Caleb Beachy has returned home after being away from his Amish Faith for the last five years. His dad, who is the bishop of their community is happy Caleb has returned but is afraid it's only a matter of time before He leaves again. Caleb is embarrassed by how he behaved while he was gone, but has no desire to return to that wild life. How can he convince his dad of this? Will he ever be able to forget the life he led in Cleveland? Read A PLAIN MAN to find out if at the age of twenty four he can ever be a truly PLAIN MAN.

Before Caleb left he was sweet on Josie Yoder. Does Josie know anything about the life Caleb led while he was gone? Caleb is struggling to tell her what happened while he was gone but he is afraid it will turn Josie away from him and have her running for the hills. Josie doesn't care about the past, but Caleb doesn't believe her. He must tell her about what he did. He doesn't want any secrets between them if they are to become a couple. He tells her bits and pieces but not everything. As they court again, she learns more and more and still doesn't run away. Why won't Caleb believe her when she says it doesn't matter? Why doesn't he trust her?

Only after Caleb stops focusing on himself and begins to bless others, does he discover who he is and finds his place in his community. I enjoyed reading about Caleb and Josie's relationship and the struggles they were going through to move on with their lives. Josie has a lot of spunk and isn't afraid to tell Caleb exactly how she is feeling or what she believes he is doing wrong. I love learning more about the Amish way of life. A PLAIN MAN is more than just a sweet romance centered on Amish beliefs. A PLAIN MAN by Mary Ellis is the ever-fresh story of a wounded heart finding joy, health, and healing in God's grace.

Book Summary

Though Caleb Beachy lived in the Englisch world for some years, he is a Plain man at heart. When he decides to return to the Amish lifestyle, he moves back home and goes to work for his father. Soon these two strong–willed men find themselves at odds. Caleb discovers there's more to embracing his faith and reconnecting with the community than merely driving a horse and buggy and giving up Levis.

Josie Yoder was just a girl when he left. All grown up now, she gives Caleb hope for the future. She soothes his frayed temper and is determined to remind him that while his faith may have wavered, God never left his side. Caleb is tempted to return Josie's feelings, but the choices he made while away are a heavy burden on his conscience. Will past mistakes end up destroying their fledgling romance? Or will she be able to break through the wall around his heart?

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