Almost Amish by Kathryn Cushman

Julie Charlton is tired. She is stressed.  And she hates her life.  Her kids, (son Brian, 13, and daughter Whitney, 16) are over-scheduled and under-appreciative.  When her sister-in-law Susan asks for her help with a reality TV series, it sounds like it could be a win-win. Maybe Julie and her kids can step off the treadmill for the summer, exploring the Amish lifestyle, and Susan can revive her flagging career.

Julie's naivete is quickly shattered when she is blindsided in the initial interview. She thought she was just giving background information and didn't realize that what she said (including criticisms about Susan) are on camera.  To make matters worse, the situation is structured so that Susan can make simplicity look easy (as a tie-in with her upcoming book) but Julie has it hard, starting with having to walk the last part of the way to the farm.  Here kids aren't happy either, when their clothes are confiscated and they have to wear more picturesque outfits.

The challenges mount, intentionally. Julie has to clean, cook, wash, all without modern conveniences.  She copes with (or causes) disasters. The simple life is really not as simple as it sounds. In fact, it is a huge amount of work.  The scenario backfires, however.  While the goal of the show is to contrast Julie's ineptitude with Susan's accomplishments, the viewers end up with a different attitude.  They love Julie's attempts, and are annoyed by Susan.  Frankly, as a reader I'm annoyed by Susan too!

The crisis comes when the producer threatens to use footage of personal family issues and Susan threatens to walk off the show.  When the chips are down, her family loyalty outshines her hunger for her career.  And in an ironic twist, finally the viewers like her.

And in the end, the summer actually accomplishes what they all hoped. Susan's career does get a boost, but even more  appealing is when we see Julie's new perspective. "I love my life."