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Plainly Maryland #1
Plain Haven
Lilly Brandt was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now she is running for her life—straight into a small, obscure Amish community in Southern Maryland. Now as Hannah Kurtz, she knows she won’t be staying in Cherry Hill long enough to form any attachments, but she hadn’t counted on meeting and being attracted to the kind, young man with the amazing blue eyes.
Jacob Beiler, a skilled young furniture maker, has made a vow of his own. After being jilted by the girl he trusted right before he was about to propose, he decides to focus strictly on honing his craft and guarding his heart from any future injury. When Hannah Kurtz enters his world, she drops into his mending heart as well. Against his better judgement, he allows himself to care again and to trust another woman.
When the Amish community discovers Hannah is not really Amish and that she is not even Hannah Kurtz, Jacob feels betrayed yet again. Will he be able to forgive Hannah’s necessary deception, or will he walk away from love forever?
Jacob Beiler, a skilled young furniture maker, has made a vow of his own. After being jilted by the girl he trusted right before he was about to propose, he decides to focus strictly on honing his craft and guarding his heart from any future injury. When Hannah Kurtz enters his world, she drops into his mending heart as well. Against his better judgement, he allows himself to care again and to trust another woman.
When the Amish community discovers Hannah is not really Amish and that she is not even Hannah Kurtz, Jacob feels betrayed yet again. Will he be able to forgive Hannah’s necessary deception, or will he walk away from love forever?
- GenresAmish
ebook
Published May 15, 2017
8 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Susan Lantz Simpson
24 books96 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Susan Lantz Simpson has been writing stories and poetry ever since she penned her first poem at the age of six. She has always loved the magic of words and how they can entertain and enlighten others. Her love of words and books led her to earn a degree in English/Education. She has taught students from Prekindergarten to high school and has also worked as an editor for the federal government. She also holds a degree in nursing and has worked in hospitals and in community health. She writes inspirational stories of love and faith and has published a middle-grade novel (Ginger and the Bully) in addition to her inspirational romances (Plainly Maryland Series and Southern Maryland Amish Romances Series). Her novella, The Christmas Fudge Miracle is included in the USA Today Bestseller Amish Christmas Miracles Collection. She was a finalist in the OCW Cascade fiction contest. She is a member of ACFW. She lives in Maryland and is the mother of two wonderful daughters. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, walking, and doing needlework.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 15, 2017
Was that another creepy note from him? What was that creak on the stairs? Was that bicyclist following the buggy she is in? Unfortunately librarian,Lilly Brandt is totally in the wrong place at the wrong time. While doing her daily ten mile jog she happens upon some men dumping a body. Hoping they don't see her and that she can hide behind a tree until they leave,luck just doesn't happen to be with her. After going to the police for protection she is put in the witness protection program. Given a new name and identification she is sent to live with an Amish family and basically become Amish. Despite her being nervous about being able to pull off being Amish she seems to assimilate pretty well and doesn't arouse suspicion among the Amish in the community that she isn't Amish After telling them she suffered a head injury and has trouble remembering certain things about Amish living they take it in stride and help by giving her instructions on how to perform Amish tasks like canning and making Amish meals. A certain Amish man even is smitten with her but wary of getting in a new relationship when his last one failed due to her not being truthful. He values truthfulness above all else. If he only knew she wasn't who she said she was would he still want anything to do with her? After a teacher leaves to get married she becomes the communities new school teacher. At a get together the bishop and school board pull her aside to ask a few questions and she feels her whole world come crashing down around her. When the bishop says he can't find any info about her from any of the Pennsylvania districts she knows she will more than likely be forced to leave the community and her teaching job. With emotion she tells the truth about why she is there and that she wants to stay and become Amish.
The ending was not what I expected and this book held my attention captive as I could hardly put the book down. This new to me author is high on my list. I'll definitely be looking out for more from her!
Pub Date 08 May 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Vinspire Publishing, LLC for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
The ending was not what I expected and this book held my attention captive as I could hardly put the book down. This new to me author is high on my list. I'll definitely be looking out for more from her!
Pub Date 08 May 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Vinspire Publishing, LLC for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 24, 2017
Wow! Plain Haven is that good!
Lilly Brandt, a children"s librarian, is out jogging and witnesses a crime. The criminals saw her. She ran from them but dropped her id. She ran to the police station. She learned the criminals she saw were very dangerous and that her life is now in danger. She has to take on a new identity and enters the Amish community in Southern Maryland. She has a new name and has been taught the basics of how to blend into this community. Once there, Hannah (formerly Lilly), finds peace and a sense of belonging that she has not known. She also meets Jacob, an Amish man with big blue eyes. Hannah and Jacob begin to see one another and feelings begin to run deep. But Hannah is not who she is pretending to be and Jacob will only accept a woman who values honesty.
Hannah begins to be the community's school teacher and feels safe. However she begins to receive notes at various times and at various places. She also sees a bicyclist with a red hat that seems to be following her. When the community learns Hannah does not have the history she claims to have, they have to decide whether or not to accept her into their community. Jacob also has to learn whether or not he can forgive Hannah's dishonesty. And, Hannah's life is still in danger.
I love Amish fiction and suspense and this book combines them. It is so well written and the characters are so well developed. It is completely worthy of all five stars.
Lilly Brandt, a children"s librarian, is out jogging and witnesses a crime. The criminals saw her. She ran from them but dropped her id. She ran to the police station. She learned the criminals she saw were very dangerous and that her life is now in danger. She has to take on a new identity and enters the Amish community in Southern Maryland. She has a new name and has been taught the basics of how to blend into this community. Once there, Hannah (formerly Lilly), finds peace and a sense of belonging that she has not known. She also meets Jacob, an Amish man with big blue eyes. Hannah and Jacob begin to see one another and feelings begin to run deep. But Hannah is not who she is pretending to be and Jacob will only accept a woman who values honesty.
Hannah begins to be the community's school teacher and feels safe. However she begins to receive notes at various times and at various places. She also sees a bicyclist with a red hat that seems to be following her. When the community learns Hannah does not have the history she claims to have, they have to decide whether or not to accept her into their community. Jacob also has to learn whether or not he can forgive Hannah's dishonesty. And, Hannah's life is still in danger.
I love Amish fiction and suspense and this book combines them. It is so well written and the characters are so well developed. It is completely worthy of all five stars.
July 13, 2017
When librarian , Lilly Brandt witnesses a crime in her hometown, her only option is to go into hiding. The criminals in question will stop at nothing to find Lilly and make sure she can't identify them. When the authorities decide to send Lilly into witness protection within an Amish community in Southern Maryland, it's not only a shock to her system, but a whole way of life. Trying to fit in is a work in progress and any mess up could cost her as well as those around her.
With the requisite name change and lessons on how to be plain, Lilly, AKA Hannah Kurtz begins her stay in Cherry Hill where she stays with an Amish family who are happy to have her there. As a guest at Rebecca and Samuel Hertzel, Hannah becomes an integral member of their lively household where she not only helps with the children, but takes some stress off the pregnant Rebecca.
Jake Beiler is an Amish man nursing a broken heart. When he discovers the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with turned her back on the Amish, he vows to never fall in love again. Meeting the fascinating Hannah Kurtz changes all that when the two begin a friendship that quickly morphs into something deeper. But Hannah is really not Amish and the closer she gets to these people, the more she may be putting them in danger. The only thing is, everyday it's harder to keep herself at a distance and being in Jake's company makes her yearn for something she cannot have...or can she?
PLAIN HAVEN by Susan Lantz Simpson is a wonderfully written book that sucked me right in, beginning with page 1.The entire atmosphere is electric, between the imminent danger Lilly is in and the way she takes to life in Cherry Hill. I simply couldn't put this book down and I am anxious to read more by this talented author.
With the requisite name change and lessons on how to be plain, Lilly, AKA Hannah Kurtz begins her stay in Cherry Hill where she stays with an Amish family who are happy to have her there. As a guest at Rebecca and Samuel Hertzel, Hannah becomes an integral member of their lively household where she not only helps with the children, but takes some stress off the pregnant Rebecca.
Jake Beiler is an Amish man nursing a broken heart. When he discovers the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with turned her back on the Amish, he vows to never fall in love again. Meeting the fascinating Hannah Kurtz changes all that when the two begin a friendship that quickly morphs into something deeper. But Hannah is really not Amish and the closer she gets to these people, the more she may be putting them in danger. The only thing is, everyday it's harder to keep herself at a distance and being in Jake's company makes her yearn for something she cannot have...or can she?
PLAIN HAVEN by Susan Lantz Simpson is a wonderfully written book that sucked me right in, beginning with page 1.The entire atmosphere is electric, between the imminent danger Lilly is in and the way she takes to life in Cherry Hill. I simply couldn't put this book down and I am anxious to read more by this talented author.
August 16, 2017
I was intrigued when I first learned of this book, as its set in Maryland and the story takes place in Amish community that I’m very familiar with.
I think I was more curious as to what the author could base even one book, let alone an entire series on in this tiny community. I’m so glad that I was curious because this book is pretty awesome!
This book has the perfect blend of suspense and Amish fiction. The author crafted strong believable characters and an interesting storyline. I loved Lilly/Hannah and admired her strength and courage. There were a few times when I was on the edge of my seat as she spots the man on the bike who seems to be following her. I adored the family that she stayed with and how she helped them as much as they were helping her.
Jake is a character that had my heart from the beginning. He’s trying to forget about the woman who left the Amish community and shattered his dreams. When he and Hannah become friends, I wasn’t too sure how he would handle finding out that she isn’t really who she pretends to be.
We all have decisions to make in life and Hannah has to grapple with one that will change her life completely.
Plain Haven has a plot that is engaging and moves at a great pace. I had a hard time putting this book down. If you like Amish fiction or are looking for a new author, I recommend Plain Haven. I am eagerly anticipating the second book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and have given my honest opinion.
I think I was more curious as to what the author could base even one book, let alone an entire series on in this tiny community. I’m so glad that I was curious because this book is pretty awesome!
This book has the perfect blend of suspense and Amish fiction. The author crafted strong believable characters and an interesting storyline. I loved Lilly/Hannah and admired her strength and courage. There were a few times when I was on the edge of my seat as she spots the man on the bike who seems to be following her. I adored the family that she stayed with and how she helped them as much as they were helping her.
Jake is a character that had my heart from the beginning. He’s trying to forget about the woman who left the Amish community and shattered his dreams. When he and Hannah become friends, I wasn’t too sure how he would handle finding out that she isn’t really who she pretends to be.
We all have decisions to make in life and Hannah has to grapple with one that will change her life completely.
Plain Haven has a plot that is engaging and moves at a great pace. I had a hard time putting this book down. If you like Amish fiction or are looking for a new author, I recommend Plain Haven. I am eagerly anticipating the second book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and have given my honest opinion.
June 28, 2017
I fell in love with the story from the first page, and it kept me reading late into the night.
The author developed a great concept of hiding a witness in Amish country, no that is not new, but she did such a great job of immersing Hannah, aka Lilly, into the culture, that you sometimes forgot that she really wasn’t Amish.
Hannah is a gentle kind soul, that is now really running for her life because she witnessed a body being thrown, so from evil, she has found peace, or so she hopes. Then we meet Jacob who is now smitten with Hannah, but she isn’t really Amish, is he about to be thrown for a loop again?
I really hated this story to come to an end, I wanted to move in with Rebecca and become a member of this family, and I loved the children!
I received this book through NetGalley and Vinspire Publishing, LLC, and was not required to give a positive review.
The author developed a great concept of hiding a witness in Amish country, no that is not new, but she did such a great job of immersing Hannah, aka Lilly, into the culture, that you sometimes forgot that she really wasn’t Amish.
Hannah is a gentle kind soul, that is now really running for her life because she witnessed a body being thrown, so from evil, she has found peace, or so she hopes. Then we meet Jacob who is now smitten with Hannah, but she isn’t really Amish, is he about to be thrown for a loop again?
I really hated this story to come to an end, I wanted to move in with Rebecca and become a member of this family, and I loved the children!
I received this book through NetGalley and Vinspire Publishing, LLC, and was not required to give a positive review.
June 19, 2017
Good Book. Enjoyed that the setting is in St Mary's County and the Amish life. Fast read.
April 7, 2018
In plain clothes
I really liked this book it kept you wanting to read more from this series. I read the " the Promise " first and it was also excellent
I really liked this book it kept you wanting to read more from this series. I read the " the Promise " first and it was also excellent
June 30, 2017
Plain Haven by Susan Lantz Simpson is the first book in the Plainly Maryland series. Lilly Brandt is out on her morning jog when she notices two men pulling a body out of truck. She ducks behind a tree and watches them dump the person. Unfortunately, one of the men sees Lilly and she is forced to run for her life. Lilly’s shirt advertises the library where she works as a children’s librarian. At the police station, Lilly is informed that the only way they can protect is for her to go away. Lilly becomes Hannah Kurtz, an Amish woman from Pennsylvania. Hannah will be staying with Rebecca and Samuel Hertzler and their four children in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. She will have to stay in the community until the police catch the men after her. It is a new world for Hannah without computers, cell phones, and modern appliances. She slowly adapts and enjoys the slower pace. Jake Beiler is a carpenter who is recovering from a broken heart. He has vowed not to fall in love again, but then he meets Hannah. The two are attracted to each from the moment they meet. Then Hannah’s secret is revealed and her new family and friends feel betrayed. Can Hannah continue to risk the lives of her friends? Will the villains ever be caught? To see how the story ends, get your copy of Plain Haven.
Plain Haven is well-written and an engaging story. The story has a good pace, and I liked figuring out the little clues (the pieces of papers left for Hannah). I liked the characters and the setting of St. Mary’s County, Maryland. I have not read an Amish book set in that area. We get to see Lilly/Hannah adapt to life in an Amish community. It is like stepping back in time to when women cooked three meals a day (no microwave or take out), did laundry with wringer washing machines (they should be banned from existence), hanging clothes on the line to dry, growing vegetables, and using a horse and buggy for transportation. It is good to read about, but I would not want to experience it. Lilly/Hannah finds a community of friends and family. I do wish the suspense element had been ramped up a little bit. It would have made for a more intriguing story. The romance portion needed to be toned down (just a little bit. It felt a little fake in the beginning). I am giving Plain Haven 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The Christian themes throughout the story are trusting in God, the power of prayer and having a strong faith are prevalent throughout the book. Plain Haven is a lovely, heartwarming novel that captured and held my attention. I will be reading the next book in the Plainly Maryland series.
Plain Haven is well-written and an engaging story. The story has a good pace, and I liked figuring out the little clues (the pieces of papers left for Hannah). I liked the characters and the setting of St. Mary’s County, Maryland. I have not read an Amish book set in that area. We get to see Lilly/Hannah adapt to life in an Amish community. It is like stepping back in time to when women cooked three meals a day (no microwave or take out), did laundry with wringer washing machines (they should be banned from existence), hanging clothes on the line to dry, growing vegetables, and using a horse and buggy for transportation. It is good to read about, but I would not want to experience it. Lilly/Hannah finds a community of friends and family. I do wish the suspense element had been ramped up a little bit. It would have made for a more intriguing story. The romance portion needed to be toned down (just a little bit. It felt a little fake in the beginning). I am giving Plain Haven 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The Christian themes throughout the story are trusting in God, the power of prayer and having a strong faith are prevalent throughout the book. Plain Haven is a lovely, heartwarming novel that captured and held my attention. I will be reading the next book in the Plainly Maryland series.
November 8, 2018
Great book and pretty different then most amish stories I have read. It is about a young woman who witness some serious crime and is hide in an amish community. She learns all about the amish lifestyle and meet lovely people out there. But what if the found out about her past. And is she completely safe out there??
Great book, nice writing style and what it makes a great book for me was the “fear” in this book. You just want to know if Hannah stay safe or not!
Great book, nice writing style and what it makes a great book for me was the “fear” in this book. You just want to know if Hannah stay safe or not!
August 3, 2018
Delightful quick read
Enjoyed reading this tale centered around my locality and a group of people who make their home here. With the thread of danger woven throughout, the gentle yet strict society provides great contrast and tension for the reader.
Enjoyed reading this tale centered around my locality and a group of people who make their home here. With the thread of danger woven throughout, the gentle yet strict society provides great contrast and tension for the reader.
July 21, 2018
I loved this book!! great story!! 1st time reading this author!! will read more of her books!!
August 6, 2018
Good read, This was my first time with this author. I loved the flow of the story and great contrast, strong characters keep this story moving along.
May 28, 2019
Such a great book about Amish life with a good message.
October 19, 2021
This a wonderful book of light suspense, friendship, acceptance and love
February 23, 2022
OWN ON KINDLE
March 26, 2019
Plain Haven (Plainly Maryland, Book 1)
: Susan Lantz Simpson
This is a sweet, clean romance with more than the listener could want. The characters all have their own personalities that interact well with each other. It kept me hanging on to the end to see what would happen.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed by Amy Deuchler.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
: Susan Lantz Simpson
This is a sweet, clean romance with more than the listener could want. The characters all have their own personalities that interact well with each other. It kept me hanging on to the end to see what would happen.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed by Amy Deuchler.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 28, 2017
Plain Haven is the first book Susan Lantz Simpson has written in her series Plainly Maryland. Susan is a new author to me and I was apprehensive if I would enjoy her book. I more than enjoyed it! The storyline is simply amazing I loved the suspense which builds thru out the book. Finding a place to put this book down was difficult.
The characters chosen for this book were believable and well thought out. The main character starts out as Lilly but ends up as Hannah and when you find out how this happens you will be hooked on this book too! Hannah goes thru alot of changes not only in name but appearances, personalty, and lifestyle but she handles all the changes with grace. The thing that really bothers Hannah the most is the lies she has to tell and she worries if they will cause harm to the friends she has made.
The author has a wonderful writing style and has researched this topic in order to write this amazing story. All the qualities that I look for in a book that I would highly recommend to others have been fulfilled in every way. If you love to read the Amish genre with love and suspense you will enjoy this book.
I was not given an advanced copy of this book to read and review. All the. statements and opinions expressed are strictly my own. I have rated this book with five stars and I will be anticipating the next book in this series.
Congratulations to Susan Lantz Simpson on delivering an exciting book for readers to enjoy from cover to cover.
The characters chosen for this book were believable and well thought out. The main character starts out as Lilly but ends up as Hannah and when you find out how this happens you will be hooked on this book too! Hannah goes thru alot of changes not only in name but appearances, personalty, and lifestyle but she handles all the changes with grace. The thing that really bothers Hannah the most is the lies she has to tell and she worries if they will cause harm to the friends she has made.
The author has a wonderful writing style and has researched this topic in order to write this amazing story. All the qualities that I look for in a book that I would highly recommend to others have been fulfilled in every way. If you love to read the Amish genre with love and suspense you will enjoy this book.
I was not given an advanced copy of this book to read and review. All the. statements and opinions expressed are strictly my own. I have rated this book with five stars and I will be anticipating the next book in this series.
Congratulations to Susan Lantz Simpson on delivering an exciting book for readers to enjoy from cover to cover.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews