An Amish Retelling of Snow White is the subtitle of SADIE, a charming and unusual story. Having read an
earlier book in the Amish Fairytale series about Ella I was not in the
least surprised to find Sadie's young life taking on a fairytale aspect
too. Even those who don't normally read Amish romances will find
something to amuse them.
Sadie Whitaker lives in Echo Creek and her father Jacob has remarried,
but his wife Rachel, who at first was kind and sympathetic, has become
so grieved by not conceiving a baby, that she has taken to turning her
temper on Sadie. We may think Sadie is too saintly and obedient, but
she is still a teen and just wants a quiet life, if one that's full of washing
and cooking. Oh, and young people's picnics, singing, and get-
togethers of course. Rachel resents Sadie's youth and freedom. Jacob
is in an unenviable position, having to be supportive of his wife but
loyal to his daughter. We know two women can't work in one kitchen.
Maybe it really would be best if Sadie married. There's a widower
Rachel knows, with nine kinner under thirteen...
The factors from the Snow White tale are present; a mirror, something
not always found in Amish households, a poisoning by apple, and best
of all the seven brothers with dwarfism living in the woods. During early
chapters, we also meet other town residents and hear the latest gossip;
who's getting married to a recluse, who wants to start an organic dairy
enterprise, who has a stepmother who makes her work in the grocery
store while her stepsisters take it easy. I enjoyed every page, and we
get some gorgeous nature descriptions as young Sadie loves the
natural environment on the farm. Romance is certainly a big factor as
the inexperienced Sadie is flattered by the attention, comparing the
men who have different reasons for considering wedding her. I'm
delighted that she grows and becomes more self- determined.
I can guess which fairytale will be the subject of Sarah Price's next
work, and let's say it involves red. Who knows where this will go? Pick
up any of the books so far and enjoy visiting Echo Creek, where there
are sometimes worse things than wolves lurking... but not in the woods.
SADIE is tremendous fun.
Sarah Price delivers a delightful retelling of a beloved classic, featuring
a young Amish woman who turns to faith as her guide even in the
darkest times . . .
Sadie Whitaker is determined to be a good daughter, but her
stepmother, Rachel, has made no secret of her overwhelming jealousy
—or her desire to get Sadie out of her life. Rachel’s latest plot involves
marrying Sadie off to a widower in need of a mother for his unruly
children—and she has convinced Sadie’s beloved father to agree.
Left with no choice, Sadie flees her small Amish hometown of Echo
Creek. Planning to hide in a nearby forest, she stumbles across a house
that belongs to the seven Glick brothers. All outcasts from the Old
Order community of Echo Creek, they generously agree to let her stay
—and for the first time in ages, Sadie feels safe and needed, keeping
house for them as any good Amish woman would do. Until, that is, the
Glicks’ handsome cousin comes to visit. For though he awakens her
heart’s desire, she can’t risk revealing her true identity, until love and
faith give her the courage to take a chance on happiness . . .