Belonging by Karen Ann Hopkins

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

Rose has abandoned technology, learning to drive, school and her family, to join the Amish community so that she can be with Noah. After the accident that had nearly taken his life, Rose made the decision to give up her carefree, typical American teen lifestyle, for the subdued, basic existence of that of the Amish... She never expected it to be so difficult.

Each day, she battles to be treated the same as the other young women within the community. She's quickly become the source of the local gossip, most believing she'll never become Amish for the long term. She constantly needs to prove herself worthy, met with the whispers and stares from those that see her as inferior, and want her gone.

Noah seems to be oblivious. He begins to take in her role as mentor, advising her who to befriend, how to carry herself and how to live the simple, humble life. They are forbidden to spend time together and definitely no touching. Until Rose is approved to join the church, Noah and Rose aren't allowed to date, or court, as the community refers to.

The new, simple lifestyle is killing her free and spirited nature, forced into a submissive role. Hours of washing, mending, scrubbing and cooking. But is Noah really worth it? It isn't until Rose finds herself with other options forced upon her, that she realises that perhaps being Amish is something that she will never be ready for.

I don't envy Rose. She has become bland and compliant, with the Amish way of life dousing her beautiful free spirit. Being forced to be subservient and groomed to one day become a wife that will cater to her husbands every whim.

Where the Amish were simple, yet endearing in Temptation, the first novel in the series, in Belonging, they come across as prejudiced, sexist, narrow minded folk that teach their love of god, but see no issue in treating Rose with vitriol and contempt... And Noah is no better. If Belonging is any indication, modern society is far more accepting of the Amish lifestyle, than vice versa.

Clearly, loving someone means compromise, surely.

Karen Ann Hopkins' style of writing is laid back and realistic. She isn't afraid to let her characters experience traumatic and heartbreaking situations. The characters all have defining traits and complex personalities. As frustrating as I found the Amish community, to the point of being angered, you know you've stumbled upon a great writer when a book can evoke such strong emotions. Really enjoyed it.

Belonging

(Temptation: Book Two)
Written By Karen Ann Hopkins

Published 01 / 05 / 2013
416 Pages