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Dreams of Plain Daughters #1
A Joyful Break
After her mother's untimely death, a twenty-year-old Amish woman has a difficult decision to Choose to break from her Plain community and her boyfriend to live in the English world permanently...or instead join the Amish church.Rachel Hershberger wants to get away from her Amish home in Fields Corner, Ohio. For a year she's been trying to fill her mother's shoes by taking care of her father and siblings. She quit her job at the bakery so she would have more time to clean and cook at home. Before her mother died, Rachel was positive she wanted to marry Samuel Weaver, but now she can't think about wedding plans. She blames her father for her mother's death. If they had installed a phone in their barn or a shanty, her mother might have received medical help in time to save her life. Her mother's death has made Rachel question if she should be baptized and join the church. She wonders if non-Amish women live longer and have less stress. Maybe her forty-four-year old mother would still be alive had she left the Amish lifestyle like her sister Carrie did. When her Aunt Carrie invites her to go to the beach, Rachel decides the time away will help her to decide whether to join the Amish church or to live in the English world. She is conflicted because she loves Samuel and her family. Instead of a relaxing time away, several disturbing events happen while Rachel's in Florida. A photographer snaps troublesome pictures of Rachel because of her famous senator uncle, and a handsome and charming college student falls in love with Rachel.
280 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2012
794 people are currently reading
850 people want to read
About the author
Diane Craver
30 books199 followersAs the youngest in the family growing up on a farm outside of Findlay, Ohio, Diane often acted out characters from her own stories in the backyard. In high school she was the student sitting in class with a novel hidden in front of her propped up textbook. Her passion for reading novels had to be put on hold during her college years at Ohio State University with working part-time on campus and being a full-time student. Before embarking on her writing career, she was a school teacher and play director.
Several non-fiction articles of Diane's have been published in Woman’s World Weekly, The Catholic Telegraph, Virtue, Down Syndrome Today, WritersWeekly.com, and several other publications. Her book, A CHRISTMAS GIFT, received 5 stars from the Midwest Book Review. Recently, Diane asked for her rights back for this heartwarming story and reissued it under the title, A GIFT FOREVER, and a new cover. She writes Amish fiction, contemporary romance, inspirational mainstream, chick-lit mystery, and non-fiction books. Her novels have received great reviews from readers and reviewers.
After watching the original movie, Cheaper by the Dozen, young Diane decided then and there, she someday wanted a large family. By the time she married Tom, the love of her life, she realized that maybe six children was a better number than twelve. She enjoys her life in southwestern Ohio with her husband, six children, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren. Life is never boring with two daughters, Sara and Amanda, born with Down syndrome living at home. Diane’s husband of thirty-nine years is very supportive of her writing career, as well as her awesome children.
Several non-fiction articles of Diane's have been published in Woman’s World Weekly, The Catholic Telegraph, Virtue, Down Syndrome Today, WritersWeekly.com, and several other publications. Her book, A CHRISTMAS GIFT, received 5 stars from the Midwest Book Review. Recently, Diane asked for her rights back for this heartwarming story and reissued it under the title, A GIFT FOREVER, and a new cover. She writes Amish fiction, contemporary romance, inspirational mainstream, chick-lit mystery, and non-fiction books. Her novels have received great reviews from readers and reviewers.
After watching the original movie, Cheaper by the Dozen, young Diane decided then and there, she someday wanted a large family. By the time she married Tom, the love of her life, she realized that maybe six children was a better number than twelve. She enjoys her life in southwestern Ohio with her husband, six children, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren. Life is never boring with two daughters, Sara and Amanda, born with Down syndrome living at home. Diane’s husband of thirty-nine years is very supportive of her writing career, as well as her awesome children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
August 30, 2014
I love stories of the Amish. This was a new-to-me author and I really wanted to like the book. The story was nice, it was a light, feel good read but written very simplistically. There really wasn't much of a plot and there was a lot of redundancy.
At first I kind of liked the way the author fit Amish life into the story and explained their way of living. After a couple of explanations, though, it seemed forced.
I nearly quit about three fourths of the way through but I kept at it, waiting for something to happen, but nothing did.
At first I kind of liked the way the author fit Amish life into the story and explained their way of living. After a couple of explanations, though, it seemed forced.
I nearly quit about three fourths of the way through but I kept at it, waiting for something to happen, but nothing did.
April 3, 2019
A Joyful Break is the first amazing book in the Dreams of Plain Daughters series written by Diane Craver. This is a wonderful story full of loss, love, and faith. This story shows how strong a family can be even with many trials to deal with. I enjoy this story immensly and I look forward to the second book.
I loved the characters in this story. Rachel is mourning the passing of her mother and has ill feelings towards her father because of it. Samuel is a wonderful Amish man who loves Rachel and supports her dream to experience the ocean. Aunt Carrie, who has left the Amish faith, is a rock for Rachel and sets out to help her deal with her grief, ill feelings toward her daed, and her love of her Amish faith. Travel this journey with these fantastic characters and you won't want to put this book down.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others who enjoy the Amish genre.
Congratulations to Diane Craver for writing this fantastic story for her readers to enjoy. This is a wonderful start to her series.
I loved the characters in this story. Rachel is mourning the passing of her mother and has ill feelings towards her father because of it. Samuel is a wonderful Amish man who loves Rachel and supports her dream to experience the ocean. Aunt Carrie, who has left the Amish faith, is a rock for Rachel and sets out to help her deal with her grief, ill feelings toward her daed, and her love of her Amish faith. Travel this journey with these fantastic characters and you won't want to put this book down.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others who enjoy the Amish genre.
Congratulations to Diane Craver for writing this fantastic story for her readers to enjoy. This is a wonderful start to her series.
December 22, 2012
Rachel Hershberger feels she must get away from her Amish life in Fields Corner, Ohio. Life has not been easy for the past year. Her mother has died at a very young age, and she blames her father for not having a phone on their land to get help on time, not to mention the added pressure of caring more for her family than for a wedding she is now unsure of.
Rachel’s Aunt, Carrie, her mother’s sister, is ex-Amish and invites her to spend time with her family at the beach in Florida. Even though their life is much different from Rachel’s, she loves her niece and wants to help her through this rough time.
Spending time away from her simple life is a learning experience for Rachel. She experiences many firsts such as driving a car, wearing English clothes and some bad things like having her picture taken and becoming something it truly is not. So now she must decide between continuing her life as an Amish and joining the church, or stay in the English world.
I am a big fan of Amish romance. Just like so many others, their lifestyle fascinates me. The more I read, the more I find what Ms. Craver and others say is true, i.e. that each Amish order is different and hosts different rules, so some may be stricter than others. Reading A Joyful Break truly showed another side from what I have normally read. The struggles Rachel goes through make this story well worth reading, allowing the reader to connect with Rachel and others, as if it was their own life. Definitely a to-buy book.
Matilda
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
October 22, 2018
This is a sweet story about an Amish girl who is trying to decide whether not to join on Waze church and Mary are Amish boyfriend. Her Mother died about a year ago and she is having trouble working through her grief. Rated G
January 12, 2023
The plot is okay -- no,better than just okay. However the repetition of the SAME thoughts using the SAME words over and over and over again just ruined the book for me.
January 21, 2020
A Joyful Break is a beautiful story surrounding Amish and Englischer characters. I was drawn into this book from the beginning, even though I had read later books in this series. Rachel was realistic in how she felt after losing her mother and harboring feelings against her dad about not having a phone shanty. Going to the beach with her Aunt Carrie and cousins was a perfect break from her caring for her dad and siblings. Rachel gained more insight into matters and realized her heart truly was with her loved ones and Samuel. Will a picture cause issues when she returned to Fields Corner. I appreciate Craver weaving the lives of the Amish and Englischer in her books with them being related. I look forward to reading more books by Diane Craver as they become available.
November 9, 2012
I've found a new author to read. Thank you Diane Craver for this wonderful book. A Joyful Break is not just a love story, but a story of a young amish women, Rachel, wh has so much going on in her life that she feels overwhelmed with it all. Her mother passed away over a year ago, from when the story started, so she has been everything to her family, although since her father is in his own grief he is not aware of this. She is to be married to Samuel, which she has been courting for two years, but since she has not joined the amish church is has decided to get away and reflect on her life. Her aunt has invited her to the beach, in the secular world, and she has decided to go in hopes of having time to reflect on many things. In the secular world she does clear her head and really sees things in a different view.
Diane Craver shows us that whatever world that we are in, things do happen. Sometimes we have to just take a step back and learn from them. Even though I love amish fiction she is so careful to explain the differences in their faith. As reading this book, I think that the tile is so "right on" as Rachel does have a joyful break in realizing that her amish heritage is where she should be, not in the English world. Hope to hear more from this author.
Diane Craver shows us that whatever world that we are in, things do happen. Sometimes we have to just take a step back and learn from them. Even though I love amish fiction she is so careful to explain the differences in their faith. As reading this book, I think that the tile is so "right on" as Rachel does have a joyful break in realizing that her amish heritage is where she should be, not in the English world. Hope to hear more from this author.
December 10, 2013
A Joyful Break
I found A Joyful Break exactly that! Reading this book about the Amish ways of life, the Plain way, was a refreshing and joyful break from the usual genres I read.
Author Diane Craver makes it very easy for the reader to understand the inner battles and temptations of a young, Amish woman who is trying to make the toughest choice of her life. The choice, to commit to the Amish way of life and her boyfriend, or live the English way like her Aunt chose. If this wasn't hard enough, this opportunity comes at a clouded time in her life--- shortly after the unexpected death of her mother.
A Joyful Break brought me a breath of fresh air to real life situations. I now have another new favorite Author.
I highly recommend this book for all young girls ( 12-up)
5 Stars
I found A Joyful Break exactly that! Reading this book about the Amish ways of life, the Plain way, was a refreshing and joyful break from the usual genres I read.
Author Diane Craver makes it very easy for the reader to understand the inner battles and temptations of a young, Amish woman who is trying to make the toughest choice of her life. The choice, to commit to the Amish way of life and her boyfriend, or live the English way like her Aunt chose. If this wasn't hard enough, this opportunity comes at a clouded time in her life--- shortly after the unexpected death of her mother.
A Joyful Break brought me a breath of fresh air to real life situations. I now have another new favorite Author.
I highly recommend this book for all young girls ( 12-up)
5 Stars
March 7, 2017
A pleasant, simple story
If you like Christian romance novels, this book is a good read. I'm not a romance genre reader, though, in this bad political climate, I needed a lift and something to take my mind off hatred, racism and vindictive behavior. Being a Christian lady, I guessed correctly that this book would ease my troubled spirit. My preferences run more toward literature, more action (not overtly sexual) with challenging vocabulary. It's always interesting to read about the Amish, because they try to put God first in all things
.
If you like Christian romance novels, this book is a good read. I'm not a romance genre reader, though, in this bad political climate, I needed a lift and something to take my mind off hatred, racism and vindictive behavior. Being a Christian lady, I guessed correctly that this book would ease my troubled spirit. My preferences run more toward literature, more action (not overtly sexual) with challenging vocabulary. It's always interesting to read about the Amish, because they try to put God first in all things
.
June 28, 2019
Great Amish Love Story
The love in this story is not only the tale of a young man and woman, but the young woman's love for her father and brothers after her mother tragically dies at an early age. It also is the story of the father's broken heart after his one, true love is called home to God. All of this love saves these folks as they travel the path called Life. Genuine characters bring this book alive and make you want more. Thankfully, this is the first in the series and Ms. Craver will serve up more on this family in the coming sequels. Very enjoyable read!
The love in this story is not only the tale of a young man and woman, but the young woman's love for her father and brothers after her mother tragically dies at an early age. It also is the story of the father's broken heart after his one, true love is called home to God. All of this love saves these folks as they travel the path called Life. Genuine characters bring this book alive and make you want more. Thankfully, this is the first in the series and Ms. Craver will serve up more on this family in the coming sequels. Very enjoyable read!
August 16, 2014
This is a very sweet story of faith and commitment!
Full review in April 2013 issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Full review in April 2013 issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 28, 2013
A very interesting story about an Amish girl having time out before making her mind up about becoming a full member of her community. She has issues to come to terms with at the same time as experiencing life as a normal American teenager. A good story .
August 7, 2015
Beautiful story of love and forgiveness. This is the first book
by this author that I have read. Will definitely look for her
other books to read.
by this author that I have read. Will definitely look for her
other books to read.
November 20, 2013
good story.
November 29, 2013
This story was about a young amish girl making her decision on whether to join the church or not. I enjoyed this book very much and learned some things about the amish faith.
August 2, 2020
A Joyful Break is book 1 in the Dreams of Plain Daughters Series by Diane Carver
This is a wonderful journey of hope, loss, love and faith. Diane Carver has managed to create a story that pulls you into the lives of these characters in a way that you will not want to put this book down.
Rachel Hershberger is still having a hard time dealing with the death of her mother a year out, blaming her dad and holding tight to her feelings of grief, she feels if she gets away to her Aunt’s beach house it will help clear her head.
Aunt Carrie is a strong positive influence in Rachel’s life, and knows some of what Rachel feels since she once was Amish but still maintains a simple life ( as much as she can) and losing her sister also hit hard.
This is a super book and I really look forward to the rest of the series. The journey Diane Carver took the reader on was exceptional, I highly recommend book 1
This is a wonderful journey of hope, loss, love and faith. Diane Carver has managed to create a story that pulls you into the lives of these characters in a way that you will not want to put this book down.
Rachel Hershberger is still having a hard time dealing with the death of her mother a year out, blaming her dad and holding tight to her feelings of grief, she feels if she gets away to her Aunt’s beach house it will help clear her head.
Aunt Carrie is a strong positive influence in Rachel’s life, and knows some of what Rachel feels since she once was Amish but still maintains a simple life ( as much as she can) and losing her sister also hit hard.
This is a super book and I really look forward to the rest of the series. The journey Diane Carver took the reader on was exceptional, I highly recommend book 1
October 28, 2021
After the sudden death of her mother, Rachel blames her father for never having put in a phone on their property and for not taking her mother to the doctor. She believed that her father failed as a husband and wonders if they were English instead of Amish if her mother would still be alive. Amish women work much harder than English women and had they been English, she is certain her mother's heart condition would have been known and there would have been quicker access to a phone.
Before she decides whether or not to join the church and then marry her boyfriend of two years, Rachel feels the need to get away and experience some aspects of English life. She decides to visit with her English aunt and cousin at the beach for her rumspringa. Unfortunately, her uncle is a very well known senator and a photographer shows up and stirs up some trouble.
The book was good, but honestly, not a lot happened.
Before she decides whether or not to join the church and then marry her boyfriend of two years, Rachel feels the need to get away and experience some aspects of English life. She decides to visit with her English aunt and cousin at the beach for her rumspringa. Unfortunately, her uncle is a very well known senator and a photographer shows up and stirs up some trouble.
The book was good, but honestly, not a lot happened.
March 5, 2020
Rachel Hershberger has been caring for her father and siblings for the past year since her 44-year-old mother died of a heart attack. She blames her father for her mother's death, since they had no phone at their Amish home to summon help when it happened. She's wondering if non-Amish women, like her mother's sister Carrie live longer and if she should leave the faith. When Carrie invites her to go to the beach with her, Rachel jumps at the opportunity to sort out her feelings away from home. She quickly comes to realize she's been a bit unreasonable, and that she truly does believe in her way of life. Happy ending, interesting insights into the Amish lifestyle.
February 18, 2021
From Bitter to Better
I loved this story with so many teachable moments. Blaming her father for neglecting her mother’s health which eventually led to her early death by heart attack. Rachel takes a vacation with her aunt and family to the ocean where time spent in prayer led her to the revelation that forgiveness was necessary for her to move on with her life and become better rather than bitter. The plot was good and the characters were throughly fleshed out in the story. It was a sweet story with many good life decisions made.
I loved this story with so many teachable moments. Blaming her father for neglecting her mother’s health which eventually led to her early death by heart attack. Rachel takes a vacation with her aunt and family to the ocean where time spent in prayer led her to the revelation that forgiveness was necessary for her to move on with her life and become better rather than bitter. The plot was good and the characters were throughly fleshed out in the story. It was a sweet story with many good life decisions made.
February 23, 2022
Amish books are always so interesting to read because they live a very different lifestyle than me. Older daughters end up taking on a lot of responsibilities of the family. There courting system is such a simplistic thing - not even the parents are to know who you are seeing. Rachel wants to get away from her Amish background and see what English life is about but even at the seashore she still has tendencies towards her roots. She wants to wear her Amish dress instead of the modern clothes her cousin bought her. Good Christian book about forgiveness and love.
March 6, 2021
I enjoyed reading this story. I could see why Rachel needed a break to pray and figure out what she wanted to do, after spending a year taking care of her twin brothers, cleaning, cooking, basically trying to replace her deceased mother. She was so busy that she didn't really take the time to grieve or work through her anger with her father. The break was just what she needed and I loved how the story ended.
June 20, 2023
This was a fast paced, five star and excellent read. It never had a dull moment throughout the whole book. Great story about making a tough and very serious commitment. Rachel does what she needed to do by going on a trip to be away from her comfort zone to make a decision to stay Amish or leave the world she’s always known. She also needed space to think and realize she needed to forgive her father for something out of his hands. I’m excited about starting book two right away.
February 25, 2025
Good story!
I enjoyed following Rachel to the beach where she could process her anger about her Mamm's death and decide if she wanted to be baptized in her church or live an Englisher life. It was a cute story.
Many times however a word would be missing from a sentence or the wrong word had been used to rework sentences in my head for them to make sense which is why I'm leaving a 4 star instead of five star review.
I enjoyed following Rachel to the beach where she could process her anger about her Mamm's death and decide if she wanted to be baptized in her church or live an Englisher life. It was a cute story.
Many times however a word would be missing from a sentence or the wrong word had been used to rework sentences in my head for them to make sense which is why I'm leaving a 4 star instead of five star review.
September 27, 2017
When her mother dies suddenly, Rebecca find herself wondering about the life of the Amish. She goes to visit her aunt and while visiting the beach, she finds herself ready to commit and be baptized into the faith. A nice and quick read. I enjoyed the language that was interspersed throughout the book. Kind of fun to read and then be able to check my understanding.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2018
Good story, but writing needs help!
I enjoyed the plot of this book and the characters. However, the writing needs major editing. Lots of repetition, telling rather than showing, and dialogue telling backstory. And the sample chapter of the next book was mostly backstory telling about this book.
I enjoyed the plot of this book and the characters. However, the writing needs major editing. Lots of repetition, telling rather than showing, and dialogue telling backstory. And the sample chapter of the next book was mostly backstory telling about this book.
February 12, 2020
A Joyful Break
This was a good Amish story about life, in their community.
Rachel was wanting to have
Some time away from her family to see if marrying Samuel was what she should. She went to stay with her aunt, who was brought uo in the Amish faith. Really great story. You will enjoy this story.
This was a good Amish story about life, in their community.
Rachel was wanting to have
Some time away from her family to see if marrying Samuel was what she should. She went to stay with her aunt, who was brought uo in the Amish faith. Really great story. You will enjoy this story.
March 1, 2020
Grammar problems
The plethora of grammar errors distracted me from the story. I have never read an Amish novel before, and the review were good for this series. The biggest error was the use of a comma after the phrase, "even though!" It should be "even though_________ ," then the rest of the sentence . There were others, but that one bothered me the most.
The plethora of grammar errors distracted me from the story. I have never read an Amish novel before, and the review were good for this series. The biggest error was the use of a comma after the phrase, "even though!" It should be "even though_________ ," then the rest of the sentence . There were others, but that one bothered me the most.
March 14, 2020
Very enlightening!
The author wonderfully wove details of the Amish lifestyle into the story, giving a better understanding of their ways. Such as using gas powered refrigerators and lighting and not exchanging rings when they marry. Our. Culture would do well to consider some of the Amish ways for modesty, commitment and taking care of family.
The author wonderfully wove details of the Amish lifestyle into the story, giving a better understanding of their ways. Such as using gas powered refrigerators and lighting and not exchanging rings when they marry. Our. Culture would do well to consider some of the Amish ways for modesty, commitment and taking care of family.
October 6, 2020
An enjoyable book
I occasionally enjoy reading Amish fiction. Since I don't actually know know any Amish, I don't know how authentic it is. I realize different districts have different standards, and even the Amish have to keep up with the times, so to speak.
This was a good story, and I liked the way Rachel worked through her problems, and her relationship with God.
I occasionally enjoy reading Amish fiction. Since I don't actually know know any Amish, I don't know how authentic it is. I realize different districts have different standards, and even the Amish have to keep up with the times, so to speak.
This was a good story, and I liked the way Rachel worked through her problems, and her relationship with God.
February 2, 2017
Grief
When someone close dies unexpectedly, it can be difficult to carry on. Anger is just one part of the grieving process. However, in order to overcome anger, one needs to forgive. With the Lord's help, forgiveness is possible.
When someone close dies unexpectedly, it can be difficult to carry on. Anger is just one part of the grieving process. However, in order to overcome anger, one needs to forgive. With the Lord's help, forgiveness is possible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews