Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Just Plain Sadie (A Wells Landing Romance) by Amy Lillard

Book Description:

The Amish of Wells Landing, Oklahoma, treasure their close-knit community, and the promise of their growing families. But one young woman is struggling to choose a future that is true to both her heart and her faith…

Everyone in Wells Landing has long expected Sadie Kauffman and Chris Flaud to marry--despite Sadie's telling them differently. While she loves Chris, it is more as a friend than a husband. Yet at twenty-two, the plainest girl in her group, Sadie is also the only one who is still single. Perhaps it's time to be practical and marry Chris--though he still has not asked. But when Sadie meets a kind, handsome Mennonite, it seems her prayers have been answered… 

With Ezra Hein, Sadie at last feels the joy she nearly gave up on. Unfortunately, others only feel shock that she would consider marrying an outsider. To complicate matters, Chris has finally begun talking to Sadie about their future. Distressed, Sadie will have to search her heart to recognize God's marvelous gifts to her--and find the courage to accept them, challenges and all…


My Thoughts:

I’ve read all of the books in Amy Lillard’s Wells Landing Romance series and have loved each one.  Oklahoma isn’t a place where one would typically think of as having an Amish community.  However, it is clear that the author has done her research on the subject.  The way she writes about the community draws you in so much that you can visualize every detail.  I can just imagine seeing an Amish man, or woman, riding down the road on their tractors. What a sight that must be!

Aside from the wonderful descriptive scenes, Just Plain Sadie takes you on a rush of emotions.  One minute I was excited for her, the next I was worried about what she would do…a real roller coaster ride.  It had so many aspects to it.  There was love, friendship, pain, soul searching, humor, suspense, hope, biases, overcoming, and so much more.  Amy Lillard flawlessly meshed all of those together into a beautiful story.  Nothing was too over the top or not enough.  I also loved how characters from other books in the series were also part of Just Plain Sadie.  The author gave just enough background information without letting it take over Sadie’s story.  All in all, Just Plain Sadie is a great addition to the Wells Landing series, and one you won’t want to miss.

**Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone.


*****I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions and viewpoints are my own.



About the Author:
Amy Lillard is an award-winning writer who loves reading romance novels from contemporary to Amish. These two genres met in her first book, 2012's "Saving Gideon." Born and bred in Mississippi, she now lives with her husband and son in Oklahoma.

More About the Author:  Biography
I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son-a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels-not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I love to write inspirational romances. The two go hand-in-hand for me.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I'll get to it or I won't, either way I'm good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I'm alone on this last one, and again, I'm good with it.)

Favorite movies-(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940′s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven't seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn's and Audrey's.