Overview
Travel to Plain City, Ohio, to witness the Mennonite and English culture clash. As Katy Yoder accepts a new job and struggles to define her place in the world, childhood friends and a past romance get in the way. Even when her friends try to help her change her judgmental attitude, Katy is certain that seeing things as black and white is the only way to please God. But as love softens her heart, slowly shades of gray seep into her world, and she discovers the right answer isn’t always the easiest one.
Synopsis
"Katy Yoder lives a simple, sheltered lifestyle ensconced in the traditions of the Conservative Mennonite church and holds a naive black-and-white world view. With her parents' approval, she moves in with a childhood friend. But after taking a temporary nanny position, gray begins to cloud her world and forces her to bend the rules. On top of that, her friends clutter her mind with their progressive ideas--like ditching the prayer cap--forcing Kathy to delve into these issues herself. She emerges even more obstinate about her cherished traditions. And she turns judgmental toward those who believe differently... including former flame, Jake Byler, who has returned from sowing his wild oats to win back her heart. Certain he's not the man for her, Katy's not prepared when Jake's patience begins to wear a hole in the wall she 's built around it. But this time, can bending keep her heart from breaking?"--[p. 4] of cover.Editorials
Publishers Weekly
Barbour taps into the Amish fiction fan base by offering an Anabaptist series, the Plain City Bridesmaids. Christner, raised in the Ohio Mennonite Church, introduces Katy Yoder—who's not Amish despite the name—a young woman seeking to follow God as she interacts with the "outsiders" for whom she works. Katy's heart remains closed to Jake Byler, the young man she once loved but who has returned home as "spoiled goods." Her rigid world begins to waver as she faces temptations from the outside world, her feelings for Jake revive, and she confronts issues such as head coverings, cellphones, and the Internet. But it isn't until Jake accuses her of "living your self-righteous life" that she begins to see her life as more than a set of rules. The book offers an interesting look at Mennonite struggles, with cleaning tips and home remedies included, but the plot plods and the writing stutters through stilted dialogue.. (Aug.)RT Book Reviews
Christner has written a novel about the Mennonites that is rich in detail without being overbearing. The characters are well written and believable. The main female character is unsympathetic at times, but redeems herself in the end.
— Patsy Glans
Tammy's Book Parlor
This is a "different" kind of read ---- mixing the Mennonite, Amish and English together bring us a true to life read! Throughout the story, Katie keeps a journal of cleaning tips and recipes, hand cream remedies, other recipes, and spiritual insights. Her journal is shared at the end of the book. If you''re a fan of Amish or Mennonite inspirational romances, don''t miss this light, fun read! Great for summertime reading enjoyment!
— Tammy Griffin
Fresh Fiction
Dianne Christner has written a lovely Mennonite romance, presenting some of the struggles that their young people go through in remaining close to their faith, families and community. The story gives some real introspect into how they view themselves and outsiders. The main character, Katy Yoder, has chosen to be a housekeeper as her profession. Throughout the story, she keeps a journal of cleaning tips and recipes, hand cream remedies and their recipes, and spiritual insights. Her journal is shared at the end of the book. If you''re a fan of Amish or Mennonite inspirational romances, you''ll really enjoy this one.
— Viki Ferrell
Tillie Nutter
Here''s a little secret. I typically cannot make it through Mennonite fiction. Y''all know I adore Amish fiction, but the mennonite ones don''t grab me…I miss the buggies, the lack of electricity, the plainness that the Amish provide. With that said, this book had me from nearly the beginning (it didn''t instantly grab me, but about a quarter of the way in I started loving it). The main character, Katy, had such an amazing transformation in this book. I loved her character development. She grew so much and I felt like I was growing along with her. There were a few parts that were a little flat, but the book had such a great payoff in the end for me.
The Readers Roundtable Inspirational Moments
Fans of contemporary Inspirational fiction will enjoy Something Old. The characters are well-developed and for the most part, likable and sympathetic. Dianne Christner delivers many valuable lessons of faith that transcend specific religious boundaries. Katy’s love story and journey make for a truly delightful read.
— Kathy Branfield
CBA Retailers
Readers will appreciate Katy''s struggle to remain firm in her faith in a world blatantly opposed to God''s standards. Choosing to please God by loving others is neither plain or simple.
— Kim Peterson
Fresh Fiction
Dianne Christner has written a lovely Mennonite romance, presenting some of the struggles that their young people go through in remaining close to their faith, families and community. The story gives some real introspect into how they view themselves and outsiders. The main character, Katy Yoder, has chosen to be a housekeeper as her profession. Throughout the story, she keeps a journal of cleaning tips and recipes, hand cream remedies and their recipes, and spiritual insights. Her journal is shared at the end of the book. If you're a fan of Amish or Mennonite inspirational romances, you'll really enjoy this one.
— Viki Ferrell
Tammy's Book Parlor
This is a "different" kind of read ---- mixing the Mennonite, Amish and English together bring us a true to life read! Throughout the story, Katie keeps a journal of cleaning tips and recipes, hand cream remedies, other recipes, and spiritual insights. Her journal is shared at the end of the book. If you're a fan of Amish or Mennonite inspirational romances, don't miss this light, fun read! Great for summertime reading enjoyment!
— Tammy Griffin