| Author: | Suzanne Woods Fisher |
| Genre: | Amish, Medical |
| Pub. Date: | 4 Oct 2022 |
| Pages: | 316 |
| Publisher: | Revell |
| Cover: | Perfect for this story. |
| Rating: | 5 stars |
When you are the bishop’s daughter, you are expected to do things right. Everything. And Lydie Stoltzfus doesn’t fit that description. Nothing she does seems right; all she seems to do is disappoint people. All people. She is at the point where she plans to leave.
Lydie has been let go from every job; she has one last chance. The local doctor needs someone to fill in at the front desk temporarily. But Dok recognizes symptoms of an unusual but treatable disorder for the Amish. Can she convince Lydie she can help her before Lydie goes “English“?
My review …
I absolutely LOVED this book. And I will want to read it again.
What does this book have going for it?
Lots!
The plot …
From the first paragraphs, you will feel Lydie’s pain. And unless you have felt like you are disappointing everyone no matter how hard you try not to, you have NO idea how painful it is. This isn’t a single incident. This is her life. And has been for years. No wonder she is planning to leave her community. And then someone says that she can help her … really help her?
The characters …
There wasn’t a character in this book that made me pause and wonder if they belonged. Or would do what the scene called for?
The pacing …
The author skillfully builds the story … a VERY believable story so that when Dok says she can help her, the actions of all fit beautifully.
Dok’s solutions …
I’m giving nothing away here. The publisher’s own book description states “She offers treatment for Lydie.” It’s probably pretty obvious by now that I identify with Lydie a great deal. No. I do not have her disorder, but I do have one that causes some of the same situations Lydie goes through — especially that of disappointing people. And the relief I felt when I learned that I wasn’t a failure but had a disorder that was treatable.
DO realize that this truly *IS* an enjoyable read as well as compelling. And if you have some of the same issues, talk to your doctor. Be honest. Take someone with you if you can’t go alone. Life can be good.
I received a complimentary e-ARC copy of “Anything but Plain” via NetGalley from the publisher, Revell. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Rating: 5 stars — I’d give it 6 if I could.
#AnythingbutPlain #NetGalley #SuzanneWoodsFisher
