Love in the Amish community has rigid boundaries, speaking out by females in church or meeting is forbidden. In this story, from the outset, Sarianna is at odds with the Bishop of a small and strict Swartzentruber Amish district.Sarianna breaks the Amish mold. In a male dominated society she is willing to stand up for children and those abused. In the Amish community one does not stand up, one blends in or one is deemed bold. If one is bold, they suffer a fate worse than shunning; gossip, isolation, and rejection for an undetermined time. Sarianna further tests the ordinances when she falls in love with an English.