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Dreams of Plain Daughters #2
Judith's Place
Top Pick and 5 star rating from Night Owl Reviews - "The author held my attention from the very first page until the very last word. If you’re an Amish novel reader, this is one series you should definitely consider looking into." By reviewer, Diana Coyle Judith Hershberger wonders what her life would have been like had she been born into an English family instead of an Amish one. Would she be happier with the freedom to obtain more schooling as an English young woman instead of being limited to only an eighth grade Amish education?In Judith’s Place, the second book in the Dreams of Plain Daughters Series, schoolteacher Judith Hershberger yearns to learn more despite the educational restriction imposed on her because of her Amish upbringing. Wanting more than an eighth grade education, she puts off joining the Amish faith. During her rumspringa, she’ll be able to obtain her high school diploma without being shunned. Her father is afraid Judith will leave their Amish community if she passes the GED test. He knows she’s unhappy that Amish women are expected to follow a certain path in life. When a non-Amish college student, Eliza Dunbar, observes Judith in her classroom, a friendship between the two young women develops. Eliza gives Judith the nudge she needs to study for her GED test. Eliza wonders what it would be like to switch places with Judith to live a simple life without electricity and other modern conveniences. Judith envies Eliza because she is free to attend college. Jacob Weaver finally gets the courage to ask Judith to go with him to a Sunday singing. Like Judith, he wants to do something that isn’t allowed in their Plain community. Jacob wants to get his driver’s license so he can drive a truck to make the deliveries for the lumberyard. He needs to earn enough money to buy his own small farm. But even though it sounds plausible, Jacob feels stress with trying to learn to drive a truck instead of a buggy. Once he accomplishes this, Jacob plans to become baptized and join the Amish church. Will Judith decide to stay in her Amish community or will she decide to leave in order to attend college? Will Judith’s friendship with Jacob influence her as she finds her place?
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2013
575 people are currently reading
269 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 48 reviews
August 6, 2019
There is apart of me that relishes the simple life of the Amish.... This was a perfect back porch in the summer read.
November 1, 2018
Decisions of the heart
Judith and Jacob struggle to make decisions about their life. The struggle between the Amish ways and the English ways. Together they worked out their worries and made. Their decision together. Very good book.
Judith and Jacob struggle to make decisions about their life. The struggle between the Amish ways and the English ways. Together they worked out their worries and made. Their decision together. Very good book.
October 22, 2018
Another sweet book by Diane Craver
October 19, 2018
Very enjoyable!
I thought this book was very good. I enjoy reading stories about the Amish and I definitely enjoyed this one as well. I definitely recommend this book.
I thought this book was very good. I enjoy reading stories about the Amish and I definitely enjoyed this one as well. I definitely recommend this book.
September 16, 2018
Amish fiction seems to be flooding the marketplace. This one is different than most I've read in that it seems to be more willing to admit that the Amish teens might think about worldly things prior to joining the church.
Judith and Jacob both struggle with worldly ambitions but for different reasons. Jacob struggles with wanting to drive but only because he could earn more money that would go toward buying a farm though others worry that he will like driving so much that he would get his own car. He also struggles with liking beer when he goes out with the guys from work--it does make me wonder if there's a predisposition to alcoholism in Amish communities.
Judith loves to learn and laments that her Amish faith caps her education at eighth grade. She wants to get her GED--but almost everyone else assumes that she wants to go to college or go out into the world after she gets it. It takes her a while, but Judith eventually comes to see that her place is right where she's been.
Judith and Jacob both struggle with worldly ambitions but for different reasons. Jacob struggles with wanting to drive but only because he could earn more money that would go toward buying a farm though others worry that he will like driving so much that he would get his own car. He also struggles with liking beer when he goes out with the guys from work--it does make me wonder if there's a predisposition to alcoholism in Amish communities.
Judith loves to learn and laments that her Amish faith caps her education at eighth grade. She wants to get her GED--but almost everyone else assumes that she wants to go to college or go out into the world after she gets it. It takes her a while, but Judith eventually comes to see that her place is right where she's been.
September 28, 2018
Young Love
This is a good story about the Amish. Judith and Jacob are good examples of godly young people deciding what they want in life. The pull of more education beyond eighth grade entices Judith. Jacob wants to help his boss at the lumberyard by learning to drive the delivery truck. Both of these things are frowned upon in the Amish community. Their decision will impact their own future, their future as a couple, the church, and whether they can stay in Fields Corner. The author included Amish customs, beliefs, words, and recipes.
This is a good story about the Amish. Judith and Jacob are good examples of godly young people deciding what they want in life. The pull of more education beyond eighth grade entices Judith. Jacob wants to help his boss at the lumberyard by learning to drive the delivery truck. Both of these things are frowned upon in the Amish community. Their decision will impact their own future, their future as a couple, the church, and whether they can stay in Fields Corner. The author included Amish customs, beliefs, words, and recipes.
October 3, 2018
Great Read
I really. Enjoyed reading this book I think this is my first book reading from this author but I thought the book was a very good read.
I really. Enjoyed reading this book I think this is my first book reading from this author but I thought the book was a very good read.
October 3, 2018
I enjoyed the book and the accuracy of Amish life. Good storyline. Allows you to realize there is a much simpler life than most people know about or understand. Believable characters.
May 1, 2015
Judith's Place tells of a young couple's struggles when considering joining the church. The courtship of Judith and Jacob is a sweet love story that follows the traditions of the Amish. The stress on family values, the closeness of the family and the importance to live their faith, along with the use of their language shows the author did her research and made the story more enjoyable. I look forward to reading more books by Diane Craver in the future.
October 28, 2014
This is another wonderful book by Diane. This is the story of Judith Hershberger. She wants more in life than what the average Amish woman. She wants to further her education. Her father is worried that she will leave if she gets further education. A friendship develops between Judith and a non-Amish Eliza. Each envying the life that the other has. This story deals with the struggles and conflicts when they consider joining the Amish church.
September 17, 2018
Justin's Place
An interesting, story it appears that the Amish order that Judith and Jacobs families belonged to was,not as,strict as some others. Both Erika and Judith benefited from their friendship. Interesting,that David would show an interest in Ruth. Both Judith and Rachael expected that after losing their mother, he would be more likely have more in common with a,widow than a,school teacher. Story was interesting but not exciting. I gave. It 3 stars
An interesting, story it appears that the Amish order that Judith and Jacobs families belonged to was,not as,strict as some others. Both Erika and Judith benefited from their friendship. Interesting,that David would show an interest in Ruth. Both Judith and Rachael expected that after losing their mother, he would be more likely have more in common with a,widow than a,school teacher. Story was interesting but not exciting. I gave. It 3 stars
October 1, 2018
Very enjoyable and educational
I enjoy clean stories and this was a good one. It also was informative about the Amish and their way of life. I look forward to reading more of her books.
I enjoy clean stories and this was a good one. It also was informative about the Amish and their way of life. I look forward to reading more of her books.
September 21, 2018
How each of us deal with choices determines what opportunities come next.
I really enjoyed Judith's story. She has dreams for herself. She has delayed some of her dreams but she hasn't given up her dreams. Her family is important to her. Jacob becomes important to her. Judith uses prayer to help her make her life decisions and dreams come true for her.
I really enjoyed Judith's story. She has dreams for herself. She has delayed some of her dreams but she hasn't given up her dreams. Her family is important to her. Jacob becomes important to her. Judith uses prayer to help her make her life decisions and dreams come true for her.
September 16, 2018
Good read
I enjoyed this book ..you did it again. I love to read a clean story. I would recommend this book to every one who reads an author who can write about many different, interesting characters at one time. You have a gift.
I enjoyed this book ..you did it again. I love to read a clean story. I would recommend this book to every one who reads an author who can write about many different, interesting characters at one time. You have a gift.
August 6, 2017
Really enjoyed the story. I'm on to book 3 in the series.
September 9, 2018
Judith Hershberger wonders what her life would have been like had she been born into an English family instead of an Amish one.
September 19, 2018
To see the inner turmoil in the life of a particular faith. and wonder -- if my faith demanded those restrictions, could I do it? It had me captive.
September 19, 2018
Great read
I love learning about the Amish. Their lifestyle fascinates me. The book was on point and I hated to see it end. I can't read to read more
I love learning about the Amish. Their lifestyle fascinates me. The book was on point and I hated to see it end. I can't read to read more
April 5, 2019
Judith's Place is the second amazing book written by Diane Craver in her Dreams of Plain Daughters series. The storyline is a fast moving one so it is hard to put down. The author takes us back to the plain community of Feilds Corner and the continuing story of the Hershbergers. This story centers around Judith and Jacob.
Judith is a young Amish teacher who feels she will never marry. Jacob Weaver is a young Amish man who has his eye on Judith. Each has their own story to tell that goes against their Amish beliefs but they are in their rumspringa so they are free to explore. When Jacob finally asks Judith to attend a youth gathering she is skeptical of his reasons. The author has done a superb job telling her story through her characters.
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 because it has meant my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others who enjoy the Amish genre.
Congratulations to Diane Craver for writing another fantastic story that continues her series. I look forward to the next installment in this series.
Judith is a young Amish teacher who feels she will never marry. Jacob Weaver is a young Amish man who has his eye on Judith. Each has their own story to tell that goes against their Amish beliefs but they are in their rumspringa so they are free to explore. When Jacob finally asks Judith to attend a youth gathering she is skeptical of his reasons. The author has done a superb job telling her story through her characters.
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 because it has meant my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others who enjoy the Amish genre.
Congratulations to Diane Craver for writing another fantastic story that continues her series. I look forward to the next installment in this series.
August 8, 2020
Book 2 in the Dreams of Plain Daughters Series JUITH’S PLACE by Diane Craver
Another wonderful book by Diane Craver creating a cast of characters that will show you what it’s like to have dreams that may be beyond your reach and yet at the same time still keep to your spiritual and moral values.
Judith Hershberger is a young Amish woman who teaches at the Amish school, however her dream is to get her GED, Jacob Weaver is a young Amish man who works at the local lumberyard, and his boss wants him to get his drivers license to drive truck for him. Can these two you people come too terms with what they want and still maintain what they know deep down they both know in the long run is right for them or will they find greener pastures as they travel through their Rumspringa. How will their friendship help them both with their decisions! This is a really good book and you will find your sitting up anxious to turn the next page. I’m looking forward to book 3 in the series: FLEETING HOPE. I highly recommend this book
Another wonderful book by Diane Craver creating a cast of characters that will show you what it’s like to have dreams that may be beyond your reach and yet at the same time still keep to your spiritual and moral values.
Judith Hershberger is a young Amish woman who teaches at the Amish school, however her dream is to get her GED, Jacob Weaver is a young Amish man who works at the local lumberyard, and his boss wants him to get his drivers license to drive truck for him. Can these two you people come too terms with what they want and still maintain what they know deep down they both know in the long run is right for them or will they find greener pastures as they travel through their Rumspringa. How will their friendship help them both with their decisions! This is a really good book and you will find your sitting up anxious to turn the next page. I’m looking forward to book 3 in the series: FLEETING HOPE. I highly recommend this book
May 29, 2020
I have been reading books about the Amish for a few years and find them a much better read. They have so many good times, but yet bad too. They put their faith in God so much, as we all should do. This caring family shares so much and seem so happy. I rated it by the way it makes me feel, which is happy. I am looking forward to reading the next one. My friends who also read these kind of books are who I would recommend it to..
Good read and no violence. Good and yet some bad things happen just like in our lives and their belief in God is great. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a real love story.
Good read and no violence. Good and yet some bad things happen just like in our lives and their belief in God is great. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a real love story.
June 6, 2019
A heartwarming look at love of God, family, and between two people.
It is refreshing to read about people who truly love God, their families, and live a simpler and cleaned lifestyle. They care for their children instead of letting their jobs come first. They do not need all of the STUFF that the rest of us are convinced we NEED by advertising and the huge stores and mega malls ..... I agree that we should put God first, family second, and live more simply. I wish I would have done that when we were younger!
It is refreshing to read about people who truly love God, their families, and live a simpler and cleaned lifestyle. They care for their children instead of letting their jobs come first. They do not need all of the STUFF that the rest of us are convinced we NEED by advertising and the huge stores and mega malls ..... I agree that we should put God first, family second, and live more simply. I wish I would have done that when we were younger!
June 23, 2023
Another excellent book by Diane Craver. I enjoyed Judith’s desire for more education and how she chose to fulfill her desire. As she came to know Eliza Dunbar, and a friendship grew, Eliza thought exchanging places with Judith would be fun. Did she? You’ll have to read to find out. Jacob had been building up courage to ask Judith out and he’s very glad he did because something special developed.
June 6, 2019
Judith has always wanted her GED, but as a young Amish teacher she does not need it to continue teaching. Jacob's boss, Mike, a volunteer firefighter, wants Jacob to get his driver's licence to help make deliveries. Will these tow join the "English" world or stay Amish? This book skipped ahead frequently, good story but could have used more details.
September 15, 2018
Couldn't read anymore.
I know the author was trying to explain everything, and I hate to leave a bad review, but it dragged on too long. I lost complete interest. The book may have been great toward the middle, but I couldn't make it. So sorry.
I know the author was trying to explain everything, and I hate to leave a bad review, but it dragged on too long. I lost complete interest. The book may have been great toward the middle, but I couldn't make it. So sorry.
September 30, 2018
Needs lots of editing
The book was filled with typos along with grammatical errors. I was born in Amish country and understand the language differences. However, this book needed more oversight.
The book was filled with typos along with grammatical errors. I was born in Amish country and understand the language differences. However, this book needed more oversight.
February 17, 2019
Another pleasurable afternoon
I have enjoyed previous books and this ia another wonderful read. It provides insight into the Amish way of life and had a solid, believable story line.
I have enjoyed previous books and this ia another wonderful read. It provides insight into the Amish way of life and had a solid, believable story line.
June 1, 2019
Judith is a teacher of Amish students; Jacob works for a local lumberyard. Both have things they would like to do before deciding if they want to be baptized into the faith. Will they realize their dreams or will what others think keep them from doing so? Book 2 in a series.
June 8, 2019
The Right Choice
This was a good, wholesome book. The struggles in the lives of the characters seemed very real and understandable. The only criticism I had was there was far more "telling than "showing."
This was a good, wholesome book. The struggles in the lives of the characters seemed very real and understandable. The only criticism I had was there was far more "telling than "showing."
July 11, 2019
The main character is Judith a young Amish school teacher. Judith years for more education and becomes friends with an 'English' college student. As Judith dates Jacob and falls in love with him she learns that Jacob also has dreams outside their Amish community.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews