Another Amish novel was on my reading list. The Bargain by Stephanie Reed is the first in the Plain City Peace series. This Amish book was a bit different from others I’ve read. There were several English characters in this one and it was set in the 70’s. A lot of 70’s references in the book, raggy jeans, tied dye shirts, the war and peace rallies. I really enjoyed this one. Stephanie Reed did a great job with the characters and I look forward to what happens in the next book.
Betsie Troyer’s cousin was called to war and someone had to learn the new leather shop business so Betsie volunteered. At the same time her parents decide to leave the Amish faith and move leaving Betsie and her sister behind. In order to learn the new business Betsie stays at an English home where she learn a great deal about the English and they in turn learn a lot from her.
Michael and Sheila are the fun English characters in this book and they add a lot of fun to the reading.
It’s 1971, and Betsie Troyer’s peaceful and predictable life is about to become anything but.
When their parents flee the Amish, nineteen-year-old Betsie and her seventeen-year-old sister Sadie are distraught. Under the dubious guidance of a doting aunt, the girls struggle to keep the secret, praying their parents will return before anyone learns the truth-a truth that may end all hopes of Betsie’s marriage to Charley Yoder.
Stephanie Reed lives on the outskirts of Plain City, Ohio, site of a once-thriving Amish community. She gleans ideas for her novels from signs glimpsed along the byways of Ohio, as she did for her previous books, “Across the Wide River” and “The Light Across the River.”
Learn more at Stephanie’s website: http://www.stephanielreed.com/
I received the book to review. Opinions are my own.
This book sounds really interesting.
This sounds like a great read. I love books that allow me to learn more about other people or cultures.
You get such great books. I love reading all your reviews. I definitely will check this one out.
ohh this would give a nice insight to the amish culture. I would check this out!
Sounds like a good read! I really like learning and reading about the Amish lifestyle! I will have to add this to the list of must reads!
I have never read an Amish book — maybe this one should be my first.
It sounds interesting. I enjoy Amish books.
This sounds like it would make a wonderful read! I wish I had more time for reading.
That’s interesting that her parents left the Amish faith. What a twist and it sounds like a great read.
These books create such an interesting little world.
This book sounds interesting. I have one Amish book but I haven’t read it yet. I’ll have to pull it out.
I’ve always been interested in the Amish lifestyle, it’s quite fascinating really! I’ll definitely have to check out this book as it looks like an interesting read.
I’m seeing a lot of Amish novels lately, and this looks like a great one!
I’ve never really thought about this genre, but I probably would like it and should give it a try! Thanks!
It sounds like a great book. I will have to check it out.
It’s cool that the book is set in the 70s. It seems like that decade gets overlooked in historical fiction in favor of the 40s and earlier.
Definitely a different world. Love that it is set in the 70’s