I attended college in Amish country. Having lived in close connection to the Amish for four years was certainly an interesting experience for me coming from the city. A lot of my friends who grew up there watched me in fascination as I got giddy about passing a horse and buggy on the road. Over time it became more commonplace for me to see them and interact with them. When I came across a chance to read something inspirational I jumped at the chance (partly to purge my mind from my last review book) Something Amish makes me feel a little bit like I did at my college home.

Annie Mae Knepp is a seventeen year old Amish teen in her Rumspringa (the time when Amish teens are allowed to experience English culture to its fullest if they choose). Unfortunately, her Rumspringa is cut short when her father, Hiram, becomes disgraced as a Bishop in their small community called Willow Ridge. Hiram Knepp was found to own a sports car and other English items in his home and instead of repenting of his ways, he was asked to leave the community. When Annie Mae and her sister Nellie refuse to leave with Hiram, he takes their four younger siblings with him to build his own Amish and Mennonite community called Higher Ground. Annie Mae is forced then to take care of Nellie (and later all her siblings) and becomes a waitress at the Sweet Seasons cafe, an Amish run diner.

Everyone at Willow Ridge is more than supportive of Annie Mae, but she struggles with the idea of settling down and not releasing more of her “wild side” in replace of duty. A suitor comes along tempting the naive Annie Mae into an unhealthy situation, and all the while Annie Mae does not see the sweet kindness of Adam Wagler, her neighbor who wants nothing more than to protect her and take care of her.

The drama of Hiram leaving Willow Ridge builds throughout the novel, and Annie Mae taking the children is the primary cause of tension. Hiram is a dynamic antagonist who causes issues throughout the book as Annie Mae tries to find her place as an adult, culminating in a dramatic and emotional scene.

This book is sticky sweet, and it is a great choice for anyone who enjoys diving into different cultures through reading. The Amish culture is incredibly fascinating and it’s obvious Hubbard did a great job doing research into the culture and practice of the Amish. The struggle Annie Mae has with giving up her Rumspringa and her sense of duty is something that rings true in the hearts of a lot of people, which makes her easy to relate to. However, beyond that, Annie Mae’s character didn’t strike a chord with me, her naivete at times was incredibly frustrating.

Adam on the other hand was lovely. He is a little tortured, but in the good way and is definitely a Knight in a Shining Buggy. He determination to look out for Annie Mae is a little presumptuous at times, but it all comes off as very sweet. Their love story, though slow to develop, is natural and lovely. Annie Mae has to realize what she really wants, as does Adam, and they both have to face their demons down together which makes it even more sweet.

The only thing I found confusing about this book is that there are a lot of characters, a lot of chapters are told from varying perspectives. I haven’t read the rest of this series, but that is where a lot of the random “name dropping” comes in. Fans of the series will most likely enjoy that, but those not familiar with it may get confused.

All in all I thought it was well written, but slow. The Amish culture was well represented but Annie Mae wasn’t my favorite protagonist by far. If you like inspirational romance of the sticky sweet and pure variety, this book is definitely for you.