Annie has had a “fancy” pen pal for years and has received hundreds of letters. (“Fancy” is another word for not Amish.) Louisa has come to live the “plain” life with Annie for a while to get over a broken heart. She is also an artist, but refrains from most of her artwork because of her loyalty to Annie. And then, there is Ben…Annie’s love interest. Ben has relocated to this area because of a picture he found of a covered bridge; he decided to stay awhile and took a job to support himself.

Annie and Ben are attracted to each other and slip out frequently for dates. Annie meets Ben and they drive around in his car, go ice skating, or just talk. This relationship, even though forbidden, is the essence of her life. Annie and Louisa, who also falls for a “plain” man, relate to each other well.

I really liked this book. Ms. Beverly Lewis is an awesome author. She understands the Amish lifestyle and the tender feelings of a young woman who wants more than she has been offered from her parents, but who does not want to abandon her family and friends completely. Annie wants to have it all, her art, her family, her friends, and Ben. I enjoyed the storyline. This series, Annie’s People, definitely needs to be read in sequence.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Sweet

Reviewer: Brenda Talley
October 2, 2006