Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Amish Misfits #1

The Amish Girl Who Never Belonged

Rate this book
After Emma's parents died, her disagreeable grandmother often sent her to stay with the Eshes, a nearby family. When her grandmother died, Emma was sent to live with distant relatives. While Emma was comfortable at their home, she never felt she truly belonged. On her 20th birthday, things took a turn for the worse when her uncle announced he was finding her a suitable husband. Emma was shocked to learn the man was Thomas Esh, who was said to be a secret drunkard and a gambler. In response, Emma took a job as a housemaid and fled the Amish community. Several months later, a chance encounter with Thomas leaves Emma confused. Was it possible for someone so reckless to change completely? Did Emma make the right decision when she left the Amish all those months ago?

Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2020

634 people are currently reading
211 people want to read

About the author

Samantha Price

630 books329 followers
Samantha Price is a USA Today bestselling author of Amish romance and cozy mysteries. Raised in the Brethren faith, she writes with a heartfelt understanding of the Amish way of life.
When she’s not writing, Samantha enjoys quiet moments at home with her rescue cat and her fluffy white dog, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Snowy from the Ettie Smith Amish Mysteries.

Find a full downloadable and printable Series-Reading-Order at: SamanthaPriceAuthor dot com

Samantha loves to hear from her readers. Connect at:
samantha@samanthapriceauthor.com
www.facebook.com/SamanthaPriceAuthor
Twitter @AmishRomance
www.pinterest.com/AmishRomance
www.SamanthaPriceAuthor.com



Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
366 (56%)
4 stars
168 (25%)
3 stars
83 (12%)
2 stars
25 (3%)
1 star
11 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
1,163 reviews14 followers
September 5, 2021
This was an interesting book about a young girl whose parents died when she was seven years old. Emma had lived with her grandmother for many years and helped several ladies with their families. Emma’s uncle decided it was time for her to get married and had picked out someone for her. When Thomas arrived Emma was very upset and left the Amish community to get away from him. The rest of the book was just about her coming back to visit and seeing Thomas again. After several arguments they finally decided to get together. The ending is easily figured out in the second chapter of the book.
163 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2021
Sweet story that needed an editor (and more research)

I said that it’s a sweet story, and it is. Emma was orphaned at 7. She went to live with her bitter grandmother and then was sent to live with her aunt and uncle. They showed preference for their daughter. This left Emma feeling utterly alone and wanted by no one. Scattered in between were stints working for the Esh household. The mother was sick and convalescing, so Emma cooked and cleaned for the Esh family.

Thomas Esh may have grown up Amish, his youth was wayward indeed. He gambled and became drunk. It was even said that he got a girl in the family way. Now grown, he has left that life behind and is looking for a wife. When he heard that Emma’s Uncle was looking for a husband for his niece, he jumped at the chance to marry her. Unfortunately, things don’t get off to a good start.

Emma is given no warning about Uncle’s plan and she doesn’t know that Thomas is coming until he arrives. She remembers him and how Mrs. Esh used to fret over him. He makes things worse by pretending not to remember her. Emma is so upset over being forced to marry someone with questionable character that she storms upstairs and then later runs away.

Months later, she returns and runs into him. The man she meets is not the man she thought he was. Could she be wrong? He asks for a second chance and she wonders if she should give it to him.

Like I said, a sweet story. The characters were likable and there’s a happy ending. It just didn’t feel like it was a story that had Amish main characters. It felt like the author had an idea for a story and slapped a few Amish features and terms on it. Oh, and didn’t do any research on what the Amish are like, just played into English stereotypes of what the Amish are like. Towards the end, it seemed like every page I was pausing to go: “That wouldn’t happen. The Amish don’t do/say/think that way.” The story setting and characters felt like it was Little House on the Prairie fan fiction retooled for a popular genre.

And then there were the grammar and consistency issues.
I thought perhaps the author was new and needed an editor. She’s written over 180 books and has been on the best seller list. It looks like most of her titles are in an Amish setting. It’s just a shame: that she thinks this is how the Amish are and that the people who read her books don’t know the difference. If you’re not sure, here’s some places where she got it wrong:

1) Amish don’t date. They don’t go out on dates. They court someone with the intention of marrying them. They don’t go anywhere unchaperoned with their interest.
2) Emma is very upset over Thomas and her uncle so speaking about the engagement before he approached her. That’s not an issue for the Amish. That’s what a man of good character does: as her guardian for permission before he even says anything to her about it.
3) The women don’t go to a man’s home alone nor do they give them a pie to indicate interest. That’s way too forward. She’d be branded loose.
4) The way both Emma and her cousin spoke to her uncle was so far outside what would be viewed as acceptable, it’s ridiculous.
5) It was rare for Emma to read the Bible or pray. I don’t recall her being gawked at when in Plain garb. The casual way that sin is regarded in not Amish.
6) The way the Amish spoke was too informal and the language too modern. It also uses idioms that they wouldn’t have come across because they’re Amish.

One of the other things that kept jarring me was the inconsistencies. One minute the toddler loves running, the next he tries to run and can’t. A table appears out of nowhere. Emma has to ask permission time off, even though her boss already told her that she was on vacation. Thomas doesn’t react to Emma in Englisher dress.

It’s rare for me to give a book less than 3 stars. It’s not the worst book I read, but there were so many problems with it that I couldn’t stay immersed. Practically every page. So, if you’re looking for a book that gives gives you a quaint, sweet story with an HEA, don’t let me dissuade you from reading the book. It just feels like it should be in the pioneer setting instead of an Amish one.
28 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2021
Good book

I think this would be a great book for a younger person to read before marriage. It’s about growing up facing your past hurts and experiencing forgiveness.
7,766 reviews50 followers
October 2, 2017
THE AMISH GIRL WHO NEVER BELONGED by Samantha Price book 1 in "Amish Misfits"
Emma alone, at 7, now living with her father's mother. Her shrill voice, and unkind words, that she was uncontrollable, defiant. Life at 11" and again at 17 a different place to live, words that hurt, yet none of love. The work they wanted her to do, not of school, or even to learn to read. Wasn't something they wanted for her, teaching her the Amish way to marry and have loads of.children. To chose Thomas a boy who was use to manipulate people and the use of trickiery to get his way. This was not want Emma wanted, she still believed in honesty and trust. Was there any hope, for these two, whose upbringing, wasn't the best. Emma, your heart goes out to her, she richly deserved someone to cherish and shower her with love. A rich story, that fills you with hope for Emma and maybe marriage with Thomas. Readers will love this new series by Samantha. The voice of Cassandra Campbell was good. Given ARC audio my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Holly.
1,472 reviews11 followers
September 1, 2017
It had potential. I liked Thomas but found Emma to be very immature. The writing style seemed to me to be somewhat lacking in maturity also. It was choppy and brief, bare bones and not fleshed in.
Profile Image for SKP.
1,220 reviews
November 13, 2022
I’ve read several series by Samantha Price — all of her “Ettie Smith Amish Cozy Mystery” series to date, the “Amish Secret Widows’ Society”, the “Amish Foster Girls”, and the “Amish Love Blooms” series. The only one that I consistently rate high is the “Ettie Smith” series. Almost all of the ones I’ve read, I have read on Kindle Unlimited, including “Ettie Smith” and this series.

This one was really predictable. I realize that without exception, the love interests in every Amish romance I’ve ever read (by any author) of which there have been a lot, follow the formula of a) noticing one another, b) having some obstacle to overcome, and c) end up getting married. But from the moment that her uncle tried to set her up with Thomas, I knew that a) she’d run away, b) he’d have to make some changes, c) he would successfully change, and d) they’d end up getting married.

I was also a little bothered by her continuing to dress “English” after she succeeded in running away. I actually don’t think that a young Amish woman in her situation would have even dressed English in the first place. I’m not sure it made a lot of sense for her to choose to go to a city either. I would think she would just go to another Amish community —maybe in another state. I think it should have been made clear from the beginning that she was not baptized either —I do not recall that it was mentioned. That at least would have made it make slightly more sense that she could dress English and get away with it when people in her community saw her.

I felt like with this being a book about the Amish, that Emma should have been shown turning to God more often. I think there was one scene of her praying to God, but I don’t remember any other times. We are told she missed being part of the Amish community, but I didn’t feel that was adequately shown throughout the book.

Also, I thought there was a hint that we might find out why her grandmother was the way she was, but that was never explained. It seems like the grandmother was a very bitter person, and I felt some explanation should have been given, and that Emma should have better closure. Without it, whether happily married or not, she will likely always have some bitterness towards the memory of her grandmother, which also doesn’t sound very Amish.

I’ll continue to read the series, and hope for better in the ones to follow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
112 reviews
December 9, 2023
In The Amish Girl Who Never Belonged, we meet Emma, who has struggled ever since her parents died when she was young. After moving in with her disagreeable grandmother, she was sent to help the Eshes, another Amish family struggling when the mother got diagnosed with cancer. Though it was hard work taking care of all the sons, she truly enjoyed her time with them.

Fast-forward a few years to the time when she was living with her aunt and uncle, her uncle announced that it was time for her to marry! Emma was shocked, but even more when Thomas Esh turned up to be a match. When she was taking care of the Eshes, it was rumored that he drank and gambled away his money. In order to get out of the engagement and marriage, she fled the house and moved to the city where she found employment as a maid and nanny for a kind woman and her two children.

Her path crosses Thomas again when she comes back to Lancaster County for a wedding. But was she wrong to run away, or should she have stayed in order to learn more about the man that she was supposed to marry?
Profile Image for C Allen.
490 reviews13 followers
May 6, 2017
I love all of Samantha Price's books, but this has to be my this has to be my favorite so far. Poor Emma, nothing ever goes right for her, especially on her birthday. After Emma's parents are buried her parents on her birthday, she went to live with her very sour grandmother. After the grandmother dies, she is sent to live with distant relatives. On her twentieth birthday, her Uncle announced she was to marry. Not only that, but he had picked Thomas Esh to be that husband. Emma is furious. Shouldn't she be able to choose her own husband? Emma leaves her Amish community. The remainder of this novel is spent explaining how and if Emma should or will return to her community and to Thomas. You will enjoy the suspense in this fantastic, fast moving story. We are shown how and why we should forgive. Thanks again Samantha, for a beautiful, well-written story.
Profile Image for Lynda.
1,224 reviews34 followers
August 7, 2021
A very different Amish story

I liked this story. Oddly enough I read it on my birthday and birthdays are important in the telling of her life.

I recommend the book, more of a novella; however, I deducted two stars because many of the actions are quite UN-Amish. For example, Thomas wears a bow tie to a wedding? Never heard or seen an Amish man in a bow tie. Also, a bishop is never seen or involved in her life until the end of the book. I would think a bishop would have stepped in when her grandmother would not send her to school.

If you are prepared to "look the other way" while reading a pseudo Amish story, then do read. Note that I usually do NOT like books that are so non-Amish in behaviors but the uniqueness of the telling made this one quite readable.
Profile Image for Diana Montgomery.
844 reviews9 followers
January 4, 2020
I so felt for the little girl in The Amish Girl Who Never Belonged. All her life Emma really had no one to love her and to want her around. Such sorrow from childhood to adulthood. Parents dying and being sent to a grandmother who doesn't want you the sent on again when she dies. But to be told by a uncle you are to marry someone you do not love that was the last straw. Emma leaves and takes on a job as a maid. But after months of being gone she runs into someone from the past. What is she to do? Excellent story. Well written by Samantha Price.
Profile Image for Janice .
691 reviews8 followers
May 20, 2017
I read this on the kindle

Got this on Kindle Unlimited it's the 1st book in the series by one of my favourite authors have read more of her books over the pass few months

This is about Emma who is moved about as if she was a parcel so after living in another relative's home for some years she shocked to be told she to marry so she flees the Amish Community & this is her story

A nice story really enjoyed the book
1,030 reviews18 followers
November 5, 2017
Not a favorite

This felt flat to me all the way through. I finished but I just could not get into this story. I felt like the story just wasn't very well developed and there was so much repetition. This wasn't very long so instead of repeating lines again and again, build with better dialogue and stronger characters.
Content: clean
Language: clean
Religion: Yes. This is an Amish read.

I don't like leaving negative reviews, but this one wasn't for me.

Happy reading!!
Profile Image for Sharon Thomas.
660 reviews3 followers
July 7, 2021
Good short read

Emma has lost her parents and the funeral is on her seventh birthday every birthday after that something bad happens. She lived with her grandmother who didn't want her and when she died she went to another relative. On her birthday he decides she is going to marry someone he chooses but when she finds out who it is she runs away. Lots of surprises good characters good storyline
Profile Image for Bruce Dinsman.
1,556 reviews3 followers
October 23, 2021
Never Alone
Our dear author Samantha Price never fails to touch hearts with each new story and series.
I just breezed through Amish Misfits #1 and I can't wait to download the next one.
What do you do when life seems to set you out of place at every turn? It tends to make you cynical and lonely. Emma meets up with a man from her past who made a lot of poor choices and it takes them both a while to get past their pasts to see a future together. Good book, good message.
Profile Image for Tricia Hungerford.
374 reviews10 followers
October 10, 2018
True Life

I would give this author another TEN for her approach to an actual life-changing situation! Every day brings issues that we all encounter and even a wonderfully written book such a Book One of Amish Misfits can touch our hearts and open our eyes. Thank you again, Samantha.
Profile Image for Donna Ross.
10 reviews
June 19, 2017
The Amish girl that never belonged.

I liked this book ok, but I felt it was a little to predictable. I could tell you what was going to happen without fully paying attention. That's not good. I felt there should have been much more thought put into the writing of this book.
5 reviews
September 27, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. And being a misfit it tells me I am not alone. I enjoy books from this author she has a gift with words and feelings

I. Would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good clean Amish book, filled with interesting things. Enjoy and God Bless
369 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2017
The story of the misfit Amish girl was pretty good but I did not enjoy the writing style. I also wish it had included more about the Amish community and way of life. There are much better Amish romances out there to choose from.
Profile Image for Mary Higby.
34 reviews
December 12, 2017
Missing pages in the book

I enjoyed the book. I was very disappointed that there where so many missing all through the book. Even at the end there looked like there many missing pages kind of leaving you hanging.
140 reviews1 follower
October 18, 2018
Emma's parent are buried on her seventh birthday. She now lives with her bitter grandmother who send to different homes to work. Finally settled with another relative she is happy but soon learns her uncle is choosing her a husband. She flees the Amish Community...
8 reviews2 followers
May 11, 2021
Just finished this great book. I guess the reason that Miss. Price is the number 1 book seller in this century, is everyone finds a part of their life in every book. Keep that computer burning the midnight oil.
Profile Image for Julie A Prevost.
13 reviews
May 18, 2021
a bit rushed

The story seemed a bit rushed to me. Samantha Price has great ideas stories, but every time I read one of her books, the story seems rushed. I’m not sure jf it js the way she tells her stories, or if the publisher has put a word limit on her storyline.
Profile Image for Deborah C. Fidderman.
521 reviews2 followers
August 28, 2021
Another great book.

I have all the books in this series, if they're all as good as the first. I'm going to love this series. I recommend this series to everyone. Thomas and Emma's story is a great read.
282 reviews4 followers
November 24, 2021
The Amish Girl Who Never Belonged: Amish Misf#1

I really enjoyed this story and all of the characters. I could read it more than once. I recommend it to anyone who loves a sweet romance. It fills all of the spots.
1,095 reviews4 followers
January 16, 2023
A good Amish book

There was alot of emotion in this book. It is a cruel life when tragedy hits and you have to survive with mean uncaring people. Some of life scars scab over but it does not go away. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
Profile Image for Teri Pre.
1,960 reviews34 followers
gave-up
February 23, 2024
I just couldn't get into the story. For someone who was supposed to be "kind, honest and lovely" according to Katie, Emma sure seemed like a first class b**** from the first page. I had no empathy for her at all. It's no wonder that her "uncle" wanted to marry her off!
531 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2017
Great Amish Romance

This was just sweet as pie! I loved the characters and events! It isn't real long but didn't need to be!
Profile Image for Barbara.
251 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2019
This author has done an excellent job of using hard circumstances in a young woman’s life to lead to better days. I really enjoyed the book and the outcome.
Profile Image for Patti.
34 reviews
April 5, 2020
A quick fun read, but poor transitions and not well developed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.