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Plain Fame #5
Plain Choice
Amanda’s husband, Cuban pop star Alejandro, believed he was doing right by his wife when he left her on her parents’ farm in the familiar shelter of Lancaster’s Amish community. Amanda, however, has other ideas. Unwilling to sit idly by and hide from the paparazzi, she follows her husband to Europe for the start of his world tour to find out if their marriage can be saved once and for all.
When the two reunite, it’s plain to see that their love is stronger than their differences. But as they travel together, Amanda is surprised to discover that her own fame is beginning to match her husband’s. Now she must struggle to bridge her Amish upbringing and a new, unasked-for role in the public eye. As other unexpected tensions challenge their bond, can Amanda and Alejandro keep their promises and make space for her faith, his fame, and a growing love?
When the two reunite, it’s plain to see that their love is stronger than their differences. But as they travel together, Amanda is surprised to discover that her own fame is beginning to match her husband’s. Now she must struggle to bridge her Amish upbringing and a new, unasked-for role in the public eye. As other unexpected tensions challenge their bond, can Amanda and Alejandro keep their promises and make space for her faith, his fame, and a growing love?
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2016
117 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Price
135 books647 followersECPA Christian Fiction Bestseller (June 2014, July 2014)
Amazon Top 100 Author for Books & eBooks (January 2016, September 2013, August 2013, May 2013, April 2013, February 2013, January 2013, December 2012)
-------------------------
The author of over 30 novels, Sarah Price publishes with Realms, an imprint of Charisma House and Waterfall, an imprint of Brilliance Audio.
Her book, An Empty Cup, was #3 on Amazon Top 100 eBooks in January 2016.
Follow her on social media:
Blog:http://www.sarahpriceauthor.com.
Facebook: http://facebook.com/fansofsarahprice.
Instagram: @SarahPriceAuthor
Twitter: @SarahPriceAuthr
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/SarahPrice
FAMILY HERITAGE
During the early 1700s, the Preiss family arrived in America aboard an old sailing vessel called the Patience. The family left Europe, escaping Catholic persecution for their Anabaptist beliefs. Sarah Price comes from a long line of devout Mennonites, including numerous church leaders and ministers throughout the years.
In 1969, Sarah Price was born in Pennsylvania and lived on the land of her ancestors, Johannes Preiss and "King Tammany", otherwise known as Tamanend, a chief of the Lenni Lenape nation in the Delaware Valley.
In the early 1970s, her family moved to Morristown, New Jersey where she still resides with her husband, two children, and assortment of animals.
Ms. Price has advanced degrees in Communication (MA), Marketing (MBA), and Educational Leadership (PhD).
Ms. Price was a former full-time college professor. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, she now writes full-time.
Amazon Top 100 Author for Books & eBooks (January 2016, September 2013, August 2013, May 2013, April 2013, February 2013, January 2013, December 2012)
-------------------------
The author of over 30 novels, Sarah Price publishes with Realms, an imprint of Charisma House and Waterfall, an imprint of Brilliance Audio.
Her book, An Empty Cup, was #3 on Amazon Top 100 eBooks in January 2016.
Follow her on social media:
Blog:http://www.sarahpriceauthor.com.
Facebook: http://facebook.com/fansofsarahprice.
Instagram: @SarahPriceAuthor
Twitter: @SarahPriceAuthr
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/SarahPrice
FAMILY HERITAGE
During the early 1700s, the Preiss family arrived in America aboard an old sailing vessel called the Patience. The family left Europe, escaping Catholic persecution for their Anabaptist beliefs. Sarah Price comes from a long line of devout Mennonites, including numerous church leaders and ministers throughout the years.
In 1969, Sarah Price was born in Pennsylvania and lived on the land of her ancestors, Johannes Preiss and "King Tammany", otherwise known as Tamanend, a chief of the Lenni Lenape nation in the Delaware Valley.
In the early 1970s, her family moved to Morristown, New Jersey where she still resides with her husband, two children, and assortment of animals.
Ms. Price has advanced degrees in Communication (MA), Marketing (MBA), and Educational Leadership (PhD).
Ms. Price was a former full-time college professor. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, she now writes full-time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
October 10, 2024
Well, after finding out that this book series was dedicated to Pitbull, I knew this was going to be a wild ride. And, boy was it. I felt like this was an attempt to be a new progressive look at Amish novels, but it didn't work. On a side note, can someone tell me why Alejandro purred? I thought I was reading Romantasy for a second. It truly reads like the author was writing telenovela fanfiction about herself and Pitbull. I'm not even going to go into the depth of this train wreck of a novel, but I was concerned for myself the deeper I went. The red flags were a-flagging.
P.S. She's not even Amish at the end of the book.
P.S. She's not even Amish at the end of the book.
May 26, 2019
4.75 Stars!
I really enjoyed this whole series and Plain Choice was a fantastic ending to this opposites attract romantic saga. I was really pleased with how each character evolved from where they were in the first book. It all made sense to me. I'm also pleased that the author decided to write a follow-up to the series and give us a glimpse into Alejandro and Amanda's life 10 years later in Plain Christmas. I'll be reading that one soon. Since I also listened to the audio interspersed with reading, I want to give a nod to the fabulous narrator (Amy McFadden.) Her narration was impeccable and she has quickly become a favorite.
March 14, 2016
I have a huge problem with Sarah Price.....huge problem! This is the end of the series chronicling the lives and love of Alejandro and Amanda!! I want to know more....I want to see what happens next for two characters that I have fallen in love with! Alejandro and Amanda have a choice to make....do they save their marriage or end it? Do they continue to travel together as Alejandro performs around the world? Do Amanda and Isadora stay on the family's Amish farm and let Alejandro go his separate way? Do Amanda and Isadora follow along with Alejandro and live a life-on-the-road? Does Alejandro give up the music he loves and live the Amish life with Amanda and Isadora and Amanda's family? So many choices.....so many heart-wrenching decisions to make. Amanda tries to salvage their marriage by leaving Isadora with her family and flying to meet Alejandro and becoming an active part of his entertainment world. One thing is clear, no matter what decision they come to, Amanda and Alejandro love each other deeply and they both want the best for each other and Isadora.
I feel compelled to add something here; I read some very negative reviews that were disgusted that the Amish series deviated so much from the norm. This is a work of fiction and therefore does not have to necessarily be entirely realistic. I appreciate the fact that Sarah Price had the courage to write a very different series of Amish fiction. I read a great number of Amish fiction novels and it gets boring and predictable when they are all the same. This series is a breath of fresh air in the Amish fiction genre.
I rated this book 5 stars and am deeply saddened for Amanda and Alejandro's journey to end. I want more of this delightful, unlikely couple.
I received an ebook of this novel from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I feel compelled to add something here; I read some very negative reviews that were disgusted that the Amish series deviated so much from the norm. This is a work of fiction and therefore does not have to necessarily be entirely realistic. I appreciate the fact that Sarah Price had the courage to write a very different series of Amish fiction. I read a great number of Amish fiction novels and it gets boring and predictable when they are all the same. This series is a breath of fresh air in the Amish fiction genre.
I rated this book 5 stars and am deeply saddened for Amanda and Alejandro's journey to end. I want more of this delightful, unlikely couple.
I received an ebook of this novel from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
August 10, 2018
With proper editing this series could have been trimmed to 2 or 3 books versus 5. I enjoyed these characters for the most part, but I lost respect for them part way through the series so I am left with some mixed feelings and may never re-read the series again. Too bad because celeb love is my favorite and paired with an Amish theme ..... It could have rated higher... 3.5 stars for the series
April 22, 2016
Plain Choice by Sarah Price is the fifth book in The Plain Fame series. Amanda Diaz has returned home to her family’s farm in Lititz, Pennsylvania with her adopted daughter, Isadora. The road is no place for a little girl. However, she desperately misses her husband, Alejandra Dias also knows as Viper, the singer. Alejandra misses Amanda, but he knows the road is not the place for her and the little girl. After a while, though, Amanda knows that she needs to make things right between Alejandro and herself (she loves him too much to call it quits). Amanda calls in a favor and rejoins his tour which is now in Europe. Can these two work things out?
Plain Choice finally wraps up The Plain Fame series. This series went on way too long. It could have easily wrapped up in two or three books. I thought Amanda came across as a naïve (not innocent, more ignorant). I was really not liking her in this book. There is no way any human being over the age of 16 can be that naïve (not in this day and age). Amanda keeps saying she cannot do that because she is Amish, but she is no longer Amish. She married an Englischer (an example would be driving and flying). Plain Choice is simple and easy to read. It does contain a good (but predictable) ending that I enjoyed. I give Plain Choice 3 out of 5 stars. It was okay, but not great.
I received a complimentary copy of Plain Choice from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.
Plain Choice finally wraps up The Plain Fame series. This series went on way too long. It could have easily wrapped up in two or three books. I thought Amanda came across as a naïve (not innocent, more ignorant). I was really not liking her in this book. There is no way any human being over the age of 16 can be that naïve (not in this day and age). Amanda keeps saying she cannot do that because she is Amish, but she is no longer Amish. She married an Englischer (an example would be driving and flying). Plain Choice is simple and easy to read. It does contain a good (but predictable) ending that I enjoyed. I give Plain Choice 3 out of 5 stars. It was okay, but not great.
I received a complimentary copy of Plain Choice from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.
March 22, 2016
This is the fifth and final book in the Plain Fame series, and if you are going to read any of these books, you will be best off starting at the beginning. Having said that, I cannot recommend the series. Christian fiction should encourage readers to embrace Biblical values and reject that which is not pleasing to God, but I feel this series does the opposite. It tries to syncretise a worldly, materialistic life performing sexually explicit and immoral music with a faith in God. It tries to suggest that lust is actually love when the ‘right one’ comes along, and that it is a more important consideration in marriage than whether one is equally yoked. And perhaps most damning of all, it presents Alejandro’s career and marriage to Amanda as some kind of fatalistic demonstration of God’s will that is out of their hands.
Many of my concerns have been detailed in the reviews I wrote for the earlier books in the series, but I will expand on the primary ones here as they relate to this novel:
Firstly, Alejandro’s entire image and career is built on writing and performing sexually explicit music. Although the lyrics are never included in the novel, descriptions of the suggestive and sensual dancing in his concerts and videos are. “Nuzzling the neck of another woman, his hands on her body while he looked at her with such longing” is the tamest of these descriptions in this book.
In a Christian series, I would expect the story line to involve Alejandro realising that his music does not glorify God (and disrespects his wife into the bargain). Instead, we have watched Amanda gradually acclimating to Alejandro’s world; at first, being upset; then, accepting that this is “just acting”; “He had only been playing a part, giving the fans what they wanted”; and eventually, “watching her husband – as Viper – sidle up to one of the dancers, [graphic description of his movements including the word ‘gyrating’]. For once, Amanda found it did not bother her . . . at least not as much as usual. The audience got what the audience wanted. As long as he came home to her each night, Amanda decided that giving the audience their fix of Viper was a sacrifice she was willing to make.”
Not only is Alejandro never challenged to begin glorifying God with his music, but the characters (both Alejandro and Amanda) continually state their belief that they are following God’s plan for their lives. Even the Bishop in Amanda’s Amish community tells her, “God has reasons that we do not always understand. I believe quite strongly that this is your chosen course, the life he wants for you.” At one point, Amanda realises, “this was her God-assigned ministry. In an industry where sex, alcohol, and drugs were so prominent, Amanda represented the other side, a godly righteousness that was clearly a better role model for the fans. By taming Viper and by remaining true to herself, Amanda was working God’s plan to help show people that they could live any lifestyle and still honor him.”
There have been many times during the series where I have found myself wondering at a character’s theological understanding, but none more so than at this point. We can live any lifestyle and still honour God? I suppose if you’re talking about rich or poor, Amish or non-Amish, famous or not famous, then that may be so. But can we spend our lives promoting, accepting, or glorifying sin, call it acting, and still be honouring God? Is it okay to run a brothel or be a strip tease dancer so long as you’re faithful to your own husband or wife? Should we be asking godly women to waitress at strip clubs so that they can represent godly righteousness and provide a better role model for the patrons? That is not what the Bible teaches. Even considering that Alejandro has ‘tamed’ his ways and is now faithful to Amanda in his private life, his public image and his music promote a very different lifestyle. At one point Amanda even acknowledges that “When it came to Viper (Alejandro) and Princesa (Amanda), it was the image people bought into and wanted to connect with, not the real people behind it.”
Not surprisingly, there is a heavy emphasis on the physical side of Alejandro and Amanda’s relationship, and although this is technically a ‘clean’ novel, there are many times where we are shown either the prelude to their intimacy (including kissing, undressing, etc) or the morning after. The evidence of their love is always described in terms of their physical relationship; the way Amanda is suddenly the only woman Alejandro desires (and he needs her every night, we are told, and sometimes even delays the start of his concert or cuts short an interview), or the feelings Alejandro arouses in Amanda.
Once you look beyond their physical relationship, however, there isn't much of a foundation to the marriage; yet this novel makes it look as though their desire for one another is enough to overcome the incredible disparity between their backgrounds and beliefs. The way it actually works is that Alejandro’s career dictates everything, and Amanda gradually comes to accept that having Alejandro requires her own values to make obeisance to the god that is Alejandro’s career. Amanda justifies this by regularly recalling that the Bible requires wives to submit to their husbands, but this is a somewhat warped picture of Biblical headship and submission in marriage.
I also find it troubling that Alejandro’s lust- *ahem* . . . love for Amanda has ‘tamed’ him where his faith in God has not. Earlier in the series we learn that Alejandro has always had his faith in God, even when he had little else, but he is also quite candid about the extent of his philandering. Now, suddenly, on the basis of his incredible physical desire for Amanda, he is committed to her and has completely lost any temptation to become involved in that lifestyle again, despite continuing to promote it and act it out onstage; even when she is back in her Amish community and he is travelling on tour in Europe with one of his former philandering buddies.
This really only scratches the surface of the issues I have with this series. For example, there is the way in which Alejandro is driven by the love of money. He is very clear that he is in the music business to make money, and as Amanda’s popularity surges he gets into heated negotiations about upping her contractual value from $5m to $6.5m. There is a token platitude somewhere in there about using some of this money to support underprivileged children, but the rest of the series speaks quite loudly as to what really drives Alejandro. There is also the idolization, with fans being overcome, screaming and sobbing at the chance to meet Amanda, not to mention Amanda’s continued distaste for the immoral behaviour of all those involved in the music industry, except when it is her husband acting it out on stage. And I haven’t touched on the issues with the daughter he has all but refused to acknowledge. However this is already a lengthy review and I think the point about my disappointment with this book and the whole series has been made. It is mired in worldliness, and quite content to stay there. I, on the other hand, intend to walk in the opposite direction.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher for the purposes of providing my honest review. Please note that I do not make a habit of selecting books I am unlikely to enjoy reading, but having already read and reviewed the other books in the series, I wanted to see whether the characters would finally realise that Alejandro’s music and image were not glorifying God. I’m not sure that would have made the series worth reading at this late point, but I felt I needed to at least give the book that chance. I also think a number of Amish/Christian fiction readers are likely to have this series suggested by Amazon (particularly considering the high number of positive reviews the rest of the series has received), but would end up being quite disappointed in the content. I hope my review will help those buyers make a more informed decision about whether this series would be to their liking.
Many of my concerns have been detailed in the reviews I wrote for the earlier books in the series, but I will expand on the primary ones here as they relate to this novel:
Firstly, Alejandro’s entire image and career is built on writing and performing sexually explicit music. Although the lyrics are never included in the novel, descriptions of the suggestive and sensual dancing in his concerts and videos are. “Nuzzling the neck of another woman, his hands on her body while he looked at her with such longing” is the tamest of these descriptions in this book.
In a Christian series, I would expect the story line to involve Alejandro realising that his music does not glorify God (and disrespects his wife into the bargain). Instead, we have watched Amanda gradually acclimating to Alejandro’s world; at first, being upset; then, accepting that this is “just acting”; “He had only been playing a part, giving the fans what they wanted”; and eventually, “watching her husband – as Viper – sidle up to one of the dancers, [graphic description of his movements including the word ‘gyrating’]. For once, Amanda found it did not bother her . . . at least not as much as usual. The audience got what the audience wanted. As long as he came home to her each night, Amanda decided that giving the audience their fix of Viper was a sacrifice she was willing to make.”
Not only is Alejandro never challenged to begin glorifying God with his music, but the characters (both Alejandro and Amanda) continually state their belief that they are following God’s plan for their lives. Even the Bishop in Amanda’s Amish community tells her, “God has reasons that we do not always understand. I believe quite strongly that this is your chosen course, the life he wants for you.” At one point, Amanda realises, “this was her God-assigned ministry. In an industry where sex, alcohol, and drugs were so prominent, Amanda represented the other side, a godly righteousness that was clearly a better role model for the fans. By taming Viper and by remaining true to herself, Amanda was working God’s plan to help show people that they could live any lifestyle and still honor him.”
There have been many times during the series where I have found myself wondering at a character’s theological understanding, but none more so than at this point. We can live any lifestyle and still honour God? I suppose if you’re talking about rich or poor, Amish or non-Amish, famous or not famous, then that may be so. But can we spend our lives promoting, accepting, or glorifying sin, call it acting, and still be honouring God? Is it okay to run a brothel or be a strip tease dancer so long as you’re faithful to your own husband or wife? Should we be asking godly women to waitress at strip clubs so that they can represent godly righteousness and provide a better role model for the patrons? That is not what the Bible teaches. Even considering that Alejandro has ‘tamed’ his ways and is now faithful to Amanda in his private life, his public image and his music promote a very different lifestyle. At one point Amanda even acknowledges that “When it came to Viper (Alejandro) and Princesa (Amanda), it was the image people bought into and wanted to connect with, not the real people behind it.”
Not surprisingly, there is a heavy emphasis on the physical side of Alejandro and Amanda’s relationship, and although this is technically a ‘clean’ novel, there are many times where we are shown either the prelude to their intimacy (including kissing, undressing, etc) or the morning after. The evidence of their love is always described in terms of their physical relationship; the way Amanda is suddenly the only woman Alejandro desires (and he needs her every night, we are told, and sometimes even delays the start of his concert or cuts short an interview), or the feelings Alejandro arouses in Amanda.
Once you look beyond their physical relationship, however, there isn't much of a foundation to the marriage; yet this novel makes it look as though their desire for one another is enough to overcome the incredible disparity between their backgrounds and beliefs. The way it actually works is that Alejandro’s career dictates everything, and Amanda gradually comes to accept that having Alejandro requires her own values to make obeisance to the god that is Alejandro’s career. Amanda justifies this by regularly recalling that the Bible requires wives to submit to their husbands, but this is a somewhat warped picture of Biblical headship and submission in marriage.
I also find it troubling that Alejandro’s lust- *ahem* . . . love for Amanda has ‘tamed’ him where his faith in God has not. Earlier in the series we learn that Alejandro has always had his faith in God, even when he had little else, but he is also quite candid about the extent of his philandering. Now, suddenly, on the basis of his incredible physical desire for Amanda, he is committed to her and has completely lost any temptation to become involved in that lifestyle again, despite continuing to promote it and act it out onstage; even when she is back in her Amish community and he is travelling on tour in Europe with one of his former philandering buddies.
This really only scratches the surface of the issues I have with this series. For example, there is the way in which Alejandro is driven by the love of money. He is very clear that he is in the music business to make money, and as Amanda’s popularity surges he gets into heated negotiations about upping her contractual value from $5m to $6.5m. There is a token platitude somewhere in there about using some of this money to support underprivileged children, but the rest of the series speaks quite loudly as to what really drives Alejandro. There is also the idolization, with fans being overcome, screaming and sobbing at the chance to meet Amanda, not to mention Amanda’s continued distaste for the immoral behaviour of all those involved in the music industry, except when it is her husband acting it out on stage. And I haven’t touched on the issues with the daughter he has all but refused to acknowledge. However this is already a lengthy review and I think the point about my disappointment with this book and the whole series has been made. It is mired in worldliness, and quite content to stay there. I, on the other hand, intend to walk in the opposite direction.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher for the purposes of providing my honest review. Please note that I do not make a habit of selecting books I am unlikely to enjoy reading, but having already read and reviewed the other books in the series, I wanted to see whether the characters would finally realise that Alejandro’s music and image were not glorifying God. I’m not sure that would have made the series worth reading at this late point, but I felt I needed to at least give the book that chance. I also think a number of Amish/Christian fiction readers are likely to have this series suggested by Amazon (particularly considering the high number of positive reviews the rest of the series has received), but would end up being quite disappointed in the content. I hope my review will help those buyers make a more informed decision about whether this series would be to their liking.
March 30, 2016
This review contains spoilers from previous novels from the Plain Fame Series.
"Plain Choice," by Sarah Price, is the latest in the Plain Fame Series which included "Plain Fame," "Plain Change," "Plain Again," and "Plain Return." "Plain Choice" picks up where "Plain Return" left off: Alejandro Diaz, the famous hip hop/rap artist also known as Viper, has returned to his life outside of Lititz, Pennsylvania, where his Amish raised wife, Amanda, is staying with his daughter, Isadora, the result of a one night stand before he met Amanda. Things don't look good for our protagonists. Against Alejandro's wishes, Amanda had returned to Lititz in order to give Isadora stability instead of the difficult and transient lifestyle that they would all have to face if they travelled along with Alejandro on his concert tours. Alejandro comes to realize that the life he offers for Amanda and Isadora may not be what his wife and daughter need. Though he loves Amanda dearly and wishes for her to be by his side as he tours the world, he also tries to contemplate how he might be able to let Amanda go so that she can return to the Amish world which she appears to be more comfortable in.
When Alejandro leaves Amanda behind in Pennsylvania, she realizes that their marriage is now in a precarious place, and waits in vain to hear from him, but Alejandro is already putting distance between them. The paparazzi have also been taking misleading photos of her and Harvey, the farmhand that Alejandro hired to help the Beiler family, and speculation about a relationship between them is appearing in the tabloids. Can Amanda's and Alejandro's marriage be saved?
I liked this novel the most out of the five that have appeared so far in the series, probably because I thought that Amanda finally did what made sense to me in light of the decisions that she made, especially in "Plain Return." Although it is probably true that it was a good idea to return to the Beiler farm so that Isadora would have stability in her life, I did not agree with the way and the timing in which Amanda had left Alejandro. It may sound a bit too traditional and non-egalitarian, but I thought that Amanda had given Isadora a higher priority than Alejandro when she decided to leave him midway through the South American tour, especially against his wishes for her to remain with him. Even though Alejandro's suggestion of securing a nanny for Isadora was an unpleasant idea for Amanda, it would have kept the family together for the remaining three weeks of the tour, which isn't really that long, in my opinion. It would have bought them more time to really think about what they would do as a family, for the care of Isadora, and for the unpleasantness that Amanda faced from Alejandro's rabid female fans. At the end of "Plain Return," when Amanda realizes that Alejandro might walk out of their marriage, she is willing to return to the tour with a nanny. However, by this time, he has already decided to set her free from his complicated lifestyle, ironically, because he now thinks that if he truly loves her, he should let her go so that she can decide how she wants to live. Unfortunately, he seems to believe that this means steering her back into the Amish life. Really, these two need to talk to each other and to listen to each other before jumping quickly into unwise decisions...but that would leave us without "Plain Choice" to read, eh? So, I won't tell you what Amanda decides to do; you'll have to read it for yourself.
I loved all the covers for the recent releases of the books in the series, but I thought that the cover for "Plain Choice" was really fitting. Alejandro is depicted with his right hand twisting his wedding band on the left hand, representing his choice of whether to continue with the marriage or to divorce Amanda. Amanda is depicted in her plain dress, but with her kapp in her hands, representing her decision of whether or not to leave the Amish world. The image of the Eiffel Tower represents the European tour that Alejandro is on, and the farm represents the Beiler farm where Amanda and and Isadora are staying at.
It was interesting to read of Alejandro's thoughts about his love for Amanda and how he viewed their marriage. Over the course of the series, I felt that he was actually quite lenient with her when it came to their separations. Amanda appeared to be to one who instigated most of these, placing her insecurity over Alejandro's clawing female fans, her family, and Isadora above remaining with Alejandro, who always seemed to long for her to stay with him. What I didn't like about Alejandro was that he acted disrespectfully toward Amanda in some of his business/career dealings, especially where it made her lose face before others. For example, I really wasn't impressed when he used footage of her without her consent on a tour in "Plain Change," which made her look jealous of other women, or when he used photos along with false stories in order to circumvent the media interest in the appearance of Isadora in "Plain Return." Knowing and loving Amanda has changed Alejandro, although by the end of "Plain Choice," I'm still not certain about how far the changes reach in his life beyond his relationship with her and their family. The novel doesn't really address how far the lordship of Christ extends into his life, although he seems to acknowledge His presence more.
As in the previous books, starting with "Plain Change," we have glimpses into Amanda's and Alejandro's intimate moments, or rather the moments leading up to those exchanges. While there are no overt descriptions of them actually having sex, I still felt as if I were intruding in their privacy.
I would not consider "Plain Choice" to be a stand alone book. The novel does resolve many of the plot threads that started in the previous books in the series. In my opinion, out of the five books, this one seemed to have the most overt references to faith beyond contrasting the worlds and practices of the Englische and the Amish. The series also gives an interesting view into the entertainment world that Alejandro inhabits. I liked reading the series, and have enjoyed following the love story of Amanda and Alejandro.
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of "Plain Choice" by Sarah Price from NetGalley in exchange for a review. All opinions stated in this review are mine.
This review is also posted on my blog:
http://whatiscbreading.blogspot.ca
"Plain Choice," by Sarah Price, is the latest in the Plain Fame Series which included "Plain Fame," "Plain Change," "Plain Again," and "Plain Return." "Plain Choice" picks up where "Plain Return" left off: Alejandro Diaz, the famous hip hop/rap artist also known as Viper, has returned to his life outside of Lititz, Pennsylvania, where his Amish raised wife, Amanda, is staying with his daughter, Isadora, the result of a one night stand before he met Amanda. Things don't look good for our protagonists. Against Alejandro's wishes, Amanda had returned to Lititz in order to give Isadora stability instead of the difficult and transient lifestyle that they would all have to face if they travelled along with Alejandro on his concert tours. Alejandro comes to realize that the life he offers for Amanda and Isadora may not be what his wife and daughter need. Though he loves Amanda dearly and wishes for her to be by his side as he tours the world, he also tries to contemplate how he might be able to let Amanda go so that she can return to the Amish world which she appears to be more comfortable in.
When Alejandro leaves Amanda behind in Pennsylvania, she realizes that their marriage is now in a precarious place, and waits in vain to hear from him, but Alejandro is already putting distance between them. The paparazzi have also been taking misleading photos of her and Harvey, the farmhand that Alejandro hired to help the Beiler family, and speculation about a relationship between them is appearing in the tabloids. Can Amanda's and Alejandro's marriage be saved?
I liked this novel the most out of the five that have appeared so far in the series, probably because I thought that Amanda finally did what made sense to me in light of the decisions that she made, especially in "Plain Return." Although it is probably true that it was a good idea to return to the Beiler farm so that Isadora would have stability in her life, I did not agree with the way and the timing in which Amanda had left Alejandro. It may sound a bit too traditional and non-egalitarian, but I thought that Amanda had given Isadora a higher priority than Alejandro when she decided to leave him midway through the South American tour, especially against his wishes for her to remain with him. Even though Alejandro's suggestion of securing a nanny for Isadora was an unpleasant idea for Amanda, it would have kept the family together for the remaining three weeks of the tour, which isn't really that long, in my opinion. It would have bought them more time to really think about what they would do as a family, for the care of Isadora, and for the unpleasantness that Amanda faced from Alejandro's rabid female fans. At the end of "Plain Return," when Amanda realizes that Alejandro might walk out of their marriage, she is willing to return to the tour with a nanny. However, by this time, he has already decided to set her free from his complicated lifestyle, ironically, because he now thinks that if he truly loves her, he should let her go so that she can decide how she wants to live. Unfortunately, he seems to believe that this means steering her back into the Amish life. Really, these two need to talk to each other and to listen to each other before jumping quickly into unwise decisions...but that would leave us without "Plain Choice" to read, eh? So, I won't tell you what Amanda decides to do; you'll have to read it for yourself.
I loved all the covers for the recent releases of the books in the series, but I thought that the cover for "Plain Choice" was really fitting. Alejandro is depicted with his right hand twisting his wedding band on the left hand, representing his choice of whether to continue with the marriage or to divorce Amanda. Amanda is depicted in her plain dress, but with her kapp in her hands, representing her decision of whether or not to leave the Amish world. The image of the Eiffel Tower represents the European tour that Alejandro is on, and the farm represents the Beiler farm where Amanda and and Isadora are staying at.
It was interesting to read of Alejandro's thoughts about his love for Amanda and how he viewed their marriage. Over the course of the series, I felt that he was actually quite lenient with her when it came to their separations. Amanda appeared to be to one who instigated most of these, placing her insecurity over Alejandro's clawing female fans, her family, and Isadora above remaining with Alejandro, who always seemed to long for her to stay with him. What I didn't like about Alejandro was that he acted disrespectfully toward Amanda in some of his business/career dealings, especially where it made her lose face before others. For example, I really wasn't impressed when he used footage of her without her consent on a tour in "Plain Change," which made her look jealous of other women, or when he used photos along with false stories in order to circumvent the media interest in the appearance of Isadora in "Plain Return." Knowing and loving Amanda has changed Alejandro, although by the end of "Plain Choice," I'm still not certain about how far the changes reach in his life beyond his relationship with her and their family. The novel doesn't really address how far the lordship of Christ extends into his life, although he seems to acknowledge His presence more.
As in the previous books, starting with "Plain Change," we have glimpses into Amanda's and Alejandro's intimate moments, or rather the moments leading up to those exchanges. While there are no overt descriptions of them actually having sex, I still felt as if I were intruding in their privacy.
I would not consider "Plain Choice" to be a stand alone book. The novel does resolve many of the plot threads that started in the previous books in the series. In my opinion, out of the five books, this one seemed to have the most overt references to faith beyond contrasting the worlds and practices of the Englische and the Amish. The series also gives an interesting view into the entertainment world that Alejandro inhabits. I liked reading the series, and have enjoyed following the love story of Amanda and Alejandro.
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of "Plain Choice" by Sarah Price from NetGalley in exchange for a review. All opinions stated in this review are mine.
This review is also posted on my blog:
http://whatiscbreading.blogspot.ca
June 25, 2018
part 5 of Viper’s and Amanda’s love story
Enjoyed this continuing story of Amanda and Alejandro ( Viper). It was difficult in the beginning to get into the story since I read #4 some time ago. By chapter two, I was engaged in the book.
Amanda is in Lancaster with Alejandro’s daughter Isadora. Amanda is trying to help her mom run their farm since her dad had had a stroke and provide a stable home for Isadora. Amanda decides this separation with Alejandro is not working for any of them. She leaves Isadora with her sister and meets up with Alejandro who is doing a European tour. Amanda needs to find out if their marriage can be saved.
This book was ok. I felt though it was missing something.
Enjoyed this continuing story of Amanda and Alejandro ( Viper). It was difficult in the beginning to get into the story since I read #4 some time ago. By chapter two, I was engaged in the book.
Amanda is in Lancaster with Alejandro’s daughter Isadora. Amanda is trying to help her mom run their farm since her dad had had a stroke and provide a stable home for Isadora. Amanda decides this separation with Alejandro is not working for any of them. She leaves Isadora with her sister and meets up with Alejandro who is doing a European tour. Amanda needs to find out if their marriage can be saved.
This book was ok. I felt though it was missing something.
May 28, 2020
A weird blending of Amish and Englischer
I always enjoy reading the books with Amish characters. They are generally clean and wholesome. This series does a pretty good job of allowing Amanda to keep her moral values she grew up with. But also allowed her to learn and grow along with her husband who lives in a fan driven world, where the media and fans have no reservations about getting into their personal lives. A little sad that this seems to be the end of the series. I've really enjoyed it.
I always enjoy reading the books with Amish characters. They are generally clean and wholesome. This series does a pretty good job of allowing Amanda to keep her moral values she grew up with. But also allowed her to learn and grow along with her husband who lives in a fan driven world, where the media and fans have no reservations about getting into their personal lives. A little sad that this seems to be the end of the series. I've really enjoyed it.
July 13, 2022
Again, whilst I enjoyed catching up with Alajandro and Amanda, I thought, as with the others, it was just to worldly. I enjoyed the books more when they were on the farm. I thought that Amanda changed so much to suit her husband. I liked the change in him though at the end. I don't usually read a Christmas book in July, but seeing as the next book is the last in the series, I may just read it to compete the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2017
The Continuing Story
What a great story! I loved reading more about Amanda and Viper. If you haven't read the other books in this series, read them first.
This story has more about their daughter. It's fun to see her grow to love her parents.
There's a great lesson about marriage and commitment in this book.
There's a good balance of happy and sad moments.
What a great story! I loved reading more about Amanda and Viper. If you haven't read the other books in this series, read them first.
This story has more about their daughter. It's fun to see her grow to love her parents.
There's a great lesson about marriage and commitment in this book.
There's a good balance of happy and sad moments.
August 14, 2020
Plain Choice
Wow this book sucked me into the pages very fast. It was like I was standing in the background watching everything from a distance. The far best book set I have read yet. If you love to read this Plain Fame Set it the ones to go to. If you don't have time to read get it on anything that will read it to you.
Wow this book sucked me into the pages very fast. It was like I was standing in the background watching everything from a distance. The far best book set I have read yet. If you love to read this Plain Fame Set it the ones to go to. If you don't have time to read get it on anything that will read it to you.
July 4, 2025
I think I like this book the best is because I felt Alejandro and Amanda had their deepest conversations plus I liked how Amanda treated the fans. I also have to say that I appreciated that the author didn't shy away from the passion between husband and wife; most Christian authors gloss over that.
July 27, 2017
Plain Fame book 5
Very good story. Kept my interest through out the book. Very happy on how it ended. Its great that now they realize how important being a family is. God bless them.
Very good story. Kept my interest through out the book. Very happy on how it ended. Its great that now they realize how important being a family is. God bless them.
November 29, 2017
One of my favorites I the series
I'm not usually a series reader. I find that I often get bored with the story. I am really enjoying this series and this book is one of the best.
Happy reading!!
I'm not usually a series reader. I find that I often get bored with the story. I am really enjoying this series and this book is one of the best.
Happy reading!!
April 8, 2018
Very good
At first I thought it was too much of a stretch of imagination to think an Amish girl could be happy with a rap singer. I am glad I was wrong. I have enjoyed this whole series of books. God does work in mysterious ways.
At first I thought it was too much of a stretch of imagination to think an Amish girl could be happy with a rap singer. I am glad I was wrong. I have enjoyed this whole series of books. God does work in mysterious ways.
November 19, 2019
Book 5 of 5 (plus the Christmas follow-on) I read to understand how an author writes multiple romance stories about the same couple. Answer: bring in new characters as antagonists and a new situation to cause a major disagreement between the heroine and hero.
January 25, 2020
Plain Choice book 5
A continued story about Amanda and Alejandro and the birth of their little girl. They have also toured the country as Cuban singer who is married to a former Amish girl. This is the final. Pom in this series.
A continued story about Amanda and Alejandro and the birth of their little girl. They have also toured the country as Cuban singer who is married to a former Amish girl. This is the final. Pom in this series.
December 16, 2021
It started poorly, ended slightly better
I was very frustrated with how everyone treated Amanda throughout the books. Yelling at her, ordering her around. It bordered on emotional abuse. I only continued reading hoping she would tell them all to go pound salt.
I was very frustrated with how everyone treated Amanda throughout the books. Yelling at her, ordering her around. It bordered on emotional abuse. I only continued reading hoping she would tell them all to go pound salt.
May 22, 2017
Read the lion's share of this book in one day. A compelling story of God at work.
Loved it!
Loved it!
September 5, 2017
Loved it
Loved the whole series of books. I loved following there journey to love and family. God is good. Would love more
Loved the whole series of books. I loved following there journey to love and family. God is good. Would love more
January 29, 2018
I would give this a 3.5 Star rating. I really liked the ending.
February 18, 2018
True Commitment
The evolution of a good marriage and what it takes to achieve trust and overcome many obstacles. With a happy ending.
The evolution of a good marriage and what it takes to achieve trust and overcome many obstacles. With a happy ending.
March 21, 2018
Wonderful
I loved the Christian theme and enjoyed the character’s love for one another. It was beautifully written and captured my interest
I loved the Christian theme and enjoyed the character’s love for one another. It was beautifully written and captured my interest
April 29, 2018
Great series
I have read all 4 books of this "Plain Fame" series. This story was a great change from most of the Amish books that I have read.
I have read all 4 books of this "Plain Fame" series. This story was a great change from most of the Amish books that I have read.
May 29, 2018
Plain choice is another wonderful read in the series!
Another wonderful book in this series. I highly recommend reading it! The melding of Amish and English life is wonderful.
Another wonderful book in this series. I highly recommend reading it! The melding of Amish and English life is wonderful.
June 4, 2020
Love Endures
Amanda and Anna become wonderful Mammas to Izzy along with the sad ups and downs of the lives of the Viper group.
Amanda and Anna become wonderful Mammas to Izzy along with the sad ups and downs of the lives of the Viper group.
December 12, 2020
Overall worth the journey, but spent the whole series wanting to shake some of the characters and open their eyes. The foundation of the story and characters made me continue reading.
December 27, 2018
Audio book review.
This story follows our endearing couple once again as they struggle to balance a simple life with a crazy chaotic public life. Alejandro continues to pile too much on his own plate and rely too much on Amanda's image to boost their popularity, and Amanda is thrust more and more into the spotlight. She finds out that she also has a celebrity status, and people recognize her all over the world. Slowly she's allowing her mind to accept that she can do good things in a position of power. I like her innocent approach to fame.
There comes a breaking point, and Alejandro and Amanda have to come to an agreement about what they want out of their marriage. Overall, a very good wrap-up to the series. It has a sweet happy ending, just as you'd expect. I would definitely recommend this series if you don't mind the stereotypical religious view of what a marriage should be.
This story follows our endearing couple once again as they struggle to balance a simple life with a crazy chaotic public life. Alejandro continues to pile too much on his own plate and rely too much on Amanda's image to boost their popularity, and Amanda is thrust more and more into the spotlight. She finds out that she also has a celebrity status, and people recognize her all over the world. Slowly she's allowing her mind to accept that she can do good things in a position of power. I like her innocent approach to fame.
There comes a breaking point, and Alejandro and Amanda have to come to an agreement about what they want out of their marriage. Overall, a very good wrap-up to the series. It has a sweet happy ending, just as you'd expect. I would definitely recommend this series if you don't mind the stereotypical religious view of what a marriage should be.
March 3, 2017
Wonderful Series
I just finished reading all five books in the Plain Fame Series. Each book flowed effortlessly from one to the next. Theses were not your typical Amish stories as this series was a blend of Amish and the World. But, Ms. Price made it work!! She skillfully blended both worlds. I truly enjoyed the story!
I just finished reading all five books in the Plain Fame Series. Each book flowed effortlessly from one to the next. Theses were not your typical Amish stories as this series was a blend of Amish and the World. But, Ms. Price made it work!! She skillfully blended both worlds. I truly enjoyed the story!
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