In the Library Reviews - Hillary Manton Lodge Reviews



New Reviews Archived Reviews by DVD title by Author by Title by Genre by Publisher Promotion Interviews Current Interview Past Interviews Past Spotlights Contests Author News Site Info Meet the Staff The story behind the ratings How to submit a book for review Banner Ad Information Employment Opportunities

Reviewed Titles Plain Jayne	Hillary Manton Lodge Reviews Added February 22, 2010 Plain Jayne Author: Hillary Manton Lodge Publisher: Harvest House Publishers Available At: Bookstores everywhere Publishing Date: Available now Genre: Christian/Fiction Format: Trade Paper Price: $13.99 ISBN-13: 978-0-7369-2698 Author Email/Website: http://www.hillarymantonlodge.com/ Reviewer: Joyce Handzo Rating: 9 Gargoyles Follow Plain Jayne as she drives her motorcycle into an Amish community looking for a news story, but instead finds a new way of life. Debut author Hillary Manton Lodge is a welcome addition to the genre of inspirational fiction. Her wit and wisdom will 'wow' readers in this fast-paced and faith-filled novel. Jayne Tate is a talented reporter working in a big city. However, the death of her father and the loss of an important career opportunity cause her to take a step backward to see where she's really headed. She decides to visit the Oregon Amish community, partly as a way to think through some issues, but also to write an article on the intriguing people and their lifestyle. What she finds is a life she only dreamed of. These pages offer a unique view of an Amish community, one that focuses on the dynamics of family life. While many readers may already be familiar with the outward symbols of the Amish lifestyle, like a buggy and the lack of electricity, this author places the main character right in the heart of a family--literally. This allows readers an intimate look at the interaction between parents and children. Both their faith and their foibles enter these pages, bringing a sense of realism to the characters and providing a strong emotional appeal to the story line. The romance between Jayne and Levi, the owner of an Amish furniture store, is sweet and spiritual. Jayne wonders if Levi might be the man she's been waiting for her whole life, but a clash of beliefs stand in their way. Interestingly, the seemingly 'backward' standards of the Amish community imparts a decidedly 'forward' momentum to their relationship. I absolutely adored all these characters, and am so happy this is only the first book in the series! Jayne's sense of humor and her vulnerability will endear her to readers. Plain Jayne shows readers that life isn't in black and white; it's made up of a kaleidoscope of colors and kindred hearts. Return to top of page. This page was last updated on February 23, 2010 This page and all its contents are Copyright© 2002-2010 In the Library Reviews and the individual reviewers. Except where noted, all graphics are Copyright© Eos Development and are used with permission. All book covers are Copyright© their respective publishers and are used with permission. The In the Library Reviews logo is Copyright© 2002 by In the Library Reviews/Sharyn McGinty. Site maintained by In the Library Reviews.