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Brian's Choice is an e-only novella prequel to the brand-new Plain and Simple Miracles collection from popular author Vannetta Chapman (A Promise for Miriam). These stories of love and family and Amish community in Oklahoma tell of the miracles that can happen when lives are lived in service to God and to one another.

Brian Walker has it all--a trust fund, the job of his dreams, and a beautiful woman at his side. But all of that changes in one tragic moment. Six months later he finds himself in the small town of Cody's Creek, Oklahoma, and eventually becomes a member of the Amish community located there.

Brian feels God's hand directing his path, and he begins to hope that perhaps his past is behind him for good. However, nothing prepares him for the day his bishop asks him a question.

Brian's choice changes everything.

A story about the miracle of faith, the solace of love, and our ability to forgive and be forgiven.

83 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2015

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456 people want to read

About the author

Vannetta Chapman

147Ìýbooks1,439Ìýfollowers
Vannetta Chapman is a New York times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over t0 novels. She has sold over one million copies and writes in a variety of genres that include dystopian, suspense, dystopian, romantic suspense, romance, and cozy mystery.

Chapman has 25 years educational experience as an English teacher at the high school and collegiate level. She currently resides in the Texas Hill Country where she writes full times.

Sign up for her newsletter and receive a free ebook! For more information, visit her at





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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
July 14, 2015
Brian’s Choice ( plain and Simple Miracles )
By: Vannetta Chapman

Brian’s Choice is the prequel to Vannetta Chapman’s New Plain and Simple Miracles series. I really enjoyed Brian’s Choice and can’t wait to read this series. Vannetta Chapman pens us a heartwarming prequel about miracles, romance, mystery, and forgiveness. Brian’s Choice hooked me right from the very start and did not let go till the end. What a story, i loved it and i am sure you will too. Our Vannetta Chapman has herself another winning series.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review, which I have given.
Profile Image for Liz.
698 reviews24 followers
July 31, 2015
I HATE fast cars, so getting through the opening pages of this story was an effort. But it paid off - the rest of this quick read was just what I needed during a hectic week. I really enjoyed the new characters and the atypical Amish storyline. The main character is not a fresh-faced young girl, but an older bachelor with an English past. Finding new faith and purpose in Oklahoma, Brian is asked by his bishop to step in as a temporary teacher at their one-room school. He is loathe to give up his farm life and privacy, but willing to use his talents for the community. It isn't long before his quiet life takes a turn he thought impossible. (The pace and voice of this tale reminded me of Olivia Newport's style in her Colorado stories...not that Rufus was ever English...and that is high praise indeed.) My only complaint is that this novella wasn't a full-length book - oh wait, I think I already wrote that same whine after reading Chapman's contributions to the Amish Cradle and Amish Garden volumes.

I totally recommend you spend a little time in this gentle read. Chapman shows us a new address for Amish fiction, and writes with an ease that seemed more fluid that her previous (excellent) books. I really look forward to "going back" to Oklahoma soon!
Profile Image for Gail Hollingsworth.
965 reviews42 followers
August 11, 2015
Brian's Choice is the beginning of the Plain and Simple Miracles series by Vannetta Chapman. Brian is a professor at a local university, has a new girlfriend every week or two, and rich parents who gift him with a $100,000 car. Being egged on by his latest girlfriend, Brian drives way beyond the speed limit and causes a horrific accident involving several vehicles. He eventually is exonerated from all charges and begins a journey as far away as he can get. He spends time in an Amish community and eventually joins the church. As he becomes a part of the Amish family, he begins to realize that there is forgiveness for his past and a chance to begin anew. Vannetta Chapman once again weaves a wonderful story of faith, love and forgiveness that we can all relate to in one way or the other. I'm truly looking forward to reading this whole new series.
I was given an ebook copy of this novella by the author for my honest opinion, which I have given.
Profile Image for Sunnie.
986 reviews41 followers
July 23, 2015
Brian’s Choice is a novella prequel to Vannetta's Plain and Simple Miracles collection.These are stories of love, family and Amish community in Oklahoma.

I was lucky enough to have had a chance to read this ebook and have to say, Vannetta Chapman has a wonderful new book! As always, she never disappoints and I totally enjoyed this quick but well-developed novella.

Brian is an "Englischer" who has a troubled past. He moves on in his life and because of his want to begin again, and has joined the Amish faith, adapting to their beliefs and customs in hopes of a better

As a former professor, a teaching job at the Amish school is a new turn in his life. This story is about love and forgiveness, including forgiveness of one's own self, which is probably the hardest forgiveness of all. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the series.

I received an ebook copy of this book for my honest review which I have given.
Profile Image for Britney.
768 reviews12 followers
July 15, 2015
“Maybe God was working through his past, creating a completely new creature in him.�

Brian’s Choice is a wonderful story and a lovely introduction to the Amish community of Cody’s Creek, Oklahoma. I was captivated by Brian Walker’s emotional journey and delighted by the faith and forgiveness he found. I loved this short story and look forward to more heartwarming stories in the Plain and Simple Miracles series!

This e-only short story is the prequel to Vannetta Chapman’s new Plain and Simple Miracles series. “These stories of love and family and Amish community in Oklahoma tell of the miracles that can happen when lives are lived in service to God and to one another.�

I received a complimentary copy of Brian’s Choice in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,742 reviews191 followers
July 24, 2015
This prequel novella is packed with heart! It's a great peek into the Amish community that is located in the fictional town of Cody's Creek, Oklahoma. Very interesting characters are introduced and a troubling situation must be resolved. Meanwhile, a sweet romance blossoms. I am very impressed with this novella. This shorter story is so intriguing and now I can't wait to read the rest of the series of full-length novels!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

You can read this review on my blog at:
Profile Image for Carole Jarvis.
545 reviews52 followers
September 8, 2015
Reviewed at The Power of Words:

Most novellas that I read are enjoyable and seem to hit the spot when I don't have time for a full-length novel, yet rarely do they have the quality and emotional impact that merits going on my "best of the best" list. But Brian's Choice by Vannetta Chapman is one such novella. It's a poignant story that touched my heart and gave me much upon which to reflect.

Set in the Amish community of the fictional town of Cody's Creek, Oklahoma, this character-driven story is actually a prequel to Vannetta's new series, Plain and Simple Miracles. If this upcoming series is anything like Brian's Choice, then it will be good, very good - because it will not only entertain and cause you to smile at times, but have a strong spiritual impact as well. And the romance between Brian and Katie is the best kind, for it starts out with mutual respect and friendship, slowly growing to something much deeper over time.

Brian is a strong, sympathetic character, one that I am not likely to soon forget. The contrast between old and new/past and present is vividly drawn as we see the change from a confident tenured professor to an humble Amish man mentored by father-figure Bishop Levi, "a safe haven in Brian's personal storm." The theme of God's will is central, and when Katie mentions Gotte's wille to Brian, he responds, "It would be simpler to say it was my mistakes - my sins - that led me here." (I can't help but inject how much I appreciate seeing the phrase "my sins" used in Christian fiction!)

But it's the overarching theme of choice that will speak to every reader. I loved how Brian used To Kill a Mockingbird to teach that, while we all have both good and bad qualities, we are entrusted with the responsibility of personal choice in how we react or what we choose to embrace. There's also a very moving scene when Brian reflects on his spiritual encounter with God while visiting the national memorial in Oklahoma City. I was intrigued by the Field of Empty Chairs and enjoyed searching online to learn more.

I highly recommend Brian's Choice and eagerly await the series. Book #1, Anna's Healing, releases on October 1.

Thank you to Vannetta for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Jalynn Patterson.
2,210 reviews37 followers
July 21, 2015
About the Book:
Brian’s Choice is an e-only short story prequel to the brand-new Plain and Simple Miracles series from popular author Vannetta Chapman (A Promise for Miriam). These stories of love and family and Amish community in Oklahoma tell of the miracles that can happen when lives are lived in service to God and to one another.


Brian Walker has it all—a trust fund, the job of his dreams, and a beautiful woman at his side. But all of that changes in one tragic moment. One year later he finds himself in the small town of Cody’s Creek, Oklahoma, and eventually becomes a member of the Amish community located there.


Brian feels God’s hand directing his path, and he begins to hope that perhaps his past is behind him. However, nothing prepares him for the day his bishop asks him a question. His choice changes everything.


A story about the miracle of faith and our ability to forgive and be forgiven.

My Review:
Brian was given a very expensive car as a gift from his parents for achieving a very weighty goal and he was very proud of it, maybe a little too proud. In one quick instant the man who had everything under the sun in his favor, has made a very costly mistake one he will have to live with for the rest of his life. A year after his accident he turns to the Amish way of life to an order that is very relaxed when it comes to outsiders or Englischers becoming one of them.In this short introduction, to a brand new series, Plain and Simple Amish Miracles, Vannetta introduces us to Brian Walker and a choice that he made one day that changed his entire future--one that I am sure he did NOT anticipate for himself.

As if him turning to the Amish wasn't a turn around for him he agrees to help the town out after being approached by Bishop Levi and two other elders one day. What is God's will for him and how does all of this fall into line with Him? Soon Brian will have all the answers and so much more in Brian's Choice. Available here for preorder and it will be released August 1.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
Profile Image for Dali Castillo.
612 reviews15 followers
July 28, 2015
When a book, especially a novella, can capture you right from the start, you know it’s going to be good, and Brian’s Choice fits that to a tee. It begins with the prologue which instantly piques your interest as it sets up the rest of the story. From that point on, the pieces start falling into place as you realize the connection between where Brian’s story begins to where it continues.

Brian’s Choice is a story about forgiving and forgiveness, new beginnings and mercy, as well as grace, and love. But the theme from the beginning is definitely choice. Brian’s story begins with a choice that he made and continues with his consequent choices that result from that initial choice. It is also a reminder that all of our choices are accompanied by consequences or blessings. It is reflective of how much is involved in our day to day life choices as well as choices in our spiritual lives. As a window into Vannetta Chapman’s Plain and Simple Miracles Series, Brian’s Choice is indicative that these stories will definitely be about love, faith, family, and “the miracles that can happen when lives are lived in service to God and to one another.�


I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and viewpoints are my own.
Profile Image for DJ.
AuthorÌý1 book34 followers
August 1, 2015

Brian Walker thought he had it all� but it only took a few moments -- to lose it all.

After an almost-fatal accident, Brian chose to leave the life he had made for himself, and just “get away�. Once he passed through Oklahoma, he found himself in Cody’s Creek -- and feeling that God was leading him, decided to stay.

Eventually, he joined the Amish community -- and the church -- and began a new life, leaving behind the modern conveniences he had grown up around.

The characters in Cody’s Creek are great; friendly, helpful, encouraging -- and accepting of others. If this were a real place, I’d be making plans to visit soon.

Vannetta Chapman is a superb author -- and she writes amazing Amish stories. This� this is an amazing story in itself; I can’t wait to read the next story in the series.

I love reading about miracles, so this series will be a real treat for me. I won’t give anything else in this story away, so I can only urge you to get a copy of Brian’s Choice� and begin this awesome series.
Profile Image for Lorraine.
156 reviews3 followers
June 18, 2017
At twenty-nine, Brian Walker had it all. He came from wealth and had a good job as a professor at the University. He was driving down the highway in his Jag that had been a gift from his parents. Bridgette, his beautiful blonde passenger was egging him on to “gun it�. He threw caution to the wind and the pedal to the floor ending their ride in a horrific accident that changed their lives. Bridgette suffered injuries that left her crippled. Brian left his home and his job.

Brian’s journey takes him to the small Amish community of Cody’s Creek in OK. The Bishop and his wife took Brian in and, while living with them, Brian made the decision to become Amish. Something not many “English� can do.

I don’t want to give too much away but I will say that this is a very well written book by one of my favorite authors. Vannetta Chapman does a wonderful job of telling a story of letting go of self, finding God and following His will. Brian had a strong faith that carried him through when trouble came knocking on his door.
Profile Image for Nana.
651 reviews
July 27, 2015
Brian's Choice is a poignant introduction to Vannetta Chapman's Plain & Simple Miracle series. Through this novella we are introduced to Brian Walker as he leaves a life of luxury and deep emotional pain behind to begin the life of an Amish man. The painful memories of his past life have brought him to his knees in this encouraging and heartwarming novella.

The characters in this beautifully written introductory novella are well portrayed and the spiritual messages are strong. Hope, forgiveness and the anticipation of a better future are themes that will touch your heart. This taste of the series to come touched my heart, and I can hardly wait to discover Brian's future and future relationships in Cody's Creek, Oklahoma.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Profile Image for Tina .
776 reviews
August 25, 2015
Brain's Choice by Vannetta Chapman

Brian's Choice is the prequel to Vannetta Chapman's new Plain and Simple Miracles series, set in an Amish community in Oklahoma. Brian Walker has had challenges, tragedy and struggles in his past, a past he longs to forget. Brian leaves his hometown in California and travels across country in search of peace and ends up in Cody's Creek, Oklahoma. Brian's spiritual journey is shown and how an important choice forever changes his life. This is a heartwarming novella dealing with hope, forgiveness—and forgiving oneself, mystery, romance, love of family and community, miracles and strong spiritual faith. I enjoyed the characters in the story and hope to see them in future books. Brian's Choice is a great introduction to the upcoming series. I enjoyed Brian's journey and look forward to reading the series.

~I received a PDF copy of this novella from the author for my honest review~
Profile Image for Rosemarie.
347 reviews9 followers
March 28, 2018
This is a long short story that is a prequel to another trilogy by Vanetta Chapman, set in a small Amish community in Oklahoma. Born Englisch, Brian finds himself bearing the guilt of the consequences of a bad decision he made, a decision that left scars - on him and on someone else. He turned to the Amish faith to live a repentant and peaceful life. Leaving a career as a college professor, Brian works to find his place among the Amish who are know his brethren. When his bishop asks him to teach at their schoolhouse, he has little confidence in his ability to teach children. It also stirs up his past, which weighs heavy on his heart. He continues to struggle with moving beyond his past, until a young lady sent to assist him in the classroom ends up helping him find love and personal forgiveness.

Great story - and a great introduction to this new community.
Profile Image for Barbara Thompson.
461 reviews11 followers
July 26, 2015
Oh, What a beautiful story! As I started reading the beginning of this novella, it caught my breath and I was hooked, then I began reading a journey of love, healing and forgiveness. I could not stop reading Brian's Choice until I was finished. For me, the novella showed an awesome healing for the body, but an awesome healing experience for the soul. I love the new community and people. Brian's Choice is a prequel by Author Vannetta Chapman's new series Plain and Simple Miracles. I'm so looking forward to reading Book One of this new series and you'll not want to miss it.

I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
Profile Image for Gee  Dixon.
203 reviews5 followers
July 17, 2015
Brian's Choice is the beginning of a new series by Vannetta Chapman called, "Plain and Simple Miracles".

Brian has to go through forgiving himself and embracing a new way of life in the Amish community in a small town called Cody's Creek, Oklahoma. He finds faith, believing in others and himself are okay to feel. He builds trust through the small Amish community.

The story was so moving from the first page to the last page. I am SO EXCITED to read the upcoming books in this new series. I have not read a book by Vannetta Chapman that I did not like. Love, Love, Love her passion and love she has for the Lord. It shows gracefully in her books.

Profile Image for Sarah.
593 reviews37 followers
October 12, 2017
Brian, rich boy and collage professor, lived life in the fast lane. That resulted in a major accident that changed his life. Ending up in Oklahoma, he tends to business being Amish. Approached to be the school teacher, Brian has concerns. After all, he was a college professor. What would he know about teaching Amish children? Amish Katie is appointed to assist Brian with the teaching. Both are unsure about the other. Will working together go well? A short read that held my interest throughout.
Profile Image for Emilie.
3 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2015
A life changing tragedy begins in the fast lane of Big Sir, California for a 29 year old professor named Brian. Running from his past, he lands in a small Amish settlement in Oklahoma to rebuild his life. I loved following the twists his future took to bring him healing, hope and a chance to love. Highly recommended novella to kick off Vannetta's new series Plain and Simple Miracles.
Profile Image for Linda Zaragoza-zrubek.
146 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2020
Outstanding,

Vannetta Chapmans books are sooooo good. I have many of her books and loved each one. Terrific writing to keep a reader engrossed in the story. I loved this story about Brian and Katie. It isn’t a long story, and I read it in an evening....I don’t think I could have put it down if it was a longer story. Absolutely a wonderful book to read.
280 reviews
August 24, 2020
Amish love story

Sweet story of two adults with things from their past creating difficulties in the futures, or so the think.
Well written
Profile Image for CarolynB.
625 reviews
August 17, 2016
Very good!

This is a novella; a short introduction to the Plain and Simple Miracles series by the author, Vannetta Chapman. It's a very good story of forgiveness, from God and self for the main character. I'm looking forward to reading the series soon.
1,915 reviews9 followers
November 10, 2019
Plain and Simple Miracles collection from popular author Vannetta Chapman (A Promise for Miriam). These stories of love and family and Amish community in Oklahoma tell of the miracles that can happen when lives are lived in service to God and to one another.
Profile Image for Debbie.
19 reviews
August 10, 2015
Looking forward to reading the series; hope to hear more about Brian and his new Amish life.
Profile Image for Pam.
109 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2016
Brian's Choice

A truly compelling story. Brian has had a rough past but his future is going to be amazing. Another great story from Vannetta Chapman! Ready for the next one.
Profile Image for Tammy Bernadt.
135 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2016
Good short story book. Continue in Anna's Healing. The first book in Plain and simple Miracles collection.
Profile Image for Annette.
19 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2019
This book caught my interest right away. I read it in a couple of hours. It is a heartwarming story with enjoyable characters and a good story. I will read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Joleen.
2,570 reviews1,223 followers
November 15, 2019
Sweet Amish novella. Well written and enough detail and storyline for me to enjoy it, despite the fact that I’m not a huge novella fan.
192 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2019
Sweet

Lovely story. Well-developed characters. For a novella, good movement, conflict, and resolution. But made me want a more complete story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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