Review of Almost Amish By Kathryn Cushman & Book Giveaway

Julie Charlton is at the breaking point. She's overwhelmed and burned out, and in today's unrelenting society, her kids are, too. When her sister-in-law Susan, a Martha Stewart-in-training, lands the chance to participate in a reality TV series promoting simple living, and needs another family to join her, it seems like the perfect opportunity.

The location is an idyllic farm outside an Amish community in Tennessee. Julie, with her two children, joins Susan and her teenage daughter for a summer adventure. Susan needs to succeed in order to become self-sufficient after an ugly divorce, Julie needs to slow down long enough to remember what her priorities are and regain a sense of purpose and meaning. It becomes clear from the start that "living simple" is no simple matter. 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. With each new challenge, their season of "going Amish" gets more and more complicated, as each woman learns unexpected lessons about herself and her family.

About the Author

Kathryn Cushman is a graduate of Samford University with a degree in pharmacy. She is the author of four previous novels, including Leaving Yesterday and A Promise to Remember, which were both finalists for the Carol Award in Women's Fiction. Kathryn and her family currently live in Santa Barbara, California. Visit her Web site at www.kathryncushman.com.

My Review

Proving the simple life isn't so simple after all. I read Katie's first book A Promise to Remember back in 2007 and fell in love with her writing. Almost Amish is very different from Katie's first book.

If you want to escape for a little while into a simpler lifestyle, one you that wish that you could live in then this book is a must read for you.

The family in this book was leading a fast-paced life until they decided to go off to live in the country to slow down and live somewhat like the Amish do was really neat to read about. I will  let you experience all the joys and challenges vicariously through the characters.

I really think that you will find this book to be a fun read. I LOVE the simple life the Amish lead so this book was a great read for me.