Anything but Plain by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I felt a kinship with Lydie. She is hard on herself, feels like she is constantly letting others down, and feels like she leaves a path of chaos behind. Who hasn’t felt like this? I don’t have ADHD; I have anxiety issues, but I can still relate to Lydie. Suzanne Woods Fisher brought these characters to life and found ways to make them relatable to her readers. I enjoyed this book and hope there is more to come, a series perhaps?

Lydie Stoltzfus learns she has undiagnosed ADHD. She feels she doesn’t fit in, is a failure, disappoints those closest to her, and has a plan to leave the Amish faith. She works for her aunt (a doctor), and her aunt notices that Lydie is displaying symptoms of ADHD. Lydie learns small things to help control her ADHD without being medicated, simple activities such as organizing each day by a schedule, developing a regular sleeping and eating schedule, and mindful breathing techniques. Lydie is beginning to come into her own and flourishes.

Next-door neighbor Nathan Yoder competes with his brother to inherit their family farm. Nathan is in love with Lydie, but she feels he can do better by marrying someone else.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This is a Clean Amish Romance. I loved that this book has ADHD awareness, and I think it did a good job showing how ADHD can affect your life. I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book. I also loved seeing the person all the other Amish people think little about starts to overcome and shine. I think the romance in this book was slow to get moving, but it was cute and sweet. This book was a good Amish fiction read. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Fleming H. Revell Company) or author (Suzanne Woods Fisher) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

Another warm but thoughtful novel

I always love Suzanne Woods Fisher's books; they have such rich and human characters. This book, Anything but Plain, while being an 'Amish' book, addresses the universal questions of 'how do I fit in' and 'what is my community' . It has a great plot but even better characters. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-constrained e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

Lydie is perpetually late and always in a mess - which is why she's been fired from every job she's ever had. It's also why she knows she needs to leave Stoney Ridge and the Amish: she's in love with her neighbour Nathan, but knows (confirmed regularly by his father) that she's nowhere near good enough for him. When Dok, her aunt, hires her to work as temporary receptionist in her medical clinic, she plans to leave when the job finishes - but Dok recognises many of her own struggles in the girl and takes steps to try to help. But will she succeed in time to prevent Lydie giving up and leaving?

A touching and inspiring story. I'm not really familiar with ADHD, so this was a fascinating introduction to the disorder and what life with it can be like. I really felt for both Lydie and Nathan, and both their struggles - he to find his place in the world of organic farming and farmers' markets amidst family antagonism, she to learn ways to tackle life with ADHD. David also had a lot to learn, which was interesting - and I guess kept the bishop feeling human. All in all, an unusual and delightful book, well worth the read. Looking forward to more visits to Stoney Ridge. Highly recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Endearing and Heartfelt

I loved getting to know Lydie Stolzfus and Nathan Yoder's story! It was great being back in Stoney Ridge and catching up with its other wonderful characters as well.

Lydie: Wow! What an amazing young woman. She was so special in her kindness, caring, and creativity. It was so hard to see her in her struggles and how some viewed her. The author did such an amazing job helping me get to know Lydie, to the point that I felt her joys, but especially her struggles. How difficult to walk through day to day trying so hard to do right but feeling like it will never happen. That was Lydie.

Nathan: Nathan is also wonderful and amazing. He is caring, steadfast, and will not give up doing what is right, no matter how difficult the situation. He sees Lydie with all of her wonderful qualities and how special she is, which is why he cares so much for her.

Lydie's uniqueness and Nathan's steadfastness is just one of the things that made their story so endearing and heartfelt. Watching them with their ups and downs and wondering how it would all end kept me reading right to the very end. Add to that some great words of wisdom and reflections spread throughout the story as well as the author's insightful comments at the end and you have a wonderful story that I highly recommend.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are strictly my own.

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. I appreciate all of the tips given throughout the story. The characters wiggled their way into my heart as I felt empathy for Lydie and even for her meddlesome grandmother. All of the characters are just like us, looking for a place to belong and love once we get there. I totally enjoyed the story of Lydie and her father, a bishop who has a lot of wisdom and plenty of experience. I was enamored with Lydie’s “doodles” which were cartoons she drew depicting Amish life. They lent humor and even more realism to the story. This is a book not to be missed by those who enjoy Amish tales and particularly those who want truth in the story and lessons to be applied to life while being engaged in reading.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

This story was very well done. Woods Fisher writes an Amish woman who isn’t like all the rest. Lydie is different, and we eventually find out why when Dok takes the time to spend with her. I appreciate reading about someone less than perfect, according to the world’s expectations. Yet sweet and perfectly made by God.

Lydie was well written, and I’d love to sit and have kaffi with her. That tells me this is a good story, because the characters have come to life. To watch Lydie grow and become the young woman God created her to be, and to not see herself full of flaws, was just delightful. Nathan stands against his father and tries to convince Lydie that he loves her. And that she is indeed good enough for him. Despite what his father thinks. Oh that man irritated me so much. Another sign of a good book. We can’t like everyone, even in an Amish story.

Full of honesty, flaws, and hope, I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys Amish fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

The bishop's daughter Lydia never can hold a job very long. Feeling like a square peg in a round. peg, Lydia is planning. to leave her Amish community once she has. a plan. Believing that she isn't good enough for him, she pulls. away from. her best friend when he declares his. love for. her. I received. a free copy of this ebook from. the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I love how the story illustrates the. positive side of learning. differences. Lydia is very creative and finds solutions. by looking. at things differently. I. also love that Nathan really sees and loves. her. I. really enjoyed reading this book.

Anything But Plain is exactly that—anything but plain. This is a story full of struggles, triumphs, and the revelation that God designed us just as we were meant to be.
Lydie always felt like a square peg in a round hole. Everything she touched was a disaster. Until her aunt diagnoses her with ADHD. Now everything makes sense and she’s learning simple coping mechanisms that help her maximize her skills and minimize her failures.
Nathan has always been a farmer at heart. When he’s asked to head up a local farmer’s market he becomes interested in organic farming. His father and brother don’t understand him, but Lydie always has. Why can’t they have an easy relationship like they did when they were younger?
This is a completely new twist in Amish romance and I loved every minute of it.
I was given a copy through Interviews and Reviews, courtesy of Revell and this is my honest opinion of the book.

Book: Anything But Plain
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Publisher: Revell
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: October 4, 2022
My Rating: 4+ Stars

When I read my first Suzanne Woods Fisher novel my comments were:
I had no idea I was going to like this book so much!!
I love the characters and was anxious to what was happening next.
Now eight books later I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every story I read.
I especially liked “The Three Sister Island” series and am looking forward to Book #2 in the “The Cape Cod Creamery” series!!!

There are a couple story lines going on but nineteen year old Lydie Stoltzfus will have most readers curious as most know of someone like her.
Lydie has always felt different than others especially the Amish. She just cannot do things right, is easily distracted and just cannot keep a job Lydie decides it is best just to leave the Amish but it is going to be hard to as her father, is the bishop. Also Nathan Yoder says he is in love with her. She believes she is not good enough for him so leaving just might be the best.

Lydie’s father is busy with his new wife and young family (his first wife Anna, Lydie’s mother died) and he feels he isn’t much help to his older daughter. His other adult children are fine but there has always been something different about Lydie.


Lydie once again has a new job: this one as the receptionist for her aunt Ruth who everyone calls “Dok”. Lydie once again portrays typical ‘Lydie’ things. Although "Dok" sees them but not all are negative. Lydie is a kind and caring person, she is friendly to patients and also tolerance to the negative things that go on in a doctor’s office. Dok believes there is something in Lydie that can work and be productive.

As an educator I am aware of the many children who have ADHD. I know it can be treated. The behavior requires understanding and patience.
I love the ‘Author’s Note’ (It is something I always read as it is the inside scoop on the author’s motivation in writing the story). In this case, Suzanne Woods Fisher did a lot of research into ADHD. She tells us about her personal experience with a close friend. I am sure most of us have had a similar experience. In addition, to the wonderful Author’s note: there are several pages of recommended resources for a better understanding of ADHD; also a series of discussion questions for book clubs or personal thoughts.

Want to thank NetGalley and Revelle for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for October 4, 2022

Another enjoyable Amish story by Suzanne Woods Fisher! I enjoyed the characters, Lydie is such a sweet girl. The townsfolk are interesting. The farmer's market was a great story to follow.

Lydie is considering leaving the Amish and moving to the coast - she's tired of disappointing everyone, including her Bishop father and family. She's flighty, can't stop day dreaming, and seems in a rush all the time - adding up to her continually losing jobs and leaving cupboards open in her path. Her aunt, the doctor, takes interest in her and offers Lydie a job...and an answer to what causes her problems. Nathan is the neighbor boy, interested in Lydie and concerned she seems more interested in his brother - whom he's competing with for the family farm.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

Lydie, the Bishop's daughter, has ADHD, as discovered by her aunt, the local doctor. The personality traits that it causes has her in trouble with everyone -- her Grandmother (who is visiting), other people in the town, and her best friend and love interest, Nathan Yoder's, father. This is a very thoughtful and careful case study of how this disorder affects the victim and those around them. And it is a heartfelt story of Nathan and Lydie's devotion for each other, as well as the Bishop's self-examination and stellar parenting. I couldn't put it down. I love a thoughful book that still has a fun story to tell.

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my own honest opinion.

Anything but Plain is a ver well written Amish romance. I enjoyed the plot and character dynamics. I recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

Welcome back to Stoney Ridge and all of its colorful characters! This delightful story is full of insight into family relationships, friendship, and faith, with subtle humor. It was fun to see mentions of returning characters, but easy to read as a stand alone.

Lydie is a wonderfully unique character, bursting with energy, creativity, and a concern for others. I just wanted to hug her, cheer her on, and reaffirm what people finally realized, that she was special and loved just as she was, something many need to hear. The hurtfulness of gossip, comparison, and deceptions makes her story especially heart tugging, as she struggles with trying to fit in and please others. The author does a great job of showing other points of view, i.e. her father, David, and friend Nathan. Research into Attention Deficit Disorder was clearly evident and naturally woven into the story. The organic gardening topic is quite relevant to today and made an interesting point of contention between the siblings. I liked all of the Amish sayings with gardening that held extra meaning, like "walking the beans".

A charming story that kept me reading quickly to the end. Highly recommend! 5 stars!

This is a great read, but we are given a couple of substories, that do play a big part in what is happen in this Amish Community

You have to love Nathan, what a heart this young man has, not only for Lydia, but for his family and others.

There is family and community drama here, Lydia is a doodler, and a bit flighty, but a very kind and sweet girl, and a Bishop's daughter. Nathan is a farmer at heart and his father is struggling with their farm, with corn failures, he pits the brothers against each other. Now his brother, Mick, who has one foot out the door, is up to a challenge, and we are there to see how the brothers fair.

We meet caring Dok who recognizes herself in her niece, and is a catalyst to bringing help both with her and within her family.

This becomes a page turner as I looked for answers, and hoped for the best outcome, but there are surprises here, some good others devastating!

Welcome back to Stony Ridge!

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

I so enjoyed reading this captivating and beautifully written book. First I want to say how much I appreciated that the Author put at the books very beginning the names of each of the characters and told a little bit about each one of them. So even before the first chapter I had been introduced to the characters and felt I already knew them. I also felt the Author did an excellent research about ADHD and I learned things about it that I didn’t know before I read this story. I thought the book was almost impossible to put down because I was so drawn into what was happening in the book. I found this book to be original, entertaining, unpredictable and realistic. The ending left me feeling good and satisfied with my reading experience with this book.

Lydia Stoltzfus is a 19 year old single Amish girl. She’s never been able to hold a job for very long . Lydia is very forgetful and she never seems to be able to finish anything she starts. She feels she’s a big disappointment to her father, who is the Bishop of their Amish Community. Lydia is very gifted in certain ways and some of her friends tend to use her and try to take advantage of her. She has a hard time saying no to these friends. Lately Lydia feels she of little use to anyone and she feels it would be better for her family and the man who loves her if she would leave the Amish Community and go out into the English world.

Nathan Yoder is a 19 year old Amish man who wants to become a organic farmer. He’s willing to work hard to change his father’s farm over to an organic farm but the problem is his father and older brother want to use chemicals the keep their crops pest free. No amount of convincing on his part can change their minds even though in the last few years the farms crop yield has been failing and his father has been losing money. He’s also been unlucky in love because the woman he loves only wants to be friends with him. He wonders what he did wrong in their relationship and Lydia refuses to discuss it with him. Is there someone else in her life that she loves more than him?

I recommend this book to readers of Amish fiction and fans of the Author. I read this book as a standalone. This book is scheduled to be released on 10/4/22.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

#AnythingbutPlain#NetGalley

Who couldn’t help but love dear Lydie?! I have parented a child with ADHD, but it was an entirely different story to vicariously BE one as Lydie. I can now see how the constant efforts of others to “fix” her must have been so humiliating! Her one true friend, Nathan, actually appreciated Lydie’s ‘crookedness’ and celebrated her different approach to life. How wonderful to have such acceptance and love! This book is a great extension of The Bishop’s Family series. I hope Suzanne Woods Fisher has another glimpse of David and Birdie’s family up her sleeve for us! I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley and was not required to post a review.

“Anything but Plain” by Suzanne Woods Fisher
A Winning Trio - the Right Help, Perseverance, and Faith !
I fell in love with the characters in this story… well mostly Lydie, Nathan, & David. But that said everyone else played special parts in the story, too! I learned a lot about ADHD. I said I loved the story but I will admit I had to take breaks from the story when my brain and emotions got too tensed up to go on. But my walk aways did not last very long. I just needed to take a little walk about and chill down before I delved back into this faith filled human drama story. I am not Amish. I do know anyone who is Amish. But I could see people I do know in some of these characters. You probably will too!! Each of us has our fears and challenges. Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley.

Lydie is the main character of the story, she felt always inadeguate about everything, and it's frustated.
Lydie character and the others (bishop David, brothers Yoder, ..) are very well building, each with different believers and personality, love them!
A sentence I loved from the book is "There will be good days and bad days. It's human nature to focus more on our failings than on our successes."
At the end of the book there is an interesting section: Discussion Question. In this section there are 14 question, about the characters, the events, the topics.
I think the readers'll find them very usefull to reflect about him/her self, me too.
I also appreciate this book because is "modern": the story has good and interesting topics: ADHD desease, overhelping child, pesticide and fertilizer crops,
biological food, mindfulness meditation, self-acceptance.
I received a review copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews.

Will Amish Lydie "jump the fence" to the "English" World or Not?

I ❤️d this Stupendous 💎 of a 📗. I ❤️❤️❤️ that Suzanne Woods Fisher takes us back to Stoney Ridge, in "Anything But Plain". I ❤️d catching up on the people there.
Master Storyteller SWF presents several themes in this 📗. Staying or leaving a place where your best efforts, constantly lead to disappointment/disaster. Farming with traditional Amish/Organic practices, or using Modern "English" practices.
Do some "English" techniques help a Lydie cope with a rare Amish disorder? How does God help Nathan convince Lydie of his Lifetime 💞 & total acceptance of her? I Highly Recommend You 📖 This Poignant, Engrossing, Amish Romance, to find out!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐