Young Katie Fisher is accused of murdering what is believed to be her newborn son. The problem is she does not remember being pregnant or giving birth. The bewilderment continues as she realizes she was in the barn that early morning. Her Amish Father and Mother seem to have no information to help. Jacob, the excommunicated brother attending nearby Penn State College has not seen his family for more than six years; or has he?
Katie has now been accused of murder. Aunt Leda; Katie’s Mother’s sister, just welcomed her lawyer niece to her home for a respite. Ellie seems to be running from a marriage that does not bring her happiness and her very successful criminal career that is making her question her profession. Ellie is needing a rest and seems to be hiding from everyone in nearby Lancaster, PA. Nevertheless Katie needs someone to represent her and the Amish know nothing about the criminal justice system. The Plain People do not use the court system for anything. So Aunt Leda begs Ellie to at least go to the arraignment; so she relents and heads to the small town courthouse. After Ellie's plea, in a highly controversial ruling the Judge releases young Katie into Ellie’s custody and control.
The problem is Katie can not live at Aunt Leda's house because Katie is already baptized into the Amish faith; according to the Ordnung (Amish rules to live by) you can not seek shelter with an excommunicated person. Her Aunt Leda had married a Mennonite man and was excommunicated years ago. So Ellie is now living in Katie's family Amish home, sharing a room with her charge and learning all about the Plain people, their life and values. As Ellie, a forty year old, develops a nurturing relationship with Katie; will this help with Katie’s defense? Will Ellie be too close to her charge? Ellie's own life takes a few twist and turns that take her places she didn't think she would go, she just wanted to rest after all!
Finally when her brother Jacob comes home, the stunning truth emerges! But how will Ellie deal with the truth in the middle of Katie’s trial? What will she do with the truth; can a jury handle the truth? As is the Plain People's values, Katie insists the truth will set her free!
This is a good book, I love reading about Amish life. Another love is books leaning towards a legal vein. Blending these two together was a marvelous idea! A good read that is worth the money.
Grandma Spicy
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