Ever since I started reading Christian fiction back in June 2014, I kept hearing about Amish fiction and wondered what all the fuss was about. I wanted something light hearted and it was! It was so sweet! I liked hearing about the Amish ways, their simplicity and their values. The children don't know technology or advertising. They willingly help with chores. If they do something wrong the disappointment & punishment is enough to stop Lily from doing it again. I liked hearing about making butter and cheese and other things we take for granted.I'm interested to read more about Lily and I'm also interested in reading adult Amish stories now too. Interesting and sweet is how I describe the first of four "chapter books" Suzanne Woods Fisher has created focusing on the life of a young Amish girl named Lily.Using inspiration from her co-author's life, Life with Lily is a novel written in the "chapter style" found in Little House on the Prairie.Each chapter is a short vignette, focusing on a different piece from Lily's life.The writing style is sweet. The chapters are the perfect length for either beginning readers or short bedtime treats.If there's one thing I wished that would be different - I wish the novels were written in first person, rather than in third person. The book is from a "child's perspective" but the style is such that it's "about" Lily, rather than "as viewed" by Lily.Hard to explain, but it's just a slight difference, that does set the tone - which is important if you are reading the book out-loud to a child. (Not enough to detract you from the book, but just something to know before you sit down with a young reader!)In all though, it's a sweet, enchanting book. I can see reading this with a special kidlet in my life. I can also see giving the book to a certain seven year old I know learning to read (hum... can we say Christmas maybe?) because I think it would be the best of two worlds - entertainment and educational.I give it a solid three out of five. It will be interesting to see where book two goes - and what adventures Lily gets into in the next installment.As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by Litfuse Publicity Group. This review was not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail.
What do You think about Life With Lily (2012)?
Cute book for YA and adults, too. Can't wait to read the next book, A New Home for Lily.
—trisha
So sweet! Very enjoyable to read a child 's view of their Amish life!
—saishalu
