Title: Amish Guys Don’t Call
Author: Debby Dodds
Rating: 4/5
Blurb (taken from Goodreads):
Samantha is already facing scrutiny and anxiety at the start of her junior year, as she’s finally been accepted into the popular girls’ clique called “The Sherpas.” But when she realizes that her new boyfriend Zach was raised Amish, Sam must tackle a whole new set of challenges! Zach has chosen not to end his Rumspringa, instigating a potential shunning from his family. Not only that, but Sam’s new friends can’t miss this opportunity to tease and torment her.
Sam has never really come to terms with her parents’ divorce, so when her world crashes down on her in the form of cyberbullying and Zach’s apparent return to the Amish community, she reverts to old, illegal habits. Does Sam even want friends like these? And, will her culture-crossed love with Zach find a way?
***
Review:
Sometimes, I pick up books because their title is so witty that I can’t stop myself from wanting to read what else is tucked away within its pages, and this is what happened with this novel. I was very pleased with the content; I have to admit that it took me more time to write the review than it did reading the novel! So, Amish Guys Don’t Call is a fast-paced book that’s part romance, part intrigue, part good old high school (and general) drama. It raises interesting points about who we are versus who we want to be, or who we want others to see when they glance our way. I have to admit that I love when books urge you into a little bit of introspection.
My love for secondary characters really got treated in this novel. While the main character is your “quirky, foot-in-mouth, trying to be cool” type of high school girl (that you can actually relate to!), the love interest, Zach, is a real gem. I even slightly wished that the book had been written in alternating point of views so the readers would get more insight on his life, his feelings, and how he experienced our dear awkward Sam… I definitely would not say no to a novella about his life. The author touched on his Amish past quite tastefully, in my opinion, and I was glad to see that it wasn’t the main focus of their relationship. Please, Debby Dodds – we want more!
Ironically, my only disappointment with this book was the summary. I’d say that the blurb summarizes approximately 70% of the book, with little amount of information left to surprise the reader. The second part of the summary (the cyber bullying and Zach’s return to the Amish and Sam reverting to the illegal habits) could have easily been left out in order to keep some mystery alive. But then again, what is summarized is what you get. Therefore, if the summary interested you, then the book will definitely deliver, and yes, I would recommend this book!
I’d like to thank Blue Moon Publishers for the free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
JulieLiterary 