Reviewed by Nancy Crocker
Plain Admirer by Patricia Davids; Takes place in Hope Springs, Ohio in the middle of Amish Country. The author does a wonderful job of writing the scenes to the point you feel you are riding in a horse drawn cart, fishing on a lake or in a printing office learning how to use typeset.
Joann Yodar, a confirmed spinster dreams of owning her own home. Owning her own home is just within her reach when she is fired from her job to make way for the owners Nephew. Before she leaves in two weeks time she must train her replacement. Devastated over having to let go of her dreams, she takes solace in one of her favorite pastimes, fishing. Even her fishing trip with the family is ruined when her own brother, in my opinion, jealous over her catch throws her brand new rod and reel in the lake. I truly felt for this character, to be deemed unattractive and passed from home to home by her brothers, along with losing her dreams. But Joann is a little bit feisty and speaks her mind at times when it might not be accepted in the Amish community.
Roman Weaver had worked alongside his father and brother in the family sawmill, until he was hit by a car and one arm was injured. Roman is angry with his situation and having to give up his job with his family. He has no idea that his Uncle is giving him Joann's job, so he can't understand why she would be upset with him. He decides to attempt fishing with a rod harness his younger brother made him. While practicing at the lake he hooks into a rod and reel. He leaves it at the lake with a handwritten note. And so starts a handwritten note exchange with none other than Joann. Neither one knows that the other is the mystery writer.
I really enjoyed this novel by Patricia Davids. The characters were well written, and you got a look at what Amish life is like. I loved the idea of the plot, sharing feelings and thoughts with each other. And helping each other with opinions and yet not knowing who your mystery penpal was. I have to admit the fishing part brought back wonderful memories of my own childhood, where my brother and I spent many days fishing in the canal across the road from our home. I look forward to more books by this author.
5/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
