Review: Anything But Plain Suzanne Woods Fisher

Synopsis

It's not easy being the bishop's daughter, especially for Lydie Stoltzfus. She's not like other Amish girls, as much as she wishes she were. The only thing she does well is disappoint others. Leaving her family and church seems unbearable, but staying might be worse.

Knowing Lydie is "between" jobs, the local doctor asks her to fill in at the front desk for a few months. To Lydie, this is a boon. It gives her time to figure out how she's going to say goodbye to her neighbor, Nathan Yoder--the main reason she needs to leave Stoney Ridge. Nathan claims he's in love with her, but she knows she's not good enough for him. If in doubt, Nathan's father reminds her frequently.

As Dok spends time with Lydie, she recognizes symptoms of a disorder rare among the Amish. She offers treatment for Lydie. But will it be enough to make her stay? Or has help come too late?

Bestselling and award-winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to Stoney Ridge, a small town that feels like an old friend.

My Review

Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of my favorite authors of Amish fiction, but I really struggled with this one. I don't think I was in the best place emotionally to read it, because I felt the hidden hopelessness and despair of Lydie keenly, and the injustice of Nathan's father's cruelty was too much. Nathan has commendable goals to improve the farm, but Mick and their father are persuaded by the easier way with empty promises, and Nathan is not given enough regard to present his plan or enough time to actually execute it. I will have to finish this book when I'm able to wade though the hardships they are sure to endure.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.