What do you think?
Rate this book
Valley of Choice #2
In Plain View
Annie’s quest for simplicity is about to get complicated. Nearly a year after leaving her successful but unsatisfying high-tech life, she wonders if she can truly succeed at being Amish. A lucrative job offer, a red dress, and the shadow of an Amish woman looking for a husband create a vortex that clouds Annie’s choice. Her parents seem determined to sabotage her efforts, and Rufus Beiler, an Amish carpenter who captured her heart, leaves room for doubt about their future. But when an explosion brings Annie under suspicion, can she clear her name and bring the future into plain view?
Valley of Choice
Book 1 - Accidentally Amish
Book 2 - In Plain View
Book 3 - Taken for English - Available February 2014
Valley of Choice
Book 1 - Accidentally Amish
Book 2 - In Plain View
Book 3 - Taken for English - Available February 2014
361 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
86 people are currently reading
690 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Newport
58 books626 followersHello!
I’m imagining you. You walk past as I water my front flowerbeds and we wave. You check the time as we both stand in a long line at the grocery store. You sit in front of me in church. I’m at my table in the coffee shop and you’re at yours.
We may smile politely and move on with our separate lives. Or one of us may speak, a simple invitation to conversation, and the words flow between us.
Here the adventure begins. When we meet someone new, we never know where it might lead.
I’ve been married over 40 years and have two adult kids and a son-in-law. We live in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where the day lilies in my back yard grow as tall as I am. (No short jokes, please.)
Not every piece of my life is pretty, though. Some days I want to throw out whole chunks. But I am living each day looking for the grace of God to me, in me, and through me. Having your companionship along the way will help uncover a lot of great stories.
I’m imagining you. You walk past as I water my front flowerbeds and we wave. You check the time as we both stand in a long line at the grocery store. You sit in front of me in church. I’m at my table in the coffee shop and you’re at yours.
We may smile politely and move on with our separate lives. Or one of us may speak, a simple invitation to conversation, and the words flow between us.
Here the adventure begins. When we meet someone new, we never know where it might lead.
I’ve been married over 40 years and have two adult kids and a son-in-law. We live in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where the day lilies in my back yard grow as tall as I am. (No short jokes, please.)
Not every piece of my life is pretty, though. Some days I want to throw out whole chunks. But I am living each day looking for the grace of God to me, in me, and through me. Having your companionship along the way will help uncover a lot of great stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
March 8, 2022
UPDATE: 3/8/22 - at the close of my original review I suggested, “perhaps it will strike you differently.” Well, it actually struck me differently when I recently reread this book AFTER reading the first volume, “Accidentally Amish”. Altho’ this book can be read as a standalone, it is a far better experience having read volume one. I was more invested in the character Annie, her passion for following a simpler life, loving God, loving Rufus and his family, taking the plunge to become Amish and give up her English life while remaining “Annie”. I did find the historical flashbacks to be less interesting than in the first book when they could have been so much better. The war for Independence left no family untouched, including the Bylers/Beilers. I’m hoping the final volume will bring much more history.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
founding fathers “In Plain View”.
Olivia Newport is a gifted author who’s strength lies in the historical fiction genre. This hefty offering of 370 pages, is light in the history and long in the fiction. For me, this was not her best work. The story bogged down in the early going and it was run of the mill Amish entertainment. Ho Hum...for 75% of the book, it continued on like this; not what Newport is capable of.
There’s nothing “wrong” with this book. The characters are decently developed enough to recognize them if you should run into them in another time or place. The storyline made sense, altho’ the flashbacks were a bit cumbersome. In short, the real issue is that there is nothing noteworthy. Perhaps it will strike you differently 📚
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
founding fathers “In Plain View”.
Olivia Newport is a gifted author who’s strength lies in the historical fiction genre. This hefty offering of 370 pages, is light in the history and long in the fiction. For me, this was not her best work. The story bogged down in the early going and it was run of the mill Amish entertainment. Ho Hum...for 75% of the book, it continued on like this; not what Newport is capable of.
There’s nothing “wrong” with this book. The characters are decently developed enough to recognize them if you should run into them in another time or place. The storyline made sense, altho’ the flashbacks were a bit cumbersome. In short, the real issue is that there is nothing noteworthy. Perhaps it will strike you differently 📚
August 10, 2013
This is the second book in the "Valley of Choice" series.
It's been a year since Annie sold her high tech company,and settled into the community of Westcliffe, Colorado. She is trying to live a simpler life, but pressure from her parents and a lucrative job offer cloud her judgement. Things are further complicated for Annie when an explosion in the small town brings Annie under suspicion.
This book also continues the story of Annie's Amish ancestors, during the years of the Revolutionary War. One side of the family is on the Patriot's side, and the Amish side of the family wants nothing to do with the war. The differences in beliefs threaten to cause a rift in the family.
I really enjoyed this book, as I did the first one. I didn't mind that the story switched back and forth between present day and the 18th century; it was almost like reading two stories in one. The events of the 18th century explain how it was possible for Annie to have Amish ancestors that she didn't know about. I find it interesting how the actions of our ancestors can have an effect on where we end up in our lives.
I am anxiously awaiting the third book in the series, Taken for English, which will be released February 2014.
It's been a year since Annie sold her high tech company,and settled into the community of Westcliffe, Colorado. She is trying to live a simpler life, but pressure from her parents and a lucrative job offer cloud her judgement. Things are further complicated for Annie when an explosion in the small town brings Annie under suspicion.
This book also continues the story of Annie's Amish ancestors, during the years of the Revolutionary War. One side of the family is on the Patriot's side, and the Amish side of the family wants nothing to do with the war. The differences in beliefs threaten to cause a rift in the family.
I really enjoyed this book, as I did the first one. I didn't mind that the story switched back and forth between present day and the 18th century; it was almost like reading two stories in one. The events of the 18th century explain how it was possible for Annie to have Amish ancestors that she didn't know about. I find it interesting how the actions of our ancestors can have an effect on where we end up in our lives.
I am anxiously awaiting the third book in the series, Taken for English, which will be released February 2014.
February 8, 2017
The author has woven a story that takes place during several generations, and what makes it really special she has incorporated her own ancestor as a model for one of the characters. We are in present time Colorado in an Amish settlement and town, and we are also in the Pennsylvania area of colonial American during the Revolutionary times.
There are parallels and yet there are many differences, and surprisingly among the same family loyalties to British and others to the Patriots. Present day this story focus on a very successful businesswoman who now wants to embrace the Amish whole-heartedly. Wow she has earned mega bucks, and is ultra smart, but now she wants the peace that comes with being Amish. Is she doing this for a man she has found herself attracted to, or because she truly wants to be Amish?
I loved the road we travel with Annie and her journey, and her distant relative and her journey in early America. I almost felt that Annie was really returning to her roots, and thus closing a circle.
A read that will keep you page turning and wanting more as you reach the end, and there are more books in this series that you don’t want to miss.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Shiloh Run Press, and was not required to give a positive review.
There are parallels and yet there are many differences, and surprisingly among the same family loyalties to British and others to the Patriots. Present day this story focus on a very successful businesswoman who now wants to embrace the Amish whole-heartedly. Wow she has earned mega bucks, and is ultra smart, but now she wants the peace that comes with being Amish. Is she doing this for a man she has found herself attracted to, or because she truly wants to be Amish?
I loved the road we travel with Annie and her journey, and her distant relative and her journey in early America. I almost felt that Annie was really returning to her roots, and thus closing a circle.
A read that will keep you page turning and wanting more as you reach the end, and there are more books in this series that you don’t want to miss.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Shiloh Run Press, and was not required to give a positive review.
August 24, 2013
In Plain View takes up a few months after Accidentally Amish ends. We have Annie living a simple life trying to decide if becoming Amish is for her, or if she is just wanting to do so because of her love for Rufus. Facing the temptations of her former life. And like the first book, the story is split in the past as we follow the lives of the Byler family as they are faced with the Revolutionary War.
We also have a little bit of a mystery to uncover, as in the first. Along with other love interests for Rufus making an appearance.
I have to admit, as much as I liked book 2 of the Valley of Choice series, I preferred the first book.
We also have a little bit of a mystery to uncover, as in the first. Along with other love interests for Rufus making an appearance.
I have to admit, as much as I liked book 2 of the Valley of Choice series, I preferred the first book.
February 27, 2019
Yet another book in the Valley of Choice series that I couldn’t put down. After having finished Accidentally Amish I wasted no time in moving onto In Plain View. I’m really enjoying Annie and her learning to be Amish. My favorite thing though is the chapters in between this story of Annie and Rufus’ ancestors. The Stutzman’s I found very stuck up for Amish people. I also for some of the book did not like Annie’s mother or her persistence of try to keep Annie from becoming Amish. Mrs. Newport does a fantastic job of drawing you into the story from the very beginning. The only problem I have is that I have to wait for the third and final book due to it being on a holds list at the library. I’m definitely looking forward to finishing the Valley of Choice series though.
Fans of Amish fiction should give this a shot.
Fans of Amish fiction should give this a shot.
June 5, 2018
This is book two of the trilogy, and it is just as good a read as the first. Annie has made some major changes in her life (no spoilers!) because of the influence of Rufus Beiler, an Amish man she is growing closer to. As she seriously considers becoming Amish, she grows closer to the Beiler family, including Rufus' sister Ruth who left the community before her baptism in order to go to college to become a nurse. While Annie is meandering through many changes, trying to answer life questions, she is suddenly under suspicion for an explosion that hurts an Englisch man, who happens to be Rufus' carpentry/builder competition.
Olivia Newport knows how to right page turners with three-dimensional characters.
Olivia Newport knows how to right page turners with three-dimensional characters.
March 12, 2018
I am pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book since I generally do not read Amish Fiction. By the first chapter, I realized that this book is not a stand-alone and has to been read in order. But I still got engaged by the story. In dual-time books, I generally enjoy the historical part more. But it is the opposite here - the contemporary story is more interesting than the part during Revolutionary war. Now I can't wait to read the first and last part of this series!
September 15, 2018
Full Disclosure: I skipped the 18th Century flashback chapters. Too many characters to track as it was.
Brisk, if lengthy, continuation of Annalise's transition from tech exec to Amish maiden. One must suspend considerable disbelief about how much the Amish engage outsiders, but so what?
Nice crime sequence and interesting subplots. Her relationship with Rufus is deep without being mawkish. Fans of the series will find much to like.
Brisk, if lengthy, continuation of Annalise's transition from tech exec to Amish maiden. One must suspend considerable disbelief about how much the Amish engage outsiders, but so what?
Nice crime sequence and interesting subplots. Her relationship with Rufus is deep without being mawkish. Fans of the series will find much to like.
October 20, 2018
It is so hard to find a trilogy whose second book is just as good as the first. But Olivia Newport has accomplished that feat. With this well-written book that takes you farther into Annie and Rufus' journey while still taking you through the journeys of their ancestors.
Just like the first one I had a had time putting this one down. I am very much looking forward to reading the third book.
Just like the first one I had a had time putting this one down. I am very much looking forward to reading the third book.
July 24, 2018
Just like the first novel in the "Valley of Choice" trilogy, this was a fun and rather unique Amish novel, and I really enjoyed the characters and the story. I liked the amount of detail the author provides for both of the timelines that she covers in the novel.
August 6, 2018
The continuing story is getting better in both the past (revolutionary war era) and present day. This is an enjoyable series, and deeper, less schmaltzy(?) and certainly less predictable and more believable than many books I have read involving the Amish.
April 25, 2019
My Musings
Really enjoyed this book from start to finish. The characters are compelling and the plot is emotionally charged. I loved the spiritual path the heroine takes. Great ending. Happy ☺reading 📚!
Really enjoyed this book from start to finish. The characters are compelling and the plot is emotionally charged. I loved the spiritual path the heroine takes. Great ending. Happy ☺reading 📚!
February 24, 2018
I loved this book
It was very interesting. I love everything about the Amish lifestyle. Really felt as if I knew Annie,Magdalena,maria and Rufus. Can't wait to read the last series.
It was very interesting. I love everything about the Amish lifestyle. Really felt as if I knew Annie,Magdalena,maria and Rufus. Can't wait to read the last series.
July 19, 2018
I loved this book!! great story!! 2nd book I have read by this author!! will read more of her books!!
January 14, 2019
Dragged out too long
November 10, 2019
Great Book
This book kept me wanting to know what would happen next. A great “feel good” book. I can’t wait to read the next one.
This book kept me wanting to know what would happen next. A great “feel good” book. I can’t wait to read the next one.
August 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this book!
January 14, 2021
Annie Friesen is learning to be Amish. Cute, easy read...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2021
Loved
I am thrilled to learn more history. This was exciting to read. So looking forward to the next nook I. The series!
I am thrilled to learn more history. This was exciting to read. So looking forward to the next nook I. The series!
May 28, 2023
I would've liked it better if they hadn't switched back and forth so much, it just seemed really confusing. This book also seemed really long.
June 5, 2024
An enjoyable love story.
August 3, 2024
The story of Annalise is interesting and sweet. But I find myself more interested in the story of the ancestors.
February 16, 2025
very good book
July 14, 2025
4 1/2 stars
March 16, 2013
4 Stars
I am so slow. It took me a little bit to realize I know these characters! It follows Accidentally Amish. Which I liked. In Plain View also jumps
from whats happening now to 1776. Both stories have a lot of the same characters.
In 1776 The Amish did not want to fight for either side. Lots of men thought if your not with me your against me. The Amish did not believe in
war. Talks a little about the war. Having to choose sides. It is interesting to think of what I do if I lived back then.
I liked best the modern time of the story. Annie is still trying to go without all the things in her life and live the simple life. She really likes
Rufus but she needs to decide if she could live the plain life.
Annie's family is having a hard to accept that she might become Amish and they won't see her. Annie agrees to keep her cell phone for emergency. Also she agreed to call her mom every saturday.
Annie has sold her company and put most of the money in a trust fund to help others. She only kept the money she got from selling her condo.
She now works in a store. It sells some Amish products but also stuff from estate sales. At work she still wears jeans. She has given up her computer,most of her clothes. Her house does not have electricty. Annie's car is at her parents house. She rides a bike or Rufus gives her rides in their horse & buggy.
Ruth chose not to be baptised Amish. She is going to school to become a nurse. She stills cares about the man she left behind. They can't be together unless he wants to be shunned. Ruth does not want to cause that to him.
Their is a new family that has moved into the neighborhood. They were Beiler's neighbors from back east. While they get their house in order they are staying with the Beilers. They have a few kids and the oldest daughter is ready to get married. She makes a play for Rufus. It seems like Rufus's parents want them to be together.
The Characters are good. I wanted to know what happens to them next. Will Annie be able to become Amish and leave her old life behind. The Amish have a way of forgiving and faith in God's plan for them.
It was distracting to go between the two different stories lines. This is a very clean book.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give a honest review of it by Netgalley.
Paperback, 368 pages
Expected publication: June 1st 2013 by Barbour Books
Description below taken off of Netgalley.
After leaving her outwardly successful but unsatisfying life for Amish simplicity, Annie Friesen continues to dismantle her technology-dependent world. Despite her best intentions and her love for Rufus Beiler, one challenge after another falls across her path. In counterpart, Ruth, an Amish woman, wrestles with her reasons for leaving the community despite the pain it causes the people who love her. When the Amish and the English work together on a community project, an explosion hurls doubt in every direction. Determined to find proof of what happened, Annie learns lessons in trust, humility, and letting go.
I am so slow. It took me a little bit to realize I know these characters! It follows Accidentally Amish. Which I liked. In Plain View also jumps
from whats happening now to 1776. Both stories have a lot of the same characters.
In 1776 The Amish did not want to fight for either side. Lots of men thought if your not with me your against me. The Amish did not believe in
war. Talks a little about the war. Having to choose sides. It is interesting to think of what I do if I lived back then.
I liked best the modern time of the story. Annie is still trying to go without all the things in her life and live the simple life. She really likes
Rufus but she needs to decide if she could live the plain life.
Annie's family is having a hard to accept that she might become Amish and they won't see her. Annie agrees to keep her cell phone for emergency. Also she agreed to call her mom every saturday.
Annie has sold her company and put most of the money in a trust fund to help others. She only kept the money she got from selling her condo.
She now works in a store. It sells some Amish products but also stuff from estate sales. At work she still wears jeans. She has given up her computer,most of her clothes. Her house does not have electricty. Annie's car is at her parents house. She rides a bike or Rufus gives her rides in their horse & buggy.
Ruth chose not to be baptised Amish. She is going to school to become a nurse. She stills cares about the man she left behind. They can't be together unless he wants to be shunned. Ruth does not want to cause that to him.
Their is a new family that has moved into the neighborhood. They were Beiler's neighbors from back east. While they get their house in order they are staying with the Beilers. They have a few kids and the oldest daughter is ready to get married. She makes a play for Rufus. It seems like Rufus's parents want them to be together.
The Characters are good. I wanted to know what happens to them next. Will Annie be able to become Amish and leave her old life behind. The Amish have a way of forgiving and faith in God's plan for them.
It was distracting to go between the two different stories lines. This is a very clean book.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give a honest review of it by Netgalley.
Paperback, 368 pages
Expected publication: June 1st 2013 by Barbour Books
Description below taken off of Netgalley.
After leaving her outwardly successful but unsatisfying life for Amish simplicity, Annie Friesen continues to dismantle her technology-dependent world. Despite her best intentions and her love for Rufus Beiler, one challenge after another falls across her path. In counterpart, Ruth, an Amish woman, wrestles with her reasons for leaving the community despite the pain it causes the people who love her. When the Amish and the English work together on a community project, an explosion hurls doubt in every direction. Determined to find proof of what happened, Annie learns lessons in trust, humility, and letting go.
April 5, 2013
In Plain View by Olivia Newport
I hate to say it folks but Amish simple life is much more complicated then it seems…way too many rules to follow.
Here are several stories not just Annie and Rufus, so get excited it is long for a reason… personally I very much liked Analise’s and Rufus’ story. She is English and comes from money, high intelligence, and sadly – from the World with no Christ in it. Rufus is a simple Amish guy who has past mistakes but is a strong believer in God’s will and so strict that even a kiss produces guilt for him. Annie falls in love with Rufus and the simple happy life that Amish lead and is trying hard to become like them. I liked that she was into genealogy and that there was a little of their ancestor’s personal lives included in the book as well. But I was looking to see a better connection between Jacob Byler the Second and Annie (it should be more like your personal biography – “Jacob Byler...his son Abraham was my grandfather’s grandfather.”). I honestly didn’t like all the drama with Moms. It’s hard on them when we change our ways and they get all drama on us, but I think Annie could have still kept a good relationship with her parents instead of switching to feeling more like Franey’s daughter. It hurt Ruth too (Franey’s oldest daughter, who has left Amish).
Ruth Bailer left Amish community to study and work with English on the day she and her boyfriend Elijah Capp were suppose to be baptized. Since Ruth didn’t baptize she was allowed to interact with her family and at some later point, if she wanted to, she could join the church. Elijah, on the other hand, got baptized and if he decided to leave now would have to be shammed by all Amish. Theirs was a persistent, despite all risks love. I love Elijas quote “He deserves to be with someone who IS his life.” But their story is left hanging unfinished. A good love story deserves to have a good ending.
Then there are the ancestors – Jacob Byler’s family. I like Jacob’s story with war and the revolution. I like how deep their family was involved in it and how much they have helped, it was amazing. I thought Christian was a little unfair when he takes British soldier in his home to treat but turn his own (long awaited) sister out because she is a patriot.
I really liked Magdalena’s and Nathanael’s story. Though it was tragic what had happened to him and it certainly took long to heal and even affected his psychologically – long term. Their love endured everything and prevailed. I love that she chose him over a perfect bachelor Jonas..
What bothered me was that there was no final news of Ethan and Maria. Did she find him? Did she bring him to the family to meet? Or did he die?
I really like this book, it is certainly worth reading but it didn’t get a 5 star because in my opinion it need just a little polishing to be perfect.
I got a free ebook copy of this book from publisher though NetGalley’s Public Catalog in exchange for my honest opinion.
I hate to say it folks but Amish simple life is much more complicated then it seems…way too many rules to follow.
Here are several stories not just Annie and Rufus, so get excited it is long for a reason… personally I very much liked Analise’s and Rufus’ story. She is English and comes from money, high intelligence, and sadly – from the World with no Christ in it. Rufus is a simple Amish guy who has past mistakes but is a strong believer in God’s will and so strict that even a kiss produces guilt for him. Annie falls in love with Rufus and the simple happy life that Amish lead and is trying hard to become like them. I liked that she was into genealogy and that there was a little of their ancestor’s personal lives included in the book as well. But I was looking to see a better connection between Jacob Byler the Second and Annie (it should be more like your personal biography – “Jacob Byler...his son Abraham was my grandfather’s grandfather.”). I honestly didn’t like all the drama with Moms. It’s hard on them when we change our ways and they get all drama on us, but I think Annie could have still kept a good relationship with her parents instead of switching to feeling more like Franey’s daughter. It hurt Ruth too (Franey’s oldest daughter, who has left Amish).
Ruth Bailer left Amish community to study and work with English on the day she and her boyfriend Elijah Capp were suppose to be baptized. Since Ruth didn’t baptize she was allowed to interact with her family and at some later point, if she wanted to, she could join the church. Elijah, on the other hand, got baptized and if he decided to leave now would have to be shammed by all Amish. Theirs was a persistent, despite all risks love. I love Elijas quote “He deserves to be with someone who IS his life.” But their story is left hanging unfinished. A good love story deserves to have a good ending.
Then there are the ancestors – Jacob Byler’s family. I like Jacob’s story with war and the revolution. I like how deep their family was involved in it and how much they have helped, it was amazing. I thought Christian was a little unfair when he takes British soldier in his home to treat but turn his own (long awaited) sister out because she is a patriot.
I really liked Magdalena’s and Nathanael’s story. Though it was tragic what had happened to him and it certainly took long to heal and even affected his psychologically – long term. Their love endured everything and prevailed. I love that she chose him over a perfect bachelor Jonas..
What bothered me was that there was no final news of Ethan and Maria. Did she find him? Did she bring him to the family to meet? Or did he die?
I really like this book, it is certainly worth reading but it didn’t get a 5 star because in my opinion it need just a little polishing to be perfect.
I got a free ebook copy of this book from publisher though NetGalley’s Public Catalog in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 28, 2013
I don't know how many people would sell their company for millions of dollars, put most of the money in an account they can't personally use, live "off the grid" and become Amish, but it makes an interesting premise for this series of novels. When reading a series of books, I usually go back and re-read the books preceding the newest book. I didn't do that this time, as many authors include reminders about the plot and characters at the beginning of subsequent novels. In this case, I wish that I had gone back to read Almost Amish. I had forgotten that Olivia Newport is essentially telling two stories, one from the present and one from the past. The first time the story switched to the past I was a little taken aback (no pun intended). It took me a while to get re-acquainted with the supporting characters, in the historical story in particular. It was difficult, at first, to keep all of the family member’s straight, as the historical story tells of Jacob Beiler's family as well as Christian Beiler's. I also found the historical storyline more interesting in Almost Amish.
I loved the setting of Westcliffe, Colorado; a small community of Amish and English nestled among the Rocky Mountains. What I loved most about In Plain View was Ruth Beiler's story. It was intriguing and sweet. Will Elijah leave the Amish and risk being shunned so he and Ruth can be together? Will she let him? I chuckled when Ruth first drove on the interstate and said "Wheeee!”
Annie and Rufus are still the main characters of in the present day story. I still think that Rufus is a terrible name for a leading man, but he has numerous admirable qualities that endeared him to me. I noticed that Annie and Magdalena both rub their eyes with the heels of their hands, which leads me to believe that maybe Annie is not related to the North Carolina Beiler's like she thought. Perhaps she is actually a descendant of the Lancaster Beiler's. I'll have to wait for the next book to find out if my assumptions are correct.
Mysteries, secrets, troubled parents, English world temptations, and a meddlesome Beth Stutzman, make In Plain View an intriguing and enjoyable read.
In Plain View, by Olivia Newport will be available for purchase from your local or online book retailer June 1, 2013.
The third and final book in this series, Taken for English will be available February 1, 2014. I'm looking forward to reading how the past and the present come together.
Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the free advanced copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
I loved the setting of Westcliffe, Colorado; a small community of Amish and English nestled among the Rocky Mountains. What I loved most about In Plain View was Ruth Beiler's story. It was intriguing and sweet. Will Elijah leave the Amish and risk being shunned so he and Ruth can be together? Will she let him? I chuckled when Ruth first drove on the interstate and said "Wheeee!”
Annie and Rufus are still the main characters of in the present day story. I still think that Rufus is a terrible name for a leading man, but he has numerous admirable qualities that endeared him to me. I noticed that Annie and Magdalena both rub their eyes with the heels of their hands, which leads me to believe that maybe Annie is not related to the North Carolina Beiler's like she thought. Perhaps she is actually a descendant of the Lancaster Beiler's. I'll have to wait for the next book to find out if my assumptions are correct.
Mysteries, secrets, troubled parents, English world temptations, and a meddlesome Beth Stutzman, make In Plain View an intriguing and enjoyable read.
In Plain View, by Olivia Newport will be available for purchase from your local or online book retailer June 1, 2013.
The third and final book in this series, Taken for English will be available February 1, 2014. I'm looking forward to reading how the past and the present come together.
Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the free advanced copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
April 3, 2014
The community of Westcliffe, Colorado, is shaken up again, but can the Amish and English residents come together and join forces to stand as one?
While, Annie Friesen is learning and striving for demut, or humility in the ways of the Amish if she chooses to be baptized into the community that Rufus Beiler lives in. Rufus Beiler is an Amish carpenter she fell in love with and he is trying not to influnce Annie in her big decisions. This love story is in current time.
The second story in In Plain View is set in the time of the American Revolution and involves the ancestors of the modern story's characters. The ancestors have to make hard decisions about the Revolutionary War as a big family and as small families and could these decisions split the Byler family?
Will a young ancestor (at the time of the Revolutionary War) ever get married? Or will another man be her husband? Read just to find out Magdalena’s story is worth read the whole book.
At the end of the book I am left with an unanswered question, that there was no final news of Ethan and Maria. Did she find him? Did she bring him to the family to meet? Or did he die? I guess I'll have to read Olivia Newport's third book to this series Taken for English to read and see if that question gets answered.
Over all, In Plain View is an edge of your seat kind of book; that leaves you wanting MORE!
While, Annie Friesen is learning and striving for demut, or humility in the ways of the Amish if she chooses to be baptized into the community that Rufus Beiler lives in. Rufus Beiler is an Amish carpenter she fell in love with and he is trying not to influnce Annie in her big decisions. This love story is in current time.
The second story in In Plain View is set in the time of the American Revolution and involves the ancestors of the modern story's characters. The ancestors have to make hard decisions about the Revolutionary War as a big family and as small families and could these decisions split the Byler family?
Will a young ancestor (at the time of the Revolutionary War) ever get married? Or will another man be her husband? Read just to find out Magdalena’s story is worth read the whole book.
At the end of the book I am left with an unanswered question, that there was no final news of Ethan and Maria. Did she find him? Did she bring him to the family to meet? Or did he die? I guess I'll have to read Olivia Newport's third book to this series Taken for English to read and see if that question gets answered.
Over all, In Plain View is an edge of your seat kind of book; that leaves you wanting MORE!
August 4, 2013
I have some mixed thoughts about this book. I loved every part of the book that was about Rufus and Annie but the parts that were about the ancestors from way back was a bit confusing to keep track of some times. It was interesting because I feel that it is all going to come together in the end but with some of the names being handed down it did get a bit confusing and hard to keep track of especially when it jumped forward in years.
Annie was trying so hard to become the Amish person that she wanted to become and her parents seem to be trying so hard to fight that all the while just the opposite seemed to be happening to Ruth. She still wanted the plain life but wanted to get her college education while Annie just wanted to leave her English life behind and start living a plain life with Rufus. And she wanted that plain life whether she lived it with Rufus or not and she needed for her parents to learn to believe that.
All of Rufus's family has welcomed Annie into their family with open arms, now if she could just get Rufus to see how much she really loved him or would he really be better with a pure Amish woman? Is Annie better to stay and get and start the baptism classes or return to the English life that she once new? So much is going through Annie's mind and she is always wondering if Rufus is in love with her or not.
Even though I don't give this book 4 or 5 stars, I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this series called, Taken For English.
You can see my complete review at: http://lovemy2dogs.blogspot.com/2013/...
Annie was trying so hard to become the Amish person that she wanted to become and her parents seem to be trying so hard to fight that all the while just the opposite seemed to be happening to Ruth. She still wanted the plain life but wanted to get her college education while Annie just wanted to leave her English life behind and start living a plain life with Rufus. And she wanted that plain life whether she lived it with Rufus or not and she needed for her parents to learn to believe that.
All of Rufus's family has welcomed Annie into their family with open arms, now if she could just get Rufus to see how much she really loved him or would he really be better with a pure Amish woman? Is Annie better to stay and get and start the baptism classes or return to the English life that she once new? So much is going through Annie's mind and she is always wondering if Rufus is in love with her or not.
Even though I don't give this book 4 or 5 stars, I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this series called, Taken For English.
You can see my complete review at: http://lovemy2dogs.blogspot.com/2013/...
May 31, 2013
IN PLAIN VIEW by Olivia Newport is an amazing inspirational Amish fiction/romance set in Westcliffe,Colorado. Book 2 in the "Valley of Choices",but can be read as a stand alone with re-appearing characters from "Accidentally Amish". This is the continuing story of
software designer Annie Freisen,who left her high-tech job for a simpler life,a year ago. Things are not so simple,with a complicated life,life changes,the past,present and future are about to collide. Ruth and Annie struggle to unravel a past when an explosion brings Annie under suspicion. With a blossoming love,for Annie will need to maintain her faith when things become "In Plain View". Annie and Ruth both have love in the air with Rufus and Elijah. Both Annie and Ruth are at a crossroad in their lives,they both are facing tough decisions,their futures are in the balance.Filled with faith,romance,passion,struggles,decisions,forgiveness and love. Although,this is a continuing story,will have to wait for the next book to hopefully,see if Ruth and Elijah and Annie and Rufus,have a future together or apart.It is a well developed story with engaging characters. Ms. Newport writes a story that will hold the reader in awe. A heart-wrenching,touching,and tender story where a simple life may not be so simple after all. Well played,Olivia! A must read and one I would recommend if you enjoy Amish people,romance with a bit of history. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
software designer Annie Freisen,who left her high-tech job for a simpler life,a year ago. Things are not so simple,with a complicated life,life changes,the past,present and future are about to collide. Ruth and Annie struggle to unravel a past when an explosion brings Annie under suspicion. With a blossoming love,for Annie will need to maintain her faith when things become "In Plain View". Annie and Ruth both have love in the air with Rufus and Elijah. Both Annie and Ruth are at a crossroad in their lives,they both are facing tough decisions,their futures are in the balance.Filled with faith,romance,passion,struggles,decisions,forgiveness and love. Although,this is a continuing story,will have to wait for the next book to hopefully,see if Ruth and Elijah and Annie and Rufus,have a future together or apart.It is a well developed story with engaging characters. Ms. Newport writes a story that will hold the reader in awe. A heart-wrenching,touching,and tender story where a simple life may not be so simple after all. Well played,Olivia! A must read and one I would recommend if you enjoy Amish people,romance with a bit of history. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews