Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman

In Plain Paradise, by Beth Wiseman, Josephine Dronberger is attempting to reconnect with her daughter, Linda. Seventeen years ago, Josie had been forced to put her baby up for adoption; and, ever since, Linda had been raised by a loving Amish couple. Plain Paradise focuses on the struggles encountered by Linda and Josie. Shortly after being reunited with her birth mother, Linda faces fears of being separated from her newfound friend. As the story progresses, the characters’ doubts slowly turn to faith in an omnipotent God.

Although Beth Wiseman seems familiar with the ways of the Amish and portrays the Plain lifestyle accurately, the characters’ dialect is not extremely natural or convincing. In addition, the book portrays the rumschpringe as a harmless tradition and fails to openly condemn the rebellious “running-around period.” Everything considered, Plain Paradise is an endearing tale full of realistic characters and encouraging messages.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.