughter...press through! It was definitely worth it. On to the last book I go!
March 11, 2021
Beverly Lewis does it again! The second installment of Annie's People once again brings you into the delightful heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch Amish country.
Annie Zook is dutifully following her father's wishes that she marry within her faith. But God, and an Englisher named Ben Martin, might have another plan.
This story is a sensory buffet of all that is good about farm country. My mouth watered at the descriptions of the homemade meals, I could smell the scents of the land on the wind and hear the warm voices of family gatherings.
Beverly Lewis graciously and carefully presents the Amish culture in a way that allows the reader greater understanding and presents a wonderful story as well.
Annie Zook is dutifully following her father's wishes that she marry within her faith. But God, and an Englisher named Ben Martin, might have another plan.
This story is a sensory buffet of all that is good about farm country. My mouth watered at the descriptions of the homemade meals, I could smell the scents of the land on the wind and hear the warm voices of family gatherings.
Beverly Lewis graciously and carefully presents the Amish culture in a way that allows the reader greater understanding and presents a wonderful story as well.
November 8, 2022
The storyline is really good in the series. I would’ve been totally stunned and not seen that one coming if I had not already read the series once before. However, looking at it through the eyes of repentance I still am struggling with these books. The author is right on the edge of having it right, but not close enough. Repentance is grief and godly sorrow for your wrongdoing toward God. Knowing that every sin you have ever committed, you’ve broken all of the law, and only Jesus Christ can give you repentance, so that you can be right with him. The author is so close, but yet so far away.
October 19, 2014
When we complete book one, we are left to wonder a number of things... Will Annie end up with Ben? Will Louisa end up with Trey? Will Annie join the church? Will Louisa stay or how long? What about Ester/Essie? Will we ever know the mystery of Isaac's disappearance/death?
This book starts where the last one left off... We begin to see things play out more...
I feel compelled to warn you - some people find preaching offensive. There is A LOT of it between Essie & Julia. Som if you are bothered by this, you may not be interested in this book.
Wow!!! Now I have to get book 3!!!!
This book starts where the last one left off... We begin to see things play out more...
I feel compelled to warn you - some people find preaching offensive. There is A LOT of it between Essie & Julia. Som if you are bothered by this, you may not be interested in this book.
Wow!!! Now I have to get book 3!!!!
September 20, 2007
Book 2 in the Annie's People series.
I am loving this series. The characters are so interesting, I love Annie and Louisa, and even Ben and Sam. We gain a lot of insight into how the women are treated vs. the men, and that's pretty interesting. I can't wait to see how the next story in the series goes, I hope it will turn out happy :)
I am loving this series. The characters are so interesting, I love Annie and Louisa, and even Ben and Sam. We gain a lot of insight into how the women are treated vs. the men, and that's pretty interesting. I can't wait to see how the next story in the series goes, I hope it will turn out happy :)
October 9, 2014
Love her books even though there is somewhat of a formula. Love a good clean romance and love seeing the Amish as different from us but who have some of the same struggles and challenges as we Englishers. I admire them so much for the life that they have chosen to lead, although I would find it a difficult one to live.
June 13, 2022
This book is absolutely triggering and upsetting for anyone who has survived or has loved ones die to domestic abuse. Preacher Jesse should not be a preacher. Sending a woman and her small kids back to such a hot-tempered abuser (a man the preacher himself feared). For that reason alone I have to give the book 1 star.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2022
Annie’s story continues along with Louisa. Will Louisa become Amish? Will Annie become English? Will Zeke ever find out who killed his brother or is he still alive? Really, a good story but could have been told in one book and not THREE!
August 31, 2008
Part 2 in the Annie's Peoples series is a great read.
February 10, 2014
very good book. i love reading stories on the amish almost more than i enjoy reading any other faith based books there is something innocent about them
Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews