Review of Running Around and Such

Review of Running Around (and Such)

Lizzie Searches for Love, Book one

by Linda Byler

A romance novel by an Amish writer, based on true experiences!

It isn’t that Lizzie doesn’t want to stay Amish. It’s just that there is so much to figure out. 

Like why can’t she let her hair be a little looser on top? 

And why can’t she wear shoes with a little bit more of a heel? 

And will she ever really just know for a fact who she is going to marry like her next-older sister, Emma, does? 

And how does it happen that her just-younger sister, Mandy, is going on a date before Lizzie ever has a real one? 

So does it matter at all if she eats one more whoopie pie? Amos seems to like her a lot when she pounds out the ping-pong games. He even asks her to be his partner in doubles. But then he asks Ruthie if he can take her home! 

It has been this way Lizzie’s whole life. 

She has too hot a temper. She hates housework and dislikes babies. She loves driving fast horses but is petrified of going away from home for a week to work as a maud (maid). 

Now that Lizzie is running around, will she scare off the Amish boys with her hi-jinks manners? 

She has certainly attracted the attention of the egg-truck driver. A scary thrill runs through her every time the worldly man comes to pick up an order, each time extending his stay a little longer. How long will she keep this a secret from Emma—and from Mam and Dat? 

What will become of Lizzie? Is she too spirited, too innocent, and almost too uninhibited for a young Amish woman? 

Told with disarming humor!

MY REVIEW:   I read a great deal of Amish fiction and I truly appreciate the fact that this one is actually written by a woman who is Amish herself.   I believe that this lends an authenticity to this series that we don't find in all the works of fiction.  I know that some readers have indicated that it was a bit boring to read, but I think that is the very "peace" that many of us admire in the Amish coming forth in the writing.   

I can certainly relate to Lizzie and her high spirits.   She is going through many of the same feelings that all teenagers experience.   Teens need to express themselves and Lizzie is trying to do that in the confines of the Amish faith.  Those readers who love horses will appreciate Lizzie's love of fast horses.   She has many fears as well.   As you read, think about whether or not she is much different than English teens?   

I received a free copy of this book from netgalley and the publishers in exchange for my honest review.

About the Author:

Linda Byler grew up Amish and is an active member of the Amish church today. Growing up, Linda Byler loved to read and write. In fact, she still does. She is well known within the Amish community as a columnist for a weekly Amish newspaper. Linda and her husband, their children and grandchildren live in central Pennsylvania.