Just Plain Sadie (Wells Landing #4) by Amy Lillard

Just Plain Sadie (Wells Landing #4) Reviews

• 
  Linda

  Just Plain Sadie is anything but plain or boring! Sadie Kauffman is the plainest girl in her group, twenty-two and the only one still unmarried. It is expected that she and childhood friend, Chris Flaud, will marry but she loves him as a friend not as a husband. She doesn’t feel that zing and tingle that the romance authors talk about but then perhaps that feeling will just fizzle away! She meets handsome, Ezra Hein, a Mennonite, and finds herself attracted to him in that ‘zing and tingle way’! Sadie is confused when both men want to talk with her about their futures. Chris is solid and familiar and Amish. Ezra is exciting but Mennonite. Will Sadie trust her heart or stay with the traditions she’s known all of her life? A moving story of romance, faith, forgiveness and making the right choices for the right reasons. You will enjoy!
• 
  Diana Montgomery

  I love Amy Lillards books. Just Plain Sadie takes place in Wells Landing. Sadie is trying to make up what is just is she wants with her future. She wants true love but she also wants to stay truth to her faith. Growing up with Chris everyone just assumes They will marry. But Chris has other plans that puts those thought on hold. Will Sadie wait for Chris till he is ready? Or is there someone else she meets and finds true love? Pick up this book and find out answers to these questions and be prepared to keep turning those pages you will be kept flipping pages.
  Amy always has well written wonderful characters. Looking forward to the next book.
• 
  Tina Watson

  
  Amy Lillard draws you into the story right from the start; that's why I was not surprised with this happened to me on the first sentence that starts "
  Just Plain Sadie". Read thru the pages and be apart of the book, going through what the characters do. You'll feel like you are right there with them, experiencing what they are experiencing and feeling deep in their hearts.
  
  Did you have a friend of the opposite gender that everyone thought you and that friend were dating? Did they have you getting married? But did you only view that friend as a friend and nothing more?
  
  Well, meet Amish born and raised Sadie Kauffman of Wells Landing, OK, of "
  Just Plain Sadie" written by Amish author
  Amy Lillard, she sees her Amish friend Chris Flaud as just that, her long time friend since they had been in school. All of Sadie's and Chris' friends, family members, and church ministers have the two of them courting with the plans of marrying.
  Sadie feels that she will die old and alone. Chris' plans for the next year are different than Sadie's plans for herself in the next two years. When Sadie learns of Chris' plans, does a higher power have something or someone else in-store for her?
  
  Young farm owner, Ezra Hein, born and raised Mennonite in Taylor Creek, OK, had to grow up early in his teen years of life and learn to run his family farm. By doing so, Ezra has now put his family farm on the map with his exotic animals and selling certain exotic meats. With no time for courting, does he find a young lady that will change his mind about that?
  
  Can Amish and Mennonite have a lasting relationship? Or will family, friends, and religions tear apart the relationship?
  
  I look forward to reading more of
  Amy Lillard's book in the future. If her publisher has her writing more books for her Wells Landing series, I'll be in line ready to read them.
  
  
  
  I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. No money was exchanged. This is my honest review in my own words.
• 
  Rhonda

  How would it feel for everyone to oppose your marriage to someone due to a difference in religion? When Sadie's longtime friend shares his dream with her, the dream does not include her, and she decides to begin seeing a young Mennonite farmer who sells bison meat to her family's restaurant. All of her friends are concerned that he is Mennonite and all of his friends are upset that she is Amish. Yet Sadie feels excitement and sparks with Ezra Hein and she has not felt that way with steady, comfortable Chris Flaud. The Amish practice shunning, use no electricity or cars. The Mennonites do not practice shunning, use electricity and drive cars. Sadie can not understand how this is so terrible that they can not be together. Why won't each of their families and friends accept their relationship and stop interfering? All Sadie wants is to marry, have children and remain Amish.
  But a tragedy strikes in both Sadie and Chris's families that prompts them to begin to reconsider their earlier positions. Are they happy and at peace with their decisions? Where does that leave Ezra? Will there families finally accept their plans?
  I fell in love with Sadie and I was rooting for her to end up with one of the young men but I won't reveal which one as it might ruin the story resolution for readers. I must admit that both moms left me feeling frustrated for different reasons. They seemed to have issues of their own to work through. This is book 4 in the Wells Landing series. I have read all of them but I believe this book could be read alone and still understood. It would just fill in much background for readers to read all four books of the series. The characters became more like family members by reading all of the books in the series as well.
  I rated this book 5 stars and highly recommend it to readers.
  I received this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
• 
  Brittany

  Just Plain Sadie was so enjoyable to read that I had trouble setting the book down to get anything else done! This story is part of the Wells Landing series, however it can easily be read as a stand alone if you have not read the other books in the series. I have read all of the books in the series, though, so for me it was a wonderful reunion with a few characters and the chance to meet some new ones, as well!
  
  I think my favorite thing about this story was the way the author had me guessing about how everything would work out right up to the end of the book. I knew how I wanted things to go, but the choices Sadie needed to make were serious. There could be benefits to either direction she chose to go. But either choice had consequences, as well! It made for quite a fascinating dilemma.
  
  I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Sadie, Ezra, and Chris all had attributes and personalities that I liked, yet they were very human, making mistakes and saying the wrong things sometimes. I also enjoyed seeing the differences and the similarities between the Amish and the Mennonite communities. That added such interesting detail. Just Plain Sadie is a great choice for fans of Amish and Mennonite fiction.
  
  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
  
  You can read this review on my blog at:
  
  https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
• 
  Amber Ballard

  Just Plain Sadie by Amy Lillard. I quickly became engrossed with this story, I love the fact that Sadie was faced with the dilemma of doing what was right for her and what everyone around her thought was right for her. I'm from Oklahoma so the fact that it gave names to real towns around me thrilled me and had me wondering if wells landing was a real little community.
  
• 
  Marilyn

  I was so excited when I received an advance copy of Just Plain Sadie in the mail from the author. Just Plain Sadie is the fourth book in the Wells Landing Amish series by Amy Lillard. I enjoyed reading the first three book in this incredible series and I was not disappointed reading this winsome book. I was drawn into the story from the start.
  
  Sadie Kaufman was surprised when her lifelong, best friend, Christ, Flaud, informed her he was going to travel to Europe and asked her to wait for him. Sadie knew this journey was so unusual for an Amish young man to endeavor and she was sure Chris would never return to Wells Landing. Thus, she was so torn by his news as she knew everyone assumed her and Chris would probably be a couple some day. After all she was the only single gal from their group left and was the plain sister in her family.
  
  Sadie meets a nice young Mennonite, Ezra Hein, at the market who was selling exotic meats from his exotic ranch. She ordered some bison meet for her family restaurant. There is an attraction between the two of them. Sadie anxiously looks forward to the day the bison meat would be deliver to the restaurant.
  
  Sadie and Ezra arrange a trip to visit his exotic ranch with her younger brother. They want to be together; however, there are differences with Sadie being Amish and Ezra being Mennonite. They attend a youth gatherings in each of their community but faced some very negative remarks and actions by their friends. No one including their mothers approved of their friendship and definitely thought it was unreasonable to date one another.
  
  There are some exciting and unfortunate twists and turns in the book that made Chris realize he could not leave his family farm. Also, Sadie made a vow to God to follow the Amish teachings she was raised in when she was face with a dangerous situation involving her younger brother, Daniel.
  But I cannot give any more details--I would not want to spoil this fantastic story to readers.
  
  Will Sadie fulfill her vow to God? Who will be the fortunate young man to win Sadie's heart when all is said and done? Read this action packed book by Amy Lillard to see how the lives of the characters play out.
  
  This book will tug on your emotions and heart. I rated this book 5 stars and am looking forward to the fifth book in this series. I received an ARC of this book for my honest review which I have given. Amy is a gifted author with her writing. The characters in Wells Landing will become a part of your family.
• 
  Jalynn Patterson

  About the Book:
  The Amish of Wells Landing, Oklahoma, treasure their close-knit community, and the promise of their growing families. But one young woman is struggling to choose a future that is true to both her heart and her faith…
  
  Everyone in Wells Landing has long expected Sadie Kauffman and Chris Flaud to marry--despite Sadie's telling them differently. While she loves Chris, it is more as a friend than a husband. Yet at twenty-two, the plainest girl in her group, Sadie is also the only one who is still single. Perhaps it's time to be practical and marry Chris--though he still has not asked. But when Sadie meets a kind, handsome Mennonite, it seems her prayers have been answered…
  
  With Ezra Hein, Sadie at last feels the joy she nearly gave up on. Unfortunately, others only feel shock that she would consider marrying an outsider. To complicate matters, Chris has finally begun talking to Sadie about their future. Distressed, Sadie will have to search her heart to recognize God's marvelous gifts to her--and find the courage to accept them, challenges and all…
  
  My Review:
  Sadie reminds me of my daughter a lot! My daughter is 18 and has never dated and feels that she will die old and alone. Sadie seems to think along the same lines. But we all know that God has something better for them than that. Sadie feels like she is the only girl that is still single and while she may have a slight prospect in the form of a young man by the name of Chris Flaud he seems very clueless himself. That's never good! So what is a girl to do?!
  
  Soon Sadie meets someone out of her Amish community that is not particularly a prime catch especially because he is Mennonite not Amish so that can definitely pose a problem for her, him, and any future they could possibly have together. There is only one small problem she seems just a tiny bit smitten with Ezra. She feels very torn when it seems that both gentlemen discuss their futures with her.
  
  Love is so simple yet so very complicated!
  
  It is fun to watch these things happen but definitely not to be in the middle of them. Sadie has to trust God and His will for her life but it sure won't be that easy!
  
  **Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
• 
  Connie Lynch

  Receiving my Advanced Reader Copy of Just Plain Sadie by Amy Lillard was so exciting I had already read Caroline's Secret, Courting Emily, and Lorie's Heart and fell in love with Well's Landing and the wonderful residents that reside there. Sadie is very committed to her Mamm, sisters and young brother. Her commitment to her "friend" Chris Flaud is without fail until she meets Ezra! Her dedication to her Faith and Family are deep. These virtues could cost Sadie the deep electric love we all dream about. Amy Lillard explores Amish vs Mennonite, staying the course or following our heart, family and friends over true love. Such a joy to read! As you you read you learn there is nothing Plain about Sadie's heart. If you are an Amish Fiction Fan you must visit the latest trip to Wells Landing.
• 
  Stacey Barbalace

  Just Plain Sadie is book 4 of Amy Lillard's Wells Landing series, but it can be read as a stand alone book. I loved hearing about the characters from the other books though! This book was interesting because it brought in elements of the Mennonite culture and how the Amish and Mennonites interact. Sadie's choices each had consequences and Amy Lillard had me guessing until the end what Sadie's choice would be. Amy Lillard always writes a wonderful romance, has me falling in love with the characters from the start, and I always enjoy learning about the Amish through her use of authentic details. I highly recommend this book.
• 
  Maureen Timerman

  Just plain Sadie, I know the Amish are not supposed to be vain, but to think that others are attractive, but your not. How sad! Our Sadie feels this way, but friends and family surround her, and all she really wants is to become an Amish wife and mother.
  When her life long friend Chris, whom she has expected to marry, drops a bombshell that in a few months he will be leaving to travel Europe. This is a secret that he is keeping for the time being, and he has assured her that he will return, and will she wait for him. Sadie knows at this point that he will never return.
  Enter a chance meeting with that Mennonite man, as her community refers to him, Ezra is smitten with Sadie. He has his own problems, and resentment of his father, and totally takes care of his mother. Funny Sadie in his community is referred to as that Amish girl.
  Two religions from the same roots, and yet broken apart so many years ago but their own people, this is now affecting the love of these two. Sadie’s mom has already lost one of her daughters to the English, and you can read that amazing story in the first book in this series Caroline’s Secret.
  Will Sadie decide not to leave her faith and not cause her mom additional pain, or will Chris change is mind and be the man she has always thought him to be. For sure God has his hand in here and what we want to happen isn’t always his plan.
  This is a quick and good read that keeps you wondering from the first page.
  I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zebra, and was not required to give a positive review.
• 
  DJ

  
  Patience reaps rewards…
  
  Sadie Kauffman, Lorie’s sister, has been paired with Chris Flaud just about forever. Everyone expects them to marry soon, but their love is more of a brother-sister love. Besides, Chris has plans to travel. Sadie only wants a home and a family, but she fears she may never have one.
  
  Although Chris, and everyone else she knows, sees Sadie as plain, there is someone who sees her as pretty… intriguing… and something special. Ezra Heim sees Sadie differently than everyone else — and he’s definitely interested in her.
  
  But Sadie is Amish… and Ezra is Mennonite… and this creates problems with both families. When Chris decides to stay in Wells Landing and proposes to Sadie, she’s torn between doing the right thing — and following her heart.
  
  There are so many ups and downs in this story that it’s difficult to know what’s going to happen next. I loved it; I couldn’t put it down until I was finished. Of course, I’m not about to tell you what happens; you’ll have to read it for yourself — and I encourage you to read it. It’s great!
  
  Don’t miss this exciting series, found in the wonderful (fictional) community of Wells Landing.
  
  Happy Reading!!!
• 
  Frances Cavallo

  Awesome book!!! Just another one of Amy's fabulous books! I love the setting and can't wait to read the next one!!! This is a must read, for any one of Amish Fiction/Romance readers, and I also have gotten into Amy Lillard's Contemporary Romance Books now too!!!
  ***Here is the rest of my review...This was such a great book...We go back to Wells Landing, Oklahoma...in this fourth installment...Poor Sadie is confused...everyone thought she would marry a certain person...but she was thinking of another...life sometimes puts curves in the road...and they can usually work out just fine...except it is not going along with her faith! Does she go along with the flow...and just become the Amish wife and Mother...or go with her heart? It can still work out...but there will be tough decisions! Amy Lillard's book are so well-written and they also make them very easy to follow and enjoy too!!! I am off to my next adventure in her books...as soon as I get Titus Returns!!!
• 
  Dali Castillo

  I’ve read all of the books in Amy Lillard’s Wells Landing Romance series and have loved each one. Oklahoma isn’t a place where one would typically think of as having an Amish community. However, it is clear that the author has done her research on the subject. The way she writes about the community draws you in so much that you can visualize every detail. I can just imagine seeing an Amish man, or woman, riding down the road on their tractors. What a sight that must be!
  
  Aside from the wonderful descriptive scenes, Just Plain Sadie takes you on a rush of emotions. One minute I was excited for her, the next I was worried about what she would do…a real roller coaster ride. It had so many aspects to it. There was love, friendship, pain, soul searching, humor, suspense, hope, biases, overcoming, and so much more. Amy Lillard flawlessly meshed all of those together into a beautiful story. Nothing was too over the top or not enough. I also loved how characters from other books in the series were also part of Just Plain Sadie. The author gave just enough background information without letting it take over Sadie’s story. All in all, Just Plain Sadie is a great addition to the Wells Landing series, and one you won’t want to miss.
  
  **Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone.
  
  *****I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and viewpoints are my own.
  
• 
  Kristi

  It was nice going back to Wells Landing, Oklahoma again and catching up with old friends and being introduced to new people. Sadie Kauffman is the focus of this book and she finds herself caught between two men--one Amish and the other Mennonite. When it comes right down to it can Sadie find happiness with one of them?
  
  This book was unique in that Sadie's story focuses on the differences between the Amish and Mennonite faiths. I have read many books where the Amish characters are attracted to someone who is Englisch but never where they were attracted to a Mennonite person and how the relationship is "forbidden". This was an interesting storyline and it kept me interested from beginning to end.
  
  I am going to be quite honest and say I was a little disappointed with the way the story ended. Sadie didn't pick who I wanted her to but I fully understand why she picked who she did.
  
  Great storyline, solid writing, and genuine characters make Just Plain Sadie anything but boring. An enjoyable read for fans of Amish fiction.
  
  I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
  
• 
  Pamela Pavkov

  Just Plain Sadie, written by Amy Lillard, is a heartwarming story of faith and love. Sadie who is Amish is looking for what all Amish girls want, love, marriage, and her own family. When her lifelong best friend drops a big secret on her all her dreams vanish.
  
  When Sadie meets Ezra Hein at a local farmers market she is instantly attracted to him. The problem with this is he is a Mennonite and a relationship with him is forbidden. What is Sadie willing to do to form a relationship with Ezra? How many rules of the ordnung is she willing to break? When a serious accident occurs with a member of her community does she let Ezra go?
  
  This story is full of emotions, secrets, and faith. Which will prove to be the strongest? Will Sadie be able to leave her faith and family behind?
  
  I was not given a complimentary copy of this book. I submit this review only to encourage those who love the Amish genre to read this book. I also rated this book with 5 stars for a well written story.
• 
  Becky

  So Amy Lillard has written this series taking place in Wells Landing, Oklahoma. The last bride in the series is Sadie Kauffman, who considers herself to be a rather non-descript, plain-looking woman. But, she's been friends with Chris Flaud almost all her life and will probably marry him, until he tells her he wants to go to Europe.
  
  When Sadie's mamm gives her younger sister, Cora Ann, permission to add some bison meat to the family restaurant menu, Sadie meets Ezra Hein, the owner of an exotic meats ranch. The only problem with Ezra is that he's Mennonite and this creates a few dilemmas for Sadie. She begins sneaking around to see him, she convinces him that going out of town is the best way to date, and she lies to her mamm and her other sisters. At the same time, Sadie becomes the object of gossip for her own friends, and the object of scorn for Ezra's friends. It's a tough spot to be in.
  
  Amy has proven that even nice girls go off the track once in a while, and they can give in to temptations in spite of their desires to do the right thing. Just Plain Sadie is a great book to read when you don't have a lot of time to read, it is a fast read. There are conflicts that are not easily solved, relationships taken for granted, and disasters not easily recovered from. It's a picture of Amish life when life isn't as sweet as it could be.
  
  Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a bison-stuffed pepper for dinner.
  
  My thanks to Zebra Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.
• 
  JoAnne

  My review was originally posted on Romancing-the-Book.com and is shown below:
  
  I loved the continuation of the Wells Landing series set in Oklahoma with the Amish at its core and this time there were Mennonites too as well as some Englischers. Many of the families that live in Wells Landing were front and center and it was nice to see how their lives progressed but also stayed the same. The Kauffman's and their restaurant were once again a major part of the story and Cora Ann, only thirteen, did most of the cooking and the ordering of specialty foods for New Food Tuesday. Sadie, her sister, and Ezra, who raised the exotic animals and supplied the meats that Cora Ann wants to use, met when Sadie went shopping for the restaurant. Sparks flew immediately between them and neither one could resist their attraction even though she's Amish and he's a Mennonite.
  
  Their tug of war played throughout but her best friend, Chris, whom she always assumed she would marry, had a few surprises in store for her that turned her world upside down. His family and farm were also central to the story. Her friends and family didn't like Ezra since he wasn't Amish and Ezra's friends and family didn't like her because she was. They found they got along best when they met secretly and did their own thing and weren't with either set of friends but it didn't sit right with either of them. Watching Sadie be torn about doing the right thing but getting angry at Ezra when he didn't want to break church law to do something was heartbreaking. They also made suppositions about the other without talking things through which only led to heartache.
  
  There were a lot of twists and turns to the story and many unexpected events that kept me turning the pages. There was sadness, anger, fear, tears, worries, family and friends, the church, many Amish words, happiness, laughter, animals, farms, businesses, secrets, caring, warm gestures, love and a happily ever after that I wasn't expecting. The epilogue gave nice closure and I hope there will be more books in the series especially since there are more young people in Wells Landing that need to settle down!
  
  Lillard has fast become one of my favorite authors and I love her stories about the Amish.
• 
  Sunnie

  I was SOOOOO lucky to get an advance reader's copy of this book. I have read the other books of the Wells Landing Amish series. I have enjoyed them all, but I have to admit, this is my favorite one. I could barely put it down. And then when I was done I was so sad that it was over...
  
  Yes, this was just a wonderful book. It was so fun to read and the people in the story seemed to be so human it was as though I really knew them, shortcomings and all.
  
  A little synopsis:
  
  The people of Wells Landing always assumed that Sadie Kaufmann and Chris Flaud, best friends and constant companions, would surely marry. She is shaken by news he gives her and then into her life appears Mennonite Ezra Hein. Suddenly life is changing for the 22 year old Amish woman. She finds herself breaking a few rules along her way and sometimes following her heart rather than the ways of her upbringing. She is torn as to what to do with her life. Being the plain sister in her family has not always given her many opportunities to find that special person in the past.
  
  This book was really a fun read. I am hoping there is another installment in this series! This book, although continuing from the previous ones, can still be read alone. It is really fun to see the characters of the previous books appear and remember their stories.
  
  So yes, I highly recommend this book! I know you will love it.
• 
  Amy

  This is my first trip to Wells Landing and I have to say I'll be back again! The book is a part of a series but easily stood alone for me. I was drawn into the story very quickly.
  
  Sadie has been friends with Chris forever. They actually have a really great friendship. She was hoping for more but Chris decided he wants to travel. Across the sea! Sadie is crushed and feels betrayed. Then she meets Ezra and you can feel the sparks fly right from the start. But he's a Mennonite, she's Amish, and their friends and family are both trying to keep them apart. Who will Sadie choose?
  
  Amy's book was fantastic. It kept me guessing and I had a very hard time putting it down. Her characters are very well done (little Daniel stole my heart), the story moves at a good pace, and even though it's a part of a series the characters and back stories were well explained so I didn't feel like I missed anything.
• 
  Cheryal

  She has been my favorite author of Amish books. I gave this one a four only because I didn't like the choice she allowed the main character to make.
  I enjoy Amish books because I find there religion very interesting. I admire their convictions. What I don't like is when author after author finds it necessary to rescue the poor Amish and have them join another church or become Englishe.
  I believe it was Amy's last book that she allowed the person the choose the Englishe.
  She is still one heck of a good writer. I read her books so fast because they keep me engaged.
  I just want an Amish book where everyone stays Amish.
• 
  Alecia

  This is the 4th in the series...and I'm guessing the last though I really want more stories!!! I especially want to know what happens to Cora Ann(Sadie's sister) and the guy Sadie doesn't pick(spoilers).
  Have you ever been so mad at a character through out the whole book only to love them at the end!!! The decision said character makes in order to help Sadie was just so sweet I couldn't be mad at them any more....And Amy if your reading this I need to know What happens to them(I think you'll know who I'm talking about lol) I have an idea of what I want to happen ;).....
  
  I received this book free from netgalley in exchange for my honest review
  
  
  www.cherishedbyalecia.wordpress.com