A Plain Leaving (The Sisters of Lancaster County Book #1)

Gould Offers a New Amish Series in Idyllic Lancaster County

At age twenty, Jessica Bachman left her two beloved sisters and her Amish community after clashing with the new bishop about her role in the family and the future of their farm. She tried to convince Silas Kemp, who'd been courting her for two years, to join her, but when he said no, she fled anyway.

Three years later, she returns home for the first time since leaving Lancaster to attend her father's funeral. Her arrival back revives all sorts of emotions--yearnings and sorrows alike. Jessica knows things will never return to how they were. But in seeing Silas again, she can't help but wonder what might have been.

Struggling to decide where her next step should take her, she learns the story of a Revolutionary War-era ancestor that echoes her own choices. Will Jessica leave her family and community forever, or is there peace and healing and love yet to come?

From the Back Cover

Leaving Was the Hardest Thing She'd Ever Done . . . Until She Had to Return
  
Three years ago, Jessica Bachmann walked away from everything: her family, their beloved farm, her Amish community, and Silas Kemp. After clashing with the new bishop and her brother about her role in her family and the future of the family farm, anger and restlessness wouldn't allow her to stay.

When she is forced to return home because of her beloved father's death, her arrival stirs up all kinds of emotions--sorrow, grief, and yearning alike. Jessica knows things can't return to the way they were, but, especially upon seeing Silas again, she can't help wonder what might have been--and what still could be. The stakes grow higher when she learns that her brother, Arden, is still pursuing potentially hazardous fracking on the family's land.

As Jessica wrestles with her next step, she learns the cautionary tale of Ruby Bachmann, a Revolutionary War-era ancestor who faced similar struggles. Will Ruby's decisions motivate Jessica to leave her family, the land, and her community forever? Or is there healing, love, and belonging yet to come for her in Lancaster County?  

"The first book in Gould's The Sisters of Lancaster County series is a heartwarming story that demonstrates that family homecomings aren't always picture perfect, but can be awkward and complicated. The relationships feel realistic, the family dynamics are interesting and the romance is sweet. As always, Gould gives readers wonderful insights into the Amish community and traditions, and her books always have important life lessons in them. "--RT Book Reviews

"Fans will root for Jessica to overcome her familial and romantic obstacles."--Library Journal