Almost Amish - Cushman

Proving the Simple Life Isn't So Simple After All

Overcommitted and overwhelmed, Julie Charlton is at the breaking point. She knows she should feel blessed as a mother and wife--but she just feels exhausted. And then, the miraculous happens. Her sister-in-law Susan, a Martha Stewart-in-training, lands the chance to participate in a reality TV series about trying to live like the Amish and needs another family to join her. It's just the break Julie needs.

But the summer adventure in simple living soon proves anything but simple. With the camera watching every move, Susan's drive for perfection feels a lot like what they left behind, while Julie suddenly finds herself needing to stand up for slowing down. Whether it's cooking, cleaning, or dressing differently, each new Amish challenge raises new complications...and soon each woman learns unexpected lessons about herself and her family.

Reviews

Readers will be eager to see how the pressure will affect Julie and Susan, who couldn't be more different. Cushman excels at creating easily relatable characters facing challenges that will make them stronger in this fast-paced, engaging inspirational novel.

Booklist

Don't let this cover fool you; Almost Amish is not your typical Amish novel. In fact, it isn't really an Amish novel at all. Instead of writing about a simple Amish family going about their everyday lives with a sense of peace and contentment, Kathryn Cushman treats readers to the harsh truths about the stresses that face the average family in the twenty-first century. Whether you're a perfectionist, like Susan, or never feel like you're good enough, like Julie, you'll be sure to appreciate the message in this book. Hopefully readers of Almost Amish will finish this novel with the feeling that they're not alone in this world, and some ideas on how to simplify their lives that don't require them to buy a horse or start wearing a bonnet.

Christian Manifesto

Well-developed characters and a heartwarming story make Cushman's fifth novel an enjoyable read. Recommend it to fans of Fannie Flagg.

Library Journal

A superb story...with a fast-moving plot and excellently crafted characters.

The Budget