A Plain Man

Title: A PLAIN MAN

Author: Mary Ellis

Publisher: Harvest House

April 2014

ISBN: 978-0736949804

Genre: Amish

The prodigal comes home

Though Caleb Beachy lived in the Englisch world for some years, he is a Plain man at heart. When he decides to return to the Amish lifestyle, he moves back home and goes to work for his father. Soon these two strong-willed men find themselves at odds. Caleb discovers there's more to embracing his faith and reconnecting with the community than merely driving a horse and buggy and giving up Levis.

Josie Yoder was just a girl when he left. All grown up now, she gives Caleb hope for the future. She soothes his frayed temper and is determined to remind him that while his faith may have wavered, God never left his side. Caleb is tempted to return Josie's feelings, but the choices he made while away are a heavy burden on his conscience. Will past mistakes end up destroying their fledgling romance? Or will she be able to break through the wall around his heart?

A PLAIN MAN is more than just a sweet romance centered in Amish beliefs. It's the ever-fresh story of a wounded heart finding joy, health, and healing in God's infinite grace. 

Bestselling author Mary Ellis offers an engaging new standalone Amish romance about a prodigal seeking to find his way home.

A PLAIN MAN is Ms. Ellis’ most recent book. Caleb is returning to his Amish roots after five years away and he’s struggling. He feels like a boy in a man’s body when he’s at home, he’s angry and resentful at the way things turned out, and his daed seems to always be angry at him. Caleb has made some mistakes in the Englisch world, things that can’t be erased so easily.

Josie’s parents have forbidden her to get involved with Caleb—he’s a bad boy and they no longer trust him. It’s worst when some of his past sins come to light. Will the Amish community be able to forgive him for what he did during his rumspringe, or will he be forever treated with distrust?


I enjoyed reading about Caleb’s and Josie’s struggles as these two people discover each other. I hoped Caleb would get over his anger issues, stop treading his daed with disrespect, and that his daed would recognize that his belligerent son just needs love and acceptance. A good read for those who love Amish fiction--a great book altogether. Ms. Ellis is one of my favorite Amish authors. $13.99. 304 pages.