Plain Jayne

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1. Christy Lockstein  •  Feb 25, 2010 @8:27 pm
   

   Plain Jayne by Hilary Manton Lodge is the first book in the Plain and Simple series. There are lots of titles to choose from in the growing genre of bonnet fiction, or as I like to call it Amish lit, but Lodge takes an unusual approach in introducing an Englischer who becomes fascinated with the Amish lifestyle. Jayne Tate’s writing at the newspaper has lost its edge since the death of her father, so her boss puts her on sabbatical to regain her balance. Instead of taking a vacation, Jayne gives herself a new writing assignment of discovering the truths about the Amish community just outside of town. Her contact to the Amish is Levi Burkholder, a cabinet maker who she quickly discovers has left the Plain life that she finds herself so drawn to. Jayne falls in love with the handiwork and quiet life of the Amish but must examine whether the attraction is in part to avoid troubles in her own life. Lodge’s representation of the Amish is spot-on with the merits and flaws of the community. Jayne is thoroughly likable and readers will find it easy to relate to her self-discovery and her love for the Burkholder family. I don’t want to give away the ending by giving the protagonist of the next book, but I really can’t wait to read it!

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