Sophie Deiner, an ex-Amish woman and daughter of a prominent bishop, returns to Nappanee, Indiana, when she is ill. She isn’t particularly enthused to be back in her old neighborhood, and many Amish seem to ignore her, including her mother. Her parents request that she wear her old Amish dresses while staying there, even if it is a temporary arrangement.
Naomi’s Gift
Amy Clipston’s Naomi’s Gift is the story of a spirited young Naomi King, an Amish woman who has been jilted in love a few times. Having had a few bachelors, neighbors begin to whisper that she is shameless. Everything changes when she meets widower Caleb Schmucker who lost his wife two years prior and lives with his endearing daughter Susie. Susie immediately takes a liking to Naomi and, in time, Caleb does as well.
The Shadow Land
Alexandra Boyd is a young woman who visits Bulgaria in the year 2008. Still haunted by the thoughts of her brother, Alexandra reminisces about him and their childhood and adolescence continually. On her first day in Bulgaria, something strange happens to her. While at a hotel, she spots a handsome and charismatic tall young man who is accompanied by an elderly couple. When the elderly woman takes a stumble while climbing into a taxi, Alexandra reaches out to assist the woman.
Can You Keep a Secret?
As a member of a book club at my workplace, I recently read Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella. First I’d like to say that romantic comedies are usually the last thing to ever grab my interest, in films and literature. However, I was pleasantly surprised with Can You Keep a Secret?
Everything We Keep
Aimee Tierney had it all: she was going to marry her handsome childhood sweetheart, they were going to start a life together, and live happily ever after. Or so she thought! Her life is changed forever the day she learns her beloved fiancé James has died in a mysterious boating accident while on a business trip in Mexico. To add insult to injury, she is forced to attend her fiancé’s funeral on the same day and in the same church they were supposed to be married. It’s like her worst nightmare has materialized.
Empty Cup
Rosanna Zook is a survivor. For years she has been married to a horrid and abusive husband, Timothy Zook. It seems like Rosanna cannot do anything right and, to make matters worse, Timothy is indolent and he is far from being what a proper Amish man is expected to be. They have two children, Aaron and Cate. Cate, who is their younger child, has always been Timothy’s least favorite child and he has gone out of his way to ignore her.
An Amish Christmas
The motherly and domestically minded Meg Hobart has it all: the big house, the BMW, a strapping but handsome husband with a high-powered job, three beautiful children, and time to dedicate to whatever pleases her. While her husband James is the breadwinner, Meg is the homemaker who keeps both the home and the family’s schedule running on a consistent basis. Meg has three children who she dotes on constantly, pandering to their every need. While she has three children, Lizzie and Will, the two eldest are exceedingly spoiled and selfish. Her youngest son, Sam is the only one in the family treating her with great affection and respect.