I left everything I knew behind.
But it was worth it. He was worth it.
No one thought an ordinary girl like me would last two minutes living with the Amish, not even me. There are a lot more rules and a lot less freedom, and I miss my family and the life I once had. Worst of all, Noah and I aren't even allowed to see each other. Not until I've proven myself.
If I can find a way to make it work, we'll be NOAH & ROSE together forever.
But not everybody believes this is where I belong.
But it was worth it. He was worth it.
No one thought an ordinary girl like me would last two minutes living with the Amish, not even me. There are a lot more rules and a lot less freedom, and I miss my family and the life I once had. Worst of all, Noah and I aren't even allowed to see each other. Not until I've proven myself.
If I can find a way to make it work, we'll be NOAH & ROSE together forever.
But not everybody believes this is where I belong.
**My thoughts**
This is the second book in the Temptation series by Karen Ann Hopkins. I was intrigued by the first book, because the idea of an English teenager considering giving up everything she knows for the Amish boy she loves was something I hadn't yet read. I am a big fan of Beverly Lewis, in particular, but lots of Amish books. I couldn't decide which way I wanted their relationship to go and was conflicted in my opinions about so much of the book. Yet, I felt compelled to finish the series as soon as I could.
In this second book, Rose has decided to give up her English life and has joined the Amish community. She is living with a local family and must try to prove herself before she and Noah will be permitted to spend time together. She quickly learns that it isn't as easy as she had thought it would be. It's difficult to function without those modern conveniences to which she is accustomed. Long, three-hour church services, sitting on a hard wooden bench, mostly being conducted in a language that she doesn't even know, yet, can make her feel even more like an outcast. Her own family still doesn't approve. I admire her determination and don't think I would be able to do it.
Noah's struggle is in constantly having to defend the love of his life to everyone else and resisting the temptation to be with her. The two of them have such a strong pull to each other that it is difficult to not be together as much as possible. They continue to sneak around, which eventually leads to some serious complications in their relationship. Some conniving by friends and family doesn't help matters, either.
Rose and Noah take turns telling their story. Sometimes Rose's brother Sam takes a turn. This helps to really get inside their heads and provides a perspective of the outsiders, as well as the couple in love.
I still have a hard time wrapping my head around the modern language that they use, because I am used to the traditional speech sprinkled with Pennsylvania Dutch. Some of the behaviors of the characters seem somewhat shocking, as well, considering the stereotypes we all know. That isn't to say that some of this language and these activities do not occur in an Amish community, especially if there is a teen who is feeling particularly rebellious. I think we are less prone to hear about it.
I'm still not sure which way I want the characters to go in this. I don't see how they are going to make it work in either world, because their backgrounds are so different. They are so young to be having such intense feelings. Yes, in Noah's world, people tend to mature faster as a part of societal expectations. I think that the forbidden aspect of their relationship definitely adds to the intrigue and temptation that draws them together. We shall see!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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