I've read a lot of adaptations in my day and I thought this was one of the most unique. The Amish lifestyle is very well suited to Jane Austen's classic novels of love and society; instead of balls there are singings, but both still have horse drawn carriages (or rather buggies), modesty, manners, and grace. Lots of good clean fun. I look forward to reading the rest of the adaptations in this series. ( )

OK. I’ll admit it. I almost put this book down and I might not have even picked it back up – had it not been for mom.

She picked it up and would not give it back until she finished it.

Then she handed it to me and told me I had to read it! So of course I did!

And yes… it may have a bit of a slow start but give it a chance. It won’t take any time until you are pulled right in to the story.


And WHAT a story!

I never could have expected such a powerful story with so many little surprises and some absolutely priceless laugh-out-loud moments.

Realms was a genius to snap up Sarah Price when they had the chance!

This series is going to be amazing – I can tell!

And while I’ve never been much of a fan of the original stories by Jane Austin, I can tell I’m going to LOVE these! But then… the Amish aspect brings so much to it and Sarah’s writing is positively wonderful!

Whether you enjoy Amish fiction or not, if you enjoy a good romance with fun quirky characters and a solid moral – you will LOVE this book!

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. ( )

I loved First Impressions, and am very guilty of this sin, and have regretted it a number of times. I have told others that I am quick to judge, and then silently regret my impression, and was told I am not alone.
Yes this story is about the decision to judge, and very quickly at that, which I guess I do too. The first time you meet someone, and ah how wrong you can be, and that is exactly what Elizabeth “Lizzie” Blank does when Frederick Detweiler comes to Lancaster Amish Community. Lizzie’s Mother has five daughters and is anxious to have them married of, what a desire for a mother. She doesn’t seem to care who they marry, of course they must be Amish, but age, looks, and jobs have nothing to do with it. Thank goodness her Dad is a smart and wonderful man, and in this patriarchal society is the final word.
This is a very interesting story and you never see where help is coming from, and was thoroughly surprised. You will love this book, it keeps you hopping and your heart will break and heal. The story is based on the original Pride and Prejudice, and now that is in my to be read pile, TBR. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did, and I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

I received this book from the Publisher Realms and the Author Sarah Price and was not required to give a positive review. ( )

"First impressions can be dangerous and people are not always who they seem to be." [from the back cover]

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is pretty much a staple for those of us who love historical romance novels. Literary experts tell us that Austen developed the pattern for romance stories that touch the readers' hearts most, a pattern modern stories still follow today more than 200 years later. Austen wanted her readers to experience the "happily ever after" ending that she herself never experienced. The most recent film adaptation has refreshed the popularity of the tale for romantics of all ages and backgrounds so much that once you begin reading First Impressions, you may very well hear the actors' voices playing the parts out in your mind, as I did. That's because this book is a scene by scene re-enactment of the movie, modified to fit into the Amish lifestyle. It's a remarkable fit.

The Blank family (the Bennett counterparts) lives in the small farming community of Leola in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Their 100-acre farm is kept by the father and his five daughters. Lizzie, the second eldest, enjoys working outside at her daed's side. The remaining girls assist their maem inside. Lately, it seems her maem is so preoccupied with finding her dochders husbands that Lizzie is happy to be outside away from the constant speculation and match-making attentions. All that changes when a distant cousin from Ohio writes of his intention to return to a neighboring farm. The women are thrown into a flurry of preparations and anticipation, especially when the Amish grapevine buzzes with rumors of not just two, but three eligible bachelors to arrive on the farm.

The dochders' first glimpse of the Beacheys (the Bingley counterparts) is in church one Sunday. Jane, the shy sister, is immediately drawn to Charles Beachey. His sister, however, seems to hold their little community in disdain. And Lizzie's impression of Charles' silent friend, Frederick, is of a similar attitude. She does not like Frederick (the Darcie counterpart) at all. So when a severe thunderstorm and a twisted ankle strands Jane at the Beachey farm, Lizzie is determined to rescue her sister. Conflicts and misunderstandings seem to keep surfacing between the disparate parties. Would harmony ever settle between the two families and their friends?

I love how this classic tale fits so well into an Amish setting. The author has done a remarkable job of creating a realistic set of circumstances and personalities that mirror Pride and Prejudice so closely. For me, the similarities were often hilarious, or at least afforded an occasional chuckle or two. But beyond the humor, I could also see how well Christian themes of good character, godly lifestyle, worship of God, charity, selflessness, sacrifice, family, and behind-the-scenes good works were woven into the tale and served as the meat on the bones of a classic work. The misunderstandings were smoke screens that hid the depth of character until main players were compelled to face their faulty assumptions and re-evaluate themselves.

Another aspect of this adaptation I particularly enjoyed was the rich descriptions of daily Amish life on the farm, the inclusion of Amish terminology and vocabulary, and an up close and personal glimpse of the weekly worship services. All this combined with a winning plot line made reading this book so enjoyable.

What endeared this story most to me was the way the author solved the tension between the sharp-tongued, quick-witted Elizabeth and the quiet, stoic person of Frederick Detweiler. Action often speak louder than words, especially in romance fiction. When Lizzie and Frederick exchanged bitter words, it was the Ohio Amish man's silent actions that eventually won over her stubborn resistance. It's my favorite part of the book and so credibly Amish that it breathes new life into the familiar classic.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from The Booketeria on behalf of Charisma Media/Realms. 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.” ( )

I found that I could not put this book down and would have finished it in one day if I didn't have other obligations. I did manage to finish it in 2 days. I soon found myself inside the book and living with the Blank family. I am not a big fan of Lizzie's mom, as she seemed too prideful and pushy to me. She also seemed to think more of herself than of her daughter Jane after certain events took place. The author took me to Lancaster County and I felt a bit stunned when I finished the book, coming back to reality and realized, to my dismay, that there was no more to read.

Lizzie's parents have 5 daughters and no sons so her mom is anxious for her daughters to marry, hoping that one of her sons-in-law will eventually take over the farm. When Lizzie's mom learns that the neighboring farm will once again be occupied by members of the Beachy family, specifically Charles Beachy and his cousin George, she is determined that at lease one daughter will soon be wed. Along with Charles and Ben are Charles' sister and his best friend, Frederick. While Charles seems at home in the new community, His sister and Frederick seem to look down their noses at the small Amish community. ( )