Mary Ellis's A Plain Man ~ Reviewed

A Plain Man Paperback
by Mary Ellis
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (April 1, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736949801

Description:

Bestselling author Mary Ellis offers an engaging new standalone Amish romance about a prodigal seeking to find his way home. 

Though Caleb Beachy lived in the Englisch world for some years, he is a Plain man at heart. When he decides to return to the Amish lifestyle, he moves back home and goes to work for his father. Soon these two strong-willed men find themselves at odds. Caleb discovers there's more to embracing his faith and reconnecting with the community than merely driving a horse and buggy and giving up Levis.

Josie Yoder was just a girl when he left. All grown up now, she gives Caleb hope for the future. She soothes his frayed temper and is determined to remind him that while his faith may have wavered, God never left his side. Caleb is tempted to return Josie's feelings, but the choices he made while away are a heavy burden on his conscience. Will past mistakes end up destroying their fledgling romance? Or will she be able to break through the wall around his heart? 

A Plain Man is more than just a sweet romance centered in Amish beliefs. It's the ever-fresh story of a wounded heart finding joy, health, and healing in God's infinite grace.

Review: 

A Plain Man tells the story of Caleb Beach. After leaving the Amish faith for five years to live in the world, he has come back home. While away from his family, he found he was drawn to alcohol and women. Finally, after being out of work for a while and finding no satisfaction living a worldly life, he has returned home, however, he is having a hard time adjusting. He is living the Amish life on the outside, but inside he's still struggling with his faith. He is also having to struggle with living under his father's roof again, and showing him the respect that he is due, both as a son and now as an employee. On top of all of this, he is re-introduced to Josie Yoder, which confuses his emotions even more.

It was interesting reading a story about someone who had lived in the world for five years, and then came back to the Amish faith. My mind would think that after that long, it would be difficult to go back home and re-adjust to a simpler life. But I enjoyed reading about Caleb and seeing how God changed him. Also, I liked seeing him come to terms with all of his guilt over the things he had done while living in the world, and realizing that forgiveness is available.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers