Thursday, June 28, 2012

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.

18 comments:

  1. Mary,I find it amazing how you review the books you do..I have perchased several and the reading has been great,you have and still are doing an outstanding job,,I dont know how you do it,,this is another book that looks very interesting,I love reading Amish stories.Keep up the exelant work..

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  2. Hi Mary. I have this book on my wish list. I really thought it was all about the Amish but it isn't. Your review tells me differently. Still it sounds like a great read because it does involve trying to life a simple (almost Amish) life. I would love to win and read this book.
    Karen Gervais
    kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

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  3. Sounds like another winner, Mary! A little different take on the Amish Fiction we're used to, but I like that. Wonderful review as always, and I'm adding another one of Mary's good reads to my list! Thanks for offering this giveaway!
    Nancee
    quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  4. Mary, I love your reviews. Keep them coming! I haven't read anything by Kathryn yet. She is a new author to me. This book Almost Amish sounds like it would be a good read. I would love to win a copy of this book. It definitely will be going on my must read list.

    Blessings!
    Judy
    judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  5. thanks for doing this. Kathryn It sounds great. Mary your site is great! Would love to win!

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  6. Sounds like a great book. Gonna have to read this one. Would love to win this one.

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  7. Thanks for the review. Putting this on my to read list. Would love to win it.
    Have a glorious weekend!
    prettyinpurplerose(at)aol(dot)com

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  8. This will be a good one I believe. I couldn't accept all of their beliefs, but love that they live a slower-paced life and band together at times of need. Would like to enter this contest.
    Maxie ( mac262@me.com )

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  9. Yes I am putting this book on my list of too read books...sounds too good to ignore....and would love to win a paperback copy of Kathryn Cushman's ...."Almost Amish'.....I have shared on facebook and twitter.....

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  10. Another great review.I definately have to read this book.It sounds very interesting.Thanks for all these reviews Mary.Keep them coming.

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  11. I have not heard of Ms. Cushman before so it would be a real treat to have a book by her. Thanks for the giveaway

    Loretta

    eveningstar888@aol.com

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  12. Sounds great would love to win.

    Lourdes11743[at]gmail[dot]com

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  13. sounds like a wonderful book. thanks for offering chance to win.
    Rhonda
    rhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net

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  14. As the others have said, your reviews are great!! Thanks for the review and the giveaway!

    ladettek[at]gmail[dot]com

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  15. This sounds like a wonderful book. Especially for those of us who just need to get away once in a while (even if it's only in a book.)
    rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com

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  16. Sounds like a wonderful book. Will have to look this one up at the library. Would love a chance to win. Thank you.
    Kaz
    kazloves2read(at)gmail(dot)com

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  17. I've never read any of her books . I'm always looking for new books to read . Your Review makes it sound really good . Thank You for telling us about this writer .

    mktrab@zoominternet.net

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