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22 May 2014

Diana Flowers Reviews First Impressions by Sarah Price

First Impressions

Realms, 2014

Reviewed by Diana Flowers
5 stars *****

A Fascinating Tale of Pride and Prejudice

In her own eloquent, exquisite style, author Sarah Price has penned a delightful Amish tale — reminiscent of the timeless classic by the memorable Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice.

Lizzie Blank lives a contented life on a modest farm with her parents and four sisters, in a close knit Amish community in Pennsylvania. The Blank household – especially Lizzie's mother – is abuzz with excitement upon learning that the rental farm next door would soon be occupied with three marriageable young Amish men from Ohio! The matriarch of the Blank family had spent many a sleepless night wondering who might take over the farm someday; having five daughters, no sons, and not many single men in the community.

When Charles Beachey arrives with his cousin, George Wickey, and a friend, Frederick Detweiler, it is not long before the sparks begin to fly. Handsome, godly Charles Beachey is immediately drawn to Lizzie's older sister, Jane, who is as lovely on the inside as she is on the outside. His cousin, George Wickey, is dashing, mysterious, and full of charm, and Lizzie's first impressions of Frederick are not favorable at all. She finds him puffed up with pride, prejudice, and arrogance — and overhears him telling Charles that she is just "tolerable." When Charles returns to Ohio leaving Jane heartbroken, Lizzie deems the insufferable Frederick responsible, and neither does she understand the distasteful attitude he takes towards the charming, handsome George Wickey. As Lizzie seeks to draw closer to God, will she realize that first impressions aren't always as they seem…but are they destined to be lasting impressions?

Although this novel is an Amish contemporary, I just loved the old fashioned Jane Austen-ish feel to it! I could actually envision the characters from the movie, Pride and Prejudice, in my mind's eye (especially Mr. Darcy, er, uh, Frederick that is)…so accurately were they portrayed by the author…and I fell in love with every one of them! Except for…well, I best not say! Sarah Price is extremely talented, and I highly applaud her for this wonderful book that made me laugh, smile, cry, and think about how easily we prejudge people based on appearances or what someone else has told us about them. This is easily one of the best novels I have read this year, and one of my fave Amish books ever!

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This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, Barnes & Noble, and BAM.

GIVEAWAY: Sarah is generously giving away a paperback copy of First Impressions to one blessed commenter! US residents only. Please leave email address using (at) and (dot) to prevent spam.


92 comments:

  1. Thanks for this wonderful review DIANA. I think it's about time for my Amish fix and since you have piqued my interest with your review this sounds like the one I need to read. :-)

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    1. TERESA, I double dare you to put this one down until your Amish craving is satisfied! lol

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  2. Awesome review, mdh! You really made me want to read this book.

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    1. Thanks MARIAN, my dear cohort! Be sure to put this one at the top of your tumbling over TBR stack. :)

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  3. Regency and Jane Austen are my favorite stories, so to set one in an Amish community will be interesting to read.

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    1. ANNE, I thought of you when I was reading this! I was like, "Anne, would LOVE this book!" I didn't see how Jane Austen and the Amish would work, but Sarah Price did an amazing job! :)

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    2. Oh, now I HAVE to get this book!

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    3. Okay, I just downloaded the sample chapters off Amazon :)

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    4. You go, ANNE! It just gets betterer and betterer, tho, the further you read. lol

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  4. Would LOVE LOVE LOVE to read this book !!!!!!! Thank you for the offer .Blessings ,DanaGirl jashbk{at}earthlink{dot}com

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    1. DANA, yes you really would! :) Good luck in the drawing!

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  5. DIANA, beautiful review as always!! I generally don't reach for an Amish book when I'm looking for a novel, but you've seriously tempted me with this one. Think I might just have to pop it on my to read list! I especially love the fact it has a Pride and Prejudice essence to it!! :)

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    1. It was really a wonderful contemporary with an old fashioned flair to it, NOELA. I believe you'll enjoy it to the max! Thx for the kind words!

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  6. I would love to win and read this book. Sarah is an amazing Author.
    seraphinangel7(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Hi, Juanita! She most certainly is and she has gained a new fan! Me. ;)

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  7. I would love to read this and pass it to my 80 year old aunt and 13 year old daughter too. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Diane
    dianemestrella at gmail dot com

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    1. You will ALL love it, DIANE! There's almost nothing better than sharing good books, is there? :)

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  8. I would love to win. Angela from KY angelachesnut246(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. ANGELA, the luck of the Irish to you, my friend!

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  9. You have gotten my interest spiked with your review ! I have a lot of Sarah's books and loved them all . I would really like to have this one . Thanks ! Faye Simer ..xstitchgranny2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. I'm hooked, FAYE! I have some of Sarah's books on my Kindle and am anxious to read them all!

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  10. This sounds like a wonderful book to read! I love Sarah's books. I would love a chance to win a copy. Thanks for sharing! ~ Blessings ~ lisastifler(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. It is that, LISA! Isn't she the best? Thank YOU for coming by!

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  11. Sounds like a fun retelling of P & P! Like Teresa I think it's about time for an Amish fix, haven't had one in quite a while=)

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. PATTY, this is the one to have it with then! I enjoyed it thoroughly!

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  12. Being the die hard Sarah Price fan I am I want to read this one, awesome review ! You made me desire to read this one ! Would love to win a copy and have it to read to my girls.
    Linda
    faithfulacresbooks(at)Gmail(dot) com

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    1. Thank you, LINDA! It's destined to be a classic as far as I'm concerned!

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  13. I haven't read any of Sarah Price's books but definitely want to. She was so sweet to me when I asked her a promotion question while trying to market my own Amish books. This one looks awesome and the cover is gorgeous. Thanks for reviewing it, Diana!

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    1. I hadn't either, DIANE. But this one was so phenomenal that I just have to read the rest of her books! I agree, she is a real sweetheart!

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  14. What an interesting idea to write an Amish story this way! I am definitely interested! Thanks for introducing the book! Nancycooks4u(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I was so intrigued with it, NANCY! Just so different than your typical Amish book.

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  15. i love her books and would sure love to win, thank you for a chance
    Shirley blanchard Jcisforme@aol.com

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    1. You're so welcome, SHIRLEY! Hoping for a win for you! :)

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  16. I'm interested. I haven't read any of Sarah's books.

    vernetlh(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Me neither, LOLLIPOPS! Now I'm hooked! Thx for coming by!

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  17. Diana, thank you for the wonderful review of Sarah's book.
    Love her books and can't wait to read this one !
    Blessings,
    mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. JACKIE, thank you! I hope you get a copy ASAP...I'm sure you'll love it!

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  18. I love Amish fiction and I love Austen adaptations! I'm really looking forward to reading this book. Thanks so much for your review and the giveaway!!!

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

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    1. The combo of the two is just fantastic, HEIDI! You're welcome! :)

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  19. Lorraine Alexander has been trying all morning to post a comment and can't so here is her comment:

    "Thank you Diana for the opportunity to win First Impressions...I love Sarah's books!"
    lorrainealx (at) hotmail (dot) com

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    1. LORRAINE, persistency is a trait we so admire here on OWG. Hoping it pays off for you, dear!

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  20. Just popping in to say I loved Sarah's book! Great review Diana!

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    1. Thanks so much, MICHELLE! If you wish to enter the drawing, please come back and leave your email addy for contact purposes in case you win, ok? Writing (at) and (dot) will prevent spam.

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  21. This sounds like a lovely book too read. I love the cover.
    oh.hello.hiya@gmail.com

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    1. HI DANIE that cover is very stunning! Makes me want to hurry and read it!

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  22. I'm looking forward to reading this. I love that you address first impressions. I have had first impressions that were so off base. One lady that I thought was uptight and distant I found out later that she had just lost her son. The first time I met my now hubby I thought that he was a jerk. I found out later when we started dating that he had been in the middle of a divorce he didn't want. I have had people tell a friend that they thought I was stuck up when I was actually shy. I would love to read First Impressions. fishingjan(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. JAN the first time I met my hubby I thought he was a jerk too. I met him at a church I had visited and he asked me where I had been attending previously, when I told him the name he looked at me and said "if you start attending here God WILL forgive you!!" He was so serious looking I had no clue he was joking! :-) Yes first impressions can be way off base, BTW we have been happily married 27 years now!!

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    2. Carlton a jerk? No way! haha He does have a way of joking with a serious face, though! I thought Paul was one, too (lol), and we have been married 41 yrs!

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  23. Diana, With the glowing review that you gave First Impressions, I know Sarah's book has to be wonderful. It is a winner and I would love to be one too. Thank you for the opportunity.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. It really is wonderful, MELANIE! I was ill when I wrote this book review, but my excitement still shines through, I hope!

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  24. This sounds great! :) I LOVE Amish re-tellings of classics and Pride an Prejudice is one of my favorites! :) Please enter me!

    Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a)

    amada_chavez{AT}yahoo{DOT}com

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    1. AMADA, it's so great to see you. I immediately, upon finishing the book, went to walmart.com to order the DVD, Pride and Prejudice. I know I can rent it, but I want to watch it over and over again. Sarah stuck fairly close to the storyline, just a different setting!

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    2. :) LOL! Yes you MUST watch it over and over! I love Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley! :) That's great that she kept with the story. When there's a story that good no one should deviate too much from it! :) Now I REALLY want to go and watch Pride and Prejudiced to! LOL! I hope you get your copy from Walmart soon and enjoy it!

      Hugs, Amada

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    3. Thank you, sweetie! You'll really enjoy Sarah's take on it!

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  25. Great review, Diana. Sounds like a book that I'd really enjoy, especially since my favorite genre is Amish fiction. I'd love to be the winner of a copy but, even if I'm not, I'll be picking one up at the store.

    cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com

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  26. Oh my Diana. This sounds so good and love the cover. Would be very happy to win it. I don't have a Sarah Price book. Please put my name in the drawing and give my love to all of those beautiful OWG girls and yourself, of course.
    (((Hugs))) :) GOD bless each of you. Maxie

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    1. Love and hugs, MAXIE! This is my first Sarah Price book, too, but definitely not the last!

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  27. This sounds really good.
    blessings,Tina
    tfrice(at)comcast(dot)com

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  28. I seen this book at Walmart.It sounds great.I would love to win and read it.Thanks for the chance.jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com

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    1. If you don't win, JACKIE, head back up to Walmart! lol You'll be glad you did, but here's hoping you'll win a copy here!

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  29. I would really like to read this book, thank you for the chance to win it.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. You're so welcome, WENDY! Throwing your name in my cyberhat. ;)

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  30. Beautiful review, Diana, and beautiful book cover!! Thank you!!

    "An Amish contemporary with a Jane Austenish feel" - sounds delightful, I enjoyed "Pride and Prejudice" and feel sure I would enjoy "First Impressions" even though my TBR pile is tumbling over like Marian's!! It would be my first book by Sarah Price, also!!

    I can relate to Jan Hall - when I was in Jr. High, someone related to a family member it was felt I was "stuck-up" when the real problem for me was shyness, also. Another example of mistaken first impressions!!

    And yes, your excitement came through in the review - ill or not, Diana!! Praying for you dear lady!!

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    1. BONNIE, you are so precious. Thank you for your kind words! I'm afraid the wrong first impressions happen quite often, but in Lizzie's case I don't blame her at all. Hoping you get a copy in your hands asap...you'll love it!

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  31. Lovely review, I can't wait to read it. Rachel rlepree(at)musfiber(dot)com

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    1. RACHEL, welcome to OWG! Thank you for your kind words! I'm hoping you won't have long to wait! :)

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  32. I enjoyed your review, Diana. It's so much fun to review and publicize books! I think I've read more Amish fiction this year than ever before. Sara Price is a new author to me and I'd love to read First Impressions. Liked your comment about a Jane Austen feel.
    cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

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    1. Sarah was new to me, too, CAROLE! I'm sure once you read First Impressions, you will become a fan like me! :) Thx for coming by! :)

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  33. Love Sarah Price books, for those who have yet to read her books you will be delighted.
    Would love to read this one

    eveningstar888 at aol dot com

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    1. I have several on my Kindle and will be sure to squeeze them in, EVENINGSTAR! This one was so wonderful! Thank you for sharing your support of Sarah's books. :)

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  34. Great review! I love, love, love Sarah Price and her books! Would love to win this! Thank you for this opportunity!

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    1. Isn't she just the best, CHERYLYN?! What a pretty name, by the way! :)

      **Please leave an email addy for contact purposes in case you are our blessed winner. (at) and (dot) will prevent spam. Thx!**

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  35. What a beautiful cover I would love to read this book looks like a book I would love and not put it down :)

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    1. ANONYMOUS, without a name or an email addy I can't enter you, b/c you are really anonymous! (sad face) Hope you come back and leave one and I so appreciate you coming by!

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  36. I love the cover, the title and the summary of this review and would sure love, love, love to win this book. Thanks for this contest! I have not won a book in a long , long, time and this one looks like a real winner! Mary Lou K
    flowersmarylou85(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. MARY LOU, you are long overdue for a win then, my friend! Thank you for sharing!

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  37. What a beautiful cover I would love to read this book looks like a book I would love and not put it down :)
    lisahoward70@yahoo.com

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    1. lisahoward70(at)yahoo,com (dot)com

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    2. Oh good, LISA! It looks like that was you above and you did make it back. Wonderful!...and good luck in the drawing!

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  38. Sounds like a wonderful book
    God bless all of you
    ChrisG
    granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet

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    1. Hi, CHRIS! Thanks so much for stopping by and may God bless you, as well!

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  39. I don't usually read Anidh fiction, but I want to read this!!!

    Crandallberries (at) gmail (dot) com

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  40. It's too early... Anidh = Amish, of course. :)

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    1. Of course, DAWN! ;) Love it! This doesn't read like a typical Anidh story. lol I actually forgot it was a few times! But there is enough Amish in it to satisfy Amish fiction lovers, too.

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  41. Sounds like a wonderful book that I would LOVE to read--please add me to the drawing. FYI--my first thought when I thought of 'first impressions' was the comment my mother made after we met Jon the first time at a Sunday evening service at our church (his first time there...). "That wouldn't be a bad guy for you... ". One instance where the first impression was spot on--even after almost 41 years of marriage. ;-)

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    1. Amen, VICKI! lol First impressions can also be good ones as well, and you'll see when you read this book that some of Lizzie's were "spot on" too! ;)

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  42. Contest is now closed! Congrats to CAROLE JARVIS, who won a copy of Sarah's book per random.org.
    Thanks so much to all who participated...loved reading all your wonderful comments. Don't forget to pick up a copy of Sarah's, First Impressions!

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  43. missed this wonderful review last week [I'm not big on Amish fiction, not sure why] but your review makes me want to read it!! [could have a teensy to do with the Jane Austen aspect... O.o
    ~ Robin
    robinsnest212.wordpress.com [don't know why, it won't let me post with this ID]

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    1. Thank you, ROBIN! I sure hope you get the chance to read this one and I do appreciate you coming back to post a comment!

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  44. Thanks for the review and the giveaway. I think it will be a great book to read.

    sonia67bones(at)gmail(dot)com

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