Plain Promise by Beth Wiseman: Book Review

Plain Promise is the story of Englischer Kade Saunders who, seeking to get over a relationship gone sour, rents a cottage on an Amish farm so he can get away from the complexities of his life for a while. That is, until his ex-wife arrives unannounced and saddles him with a young autistic son he barely knows.

As the mother of an autistic son, I feel author Beth Wiseman does a wonderful job of portraying the daily obstacles faced by parents living with a special needs child. She captures the frustration of dealing with rigid routines and unpredictable behaviour, the concern for a child in crisis, and the embarrassment Kade feels when young Tyler acts out in public. She also shows how beautiful and lovable our children can be, and how easily they give themselves to love and joy.

Plain Promise is a book full of warmth and fellowship. Some of the plot is predictable, but the vignettes of community and family life are well written. Wiseman shows respect and admiration for the Amish people, while not attempting to paint their lives as either perfect or free from worry.

Although this is the tale of one father's journey to become a better man, the book gives us glimpses into the lives and minds of others around him as well. Kade seeks to find a relationship with his son and with God, widow Sadie Fisher to find her place in the world, and friend Jonas to decide whom to draw close to him and how to live out his remaining days. There is a very strong message that we are not all meant to follow the same path in life. It is normal to have questions and doubts sometimes, but if we are on the path intended for us the work should not require an overwhelming effort.

Plain Promise is one of several books in a series of novels by Beth Wiseman, called Daughters of Promise. Each volume is about the journey of one person who comes to an Amish community. While I am eager to read the books that came before, this book reads well as a standalone novel. As it deals honestly with relationships between men and women, I recommend it for adults and mature youth.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."