A Simple Singing (The Sisters of Lancaster County #2) by Leslie Gould

For years Marie Bachmann thought of herself as the "good" daughter. She was the most loving to their mother, the most dedicated to their Amish way of life. But when a Mennonite farmhand, Gordon Martin, shows interest in her she can't help but be flattered--until her mother sends her off to Florida. While there, Marie begins spending time with bad-boy Eli Jacob, the bishop's son from back home.

When Gordon shows up in Florida to volunteer in a homeless shelter, her life becomes even more complicated. At the same time her aunt begins telling her of a Civil War-era ancestor and the woman's uncommon bravery . . . a story that begins to work at Marie's heart.

Marie hopes returning home may simplify life, but Eli soon follows. As Marie grapples with whether she should court Eli or leave the church for Gordon, the story of Annie Bachmann shines a light on what God has for Marie's future.

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About The Author

Even though I knew I wanted to write fiction by the time I was in the sixth grade, as I grew older I pursued other things, such as majoring in history and communications, working as a museum curator, then as a public relations specialist, and finally as a magazine editor. Once I finally started writing fiction, it was another ten years until I sold my first novel.
Over thirty novels later, half of my stories are about the Amish, but I've also written stories set in France, Vietnam, and the U.S.—both historical and contemporary. No matter what I write, I aim to reveal truths about God’s love, beauty, and redemptive work in our lives. My goal is to connect more deeply to God, family, friends, and readers through my writing, and my hope is that my stories encourage others to deepen their own connections too.
I've been married to the love-of-my-life for thirty-five years. We have four adult children, live in Portland, Oregon, and enjoy research trips, hiking in the Cascades, and hanging out with family and friends! 

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My Review

What a great read from beginning to end, the author has us spanning decades, from current to civil war era.
We are shown from one century to the next how things are different and yet the same. People in need, slavery, injury from war, homeless, the list can go on, and what do you do, follow your faith and help or stay in your own little world?
In the past book, we saw what was going on with the farm in Lancaster, and in this book, we learn how the farm stayed in the family. The author also shows us how in this family the way that the Amish and Mennonites are connected.
So many decisions that have to be made that will completely change the way these people live, and you won’t know until the end how everything works out.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.