| Title | : | A Plain Leaving (The Sisters of Lancaster County #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 354 |
| Publication | : | First published October 1, 2017 |
At age twenty, Jessica Bachman left her two beloved sisters and her Amish community after clashing with the new bishop about her role in the family and the future of their farm. She tried to convince Silas Kemp, who'd been courting her for two years, to join her, but when he said no, she fled anyway.
Three years later, she returns home for the first time since leaving Lancaster to attend her father's funeral. Her arrival back revives all sorts of emotions--yearnings and sorrows alike. Jessica knows things will never return to how they were. But in seeing Silas again, she can't help but wonder what might have been.
Struggling to decide where her next step should take her, she learns the story of a Revolutionary War-era ancestor that echoes her own choices. Will Jessica leave her family and community forever, or is there peace and healing and love yet to come?
A Plain Leaving (The Sisters of Lancaster County #1) Reviews
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This was not your typical Amish fiction book. Well let me say it like this, it was not the same ole story written. This is a fresh story.
Gould has taken it to a whole new level.
An Amish book talking about fracking, on Amish land, you are going to love this book. Wait until you hear the whole story.
I loved Jessica and Amos the most oh and Aunt Suz.
This was my eye opening Amish book of the year. It has shown me that Amish can be written with new eyes and their are still fresh stories to be read.
So if you have given up on reading Amish books because they are all the same thing rewritten. You have to read A Plain Leaving you will be pleasantly surprised and you will be left wanting more.
I gave this book 5 stars and I HIGHLY recommend this book.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own. -
A Plain Leaving
Leslie Gould
Received from the publisher
A PLAIN LEAVING is the first book in the Sisters of Lancaster County. It is not your usual Amish story and it held my interest from the very first page until the last. A PLAIN LEAVING is all about the Bachman family and the story spans centuries. The family farm has been in Lancaster County for hundreds of years and the history of it will take your breath away.
Jessica left her Amish roots three years ago, is completely shunned by her family and is returning home because her father has just passed away. She knows her family will not be happy to see her but she owes it to her Dat to go. While she is there, she hopes to convince her older brother not to go ahead with the fracking company that he wants to sell the family farm to. She stays at her Aunt Suz's house and while there, Suz tells her the story of Ruby Bachman.
Ruby's story takes place during the Revolutionary War and it shows that even though Ruby and Jessica lived over one hundred years apart, they face some of the same challenges. All of the characters have flaws and I really like how Leslie Gould shows the reader that The Amish, while living plain lives, still have problems and drama. A PLAIN LEAVING is filled with twists and turns and had me totally invested in all of the characters and their troubles.
A PLAIN LEAVING is filled with love, family, forgiveness, history, hope, and faith. Ruby and Jessica both have some by choices and hard decisions to make and they will break the reader's hearts. Even though Jessica now has an Englisch boyfriend, she still feels a strong pull towards Silas, the Amish man she left behind. Will Jessica stay in her childhood home or will she go back to her Englisch life? You have to give A PLAIN LEAVING a try to find out! My emotions were all over the place while reading about the tough choices Jessica and Ruby had to make and I found myself cheering both of them on, hoping they would find their happy places. Leslie Gould truly knows how to pull her readers in and never lets them go! I can not wait to continue with this series. -
An in-depth look into an Amish family, spanning centuries, from current time to revolutionary times, an all on the same property in Lancaster area Pennsylvania.
There is so much pain here, and when the story opens we are brought to the farm because of the death of the father. The author keeps us on ours toes, and yes this is a family story, but it is also the lands story. Can relate to some that goes on here, living on a farm that has been in our family since 1855, and having been contacted about fracking.
The thought about destroying the land will make you cringe, and yes we are all human, no matter how we worship. The author has us thinking about the center of a family, and how easily it can be torn apart, and as we travel through the past, and way back we are going, and then the present, and a look at the future.
Tangled relationships here, and we have to get to the very end of the book for answers, and yes this is a real page-turner, I could not put it down before I knew how it ended.
I received this book through Bethany House Publishers and was not required to give a positive review. -
What first caught my attention about this book was the switching between time periods. Sometimes, switching between two main characters can be frustrating. If I tend to like one character over the other, I usually become bored with the book. However, in A Plain Leaving, the author did a wonderful job at keeping both main characters interesting and delightful. Ruby and Jessica both have a lot in common, even though they are from two different time periods. The author does a good job at drawing out their humanity through their actions and emotions as they both face hardships. As a reader, this was what really helped me connect with all the characters.
I am a sucker for historical fiction, I will just admit it here and now. Recently, I have noticed more historical Amish fiction being released, and I simply love it! The switch between time periods gives us a glimpse at what it was like for not just the first colonists but the first Amish communities to live in early America. The American Revolution was a favorite of mine in history class so I latched on to all the details and story line as her family faces the hardships that come with war. This book would be very educational to a young adult reader.
The relationships gave me mixed feelings. The way Jessica reacts to her family, when returning home, was written perfectly. In the past, I have read Amish fiction that just felt stale and unrealistic. In those books, the characters felt emotionless, and they would frustrate me to no end. I understand that in Amish culture they tend to be more respectful at times in who they are conversing with and not speak out of turn, but they are still human and still have thoughts and opinions. In 'A Plain Leaving', the author did what I have not seen as much in Amish fiction. She wrote bolder characters that actually spoke their feelings out and argued with family members. They shared feelings and talked out their differences that I commend her for doing. It really helped pull me into the story.
Now that being said, some relationships did feel over dramatized for lack of better word. As in, they just felt too much like a day time drama, but this was not all the time so it did not overwhelm the book too much. Sometimes I expected more out of her closest relatives, if they really grew up with her. The relationship that bothered me the most though was the one between her and Tom. It just felt so unrealistic at times. I understand that sometimes relationships just don't work out. However, when Tom would be doing things with the men or groups of the church, she would always be lonely and left at home. Most churches nowadays, at least the modern ones, tend to have activities for men and women. I would have expected her as an ex-Amish woman to jump in with these new people. That was what bothered me the most. The relationship just did not set well with me almost as if the character was not allowing herself to bond with the new church. It just felt awkward.
The ending did feel a little rushed, but I think the author was just trying to wrap things up. However, I was satisfied with the ending. Overall, I did enjoy the story line, and I think that Ruby's story was my favorite of the two. A Plain Leaving is the first book in The Sisters of Lancaster County series. I would love to read the second book someday, and I am happy to see that the author is continuing her theme of having the past mixed with modern characters. I would recommend this book to any Amish loving person that is looking for something different and new to read. -
When Jessica Bachmann left her Amish family, she made a new life for herself in the Englisch world. She knew she couldn’t return after turning her back on her family and her faith. But life has a way of rearranging people’s plans.
Her father dies unexpectedly, and she decides to brave the shunning she knows she will face in order to mourn the man who has been a loving guide throughout her life. What she hadn’t expected was the recurrence of feelings she once had for Silas Kemp.
Fortunately, she has an ally amongst the cold shoulders she receives—her Aunt Suz. To pass the time, and to encourage Jessica, her aunt begins telling her a tale of early Bachmann history in the years prior to the American Revolution. The story of Rebecca Bachmann is woven into A Plain Leaving, so the novel moves between modern day Amish life and the early Amish settlers on their land. Leslie Gould has drawn these two stories together to build the framework for A Plain Leaving.
I must confess a preference for historical fiction, and found the pre-Revolution sections fascinating. Not to say that Jessica’s dilemma isn’t equally interesting—I had no idea of the lengths the Amish would go to when they shun someone. Even Jessica’s immediate family treat her coldly.
You will have to read A Plain Leaving for yourself to learn how the story ends. I promise you, you’ll be glad you did.
My thanks to the author and Bethany House for my review copy. -
A Plain Leaving by Leslie Gould is the first book in The Sisters of Lancaster County series. Jessica Bachman is at work when she receives a call from her sister, Leisel that their father has passed away. Jessica left their Amish community three years prior and is shunned (she was baptized when she left). She returns for the funeral and receives a less than warm welcome from her relatives. Jessica is filled with mixed feelings upon her return. She misses her home and family, but she still remembers why she left. Silas Kemp (courted Jessica for two years) works on the farm and Jessica realizes that her feelings for him have not faded. At their father’s funeral, Arden (her older brother) has a heart attack. Jessica is the one person who can keep the farm running while he recovers (and he really does not want to ask for her help). While on the farm, Jessica spends time with her Aenti Suzanne who shares a special story with her about their ancestor, Ruby Bachman. When the time comes for Jessica to return to her home, will she want to leave or return to her roots?
A Plain Leaving was such a lovely story. I was drawn into the book from the very beginning. The characters are nicely developed. There are characters that readers will love and there are ones that you will love to hate (Arden, Marie, Bethel). In the face of such dislike, it can be hard to turn the other cheek. A Plain Leaving has a good pace, beautiful setting, and good writing. Leslie Gould managed to combine the two storylines (Jessica and Ruby’s) into one pleasing book. Some of the themes in A Plain Leaving are love, hope, forgiveness, foolishness, choices, history, trusting in God and having faith. I appreciated the growth of the characters in the story. I am rating A Plain Leaving 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it). I did not want A Plain Leaving to end. It is an inspiring story. I am eager to read the next book in The Sisters of Lancaster County series. -
Jessica was shunned after leaving her Amish roots for a new experience in the Englisch world. The death of her father brought her home where life with her family was difficult as a result of her shunning. Her family showed her no mercy, aside from her Amish aunt who shared the Revolutionary War history of her ancestors and the farmland left to successive family members. This compelling story of Ruby's life revealed a wealth of information helpful to Jessica. Jessica and Ruby's lives paralleled one another with their interwoven connections.
Current issues enter the picture, such as shunning, family dysfunction, personal loss and relationships, fracking on Amish land, and the future of Jessica's family property. Not your usual Amish story, the author adds so much depth to this compelling story with its rich historical detailing, descriptive landscape and characterizations.
Written with strong insight into the Amish community and well researched information regarding the Revolutionary war, Leslie Gould has created one of her best achievements in her literary career. It was difficult to see this story come to its conclusion. I highly recommend "A Plain Leaving" for its wealth of family dynamics and personal developments!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book with no expectations for a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own. -
The first book in The Sisters of Lancaster County series already has me wanting to read more. Leslie Gould masterfully shares a story of a young Amish woman who enjoys outdoor chores far more than the typical inside chores of other Amish women. Her half-brother who does not like farm work and would rather sell off the farm or lease the land to someone for other uses stirs up trouble for her to the point she feels she must leave. After three years away, she gets word that her father has died and returns for his funeral. How can she survive even a few days in a house where she is no longer wanted? Even though she has a new boyfriend where she works, why is it so difficult to see her former Amish boyfriend with another young woman? How can she make it through the funeral when family and others will not allow her the opportunity to grieve her loss? What is she supposed to do when her half-brother who caused so much trouble for her and seems to hate everything about her has a serious heart attack before they can finish burying her father? The bright spot in her life through all of this is when she visits her Aunt Suzanne and is told a cautionary tale about an early ancestor who lived during the Revolutionary War and faces some circumstances that are vaguely similar to her own. Jessica has some major decisions to make as her heart and soul are so unsettled about every aspect of her life. Will the cautionary tale give her any guidance? That is for you to decide. I received a copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
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A Plain Leaving is the first book in Leslie Gould's new series The Sisters of Lancaster County. This book caught my attention from the first page and continued to do so thru out the entire book. I loved the storyline and also the secondary storyline immensely. The characters chosen by the author were very authentic in the way they handle family and stressful situations.
Jessica Bachmann's character was a strong-willed, independent young woman who has been estranged from her Amish family and community for over three years. When she received a call from her youngest sister at the passing of their Datt Jessica is drawn back home to Lancaster. When she arrives home she is openly welcomed by her youngest sister and her former beau but everyone else including her own mother were cold, rude, and unforgiving. In fact her Mother flat out orders her to leave. How does Jessica handle this?
When Aenti Suz learns of Jessica's arrival she rushes to her defense and tells the family she is welcomed to stay with her. It is during one of their talks over tea that Aenti Suz starts telling Jessica the story of an ancestor, Ruby Bachmann , that took place during Revolutionary War-era. This book flashes back to this story thru out the book and Jessica starts to weave Ruby and her story together. The descriptions of this story really draws you into the era and you can almost feel like you are right there with Ruby.
Both parts of this book let's the reader know how difficult choices can affect a person's life. I felt alot different emotions reading this book from an overwhelming urge to shake a few people to wanting to wrap my arms around some and hug them. This is a story that offers love, dislike, forgiveness, and faith. The path that Jessica takes thru out the book is amazing.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. All the opinions s and statements expressed are solely my own based on this book. I have rated this book with five stars but wished I could have given it more. I will be recommending to all readers who enjoy the Amish genre along with historical genre.
Congratulations to Leslie Gould on writing such a fascinating book for her readers. I will be anticipating the release of book two in the future to continue following this amazing family. -
This time split novel has to be one of Leslie Gould's best so far. The story of Jessica Bachmann in contemporary and Ruby Bachmann in the Revotionary War era was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Jessica left her Amish community three years previously to live in the English world because of a terrible misunderstanding among her family members. She only comes back because she learns of her father's passing. Tensions are high, the shunning ban is in place, and nothing is the same as she remembers except for the farm land she loves.
Jessica's aunt tells her the story of Ruby in bits and pieces and Jessica begins to correlate their lives. Ruby is of a plain background as is her family. They are pacifists and don't believe in war. Most of her family leave for Canada to keep out of the war against the British, except for Ruby, her sick mother and her youngest brother. The struggles for Ruby are many and hard. A neighbor joins forces with her to preserve their farms
The parallels between the two young women are compelling. They both have "significant others" but question where their loyalty and love really rests. They are both searching for answers and a closer relationship with God.
I truly enjoyed reading Jessica's story and look forward to stories about the other two sisters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through the author/publisher but was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise. -
Jessica Bachmann lived peacefully on her family farm until she clashed with the new bishop and her brother about her role in the family and the future of the family farm. She left and only returns when her father dies. She sees her once boyfriend and wonders what might have been. But, she discovers a far more important fact. Her brother Arden is pursuing hazardous fracking on the family's land. As Jessica wrestles with her next step, she learns the cautionary tale of a Revolutionary War-era ancestor who faced similar struggles. Will she leave her family or will it motivate her to fight for what she believes is right? This is the first installment os what is to be a series about the Bachman family.
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Author Leslie Gould is a superb author. She writes two stories, one that's happening now and the other one the Aunt tells of their ancestors, home and farm many years ago. She weaves these two stories into a magnificent book. I did not want to stop reading until I was finished. You do not want to miss reading "A Plain Leaving" . It's Book One of The Sisters of Lancaster County series. Looking forward to Book Two.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and the author but was not required to review it. This review is one hundred percent my opinion. -
A Plain Leaving ( The Sisters of Lancaster #1)
By: Leslie Gould
A Plain Leaving is book one in The Sisters of Lancaster County Series by Leslie Gould. WOW, what a story. Gould drew me in right at the start and I did not want to put it down for anything. I absolutely loved it. I had tears in my eyes several times. Gould really gives us two stories in
one. I caught myself trying to hurry where I could find out what happen in the other story. The characters were well developed and so real like. This is Jessica Bachmann story ,and I cant wait to read the stories on the sisters. Jessica was shunned three years ago as a young woman , and she left her family and the boyfriend she was in love with. She made a new life in the English world and dating an English man. A phone call from home one day changed everything. Her dad had passed away and she must get home for his service. Will her family be proud to see her ? Will she even be allowed to go to her father’s service? What about her old Amish boyfriend will he be proud to see her, or is he married now?
I received a complimentary ARC from Bethany House Publishers and the author , but was not told that I had to give a positive review. -
This was a heartwarming book that has all you expect from an Amish community with a heartwarming tale of family and old friends. Jessica will have to learn to overcome obstacles but as the reader you will not be able to help but want Jessica to do so and shows strength along with family togetherness during difficult times.
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Wonderful Story
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All thoughts are my own. This is a wonderful story about family and finding your way through many decisions. Jessica left the Amish 3 years before because of many reasons, one being her brother. But her father kept close tabs on her. But now her father has passed away from Lung cancer and she is heading home for the funeral. Even though she has been shunned this is family. She calls her other half-brother who also has left the community. But many things will come from this visit. A learning of family members from the past, the need for family and preserving their way of life and finding a old love that has stood by her family when she left. I loved this story and look forward to seeing what happens with the other sisters in the family and how things go with Jessica. -
This is one of the best Amish books I have read!
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I liked the writing style, but I'm not crazy about dual-timeline books. I'll give the next one a try though.
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This book included the dual timeline. Jessica is a shunned Amish girl who has been living and working in the English world for three years. She only returned home because her beloved dat had died. She had done well working in the outside world and even was dating an English man but she still had feelings for her Amish boyfriend that she tried to suppress since he had moved on. I felt both men would have been good for her but she ultimately decided to do God's will. I loved most of her Amish family. Didn't care for her bully half-brother Arden. I didn't care the one sister Marie. I thought she was prickly and judgmental. I hope Marie softens a lot before she gets her own story because right now I don't like her. I loved the other sister Liesel. I'm thinking her story will be next. She has a compassionate heart toward the sick and injured. I'm really looking forward to her story.
This is a well-written novel that I think people would love to read even if they did not enjoy Amish fiction. -
I read this book in two days. I got lost in each of the the dual time periods and loved them both. Gould made history come alive during the revolutionary war and I felt I was there. The romance was what made me turn the pages. I kept wondering who Jessica would end up with. This book was a great start to a new series and I am looking forward to the next installment.
*I was given a copy of the book by the publisher and the opinion is my own. -
To be honest I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book. I am so used to reading dual timeline stories from Leslie Gould and Mindy Starns Clark together that I couldn't imagine one written just by Leslie. I am so glad I was given the chance to read this book because it is well-written and is a fantastic story. This book is perfection!
I liked Jessica's story because it wasn't what is normally found in the Amish fiction genre. She has been shunned by her family and church yet she returns home when she receives the news that her father has died. Jessica faces much conflict with her family upon her return, and she finds comfort with her Aenti Suz. It is from this Suz that she learns Ruby's story.
Ruby's story is just as interesting as Jessica's and I was anxiously turning pages to find out what was happening to Ruby and the farm. I liked the friendship she built with Duncan since it was formed out of necessity yet gently turned into a genuine bond.
This book is written in both first person and third person. Jessica's story is told in the first person and at times almost had the feel of Jessica writing a letter to me letting me know what was going on in her life. Ruby's story is told in the third person and was more of a traditional story. I liked that the book was written this way as it made it really easy to keep the stories separated in my mind.
What I liked best about this book is it is full of characters who are flawed. I think people often think of the Amish as having no problems since they lead simple lives. Jessica's story shows that the Amish have just as much angst and turmoil in their lives as everyone else but maybe just not in the same way. Arden, Vi, and even Jessica's mom seemed cold and distant but as I read the story it was easy to understand why. On the other hand, Jessica's sister, Leisel, and her former beau, Silas, were friendly and warm. I liked these two characters and was hoping maybe there could be a second chance for Silas and Jessica.
This is easily one of the best books I've read in a long time. Two riveting stories with complex and genuine characters. This book is definitely one for the keeper shelf and one I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
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Disclaimer: I am a big fan of Amish fiction and don't find a lot that I don't enjoy. However, I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for the next one in the series.
This is a "time-slip" book alternating between present day with Jessica and back when Ruby, a descendant of Jessica's, is living during the Revolutionary War.
Jessica left her Amish roots and became "Englisch" when issues were raised regarding the way things were being handled regarding her family farm and how she wanted to live her life. She left behind her whole family and the love of her life, Silas, and headed from her Lancaster home to Harrisburg where she got her own apartment and job in the modern world. She started dating Tom and was content with her life.
However, a tragedy brings Jessica back home and she feels out of sorts. Dealing with the tragedy and her family who has shunned her, Jessica cannot wait to return to her life in Harrisburg. But, is that the life for her?
In Ruby's setting, she is also confronted with trials and tribulations and leaving her home for Canada and a better life with her betrothed, Paul. The neighbor's nephew, Duncan, moves in next door to help his uncle but ends up helping Ruby with the endless work to keep her farm running while her brother is in Canada starting their new settlement. Along with his sister, Isabelle, Duncan starts helping Ruby start to see to new possibilities.
Both Ruby and Jessica, generations apart are faced with life changing decisions. Can Jessica learn from Ruby's story?
I just was in love with the settings and the characters in this book. It was one of those rare books that I didn't want to end. Thank you so much to Bethany House for the copy. No review was required. -
Can't wait for the next book:-) Might have to round this up to a 5.
This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.
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Jessica left her Amish roots three years ago, is completely shunned by her family and is returning home because her father has just passed away. She knows her family will not be happy to see her but she owes it to her Dat to go. While she is there, she hopes to convince her older brother not to go ahead with the fracking company that he wants to sell the family farm to. She stays at her Aunt Suz's house and while there, Suz tells her the story of Ruby Bachman.
Ruby's story takes place during the Revolutionary War and it shows that even though Ruby and Jessica lived over one hundred years apart, they face some of the same challenges. All of the characters have flaws and I really like how Leslie Gould shows the reader that The Amish, while living plain lives, still have problems and drama. A PLAIN LEAVING is filled with twists and turns and had me totally invested in all of the characters and their troubles.
A PLAIN LEAVING is filled with love, family, forgiveness, history, hope, and faith. Ruby and Jessica both have some by choices and hard decisions to make and they will break the reader's hearts. Even though Jessica now has an Englisch boyfriend, she still feels a strong pull towards Silas, the Amish man she left behind. Will Jessica stay in her childhood home or will she go back to her Englisch life? You have to give A PLAIN LEAVING a try to find out! My emotions were all over the place while reading about the tough choices Jessica and Ruby had to make and I found myself cheering both of them on, hoping they would find their happy places.
**
An in-depth look into an Amish family, spanning centuries, from current time to revolutionary times, an all on the same property in Lancaster area Pennsylvania.
There is so much pain here, and when the story opens we are brought to the farm because of the death of the father. The author keeps us on ours toes, and yes this is a family story, but it is also the lands story. Can relate to some that goes on here, living on a farm that has been in our family since 1855, and having been contacted about fracking.
The thought about destroying the land will make you cringe, and yes we are all human, no matter how we worship. The author has us thinking about the center of a family, and how easily it can be torn apart, and as we travel through the past, and way back we are going, and then the present, and a look at the future.
Tangled relationships here, and we have to get to the very end of the book for answers, and yes this is a real page-turner.
**
Leslie Gould masterfully shares a story of a young Amish woman who enjoys outdoor chores far more than the typical inside chores of other Amish women. Her half-brother who does not like farm work and would rather sell off the farm or lease the land to someone for other uses stirs up trouble for her to the point she feels she must leave. After three years away, she gets word that her father has died and returns for his funeral. How can she survive even a few days in a house where she is no longer wanted? Even though she has a new boyfriend where she works, why is it so difficult to see her former Amish boyfriend with another young woman? How can she make it through the funeral when family and others will not allow her the opportunity to grieve her loss? What is she supposed to do when her half-brother who caused so much trouble for her and seems to hate everything about her has a serious heart attack before they can finish burying her father? The bright spot in her life through all of this is when she visits her Aunt Suzanne and is told a cautionary tale about an early ancestor who lived during the Revolutionary War and faces some circumstances that are vaguely similar to her own. Jessica has some major decisions to make as her heart and soul are so unsettled about every aspect of her life. Will the cautionary tale give her any guidance? -
I’ve not read this author before but something about the synopsis of this novel reached out to me in my monthly Bethany House email. I had to read it. And that it’s first in a series is just a bonus. Sometimes you want to start at the beginning. Other times, not so much but this was one of those sometimes. It has sat patiently in the book stack waiting for it’s turn. I have to say, I’m glad I read it and wish I’d read it sooner, but then of course it would have been over sooner. I read it right on time, in bed, sick, on my day off work.
Jessica Bachmann made a hard choice three years ago. Already baptized into her faith she chose to leave. Her older brother Arden, her bishop, even her Mamm had turned a blind eye to her needs. There wasn’t a lot of understanding or even honesty. She left. She left her family, she left her boyfriend Silas, she left the hurts. She succeeded in the English world. Found a job, an apartment and got her GED. Her dat came to visit her, apparently never telling those back home. She was shunned. She met Tom and started dating him, even talked about the idea of marriage in the future and he met her dat. But then dat passed away. And she went home. Back to the lack of support, back to the lies and back to the family that didn’t want her anymore. She was shunned. Well, her aunt Suz wanted her and her sister Leisel, who originally called her. And her other older brother, Amos (Arden’s twin), who had left when Jessica was a child. There was a lot of heartache during the visit home, revisiting old wounds that weren’t as healed as anticipated. There were new wounds. And a little bit of healing.
As I was reading this book I kept wondering what would happen if they didn’t go back. I don’t mean just Jessica but anyone who had left. We always read about leaving and/or coming home. I’ve not read anything where they choose not to return. What if Jessica went home and stayed home, her new home, her English home? I mean she did. For a minute. What if she stayed shunned, stayed English, and went about her life? What would that look like? I get that this is a series about sisters so I know where the future books are going to lean. Amos went home to stay, he did not come back. He’s been gone longer and has more life in the English world. But, what if? That’s the thoughts I had reading this book. I know, not about the book at all. Let’s talk about the book.
The characters were so well developed that even the historical story-line blended in so well. Even the characters you needed to despise (Arden comes to mind) had a solid backstory that created who they were. Ruby had a choice to make, at a time when women had even less choices than they do now. Two lives, two men, her own identity. Jessica faced similar choices. Though her dat had allowed for her to have more options than a woman of their faith. Two lives, two men, her own identity. They may have chosen differently but their stories were so similar. Generations apart, different choices, different answers, the same outcome. Finding yourself in the middle. Standing for what you know is right for yourself. That’s ultimately the truth of ‘A Plain Leaving’.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Originally published at
https://fizzypopcollection.com/a-plai.... -
When Jessica Bachmann left her home in Lancaster County three years ago. She left behind her family, the man she loved and her Amish way of life. Starting over in the Englisch world, she worked her way up in her job at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Things in her life were settled until she received word that her beloved father had passed away from lung cancer.
A Plain Leaving (The Sisters of Lancaster County Book #1) by [Gould, Leslie]I wasn't surprised to get hooked right away into Leslie Gould's latest offering, A Plain Leaving. This happens every time I pick up one of her books to read and like the others, I had a hard time putting it down. I am excited to share that this is book one in her new The Sisters of Lancaster County series.
Traveling home was almost harder than the day she left. Her relationship with her mother had been distant. Her brother Arden and sister Marie were only to happy to show her a less than welcome homecoming. Baptized into the faith before she had left, she was shunned and felt the sting from her family especially at mealtimes. All were content to leave it that way except Silas, her former boyfriend and her dear Aenti Suz.
Her Aenti Suz was a welcome relief in her grief and as Jessica sought her comfort, a parallel story unfolded about Ruby. The Bachmann family had farmed their land for over 240 years and Ruby was the only daughter of the first Bachmanns to settle in America. Aenti Suz shared enough of Ruby to keep Jessica eagerly coming back for the whole story. I must admit that I, too eagerly waited for more of that story.
Jessica loved her family's land and worked hard to assist with all the chores to help make their load lighter under difficult circumstances. They didn't appreciate her help although they accepted it. She quickly got back into the routine. However, she soon learned that her brother had plans for the land that her father would never have agreed to had he lived. Her job at the Department of Agriculture uncovered information about oil fracking on several farms in the area. It seemed like a good alternative to farming if one didn't like that line of work. It seemed her brother would willingly give up their livelihood to turn a profit. Jessica had to stop Arden from destroying the land and the family's legacy. Could she truly leave her home once more after all that she has learned?
I liked this story for many reasons. The author has a gift for creating characters the reader can identify with. Forgiveness, unconditional love, loyalty, deceit, perfection and jealousy are just a few things that are woven into the story. So too is hope and courage. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good story that will leave you looking for more. Many thanks to Bethany House for the opportunity to read this wonderful book and to the author for beginning a new series that promises to be a good one. -
In this book by Leslie Gould, Jessica Bachmann has already left the Amish community she grew up in. But she is called back by her youngest sister to attend her father's funeral. This is the most difficult thing she has ever done in her life because of the divisive family drama that pushed her out in the first place. She is subjected to shunning practices while at the same time she is trying to grieve over her father's passing. Then her brother Amos arrives. He had left the family more than a decade ago with similar conflicts in the family, especially with his twin, the brother now in charge of the family homestead.
Her aunt Suz helps Jessica cope while inviting her to the house she lives in. So during the days Jessica stays with her aunt while she tells her a story about one of her ancestors, a Ruby Bachmann who lived Plain during the days of the colonial period and the beginning of the American Revolution against Britain. There are parallels between the two women of this book. Both have tough choices to make that can change their lives drastically.
The historical fiction story about Ruby Bachmann is filled with suspense and tough choices. As Jessica was listening to her aunt telling this story, she wasn't quite sure what point her aunt was making. Not until the very last few pages of the book does Jessica realize what the message was. In the meantime, watching her former fiance court another woman was breaking her heart when it shouldn't have, and seeing her older brother plan things for her father's farm that could jeopardize the family legacy irreversibly worried her in spite of the fact that she no longer lives on the farm. What was her heart trying to tell her?
This is a fast-paced contemporary story about family conflicts, past hurts, reconciliation, and challenges that keeps our interest high. I loved this story. I loved the story within the story as well. Many of the characters go through a transition within their character. There are a lot of good dynamics moving throughout this book that takes awhile to process. There are even a few surprises toward the end of both stories. But all the conflict is well worth reading. I know this is one book I will enjoy reading several times.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers on behalf of the author. I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." -
Note: Kristin reads and reviews both Christian and secular fiction on
A Simply Enchanted Life. Out of respect for my readers, I am including a content review. This content review will help you decide whether this book is suitable for you.
Content Review:
Christian or Secular: Christian
Profanity: None
Sex&Violence: None
Trigger Warnings: None
Disclosure: None
A Plain Leaving is everything that I used to hate in a book but a style that I now love. I know you're scratching your head and saying, "Huh?" Let me explain, A Plain Leaving is written in first person—a writing style for which I used to struggle with. Time has a way of changing people and now I long for more first-person novels in the Amish genre. It's so rarely done.
I loved Jessica and getting into her head made me feel kinds of emotions. Anger, sadness, lonliness—I felt it all with her. Typically when I write a review, I try to point out all the negatives and end with the positives. There were no negatives for me with this story. The dual timelines between modern-day and the early Amish settlers were so beautifully woven. I've only read two books this year with a dual timeline and as of now they're sitting in first and second place for the top books of 2017. It's just awesome-sauce. Yes, I said awesome-sauce in a review. Unprofessional? Maybe. But it is how I feel.
At first, I wanted Jessica to harden her heart against her family and run away to the safety of the English world. But, as time passed, I started to see that Jessica was running away from her problems. That's something I tend to do rather than facing them. And I began to hope that Jessica could face her fears and be better at healthy confrontation than I am. I wanted that for her on some deep emotional level.
If you can't tell, I loved this book. I would absolutely suggest it to fans of Amish and historical fiction.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House Bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.
This review was originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life -
At age twenty, Jessica Bachman left her two beloved sisters and her Amish community after clashing with the new bishop about her role in the family and the future of their farm. She tried to convince Silas Kemp, who’d been courting her for two years, to join her, but when he said no, she fled anyway.
Three years later, she returns home for the first time since leaving Lancaster to attend her father’s funeral. Her arrival back revives all sorts of emotions–yearnings and sorrows alike. Jessica knows things will never return to how they were. But in seeing Silas again, she can’t help but wonder what might have been.
Struggling to decide where her next step should take her, she learns the story of a Revolutionary War-era ancestor that echoes her own choices. Will Jessica leave her family and community forever, or is there peace and healing and love yet to come?
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
The Protagonist, Jessica, reads like she’s far older than twenty. I love these historical fictions. This story takes you on a journey of self-discovery by using two stories about Amish women who face life altering choices and their inner struggles with self, religion, family expectations and unexpected love.
I love both female characters in this book. They are strong and honest and both adore their families in a way you don’t see anymore. I enjoyed seeing in to a way of living that I’m not accustomed to. We have Amish around here too and I’ve always been curious about their simplistic life choices.
The Amish in the book are situated in the States although they do discuss Canada and the colonies here. The era is during the civil wars. It was a great read! And if you enjoy such historical family fiction, then I highly recommend you pick up this book and give it a chance.
The plot is well paced, moving a bit slow at first, but you get a good feeling of the family dynamics, the author’s voice is smooth and transitions well from one setting to another, one perspective to another without jarring or jumping around. Tension is felt throughout the book building to a wonderful conclusion and resolution.
The setting is beautifully written to the point where you, as the reader, also get a sense of how astounding the landscape is and why the Protagonist just loves her home so much.
Overall, I’d say this book is a light, enjoyable read for those days when you don’t want too much complication to wrap your brain around. It’s a great read for those who love family stories, but also love historical fiction. -
This Book was supplied to me by Bethany House Publishers for a review in return.
Book Description
At age twenty, Jessica Bachman left her two beloved sisters and her Amish community after clashing with the new bishop about her role in the family and the future of their farm. She tried to convince Silas Kemp, who'd been courting her for two years, to join her, but when he said no, she fled anyway.
Three years later, she returns home for the first time since leaving Lancaster to attend her father's funeral. Her arrival back revives all sorts of emotions--yearnings and sorrows alike. Jessica knows things will never return to how they were. But in seeing Silas again, she can't help but wonder what might have been.
Struggling to decide where her next step should take her, she learns the story of a Revolutionary War-era ancestor that echoes her own choices. Will Jessica leave her family and community forever, or is there peace and healing and love yet to come?
My Review
This book is one of the best books I have read by Leslie Gould. I love reading about the Amish and this book was so good that I would suggest people who love Amish as much as I do should read it.
The book is about Jessica Bachmann and other characters in the book as well. This book is a GREAT book in my opinion. Jessica leaves her Amish life for the Englisch world and to me I don’t know why, but that is just me. She goes back to Lancaster County when she hears about her Dat’s passing away. When she arrives, she is treated really bad except for Silas who was her beau before she left. The only one in her immediate family that doesn’t treat her bad is her sister Leisel. She kinda reminds me of my sister. The other one who is super kind to her is her Aunty Suz who lives in the Dawdi Haus.
Aunty Suz tells Jessica the story of Ruby Bachmann and her life was GREAT. She loses her mamm and that hurts her but it relates to Jessica’s life and I loved this part.
Then, after Jessica’s Dat’s funeral, she leaves to go back to Englisch life but it just isn’t her, so the Lord is really working on her to return to the Amish.
I am not going to say anything else about the book or I will ruin it for you. I would suggest this book to my family and friends. Thank you, Leslie Gould for giving us such a GREAT book to read and give a review. Thank you Bethany House for giving me the opportunity to read this book and give a review. -
MY THOUGHTS
Jessica Bachman had different ideas and views from her Amish community. She had family, friends, a man who was courting her, but will it be worth it to leave it all, because your views are different? In the Amish community, things appear to be simple, easy and everyone got along. But Jessica saw things differently and went against the new bishop. She was twenty years old and time to marry and have boppli. Silas Kemp had been courting her for two years. Jessica decided to leave her community but Silas said he couldn't go with her. She left anyway. She stood on her principles for three years. She stayed away from Lancaster and everyone and everything she knew. But when her father died, she returned. Along with returning to Lancaster, emotions erupted that were mixed. When she sees Silas after those three years, she begins to wonder what would have happened if she had stayed. But with that length of time gone, could things return to the way they were? She isn't sure what to do. She learns about an ancestor who was of the Revolutionary War era. This ancestor was much like her in that, choices that went against other's beliefs were a part of the ancestor and Jessica. Will this change the way Jessica has felt for three years? Will she be able to rebuild what has been lost? Will Jessica find a place again in the Lancaster community? Feelings have been hurt, love has been lost for three years and there is so much healing to take place. Will Jessica be able to find her faith in God and start the healing process? Or will she, leave again, this time for good?
The author gives us the community of Lancaster where everything is supposedly perfect. But she also shows us that the Amish just like the Englisch communities are never perfect. There will always be disagreements, different ideas and different ways of dealing with those feelings. The book shows how faith in God along with looking at other's ideas, can bring about peace. It makes you stop and think about what is really important. Being right or having peace? Very well written and leaves the reader with a lot to think about. Your emotions may be torn in different directions.
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Book Reviewers Program and voluntarily decided to review it.
