Lydie felt she didn't belong. She was told that she was different. But she learned later that being different is ok.

Lydie and Nathan were trying to find their way. Both were not sure if staying in Stoney Ridge was possible. Both lacked confidence.

It only takes one kind word to change your outlook. A pat on a back or an acknowledgement can change your life. Lydie was lucky to have her Aunt. She made a difference. Nathan had the support of the community.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit to review.

I enjoyed revisiting some characters from earlier books. This book was ANYTHING BUT PLAIN.

Jeremiah 1:4-5 “Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

About the Book

Book: Anything But Plain

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Amish fiction

Release date: October 4, 2022

It’s not easy being the bishop’s daughter, especially for Lydie Stoltzfus. She’s not like other Amish girls, as much as she wishes she were. The only thing she does well is disappoint others. Leaving her family and church seems unbearable, but staying might be worse.

Knowing Lydie is “between” jobs, the local doctor asks her to fill in at the front desk for a few months. To Lydie, this is a boon. It gives her time to figure out how she’s going to say goodbye to her neighbor, Nathan Yoder–the main reason she needs to leave Stoney Ridge. Nathan claims he’s in love with her, but she knows she’s not good enough for him. If in doubt, Nathan’s father reminds her frequently.

As Dok spends time with Lydie, she recognizes symptoms of an uncommon disorder among the Amish. She offers treatment for Lydie. But will it be enough to make her stay? Or has help come too late?

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About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a Christy finalist, a Carol Award winner, a two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, and the Publishers Weekly, ECPA, CBA, bestselling author of more than thirty books. Her genres include contemporary and historical romances, Amish romance, and women’s fiction. She and her husband live in a small town in California, where everyone knows everyone else, knows what they are doing and why. Most folks act a little nervous around Suzanne because they usually wind up in one of her novels. She has four grown children and enough grandchildren to keep her young. Visit Suzanne at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

One of the takeaway lessons of this book is to “walk the beans” of technology’s role in my life. So…I’ve been working on a few strategies. When I practice, I see a difference. Life is calmer. More manageable.

So…I wanted to pass these tips along to you. (If you have little children, these might not work for you. Not when your little ones are awake, anyway.) Hopefully, you’ll find them to be useful, and maybe spark some strategies of your own.

Make a plan. I start the day with an index card and write down the day’s priorities. And I check off tasks as I finish them!
Go off-line. Create an environment that helps you stay focused. Turn your cell phone to silent. If working on the computer, close your email app. Put yourself in distraction-free mode until you’re accomplished what you need to do
Finish one task before moving on to the next. Even little tasks.
Distractibility is at its peak during transitions. Build in margin. For example, arrive a few minutes early instead of rushing in a few minutes late.
When distractions are high, make tasks smaller and break down your large projects into smaller tasks to help you concentrate and give you a sense of accomplishment and progress.
When I’m facing a big task, I’ll break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Set a deadline for a task. Beat the clock! Use a timer.
Rewards! When I beat the clock, I’ll take a break from computer work and pop up to the garden, text a friend, walk the dog. Something that feels good.
Blog Stops
The Avid Reader, October 7
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 7
She Lives To Read, October 8
The Write Escape, October 8
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 9
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 9
Vicky Sluiter, October 9
lakesidelivingsite, October 10
Texas Book-aholic, October 10
Lighthouse-Academy, October 11
Simple Harvest Reads, October 11 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 11
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 12
Inklings and notions, October 12
Southern Gal Loves to Read, October 12
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 13
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 13
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 14
Blogging With Carol, October 14
Elly Gilbert, October 14
deb’s Book Review, October 15