Plain Proposal by Beth Wiseman

Miriam secretly vows to follow Saul no matter what the future holds. She never thought that future might take them away from their Amish community.
Miriam Raber could have her pick of any of the eligible bachelors in Lancaster County. But she only has eyes for one . . . Saul Fisher. He captured her heart years ago, and she's never looked back. Even when rumors circulate that Saul may leave their Amish community to pursue a once-in-a-lifetime apprenticeship, Miriam makes a bold assertion: she will stand by him, whether he stays or goes.
Saul Fisher has experienced an inordinate amount of loss in his short life. Raising his two brothers and caring for a grieving father who privately seeks solace in the comfort of his homemade wine, Saul has kept his father's drinking from the community. But if he leaves Lancaster, the burden of secrecy will be left to his young brothers. How does he balance this with the dream that burns bright within him?
As Miriam and Saul consider leaving their lives behind, God starts revealing things to Miriam that make her think twice about what it means to be a Daughter of the Promise, and what it means to make a home.
Experience this love story with a surprising resolution by one of the most popular voices in Amish fiction.



The Review:
My Ranking: `9 out of 10
Ages: 14 & up



I picked up to read Plain Proposal when I heard from a friend that another one of Beth Wiseman's books was exceptional. I can honestly say I am very glad I did.

The story and lessons in Plain Proposal were abnormally excellent. I have never read an Amish book, or any book for that matter, that demonstrated the same remarkable ideas and philosophies. Miriam shows her parents that she can serve God anywhere. It doesn't matter where he body is, as long as her heart, soul, and mind are in God's hands. It was an EXCELLENT moral that I found surprising to find in an Amish book - Amish are usually very strict about people staying within the community.

Miriam was an extremely likable character. She was passionate about her faith, but knew what she wanted in life and wasn't going to hear "it's not possible" without thinking of every possibility until she found one that worked for her and that was approved of by God. While she longed to honor her parents, she longed just as equally to honor Saul - the man who she plans to marry. She was sweet and caring - a very likeable character!

Saul was a favorite of mine. I've always liked the quieter, more mysterious type of men and Saul was an excellent one! I liked him immediately. Though I thought he was making some bad choices, it showed just how human he was. He had a big heart and he was so gracious to Miriam and loved his family so much. He was just an awesome character. I don't know how else to put it. ;)

Miriam's mother was an excellent add to the story, as was Shelby. Shelby was just looking for a place where she belonged - a place where people wanted her - and she found it right in the Amish community and in the hands of God.

There are only a few things to mention, and very minor at that! Miriam is in her rumpringe and sneaks out to meet Saul when her mother forbids it. For the Amish, this is not a big deal because the Rumpringe is supposed to be a time where the teens to whatever they want before they join the church. The only other thing is that when Miriam is found to be sneaking out her dad asks her if she's compromised herself(those exact terms), which she hadn't. Aside from a few brief kisses, that's it! 

All around, this was an amazing book that I highly recommend. I will definitely be looking out for more from Beth Wiseman!
Purchase this book HERE!

I received this free book in return for an honest review from Book Sneeze. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.