Anything But Plain

Written by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Narrated by Rachel Botchan

Leaving Stoney Ridge feels unbearable—but how can she stay?

Impulsive Lydie Stoltzfus has always felt like a disappointment—a square peg in a round hole in her quiet Amish community. Leaving her family and church seems like her best move, even though it would mean leaving Nathan Yoder behind.

Nathan claims he’s in love with her, but she knows she’s not good enough for him.

And if she is ever in doubt, Nathan’s father reminds her frequently.

Knowing Lydie is “between” jobs again, the local doctor asks her to fill in at the front desk for a few months. This gives Lydie time to figure out how she’s going to say goodbye to Nathan—and it gives Dok ample time to recognize the symptoms
of a disorder rare among the Amish. She offers Lydie treatment that has the potential to change her life.

But will it be enough to make her stay? Or has help come too late?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9781705067192

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the award-winning, bestselling author of more than forty books, including The Sweet Life, The Secret to Happiness, and Love on a Whim, as well as many beloved contemporary romance and Amish romance series. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs. She lives in California. Learn more at SuzanneWoodsFisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and X @SuzanneWFisher.

Reviews for Anything But Plain

[Ron Sites · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent, well written book. I highly recommend as your next read.

[lifeofliterature · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Once again, we return to the picturesque Stoney Ridge with some familiar characters from past novels; however, this particular book does stand well on its own. I really enjoyed reading about Lydie, who feels like an outcast. Her emotions were well written and it made it easy for me to feel connected with her in the story. I also love the research that this author pours into her work. It is clear that she puts much effort into the details and the stories are richer and better for it. The topic of ADHD was interesting to read about from an Amish perspective and I thought the author handled it very respectfully. The romance was endearing and sweet, but was also deep and realistic. Amish fiction is not a genre I typically gravitate towards, but I always pick up a book by this author because she writes so well! I recommend this wonderful read!I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[lusetta · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I've not read many titles in the Amish fiction genre but I was impressed with this one. Suzanne Woods Fisher descriptions of the individuals who follow the Amish way of life have the same personality flaws and challenges as the rest of us. Which leave both Amish and English in the same need of God's love and forgiveness. Thank you, Suzanne!

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love how this story takes a look at a topic that many deal with everyday. What makes it really special is that the author illustrates ADHD using her Amish character Lydia. I don’t think I have read an Amish story that talks about this subject. The details are very helpful and help readers understand that ADHD is something that many have but they also deal with feeling different. One thing I liked that was pointed out in the story was how difficult it is living with ADHD. The frustration is real and feeling like you are an outsider is very true. Many think they will never have a normal life, but the author gives us great ways to help those with ADHD. I learned a lot and know it will help others .Lydia is always going at a fast pace. She can’t finish anything and finds herself late a lot of times. She tries so hard to please others yet she has to hear how she is not reliable and never on time. After losing several jobs she begins to doubt she will ever be good at anything. The author shows us how hard it is for Lydia as she struggles with something that she doesn’t realize she has. I was so glad that someone finally noticed what was going on with Lydia. Now Lydie’s father needs to be convinced that she needs to get tested. Nathan is a great character who wants to prove that the chemicals being used on crops in the area are causing health issues. How does he convince others that he is trying to grow produce that is healthy without using anything harmful? Nathan is trying very hard to prove to his dad that he can grow things organically and make a profit. He also has a slight problem trying to convince Lydia that they are good for each other. Something is holding Lydia back but she won’t share what is pushing her away from Nathan. What is really sad is Lydia thinks she isn’t good enough for anyone. She has heard all her life how she messes things up. After awhile it begins to give Lydia an idea that it would be better for her to move away. What a lonely outlook she has for herself. Have you ever felt like it would be better to leave a place where you didn’t feel wanted? It was interesting to read that some Amish didn’t believe anyone of them could have ADHD. It is just unheard of in the Amish community so some believe. The story is a great example of how God works things out. In His timing he found a way for a mother and daughter to reconcile and get Lydia help. At the beginning it seemed that Lydia had no one to help her, but God in His perfect timing, set everything into action. One important thing I took away from this story is that we are not a mistake. Before we were born, God knew exactly what He was doing when he made each of us unique. We each have different gifts, and God wants us to use those gifts to bless others. “God does not see you for what you are. God sees you for what you can be.”I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[b.hartman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved this book! Engaging story with something for everyone. The theme and discussion of ADHD was very enlightening. I can see so many of these traits in myself and friends. You don't have to have the condition to benefit from some of the coping skills. I would recommend this loving and insightful story to everyone!

[khiemstra631 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Author Suzanne Woods Fisher has done it again with her latest book, Anything But Plain, and written another wonderful Amish novel. Set in the town of Stoney Ridge, this book focuses on bishop David Stoltzfus's daughter, Lyddie. She is 19 and planning to leave the Amish church because she has never fit into the sect, which focuses on the group rather than on individuals. Lyddie is different. She has held multiple jobs and been let go from all of them. Nothing she touches seems to turn out right, and she's always late. Finally, David's sister, Dok Ruth Stoltzfus, asks Lyddie to fill in for her receptionist at her medical office. Multiple minor disasters occur when Lyddie begins working there. On the home front, David's mother, Tillie, arrives for an extended visit. This in turn causes David's wife, Birdy, and their two little boys to decamp for an extended visit to Ohio. Tillie and Dok have been estranged since Dok left the church in her teens. Tillie decides to make Lyddie her "special project". It does not take long for Dok Ruth to hone in on Lyddie's problem and offer suggestions to her father on how to obtain help. Meanwhile, there are neighbor problems for the family to face. And, someone is in love with Lyddie, but his father has asked her to stay away from him. All. is resolved by the end of the book, and it all makes for a very find read. Highly recommended.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Anything but Plain by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a special Amish tale. I thought the story was well-written with realistic, developed characters. I liked returning to Stoney Ridge with its familiar characters (can be read as a standalone). There are some amusing characters. I would put Hank near the top of the list. I can just imagine him with his loud voice (he always shouts). Lydie Stoltzfus is a great character. She is lighthearted, lively, and scattered. Lydie has trouble staying focused and following through on things (starts one project and then goes off to another, leaving cupboard doors open, always late). Lydie feels like a round peg being pushed into a square hole. I thought the author did a wonderful job at showing how ADHD can affect a person's life. I can tell the author did her research on ADHD. It was interesting learning about the techniques that can help people with ADHD (something besides medication). I loved the humor scattered throughout the story. Lydie’s grandmother is a force of nature. People would rather flee their home than deal with her. I enjoyed learning about organic farming and the different types of produce. There were some varieties that I had never heard of before. I like that the author showed how pesticides can affect people (an example is individuals with asthma). The romance progressed slowly which suited the story. There are a couple of different storylines in the book involving various characters in Stoney Ridge. It makes for a more engaging book. The ending left me with a smile on my face. I appreciated that there was a cast of characters at the beginning of the book. Anything but Plain was an entertaining story. I hope this is not our last visit to Stoney Ridge. Anything but Plain is a diverting tale with a speedy scooter, an undulating pasture, a meddling Mammi, a fleeing family, missing magazine pages, a big blast, and a surefire solution.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I believe that this has been one of my favorite books by this author and one of my favorite stories this year. I love the romance. I love how this book talks about ADHD and how it can affect people differently. I loved Lydie and Nathan. I loved reading about what all one has to do to actually be called an organic farmer. I did not want to put the book down. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[cvaughan0708 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lydie Stoltzfus, a 19-year-old Amish woman and the bishop’s daughter, is struggling to find her place within her community and within her own family. Despite all her efforts, she often finds herself falling short of the expectations before her and is overcome with shame as she constantly disappoints those counting on her. While working for her aunt, the town’s doctor, Lydie discovers that the parts of her personality that frustrate her, and others, also make her special in ways she hasn’t considered before. She begins to learn that there is more to her than a list of mistakes and that she is loved despite her flaws.First of all, I love the cover of this book. It serves as a lovely visual before we even begin to read. Secondly, this is the first novel I’ve read by Suzanne Woods Fisher and I was not disappointed. I enjoyed the easy flow to her writing. She has created interesting characters with real, relatable challenges. Fisher writes about forgiveness, patience, and unconditional love from a human perspective, but through her story we see an example of God’s forgiveness, patience, and His perfect love. Anything But Plain is more than a sweet story, it’s a reminder that we are all imperfect people completely loved by a perfect Father.

[clp2go · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is an unusual entry into the collection of Amish based stories. In this story, the protagonist is having tremendous difficulties with everyday life. She describes herself has always causing problems and things always going wrong. She is discovered to have ADHD and her aunt who left the faith and a doctor in/to the Amish community helps her with coping mechanisms. The novel displayed living with ADHD in a reasonable way. Somethings I particularly liked was they did not automatically default to medication and stressed that there was nothing "wrong" with her but that her brain was just wired differently. It also showed how ADHD can run in the family and how it impacts everyone involved in a realistic way. The story also touched on the overreliance of chemical pesticides (in a different story line). Of course there are the more typical story elements, interpersonal relationships, and romantic elements too. Definitely would recommend to fans of Amish Fiction.

[ecataldi-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I genuinely enjoy a good Amish tale and this was the right amount of fluff. There are slight misunderstandings that get turned into disasters, crossed wires, meddling old mothers, and "forbidden" romance. Lydie Stolzfus feels she has to leave the Amish order - she doesn't fit in. She's been fired from more jobs then she can count, she's impulsive, forgetful, and can never finish a task without starting 4 others first. She feels like she's a disappointment to everyone - especially to her family and the boy she's loved since she was a kinner, Nathan. The local doctor has offered to let Lydie be a temporary secretary and she seizes the job as it gets her out of the house and away from her meddling grandma and it gives her time to prepare to leave the order. While there the doctor observes Lydie's behavior and realizes that she must be suffering from adult ADHD - it makes so much sense. But is it too late to do anything about it? The parallel storyline is told through Nathan's perspective and how he deals with his father splitting the farm in half and allowing each of his sons to decide how best to farm it. Mick wants all the chemicals sprayed on his fields and Nathan wants to try his hand at organic. Which will do better?? Predictable, sweet, and a good read.

[coverloverbookreview · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When I see a book by Suzanne Woods Fisher, I just know I’m in for a sweet and tender story. Anything But Plain is that and more. I don’t read a lot of Amish fiction, nevertheless, there are a select few authors that are go-tos. I love the clean, wholesome, inspirational feel of Ms. Fisher’s work.The word that comes to mind to describe the main character, Lydie, is sweet. Or perhaps it would be misunderstood. Anyway, she exhibits signs of ADHD and is treated poorly, even by those who might not mean to. She is so easy to connect with and empathize for. And then there’s Nathan—the epitome of kindness.I just love it when a story makes me feel strongly and stays with me long after I finish reading it. This story developed nicely, captured my full attention, and offered a rewarding end.Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.

[ibjoy1953 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOKI have been reading books by Suzanne Woods Fisher for a long time and have loved every one of them, just as I love this one. I felt so bad for Lydia because she never felt she belonged. She didn’t feel she was good enough for her Beau, and she just didn’t want to be in the community anymore. But when she started work for the local Dr., the more time Lydia spends there the more the Dok recognizes her symptoms. Will Lydia take the treatments she needs in order to help her condition?I like that Ms. Fisher deals with a very difficult issue, that doesn’t happen with the Amish so much, but still here it is. Fisher does am amazing job with crafting her characters and writing them into the story so well. The Sweet Amish community was well detailed and I think the new medical issue made a difference in Lydia and her family. I’m always excited to read a Suzanne Woods Fisher and I am honored I can read and review this one. If you enjoy a clean Amish fiction with the Christian faith running through its characters, you will love this one. I’m giving Anything But Plain 5 Stars. And doesn’t that name fit the story so well?A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[robbyefaye · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In Anything But Plain, Suzanne Woods Fisher introduces us to a young woman who is “anything but plain” in the traditional Amish sense.Lydia “Lydie” Stoltzfus, a young Amish girl, seems to be an accident waiting to happen. Everything she does or attempts to do, it seems, ends in failure or turns into a disaster. Her track record of failing jobs is infamous and legendary.Nathan Yoder struggles to assist his father in managing their farm, which has deteriorated from outmoded and destructive agricultural practices.Despite the fact that Lydie and Nathan care for one another, external factors (including Lydie) work against their relationship. Can kindhearted "Dok," the neighborhood physician and Lydie's relative, help?I always enjoy reading Suzanne Woods Fisher's books, and this one is no exception. I especially enjoyed the premise of the story. Her Amish stories are real and wholesome. Anything But Plain will deeply move you and tug mightily on your heartstrings.I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit through NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a great read, but we are given a couple of substories, that do play a big part in what is happen in this Amish CommunityYou have to love Nathan, what a heart this young man has, not only for Lydia, but for his family and others.There is family and community drama here, Lydia is a doodler, and a bit flighty, but a very kind and sweet girl, and a Bishop's daughter. Nathan is a farmer at heart and his father is struggling with their farm, with corn failures, he pits the brothers against each other. Now his brother, Mick, who has one foot out the door, is up to a challenge, and we are there to see how the brothers fair.We meet caring Dok who recognizes herself in her niece, and is a catalyst to bringing help both with her and within her family.This becomes a page turner as I looked for answers, and hoped for the best outcome, but there are surprises here, some good others devastating!Welcome back to Stony Ridge!I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

[dawn1361 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

With the popularity of Amish fiction, the usual formula has begun to wear thin. However, “Anything But Plain” by Suzanne Woods Fisher has offered a new facet to the traditional Amish story. The novel is centered around Lydia, a young woman trying to fit into the community but has become known for her habit of being easily distracted and not finishing tasks. Nathan, the young neighbor next door has always had a sweet spot for her has tackled a new idea, organic farming and setting up the community’s first farmer’s market. After suffering the humiliation of being dismissed from numerous work opportunities, Lydie’s non Amish aunt and the area doctor, lights upon the reason for Lydie’s flighty behavior and offers non medicated ways to deal with her problem. It is refreshing to read an Amish novel that introduces contemporary thoughts, ADHD and the trials of trying new things, such new farming processes. Well done. I received my copy of this book through LibraryThing’s early review program.

[wearylibrarian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Bishop’s daughter, Lydie, feels like she doesn’t fit in with her Amish community. She longs to leave and even her love for Nathan cannot change those feelings. Her grandmother wants t ‘fix’ her but Dok (who happens to be Lydie’s aunt who left the Amish faith) says she is fine just the way God made her. Excellent story. I fell in love with Lydie, who is finally diagnosed with ADHD, and loved how the author deals with the subject.

[kevin shumway · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book had a wonderful storyline, telling of making it through life’s difficulties.

[polarmath · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Lydie never feels like she really fits into her community. She wants to leave but is just not sure. She gets a chance to have a little more time to figure things out when she is offered a new job. While there she has to work out her feeling and decide what really matters.

[eccl-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Anything but Plain, by Suzanne Wood Fisher, is a beautifully written Amish Fiction story. It is enjoyable and easy to read. I just love the characters and the different parts they play in Lydie’s life. Lydie is the bishop’s daughter who struggles with many aspects of her life. When her aunt need a temporary replacement for her medical receptionist, she turns to Lydie and quickly realizes the reason.This is such a good story. The author has delicately written a wonderful, informative story on an often misunderstood medical condition. I appreciate how the author has done research on the topic of ADHD and what life style changes can help. I also enjoyed the information given with Nathan’s research on growing healthy produce and the dedication and work he put into making it a success. I felt for Lydie as she was being pulled in so many different directions with other’s almost demanding things from her. I especially enjoyed how her father took advantage of bad situation to find a solution for his mother that helps everyone.I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

[hobbitprincess · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

While I've read many Amish fiction books over the years, this one sticks out as one that is exceptional. The author has written several books about the Amish community Stoney Ridge, so there are hints at previous stories in prior books, but these backstories don't interfere with what happens in this one. There are several plot lines going on - organic vs. chemical farming, family dynamics, upcoming medical challenges - but the one that is central to the book is about Lydie and her thinking that she does not fit in to her Amish community. She plans to leave, but many things happen that make her change her mind. It turns out that her ex-Amish aunt, a doctor, suspects that Lydie has ADHD, something the reader will figure out quickly. Her aunt gives her strategies to help Lydie deal with her ADHD, and eventually she begins to come to terms with not only this but that it was the cause of many of her struggles with being Amish. What I especially liked was that nowhere does the doctor imply that anything is wrong with Lydie; God has created her to be exactly as He wants her to be, with her ADHD as a special gift. As a former special education teacher, I said things like this often to my students and to their parents, but someone I never thought to apply those words to myself. I appreciate the book for this strong message and hope others will find comfort and acceptance with what we often see as flaws in ourselves.

**I received a free copy of this book through LibraryThing's Early Revewers program in exchange for an honest review.**

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It’s not easy being Lydie Stoltzfus. She’s a sweet Amish young woman, friendly and kind. She’s smart, but she can’t hold a job, some lasting less than a couple of hours. She’s a hard worker, but she often doesn’t finish tasks. She means to arrive on time for functions, but she is often late for everything. She is active, almost like a whirling dervish, if she is not staring into space. Though she expects to be fired sooner rather than later, she takes on a another temporary job, working as a receptionist for her aunt Ruth. Ruth, or Dok as her beloved patients call her, had left the Amish community years before to become a doctor. Dok sees something special in Lydie, something she herself has had to deal with. Lydie has felt like a failure all her life. Indeed, her grandmother has made it her goal in life to “fix” Lydie. But Dok knows Lydie has many sterling qualities, and just needs some help with the things she struggles with, but she doesn’t need “fixing.” But quirks in her personality that bother Lydie the most are the ones that made her next door neighbor, Nathan Yoder, fall in love with her. Through an unfortunate chain of events, Nathan’s father extracted a promise from Lydie to stay away from his sons, or he would expose a secret she has been keeping. Anyway, he believes she is not good enough for his sons, or really, to be anyone’s wife. Much more happens in this well told Amish tale. More than just a romance, it deals with a real disorder which is largely ignored in the Amish community. The story also talks about the benefits of organic farming versus the over-use of pesticides. The tale is intriguing and intricate. The characters are real and the main characters are likable. Some of the secondary characters are not so likable, but that just makes them more life-like. The story was so entertaining, I couldn’t put it down. I started it in the afternoon and finished it in the evening. My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer. I would have loved an epilogue to see what Lydie’s life held in store for her, but I guess I can hope for a sequel!

[mizroady · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book combines two very unusual subjects and modern day topics and weaving them into an informative, entertaining and interesting story! Lydia is quirky and can’t seem to keep her life in order. This leads her quickly going from job to job in rapid succession. She feels doesn’t fit in anywhere, especially not in the ordered life of the Amish. She secretly plans to leave.Nathan’s dream is to become a successful organic farmer. He loves Lydia and only sees her sweet spirit and unusual insight into situations. Unfortunately his father and brother are sold out to using as many harmful chemicals on their crops as the can. Ignoring the impact they have on the environment and health.To complicate matters more Lydia’s paternal grandmother comes to stay. She is overbearing, unkind, controlling and has a master plan to “fix” Lydia once and for all. Lydia’s Aunt, Dok is a physician who left the Amish years ago. She offers her a job in her office. Her suspicions are validated with some testing, Lydia has ADHD.All the characters are so multifaceted! Each has their own faults and struggles they are secretly dealing with. Ms. Fisher beautifully weaves them all together in their relationships and community! I learned much about ADHD that I wasn’t aware of. Not only some of the challenges but also how greatly it impacts one’s day to day existence. I appreciated that the author presented that it can be treated without medication. A wonderful story of forgiveness and God’s healing in unexpected ways. I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

“God does not see you for what you are. God sees you for what you can be.”Stoney Ridge and especially Bishop David Stoltzfus’s home is my favorite setting that Suzanne Woods Fisher has penned. While Anything but Plain could be read as a stand-alone, it is sweeter if you have read the preceding books.Everyone loves Lydie, but having the Bishop’s youngest daughter work for them is another matter. As Edith says, ”Everyone says you’re an accident waiting to happen.” (How can some people be so cruel to others?)Mammi, David’s widowed mother, comes for a visit. Before long, she informs Lydie, “‘You’re the reason I’m here.’ Mammi smiled. ‘You’re going to be my special project. We are going to fix you.’” Oh, the angst in that household , and not just for Lydie, as Mammi settles in! I love how Fisher weaves that one event into so many subplots.I was slightly dismayed to find in this book that David himself is not perfect. He has always been such a humble, wise, and godly bishop. To find he has faults was indeed sad. May it be a reminder to all of us that we cannot put church leaders on pedestals. The only one we worship and adore is God. He alone is perfect.I loved Nathan. He is humble, kind, knowledgeable about his organic farming, and eloquent as well. He is very forgiving, more than most.One plot twist did throw me for a loop. I did not feel the reader had been properly prepared or armed with enough understanding to receive that twist as plausible.Still, this is probably my fave Fisher novel so far for the unusual subject matter, (ADHD among the Amish) and the way Fisher deals with it.I received a copy of the book through Celebrate Lit, and also NetGalley, plus I bought a copy to give away. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.Notable Quotables:“Act first and think later. Lydie’s life in a nutshell.”“He needed to seek things to be grateful for, something Birdy was always reminding him of. Search for them like a lost coin, she would say, because his mind didn’t naturally go to gratitude.”“The Lord God did not make a mistake when he made you. Everything about you was ordained from the beginning. You have to start believing that.”“She had a knack for solving problems, for seeing things he couldn’t see.