This book is amazing. When the main character has decisions to make she learns more about her ancestors and what they went through that will show the way she should go

I loved reading this book! Leslie Gould is one of my favorite Amish authors. I highly recommend this book!

A Simple Singing is the second instalment from The Sisters of Lancaster County series by Leslie Gould. Even though it is book two of the series, I have not read the beginning, A Plain Leaving, and felt this one could be read as a stand alone. I love historical fiction, as well as, Amish Fiction. When the two combine, makes it a great read.
I enjoyed A Simple Singing, giving it four stars. I recommend it.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

I so enjoyed this sweet story of Miriam’s journey to love and faith. Leslie Gould has written a compelling story of how God can use disappointing circumstances to draw us to Himself and reveal things about our own character that we may never have seen before. This is a “split time” story shared with Annie, a young woman who also struggled with difficult circumstances caused by the Civil War. As Miriam learns more of Annie’s story, she begins to look at herself, her Amish life, and her beliefs in a new way. This is another great book by Leslie Gould.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

For years Marie Bachmann thought of herself as the "good" daughter. She was the most loving to their mother, the most dedicated to their Amish way of life. But when a Mennonite farmhand, Gordon Martin, shows interest in her she can't help but be flattered--until her mother sends her off to Florida. While there, Marie begins spending time with bad-boy Eli Jacob, the bishop's son from back home.

When Gordon shows up in Florida to volunteer in a homeless shelter, her life becomes even more complicated. At the same time her aunt begins telling her of a Civil War-era ancestor and the woman's uncommon bravery . . . a story that begins to work at Marie's heart.

Marie hopes returning home may simplify life, but Eli soon follows. As Marie grapples with whether she should court Eli or leave the church for Gordon, the story of Annie Bachmann shines a light on what God has for Marie's future.

This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. A Simple Singing has two of my favorite types in one book - Amish and the Civil War. When Marie’s aunt begins telling her about her ancestor, Annie, who lived through the Civil War, I was enraptured. Leslie Gould has a flair about her writing that pulls you right in, as if you were Marie yourself. You understand her learning to be more thoughtful of others instead of herself. She was so wrapped up in the rules and regulations of the Amish faith that she forgot about God and what He wanted her to do. There were times you felt she was going to go one way and she ended up going another. You begin pulling for her. Your heart goes out to her to learn a very valuable lesson.

Leslie Gould is the coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 bestselling The Amish Midwife and The Amish Nanny. She is also the author of numerous novels including two Lancaster Amish series. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She resides with her husband and four children in Oregon. Learn more at www.lesliegould.com.

Look for the third book in this series, A Faithful Gathering, set to be published February 5, 2019.

I received a copy of this ebook from NetGalley for this review.

A Simple Singing by Leslie Gould is second in the Sisters of Lancaster County series. After the first book I thought the next book would be about the youngest sister going off to nursing school but this book was about Marie who I did not really like in the first book. She was sanctimonious and self-righteous toward others most particularly her older sister who lived among the Englishers for a few years. I really didn't care for her at the beginning of this story either but as the story progresses she begins to change and I like her more. Her heart changed.

This book covered two timelines. Marie's story is in the present and an ancestor of hers Annie is in the Civil War times around the year 1863. Annie is sent to care for an ailing sister-in-law.

I loved both stories but think I enjoyed Annie's story best. She begins to see that God has called her to be a nurse and maybe not the wife of the Amish man she was courting.

Both women learned to listen to God's calling rather than what they thought was expected to do by the community.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House for providing me a digital copy of this book to read and review. This book was released on July 31, 2018. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

I loved the dual storyline. Annie's story during the Civil War era really helped Marie with issues that she was unaware of and to focus on others. The author really got to the heart of things -- following the rules of man is not always recognizing God's will. God gives everyone specific gifts. Gordon was my favorite with all his quiet strength and godliness. Highly recommended!

I would give this book 4.5 stars if I could. The depth of personal reflection and evaluation on the part of the main character were outstanding. The author writes the characters thoughts and feelings, struggles and victories, and inward transformation in such a way that makes you want to evaluate yourself. It’s genuine and real. The stream of thoughts throughout the book are so cohesive and well written. Loved the redemption, forgiveness, grace and mercy. Loved the transformation from legalism to grace. I could really relate to this being brought up in a legalistic church culture. The author described it so well without sounding preachy. And the transformation in the heart of Marie was great. I questioned the necessity of the time hop story of Annie. It just seemed like it should have been tied in better. I felt like it was a little forced. Both stories were well written I just didn’t particularly like how it was “oh let me tell you this story” all of a sudden. Other than that this was an excellent book. I loved it.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley. This has in no way influenced my review. All thoughts are my own.

A Simple Singing by Leslie Gould is the second novel in The Sisters of Lancaster County series. It is December of 2013 and Marie just watched her sister, Jessica marry Silas. Marie Bachman is one for the following the rules and fully expects to be courted by a good Amish man, to settle down on a nearby farm and have a large family. When Bishop Jacobs son, Elijah visits from Florida, it seems like providence. Gordon Martin, their farmhand, likes to sing while he works which reminds Marie of her father who taught her to sing while they worked in the barn. Gordon has a kind nature and a generous heart, but he is a Mennonite. Mrs. Bachman informs Marie that she will be going to Pinecraft, Florida with her Aunt Suz for a vacation. Marie is surprised at how the Englisch, Amish and Mennonite mingle in the community. She enjoys attending services in a church, the opportunity to sing with others, and to spend time with Elijah. Their second week in Pinecraft, Gordon arrives on a mission trip and Marie gets to know him better. While on the trip, Aunt Suz tells Marie the story of their ancestor, Annie Bachmann and the struggles she faced during the Civil War. Back at home, Marie wrestles with her conscience on her life choices. As Aunt Suz finishes telling her the story of Annie, it helps Marie make a decision about her future.

A Simple Singing may be the second book in The Sisters of Lancaster County series, but it can be read alone. I thought the novel was well-written with two interesting, interconnected stories. It did take me a little while to get into the book. Once I did, though, I was engaged. I was happy to see the pacing improve (it starts out a little slow). There are smooth transitions as it switches from Marie to Annie. I actually enjoyed Annie’s story more than Marie’s. I found it more captivating and wish it had been a book on its own. Gordon volunteers at homeless shelters in Lancaster County and in Florida. Ms. Gould handles the subject adroitly as she does the issue of slavery in Annie’s timeline. It was lovely to watch Marie grow as an individual throughout the story. The author is a descriptive writer which helps brings the book to life for me because I can visualize the scenes thanks to her writing. Christian themes present in A Simple Singing are prayer, having faith, and the importance of following the path God has laid out for you (not your own). Ms. Gould did her research for the Civil War scenes especially the Battle of Gettysburg. I like how she included President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. I found A Simple Singing to be a heartwarming Amish novel and I am eager to read Liesel’s story in A Faithful Gathering.

Leslie Gould writes all kinds of romantic fiction, but the book I just read, this one is the absolute best I've read by her.

While the story revolves around Marie and Gordon and their romance, the biggest point that Leslie makes in this novel is that everything we do should revolve around pleasing God most of all. If He has given us a talent or a gift, it is a sin not to use it. People will come into our lives who will put up road blocks in our paths to living a life that pleases God.

Leslie opens the book with James 4:17: So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

Marie's particular gift is perfect pitch. She can pick out tunes and sing them note for note, her voice was angelic, but to use her voice or instruments went against the rules of the church.

I really appreciate Leslie's emphasis on pleasing God instead of checking off a list of rules. This is a five-star book, two thumbs up, and a song sung in perfect pitch.

I am very appreciative of Bethany House for allowing me to read and review this book.

What a great read from beginning to end, the author has us spanning decades, from current to civil war era.
We are shown from one century to the next how things are different and yet the same. People in need, slavery, injury from war, homeless, the list can go on, and what do you do, follow your faith and help or stay in your own little world?
In the past book, we saw what was going on with the farm in Lancaster, and in this book, we learn how the farm stayed in the family. The author also shows us how in this family the way that the Amish and Mennonites are connected.
So many decisions that have to be made that will completely change the way these people live, and you won’t know until the end how everything works out.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

A Simple Singing by Leslie Gould is book two of the Sisters of Lancaster County series. It is a time slip novel where we follow Marie Bachmann’s story in present day Lancaster and her ancestor, Annie which is set in the Civil-War era.
Marie thinks of herself as the “good” daughter and always follows the rules, she even plans on marrying a good Amish farmer. When bad-boy, Eli Jacob returns to town, she sees it as an opportunity to have the life she has dreamed about. Gordon Martin, the Mennonite man that has a big heart, has his eyes set on Marie as well.
When her mother sends her to Pinecraft to accompany her Aunt Suz, she thinks of it as a opportunity to court Eli and get him to come back home until Gordon shows up on a missionary trip.
As Aunt Suz recounts the story of Annie, a heroine of her time, Marie starts to “take a look” at her life.
I really enjoyed hearing Annie’s story and how it helped Marie to realize where God was leading her future. Gould did a great job of brining the two stories together while not allowing one to overshadow the other. The characters were well-developed.
I gave this book 5 stars and can’t wait to read the next chapter in the Bachmann sisters’ lives.
I received a copy of this novel from netgalley.com and Bethany House in return for my honest review.