Plain Pursuit is an Amish Christian Fiction novel by Beth Wiseman. It’s the second of the Daughters of the Promise series. In the novel, journalist Carley sustains the loss of her mother and extensive injuring of her own and is asked to take a leave of absense from work. She goes to stay with her Amish friend Lillian and takes with her an assignment to write a story on the Amish way of life. While there she meets Lillian’s shunned brother in law and develops a relationship with him will helping pull together a family. In return, she finds a family of her own.
It’s been several books since I’ve picked up fiction, devoting myself to several Christian non-fiction books. I had really hoped to lose myself in this book and enjoy a quick, romantic read. Had it not been for my commitment to finish and review the book, I have to say I may not have finished it. I had a hard time connecting with Carley. The storylines were predictable and sometimes forced. The dialogue at times was out of character. I felt like the story was more about Noah and his brother Samuel more than Carley and Noah. I think Carley’s hang ups about her infertility were unfounded with Noah and her fear from Darlton was not developed enough for the reader to understand the fear. It was difficult to enjoy a book that was almost solely based in a hospital room and when a lot of the conversation dealt with shunning. I felt like Carley and Noah’s story was rushed towards the end of the book and I would have liked to see some more conversations between them throughout. I think mostly the book was lacking in character development. It seemed the author was more concerned with moving the story forward and describing the medical process and procedures than introducing the reader to the characters and seeing substantial development take place. With the beautiful countryside I’m sure they were in, I felt like scene was lacking as well. I had a difficult time trying to picture the locations and getting a sense of what the characters were seeing.
I did enjoy learning about the Amish as this was my first Amish fiction book. I felt like the author did a good job of weaving pieces of the storylines together, especially when ancillary characters were able to move the storyline forward. The writing was the best when Carley stood up for her beliefs or when there was tension between other characters. I felt like the underlying storyline of the clinic gave the reader something to drive towards and enjoyed all of the community’s “emergencies”.
Overall, I’d give this book a 6 out of 10.
This book was provided on behalf of Thomas Nelson publishing in exchange for the review. If you would like to participate in the book review program, please visit BookSneeze.com
I just discovered your blog and I LOVE IT! I read over on OTHblog, but I didn't know you did this one! I've read this book and I also found it a little slow. The history about the Amish culture was interesting.
If you want a good romantic Christian Fiction read. Check out Karen Kingsbury. I have been reading her series for the past 10 years or so since I was in high school. Once I start reading one I can't put it down. She's amazing. She has several series. One of my favs though is a stand alone book she has called "Divine." It's a modern day story of Mary Magdalene. It's hard to read at some points because it's quite real and very emotional, but its one of my favorite books. Of course there's always, "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers. AMAZING story based on the book of Hosea.
I, like you, read a lot of non-fiction also. You should check out "Velvet Elvis" by Rob Bell if you haven't already and "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller. Great reads
I just discovered your blog and I LOVE IT! I read over on OTHblog, but I didn't know you did this one! I've read this book and I also found it a little slow. The history about the Amish culture was interesting.
If you want a good romantic Christian Fiction read. Check out Karen Kingsbury. I have been reading her series for the past 10 years or so since I was in high school. Once I start reading one I can't put it down. She's amazing. She has several series. One of my favs though is a stand alone book she has called "Divine." It's a modern day story of Mary Magdalene. It's hard to read at some points because it's quite real and very emotional, but its one of my favorite books. Of course there's always, "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers. AMAZING story based on the book of Hosea.
I, like you, read a lot of non-fiction also. You should check out "Velvet Elvis" by Rob Bell if you haven't already and "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller. Great reads
Stef, we must have some similar tastes…I just finished Redeeming love a few months back and also have read Velvet Elvis. Both are on my favorite list!
So glad you found this site!
haha. I guess we do then. I'll be sure to pass along my next reads to you. If you liked redeeming Love, then I highly recommend "Divine" Its sad to see how someone has to overcome those kind of obstacles in life, but its a really really good story of redemption and making the best out of your circumstances and how God can take even the most horrible of events and turn them into something that reveals His power and His majesty. I've bookedmarked your site, so I'll be sure to keep checking back.
haha. I guess we do then. I'll be sure to pass along my next reads to you. If you liked redeeming Love, then I highly recommend "Divine" Its sad to see how someone has to overcome those kind of obstacles in life, but its a really really good story of redemption and making the best out of your circumstances and how God can take even the most horrible of events and turn them into something that reveals His power and His majesty. I've bookedmarked your site, so I'll be sure to keep checking back.
I'm reading Leota's Garden by her right now. I'm going to slowly make it down the list. Her books are huge and she writes so well you can't fly through them.
I'm reading Leota's Garden by her right now. I'm going to slowly make it down the list. Her books are huge and she writes so well you can't fly through them.