Anything But Plain – Back to Stoney Ridge? I’ll take it!
Do you ever get your hands on a novel and know, before you’ve ever read a single page, that it’s going to be a fantastic read? That’s what happened to me when Suzanne Woods Fisher’s latest release, Anything But Plain, arrived. I knew it would be wonderful and I was not disappointed!
Fisher takes her readers back to the lovely locale of Stoney Ridge and digs deep into the inner workings of Lydie Stoltzfus, daughter of kind, caring, affable Bishop David Stoltzfus. At 19, Lydie is a constant screw-up who is easily distracted (and definitely does not act like the perfect bishop’s daughter!) How can she fit in? Will she fit in? Should she leave Stoney Ridge altogether. Perhaps that’s best…or is it?
Anything But Plain also tackles two topics that I’ve yet to read about in the Amish genre (which is getting more difficult!): organic farming and developmental disorders. Fischer expertly tells a titillating tale without superfluous dialogue or descriptions. She also give her readers a peak into past characters – like hilarious LOUD Hank, no-nonsense Birdy – and introduces overbearing grossmammi Tillie (oh my, she IS a handful!)
While Anything But Plain can be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend reading anything related to Stoney Ridge. Reading the other novels in the series will give this latest release further richness. Snag your copy and be swept away to Stoney Ridge. I was given this novel in exchange for my honest review.
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.