The Preacher's Daughter (Annie's People #1) (Paperback)

by Beverly Lewis (Author)
Key Phrases: cape dress, Sarah Mae, Preacher Zook, Cousin Julia (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
One of Christian fiction's most beloved authors of the gentle read offers a new series called Annie's People, set in Paradise, Pa. It dishes up the same sort of faith-filled story line and Plain People characters Lewis's fans have come to expect. At age 20, Annie Zook is a budding artist, but her conservative Amish community forbids its members to draw or paint pictures. How will she choose between family and vocation? The disappearance of a small child years ago has left scars on various characters, and new developments in the case threaten to open old wounds. Annie's best friend in the community, Esther Hochstetler, finds that her marriage to an abusive man has become a nightmare, while Annie's pen pal, the wealthy Colorado "Englisher" Louisa Stratford (conveniently an art teacher) visits Annie in Paradise to heal from a broken engagement. Both women explore the possibilities of change. Romance, of course, is always waiting in the wings, especially in the character of handsome "Englisher" Ben Martin. Culinary details, glimpses into the workings of Amish life and strong character development help readers stay with the story's multiple changes of perspective. Plot hints in the final pages will keep Lewis's loyal fans eagerly anticipating the next installment. 300,000 first printing. (Oct.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
"It's easy to see why Beverly Lewis has established herself at the top of the Christian fiction genre." -- Corinne H. Smith, rambles.net

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; Annie's People #1. edition (October 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764201050
• ISBN-13: 978-0764201059
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #45,076 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming and satisfying!, March 11, 2006

By	Donna K. "bookcrosser" (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews

What can I say about this wonderful-gut book that hasn't already been said? I immediately felt absorbed into this community and into an emotional connection with the characters. The unlikely friendship and sisterly bonds between Annie and Louisa was so heartwarming! How could I not relate to Louisa and her desire to escape the rat-race and simplify her life to find a deeper meaning? I usually don't like endings that leave loose ends unresolved, but in this case, the author has achieved her purpose in leaving me longing for more, and I'm glad the follow-up book is only two months away. Annie's People is destined to be a series as compelling as Abram's Daughters. It is equally as well-written and absorbing, with wonderful insight into this often mysterous and misunderstood culture.

I hope it's ok to add this here, but I want to recommend an obscure book that Beverly Lewis fans are sure to embrace. Don't cringe or overlook it because it's a harlequin book - It will provide a highly satisfying fix while waiting for the next installment in the Annie's People series: Reluctant Witness by Linda Markowiak

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A True Story Of Friendship!!!, October 12, 2005

By	Kristi Ahlers (Illinois) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Preacher's Daughter (Annies People) (Hardcover)

This is the second book by Ms. Lewis that I've managed to read and I was truly impressed with the multiple storylines that she managed to introduce in this story, which is the first in a new series. This story tackles some very important issues as well as demonstrates how a strong friendship can be very important in the grand scheme of things.

Annie Zook is the daughter of an Amish preacher and her place in her Amish community doesn't seem readily apparent to this young girl. In order take her rightful place in the community and to marry the boy that she has always loved she must give up the one thing that means the most to her. Her art. But, Annie can't let this part of her soul go and as a result of this she has lost Rudy to someone else and she finds that this secret of hers is costing her more than she ever thought possible. The only one that seems to understand her fears and anxieties is her friend Louisa.

Louisa is a pen pal that Annie has had for years and their friendship has grown with them. They are each at a cross roads in their lives and they turn to the other. What makes this hard is the fact that Louisa is from the outside. Louisa on the other hand is getting ready to walk down the aisle but she's finding that the life she dreamed of just doesn't exist. In a world of opulence she finds that she has nothing. Her friend Annie seems to have the perfect life living in Paradise, Pennsylvania. After canceling the wedding Louisa travels east to spend time with her good friend. This is just what these two young women need. Along the way these two must make adjustments but their friendship will see them through.

This was an amazing read. Louisa and Annie were truly wonderfully drawn characters that the reader will care about. Although their storyline is the main one throughout the read, Ms. Lewis does introduce the touch subject of spousal abuse and the Amish way of dealing with this topic. This secondary storyline is very important to the storyline between Louisa and Annie. Ms. Lewis brings to life the Amish world. This first book in "Annie's People" series is a wonderful introduction to this wonderful community made up of not perfect people.

Official Reviewer for Romance Design

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another Great Book by Beverly Lewis, October 31, 2005

By	J. Martin "J. Straussberger" (Bartlett, TN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

At first, I didn't expect this book to be near as good as the Abram's Daughters series. However, by the end of the book I was proven wrong. I love how Ms. Lewis puts a little bit of mystery into her books that make you want to keep reading. I was quite suprised at the ending of this book! I wish the second one was out already. I loved reading about Louisa's attempt to fit into the Amish lifestyle. I have always been fascinated by it, as well, so it was interesting to read what it would truly be like to give up being a "fancy" girl, even for a little bit. This was a very entertaining read!