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Daughters of the Promise #4
Plain Paradise
Josie was just a frightened teenager when she left her baby in the care of an Old Order Amish couple in Lancaster County. Since then, seventeen years have passed and while much has changed, one thing hasn’t. Josie still longs to reconnect with her daughter Linda.
But Linda is unaware of Josie–and living an idyllic life within the Amish community. The bishop’s grandson, Stephen, is courting her and she hopes that he will propose soon. When her birth mother comes to Paradise, Linda finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Josie’s world. Meanwhile, her adoptive parents—and her Amish beau—are trying to understand how this interruption in Linda’s life could possibly be God’s will.
As new relationships begin and old ones are tested, no one’s life will remain the same. In the process of losing and letting go—Linda realizes whose daughter she really is. And as only God can do, something more powerful and far more beautiful is forged within the Daughters of the Promise community… hope.
But Linda is unaware of Josie–and living an idyllic life within the Amish community. The bishop’s grandson, Stephen, is courting her and she hopes that he will propose soon. When her birth mother comes to Paradise, Linda finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Josie’s world. Meanwhile, her adoptive parents—and her Amish beau—are trying to understand how this interruption in Linda’s life could possibly be God’s will.
As new relationships begin and old ones are tested, no one’s life will remain the same. In the process of losing and letting go—Linda realizes whose daughter she really is. And as only God can do, something more powerful and far more beautiful is forged within the Daughters of the Promise community… hope.
313 pages, Paperback
Published March 29, 2010
98 people are currently reading
1061 people want to read
About the author
Beth Wiseman
137 books1,433 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 123 reviews
September 11, 2020
This is an Amish Fiction. I enjoyed this story, but I have read better Amish fiction books. I also have a problem with how the main character's born Mother problems got solve. I do like that it is showing light on born Mothers. Overall it was good but not a great story. (*)
May 2, 2011
When do you tell your daughter she is adopted? And what happens if you somehow never get around to it? Your daughter is now seventeen years old, when, without warning, her birth mother shows up on your doorstep. Then, to complicate matters, you are Amish, the birth mother is English, and your daughter is in her rumschpringe, or period of running around. These are only some of the conflicts that Beth Wiseman presents in “Plain Paradise,” the fourth installment in the Daughters of the Promise series. A coming of age story, this story will appeal to a multitude of readers. One of the exciting developments for those following the series is the introduction of a new Amish series, Land of Canaan. What breaks up this tight knit community and who moves on to the Land of Canaan? Perhaps these questions will be answered in “Plain Proposal,” the next novel in the series.
September 13, 2018
Linda's simple Amish life seemed like paradise until she found out the secret that her family had been hiding from her since birth. Josie was just a frightened teenager when she gave her baby daughter up for the Old Order Amish couple to adopt. Seventeen long years have passed since then and one thing hasn't changed. Josie still has an intense, heartfelt desire to connect the daughter she gave up. The problem is that Linda has no idea that Josie even exists. She's completely happy with her life among the Amish community. The Bishop's grandson, Stephen, is courting her. And, Linda hopes that he will propose very soon. When her birth mother comes into the picture, Linda can't help but be drawn to Josie's world, the world she would have been living in if she hadn't been given up for adoption. Meanwhile, her adoptive parents and her beau are all wondering how Josie's interruption into their lives could possibly be part of God's will. Linda longs to have a relationship with her birth mother and get to know her better but doesn't want her relationships with her parents and the rest of her community to suffer. As she forges new relationships, and her old relationships are put to the test, nothing will ever be the same in any of their lives. As she learns more about who she is and where she comes from, Linda learns who's daughter she truly is. And, as only God can do, something more beautiful and more powerful than anything they could have imagined is forged.
I think this may be one of my favorite books in the Daughters of the Promise series. I found myself particularly relating to what Linda, Mary Beth, and Josie were all going through. Beth Wiseman did an excellent job of really showing each of their unique points of view. I could see how hard it would be for Mary Beth to stand back and watch as Linda got to know her birth mother, and the world that her birth mother lives in, all the while wondering if she may lose her beloved daughter. I could also see things from Josie's point of view. She hadn't really wanted to put her baby up for adoption. She just didn't see any other options. And, this really colored her relationships with her parents and with God. I think Linda really had the most to deal with, though. She didn't know she was adopted until Josie came back into the picture. That had to be really difficult to learn. In addition to enjoying the storyline, I really loved getting to see more of my favorite characters from the previous books, as well as the additions of new ones. I'm really enjoying this series and am glad there are a few more books.
I think this may be one of my favorite books in the Daughters of the Promise series. I found myself particularly relating to what Linda, Mary Beth, and Josie were all going through. Beth Wiseman did an excellent job of really showing each of their unique points of view. I could see how hard it would be for Mary Beth to stand back and watch as Linda got to know her birth mother, and the world that her birth mother lives in, all the while wondering if she may lose her beloved daughter. I could also see things from Josie's point of view. She hadn't really wanted to put her baby up for adoption. She just didn't see any other options. And, this really colored her relationships with her parents and with God. I think Linda really had the most to deal with, though. She didn't know she was adopted until Josie came back into the picture. That had to be really difficult to learn. In addition to enjoying the storyline, I really loved getting to see more of my favorite characters from the previous books, as well as the additions of new ones. I'm really enjoying this series and am glad there are a few more books.
October 16, 2011
I was surprised to find that this was probably my least favourite of Beth Wiseman's novels so far, but still an excellent story! I think this is attributed to how young Linda is, as it made her a bit more difficult to relate to. Sometimes she could be quite immature, which didn't settle well with the fact she was constantly thinking about getting married to Stephen, and made me wonder whether she was really old enough to be a wife and mother. I loved reading about Josie and Mary Ellen reconciling their differences, even if this was only a small part of the novel. A lot of the novel focused on Josie's spiritual journey, and readers of my reviews will know that conversion plots aren't exactly a favourite of mine, but Josie's was interesting to read. I loved that Beth displayed how powerful prayer and healing can be, topics which can sometimes be a bit taboo among certain Christian circles. God still heals, even in the twenty-first century, and even among the Amish! So although I didn't always relate to Linda due to her youth, I did thoroughly enjoy this novel and will be looking out for the opportunity to read the final book in the series. 8/10
March 30, 2019
Another wonderful book in the series! Now after this one I suggest starting the Land of Canaan series so before starting book #5 in this series so you can see what happens with all the characters!
September 24, 2020
This is the 4th book in the Daughters of Promise series.This is about Josie who left her baby with a Amish couple when she was a teenager.She has come back as a adult and wants to meet her.The daughter does not know she was adopted and her family has to tell her.The girls name is Linda and she has a hard time dealing with this.She decides to get to know her real Mom and then has to deal with her have a illness she might die from
January 21, 2026
This is a review on the series. It was very good. Each book was a different story but familiar characters were woven in to each story. There are 6 books in the series and they should be read in order. Lot of focus on the “English” and I’m not quite sure how realistic that is. Definitely 6 of the best Amish books I have ever read.
August 14, 2022
Favorite of the series so far!
April 17, 2010
BOOK OVERVIEW:
Linda’s Amish life seemed like paradise. Until she found out her family had been hiding a secret since the day of her birth. Josie was just a frightened teenager when she left her baby in the care of an Old Order Amish couple in Lancaster County. Since then, seventeen years have passed and while much has changed, one thing hasn’t. Josie still longs to reconnect with her daughter Linda. But Linda is unaware of Josie—and living an idyllic life within the Amish community. The bishop’s grandson, Stephen, is courting her and she hopes that he will propose soon. When her birth mother comes to Paradise, Linda finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Josie’s world. Meanwhile, her adoptive parents—and her Amish beau—are trying to understand how this interruption in Linda’s life could possibly be God’s will. As new relationships begin and old ones are tested, no one’s life will remain the same. In the process of losing and letting go—Linda realizes whose daughter she really is. And as only God can do, something more powerful and far more beautiful is forged within the Daughters of the Promise community... hope.
MY REVIEW:
Plain Paradise is a riveting story with deep characters and a twisting plot. It is both realistic and believable and the characters come to life as you get to know them through the pages of print or through the sound of narration. I enjoyed the book as a whole even though I have not read the previous books in this series. I give Beth Wiseman praise for creating a book that can be read without having to read the entire collection.
While this book draws you in quickly and takes some unexpected turns, the ending is slightly weak and is not quite as tidy as most readers want it to be. It addresses faith and belief in God in a non preachy way, but it's very traditional to the Amish beliefs which is good for the book, but not so good for the reader. I do wish that the message of Salvation was a little bit clearer.
It was a entertaining read for a change of pace in my normal reading selections and I enjoyed the drama of the book. I listened to this audio and highly appreciated the skill of Renee Ertl as the reader. She did an excellent job of bringing the characters to life through voice.
For someone who highly enjoys Amish fiction and a beautiful story this is a book I would recommend. My one caution is that it does cover some topics and brief scenes that are fairly sensual in a conservative form. I would not recommend this book to a teen girl under 18 years of age. Plain Paradise is a good book within it's genre and I would recommend it as good audio entertainment while doing housework.
* * * * *
This review copy was courtesy of Oasis Audio.
Linda’s Amish life seemed like paradise. Until she found out her family had been hiding a secret since the day of her birth. Josie was just a frightened teenager when she left her baby in the care of an Old Order Amish couple in Lancaster County. Since then, seventeen years have passed and while much has changed, one thing hasn’t. Josie still longs to reconnect with her daughter Linda. But Linda is unaware of Josie—and living an idyllic life within the Amish community. The bishop’s grandson, Stephen, is courting her and she hopes that he will propose soon. When her birth mother comes to Paradise, Linda finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Josie’s world. Meanwhile, her adoptive parents—and her Amish beau—are trying to understand how this interruption in Linda’s life could possibly be God’s will. As new relationships begin and old ones are tested, no one’s life will remain the same. In the process of losing and letting go—Linda realizes whose daughter she really is. And as only God can do, something more powerful and far more beautiful is forged within the Daughters of the Promise community... hope.
MY REVIEW:
Plain Paradise is a riveting story with deep characters and a twisting plot. It is both realistic and believable and the characters come to life as you get to know them through the pages of print or through the sound of narration. I enjoyed the book as a whole even though I have not read the previous books in this series. I give Beth Wiseman praise for creating a book that can be read without having to read the entire collection.
While this book draws you in quickly and takes some unexpected turns, the ending is slightly weak and is not quite as tidy as most readers want it to be. It addresses faith and belief in God in a non preachy way, but it's very traditional to the Amish beliefs which is good for the book, but not so good for the reader. I do wish that the message of Salvation was a little bit clearer.
It was a entertaining read for a change of pace in my normal reading selections and I enjoyed the drama of the book. I listened to this audio and highly appreciated the skill of Renee Ertl as the reader. She did an excellent job of bringing the characters to life through voice.
For someone who highly enjoys Amish fiction and a beautiful story this is a book I would recommend. My one caution is that it does cover some topics and brief scenes that are fairly sensual in a conservative form. I would not recommend this book to a teen girl under 18 years of age. Plain Paradise is a good book within it's genre and I would recommend it as good audio entertainment while doing housework.
* * * * *
This review copy was courtesy of Oasis Audio.
August 5, 2013
Linda Huyard is in many ways a typical Amish teenager - she is in her Rumspringa and during that time she has had a taste of the Englisch world but is in love with the Bishop's grandson, Stephen Ebersol, and hopes to marry him one day. Her life seems like paradise until one day when it is turned upside down. She finds out that she was adopted and her birth mother, Josie, is back and wants to get to know her. While Linda is dealing with her anger over not being told she was adopted, she is getting closer to Josie and the Englisch way of living much to Steven's dismay. But Linda doesn't realize her adoptive family isn't the only one keeping secrets - Josie has a devestating secret that may tear her and Linda apart just as they are getting to know each other.
"Plain Paradise" is the fourth book in Beth Wiseman's Daughter of the Promise series set in the Amish community, and it takes the series in a new direction. For starters, while the first three books (Plain Promise (Daughters of the Promise, No. 3) Plain Pursuit (Daughters of the Promise, Book 2) and Plain Perfect (Daughters of the Promise, Book 1)) could be considered romance novels this book really isn't. Yes, there is the romance between Linda and Stephen, which has a few complications as Linda explores the Englisch world, but that is only part of the story. The book is also about the love between a mother and her child - whether the mother is the birth mother or adoptive mother. Josie's anguish as she wonders if she's done the right thing is very real as is the fear of Maryellen that Linda will like the Englisch life too much and leave the Amish community. While all of the Daughters of the Promise books revolve around the Amish faith in God, religion and the power of prayer play a very important part in this novel. Finally, events at the end of the book (have a tissue ready while reading it) take the series in an entirely new direction. It will be interesting to see what Beth Wiseman has planned for the next book.
"Plain Paradise" is a nicely done novel set in the Amish community.
"Plain Paradise" is the fourth book in Beth Wiseman's Daughter of the Promise series set in the Amish community, and it takes the series in a new direction. For starters, while the first three books (Plain Promise (Daughters of the Promise, No. 3) Plain Pursuit (Daughters of the Promise, Book 2) and Plain Perfect (Daughters of the Promise, Book 1)) could be considered romance novels this book really isn't. Yes, there is the romance between Linda and Stephen, which has a few complications as Linda explores the Englisch world, but that is only part of the story. The book is also about the love between a mother and her child - whether the mother is the birth mother or adoptive mother. Josie's anguish as she wonders if she's done the right thing is very real as is the fear of Maryellen that Linda will like the Englisch life too much and leave the Amish community. While all of the Daughters of the Promise books revolve around the Amish faith in God, religion and the power of prayer play a very important part in this novel. Finally, events at the end of the book (have a tissue ready while reading it) take the series in an entirely new direction. It will be interesting to see what Beth Wiseman has planned for the next book.
"Plain Paradise" is a nicely done novel set in the Amish community.
April 8, 2010
Title: PLAIN PARADISE
Author: Beth Wiseman
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
March 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59554-823-8
Genre: Inspirational/Amish/Women’s fiction
Linda is hoping that her Amish boyfriend will propose so she can marry in November. She’ll be eighteen by then and ready to have her own home. But then she discovers a terrible secret when a stranger, an Englisch woman, comes to the family farm house. Linda discovers that she’s adopted, and that her Amish parents have kept this secret from her. And that this Englisch woman is her real mother.
Josie was just seventeen when she gave her baby up for adoption. Now Josie is dying from a brain tumor and she wants a chance to get to know her daughter before she dies. She and her husband relocate to Paradise so they can be near to Linda, and Josie starts stalking the young Amish girl, praying for the courage to approach her.
When Linda and Josie do get together, Linda finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Josie’s world, while her Amish parents and boyfriend struggle to understand how this can possibly be God’s will. Will Linda jump the fence, or stay in the world she’s grown up in?
PLAIN PARADISE is the final book in the Daughter’s of Promise series by Beth Wiseman. I enjoyed reading this series, and am looking forward to her new series where readers will be following the Amish to Colorado.
I wasn’t adopted, so I really can’t relate to Linda or Josie, but I did feel that Linda over-reacted somewhat when she did learn she was adopted. (I may be wrong, and that may be how people react, it just seemed a bit melodramatic to me.) But otherwise, I thought the story was well done, and interesting and I enjoyed getting to know the characters a bit better, since they did show up in previous books. A discussion guide, Amish recipes and an interview with Amish Author Kathleen Fuller is included at the end of the book. $14.99. 301 pages.
Author: Beth Wiseman
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
March 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59554-823-8
Genre: Inspirational/Amish/Women’s fiction
Linda is hoping that her Amish boyfriend will propose so she can marry in November. She’ll be eighteen by then and ready to have her own home. But then she discovers a terrible secret when a stranger, an Englisch woman, comes to the family farm house. Linda discovers that she’s adopted, and that her Amish parents have kept this secret from her. And that this Englisch woman is her real mother.
Josie was just seventeen when she gave her baby up for adoption. Now Josie is dying from a brain tumor and she wants a chance to get to know her daughter before she dies. She and her husband relocate to Paradise so they can be near to Linda, and Josie starts stalking the young Amish girl, praying for the courage to approach her.
When Linda and Josie do get together, Linda finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Josie’s world, while her Amish parents and boyfriend struggle to understand how this can possibly be God’s will. Will Linda jump the fence, or stay in the world she’s grown up in?
PLAIN PARADISE is the final book in the Daughter’s of Promise series by Beth Wiseman. I enjoyed reading this series, and am looking forward to her new series where readers will be following the Amish to Colorado.
I wasn’t adopted, so I really can’t relate to Linda or Josie, but I did feel that Linda over-reacted somewhat when she did learn she was adopted. (I may be wrong, and that may be how people react, it just seemed a bit melodramatic to me.) But otherwise, I thought the story was well done, and interesting and I enjoyed getting to know the characters a bit better, since they did show up in previous books. A discussion guide, Amish recipes and an interview with Amish Author Kathleen Fuller is included at the end of the book. $14.99. 301 pages.
October 8, 2010
This is the 4th installment of the Daughters of Promise series. I have read all but the first (Lillian's story). This story stands well enough on its own and it is not necessary to have read the other books. The other characters do make appearances, but their stories do not interfere with the message of this book.
Josie gave up her daughter for adoption to an Amish family almost 18 years ago. She has dreamed about meeting her daughter since then and getting to know the child she gave birth to. She and her husband have just moved back to Lancaster County, PA, so that she may be near her daughter and have the chance to know her.
Linda has been raised by Mary Ellen and Abe and never told she was adopted. When Josie shows up wanting to meet her, the news of her birth mother shocks and confuses her. Her mother, Mary Ellen, is concerned that Linda will choose to live the Englisch life since she is in her "running around" period and able to do "forbidden" things. Linda is curious about her birth mother, but unsure about the lifestyle.
While I found the message in the book to be a good one--finding God and having faith in Him--I found some things in the story to be a little lacking. I was disappointed that that author set up following books in the series and left the story hanging a little. I'm not a fan of authors who put too much focus on the next book and not enough on the current story and completing the book between the covers. I felt that Linda's perspective could have been completed a bit better showing her choices and her true faith. Also, I was left with questions about other characters (specifically Ivan and Katie Ann and David) and that left me a little unhappy.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and do recommend reading it for anyone who enjoys Amish/Christian inspirational fiction.
*I received this book from the Amazon Vine program to review*
Josie gave up her daughter for adoption to an Amish family almost 18 years ago. She has dreamed about meeting her daughter since then and getting to know the child she gave birth to. She and her husband have just moved back to Lancaster County, PA, so that she may be near her daughter and have the chance to know her.
Linda has been raised by Mary Ellen and Abe and never told she was adopted. When Josie shows up wanting to meet her, the news of her birth mother shocks and confuses her. Her mother, Mary Ellen, is concerned that Linda will choose to live the Englisch life since she is in her "running around" period and able to do "forbidden" things. Linda is curious about her birth mother, but unsure about the lifestyle.
While I found the message in the book to be a good one--finding God and having faith in Him--I found some things in the story to be a little lacking. I was disappointed that that author set up following books in the series and left the story hanging a little. I'm not a fan of authors who put too much focus on the next book and not enough on the current story and completing the book between the covers. I felt that Linda's perspective could have been completed a bit better showing her choices and her true faith. Also, I was left with questions about other characters (specifically Ivan and Katie Ann and David) and that left me a little unhappy.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and do recommend reading it for anyone who enjoys Amish/Christian inspirational fiction.
*I received this book from the Amazon Vine program to review*
May 8, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Plain Paradise, Book Review
Plain Paradise, by Beth Wiseman does not disappoint. This is the 4th Daughter's of the Promise Novel, yet you do not have to read the previous books to understand the story line.
Imagine being 17 and forced to give up your child. Then imagine finding out that you are going to die in under a year. Meet Josie, who is working through pain and suffering and moves to be closer to the daughter she never met. Linda wakes one day to a stranger on her front porch, learning soon that this is her birth mother...when she never knew she was adopted. Linda feels betrayed, yet becomes friends with Josie and comes to terms with the betrayal from her family. As the book progresses so does Josie and Linda's relationship, an unexpected twist happens which only makes the story more delightful. Will Linda be able to love two mom's and what about her beau who worries about Linda leaving the Amish, hope and love can conquer many things, will hope and love conquer in this story?
This was a great book, I love learning about the Amish and it always amazes me how similar their lives are to the rest of ours outside the Amish community. This is a light read, but a good read and quite entertaining!
*I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review blogger's program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 15, 2015
What would you do… if you were 17 years old… and your parents told you that they were not your birth parents – but that you had been adopted?
Not only does Linda Huyard find out that she was adopted when she was two weeks old, but that her birth mother is nearby and wants to meet her. There is much more to the story – important news – but if I reveal it here, it could ruin the story for you, so I’ll resist.
Beth Wiseman creates such realistic Amish characters and communities, I would love to jump in my van and visit them… but I’m not sure what I find would be as good as these stories!
I sincerely hope the next paragraph isn’t revealing too much, but if you’re concerned with me spoiling anything – stop reading here – and get a copy of the book and read it for yourself.
Daughters of the Promise… discovering faith, hope and love.
Now for the news… I was very surprised after reading this wonderful book, that Ms. Wiseman shares that she was adopted into a wonderful family – when she was two weeks old. Beth leaves a note in the back of the book for her readers, revealing this – and that after she also eventually connected with her birth mother.
But even better, her family also experienced a miracle, such as one she wrote about in this story. I won’t say anything more, but if you’re reading this, be sure to read the letter at the end of the story – where Beth talks about her adoption and the miracle.
Honestly, after reading her note, it made the story so much more special to me. I’m really glad my daughter and I bought copies of this series – they are definitely staying on my TOP SHELF!
God bless you!
Read
May 15, 2010Josie knows that the clock is ticking...and not just the one she wears on her wrist. She is running out of time and yet she still has not reconnected with her biological daughter, Linda. One could reason that since Josie is considered Englisch to the Amish society, it makes perfect sense that she has never met Linda. Even so, Josie is determined to at least introduce herself to Linda--while she still can.
Amish fiction is prevalent in today's book stores, however Beth Wiseman has done an admirable job of creating a believable and interesting plot-line. Her characters are deep and well-created on many different levels. I also appreciate that Beth is very clear on her distinctions between characters. This title is comprised of many vibrant characters, however I was not at all confused with deciphering which character was which. They were adequately and neatly described. (I like it when I can easily understand the relationships between characters.)
This well-written book is an enjoyable read. It is good, clean, interesting fiction and I have to say it was nice to sit back and read a book that had a good moral and didn't necessarily make me search my soul. This book gets 3 stars in my book.
This book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers for review purposes. Thank you!
Amish fiction is prevalent in today's book stores, however Beth Wiseman has done an admirable job of creating a believable and interesting plot-line. Her characters are deep and well-created on many different levels. I also appreciate that Beth is very clear on her distinctions between characters. This title is comprised of many vibrant characters, however I was not at all confused with deciphering which character was which. They were adequately and neatly described. (I like it when I can easily understand the relationships between characters.)
This well-written book is an enjoyable read. It is good, clean, interesting fiction and I have to say it was nice to sit back and read a book that had a good moral and didn't necessarily make me search my soul. This book gets 3 stars in my book.
This book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers for review purposes. Thank you!
April 2, 2010
Two mothers bound together by the daughter they both love. Can Linda’s love for two different mothers bind them together?
I liked the story. One dying woman, who gave her daughter up for adoption, suddenly shows up on the doorstep of her Amish daughter’s home. Their lives are irreversibly changed. I loved the faith woven through the story. So often in today’s fiction it is glossed over, but PLAIN PARADISE was rich with faith and God’s love, but it was never overbearing. The ending didn’t feel stilted or rushed, but as it came to its conclusion I was pleased and confident the characters were well off without me.
But I didn’t enjoy this novel as much as PLAIN PURSUIT (book 2 in the Daughters of the Promise series). I thought that some actions were over dramatic and much of the novel, I felt I was being filled in, instead of experiencing. There is a great deal of looking back, right away in the book and it makes it difficult to really delve into the story, I prefer to discover little tidbits throughout the book.
But in all, it was a quick read and a fresh glimpse at the Amish and a nice change from the normal clichéd character.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers for my copy of this book to review.
I liked the story. One dying woman, who gave her daughter up for adoption, suddenly shows up on the doorstep of her Amish daughter’s home. Their lives are irreversibly changed. I loved the faith woven through the story. So often in today’s fiction it is glossed over, but PLAIN PARADISE was rich with faith and God’s love, but it was never overbearing. The ending didn’t feel stilted or rushed, but as it came to its conclusion I was pleased and confident the characters were well off without me.
But I didn’t enjoy this novel as much as PLAIN PURSUIT (book 2 in the Daughters of the Promise series). I thought that some actions were over dramatic and much of the novel, I felt I was being filled in, instead of experiencing. There is a great deal of looking back, right away in the book and it makes it difficult to really delve into the story, I prefer to discover little tidbits throughout the book.
But in all, it was a quick read and a fresh glimpse at the Amish and a nice change from the normal clichéd character.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers for my copy of this book to review.
April 10, 2010
Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman is one of the Daughters of the Promise novels; earlier this year I read and reviewed Plain Pursuit. Although characters from earlier books do appear in Plain Paradise, it is not essential to have read them since they are not a true series; each book can be enjoyed for its own storyline and characters.
Plain Paradise is the story of Linda, now 17 years old, who was adopted as a newborn by an Amish couple. Mary Ellen and Abe have raised her as their eldest child, never telling her about the adoption. Now Josie, Linda's birth mother, is dying and moves to the area to get to know the daughter she gave up so many years ago. Mary Ellen and Abe tell their daughter the truth of her birth and adoption and support her desire to get to know her birth mother.
Plain Paradise is a story of family, relationships, death, dying, faith, hope and love. It's the story of Linda and her adoptive family, Linda and her birth mom, Josie's relationship with her husband, Linda's relationship with Stephen and so much more. Beth Wiseman is one of my favorite authors of Amish fiction and continues to keep me intrigued with her stories.
Plain Paradise is the story of Linda, now 17 years old, who was adopted as a newborn by an Amish couple. Mary Ellen and Abe have raised her as their eldest child, never telling her about the adoption. Now Josie, Linda's birth mother, is dying and moves to the area to get to know the daughter she gave up so many years ago. Mary Ellen and Abe tell their daughter the truth of her birth and adoption and support her desire to get to know her birth mother.
Plain Paradise is a story of family, relationships, death, dying, faith, hope and love. It's the story of Linda and her adoptive family, Linda and her birth mom, Josie's relationship with her husband, Linda's relationship with Stephen and so much more. Beth Wiseman is one of my favorite authors of Amish fiction and continues to keep me intrigued with her stories.
September 21, 2020
I’m not gonna lie, this one was kind of a tearjerker. It’s one of those books where you can see it ending one of two ways and either way has potential. But when you learn at the very end of the book in the “dear reader” section that parts of the book are based on true events you really think about it. I like how the book does not make faith and belief look easy or having faith look simple. It takes on all the hard questions that everyone near the end of their life considers. I don’t care how strong with faith you have… You’re still going to ask questions because we’re human beings. There are times I have doubts and ask questions like “is there a heaven“ or “am I really sure that God exists“… The questions would not be something we asked if there weren’t answers to be found. So although I choose to believe in God and in heaven and in an afterlife (as a general rule, even when I’m asking questions), I think everyone experiences those moments where we doubt. This is why Jesus says we should have faith like a child
December 30, 2010
Plain Paradise surprised me. I've known several Mennonite families that have become foster parents or adoptive parents. I never once thought about the biological parent(s) wanting anything to do with the child after they have been indoctrinated into the Amish world.
Linda was adopted by an old order Amish family. She has a great relationship with her mother until the day her biological mother Josie shows up. Her mother had never told her she was adopted. Linda isn’t sure she wants anything to do with Josie and Linda’s mother is afraid of losing her. Josie didn’t come back to cause problems. She has an inoperable tumor and wants the opportunity to get to know the daughter she gave up.
What I really liked about this book was how realistic it was. How the message of love conquers all is still an important message today. It made me ask myself what I would do If I was in Linda’s shoes or her Amish mother’s shoes. Would I be as loving or forgiving?
Linda was adopted by an old order Amish family. She has a great relationship with her mother until the day her biological mother Josie shows up. Her mother had never told her she was adopted. Linda isn’t sure she wants anything to do with Josie and Linda’s mother is afraid of losing her. Josie didn’t come back to cause problems. She has an inoperable tumor and wants the opportunity to get to know the daughter she gave up.
What I really liked about this book was how realistic it was. How the message of love conquers all is still an important message today. It made me ask myself what I would do If I was in Linda’s shoes or her Amish mother’s shoes. Would I be as loving or forgiving?
January 6, 2015
After reading so many Amish books, I think it would be very hard when you hit 16 - 18 yrs old and have to decide whether you want to be baptized into the Amish community or go the way of the world. As a parent, I would be so nervous as my son or daughter is going through their rumpschringe - I would worry that they would not pick the Amish ways after being tempted with all the worldly things they get to experience. Just goes to show you that train up a child in the way he should go and when he is older he will not depart from it (or something to that effect). Love the Amish way of life - how they look out for one another and help each other in bad times. They work really hard though. I'm not sure I could do without electricity but it sure would be nice not to have to worry about makeup and doing your hair every day :) Enjoyed all the references to God and forgiveness and all the other Christian thoughts in this book.
July 4, 2013
This is the 4th book in the "Daughters of the Promise" series. I'm really starting to enjoy these characters, to look forward to 'what happens next'.
Linda's story is a bit of a departure from the first 3 novels in the series. Those were mainly romances . . . Lillian, Carley, and Sadie finding the men that God meant for them to marry. Linda and Stephen are introduced as a couple already in this story, so she doesn't find love romantically in the book.
She does, however, find her birth mother (or, rather, her birth mother finds her), and learns that sometimes love is messy and imperfect (because people can be messy and imperfect!), but that her heart has room enough for the people who would give their lives for her.
I was also excited to see that this series has an 'offshoot' series as well. Colour me intrigued! :)
Linda's story is a bit of a departure from the first 3 novels in the series. Those were mainly romances . . . Lillian, Carley, and Sadie finding the men that God meant for them to marry. Linda and Stephen are introduced as a couple already in this story, so she doesn't find love romantically in the book.
She does, however, find her birth mother (or, rather, her birth mother finds her), and learns that sometimes love is messy and imperfect (because people can be messy and imperfect!), but that her heart has room enough for the people who would give their lives for her.
I was also excited to see that this series has an 'offshoot' series as well. Colour me intrigued! :)
April 17, 2010
I haven't read Beth Wiseman before and this is the fourth installment in her Daughters of Promise series. While it can stand alone, I think it would be better for a reader to have read the previous books. There are many characters who are apparently recurring from the earlier books and their appearance would have more impact if one understood their significance to Linda and her family.
I normally enjoy Amish fiction, but there wasn't much about this book that stood out or was special. Even though it touches upon serious subjects like adoption and cancer, it was light reading. In short, if you've read Beth Wiseman before and liked her, you will most likely enjoy this book as well.
Thanks to the Thomas Nelson Book Blogger program for the opportunity to review this book.
I normally enjoy Amish fiction, but there wasn't much about this book that stood out or was special. Even though it touches upon serious subjects like adoption and cancer, it was light reading. In short, if you've read Beth Wiseman before and liked her, you will most likely enjoy this book as well.
Thanks to the Thomas Nelson Book Blogger program for the opportunity to review this book.
June 22, 2010
Plain Paradise is a great book, full of vibrant characters. Now, I must admit that I read a book a few years ago with a similar plot, but Beth Wiseman took the "baby adopted by an Amish couple" plot and made it into a unique story that kept me up late so I could finish reading the book. I enjoyed the glimpse into the Amish community as well as the challenges faced by both Amish and non-Amish alike when terminal illness and adoption are involved.
Ms. Wiseman has done a wonderful job of showing how faith can make the challenges of life easier to face if we're willing to rely on God and allow Him to help us through. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish fiction and heartwarming stories.
Ms. Wiseman has done a wonderful job of showing how faith can make the challenges of life easier to face if we're willing to rely on God and allow Him to help us through. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish fiction and heartwarming stories.
January 10, 2013
Each Daughters of the Promise novel focuses on a woman's journey into an Amish community where sh discovers new meaning to the words of Faith~Hope~and Love.
this book is the story of Linda who found out when she was 17 about someone who had been a part of her life at birth. She met Josie and her life was put into turmoil seeming like all she had known had shifted...
Josie too had issues in her life and a terminal illness brought her back to Lancaster county where she will refind the faith she knew many years ago.
New relationships are formed and old ones tested in this peaceful setting. I enjoyed reading their stories and realized that even the Amish folks make mistakes in their life choices just as non amish do-none is exempt as we are all human.
Looking forward to book #5.
this book is the story of Linda who found out when she was 17 about someone who had been a part of her life at birth. She met Josie and her life was put into turmoil seeming like all she had known had shifted...
Josie too had issues in her life and a terminal illness brought her back to Lancaster county where she will refind the faith she knew many years ago.
New relationships are formed and old ones tested in this peaceful setting. I enjoyed reading their stories and realized that even the Amish folks make mistakes in their life choices just as non amish do-none is exempt as we are all human.
Looking forward to book #5.
August 25, 2013
I usually don't like books where birth mothers come out of the wood works wanting a relationship with a child she gave up for adoption, they usually end with the idiot daughter choosing her birth mother over her "real" mom. This one, was perfectly written. There was love and understand, there was angst, but reasonably done, not overdone.
The ending "miracle" was bit cliche, but can you really say that in a Christian book? I have seen with my own eyes miracles from God, so in this book, while a bit cliche (and drawn from a real-life miracle in the author's life), it works beyond anything I have ever read before on this subject.
I am moving on to the final book in the series and then going to see how I like the Land of Canaan series.
The ending "miracle" was bit cliche, but can you really say that in a Christian book? I have seen with my own eyes miracles from God, so in this book, while a bit cliche (and drawn from a real-life miracle in the author's life), it works beyond anything I have ever read before on this subject.
I am moving on to the final book in the series and then going to see how I like the Land of Canaan series.
July 6, 2015
I had to read this six book series out of sequence and I believe it was just meant to be. Plain Paradise is the 4th book in the series and I am so glad I read it last. It just let me finish getting to know some of my favorite characters and answered some questions I had on my mind. I do plan to follow David and his family to Colorado. I don't feel I am quite finished with him yet. I also will find Barbie again. I think she has a story to be told. It was so enjoyable feeling I had become a part of the "Daughters of the Promise" who are on a spiritual journey to discover new meaning to the words Faith, Hope and Love.
May 1, 2015
3.5-3.75
I liked it and the ending made me really interested in the new series she is writing :). I enjoyed Linda's story in this book and how she came to terms with being adopted. The side story of Josie and her illness was a good reminder that God really does hear us and wants us to tell him how we feel so that he can give us comfort.
A good multifaceted story. I always enjoy getting a glimpse of the people for previous stories :). I will read the next one and the land of Canaan series at some point and I am sure the books will not disappoint!
I liked it and the ending made me really interested in the new series she is writing :). I enjoyed Linda's story in this book and how she came to terms with being adopted. The side story of Josie and her illness was a good reminder that God really does hear us and wants us to tell him how we feel so that he can give us comfort.
A good multifaceted story. I always enjoy getting a glimpse of the people for previous stories :). I will read the next one and the land of Canaan series at some point and I am sure the books will not disappoint!
March 28, 2020
This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.
1/25/2014-
No comments.
Main Content-
*Minor cussing (heck).
*Linda was born out of wedlock *Sexual Content*
1/25/2014-
No comments.
Main Content-
*Minor cussing (heck).
*Linda was born out of wedlock *Sexual Content*
September 22, 2015
A wonderful book with some challenges the characters faced. However, the characters faith and love for God assisted them in overcoming the challenges, as well as leading new members in the community to find the peace they needed in their lives. Beth has a way of writing to bring the characters to life and you are in the moment with them. How would you react if you found out you were adopted in your late teen years? A must read to show you the correct way to react when you are faced with challenges and news that you were not expecting. .
June 16, 2017
Josie and her husband have bought a house in Lancaster County, where Josie gave up her daughter, born out of wedlock, to an Old Order Amish family. Now ill, Josie wants to get to know her daughter before it’s too late. Unfortunately, Linda doesn’t know she’s adopted. Learning this news at 17 years of age turns Linda’s world upside down. How should she react to the birth mother she never knew about, or the adopted mother she’s known from childhood? And will the news turn her rumschpringe into a fiasco? Will her birth mother find the hope she needs to face her future?
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