Three Sisters Island

Sometimes love hurts--and sometimes it can heal in the most unexpected way.

Camden Grayson loves her challenging career, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. "Moving on" is Cam's mantra. But there's a difference, her two sisters insist, between one who moves on . . . and one who keeps moving.

Cam's full-throttle life skids to a stop when her father buys a remote island off the coast of Maine. Paul Grayson has a dream to breathe new life into the island--a dream that includes reuniting his estranged daughters. Certain Dad has lost his mind, the three sisters rush to the island. To Cam's surprise, the slow pace of island life appeals to her, along with the locals--and one in particular. Sam Walker, the scruffy island schoolteacher harbors more than a few surprises.

Published April 30th 2019 

by Fleming H. Revell Company

My Thoughts:

I have been a fan of Suzanne Woods Fisher for forever and was so excited about her new release.  This book is the first release in her new series, Three Sisters Island and centers around the Grayson family.  Paul Grayson has recently had a health scare that has taken a lot from him, but it has also makes him re-evaluate his life.  I don't think he's very happy with what he sees. 

I loved this book!

This is a well written book and I was immediately drawn in from the first page.  

As Paul begins his journey to reinvent himself I could just picture it in my mind.  He wants a closer relationship with his daughters, but he also wants them to connect and be closer. The author weaves words together that brings the characters and island to life for me.  I must admit when I picked the book up I didn't want to put it down.  

This story centers around Camden, the eldest daughter, but I got to know each character as the story progressed.  She is definitely a type A personality.  Working in the corporate world has been her dream and she's living it, but it comes at a big cost. Her loyalty has always been her best and only friend, Libby.  Libby leaves her with a big responsibility, Cooper, but is she up for it?  I loved how she developed and grew as a person.  

I think the author touches on many elements in this book: faith, forgiveness, second chances, mystery, laughter, and love.  I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series.  This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone.  

*I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program.  I was not expected to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

Available for Purchase:

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK

WALMART E-BOOKS  

Connect with the Author:

WEBSITE  FACEBOOK  TWITTER

The Deacon's Family

Every saint has a past.

Every sinner has a future.

Published February 5th 2019 

by Fleming H. Revell Company

Luke Schrock is a new and improved man after a stint in rehab, though everyone in Stoney Ridge only remembers the old Luke. They might have forgiven him, but nobody trusts him. He has been allowed to live at Windmill Farm under two conditions. First, he must make a sincere apology to each person he's hurt. Second, he must ask each victim of mischief to describe the damage he caused. 

Simple, Luke thinks. Offering apologies is easy. But discovering the lasting effects his careless actions have caused isn't so simple. It's gut-wrenching. 

And his list keeps growing. Izzy Miller, beautiful and frustratingly aloof, also boards at Windmill Farm, and Luke's clumsy efforts to befriend her only insult and annoy her. Eager to impress, Luke sets out to prove himself to her by locating her mother. When he does, her identity sends shock waves through Stoney Ridge. 

Available for Purchase:

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK
BOOKS-A-MILLION  BAKER BOOK HOUSE


My Thoughts:

Suzanne Woods Fisher has writtent he first installment, Mending Fences, in The Deacon's Family series.  This book takes the reader back to Stoney Ridge and introduces bad boy Luke Schrock.  After a year of exile and 3 stints in rehab Luke had not planned to return to the community, but his bishop, David Stoltzfus, thought for Luke to truly heal that he must first face his past.  Luke wasn't so sure about how welcoming the Amish would be to him considering his past, but he was willing to at least try.  So David arranged for Luke to live at Windmill Farm with Amos and Fern Lapp.  Of course Amos had his conditions and so did David.  One step out of line and Amos would turn him out.  
I really enjoyed this book!
I was immediately pulled into the story and couldn't put it down until I turned the last page.  This captivating story pulled on my heartstrings in so many ways.
Luke is a character that stole my heart.  He has a checkered past in Stoney Ridge where his childhood mischief led to becoming involved with alcohol as a way to escape his thoughts and feelings.  This character felt so real to me.  I can feel his anxiety about returning home and knowing he's really not welcomed or wanted which is only compounded by his mother not being their to meet his bus.  His one stability is David and his support on returning.  As Luke begins on his list of people to appologize to his eyes begin to open as to how his mischief could have a negative impact on people.  He honestly never dreamed the outcome of some and it deeply bothered him to the point he wanted to make amends. 
Isabella "Izzy" Miller was invited to stay at Windmill Farm by Amos and Fern.  She is not Amish, but as a child she lived next door to an Amish family and has fond memories of them.  In the year she has been staying at Windmill Farm she has easily adapted to the the plain life, but she has also been secretly looking for her mom.  She is looking for answers to questions that have plagued her life for so long.  She loves the farm and loves selling fruits/vegetables at the farm stand.  After everything she has heard about Luke's past and with his arrival at the farm Izzy refuses to let his drama have an impact on her life, even when he reaches out a hand in friendship.  
This is a wonderful story about second chances on many levels.
It includes elements of forgiveness, second chances, humor, engaging characters, turmoil, tension, faith, and love.  This is a book I would recommend to anyone who loves Amish stories or a good, clean read.  
**I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program.  I was not expected to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

February Releases Part 1

  Have you ever has a favorite author or maybe a series you're reading and wonder how long do I have to wait for the next book?  Well, I do all the time.  Then I will see a review and think how did I miss this one.  Today I'm going to post about books that will be released from some publishing houses that I'm looking forward to reading or at least buying to put in my TBR pile.  Remember some of these books come with gifts if you pre-order them.  I know Never Let Go has a link to it, so let me know if you would like it. 

As most who follow my blog know I love suspense, but I also enjoy many other genres.  I love reading, but I want a good, clean read.  I want to be drawn into the story.  Many authors I review do this with ease by just weaving words together that bring both character and setting to life.  Occasionally I will read a book blurb and become interested to only find while reading the author sometimes adds explicit scenes. While I don't particularly like this, by no way does it come into play when I'm writing a review.

 Here are just a few that will be released in February and next Friday I will bring more being released in February.  Can you guess I am going to need a new bookshelf.lol

Okay, here we go.......

When an Open-and-Shut Murder Case Gets Complicated,
Can She Overcome Her Need for Justice?Corporate litigator Mia Shaw suffers the shock of her life when she finds her colleague and friend brutally murdered. Grief-stricken and furious, Mia vows that she will do anything to make the killer pay.

The man accused of the murder is a friend of security tech guru Noah Ramirez, but the evidence just doesn't add up. To save his former ATF partner, Noah needs to convince Mia that the real killer is still on the loose.

Mia soon has more to worry about than the criminal prosecution. She is tasked with taking over her friend's last case and learns he was hiding dark secrets about his client. She thinks she may have stumbled upon corporate espionage that has turned deadly, but she has no idea of the danger involved. Her only ally is Noah, despite their difference of opinion about the killer's identity. Can Noah win Mia over to his side and protect her from ever-growing threats?

Expected publication: February 5th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers 

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK  BAKER BOOK HOUSE

She Has Always Moved Between Worlds,

But Now She Must Choose a Side

The daughter of a Mohawk mother and French father in 1759 Montreal, Catherine Duval would rather remain neutral in a world tearing itself apart. Content to trade with both the French and the British, Catherine is pulled into the Seven Years' War against her wishes when her British ex-fiancé, Samuel Crane, is taken prisoner by her father. Samuel claims he has information that could help end the war, and he asks Catherine to help him escape.

Peace appeals to Catherine, even if helping the man who broke her heart does not. But New France is starving, and she and her loved ones may not survive another winter of conflict-induced famine. When the dangers of war arrive on her doorstep, Catherine and Samuel flee by river toward the epicenter of the battle between England and France. She and Samuel may impact history, but she fears the ultimate cost will be higher than she can bear.

Expected publication: February 5th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers  

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK  BAKER BOOK HOUSE

Daphne Blakemoor was content living in her own secluded world for the last twelve years. She had everything she needed--loved ones, a true home, and time to indulge her imagination. But when ownership of the estate where she works as a housekeeper passes to a new marquis with an undeniable connection to her past, everything she's come to rely upon is threatened.

William, Marquis of Chemsford's main goal in life is to be the exact opposite of his father. Starting a new life in the peace and quiet of the country sounds perfect . . . until his housekeeper turns his life upside down. 
Both Daphne and William have spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, forge a new path for the future together?

Expected publication: February 5th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers  

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLES  CHRISTIANBOOK  BAKER BOOK HOUSE

Baker and pastry chef Melody Johansson has always believed in finding the positive in every situation, but seven years after she moved to Denver, she can’t deny that she’s stuck in a rut. One relationship after another has ended in disaster, and her classical French training is being wasted on her night job in a mediocre chain bakery. Then the charming and handsome private pilot Justin Keller lands on the doorstep of her workplace in a snowstorm, and Melody feels like it’s a sign that her luck is finally turning around.

Justin is intrigued by the lively bohemian baker, but the last thing he’s looking for is a relationship. His own romantic failures have proven that the demands of his job are incompatible with meaningful connections, and he’s already pledged his life savings to a new business venture across the country—an island air charter in Florida with his sister and brother-in-law.

Against their better judgment, Melody and Justin find themselves drawn together by their unconventional career choices and shared love of adventure. But when an unexpected windfall provides Melody with the chance to open her dream bakery-café in Denver with her best friend, chef Rachel Bishop, she’s faced with an impossible choice: stay and put down roots with the people and place she’s come to call home . . . or give it all up for the man she loves.

Expected publication: February 5th 2019 by Tyndale House Publishers

 AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK TYNDALE HOUSE 

Only God can heal our heartsLife is full of twists and turns. Relationships falter, careers fizzle, health fades. We may be faced with choices we never wanted to make or have situations pushed upon us we never expected. Yet in all of it, God is at our side--even when He feels far away.

Drawing on her extensive research into women of the Old Testament, novelist Jill Eileen Smith turns her pen to what we can learn about trusting God from women like Eve, Noah's wife, Sarai, Hagar, Lot's wife, Rebekah, Rachel, and more. You'll discover what these ancient women did right--and what they did wrong--when faced with dashed expectations and deferred dreams. And you'll come away with the confidence that God loves you and is forming you through your trials into the woman He longs for you to be.

Expected publication: February 19th 2019 by Fleming H. Revell Company

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK  BAKER BOOK HOUSE

The case may be cold, but things are about to heat up
Forensic genealogist Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather's footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from a hospital more than twenty years ago. When someone makes an attempt on Willow's life to keep her from discovering the truth, help will come from an unexpected source.

Ex-FBI agent--and Willow's ex-flame--Austin McKade readily offers to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they'll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he's spent much of his life trying to forget--and put Willow's tender heart at risk.

Expected publication: February 5th 2019 by Fleming H. Revell Company

 AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK  BAKER BOOK HOUSE

Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future.
Luke Schrock is a new and improved man after a stint in rehab, though everyone in Stoney Ridge only remembers the old Luke. They might have forgiven him, but nobody trusts him. He has been allowed to live at Windmill Farm under two conditions. First, he must make a sincere apology to each person he's hurt. Second, he must ask each victim of mischief to describe the damage he caused. 
Simple, Luke thinks. Offering apologies is easy. But discovering the lasting effects his careless actions have caused isn't so simple. It's gut-wrenching. 
And his list keeps growing. Izzy Miller, beautiful and frustratingly aloof, also boards at Windmill Farm, and Luke's clumsy efforts to befriend her only insult and annoy her. Eager to impress, Luke sets out to prove himself to her by locating her mother. When he does, her identity sends shock waves through Stoney Ridge. 

Expected publication: February 5th 2019 by Fleming H. Revell Company

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK  BAKER BOOK HOUSE

Numbed by grief and harboring shameful secrets, Lt. Adler Paxton ships to England with the US 357th Fighter Group in 1943. Determined to become an ace pilot, Adler battles the German Luftwaffe in treacherous dogfights in the skies over France as the Allies struggle for control of the air before the D-day invasion.
Violet Lindstrom wanted to be a missionary, but for now she serves in the American Red Cross, where she arranges entertainment for the men of the 357th in the Aeroclub on base and sets up programs for local children. Drawn to the mysterious Adler, she enlists his help with her work and urges him to reconnect with his family after a long estrangement.
Despite himself, Adler finds his defenses crumbling when it comes to Violet. But D-day draws near. And secrets can't stay buried forever.

Expected publication: February 5th 2019 by Fleming H. Revell Company

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK  BAKER BOOK HOUSE

Nantucket Legacy 3

After three years on a whaling voyage, Henry Macy returns to Nantucket to news that his grandmother has passed, bequeathing her vast fortune to him and his sister, Hitty. And it was truly vast. But Lillian Coffin was no fool. The inheritance comes with a steep cost, including when they should marry and whom--a Quaker in good standing, of course. But if they relinquish the inheritance, it all goes to Tristram Macy, their father's thieving business partner.

As Hitty and Henry seek a way to satisfy the will's conditions, they'll be faced with obstacles on every side--and it may be that Lillian Coffin will have the last word after all.

Published October 2nd 2018 

by Fleming H. Revell Company

Available for Purchase:

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK

BOOKS-A-MILLION  BAKER BOOK HOUSE

Meet the Author:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Phoebe's Light and Minding the Light, as well as the Amish Beginnings, The Bishop's Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series. She has also written several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. Fisher lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow her on Twitter @suzannewfisher and Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor.

My Thoughts:

This is the third installment in the Nantucket Legacy series from Suzanne Woods Fisher. 

I was very excited to hear Hitty and Henry were getting their own book and was able to catch up with them all grown up.  Of course this story is told through a dual timeline of the seventeenth and the nineteenth century through "Old Mary's" diary.  Even though this book is part of a series I felt it was still a stand alone story.  

The author weaves words together to bring both the characters and setting to life for me.  Hitty and Henry have always had a close relationship as twins would, but the thoughtful Henry and the insecure Hitty must meet the terms of their grandmother's will in order to inherit.  I enjoyed watching them navigate the terms of the will.  Just when you think you have the story figured out  I found twists and turns that I hadn't guessed. Both characters are complex, but well developed.  

The plot quickly pulled me in and held me until the last page was turned. So, for me it was a one sitting read.   It is filled with many historical facts, so I know the author's research was thorough. 

I loved this book and it's probably my favorite in the series.  It's a book I would recommend to anyone who loves history, romance, or a good story. 

**I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

Nantucket Legacy

When I heard Suzanne Woods Fisher was working on a new series I kept checking on her webpage on her webpage (http://suzannewoodsfisher.com/) on her progress.  To say I was looking forward to the release would be an understatement.  She described growing up hearing her mother talk of visiting the island as a child and the adventures she experienced.  This developed her fascination and love for the island.  In late 1980's she visited the island for the very first time.  A stirring in her heart made her know that their were strong and courageous women who had walked the same places her feet touched and their story needed to be told.  I don't know about you, but that within itself grabbed me by the heart.  Yes, I too wanted to know and experience more.  

Let me introduce to you Phoebe's Light.  This is the first book in the series. 

Published February 6th 2018

by Flemming H. Revell Company

Phoebe Starbuck has always adjusted her sails and rudder to the whims of her father. Now, for the first time, she's doing what she wants to do: marrying Captain Phineas Foulger and sailing far away from Nantucket. As she leaves on her grand adventure, her father gives her two gifts, both of which Phoebe sees little need for. The first is an old sheepskin journal from Great Mary, her highly revered great-grandmother. The other is a "minder" on the whaling ship in the form of cooper Matthew Mitchell, a man whom she loathes.

Soon Phoebe discovers that life at sea is no easier than life on land. Lonely, seasick, and disillusioned, she turns the pages of Great Mary's journal and finds herself drawn into the life of this noble woman. To Phoebe's shock, her great-grandmother has left a secret behind that carries repercussions for everyone aboard the ship, especially her husband the captain and her shadow the cooper. This story within a story catapults Phoebe into seeing her life in an entirely new way--just in time.

Available for Purchase:

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK

BAKER BOOK HOUSE

In celebration of the release of the first book in the series the author is hosting a trivia of Nantucket Island with lots of giveaways included.  Hop over to her blog and check out the fun. 

My Opinion:

I loved this book and look forward to the upcoming books in this series. 

When the book arrived I was immediately captivated by the cover.  I imagine this would be what Phoebe looked like standing on the shore of Nantucket watching for the Fortuna to arrive.  The author provides a list of characters and descriptions,  also a glossary with the language of 18th-Century Nantucket to help the reader.  I read through both before starting the story. 

This book is a story within a story.  Let me explain.  This book centers on Phoebe Starbuck and begins the day of her 18th birthday.  Her father, Barnabas, gives her a weathered book bound in sheepskin which turns out to be a journal her great grandmother had written about her family being one of the first proprietors to settle on the island.  It gives a rich backstory and adds a mystery to the book.  

As the opening pages introduces us to Phoebe she appears as any girl would be on the morning of her birthday.  She is full of anticipation, hopes and dreams of the future.  She shows a great devotion and love for her father, but she knows he also has his shortcomings.  Her interests of a romantic nature lean towards Phineas Fougler the whaling captain of Fotuna and also one of the most admired men on the island.  This very day Phineas takes a special interest in Phoebe to her greatest delight. Phoebe has always taken care of her father, which has been a chore in and of itself, but she feels that now is the time to focus on her future. As Phineas increases his interest to Phoebe, to the shock of many,  she suddenly finds herself preparing for a marriage and leaving the island behind to follow her husband on his ship.  Suddenly Phoebe is facing problems she never imagined, from sickness to betrayal, and we see the girl grow into a woman of much courage and faith.  

As I said, I loved this book.  With the sweep of the hand Suzanne Woods Fisher weaved words together that evoked both laughter and tears. The story captures the time, place, values and beliefs.  There are twists and turns when characters find things more complicated than they ever imagined which leads a hint of mystery.  From the complex characters, romantic tension, crisis of faith and the consistent plot I was drawn in from the first page and didn't close the book until the end.  This is a book I would recommend to anyone.  

**I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Coming July 2018

This is the second installment in the Nantucket Legacy series. 

Six long years ago, Captain Reynolds Macy sailed away from his bride, looking forward to the day when he would return to Nantucket Island with a ship's hold full of whale oil. But when that momentous day finally arrives, Ren soon discovers that everything has changed in his absence. Everything. "Is nothing on this island as it appears to be?" he whispers in despair.

Unlike most islanders, bold and spirited Daphne Coffin doesn't defer to Ren as an authoritative whalemaster, but sees through his aloofness to the aching heart beneath. She encourages him to return to his Quaker roots and "mind the Light," finding solace in God and community. As Ren becomes the man she believes him to be--honorable, wise, faithful--she finds herself falling in love with him.

But how can she, when her heart is spoken for? Tristram Macy is Ren's business partner, cousin, and best friend--and Daphne's fiancé. Love always comes at a cost, but when is the price too high?
Suzanne Woods Fisher welcomes readers back to the Quaker community on Nantucket Island for this riveting love story, full of unexpected moments.

Amish Beginnings

In a wild country, the true cost of love may be more than they can bear

Beautiful and winsome, Betsy Zook never questioned her family's rigid expectations, nor those of devoted Hans--but then she never had to. Not until the night she's taken captive in a surprise Indian raid. Facing brutality and hardship, Betsy finds herself torn between her pious upbringing and the feelings she's developing for a native man who encourages her to see God in all circumstances. 

Greatly anguished by Betsy's captivity, Hans turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort. She responds eagerly, overlooking troubling signs of Hans's hunger for revenge. But if Betsy is ever restored to the Amish, will things between Hans and Tessa have gone too far? 

Published August 1st 2017

 by Fleming H. Revell Company

Available for Purchase:

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK

BAKER HOUSE BOOKS

Meet the Author:

Suzanne Woods Fisher’s interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they can provide wonderful examples to the world. But she’s not implying they’re perfect, or hold a secret to life.  In both her fiction and non-fiction books, she has an underlying theme: You don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate many of their principles–simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily, trusting in God–into your life. Those are values that can be sought and reached by all of us.

When Suzanne isn’t writing or playing tennis or bragging to her friends about her grandbabies (so cute!), she’s volunteering with puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can’t take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone’s underwear in its mouth. 

Connect Online:

WEBSITE  FACEBOOK  TWITTER  PINTEREST

GOODREADS

My Review:

Oh wow, what a heart touching story. 

I have only been reading Amish stories for the past 3 or 4 years.  In fact, Suzanne Woods Fisher was the author of the first Amish book I read and since then I have been hooked on her writing.  She weaves words together that bring the setting, plot and characters alive in my mind.  Honestly, I didn't know much about the Amish until I started reading her books.  She has educated me to not only their beliefs, but also their way of life.  I am by no means and expert, but I have a better understanding.  

This is the third installment in the Amish Beginning series.  It can be read as a stand alone story with all the background she weaves into her story, but I would encourage you to read the first two books so you will get the full impact of the series.  

This story centers around two young women who come from similar backgrounds, but nothing alike.  Betsy Zook lives in the area north of Lancaster with her parents and two brothers.  They are recent immigrants from Germany and are practicing Mennonites.  Tessa Bauer is the daughter of the minister of Stoney Ridge Amish church.  Tessa is an only child and holds Hans Johnson Bauer, her father's foster brother, in high esteem.  

Betsy's home was attacked by Indians.  Her parents were killed and one younger brother, Willie, escaped.  She and her other brother, Johnny, were taken captives by warriors.  She suffers at the hands of the warriors, but when taken as a tribute by another her life began to change.  Her captivity changes her in ways she doesn't quiet understand.  She longs to return to her people even though she has adjusted to this new way of life.  I really felt compassion for this young woman and hoped she would be reunited with her brothers.  

Tessa sees Betsy abduction as a way to finally have Hans see her as a possible woman he could marry, instead of a young girl.  Tessa spends more time with Hans and offers her support to his feelings of desperation and suddenly they become closer.  This was her greatest hope come true come true.  

This story has elements of anguish, anger, fear, jealousy, faith, but most of all love.  The plot immediately takes you back to prerevolutionary life and gave me a glimpse of how hard it can be in many ways.  I loved both main characters for many reasons.  Betsy wanting to go back to the life she knew and was comfortable, but when you leave can you truly go back.  Betsy shows how she has matured in her thinking and reasoning.  Tessa was a young girl learning about life through making mistakes and dreams as many of us done while growing up.  

A wonderful story I would recommend to anyone who loves history or a good Amish story.  The only thing I didn't like was that this would be the end of this series.  

**I received this book from the publisher as part of their blogger program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

The Bishop's Family #3

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the author that introduced me to Amish fiction. 

My love of Amish started with her Lancaster County Secrets series and I have been following her writing ever since.  When she introduced The Bishop's Family I knew it was a series I wanted to read.  I have loved getting to know the Stoltzfus family.  The release of the third in the series is The Devoted which is Ruthie's story. 

 

The Amish life is all she's ever known--but will it satisfy her soul?
Restless and adventurous, Ruthie Stoltzfus is right on the cusp of leaving her Amish home. Secretly, she's earned her GED, saved her money--but she can't quite set her journey into motion. Just as everything falls into place, along comes Patrick Kelly.

Patrick is a young man on a journey of his own. He's come to Stoney Ridge to convert to the Amish and has given himself thirty days to learn the language, drive a buggy, and adapt to "everything Plain." Time is of the essence and every moment is to be cherished--especially the hours he spends with Ruthie, his Penn Dutch tutor.

Ruthie's next-door neighbor and cunning ex-boyfriend, Luke Schrock, is drawn to trouble like a moth to a flame. Rebellious, headstrong, defiant, Luke will do anything to win Ruthie back--and Patrick Kelly is in his way.

Published October 4th 2016

 by Fleming H. Revell Company  

Available for Purchase:

AMAZON  BAKER RETAIL  BARNES & NOBLE   

CHRISTIANBOOK   KOBO  LIFEWAY

BOOKS-A-MILLION 

Suzanne is celebrating the release of The Devoted with a special giveaway!

One winner will receive:

—A copy of The Devoted
—An iPad Mini 2 16GB

GIVEAWAY 

 

Enter today, but hurry! The giveaway ends on November 2. The winner will be announced November 3 on Suzanne's blog.

 

 

Meet the Author:

 

 
Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author of Amish fiction and non-fiction. Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. She travels back east a couple of times each year for research. For fun, too.

Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. She has an underlying belief in her books–you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate many of their principles into your life: simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily, trusting in God. When Suzanne isn’t writing, playing tennis, or bragging to her friends about her grandbabies (so cute!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can’t take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone’s underwear in its mouth.

Connect Online:
 
WEBSITE 

FACEBOOK   TWITTER  BLOG

PINTEREST   GOODREADS

My Thoughts:

First let me say, I loved this book.  

This is the third book in The Bishop's Family series, but is easily a stand alone to me. 

In this story we travel back to Stoney Ridge and the Bishop's family. We find Ruthie at a crossroads in her life. She is unsure of what she truly wants to do, but has obtained her GED to give her some options. She has worked at the near by inn, but knows she wants to do something more. An outsider, Patrick Kelly, has arrived and wants to live among the Amish for 30 days and immerse himself in the culture. At first Ruthie is astonished and thinks he doesn't truly understand the true rigors of life living Amish, but as she gets to know him and starts seeing Amish life through his eyes it opens hers and she's not the only one. The Bishop is suddenly seeing things that he had not really ignored, but over looked.
This is a well written story that pulled me in from the very first page. The author weaves words together that bring the community and characters to life for me. The plot is sweet, engaging and flows effortlessly. The characters are strong and well developed and the secondary characters are well integrated into the story. I was pulled to Ruthie's turmoil almost immediately. I imagine she is like most young people when they come to a crossroad in their life. I love the parenting style of the Bishop. The author brings us a wonderful story with elements of mystery, love, and faith. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good Amish story. 

**I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.