Anything But Plain by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Anything But Plain

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Amish Fiction

Leaving Stoney Ridge feels unbearable--but how can she stay?

Impulsive Lydie Stoltzfus has always felt like a disappointment--a square peg in a round hole in her quiet Amish community. Leaving her family and church seems like her best move, even though it would mean leaving Nathan Yoder behind. Nathan claims he's in love with her, but she knows she's not good enough for him. And if she is ever in doubt, Nathan's father reminds her frequently.

Knowing Lydie is "between" jobs again, the local doctor asks her to fill in at the front desk for a few months. This gives Lydie time to figure out how she's going to say goodbye to Nathan--and it gives Dok ample time to recognize the symptoms of a disorder rare among the Amish. She offers Lydie treatment that has the potential to change her life.

But will it be enough to make her stay? Or has help come too late?

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

In the midst of all the crazy going on in the world today, a trip to Stoney Ridge is a breath of fresh air. I was so excited to dive into this idyllic world when the book arrived on my doorstep. Suzanne Woods Fisher has created some endearing characters that make you eager to catch up on the latest in their lives.

This time the story centers on Lydie Stoltzfus who is the daughter of the Bishop. She's absolutely delightful but she's also a disaster just waiting to happen. These mishaps not only bother Lydie but they also frustrate those around her. The arrival of her grandmother just exacerbates the situation. Actually the arrival of grandma throws the whole household into chaos.

In the midst of this storm the only calm seems to be with Lydie's neighbor and childhood friend Nathan Yoder. He's been smitten with Lydie for some time but has been thrown for a loop when she suddenly decides to distance herself from him.

The story itself allows the reader to step inside the world of someone with ADHD. It's something that we hear about in the English world quite frequently but probably don't think much about it being present among the Amish. I thought it was very enlightening to picture how this disorder would be handled among the Plain community.

Of course the subject is serious, but do not fear that it would be an emotionally heavy read. Just when things get to be depressing you can always count on Hank Lapp bulldozing onto the scene to lighten thing up.

I absolutely adore a trip to Stoney Ridge and recommend this and other Stoney Ridge books to anyone who needs a little lift to their spirit.

Connect With The Author