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About this item
Highlights
- 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.
- About the Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 40 books, including The Sweet Life, The Moonlight School, and A Season on the Wind, as well as the Three Sisters Island, Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop's Family, The Deacon's Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series.
- 320 Pages
- Fiction + Literature Genres, Amish & Mennonite
Description
About the Book
Impulsive and unreserved, Lydie Stoltzfus has always felt like a disappointment--a square peg in a round hole in her quiet Amish community. Leaving Stoney Ridge seems like her best move--even though it would mean leaving Nathan Yoder behind.Book Synopsis
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?
"Readers will be won over by the delightful leads, and the nuanced treatment of Lydie's ADHD and crisis of faith brings depth to the narrative. This is another winner from Fisher."--Publishers Weekly
From the Back Cover
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?
About the Author
Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 40 books, including The Sweet Life, The Moonlight School, and A Season on the Wind, as well as the Three Sisters Island, Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop's Family, The Deacon's Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and Twitter @suzannewfisher.Dimensions (Overall): 8.4 Inches (H) x 5.4 Inches (W) x .9 Inches (D)
Weight: .55 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 320
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres
Sub-Genre: Amish & Mennonite
Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Company
Format: Paperback
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Language: English
Street Date: October 4, 2022
TCIN: 86246440
UPC: 9780800739515
Item Number (DPCI): 247-03-8578
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 0.9 inches length x 5.4 inches width x 8.4 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.55 pounds
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4.6 out of 5 stars with 11 reviews
100% would recommend
10 recommendations
UNUSUAL AND ENTERTAINING!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Moonpie - 2 years ago
This book combines two very unusual subjects and modern day topics and weaving them into an informative, entertaining and interesting story! Lydia is quirky and can’t seem to keep her life in order. This leads her quickly going from job to job in rapid succession. She feels doesn’t fit in anywhere, especially not in the ordered life of the Amish. She secretly plans to leave. Nathan’s dream is to become a successful organic farmer. He loves Lydia and only sees her sweet spirit and unusual insight into situations. Unfortunately his father and brother are sold out to using as many harmful chemicals on their crops as the can. Ignoring the impact they have on the environment and health. To complicate matters more Lydia’s paternal grandmother comes to stay. She is overbearing, unkind, controlling and has a master plan to “fix” Lydia once and for all. Lydia’s Aunt, Dok is a physician who left the Amish years ago. She offers her a job in her office. Her suspicions are validated with some testing, Lydia has ADHD. All the characters are so multifaceted! Each has their own faults and struggles they are secretly dealing with. Ms. Fisher beautifully weaves them all together in their relationships and community! I learned much about ADHD that I wasn’t aware of. Not only some of the challenges but also how greatly it impacts one’s day to day existence. I appreciated that the author presented that it can be treated without medication. A wonderful story of forgiveness and God’s healing in unexpected ways. I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.
Here Comes Trouble?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Tickmenot - 2 years ago
Born and bred Amish, including being a bishop's daughter, Lydie can't seem to fit in, almost everything she touches backfires. She is easily distracted, forgets important things, and causes chaos wherever she goes. No one is more unhappy by her behavior than Lydie herself, but even though she tries her hardest, she can't stop getting into trouble. She has loved Nathan all her life, and he loves her, but something is being held over Lydie's head that causes her to stop the relationship. Are they doomed to be apart, and both unhappy without the other? Nathan and his brother, Mick, are in a contest that will change the course of their lives. Their father has pitted them against each other. Mick will be using chemicals while Nathan will use organic methods to grow their crops. Whoever has the biggest harvest will win the entire farm. Doc may have the answer to Lydie's problem, but her father does not want her taking medicine. Is there a drug-free way for Lydie to get help? Lydie's grandmother is a domineering woman, negative, and will not tolerate anyone disagreeing with her. She brings her own form of mayhem, and has just decided to move in and "fix" Lydie. Will Lydie only get worse from this treatment? Lying and conniving is going on in this tale, with many people not what they seem. This is a highly entertaining book that you won't want to put down. Despite all the fun, the tale has a serious side that covers adult medical issues that can be helped with the right care. You might recognize yourself, or someone you know, in the pages of this story. I recommend this five-star book to those who enjoy well-written Amish tales, or modern stories. Revell Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Anything but Plain, for the purpose of review.
Unique Amish Story
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Cindy D - 3 years ago
Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of those authors whose books I tend to read without needing to know anything about them. She has solid writing, and I always enjoy her books. Anything but Plain has a unique storyline where an Amish young woman doesn't feel she fits in with her community but learns the reason she doesn't fit is because of a medical condition. I have never seen this particular topic discussed in Amish fiction before (and I have read a TON of Amish fiction). The male lead also explores an avenue not commonly written about in Amish fiction. It's interesting to see both characters struggle with their families as well. Anything but Plain shows what happens when jealousy and bitterness are left to stew too long. It deals with themes of sin, forgiveness, being different, healing, and hope. There are many layers to this story, but the story comes together nicely, although I felt it was a rather abrupt ending. Thank you to Net Galley and Revell for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
good read
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
grammy - 3 years ago
This is another book about the people, Amish, of Stoney Ridge. There are many characters from other books, including Bishop David Stoltzfus. This kind of made it feel like you were visiting old friends. The characters were well-developed and believable. The story flowed well and kept my interest. It also looked at autism through fresh eyes. The only thing I didn't like about the story is that it left some things too open, but maybe they will be picked up in the next novel. I really enjoyed this book. It shows God in quiet ways, not preachy at all. I rarely give 5-star reviews and this comes close but I do give it a definite 4-star review. I was given a copy of this book through the Revell Reads program and this review is freely given and my own opinion.
Original and Interesting
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Lucy Reynolds - 3 years ago
An original, thought provoking story that I was totally absorbed in. It was interesting to read a well researched story line about ADHD especially from an Amish perspective. Lydie tugged on my heartstrings and also made me laugh with the lighthearted moments especially her doodling. I enjoyed Dok and the prospective she brought by using her own experiences and knowledge. Ms. Fisher delivers a well developed story that will appeal to readers even if you aren’t an Amish fiction lover. It leaves you thinking about it well after turning the last page. The characters are real and relatable with flaws and family difficulties. One of my favorite parts was finding out Perfect Patsy wasn’t perfect. Makes me smile saying that. Pick up a copy and settle in for an enjoyable visit. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
“Walking the Beans”
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Gail Hollingsworth - 3 years ago
I always like to “research” where a book title comes into the story. Anything But Plain had a double meaning for me. Plain is what the Amish are called and Lydie felt like she didn’t belong in her community or even her family. But I also thought anything but plain could also relate to any of us. We are each special, created by God in His own image. The characters were interesting to get to know. Lydie was having problems with her everyday life. Being consistently late, unorganized, never finishing a task, and concentrating were just a few of her issues. She kept getting fired from jobs and was constantly criticized by her grandmother. She wanted to “jump the fence” and leave the Amish. Lydie’s life began to change when her aunt, a doctor, gave her a diagnosis and ways to cope. But she still had setbacks. Nathan, her next door neighbor and childhood friend, was being put down because he wanted to make their vegetable farm pure with no pesticides or chemicals. His brother Mick, who used chemicals for the farm, was put in a “contest” with Nathan by their Dad. They each had half the land to work with and at the end of harvest whoever had the best yield would inherit the whole farm as their own. Nathan was doing well until an unfortunate incident sabotaged his efforts. What lessons will be learned by both these friends? Will they be able to move forward? There were a few “bad apple” characters that made me dislike them immensely! But I even learned lessons from this story. I am quick to “judge” and slow to forgive but some characters in his book taught me a thing or two about loving all and praying for them. I enjoy when a book can make me think and even re-evaluate my life and this one was certainly one that did that! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise. All opinions are strictly my own.
heartwarming amish story
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
RachelKD - 3 years ago
I don't read alot of Amish fiction books any more, but I always read books by this author. I like that she writes Amish fiction and that the Amish characters are relatable and have real struggles-just like Englishers. Yes Amish life is very different and can be more simple; but they also struggle with alot of things that other people do- like estranged kids or family members, divorce, addictions, crime, abuse, etc. I enjoyed reading this book and especially loved the character Lydie! Poor girl! She loved her amish family and community and tried so hard to fit in but never felt "normal" and was constantly frustrated and ridiculed. I liked that her Aunt took the time to look deeper and help her with her frustrations and root of the problem. There were other mini stories and characters throughout the book even though it focused on Lydie, her family and friend Nathan. I enjoyed reading this heartwarming story and hope there will be other stories involving the Amish characters in this town. I really enjoyed it! I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
Intriguing, Entertaining and Instructional
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
VickleaW - 3 years ago
Lydie Stoltzfus is an Amish girl with a big heart and a problem concentrating and finishing her tasks. She has been fired from one job after another and has a talent for rushing and still arriving late. When her aunt, the town’s physician, needs a temporary receptionist, she hires Lydie and notices that she has ADHD. Dok and Lydie’s grandmother work together to help Lydie accept her shortcomings and to overcome her attention deficit. The story is centered around Lydie, but it is also the story of Nathan and Mick Yoder, two brothers who are competing for control of the family farm. Nathan wants everything to be organically grown while Mick wants to use chemicals to beat the pests and have a higher yield. I learned a lot about good farming methods and especially enjoyed Nathan’s love for his crops and the tender care he took of his plants. The story was one of redemption and self-acceptance, of family, friendship and of using the talents God has given us. There are so many lessons to learn in this book and so much truth within its pages. I had never heard of to “walk the beans” but that phrase has become a new mantra for me to insert into my busy life. The fast pace tale is fascinating and well-researched, including training oneself to overcome ADHD and to grow things in a healthy way. All opinions expressed are my own.
A touching Amish tale!
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
- 3 years ago
Anything but Plain by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a special Amish tale. I thought the story was well-written with realistic, developed characters. I liked returning to Stoney Ridge with its familiar characters (can be read as a standalone). There are some amusing characters. I would put Hank near the top of the list. I can just imagine him with his loud voice (he always shouts). Lydie Stoltzfus is a great character. She is lighthearted, lively, and scattered. Lydie has trouble staying focused and following through on things (starts one project and then goes off to another, leaving cupboard doors open, always late). Lydie feels like a round peg being pushed into a square hole. I thought the author did a wonderful job at showing how ADHD can affect a person's life. I can tell the author did her research on ADHD. It was interesting learning about the techniques that can help people with ADHD (something besides medication). I loved the humor scattered throughout the story. Lydie’s grandmother is a force of nature. People would rather flee their home than deal with her. I enjoyed learning about organic farming and the different types of produce. There were some varieties that I had never heard of before. I like that the author showed how pesticides can affect people (an example is individuals with asthma). The romance progressed slowly which suited the story. There are a couple of different storylines in the book involving various characters in Stoney Ridge. It makes for a more engaging book. The ending left me with a smile on my face. I appreciated that there was a cast of characters at the beginning of the book. Anything but Plain was an entertaining story. I hope this is not our last visit to Stoney Ridge. Anything but Plain is a diverting tale with a speedy scooter, an undulating pasture, a meddling Mammi, a fleeing family, missing magazine pages, a big blast, and a surefire solution.
Amish fiction
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Sunnie Reviews - 3 years ago
An engaging Amish fiction! Having a somewhat similar situation in my life, this book was great at depicting the ADHD life. I loved everything about the book. And I understood. And it felt real. And it gave me new perspectives as to how to deal with the circumstances that arise. It was good to read and a beautiful telling. Lydie definitely had her challenges and keeping a job was a big part of them. The book was a great example of faith and I just plain enjoyed it! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own.