Addie Cramer, an 18-year-old Amish girl, lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her parents, a maiden aunt and six brothers. Addie has been saddled with much of the child care for her two younger brothers, plus all the cooking and most of the housekeeping for everyone. Her mother is whiny and depressed, while her father is severe and stoic–nursing a feud between him and the Mosier family–a very un-Amish-like behavior. Addie would love to get away from this Cinderella-like existence, but to do that would involve getting married. Addie likes the idea of marriage, but not the Bishop’s son, Phillip, her parents have decided she should wed.
While Addie is trying her best to please her seemingly unpleasable parents, her two oldest brothers are going through Rumspringa. This is the time that teens often try a little, or a lot, of life outside Amish restrictions. Addie’s oldest brother, Timothy, is drinking almost every night, driving recklessly, and developing a foul temper justifying his behavior because of Rumspringa. He seems to search out members of the Mosier family to cause them trouble, or even physical harm. Addie’s parents look the other way regarding Timothy’s behavior.
By chance, Addie and Jonathan Mosier meet and instantly become besotted with each other. This is the story of whether or not the love Addie and Jonathan have for each other will have a future. Both sets of parents are horrified to have their children interested in each other. Will Timothy find a way to hurt, or do something even worse, to Jonathan? Will Addie’s parents be successful in forcing her to marry Phillip? Will the original source of the feud come to light, and are there new details to change everyone’s feelings?
To be honest, I didn’t like this book very much at first. Addie’s life seemed so hard and harsh, without any chance of things getting better for her, that I had to force myself to keep reading it. I ultimately did like how the story turned out. The characters are well developed, and the tale is told well. I give a four star recommendation for this book.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.
The author’s website: http://www.lesliegould.com
Twitter: @lesliejeangould
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lesliegouldauthor
More information: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/authors/leslie-gould/1686
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