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For Sure & Certain
***She knits, cans jam, and lives in the city. He’s an Amish college student, breaking the rules. They're so right, it's wrong.***
Marigold, a recent high school graduate with a shady past, is looking to redefine herself. She doesn’t know what she wants exactly, but college isn’t it.
When she meets Abel, an Amish guy on Rumspringa, his ‘running around’ time, she doesn’t plan on falling for someone wearing a straw hat and suspenders. But she can't help it, Abel is the breath of fresh air she's been waiting for.
Abel, who’s moved to the city for a summer program at Jamestown, never imagined Marigold would be drawn to the life he was trying so hard to avoid. His family expects him to take over the family farm; college parties and dorm life don’t quite fit in with their plans for him.
Opposites attract, but nothing is easy with love. When they trade places for the summer they learn a life together isn’t as for sure and certain as they thought.
Marigold, a recent high school graduate with a shady past, is looking to redefine herself. She doesn’t know what she wants exactly, but college isn’t it.
When she meets Abel, an Amish guy on Rumspringa, his ‘running around’ time, she doesn’t plan on falling for someone wearing a straw hat and suspenders. But she can't help it, Abel is the breath of fresh air she's been waiting for.
Abel, who’s moved to the city for a summer program at Jamestown, never imagined Marigold would be drawn to the life he was trying so hard to avoid. His family expects him to take over the family farm; college parties and dorm life don’t quite fit in with their plans for him.
Opposites attract, but nothing is easy with love. When they trade places for the summer they learn a life together isn’t as for sure and certain as they thought.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2015
38 people are currently reading
994 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 5, 2015
I loved this story. The characters are fresh and original, the author's voice is unique, and the tale is a sweet, winding one with several twists. Abel is an Amish boy on Rumspringa, accepted into an elite summer program at Jamestown. Marigold is a privileged teen who's floundering in her quest to find herself. Yet these two click when they first meet, each seeing something rare and special in the other. But it's not love at first sight. It's more like intrigue upon first meeting.
The clash of cultures results in a lot of misunderstandings, and while this is a romance, it's also a lot more. Both Abel and Marigold go through tremendous growth, making it read more like literary fiction. Even the writing style is very different than most contemporary romances, but it works here. It's a formal style that still manages to remain youthful.
World Building
The author has done her homework, creating an authentic portrayal of the Amish community interwoven with contemporary college life both on and off campus. The slow-paced Amish lifestyle in humid Lancaster County without air conditioning is palpable, as are their mannerisms, ways of speaking, their daily lives. It's all beautifully contrasted with the rush and craziness of life in D.C. It's easy to see what Marigold and Abel see in one another's worlds and that's the true brilliance of Anya Monroe's storytelling. We see both D.C. and Lancaster through the eyes of both characters-- the jaded views of the teen who grew up there, and the wide-eyed wonder of the one who didn't.
Plot
The main plot is two-pronged. It's about Marigold's search for her identity and Abel's search for where in the world he belongs. The romance is a very strong subplot, and at times it appears to be the main plot, but because what each seeks is their true selves more than anything else, I finally came to the conclusion that it's not a typical romance. Marigold made a lot of mistakes in her past, searching for where she fit in -- at school, in the world, and even within her own family. Always feeling like she never quite fit in at home, she regularly reinvents herself. Now that she finally feels comfortable in her own skin, Abel lands in her life with his Amishness and his dreams, making her question where she belongs.
Abel wants more than life on an Amish farm. Even though he didn't graduate high school, he aced his SATs, granting him admittance to the Summer Intensive at Jamestown. He's like a fish out of water with his foul-mouthed, pot-smoking roommate, but what he learns in the program fuels his desire for knowledge and excites him about business in a way he's never felt before. And although he and Marigold come from two different worlds, they have so much in common, that it almost feels as if they can overcome anything to be together.
The author throws in several twists and the ending is not the one I saw coming, one full of emotion and heart.
Characters
All of the characters are really well done. Even secondary characters have their own complete arcs. Marigold and Abel are particularly well developed and through everything, they stay true to who they are, even though their growth is tremendous. No one comes across as two-dimensional or stereotypical.
Writing
Monroe's writing is refreshing. Her style sets it apart from other young adult/new adult contemporary fiction.
Ending
The ending was a satisfying conclusion that wraps up all the loose ends, but in a way I didn't anticipate
Top Five Things I Loved About For Sure and Certain
1. The Authenticity. The way the Amish culture is woven into the story proves the author has done her homework. She neither portrays it is idyllic nor faulty, only real, with good and bad, fitting the lifestyle needs of some, but not everyone.
2. Marigold's Style. She alters and wears her great grandmother's clothes, pairing them with leggings and boots in a fun and funky style that's all her own.
3. Abel's Straw Hat. Abel never turns his back on where he comes from in order to fit in. His straw hat is as much a part of him as "ja" and "'tis".
4. Yarn. I love to knit, and reading about all the freshly died wool Marigold has to play with made my fingers itch to make something.
5. The Love Story. It's a sweet take on two people from different worlds overcoming their differences, miscommunication, and misunderstandings in an unpredictable way.
Bottom Line
For Sure and Certain is a beautiful tale of finding yourself through trial and error and living for yourself and not to please others.
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the author. It does not affect my review in any way.
The clash of cultures results in a lot of misunderstandings, and while this is a romance, it's also a lot more. Both Abel and Marigold go through tremendous growth, making it read more like literary fiction. Even the writing style is very different than most contemporary romances, but it works here. It's a formal style that still manages to remain youthful.
World Building
The author has done her homework, creating an authentic portrayal of the Amish community interwoven with contemporary college life both on and off campus. The slow-paced Amish lifestyle in humid Lancaster County without air conditioning is palpable, as are their mannerisms, ways of speaking, their daily lives. It's all beautifully contrasted with the rush and craziness of life in D.C. It's easy to see what Marigold and Abel see in one another's worlds and that's the true brilliance of Anya Monroe's storytelling. We see both D.C. and Lancaster through the eyes of both characters-- the jaded views of the teen who grew up there, and the wide-eyed wonder of the one who didn't.
Plot
The main plot is two-pronged. It's about Marigold's search for her identity and Abel's search for where in the world he belongs. The romance is a very strong subplot, and at times it appears to be the main plot, but because what each seeks is their true selves more than anything else, I finally came to the conclusion that it's not a typical romance. Marigold made a lot of mistakes in her past, searching for where she fit in -- at school, in the world, and even within her own family. Always feeling like she never quite fit in at home, she regularly reinvents herself. Now that she finally feels comfortable in her own skin, Abel lands in her life with his Amishness and his dreams, making her question where she belongs.
Abel wants more than life on an Amish farm. Even though he didn't graduate high school, he aced his SATs, granting him admittance to the Summer Intensive at Jamestown. He's like a fish out of water with his foul-mouthed, pot-smoking roommate, but what he learns in the program fuels his desire for knowledge and excites him about business in a way he's never felt before. And although he and Marigold come from two different worlds, they have so much in common, that it almost feels as if they can overcome anything to be together.
The author throws in several twists and the ending is not the one I saw coming, one full of emotion and heart.
Characters
All of the characters are really well done. Even secondary characters have their own complete arcs. Marigold and Abel are particularly well developed and through everything, they stay true to who they are, even though their growth is tremendous. No one comes across as two-dimensional or stereotypical.
Writing
Monroe's writing is refreshing. Her style sets it apart from other young adult/new adult contemporary fiction.
Ending
The ending was a satisfying conclusion that wraps up all the loose ends, but in a way I didn't anticipate
Top Five Things I Loved About For Sure and Certain
1. The Authenticity. The way the Amish culture is woven into the story proves the author has done her homework. She neither portrays it is idyllic nor faulty, only real, with good and bad, fitting the lifestyle needs of some, but not everyone.
2. Marigold's Style. She alters and wears her great grandmother's clothes, pairing them with leggings and boots in a fun and funky style that's all her own.
3. Abel's Straw Hat. Abel never turns his back on where he comes from in order to fit in. His straw hat is as much a part of him as "ja" and "'tis".
4. Yarn. I love to knit, and reading about all the freshly died wool Marigold has to play with made my fingers itch to make something.
5. The Love Story. It's a sweet take on two people from different worlds overcoming their differences, miscommunication, and misunderstandings in an unpredictable way.
Bottom Line
For Sure and Certain is a beautiful tale of finding yourself through trial and error and living for yourself and not to please others.
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the author. It does not affect my review in any way.
March 23, 2015
This sweet story has woven it's way into my soul. I couldn't put it down and highlighted quotes as though they were secret messages just for me, such as, "It's okay to no longer be the girl you were."
I can't wait to read the other novels by this author!
I can't wait to read the other novels by this author!
February 5, 2015
When you're in your teens finding yourself is never easy. But then you add on the pressure of a family's expectations and that direction you're seeking becomes so much more difficult to find. Able's dreams lie beyond his Amish community and his family's needs. Marigold doesn't know what her ambitions are yet, but her current lifestyle is an embarrassment to her famous author father and the rest of her family. Able needs something more than the simple lifestyle of his family, while Marigold wants something so much more simple than her family can understand. When Marigold meets Able the flicker of relationship starts to bloom. But before that glimmer can grow into a raging flame they get separated into each others communities and need to fight through their own problems to come back together. Anya Monroe writes with such grace that you find yourself falling into the story, enjoying the relationships, the conflicts, and the personalities of everyone involved. In the end you walk away with a smile at enjoying a story that was well told. I couldn't recommend this book any higher and greatly look forward to Anya Monroe's next book.
March 21, 2015
I purchased this book despite having no previous interest in Amish fiction. Boy, am I glad I did. It was so much more than Amish fiction. It was the story of two teenagers trying to find themselves despite being raised in families where a certain future is expected of you. It was the story of living in a sibling's shadow and stepping out of it to become who you are truly meant to be. But, most importantly it was a story of loving another during an age in one's life where you are still trying to know and love yourself. I purchased this book and read it in 48 hours because I was so engrossed in the story and the flawed characters who made me love their story and find similarities with my own plight of discovery despite being from totally different backgrounds. That is the beauty of literature. After loving For Sure and Certain, I have purchased Anya's books Dreamcatcher and Heart of Stone. I am sure they won't disappoint.
July 30, 2015
I really enjoyed this. It has a very cozy feel, and the romance was sweet. All the characters were fully formed and I found myself rooting for so many of them, even though their goals were at odds with one another's. I'm going to read more by this author, for sure and certain. ;)
(FYI this is not an Amish romance, but a romance with some Amish characters. I've seen a bunch of reviewers giving low ratings due to misunderstanding this.)
(FYI this is not an Amish romance, but a romance with some Amish characters. I've seen a bunch of reviewers giving low ratings due to misunderstanding this.)
March 31, 2015
Despite growing up in Pennsylvania (and two hours north of Lancaster) I never knew much about the Amish. So I enjoyed seeing the people through MS. Monroe's characters. At its heart, the novel was a love story about two different people who, despite their differences, want to make their love work.
I gave the book 3 stars, which meant I liked it. I would have gone to 4 stars but for the poor job of editing and proofreading. My question to Ms. Monroe is this--why would you write such a good book yet be so sloppy and uncaring about its presentation? Like most amateurs, you made the mistake of adding apostrophes to many words ending in "S." An editor/proofreader would have caught those mistakes, along with the typos and the occasional sloppy sentence. I, (and many other readers) feel disrespected. You don't care to share your very best with us? It's like making a gorgeous dress and then using safety pins to fasten it. Please, do better! You have talent.
I gave the book 3 stars, which meant I liked it. I would have gone to 4 stars but for the poor job of editing and proofreading. My question to Ms. Monroe is this--why would you write such a good book yet be so sloppy and uncaring about its presentation? Like most amateurs, you made the mistake of adding apostrophes to many words ending in "S." An editor/proofreader would have caught those mistakes, along with the typos and the occasional sloppy sentence. I, (and many other readers) feel disrespected. You don't care to share your very best with us? It's like making a gorgeous dress and then using safety pins to fasten it. Please, do better! You have talent.
February 19, 2015
Such a sweet, fun read! A story about finding your true self as a young adult and finding love at the same time. I enjoyed how Marigold and Abel's trajectories kept intersecting yet they had so many missed connections, which kept me on my toes guessing about how, and if, things would pan out for those two.
Marigold is a character whom I have little in common with (I'm definitely more like Lily, for better or for worse) and I was worried that she could easily become a cliche or irritating to me. However, it was her growth and discovery of self that I really appreciated the most in this story.
Highly recommended
Marigold is a character whom I have little in common with (I'm definitely more like Lily, for better or for worse) and I was worried that she could easily become a cliche or irritating to me. However, it was her growth and discovery of self that I really appreciated the most in this story.
Highly recommended
April 7, 2015
For Sure & Certain is such a beautiful book with so much heart and a wonderfully written cast of characters. I fell for the two leads instantly and wanted so much to see where they ended up in life. This is a romance, but it's also a story about finding your place in the world and knowing who and where you want to be, something most of us struggle with when we're that age, and I saw myself in both Marigold and Abel. I loved the resolution of the characters and the relationship between them. Wonderful book.
April 2, 2015
Oh my gosh!!!! I don't even know how to express the love I have for this book! I have always enjoyed reading Amish books and love stories but this one took my breath away. The way Anya spun the story making me fall in love with the characters and there story! Her writing is so beautiful and I can't wait to read another of her books! This story has made it's way into my heart! <3
January 7, 2015
I was privileged to read an advance copy of this book and totally loved it. It was different enough to be very interesting. I really liked the relationship between the two main characters and how they adjust to their new worlds. Highly recommend it.
March 29, 2015
loved all the characters and how they interacted with each other.enjoyed reading the story of abel and marigold
January 19, 2018
Terrible. The story was all over the place, I couldn't get myself interested.
Glad it was free!
Glad it was free!
June 10, 2023
I can’t believe this book has more than 3 stars. It was an emotional rollercoaster, where it’s undecided who was the most selfish. Let’s live for ourselves while leaving those we love in the wake. Let’s mock a religious sect and reduce it down to being about “love”. I’m so disappointed that I wasted time reading it.
It’s just another example of young generations moving with ‘what feels right.’ Actions like this will only lead to emptiness and loneliness. Once they realize that they can’t find fulfillment in these endeavors, only then will they realize what they’ve squandered.
It’s just another example of young generations moving with ‘what feels right.’ Actions like this will only lead to emptiness and loneliness. Once they realize that they can’t find fulfillment in these endeavors, only then will they realize what they’ve squandered.
March 21, 2015
Okay. I finished the book. I read it. All of it. BUT... why one star?
About the time I'd start liking the story, Ms. Monroe would do SOMETHING that would ruin it.
In Chapter 6 you state that one of the Amish farmers got a new tractor. While the Amish use tractors, they modify them. The writer made it sound like a shiny new John Deere.
Throughout the book there were editing errors: (a) know when it should have been now; (b) HUGE ERROR in Chapter 10 The main male character's name Abel is written as ABLE; (c) Chapter 14 -- missing the word "with" in a sentence.
And then we come to the end of the book where you have Marigold after spending several MONTHs living in an Amish home and never hearing cussing or using it herself -- she's home three nanoseconds & YOU have her using the "f" word again. She would not have done that.
So -- 5 stars, minus 2 for having a main characters name spelled incorrectly, 1 for having other missing & incorrect words in other places in the book, and 1 for using the "f" word far more than needed and especially in the situation above.
I won't be reading another of Ms. Monroe's books. Editing errors bother me but using cuss words just to use them I find a complete turn off.
About the time I'd start liking the story, Ms. Monroe would do SOMETHING that would ruin it.
A note to the author: I believe you DID do research on the Amish. For the most part you were accurate in your description of their lives. BUT realize, those of us who LOVE Amish fiction do so partly because we are not subject to foul language most of the time.
Unfortunately you used the "f" word. And WAY too often for my taste.
Yes, you had the non-Amish characters cussing. BUT for example when Marigold drops the baking sheet, she did not HAVE to yell the F word. Since she was making a life behavior change, why not introduce a word or series of words that she uses instead. Make that PART of the change. Like Frog's Eyelashes!!!
In Chapter 6 you state that one of the Amish farmers got a new tractor. While the Amish use tractors, they modify them. The writer made it sound like a shiny new John Deere.
Throughout the book there were editing errors: (a) know when it should have been now; (b) HUGE ERROR in Chapter 10 The main male character's name Abel is written as ABLE; (c) Chapter 14 -- missing the word "with" in a sentence.
And then we come to the end of the book where you have Marigold after spending several MONTHs living in an Amish home and never hearing cussing or using it herself -- she's home three nanoseconds & YOU have her using the "f" word again. She would not have done that.
So -- 5 stars, minus 2 for having a main characters name spelled incorrectly, 1 for having other missing & incorrect words in other places in the book, and 1 for using the "f" word far more than needed and especially in the situation above.
I won't be reading another of Ms. Monroe's books. Editing errors bother me but using cuss words just to use them I find a complete turn off.
December 29, 2015
For Sure and Certain is a great premise, I love reading about other cultures, even in fiction works. It started off strong, really capturing my attention, but somewhere along the line it felt like it slowed down, maybe got a little stilted. I felt that it did pick up just a little towards the end and I enjoyed the twist thrown in. If the story had been a little more fluid through the middle it would have been a five star book for me.
I loved the multi point of view aspect of this story, seeing things through Marigold's eyes as well as Abel's really helped to keep the differences in the cultures front and center. I loved the family dynamics, although at times they were a little painful. I felt sad for Marigold that her family seemed so distant and that her relationship with them was so strained. I do wish that we got the inside scoop on what cause the majority of that strain a little sooner in the story.
I loved the Amish side of the story, the loving environment, the strict way of life that still allowed the Miller's to hold Marigold close to them and nurture her soul when she needed it most. I was intrigued by the sheep farming aspect and what Marigold was able to create on her own with the yarn.
I did feel that the social aspect of the intensive program was a little over done, like Lacey being forever stoned and Abel partaking a in it a lot. The concept of Jenna wearing a cos play outfit everyday was a little overwhelming. But I think that the characters that were thoroughly developed helped to create more drama and helped to balance the extremes between Abel and Marigold.
Overall an enjoyable read that will make you think about family and values, and what's really important in life.
I loved the multi point of view aspect of this story, seeing things through Marigold's eyes as well as Abel's really helped to keep the differences in the cultures front and center. I loved the family dynamics, although at times they were a little painful. I felt sad for Marigold that her family seemed so distant and that her relationship with them was so strained. I do wish that we got the inside scoop on what cause the majority of that strain a little sooner in the story.
I loved the Amish side of the story, the loving environment, the strict way of life that still allowed the Miller's to hold Marigold close to them and nurture her soul when she needed it most. I was intrigued by the sheep farming aspect and what Marigold was able to create on her own with the yarn.
I did feel that the social aspect of the intensive program was a little over done, like Lacey being forever stoned and Abel partaking a in it a lot. The concept of Jenna wearing a cos play outfit everyday was a little overwhelming. But I think that the characters that were thoroughly developed helped to create more drama and helped to balance the extremes between Abel and Marigold.
Overall an enjoyable read that will make you think about family and values, and what's really important in life.
March 24, 2015
Well written, with several editing and grammatical errors. This is a stand-alone story with no cliffhanger.
I enjoy books that take me on journeys I'll never experience in my real life. This is definitely one of those stories, as I'll never spend time in an Amish household. I'm not sure how realistic the story is with the details of Amish life, but it felt authentic and respectful.
As with all Young Adult fiction, there's angst. The main female character was an oddly interesting combination of flighty about her personal choices, but committed to their relationship. The main male character was almost her mirror opposite -- steady with his life choices and uncertain about their relationship.
The insights into dormitory life and the lottery of college roommates was strikingly accurate and humorous. There were many secondary characters, both in the Amish community and at the college, and they were all well done and richly textured.
This is a romance, but definitely not traditional. The two main characters don't spend much time together, but the time they do spend together is probably a PG13. It's not G rated, as there is cursing and drug use -- it is about college after all.
Highly recommended to fans of star-crossed love stories and HEAs.
I enjoy books that take me on journeys I'll never experience in my real life. This is definitely one of those stories, as I'll never spend time in an Amish household. I'm not sure how realistic the story is with the details of Amish life, but it felt authentic and respectful.
As with all Young Adult fiction, there's angst. The main female character was an oddly interesting combination of flighty about her personal choices, but committed to their relationship. The main male character was almost her mirror opposite -- steady with his life choices and uncertain about their relationship.
The insights into dormitory life and the lottery of college roommates was strikingly accurate and humorous. There were many secondary characters, both in the Amish community and at the college, and they were all well done and richly textured.
This is a romance, but definitely not traditional. The two main characters don't spend much time together, but the time they do spend together is probably a PG13. It's not G rated, as there is cursing and drug use -- it is about college after all.
Highly recommended to fans of star-crossed love stories and HEAs.
December 29, 2015
To me, this was a little bit slow to start (I even had to step away for a few days before I could pick it back up - don't think I was in the right mindset for a teen clean romance). Once I finally picked it back up, I was determined to finish it and I'm glad I did.
This is written as a multi pov and what is funny, the couple in the story really didn't spend a lot of time together. Most of their time was spent in each others world doing new things and thinking of the other, but not a lot of time actually together.
Written as a multi pov. I'm not sure how accurate this is to the Amish way of life. I only know what I've read about online and heard from others speaking.
The story line was nice, the characters were engaging, the dialogue flowed nicely, and the description to detail was done well.
All in all, a good read.
Would I recommend this book? Sure
Would I read more from this author? Most likely
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
www.facebook.com/sassybetareading
This is written as a multi pov and what is funny, the couple in the story really didn't spend a lot of time together. Most of their time was spent in each others world doing new things and thinking of the other, but not a lot of time actually together.
Written as a multi pov. I'm not sure how accurate this is to the Amish way of life. I only know what I've read about online and heard from others speaking.
The story line was nice, the characters were engaging, the dialogue flowed nicely, and the description to detail was done well.
All in all, a good read.
Would I recommend this book? Sure
Would I read more from this author? Most likely
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
www.facebook.com/sassybetareading
October 29, 2016
A solid 4 stars
This was a sweet ride, from near-beginning to end. The concept was original, the writing was respectable, & the characters were likeable (especially surprising since they're so young yet mature). The book started a bit stiff, I thought, but I was caught up pretty quickly in the story, which started flowing naturally early enough. I finished this in one night. I had to take breaks for various "life stuff," & was eager to get back to urging Abel & Marigold toward their HEA. The ending came too soon (always does), & I really would've appreciated, as a bare minimum, an epilogue. But there's also a charm in being able to imagine my own epilogue for these two.
I'd pick up another book by the author, especially if she decided to continue the story of this mismatched-yet-perfect couple. I want to see them together more than apart. Grabbed this book when it was free, but I'd be willing to pay.
This was a sweet ride, from near-beginning to end. The concept was original, the writing was respectable, & the characters were likeable (especially surprising since they're so young yet mature). The book started a bit stiff, I thought, but I was caught up pretty quickly in the story, which started flowing naturally early enough. I finished this in one night. I had to take breaks for various "life stuff," & was eager to get back to urging Abel & Marigold toward their HEA. The ending came too soon (always does), & I really would've appreciated, as a bare minimum, an epilogue. But there's also a charm in being able to imagine my own epilogue for these two.
I'd pick up another book by the author, especially if she decided to continue the story of this mismatched-yet-perfect couple. I want to see them together more than apart. Grabbed this book when it was free, but I'd be willing to pay.
December 28, 2015
For sure and certain is a story of love, and 2 teenagers finding themselves. It's a story of opposites and learning who you are. It is very well done and addicting.
Abel is a young Amish man who wants to learn. This goes against the teachings of his people. In finding himself, he finds Marigold and everything he thinks he knows and wants changes.
Marigold has a past, she really just wants to find herself and finds peace in the ways of Abel's family. Both want each other, but both want different things, both just want to find themselves and what will make them happy.
Ms. Monroe has done an excellent job of bringing to light differences and change. Of briging to life what family is no matter what your background is. Of showing the pressure on Teens, both Amish and English. A Love story that is so much more.
Abel is a young Amish man who wants to learn. This goes against the teachings of his people. In finding himself, he finds Marigold and everything he thinks he knows and wants changes.
Marigold has a past, she really just wants to find herself and finds peace in the ways of Abel's family. Both want each other, but both want different things, both just want to find themselves and what will make them happy.
Ms. Monroe has done an excellent job of bringing to light differences and change. Of briging to life what family is no matter what your background is. Of showing the pressure on Teens, both Amish and English. A Love story that is so much more.
December 13, 2015
Heart wrenching coming of age.
This is a story of an Amish boy and an Englisher girl who fall in love and try to find their place in the world. Strangely, they seek solace in each other's family.
It was wonderful and refreshing to meet Abel and Marigold. Their budding relationship is so sweet. I have to say though, that I found Abel a bit mean and selfish at times while Marigold was a portrayed as patient and forgiving to the extreme. It was easy to forget, at times, how very young they are.
The characters lovable and believable. I miss them already.
I loved this story.
The only issue I had with this book is that there were quite a few editing errors. Minus one star for that.
This is a story of an Amish boy and an Englisher girl who fall in love and try to find their place in the world. Strangely, they seek solace in each other's family.
It was wonderful and refreshing to meet Abel and Marigold. Their budding relationship is so sweet. I have to say though, that I found Abel a bit mean and selfish at times while Marigold was a portrayed as patient and forgiving to the extreme. It was easy to forget, at times, how very young they are.
The characters lovable and believable. I miss them already.
I loved this story.
The only issue I had with this book is that there were quite a few editing errors. Minus one star for that.
April 28, 2015
I grew up around Mennonite and Amish. I found this special friendship that develops between an Amish young man and a wealthy young girl from an academia/business steeped family very interesting. Although their backgrounds seemed dissimilar, both young people were fighting the seeming conflict between being true to their natural bent and to the expectations of their family/community. This is not your typical Amish love story. I found it had all of the conflict I enjoy in a great bildungsroman (coming of age) story.
October 13, 2015
"I loved everything about this story!"
I read and listen to a LOT of Amish and/or contemporary fiction. I loved the way Anya Monroe wove both genres into one story. The depth of Marigold's character isn't seen in the first part of the book and you get to see her as she blossoms into a young lady who knows who she really is. Piper Brown did a great job as narrator. Her voices truly show her love of the characters and how they react to the problems they face. This is a book that I will For Sure & Certain(ly) listen to again!
I read and listen to a LOT of Amish and/or contemporary fiction. I loved the way Anya Monroe wove both genres into one story. The depth of Marigold's character isn't seen in the first part of the book and you get to see her as she blossoms into a young lady who knows who she really is. Piper Brown did a great job as narrator. Her voices truly show her love of the characters and how they react to the problems they face. This is a book that I will For Sure & Certain(ly) listen to again!
September 18, 2015
For Sure and Certain takes on a journey of new love and the search for one's path in life through the eyes of Abel and Marigold. He's Amish and she is Irish but definitely not Amish. Both feel the pressure of their parents expectations plus their own desires and along the way each sets out to find their path and chart their own course.
Anya writes in such a beautiful way, you'll breeze through this book.
If you're looking for a short and sweet romance novel, pick this.
Anya writes in such a beautiful way, you'll breeze through this book.
If you're looking for a short and sweet romance novel, pick this.
August 29, 2017
Different and good
This book shows 2 young adults trying to figure themselves out. Is college the path Abel should take and leave his Amish life and family behind? Is moving to live with an Amish family a better decision for Marigold, who appears lost and not understood by her own family? Or will their love draw them back together? I absolutely loved this book and hope it's a good overview of the Amish life style. Get your copy now so you too can enjoy this sweet book!!
This book shows 2 young adults trying to figure themselves out. Is college the path Abel should take and leave his Amish life and family behind? Is moving to live with an Amish family a better decision for Marigold, who appears lost and not understood by her own family? Or will their love draw them back together? I absolutely loved this book and hope it's a good overview of the Amish life style. Get your copy now so you too can enjoy this sweet book!!
April 9, 2015
I don't always read YA novels but this one was a fun read, it was not predictable and had me engaged in the story until the very end. I would have given it 4 stars had it not had so many typos (about 20 that I counted).
January 10, 2016
I sort of enjoyed this book, but there were so many typos and grammar errors it really ruined it for me. I can't bear it when shoddy copy-editing takes you out of the story every three or four pages.
May 11, 2015
A peek into an Amish life made me pick this book up and I literally could not put it down till I was finished. A quick glimpse was good mixed with a slightly predictable love story.
April 22, 2015
This edition could use better proof reading,
December 30, 2015
Unfortunately this book was too crass for the otherwise interesting plot line. I wish this fictional book couple well in this glaringly fictional happily-ever-after.
November 28, 2020
Couldn't put it down, great story!!!!!
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