The realistic fiction novel 'Plain & Fancy' is the third book if Wanda E. Brunstetter's series 'Brides of Lancaster County.' Anyone that reads this book won't be able to put it down. This book really grabs your attention! I rarely put it down, and when I did, I thought about it util I picked it up again! Laura Maede has had a cushioned life ever since she was born. Born into an English family and been an only child forever, Laura has lived up to the standards as a 'spoiled child.' Laura thinks that whenever she goes to Lancaster Pennsylvania to an interior design college, she was just she was just finishing her studies like any other student. But as part of an assignment to visit the Amish life, Laura falls in love with the Amish culture and a certain Amish man in particular. Eli Yoder, born into the Amish faith, is twenty-three years old and still not married. He's not even baptized into the Faith, which means Eli can still decide whether he wants to become Plain or stay Amish. One day when Eli and Laura collide, sparks instantly fly for both of them. Eli is telling himself he can't love Laura, but as they began to spend more time together it is impossible not to like her. Although they are total opposites, they are still insanely in love with each other. Will Laura leave her 'cushioned' life to become Amish, despite what her parents and Eli's parents feel? Or will Eli leave his Amish faith to become English? Or should Laura and Eli separate themselves forever for the best? Besides, Laura and Eli both have another person that loves them, not to mention Eli's mother Mary Ellen is not to fond of Laura's 'fancy' ways. Read 'Plain & Fancy' and you will find out if love will win out in the end! 'Plain & Fancy' is mainly a novel for girls that are teen and up. Brunstetter writes amazing love and Christian novels, and this is by far one of the best! This novel shows that in hard times, God will be there for you and also that you need to look to him for help. I give 'Plain & Fancy' five stars! Read it and you won't be let down!
Is it possible for people from worlds as different as the Amish and everyone else ("Englishers") to love each other? Is it possible Eli Yoder would walk away from his faith, family, and simple way of life or for Laura Meade to leave the comfortable life she knows to become Amish? Is love worth that kind of sacrifice? Throughout the story the reader gets glimpses of Laura Meade's mother and father. Her father longs for the country ways he grew up with while his superficial wife spends too much money and attends charity functions to be seen and look good in the eyes of society. While there doesn't seem to be much love between Laura's parents, Laura and Eli love each other even though their lifestyles are so different. Is there a way to bridge the gap between their lifestyles and belief systems? This is a good book about knowing what you want and sacrifice. I'd recommend it for people who believe they should be together when no one else agrees. You have to really know yourself, know what you want in life, and be willing to make sacrifices that take you out of your comfort zone.
What do You think about Plain And Fancy (2007)?
I wasn't sure what to expect from this story, but was pleasantly surprised. Not the type of romance story I am used to reading. It was a wonderful story that tells about a young girl who decides to become Amish so she can be with the man she loves. After many ups and downs, the ending is very unexpected and, somehow, fitting. I would highly recommend this book. Almost rated it four stars, but decided to stay with three. I would definitely seek out other books by this author.
—Tina
Very good book....The third book in the Brides of Lancaster County series.Laura Meade comes to Lancaster to attend Design School. Her first day exploring an Amish market she meet Eli Yoder. Eli Yoder is Mary Ellen's oldest son. Eli and Laura start talking and Eli offers to show Laura the Plain people. They fall in love with each other....now two different worlds have collided. A very good story of Laura's decision to join the Plain People and the difficult journey of changing cultures she chose both from an English perspective and an Amish perspective.
—Janet C.
Eli and Laura are as different as night and day. She, from a well to do Eglish family, he an Amish carpenter. She is studying to be an Interior Designer in Amish Country. I found that a little strange. I never thought of Lancaster County as a destination for Interior Design students! Yet, a chance meeting at the local farmer's market, causes the two to meet and eventually fall in love. Eli knows that he will be shunned from his community if he marries outside his faith. Laura has no real interest in religion, while Eli is a devout member of his church. I like how the story progressed and found the writing and storyline easy to follow. With many problems and dilemmas facing this young couple, they learn that sometimes God throws things your way that present a bigger challenge than you ever dreamed possible. But, how this young couple dealt with their "dilemma" and learned an important life's lesson touched my heart.
—Linda Pohl
