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Daughters of the Promise #1
Plain Perfect
A search for peace in Amish country proves anything but simple for a woman on the run from life...and herself.
On the rolling plains of Lancaster County, PA., Lillian Miller is searching for her grandparents' house...and so much more. After years of neglect and abuse, she's turning to a lifestyle of simplicity among the Amish to find herself.
As she discards the distractions of her former life, she befriends the young boy working on her family's farm, and his attractive widowed father, Samuel Stoltzfus. Despite Lillian's best efforts to the contrary, her feelings for Samuel--and his for her--deepen. Will Lillian find her faith in Plain living, or will she be forced to return to her former life?
"What makes life perfect? For many, the pursuit of a 'perfect life' can lead to disappointment. At the very heart of humans, the perfect life is one of peace and contentment.Beth Wiseman pens a tale of a woman's search for peace. The pursuit takes Lillian to an unlikely location--her mother's Amish birthplace. But the lifestyle of these Plain, honest people turns Lillian's heart upside-down. For a sweet journey toward faith, enjoy readingPlain Perfect." -Kim Vogel Sawyer
On the rolling plains of Lancaster County, PA., Lillian Miller is searching for her grandparents' house...and so much more. After years of neglect and abuse, she's turning to a lifestyle of simplicity among the Amish to find herself.
As she discards the distractions of her former life, she befriends the young boy working on her family's farm, and his attractive widowed father, Samuel Stoltzfus. Despite Lillian's best efforts to the contrary, her feelings for Samuel--and his for her--deepen. Will Lillian find her faith in Plain living, or will she be forced to return to her former life?
"What makes life perfect? For many, the pursuit of a 'perfect life' can lead to disappointment. At the very heart of humans, the perfect life is one of peace and contentment.Beth Wiseman pens a tale of a woman's search for peace. The pursuit takes Lillian to an unlikely location--her mother's Amish birthplace. But the lifestyle of these Plain, honest people turns Lillian's heart upside-down. For a sweet journey toward faith, enjoy readingPlain Perfect." -Kim Vogel Sawyer
305 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 2008
182 people are currently reading
3659 people want to read
About the author
Beth Wiseman
136 books1,424 followers"I wish I had the time to review books and chat with you here, but my writing deadlines just don't allow it. Please like my Fans of Beth Wiseman Page on Facebook where I try to post any news and interact with readers."
Beth is the best-selling and award winning author of the Daughters of the Promise series - Plain Perfect, Plain Pursuit, Plain Promise, Plain Paradise, and Plain Proposal. She is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Her other series--the Land of Canaan Novels--begins with Seek Me With All Your Heart, then The Wonder of Your Love and now, His Love Endures Forever. Seek Me With All Your Heart is the first Amish fiction book selected as a Women of Faith novel in 2011. Beth has also written three contemporary Christian fiction novels, Need You Now published in 2012 and The House That Love Built in 2013. In The Promise, (2014) Beth jumps way outside the box. This story takes readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by a true story, Beth believes this is the book she’s been working toward for a long time. 2015 brings Beth back to the Pennsylvania Amish with her new series, Amish Secrets. She is currently working on book #2 following much success with book #1, Her Brother's Keeper.
You can also follow Beth on Twitter: @BethWiseman
Beth is the best-selling and award winning author of the Daughters of the Promise series - Plain Perfect, Plain Pursuit, Plain Promise, Plain Paradise, and Plain Proposal. She is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Her other series--the Land of Canaan Novels--begins with Seek Me With All Your Heart, then The Wonder of Your Love and now, His Love Endures Forever. Seek Me With All Your Heart is the first Amish fiction book selected as a Women of Faith novel in 2011. Beth has also written three contemporary Christian fiction novels, Need You Now published in 2012 and The House That Love Built in 2013. In The Promise, (2014) Beth jumps way outside the box. This story takes readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by a true story, Beth believes this is the book she’s been working toward for a long time. 2015 brings Beth back to the Pennsylvania Amish with her new series, Amish Secrets. She is currently working on book #2 following much success with book #1, Her Brother's Keeper.
You can also follow Beth on Twitter: @BethWiseman
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
January 17, 2016
I adored this book. It is so refreshing to read a romance book that isn't full of lust and sex. This one is just wonderful. In this book, Lillian comes to visit her grandparents searching for peace that she desperately needs. While there, she meets Samuel, and falls in love with not only him, but also the simple lifestyle that the Amish people lead. Her journey into self-realization is very heartfelt and I love how she comes to forgive those who have hurt her. This book did a lot to heal my unforgiving heart.
April 9, 2021
This is a Christian Amish Fiction, and this is the first book in the Daughters of the Promise series. The beginning was not that good, and it took me a little bit to get into the book. After I got into the book I really enjoyed the book. There was so much put into this book (death, joining the church, wedding, and so much more). I cannot wait to read more by Beth Wiseman. (*)
April 10, 2011
With so many other Amish books that I own and need to read, I hadn't thought about checking out the work of Beth Wiseman until a friend leant me this book. Picking it up one evening when I was feeling under the weather and wanting to read a "real" book rather than something on my Kindle, I found myself pleasantly surprised. I almost devoured this book in an entire evening, unable to put it down. Lillian was a hilarious character, constantly putting her foot in her mouth whenever she claimed that she wanted to find "peace" amongst the Amish, and insisting that she'd manage fine because she knows how to cook! I loved that Beth had created such an unconventional, flawed heroine. Even though I couldn't entirely relate to her problems (nor her immaturity, that on any other character would have annoyed me) I wanted to keep reading about her because she was so entertaining.
The other characters in the novel were incredibly endearing, from the vastly different grandparents - the grandfather who saw the good in everyone and spoke his mind, and the grandmother who was still hurting from the loss of her daughter - to Samuel and his sweet son - who couldn't help but hope that Lillian would become his new mother. I even liked Lillian's "rival", who ended up being her friend. It was sweet to witness Lillian and Samuel unintentionally falling in love with each other, showing the readers how people from such vastly different backgrounds can find comfort in each other.
While I can sometimes be wary of conversion-to-the-Amish plotlines, Lillian's visit to Lancaster County made sense in that her mother had left the Amish as a teen, and both of them had subconsciously yearned to return there. I would have to say that Lillian's acceptance of the Amish ways wasn't entirely convincing, and that's why I'd give this book 9/10 rather than 10/10. At one point, she questioned why Amish women should be subservient to their husbands and she wasn't satisfied with her grandmother's answer - but this was never brought up again. I personally feel like Lillian would have needed a lot more convincing to join the Amish lifestyle, especially when it came to accepting "God's will" about bad situations. This is probably the part that I had the most difficulty with in this book. Even as a Christian, I don't believe it's "God's will" for bad things to happen - but I do believe it is His will for good things to come out of bad situations. But calling the death of a young woman from cancer "God's will" suggests that God intended for her to die - and I don't think this is the way it is at all. Lillian struggled with this also, but she seemed to finally accept it in the end but it was never really explained. I felt like too much was spent dwelling on the idea of "God's will" and it left me feeling a bit uncomfortable.
Despite my minor struggles with this book, I did really enjoy it. When a sudden tragedy struck Lillian's family near the end of the book I actually had tears in my eyes, which made me realise how attached I'd become to these characters. While the plot may have been rather predictable, the characters were far from conventional and I'd definitely recommend this book to fans of Amish fiction of the likes of Amy Clipston, Barbara Cameron, Vannetta Chapman and Kelly Long. I'm excited to get on to the next book and see where Beth takes our characters next. 9/10
The other characters in the novel were incredibly endearing, from the vastly different grandparents - the grandfather who saw the good in everyone and spoke his mind, and the grandmother who was still hurting from the loss of her daughter - to Samuel and his sweet son - who couldn't help but hope that Lillian would become his new mother. I even liked Lillian's "rival", who ended up being her friend. It was sweet to witness Lillian and Samuel unintentionally falling in love with each other, showing the readers how people from such vastly different backgrounds can find comfort in each other.
While I can sometimes be wary of conversion-to-the-Amish plotlines, Lillian's visit to Lancaster County made sense in that her mother had left the Amish as a teen, and both of them had subconsciously yearned to return there. I would have to say that Lillian's acceptance of the Amish ways wasn't entirely convincing, and that's why I'd give this book 9/10 rather than 10/10. At one point, she questioned why Amish women should be subservient to their husbands and she wasn't satisfied with her grandmother's answer - but this was never brought up again. I personally feel like Lillian would have needed a lot more convincing to join the Amish lifestyle, especially when it came to accepting "God's will" about bad situations. This is probably the part that I had the most difficulty with in this book. Even as a Christian, I don't believe it's "God's will" for bad things to happen - but I do believe it is His will for good things to come out of bad situations. But calling the death of a young woman from cancer "God's will" suggests that God intended for her to die - and I don't think this is the way it is at all. Lillian struggled with this also, but she seemed to finally accept it in the end but it was never really explained. I felt like too much was spent dwelling on the idea of "God's will" and it left me feeling a bit uncomfortable.
Despite my minor struggles with this book, I did really enjoy it. When a sudden tragedy struck Lillian's family near the end of the book I actually had tears in my eyes, which made me realise how attached I'd become to these characters. While the plot may have been rather predictable, the characters were far from conventional and I'd definitely recommend this book to fans of Amish fiction of the likes of Amy Clipston, Barbara Cameron, Vannetta Chapman and Kelly Long. I'm excited to get on to the next book and see where Beth takes our characters next. 9/10
November 14, 2011
This was a fun, quick read. It is my first book with an Amish story/setting, and while I liked that aspect of it, I just didn't care too much for the main character. She was just a bit immature for her age. She was in her late 20's and acted more like someone my age or even younger. Her view of how easily she could adapt to the Amish way of life was a bit unrealistic. There was a definite charm to her, which I liked, and I probably would have found her character more believable if she was a bit younger.
The story itself was very sweet, and although the plot was had some predictable aspects, I would have been disappointed had it turned out any other way. There was a lot of talk about God's will, and how believing that was a huge part of the Amish way of life. Lily seemed to question it, but at the same time, her baptism into the Amish community seemed like it came a bit too easily. It seemed that there was a lot of skimming the surface of certain questions, but they were never fully brought up.
The secondary characters were quite good. I liked Lily's grandparents and also Samuel and his son. Honestly, the relationship between Lily and Samuel's son felt more genuine than anything else. There was a bit of a tragic twist at the end that I really wasn't expecting, and while it was sad, it flowed well into the end of the book.
Being my first try with an Amish book, I wasn't sure what to expect. I definitely wouldn't mind reading the next books in this series. Overall it was a light, enjoyable read.
The story itself was very sweet, and although the plot was had some predictable aspects, I would have been disappointed had it turned out any other way. There was a lot of talk about God's will, and how believing that was a huge part of the Amish way of life. Lily seemed to question it, but at the same time, her baptism into the Amish community seemed like it came a bit too easily. It seemed that there was a lot of skimming the surface of certain questions, but they were never fully brought up.
The secondary characters were quite good. I liked Lily's grandparents and also Samuel and his son. Honestly, the relationship between Lily and Samuel's son felt more genuine than anything else. There was a bit of a tragic twist at the end that I really wasn't expecting, and while it was sad, it flowed well into the end of the book.
Being my first try with an Amish book, I wasn't sure what to expect. I definitely wouldn't mind reading the next books in this series. Overall it was a light, enjoyable read.
April 30, 2011
In her series of about Amish, Daughters of the Promise, Beth Wiseman gives us a look into the lifestyles of the Plain and Simple. With clarity of writing, Ms. Wiseman draws the reader into the Amish community, its pleasures and its problems. In “Plain Perfect,” the reader learns how the magnetic pull of Amish peace and tranquility reaches out to a young woman searching for her roots and something more. Ms. Wiseman manages to achieve a balance between the Amish beliefs and lifestyle and the way they are viewed by “the English,” without idealizing or demeaning their creed and rules they live by.
May 22, 2009
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Plain Perfect. Although I read the second book in this series, Plain Pursuit, first, reading the books out of order didn't diminish my enjoyement. Wiseman has developed wonderful characters, my favorite being Grandpa. She also does a great job of explaining Amish beliefs and traditions, and I learned a few things as I read the story. Plain Perfect is a CBA bestseller for a reason--it's a lovely novel, and a must read for all Amish fiction fans.
May 21, 2011
I am a person that loves Amish fiction and while "Plain Perfect" was enjoyable, a part of me couldn't really get into the story. I thought the characters were underdeveloped and that the story line was predictable. The Amish books by Marta Perry, Amy Clipston and Beverly Lewis are much more enjoyable and very well written. I still plan to read the rest of a "Daughter of Promise" series, but if you are someone who only reads a few books I wouldn't recommend this one.
June 23, 2009
This was the first book I'd read by her. I've read a lot of good books lately, and this was one excelled! I loved how everything ended. Some books seem like the author was rushed at the end of the book, but this was not, very well thought out, like it was all planned out before writing commenced. I highly recommend this story if you like Amish stories.
May 28, 2009
I absolutely loved this book and reviewed it on my blog. Maybe I'll paste it here. I had never read Amish fiction before, and I was more than pleasantly surprised by the story. I didn't even expect that an Amish story would have anywhere to go. Loved it!
Okay...my review:
Plain Perfect is described on the cover as a "sweet journey of faith." I agree. I was unsure how I would feel about reading an "Amish" story. I wondered would it be like "Little House in the Prairie" with darker clothes and a lot of ya's thrown in for good measure. Either way I was planning on a reading adventure which is how I feel when I read something that is pretty new to me.
Lillian Miller is our heroine, and she has pretty much had it with the lifestyle she has grown up in. She wants a simpler life without complications. She has Amish grandparents, and decides to stay with them and basically be Amish for a while. This is really kind of cute and naive. Of course one cannot be Amish for a while and really be Amish. You can't be any sort of religion for a while. It isn't that she isn't sincere in her desire to have a different life. She just hasn't really latched on to the fact that God is pursuing her for a relationship with him.
Lillian stays with her grandparents Jonas and Irma Rose and slowly learns the Amish life. First it is really all about helping her grandmother, because she sees how hard her grandma works at home with helping her grandpa who has cancer. She offers the one talent she has...cooking. Soon though Lillian begins to learn so much more about life on this farm and life of an Amish woman. She still clings to some of her "Englisch" ways, but in time her desire to really know God and really make some changes in her life grows stronger and Lillian turns to Irma Rose for instruction in the "Ordnung" which is really almost all passed along to the young verbally.
Watching Lillian change and develop is sweet. Witnessing her relationship with her grandparents is heartwarming as is her friendship with neighbor Samuel and his son David. Lillian has a soft heart and a warm spirit. She is a character that you want to see happy. I am not going to give this story away, but let me tell you...it is good! I even found myself shedding a wee tear or two. I wish I could tell you when! I would and do highly recommend Plain Perfect. It is really great.
Here is a little bonus too: Beth Wiseman included some definitions of Amish words seen in the book, and there are also some recipes at the end. I have had Shoo Fly pie before, and I probably wouldn't want to make it (too sweet for my taste), but I am definitely interested in making the Rhubarb Pie!
Okay...my review:
Plain Perfect is described on the cover as a "sweet journey of faith." I agree. I was unsure how I would feel about reading an "Amish" story. I wondered would it be like "Little House in the Prairie" with darker clothes and a lot of ya's thrown in for good measure. Either way I was planning on a reading adventure which is how I feel when I read something that is pretty new to me.
Lillian Miller is our heroine, and she has pretty much had it with the lifestyle she has grown up in. She wants a simpler life without complications. She has Amish grandparents, and decides to stay with them and basically be Amish for a while. This is really kind of cute and naive. Of course one cannot be Amish for a while and really be Amish. You can't be any sort of religion for a while. It isn't that she isn't sincere in her desire to have a different life. She just hasn't really latched on to the fact that God is pursuing her for a relationship with him.
Lillian stays with her grandparents Jonas and Irma Rose and slowly learns the Amish life. First it is really all about helping her grandmother, because she sees how hard her grandma works at home with helping her grandpa who has cancer. She offers the one talent she has...cooking. Soon though Lillian begins to learn so much more about life on this farm and life of an Amish woman. She still clings to some of her "Englisch" ways, but in time her desire to really know God and really make some changes in her life grows stronger and Lillian turns to Irma Rose for instruction in the "Ordnung" which is really almost all passed along to the young verbally.
Watching Lillian change and develop is sweet. Witnessing her relationship with her grandparents is heartwarming as is her friendship with neighbor Samuel and his son David. Lillian has a soft heart and a warm spirit. She is a character that you want to see happy. I am not going to give this story away, but let me tell you...it is good! I even found myself shedding a wee tear or two. I wish I could tell you when! I would and do highly recommend Plain Perfect. It is really great.
Here is a little bonus too: Beth Wiseman included some definitions of Amish words seen in the book, and there are also some recipes at the end. I have had Shoo Fly pie before, and I probably wouldn't want to make it (too sweet for my taste), but I am definitely interested in making the Rhubarb Pie!
April 30, 2012
Warning: contains spoilers.
I would give this three stars except I realize that I'm not usually a novel reader and to expect a novel to measure up to non-fiction isn't exactly fair to either genre since they are both unique. I happened across this book recently and while I can't say it's an amazing book, it is an enjoyable read that was a sweet love story.
My biggest problem with it is it seemed so predictable. I knew from the outset what was going to happen, but even so, a good writer can make a predictable story shine, and that's what Wiseman did.
Lillian needs a change in her life. She leaves her boyfriend in Texas and moves to Pennsylvania to live with her Amish grandparents. I very much enjoyed her struggle over worldly and Amish ways. I think anyone who lives in another culture struggles over how the way they do things conflict with those around them be it living in another country or living in a different culture within our own society.
As in most romance books, I found Samuel almost too charming, although cared more for his son than for Lillian during their courtship, which was commendable.
In addition to this being predictable, the other thing I wondered about it was how likely it would be that it could happen. First, few "English" come into the Amish world. I would have thought that Samuel would have taken a much longer time in courtship with Lillian especially since she did not grow up Amish, how could he be certain she would not return to the ways of the English? Although a sweet love story, I had to wonder how wise he was in choosing her as his bride.
Would I recommend this book? Only to someone who likes novels, especially Amish fiction. It's not one I would rave about to others, but it is a fun, light hearted read. Because I did enjoy this book I gave it four stars since I am not typically a fan of novels, and I feel that giving it three stars wouldn't do it justice. I read it almost straight through, so it was good, just not my usual in books!
I would give this three stars except I realize that I'm not usually a novel reader and to expect a novel to measure up to non-fiction isn't exactly fair to either genre since they are both unique. I happened across this book recently and while I can't say it's an amazing book, it is an enjoyable read that was a sweet love story.
My biggest problem with it is it seemed so predictable. I knew from the outset what was going to happen, but even so, a good writer can make a predictable story shine, and that's what Wiseman did.
Lillian needs a change in her life. She leaves her boyfriend in Texas and moves to Pennsylvania to live with her Amish grandparents. I very much enjoyed her struggle over worldly and Amish ways. I think anyone who lives in another culture struggles over how the way they do things conflict with those around them be it living in another country or living in a different culture within our own society.
As in most romance books, I found Samuel almost too charming, although cared more for his son than for Lillian during their courtship, which was commendable.
In addition to this being predictable, the other thing I wondered about it was how likely it would be that it could happen. First, few "English" come into the Amish world. I would have thought that Samuel would have taken a much longer time in courtship with Lillian especially since she did not grow up Amish, how could he be certain she would not return to the ways of the English? Although a sweet love story, I had to wonder how wise he was in choosing her as his bride.
Would I recommend this book? Only to someone who likes novels, especially Amish fiction. It's not one I would rave about to others, but it is a fun, light hearted read. Because I did enjoy this book I gave it four stars since I am not typically a fan of novels, and I feel that giving it three stars wouldn't do it justice. I read it almost straight through, so it was good, just not my usual in books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2013
I have a love hate relationship with getting sick. I love it because I wind up just lying on the couch reading all day, but I hate the fact that getting sick forces me into resting and not doing the things around the house that need doing. I've got one doozy of a cold right now, so I was able to lay down and read this book in a day, that's how good it was!
This is a story about a woman searching for faith, and finding it in the last place she expected. I enjoyed her struggle to find faith in God, and her struggles with her new lifestyle. I loved how flawed she was, with her very colorful and checkered past. Her Amish "hero" was the strong silent type, but when the chips were down, he was there when she needed him, though he often doubted her motives and their relationship. The book was well written, and left me looking to pick up the rest of the books in the series.
This is a story about a woman searching for faith, and finding it in the last place she expected. I enjoyed her struggle to find faith in God, and her struggles with her new lifestyle. I loved how flawed she was, with her very colorful and checkered past. Her Amish "hero" was the strong silent type, but when the chips were down, he was there when she needed him, though he often doubted her motives and their relationship. The book was well written, and left me looking to pick up the rest of the books in the series.
October 5, 2015
Loved it. Made me cry. Great Characters. Wonderful Writing. Lovely book of redemption. God redeeming people to himself, bringing families back together, and creating new families as well.
“Samuel and David were gone, and Sadie would be cooking for her family tonight. A combination of bitterness and despair crept through her like a virus, targeting her hear and landing in the pit of her stomach. She'd grown to love Samuel and David, and with that love came a new sense of unselfishness unfamiliar to her. How could she deny Samuel and David a life with someone who might be better for them?
“I'm trying, God. I'm trying to have faith. I'm trying to live a good life. Please help me to trust that You will provide what's best for me,” she whispered, “and for Samuel and David.” pg 144
“Samuel and David were gone, and Sadie would be cooking for her family tonight. A combination of bitterness and despair crept through her like a virus, targeting her hear and landing in the pit of her stomach. She'd grown to love Samuel and David, and with that love came a new sense of unselfishness unfamiliar to her. How could she deny Samuel and David a life with someone who might be better for them?
“I'm trying, God. I'm trying to have faith. I'm trying to live a good life. Please help me to trust that You will provide what's best for me,” she whispered, “and for Samuel and David.” pg 144
March 23, 2010
I read this one for a Christian Lit. genre study at work. It was a sweet love story. It was very enjoyable, and the characters were certainly sympathetic. There were a few things in the book I couldn't really relate to, and I have a hard time supporting stories where women are "tamed"--by men, by children, by society, or by religion--perhaps I'm just too much of an independent Yankee, but it was still enjoyable. I think Christian readers would love this one, and the setting was certainly interesting and entertaining.
August 17, 2011
This is a wonderful book! By the first chapter I was hooked. If you aren't familiar with Amish, this is a good book to start with as the main character was raised "Englisch", but ends up becoming Amish. So you can learn about the Amish right along with Lillian.
Will Lillian find the peace she's looking? How will she respond to the death of a loved one? And what part with the handsome Samuel and his son, David play in Lillian's life? Will Lillian be able to overcome her past (and her mom's mistakes) to find the peace she's longing for?
Will Lillian find the peace she's looking? How will she respond to the death of a loved one? And what part with the handsome Samuel and his son, David play in Lillian's life? Will Lillian be able to overcome her past (and her mom's mistakes) to find the peace she's longing for?
Read
September 29, 2011Lillian escapes from her abusive boyfriend, and seeks peace with her Amish grandparents. She's grown up Englisch, so she has a lot of questions. Some of her predicaments, such as "where can I plug in my cellphone?", are humorous. Amish are forbidden to marry outside the faith, so Lillian has some tough decisions to make when she falls in love with a local farmer, Samuel.
Author Beth Wiseman does an excellent job showing the Amish way of life and their faith. But most of all, she shows us the Amish as real people, with humor, failings, stress, and joy. Highly recommended!
Author Beth Wiseman does an excellent job showing the Amish way of life and their faith. But most of all, she shows us the Amish as real people, with humor, failings, stress, and joy. Highly recommended!
July 21, 2017
It's been a while since I read this book, so this isn't going to be a good review.
This book was okay.
The characters were mostly believable, the story was alright, and the writing was medium.
I didn't really like how Lillian has to become Amish to find peace, though. I wish she had found happiness in God instead of in being Amish. Also, I'm not sure if Samuel would have actually fallen for her as quickly as he did. I thought it went too fast.
That's all for right now. :D
This book was okay.
The characters were mostly believable, the story was alright, and the writing was medium.
I didn't really like how Lillian has to become Amish to find peace, though. I wish she had found happiness in God instead of in being Amish. Also, I'm not sure if Samuel would have actually fallen for her as quickly as he did. I thought it went too fast.
That's all for right now. :D
December 6, 2008
I usually turn tail and run when I see a girl in a bonnet on the cover of a book...especially an Amish one. But I read the first chapter because I was setting it up for a blog tour. I couldn't believe how much I liked it! So, even if you hate prairie or Amish books, you might enjoy this one. I finished it in record time and recommend it!
March 18, 2019
I completely fell in love with Plain Perfect. Lilian grew up outside of the Amish but her mother was raised Amish. When Lilian decides she needs a change, she goes to live with her Amish grandparents. My favorite character had to be her grandpa. He was hilarious! Overall the entire story was great and I loved how Lilian came to know God.
July 24, 2014
Predictable story, it was okay.
August 26, 2019
A welcome relief from the world. No bodice ripping. No filthy language. Just a wonderfully sweet story of what I imagine life to be like among the Plain people. They have my deepest respect.
February 2, 2020
This is a light easy read where all loose ends are neatly tied and everything works out as expected. The reason I enjoyed this book is because parts of the Amish Ordnung are discussed throughout the book as the main character, Lillian, an Englischer, learns how to become Amish. It made the story more interesting as it compared the Amish beliefs to Englischer beliefs.
October 3, 2020
Good insight into some of the Amish Ordung that I had not read or heard previously. Lillians journey seemed quick and unbelievable at times but I still enjoyed the story. A few recipes mentioned in the book are included at the back.
August 23, 2017
A wunderbaar Amish novel set in the quaint Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Beth Wiseman combines love, faith in God, friendship and family in a way that captures the reader and holds them to the very end!
Lillian Miller, trying to escape a life of lies and a relationship she doesn't need, flees to her Amish grandparents' home in Lancaster County, knowing all along that she will never fit in with her modern style. While there, she discovers truths about her past...things her mother never told her.
Samuel Stoltzfus is a young Amish widow, trying to raise his young son. He meets the young Englischer, the granddaughter of his close friends. He knows the rules of the Ordnung, but can he truly deny what he feels in his heart???
She's forced to choose between two worlds...one of lies and abuse, and one of simple, family oriented, Godly, plain living...and a life with a wunderbaar, caring man.
What will happen to Lillian and her perfect, modern life and Samuel, with his plain living? Will they face the truth of their feelings, hearts and God and become Plain Perfectin this amazing inspirational novel?
Grab some coffee and a copy of Beth's novel, sit back and enjoy this first book in a wonderful series, Daughters of the Promise! You'll be glad you did! This book truly deserves to be highly praised and I think you'll agree once you,too, have read Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman!!!!! Two thumbs up and five stars to Mrs. Wiseman!!! This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads
Lillian Miller, trying to escape a life of lies and a relationship she doesn't need, flees to her Amish grandparents' home in Lancaster County, knowing all along that she will never fit in with her modern style. While there, she discovers truths about her past...things her mother never told her.
Samuel Stoltzfus is a young Amish widow, trying to raise his young son. He meets the young Englischer, the granddaughter of his close friends. He knows the rules of the Ordnung, but can he truly deny what he feels in his heart???
She's forced to choose between two worlds...one of lies and abuse, and one of simple, family oriented, Godly, plain living...and a life with a wunderbaar, caring man.
What will happen to Lillian and her perfect, modern life and Samuel, with his plain living? Will they face the truth of their feelings, hearts and God and become Plain Perfectin this amazing inspirational novel?
Grab some coffee and a copy of Beth's novel, sit back and enjoy this first book in a wonderful series, Daughters of the Promise! You'll be glad you did! This book truly deserves to be highly praised and I think you'll agree once you,too, have read Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman!!!!! Two thumbs up and five stars to Mrs. Wiseman!!! This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads
July 26, 2018
A search for peace in the Amish country proves to be anything but simple for a woman who’s running from life, and herself. Nestled in the beauty of the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Lillian Miller is searching for her grandparents’ home when she meets handsome Amish farmer, Samuel Stoltzfus, who gives her a ride to her destination. After years of neglect and abuse, she turns to a life of simplicity, among her mother’s Amish relatives, to find herself. As she slowly adjusts to not having the modern conveniences and distractions of her old life, she befriends both Samuel, a widower, and his young son, David. She knows that there are many obstacles in the way of them ending up together, but she can’t help her deepening feelings for Samuel, or his for her. Can Lillian make the right decision for the right reasons? Can Samuel and Lillian overcome all of the obstacles between them?
I really did enjoy reading this sweet story. It was such an easy, fun read. I love Amish novels. I did, however, find it hard to believe that the church deacons and elders accepted Samuel’s and Lillian’s relationship as easily as they seemed to, but I really did enjoy the story. It was little things like this that made me rate it 3 stars instead of 4. I really did enjoy seeing Lillian mature in her faith and finally have the family that she’s always dreamed of. And I did enjoy it well enough that I’m reading book 2. I just feel like this one didn’t completely live up to its potential.
I really did enjoy reading this sweet story. It was such an easy, fun read. I love Amish novels. I did, however, find it hard to believe that the church deacons and elders accepted Samuel’s and Lillian’s relationship as easily as they seemed to, but I really did enjoy the story. It was little things like this that made me rate it 3 stars instead of 4. I really did enjoy seeing Lillian mature in her faith and finally have the family that she’s always dreamed of. And I did enjoy it well enough that I’m reading book 2. I just feel like this one didn’t completely live up to its potential.
January 10, 2018
In this first book of the Daughters of Promise series we meet Lillian Miller. Lillian is the English granddaughter of Jonas and Irma Rose. Lillian’s mother, Sarah Jane had an affair with an English man when she was a teenager. Pregnant and ashamed, she left home.
Lillian needed to get away from Rickie, the man she’d been living with. Because she knew he wouldn’t let her go, she snuck away one day while he was still at work. She barely made it though. While she was in the cab, she saw him coming home. Thank God she had escaped! She vowed she wouldn’t be like her mother going from one abusive relationship to another.
Lillian decides the best place for her to escape Rickie is in Amish country so she goes to live with her grandparents for a while. Her life changes in Lancaster County, PA with the help of Jonas, Irma Rose, a young Amish boy named David and David’s father Samuel.
You’ll enjoy reading Lillian’s story and you’ll love Jonas and Irma Rose. Jonas is hilarious!
Lillian needed to get away from Rickie, the man she’d been living with. Because she knew he wouldn’t let her go, she snuck away one day while he was still at work. She barely made it though. While she was in the cab, she saw him coming home. Thank God she had escaped! She vowed she wouldn’t be like her mother going from one abusive relationship to another.
Lillian decides the best place for her to escape Rickie is in Amish country so she goes to live with her grandparents for a while. Her life changes in Lancaster County, PA with the help of Jonas, Irma Rose, a young Amish boy named David and David’s father Samuel.
You’ll enjoy reading Lillian’s story and you’ll love Jonas and Irma Rose. Jonas is hilarious!
December 24, 2014
Lillian has not had a perfect life and she wants to make changes.
Lillian is going to go to her grandparents in Lancaster County to visit and maybe stay if the Amish life is for her.
Lillian's mother Sarah Jane grew up Amish but made a decision to leave the Amish Community when she became pregnant with Lillian.
Lillian has a hard time accepting some of the Amish ways and struggles with them, but her grandmother helps her understand the ways of the Amish.
On the day Lillian arrived in Lancaster County she had to walk to her grandparents house, on the way she met Samuel an Amish widower who gives her a ride.
Soon you begin to see a new Lillian and her faith growing stronger in the Lord and the the Amish ways. Her and Samuel become closer and things happen to test her and her faith....
Lillian is going to go to her grandparents in Lancaster County to visit and maybe stay if the Amish life is for her.
Lillian's mother Sarah Jane grew up Amish but made a decision to leave the Amish Community when she became pregnant with Lillian.
Lillian has a hard time accepting some of the Amish ways and struggles with them, but her grandmother helps her understand the ways of the Amish.
On the day Lillian arrived in Lancaster County she had to walk to her grandparents house, on the way she met Samuel an Amish widower who gives her a ride.
Soon you begin to see a new Lillian and her faith growing stronger in the Lord and the the Amish ways. Her and Samuel become closer and things happen to test her and her faith....
March 9, 2016
Plain perfect is the first book in a series by Beth Wiseman. It is the story of a young woman whose mother was raised Amish, but left her family and the Amish community. The book centers around this woman's dAughter, who visits her Amish grandparents, and how the visit changes her life.
While the story is predictable, I still enjoyed it. There is something about reading a book like this, when my own life is hectic, which seems to just help slow things down. The author has a pleasant writing style, and the book flowed quickly. I'll continue on with the other books in this series.
While the story is predictable, I still enjoyed it. There is something about reading a book like this, when my own life is hectic, which seems to just help slow things down. The author has a pleasant writing style, and the book flowed quickly. I'll continue on with the other books in this series.
April 27, 2014
A troubled young woman named Lillian escapes her unhappy, worldly life and goes to stay with her Amish grandparents whom she has seen only a few times in her life. She is very unhappy and has to make some important decisions about her life and future. There is also an Amish man named Samuel who has some grief recovering and soul searching of his own to do. In addition, there are some grandparents an estranged daughter (Lillian's mother) and some other characters. The story itself is not a big and full of surprises, but contains lots of thoughts about life and living. Very clean in terms of language, sex and violence. Worth the read.
October 27, 2014
This was on my to-read list, but I decided to listen to books while I quilt since I can't read and quilt at the same time.
This story is about Lillian, a woman who grew up under a single mother who had grown up Amish. When things get a little stressful for her, she decides to visit and live with her grandparents on their Amish farm to seek peace. While there she meets Samuel, an Amish widower and father of his young son David who works for Lillian's grandparents. Lillian is seeking out God and trying to understand His will. This is a Christian romance and it is very cute and has some sad moments in it though. I liked it.
This story is about Lillian, a woman who grew up under a single mother who had grown up Amish. When things get a little stressful for her, she decides to visit and live with her grandparents on their Amish farm to seek peace. While there she meets Samuel, an Amish widower and father of his young son David who works for Lillian's grandparents. Lillian is seeking out God and trying to understand His will. This is a Christian romance and it is very cute and has some sad moments in it though. I liked it.
June 18, 2015
This is my first read for Beth Wiseman but it certainly won't be my last. I absolutely loved reading this Amish story. I found it uplifting, funny, sad and emotional all wrapped up in a great style of writing. I had chuckles and tears and loved every feeling it brought out in me. I especially loved the Amish dialog and words of wisdom, as when Grandma told her questioning granddaughter, "Try to find not what the Lord has done for you, but what you have done for the Lord." The Amish recipes in the back of the book is an added bonus.
There are six books in this series and I will be looking for the other five.
There are six books in this series and I will be looking for the other five.
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