Temptation by Karen Ann HopkinsJune 26, 2012 by Harlequin Teen
Paperback, 383 Pages
Review Copy
Imagine if Mr. Right couldn't be anymore any more right in the eyes of old fashioned values, but wrong in every sense of the word because of the world he lived in. When Rose and her family move to the quiet town of Meadowview, they are all still grieving from the death of her mother. The move was suppose to bring closure and give the kids a fresh start, nobody could have guessed the changes that would tear them apart.
Since the death, no one has made Rose feel more alive than Noah, the Amish boy who lives down the road. For Rose, Noah is perfect and beautiful and innocent in the ways of teen dating and sexuality, he's a complete and total gentleman and values women and modesty. He's perfect in work ethic and family values and cherishes his parents, he's all of this and more due to his Amish upbringing. On the flip side though he is also unattainable, ignorant in the ways of the world and closed minded about things like music, dancing, movies, culture and as the Amish would call it, the ways of the English. But Rose cant help the intense feelings she feels whenever he is near her, she can't help the draw her body feels when he's near. She'll risk anything to see him and do anything to be with him, even perhaps giving up her dreams.
Noah is a good son, he follows the rules and seriously loves his life, the Amish way is the only way and not being a part of worldly culture means nothing to him. When Noah, his father and brothers are hired to help fix up a house, he meets the family living there and is amazed by the way they act. They openly talk, laugh, listen to loud music and he's shocked by some of their behavior. The girl who shyly stares at him is beautiful, he even feels a deep desire for her that's never happened before, the way her body looks in clothes, the way her hair hangs long on her waist, Noah cant stop the tornado of emotions and eagerly gives in to his temptation. Quickly the two become friends and Noah's family knowing nothing about the attraction, invite Rose's family to special dinners and welcome them into the neighborhood. Those dinners lead to taking the relationship to the next level and losing all sense of himself, Noah begins sneaking away from the community to see Rose whenever he can. They go night riding, sneak stolen glances and take things to forbidden scenarios. Noah loves Rose so much, he'll do anything to see her, and like Rose will even perhaps give up his only security.
Its only for so long that the couple can sneak around before Rose's brothers and Noah's parents find out. Everything falls apart once the community of the Amish catch on and Noah is forbidden to see Rose. The couple is desperate to be together and try everything to maintain some type of relationship. Noah wants Rose to become Amish so he can marry her.......Rose loves Noah but the thought of marriage and becoming Amish terrifies her. Rose wants Noah to become like her, but without an education and no family, he has nothing. Each of them is desperate and miserable without the other and what happens, something no one could have imagined, will change the course of everything for Noah and Rose.
The Amish have always fascinated me, not so much by the religion (which is based in Christianity) but the way they live. Hopkins doesn't go into the religious aspect of Noah's life more so she focuses on the simple way he lives. The day to day chores, the rules and how hard it would be for a young teenage boy of marrying age to leave his community. Without an education past the eighth grade or any money Noah wouldn't make it very well in the real world, with his family he has land, community of support, livestock and everything he needs to have a successful life. This story did a great job of twisting your emotions, I wanted Rose and Noah to be together, but it was almost impossible, each one would have to give up their way of living to be together and the sacrifice on either part was tremendous. I really enjoyed reading this story and while I'm not thrilled with the outcome as of now, I know this is a part of a series, so I can't wait to see what happens when these two worlds that should have never collided, come face to face with its consequences.
Rating
Temptation is recommended to teens {15&up} and contains: Mild romance and sexuality, violence, and Amish vs. Traditional life styles.
4/5- YA- Romance
Thanks to Harlequin for review Copy
The Amish have always fascinated me, not so much by the religion (which is based in Christianity) but the way they live. Hopkins doesn't go into the religious aspect of Noah's life more so she focuses on the simple way he lives. The day to day chores, the rules and how hard it would be for a young teenage boy of marrying age to leave his community. Without an education past the eighth grade or any money Noah wouldn't make it very well in the real world, with his family he has land, community of support, livestock and everything he needs to have a successful life. This story did a great job of twisting your emotions, I wanted Rose and Noah to be together, but it was almost impossible, each one would have to give up their way of living to be together and the sacrifice on either part was tremendous. I really enjoyed reading this story and while I'm not thrilled with the outcome as of now, I know this is a part of a series, so I can't wait to see what happens when these two worlds that should have never collided, come face to face with its consequences.
Rating
Temptation is recommended to teens {15&up} and contains: Mild romance and sexuality, violence, and Amish vs. Traditional life styles.
4/5- YA- Romance
Thanks to Harlequin for review Copy
Great review and I agree the amish is interesting way of life. I was iffy about Noah at times, but this book was good about the discussion.
ReplyDeleteI was iffy about Noah too until the end, the understand his side........however I want to see something change in the next book.
DeleteWhat? This is a series. GAH!!! How could I stand the ending? And how could you not give us any hint of what happens?
ReplyDeleteI desperately want to read this book. Like you, the Amish culture fascinates me. Noah sounds like a dream come true. I think I could happily join his community for him. Wait? Would I still be able to ride my bike? Because if not, then the deal is off. LOL
The book was fun, I think it took me a few hours to read so super fast too...:D I think I could be Amish if it was for true love.....but then again I wouldn't be able to watch SOA, no Jax......deals off....hahahha
DeleteI'm curious about this one and what conclusion Noah and Rose came to. I think the author did a smart move in not going into details about religion, which can be a dicey way to alienate readers. Never heard of this one before so I'm glad I read your review.
ReplyDeleteIt was a little cutesy....I mean it is clean cut YA so nothing too scandalous happens (which was good) but its still a fun fast read. The conclusion was a little shocking....:O
DeleteI have this and didn't realize it was alternating POVs! YAY Another book for the challenge. I am so fascinated by the Amish lifestyle. I didn't know this was a series either. Probably means they won't get their HEA yet :-( I hope they work out a way to be together. I know it can be difficult when a couple has to compromise on major lifestyle choices and beliefs.
ReplyDeleteSWEET!!! Hope you love it...:) And yeah the story shifts really well between Rose and Noah so its great to get both their POVs
ReplyDeleteOh I have read an amish book before, but not a YA one. I'm curious about it especially the way it seemed to be handled. Oh I may have to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteGo for it!! Its a super fast read and for real it doesn't get caught up in religion so anybody can read it and not get offended.
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