Patrice Lewis

An Amish story with a twist! Those words best describe "The Amish Newcomer." Leah goes to live with an Amish family after she witnesses a crime and becomes part of the witness protection program. However, Leah never expects to become an integral part of the Amish community, finding a use for her journalism skills and gaining a family and a faith. Although the road is not easy, Leah emerges as a strong character, and perhaps finds a kindred spirit in Isaac.

Characters in this novel are likeable and realistic. The Amish community setting provides a fitting background for Leah's journey of self-discovery. The message of Christian faith is overt and plays an integral role in the story.
Readers will also enjoy the contrasts between the Amish community and the Los Angeles community in which Leah lived and worked. This is a clean novel, with no explicit violence, intimate adult situations, or strong language. I hope the author continues to write about these characters, as this was a very fine entrance into the world of Amish-based fiction.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.… (altro)

A very enjoyable and sweet romance about Los Angeles television journalist, Leah, who witnesses a murder and ends up in witness protection, temporarily sent to live in an Amish community in Ohio. While living amongst the Amish and trying to blend in, Leah slowly learns and comes to embrace the Amish way of life. She also meets a handsome Amish man, Isaac, who she has a lot more in common with than she’d expect. This story was filled with so many lovely characters. Leah and Isaac made such a cute couple and I liked how they really took to each other. The family that Leah stayed with, The Bylers, were so kind and considerate and really made Leah feel like one of the family. I loved the sense of community that was felt throughout the story, and it was interesting to learn a lot about the Amish way of life.… (altro)

This book was much different than the usual Amish romance that I am used to. I must admit that I did love it because of that fact. The idea of an Englisher hiding out with the Amish and falling in love with God, the culture, and a man was different for me. You see, I am not a believer, and I enjoy Amish books because of the culture, and any book that 'pushes' religion down my throat is not one I enjoy. This book had a lot to do with questioning faith and came close to pushing but never crossed that line.

The ending was a tad rushed, but you can clearly see why. I also was a little concerned that the author did not find a way to incorporate the criminals into the story, or at least let us know just what happens to them in the end.

*ARC supplied by the publisher and the author.… (altro)