1884–A young Amish girl sets out on rumspringa to track down the man she loves and give him her lovelorn heart. But love has ever been known to be unpredictable... What sweet, innocent Rebecca Switzer actually finds could be something quite different than what she had in mind.

Once again, Copeland and Smith have crafted a wonderful, heartwarming tale of young love that is NOT your typical Amish romance. What could possibly make an innocent young Amish woman set off on her own, under cover of night, in pursuit of a man who may or may not return her affection? What stretch of imagination could place that same young lady behind bars in a handsome cowboy sheriff's jailhouse? And what possible good could come of an Amish rumspringa gone so far off the intended path?

The first book in The Amish of Apple Grove series set a high standard for a rousingly different kind of Amish tale. A PLAIN & SIMPLE HEART raises the banner even higher, and does not–for even an instant–disappoint. Can't imagine what the authors will come up with next for Apple Grove, but this reader can't wait to find out. A highly recommended, joy of a read!

Rebecca has held a love Jesse every since meeting him during a cattle drive. The cowboys had helped her family when they were robbed. Rebecca is Amish. Yet her sister, Emma, married Luke the cowboy who was in charge of the cattle drive.

So Rebecca leaves at night to set out to find who she thinks is her true love. She is arrested and put in jail. Colin, the sheriff, has a time with this spit fire of a young woman taking over the jail.

Rebecca gets caught up in the Temperance Movement by accident. Yet through it all she makes friend with the Englishers.

Amos comes to bail her out of jail with money from the Amish Community. He cannot believe the outside world. He falls for Sassy - Sarah, who had worked in a Saloon. She returns to the Amish Community.

I could not put the book down. I read it in two days.

Rebecca's love for Jesse turns out to be the love for a friend. He is not what she thought he would be. She finds out he is not her true love.

Yet on this adventure she finds her true love.

I await the next book Lori and Virginia write together. God has gifted them both.

The second installment of the Amish of Apple Grove series is as good as the first and maybe a little better. This story focuses on the younger Switzer daughter, Rebecca, who has never given up on the love of her life, Jesse Montgomery, that she met four years earlier. She is determined to find Jesse and prove they are meant to be together. What she finds is a whole lot of trouble as she travels to Lawrence in search of Jesse.

This story made me laugh several times as Rebecca found herself in more and more trouble. I loved how the authors pulled aspects from the first story into this one. However, you don't have to read the first book to enjoy the second one.

The characters in this story are wonderful. Rebecca is stubborn and feisty while Colin is looking for the simpler life as a pastor. The secondary characters add so much to the story, especially Sassy. There was lots of fun watching the contrast between Rebecca and Sassy.

This is a great story for anyone who is looking for a relaxing, entertaining story with fun characters. It was one of those stories that I could guess how things would turn out, but it was a very enjoyable story. I can't wait to see what happens next to the Amish of Apple Grove!

I'd like to thank Harvest House Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this story. I am under no obligation other than to give my honest opinion.

The only off-putting part of this story for me is the cover because the characters as I grew to picture them look nothing like that. I simply loved this story, in many ways more than the first book. Rebecca's ability to get wrapped up in a big mess and yet hold her head high was endearing. The attention to detail in the city of Lawrence, Kansas and the use of historical figures added to the feel of the book. The plot moved along nicely, keeping my attention. It has great minor sub-characters to enhance the story.

I loved Colin Maddox's moral heart and found the romance of he and Rebecca so sweet. I was especially pleased that they finally found someone for Amos Bueller to love. I am not an Amish fiction fan. I think much of it is written by people who know nothing of Amish culture. That said, this book contains a pleasant mix of Amish culture and Christian faith that keeps the focus on making godly decisions and trusting Him for guidance. This is a great story both for adults and for teens. I recommend it highly.

This is the second book in the Amish of Apple Grove series. I have not read the first, but I found this one delightful. Who would have thought that the Western-Amish combination would work at all? I guess that's the genius of the two authors, both of whom have numerous books published.

It's a romance, but it is seasoned with just the right amount of humor. I didn't feel that the authors were making fun of the Amish, although some of the situations they found themselves in were downright hilarious. Rebecca Switzer just can't seem to stay out of trouble, although she's remorseful that she has embarrassed her Amish father and grandmother. It's clear she just cannot help herself. The sheriff has his hands full as he counts the days until his replacement arrives. And, the town just will not be quiet and peaceful until that day comes---especially with Rebecca in town. The characters are many and well-developed, as is the story. Just when you think you know what will happen next, the story takes an unexpected turn.

Both of the Apple Grove books offer several discussion questions at the end, ideal for use with a review club or study group.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harvest House with the expectation that I write a review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."