Shunning Ida Mae
In 1886, Ida Lapp, a plucky Pennsylvania Amish woman, secretly loves an Englisher, something strictly forbidden by the Ordnung. When discovered by her parents, her penalty forever changes her life and sends her on a journey to face persecution, at the same time, she desires the impossible—to return home to a family who despises her.
On an Iowa farm, Anna dies, leaving Joseph Melroy with the daunting task of raising two small children while avoiding the devious attempts of a local woman to corral him before a preacher. Faced with the heartache of losing his wife and looming financial troubles, he advertises for someone else to survive the woman’s sly scheming before she ruins everything.
Ida arrives to accept the job of caring for Joseph’s children and discovers that she must marry the English outsider. She acquiesces to a loveless union on the condition that she can walk away.
Immersed in a local setting where few people comprehend her Amish background, she endures whispers, side glances, and outright hatred from the town’s gossip, who claims matrimonial rights to Joseph. The woman learns of the late-night wedding and spews her venom against Ida.
Shunned by her family and circumventing barbs by those who don’t approve of her, Ida must navigate the corridors of a vastly different culture. Will she stick with Joseph? Will Joseph save the farm? Will Ida return home to her parents who want nothing to do with her?
