The Bargain

About the book: Book one in the Plain City Peace series.  It's 1971, and Betsie Troyer's peaceful and predictable life is about to become anything but.  When their parents flee the Amish, nineteen-year-old Betsie and her seventeen-year-old sister Sadie are distraught. Under the dubious guidance of a doting aunt, the girls struggle to keep the secret, praying their parents will return before anyone learns the truth-a truth that may end all hopes of Betsie's marriage to Charley Yoder.

About the Author: Stephanie Reed lives on the outskirts of Plain City, Ohio, site of a once-thriving Amish community. She gleans ideas for her novels from signs glimpsed along the byways of Ohio, as she did for her previous books, "Across the Wide River" and "The Light Across the River."  Learn more at Stephanie's website: http://www.stephanielreed.com/

My Thoughts On The Book:  Anyone who reads my blog knows that my favorite genre of literature is historical and Amish fiction.  I was delighted to get my hands on one by an author I have never read.  Reading The Bargain was such a treat because it is both. The book is not your typical Amish tale but it does not disappoint.  This book talks of life for both the Amish and English during 1971, the Vietnam war, and its affects on both cultures. Knowing that the Amish are peaceful I never thought much about an Amish man serving in the military until I read The Bargain.  Stephanie Reed is an amazing wordsmith and knows her material.  Her handling of the Amish, Vietnam War, leather working, and the all the other events that took  place during the 1970's is remarkable. This novel had me from the Introduction and I found myself doing without sleep because I simply could not put it down. From the moment I began the book I found myself a character among the book and totally immersed. The characters seem real because they are not perfect and they lead normal lives.  I cannot wait to read the rest of this series. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys Amish and Historical Christian Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I give this novel 4.5 Stars! 
 
Statement of Disclosure: I received an paperback copy of this title from Litgfuse Publicity Group as part of their blogger review program . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. Thanks guys for letting me read this and participate!