A Path Made Plain

Seasons in Pinecraft #2

by Lynette Sowell

Betsy Yoder lives with her great aunt in Sarasota’s Pinecraft neighborhood, far from her family in Ohio. Heartbroken by a man who left her—and the Order—to marry someone else, Betsy instead pours her time and energy into her bakery, offering the village of Pinecraft delicious desserts from her Amish heritage, and is content in her hard-working yet peaceful life.
Enter the formerly Amish Thaddeus Zook, a pastry chef who has moved to Pinecraft after working in restaurants among the Englisch. While Betsy nurses a hesitant heart, Thaddeus shows a similar hesitancy about rejoining an Amish community. Though neither can deny the attraction between them, Thaddeus is hiding a past that could threaten their future together. Betsy has lost one love already; dare she risk loving another who has adopt Englisch ways? Or will Thad listen to the call of the open road and move on again . . . without the love of his life?

Genres: Amish

320 pages, Paperback

First published November 4, 2014

About the author

Lynette Sowell is an award-winning author with New England roots, but she makes her home on the doorstep of the Texas Hill Country with her husband and a herd of five cats. When she’s not writing, she edits medical reports and chases down stories for the local newspaper.

Reviews

[SKP · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this one better than the first one in the series, mainly because it didn’t end as abruptly as the first, and seemed to be better written with loose ends tied up. The first one seemed to tie things up too neatly, and too quickly. I wasn’t sure I liked the crime angle at first, but that part of the plot grew on me as the story moved along. I wasn’t fond of Betsy in the first book at all, but I definitely liked her much better in this book. I plan to finish the series. I live a couple of hours away from Pinecraft, and have visited and seen some of the places mentioned in the book, so it makes it a little more fun for me.

[Linda Gatza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of redemption

This was quite the non-traditional Amish story. The author chose a location unknown to me, but probably not to those who winter in Florida. The spiritual journey this young man traveled is well written and, of course, he gets the girl in the end.

[Susie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was interesting as a young man left the Amish community. The struggle within him was worth reading. The main female character was not one of my favorites though from Book 1 of the series. I struggled through parts of the book.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Path Made Plain is one for my keeper shelf! I thoroughly loved this book from the start to the finish. I found it to be a very unique take on all things Amish. It is set in Pinecraft, Florida, a setting I really enjoy in Amish fiction. There is a light suspense thread running through the story, which makes it interesting to see the lengths the “bad guys” will go to in order to cover up their illegal activity.

I am a reader who enjoys a good romance flowing through the story. Attraction between two people, when it seems that there is no way for them to end up together, is a great way to add tension and potential heartbreak into the plot. This is definitely the case in A Path Made Plain.

The story is full of interesting characters. Although I haven’t read the first book in the series, it is clear that Betsy is recovering from heartache that occurred in the first story. She is a strong, young woman and is sometimes frustrated by people not taking her seriously because of her young age. But, even when she felt that others should take her more seriously, she remained respectful of her elders, continued working hard at her bakery, and made good business decisions.

I enjoyed the whole story, but my favorite character was definitely Thaddeus. I love that he was brave enough to step away and go after his dream of being a pastry chef years earlier, and was not convinced that his family’s “religion” was right for him simply because it is what was expected of him. He is such a special character. He has lived a bit of a rough life since leaving the Order. I really enjoyed reading his story and watching his spiritual growth throughout the book.

The suspense thread was satisfying and resolved well and the attraction between Betsy and Thad was great! I think readers who enjoy romantic suspense will find a unique and interesting story in A Path Made Plain.

You can read this review on the Suspense Sisters reviewer blog at:
http://suspensesistersreviews.blogspo...

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Path Made Plain" is the second book in Lynette Sowell's Seasons of Pincraft Series. "A Path Made Plain" is Betsy Yoder's story. And it is just as wonderful as the first book " A Season Of Change" .

Betsy's heart is broken because Jacob, ( her not so secret crush) has married someone else and so she puts all her talents and energy into her bakery.

Thaddeus Zook, a former Amish man, who left the Amish to pursue a career as a chef. returns to his grandmother, who has been the only one who has ever loved him.The question is why did he return?

As in all love stories, two people have to meet and so Betsy and Thad do meet. Thad hasn't been baptized so he is still Amish but he rides a motorcycle and he is a chef, not a farmer. That makes two strikes against Thad.

Betsy has an enemy, who is jealous of her and wants to cause trouble for her in all her efforts! This just shows us that the Amish faces the same temptations and struggles as everyone else.

This book is a love story but there is a mystery in between the pages! Who is the mystery man ( a new Amish) or is he Amish at all or does he have a evil purpose?

The ending is so perfect but I really didn't see it ending the way it did! But I loved the way it does!

I have to be honest and tell you that I was sure this book was going to be a different type of story, I was sure Betsy's story was going to be a little boring because she was going to turn out to be a selfish type person, an unlikable person, but I am happy to say I was so wrong!

This book reintroduces us to the characters that are in " A Season Of Change" and even though you don't have to read "A Season Of Change" to love " A Path Made Change" I encourage you to do so to get the full story. And there is a third book " A Promise Of Grace. I haven't read " A Promise Of Grace" it is a new release but I have it in my to be read pile and I am counting on it to be just as wonderful as the other two.

"A Path Made Plain"is getting five stars!

I was given a copy of "A Path Made Plain" by Lynette Sowell by the Publisher for my honest review!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Path Made Plain (Seasons in Pinecraft #2)
by Lynette Sowell
Betsy Yoder lives with her great aunt in Sarasota’s Pinecraft neighborhood, far from her family in Ohio. Heartbroken by a man who left her—and the Order—to marry someone else, Betsy instead pours her time and energy into her bakery, offering the village of Pinecraft delicious desserts from her Amish heritage, and is content in her hard-working yet peaceful life.
Enter the formerly Amish Thaddeus Zook, a pastry chef who has moved to Pinecraft after working in restaurants among the Englisch. While Betsy nurses a hesitant heart, Thaddeus shows a similar hesitancy about rejoining an Amish community. Though neither can deny the attraction between them, Thaddeus is hiding a past that could threaten their future together. Betsy has lost one love already; dare she risk loving another who has adopt Englisch ways? Or will Thad listen to the call of the open road and move on again . . . without the love of his life?
how did Elizabeth (Betsy) Yoder and Thad Zook meet?
Betsy has a dream of opening up her own shop.What kind of shop does Betsy want to open?
Thad and Betsy find themselves being attracted to one another but can their relationship really blossom into something more than a friendship?
what is Thad job?
who is your favorite character in this story?
And why?
what is your favorite part of this story mystery, suspense or Romance ?
A Path Made Plain (Seasons in Pinecraft #2)by Lynette Sowell is a wonderful well written 5 stars book.
I highly recommend reading A Path Made Plain (Seasons in Pinecraft #2)by Lynette Sowell
I am looking forward to reading more books by Lynette Sowell
A Season of Change: Seasons in Pinecraft Book 1 by Lynette Sowell
Tempest's Course by Lynette Sowell
A Grand Tetons Sleigh Ride by Lynette Sowell
Comfort and Joy by Lynette Sowell
A Promise of Grace
(Seasons in Pinecraft, book 3)by Lynette Sowell

[Drebbles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her heart broken after the man she loves Jacob Miller marries someone else, Betsy Yoder puts her heart into starting and running her own bakery. It is taking everything she has to make the bakery of success - not only financially but in the eyes of the other Amish who aren’t sure the bakery is a good idea. She is not looking for any distractions, especially in terms of romance, but she can't help but notice Thaddeus Zook who is ex-Amish with no intention of rejoining the Amish community. Thaddeus only intends to stay in Pinecraft for a short time while he hides out from some trouble but he soon realizes that his heart is also in danger.

“A Path Made Plain” is the second book in Lynette Sowell’s Seasons in Pinecraft series and while I liked “A Season of Change”, the first book in the series, I like this book even better - I like the mixture of mystery and romance. While I wasn't all that fond of Betsy in “A Season of Change”, I really liked her in this book. Yes, she still hasn't gotten over Jacob at the beginning of the book, but she is a strong heroine, determined to open her own bakery and fighting not only her family's opinion but the preconceived notion of the English as to how smart an Amish woman is. Thaddeus is an equally strong hero, perceived as being a bit of a bad boy even though he really isn’t, and haunted by both the distant past when he left the Amish but the more recent past involving a murder. The romance between the two is sweet and nicely written. I continue to like the Pinecraft Florida setting where the Amish live just a bit differently there than they do in other Amish communities. The mystery aspects are nicely done and, while there is no guessing as to who the bad guy in the book is, there is just the right amount of tension that makes the book suspenseful but not scary.

I loved the “A Path Made Plain” and am already looking forward to “A Promise of Grace”, the next book in the series.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Path Made Plain is the story of Betsy Yoder and Thaddeus Zook. Betsy's heart has just been broken since the man she dreamed of marring had left the Amish to marry a Mennonite girl. Betsy puts all her energu and resources into opening an Amish bakery in the mixed community of Amish, Mennonite and English in Pinecraft, Florida.

Thaddeus always felt the need to be different and did not join the Amish Order. Instead he went to school to become aa pastry chef. His previous job ended when his boss was murdered. Thaddeus is pretty sure that strange things were going on at the restaurant and abruptly leaves town and goes to stay with his Mammi in Pinecraft. Thaddeus has no interest in returning to join the Order.

Betsy and Thaddeus are immediately attracted to each other and obviously have similar interests as they both love to bake. Neither is interested in a romantic relationship since Betsy can not fathom leaving her faith and Thaddeus felt smothered and was wounded within the Order.

This is a standalone novel in the Seasons in Pinecraft series. I had not read the first novel in this series and did not feel at all lost at anytime in this novel. Both Betsy and Thaddeus were interesting characters and the story was engaging. Supporting characters are believable and mutlidimensional as well. This is not just a romance novel since there is much more going on than just the development of Betsy and Thaddeus's relationship. My only criticism is that the ending did not seem entirely realistic to me. I think there could have been much more to say to get the various characters to where they ended up.

Overall, this was an engaging novel that I would recommend to others.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: A PATH MADE PLAIN
Author: Lynette Sowell
Publisher: Abingdon Press
November 2014
ISBN: 978-1426753657
Genre: Amish

Betsy Yoder lives with her great aunt in Sarasota’s Pinecraft neighborhood, far from her family in Ohio. Heartbroken by a man who left her—and the Order—to marry someone else, Betsy instead pours her time and energy into her bakery, offering the village of Pinecraft delicious desserts from her Amish heritage, and is content in her hard-working yet peaceful life.

Enter the formerly Amish Thaddeus Zook, a pastry chef who has moved to Pinecraft after working in restaurants among the Englisch. While Betsy nurses a hesitant heart, Thaddeus shows a similar hesitancy about rejoining an Amish community. Though neither can deny the attraction between them, Thaddeus is hiding a past that could threaten their future together. Betsy has lost one love already; dare she risk loving another who has adopt Englisch ways? Or will Thad listen to the call of the open road and move on again . . . without the love of his life?

A PATH MADE PLAIN is the second book in Ms. Sowell's Seasons in Pinecraft series. The story is well-written and engaging with a touch of suspense. I enjoyed getting to know Thad and Betsy, and hoped both characters would realize their dreams. I was also curious what the villains thought Thad might know.

A PATH MADE PLAIN has everything I like in a story. Amish, a contemporary setting, romance, and suspense. A genuine slice of Pinecraft, Florida's Amish life, chock full of heartache and healing. Fans of Amish fiction, romantic suspense, and Lynette Lowell won't want to miss this book. $14.99. 320 pages.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading Lynette Sowell’s Seasons In Pinecraft book 2, and enjoyed my return visit, and am hoping for another. We have several return characters, and must say this book is about one that I didn’t have a favorable impression of in the previous book. This is a read alone book, but you will love the first book in this series A Season of Change: Seasons in Pinecraft Book 1, I did!
This is Elizabeth [Betsy] Yoder’s story, and I now have a much better feeling about her, and learned to love her! It is also about Thaddeus Zook and his foot in both cultures, and not feeling he belongs in either.
In this story we have a little bit of everything, including a murder, and some violence, not usually associated with the Amish Culture. Most of this follows Thad to this peaceful Amish/Mennonite Community, and he is appalled at how it affects these people he cares for.
These Plain people have their faith where it should be, in God, even with some of them acting as gossips! You will be surprised how this story unfolds, and how the evil can worm its way into everyday life. Especially when you see the sparks flying between Betsy and Thad, and wonder what is going to give, or will he ride off on his motorcycle?
There is also Aunte Sarah, who you will find prickly, and then learn to warm up to her. Have this feeling with a lot of the characters in this book, from my bad habit of judging, as I said Betsy.
Don’t miss this continuing Saga in Pinecraft Florida, you won’t want to leave, I sure didn’t want to.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Abingdon Press, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Michelle Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Path Made Plain, Seasons in Pinecraft Series by Lynette Sowell
Abingdon Press
Amish, Mennonite, Christian Fiction
ISBN 9781426753657
I really enjoyed this 5 star book. I found it to be refreshing, heartwarming and a great example of what it takes to live the life of faith. The author Lynette Sowell did an outstanding job of bringing life and excitement to the characters. It was well written with many examples of what life is like when you dedicate yourself to live a life filled with higher moral and faith filled standards.
Betsy Yoder is recovering from a broken heart. She pores her heart into her new bakery. Working hard to bring desserts from her Amish heritage to the village of Pinecraft and prove to her family that she can succeed. Former Amish pastry chef Thaddeus Zook is hiding from his past. He has lived as a Englisher and as Amish, his heart loves both worlds. He turns to his grandmother for a safe refuge until he came get his life in order. There he meets Betsy Yoder and sparks fly. They fight their attraction until his past catches up with him and Betsy is kidnapped to get at him. He must now decide what is most important the Amish life, the English and how does Betsy fit in. I loved this book. It can be read as a stand alone but is book 2 of the Seasons in Pinecraft Series. I have read book 1, A Season of Change and loved it also.
I want to thank the author Lynette Sowell and publisher Abingdon Press for bringing good clean Christian books like this one to readers like me. I was provided with this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Maryann Skaritka · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Path Made Plain is the 2nd Seasons in Pinecraft Book by author Lynette Sowell. It can be read as a stand alone. I did read the first book and I felt warmly welcomed back to Pinecraft and all of the Plain people there. The author does a great job with this book and serves up a story to readers that is chock full of pie, love, romance, faith, family and a mystery to be solved too.

Betsy Yoder is recovering from a broken heart when the one man she truly loves marries another. She stays in Pinecraft and helps her Aenti Chelle with her cleaning business. Betsy has a dream of opening up her own pie shop.

Thad Zook has run away from the conformity of the strict Amish ways and has become a pastry chef. He returns to Pinecraft to visit his grandmother. Two hearts and worlds collide when Tad helps Betsy with her pie shop. Thad and Betsy find themselves being attracted to one another but can their relationship really blossom into something more than a friendship?

Stir in a murder mystery at Thad's old place of employment and you have the perfect recipe for this great book.

The author did an excellent job of conveying the importance of faith and family and made the reader feel welcome in Pinecraft too.

I received this book from Goodreads First Reads.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Path Made Plain is the 2nd book in the Seasons in Pinecraft series. This book tells the story of Betsy Yoder from the first book. After Jacob Miller left both her and the Order to marry Natalie, Betsy comes up with a new dream. Pouring all of herself into the dream, Betsy decides that she will not let another man into her life or her heart.
Thaddeus Zook left the Order many years ago. He has made a life in the English world as a Pastry Chef. This is an occupation that his Amish family cannot understand. When things go awry at the restaurant he was employed by in Ohio, Thad travels to the only family member who he knows will not shun him. But will his past catch up with him? Can he deny his growing feelings for Betsy? When his past collides with her future, Thad is put in the position of either leaving or to stop running. What will he do? How can he make it all work?
Lynette Sowell does a very good job of continuing the story of those in Pinecraft. Henry is still doing his construction while Imogene is still taking her pictures. I cannot wait for book 3 to continue and return to their lives. Will Rochelle find love? Why is Emma staying in Pinecraft?

[Beverly Lytle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Seasons in Pinecraft series, A Path Made Plain, is so much more than am Amish Romance story. You will find this book woven full of mystery, suspense, characters finding their place both in and out of the Amish community, and behaviors not typically found within the Amish fiction genre. Yet, at the same time, the spiritual threads clearly weave themselves throughout the story and its characters.
I enjoyed the multi-genre appeal of this book. It could be read as a stand-alone novel; however, the background found within Book 1 (A Season of Change) will certainly enhance your reading pleasure. I am enjoying the surprising twists found in Ms. Sowells, Seasons in Pinecraft series. The setting of the Pinecraft community in Sarasota, FL lends itself well to characters and events not commonly seen in Amish stories.
A copy of this book was provided to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

 I liked this second book in the series much more than the first...

I found the storyline in the first book of this series - A SEASON OF CHANGE - to be totally improbable. I liked this second offering much more.

Characters Betsy and Thad were believable and I like that they shared a love of pastry baking, an unusual but not totally outlandish occupation for an Amish male.

I like the details given of Pinecraft, Florida and was even more intrigued when I found out that it is a real vacation spot for Amish and Mennonites. The different sections about Pinecraft are my favorite parts of the book.

I found the sections about the antagonist rather flimsy and the ending and different parts of the storyline (i.e. Becky's sister) were rushed.

But overall I enjoyed the story and the main characters. And I will look for the third book in the series - A PROMISE OF GRACE - when it comes out.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

We often grow up with preconceived notions about what is expected of us. For example, if we're from a family of teachers, we might think we are expected to become a teacher. Sometimes the expectation is expressed, other times it is just assumed. I'm no expert, but I suppose this holds true across cultures as well; certain occupations are "approved", others are not.
Sowell has written an intriguing story set against that kind of conflict and how it is manifested in the lives of two young adults. This book isn't a typical "Amish" story, so if you are looking for that, you may not appreciate this book. But if you are interested in how modern life might invade classic Amish culture, this is a good choice.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a number of things I liked about this story: the main characters, Betsy and Thad; the glimpses into the difference between Amish and Mennonite; the setting (Florida for an Amish story!); and Betsy's fledgling career as a bakery owner.

The main points of view are Betsy's and Thad's. I didn't care for the point of view of the bad guys. I think everything the reader needs to know could've been revealed through Thad's POV, and possibly Betsy's.

All in all, though, a good story.

I received a paperback edition of this book directly from the publisher in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Cindelu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads.

It was an interesting book due to the Amish culture it portrays. The culture in Pinecraft appears much different than typical Amish lifestyles that I have read about. The main storyline flowed well and there were many outlets for other stores also which added to the enjoyment of the book.
Some of the language was rather stilted and I had difficulty understanding some of the viewpoints.
Overall I enjoyed the book.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The ending seemed a little abrupt to me like the author had to finish so quick let Thad get right with God. I'm also not fan of the legalistic views that the Amish have but I enjoy this author so much.