Plain Truth

Plainly Maryland #3

by Susan Lantz Simpson

When items go missing from the bakery where KatieAnn Mast whips up her special treats, evidence points to her as the thief. All will be forgiven if she confesses before her Persimmon Creek Amish community and promises to mend her ways. But KatieAnn is not guilty, and she refuses to kneel in confession to a crime she did not commit. Wouldn’t lying be as bad as stealing?

To avoid shunning, KatieAnn travels to the Southern Maryland Amish community where her older sister, Rebecca, lives with her husband and six children. As the holidays approach, KatieAnn is helping out at the family's community store and developing a romance with Luke Troyer when items go missing from the store.

How will KatieAnn clear her name before she is branded a thief by yet another community? And will she be shunned before she can convince others of the truth?

Genres: Amish

258 pages, Paperback

Published June 30, 2019

About the author

USA 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.

Reviews

[Kelsie Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plain Truth
Susan Lantz Simpson

Plain Truth by Susan Lantz Simpson is book three in her Plainly Maryland Amish mystery series. I’m a big fan of Amish fiction and this novel did not disappoint.

Plain Truth is a really good read. The author’s writing style is clear and straightforward. Her characters have depth and are genuine and believable. The plot is engaging. There’s just the right amount of mystery and romance. I give Plain Truth 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys Amish fiction.

My thanks to Vinspire Publishing, LLC and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! Great story!! Love this author's books!! Have almost read all her books!!

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

KatieAnn Mast works at the local bakery where she creates special treats for the customers. One day, the bakeries deposit bag along with a customers’ watch disappears and is later found in KatieAnn’s tote bag. Katieann is told by the bishop that she must confess before the whole congregation and then she will be forgiven. Katieann cannot confess to something that she did not do. She decides to visit her sister, Rebecca in Southern Maryland to avoid shunning and the pressure to capitulate. Katieann enjoys spending time with her sister and her large family. She also makes friends and meets the handsome Luke Troyer. KatieAnn gets a job at the local general store where she loves spending time with Grossmammi Sallie. But then items start to disappear from the store and a woman who visited her hometown shares what happened at the bakery. Can Katieann find a way to clear her name?

Plain Truth by Susan Lantz Simpson is the 3rd tale in the Plainly Maryland series. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to this Amish series. I found Plain Truth to be easy to read. I like that we get to catch up with the characters from Plain Haven and Plain Discovery. Katieann Mast is a talented baker who loves her job at the local bakery. She creates special items to sell each day and they are a hit. She is surprised when the deposit bag and a watch are found in her bag which on a coatrack where everyone keeps their belongings. When KatieAnn’s family and friends do not believe her, she is shocked. I can understand KatieAnn’s frustration and disbelief. I believe at one time or another we have all be accused of something that we did not do. KatieAnn is a sweet, kind, and compassionate woman. I just loved Grossmammi Sallie who is sweet and spunky. She is such a dear with a large, sweet tooth. Grossmammi Sallie loved the sweet treats that KatieAnn brought in for her. The mystery added depth to the story. It was, though, a cinch to figure out who was responsible. I liked how everything wrapped up in the end. I would have appreciated an epilogue (did KatieAnn open a bakery for example) that gave us insight into he future. One of the main themes in Plain Truth is that we should not a judge a person based on rumor or innuendo. KatieAnn was found guilty without due process. I was surprised the bishop did not look into the matter further before demanding a confession. Plain Truth is a clean story that could easily be read by a teen audience. Plain Truth is a gratifying story with rapid rumors, sweet treats, injudicious judgement, newfound friends, youthful love, a steadfast sister with lasting loyalty, missing merchandise, a fortunate resolution.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed this book by Susan Simpson but then again I love all of her books!!
This author writes with gusto and her joy flows from her writing.
Her writing style just flows from her own and keeps the action and mystery coming! Well done!!
Poor Katianne! Jealousy is a terrible thing!! I think it's terrible what Lizzie has done!! Fortunately for her the Amish are a forgiving people.
But sometimes I really have to ask myself because they are people just like us and deep down do they really forgive?
I love Katie Annes bravery through this whole mess and I'm ever so glad that she has supportive friends like her sister Rebecca, friends like Esther, and Sallie. Of course I fell in love with her right away. I felt like she was my own grossmami..
I figured out the troublemaker from the star but I won't say anything here because I want y'all to read the book and see if you can!!
I received this book from Netgalley with no compensations recorded and all opinions are my own!-

[Heather 123 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh...this book was just okay. I found it incredibly predictable and drawn out. I think the book could have been finished around the half way point. As another reviewer mentioned, I also think that this book was geared more toward young adults. I found the characters to be incredibly immature which was a huge turn off for me.

** ARC received from Netgalley **

[Michelle Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie Anne is an Amish woman that works in a bakery. Money goes missing from the day's deposit. An employee accidentally dumps Katie Anne's knitting basket during the search, and the money falls out. Her employer asks her to leave. Katie Anne is told by the bishop that if she doesn't confess, then she will be banned. She refuses to apologize for something she didn't do. Katie Anne decides to visit her sister out of state to avoid being banned. She makes friends, and finds a man she likes, but the troubles start up again when things go missing. I love that the Amish language is used throughout the book. It's a great story about redemption, friendship, and love. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended up not finishing the book. It is a sweet story but I felt it was written more as YA fiction rather than adults. Made it halfway through then shut it. It is a delightful book, and I think teens would enjoy it very much.
PlainTruth #NetGalley

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK # 3 of 3 BOX SET OWN ON KINDLE

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

A PlainTruth is the third fantastic book written by Susan Lantz Simpson in her Plainly Maryland series. This is such a heartwarming story and it really drives home the fact about several issues such as judging people based on rumors. My actions wereall overthe place withthis a story. The author has done a superb job telling this story through her characters. The prologue to this story really sets the stage for this book.

I really loved KatieAnn Mast. She is strong,intelligent, and definetly stands up for what she knows is right. Her journey to the truth gave her some really intense days. I really admired this character. Being labeled an unrepentant thief was heartbreaking. Through her journey she has made a fantastic friend with a wise, sweet, and loving elderly lady grossmammi Sally. I absolutely loved this character. She has a lot of spunk.

I was allowed early access to this fantastic story thru Vinspired Publishing and Netgalley. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review in exchange. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.

Congratulations to Susan Lantz Simpson for delivering another powerful story for her readers to enjoy.