Ten years ago at summer camp, Katy, Lil and Megan made a pact to move in together when they were older. That summer Katy also told her two best friends she was going to marry Jake Byler. The trio became known as The Three Bean Salad. They would remain best friends forever. And Jake did become Katy's boyfriend, until he went away to college and fell away from the Mennonite faith. He broke Katy's heart.

Lil finished culinary school and is working in an Italian restaurant. Megan is in college and Katy cleans houses for several different people. The Three Bean Salad girls are saving money so they can move in together. They have just learned that the doddy house of a fellow Mennonite family in their community is going to be available for rent. Only Lil and Katy can move in now, but Megan plans to join them after she graduates.

There's just one catch for Katy. Her dad puts three stipulations on her moving in with her friends. One of those stipulations is to have three dates with David Miller. What an odd request coming from her dad! He knows that Jake is coming back to the church and their community and he's afraid Katy will fall for him again. She grieved so long when he left.

Katy fulfills her three-date obligation with David, feeling the whole time that she is being a user. The girls move into their remodeled doddy house and realize a dream come true after all these years. However, Katy cannot stop the yearning in her heart to be with Jake. But can she ever trust him again?

Jake and Katy do get back together and she is happier than she has been in years. But she continually scrutinizes everything Jake does and says and is very judgmental of everyone. Jake tells her she is not the same girl he fell in love with years ago. He says she is self-righteous, mean-spirited and stubborn. The words hurt her deeply, but she realizes they are true. Can their relationship be restored?

Dianne Christner has written a lovely Mennonite romance, presenting some of the struggles that their young people go through in remaining close to their faith, families and community. The story gives some real introspect into how they view themselves and outsiders. The main character, Katy Yoder, has chosen to be a housekeeper as her profession. Throughout the story, she keeps a journal of cleaning tips and recipes, hand cream remedies and their recipes, and spiritual insights. Her journal is shared at the end of the book. If you're a fan of Amish or Mennonite inspirational romances, you'll really enjoy this one.

Book Summary

Travel to Plain City, Ohio, to witness the Mennonite and English culture clash. As Katy Yoder accepts a new job and struggles to define her place in the world, childhood friends and a past romance get in the way. Even when her friends try to help her change her judgmental attitude, Katy is certain that seeing things as black and white is the only way to please God. But as love softens her heart, slowly shades of gray seep into her world, and she discovers the right answer isn’t always the easiest one.

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