Book: The Amish Ballerina
Author: Richelle Brunstetter with Wanda E. Brunstetter
Publisher: Barbour
paperback edition
This book is beautifully designed and set up. It is about 18-year-old Arie, who is Amish. Her home life is very busy. She helps her parents in their store and also helps take care of her younger brother and sister. In addition to this, she works part time at a local gift shop. There are some problems, however.
Arie's parents seem overly busy with their business, and it gets very stressful at times. It was hard to see Arie have so much trouble getting along with her mother. Arie has a non-Amish friend who introduced her to the art of ballet. This dance is not considered appropriate for an Amish way of life. Arie secretly learns ballet from her friend, who has her own family stresses! I found it a bit sad that Arie's friend did not seem to understand or respect the Amish ways. It was also troubling that Arie spent such a long time keeping this secret (and lying) to her family.
Another part of the story is Arie's boyfriend, Edwin. He is dedicated to the Amish way of life and wants to marry Arie. We read a little about Edwin's home-life and the struggles he has getting along with his brother.
At the end of the book, we are treated to a recipe of Tomato soup, which looks wonderful.
Disclosure: "I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."
