The Return Book Review

Amish Beginnings Series

Book Three

SUMMARY:  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 Han's hunger for revenge.  But if Betsy is ever restored to the Amish, will things between Hans and Tessa have gone too far?

     Inspired by true events, this deeply layered novel gives a glimpse into the tumultuous days of pre-revolutionary Pennsylvania through the eyes of two young, determined, and faith-filled women.

SUMMARY:  Sometimes God works in ways we don't understand to take us to places spiritually, physically and emotionally we would never go on our own.  Betsy soon finds out how God uses her time as an Indian captive to help bring her to an understanding of Himself and others around her that she wouldn't have otherwise had.  It also makes her stronger than she ever thought she could be and helps her when she needs to make difficult decisions.

     Tessa is like most of us; we want what we can't have.  When we finally get a taste of it, we want more, even if it isn't God's best.  Tessa makes decisions that come back to haunt her and influences others to make bad choices.  I like how she owns up to her mistakes and does what she can to make restitution.  

     The ending was different in that one character's story was left open ended while others were tied up neatly.  I liked how this novel closed with all kinds of possibilities that only God knows the ending.  This book is set about twenty-five years after the first and second ones.  Even though I read the first one but not the second, I was able to follow along without any trouble, especially since there was a Cast of Characters to help fill in any blanks.  This is a good book and a good series.

This book was provided by Revell for review without any compensation.

 

Susanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Anna's Crossing and The Newcomer in the Amish Beginnings series.  The Bishop's Family series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish.  She lives in California.  Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @susannewfisher.

The Devoted Book Review

The Bishop's Family Series

Book Three

SUMMARY:  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.

     Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to Stoney Ridge for a story of dreams deferred - and the promise of hopes fulfilled.

REVIEW:  Everyone has struggles.  Some are know to others, but there are many we keep locked inside, afraid to let them be known for fear of repercussions.  Ruthie longs to further her education but is limited within the Amish community.  Patrick is sick but wants to live life to the fullest.  Luke is fighting demons from his past and doesn't know how to beat them, or if he wants to.  Each one is determined to do what they think is necessary to accomplish their dreams and desires, sometimes to the detriment of others.
     This is a good read.  While reading, there were many times I was aggravated at Luke's irresponsible actions and encouraged by Ruthie's stance on issues. I like how Dok (Ruthie's Aunt Ruth), Birdie, and David's stories are interwoven throughout, continuing from previous books.  As in my previous reviews, David and Birdie are two of my favorites.  The strength and wisdom David shows in response to David and Goliath problems within the community are encouraging for someone who may be facing the same situation.  Birdie's faith and outlook on life is a breath of fresh air.
     To completely understand the relationship of Ruthie and Luke, plus the problems David encounters within his little Amish community, you must read the other two books in this series.  For a complete understanding of the relationships of this community and how they intersect, you can read the author's Stoney Ridge series, or most of her previous novels.  They each overlap and crisscross the others, almost like a real small town.
     I look forward to other books by Suzanne Woods Fisher and the continuation of the lives of these characters.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than a dozen novels, including The Imposter, The Quieting, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish.  She lives in California.  Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher and Facebook at www.facebook.com/SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor.

The Quieting Book Review

The Bishop's Family

Book Two

SUMMARY:  It was a well-laid plan - but it wasn't her plan . . .

     It's all her grandmother's fault.  For the last few months, Abigail Stoltzfus has helped her father with his genealogical research, hoping that breaking through a client's brick wall would also break his melancholy.  But now her intrusive grandmother has set her sights on marrying off Abigail and insists she come to Stoney Ridge, where there is a plethora of eligible bachelors.

     Except that Mammi is mistaken.  There are no eligible bachelors in Stoney Ridge, barring one, and he's all wrong. Dane Glick has the wrong last name and the wrong relatives - including the bishop who is at odds over a church matter with Abigail's uncle, minister David Stoltzfus.

     As the conflict grows, setting family against family, it's becoming clear that the path to a solution may lead to a Quieting - a removal of a church leader.  But for which one?  And when Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem - but will it create another?

REVIEW:  Reading this book, and this series, is like watching your favorite television series.  There are a lot of stories going on at the same time.  While the focus of this book was on Abigail and Dane, I preferred the parts that were about David and Birdie.  Abigail's obsessive compulsiveness with keeping everything organized was distracting.  I like how it really helped in her genealogy research but, like everyone in David's house, it made me a little crazy.  Dane's passiveness was a little too passive for most main love interests.  I like how he still wanted to help Abigail with her research into his family tree even though other family members did not like her or what she was doing.

     David's desire to help his community is one to be admired.  After finding out how Freeman took control of who became a minister instead of letting God choose, I like how David follows Jesus's command in Matthew 18:15-17 in confronting him.  I also like how he and Birdie, a very unlikely couple, work together, in solving the dilemmas David faces.
     The ending of the book was unique.  The way the author tied Abigail's genealogy research with David's problems and created an original solution was excellent and very enjoyable.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning bestselling author whose most recent novels include Anna's Crossing and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish.  She lives in California.  Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter@suzannewfisher. 

The Imposter Book Review

The Bishop's Family Series

Book One

SUMMARY:  A heart once deceived should not be easily fooled again . . . 

     Katrina Stoltzfus thought she had life and love all figured out:  she was going to marry John and live happily ever after.  But as her plans crumble before her eyes, she struggles to face an uncertain future.  When a widow asks for help starting a new business, Katrina quickly agrees.  She needs time to heal her broken heart, to untangle her messy life, to find a purpose.

     What she doesn't need is attention from Andy Miller, a farmhand who arrives at the widow's farm just when help is most needed - and who always seems to say the right thing and be in the right place, at the right time.  Is Andy for real or too good to be true?  She's been deceived once before, and she isn't planning on experiencing it again.

     Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to Stoney Ridge for a tale of love, uncertainty, and trusting God to write your story.

REVIEW:  This story is an easy read.  The characters, most of them, are lovable and will make you smile.  Some make you want to wring their necks at their immaturity or deceptiveness.  My favorite ones, besides Katrina, were Birdy, Thelma and David.  There were times I just wanted to hug them for their outlook on life and their compassion towards others.  Birdy's look at life and the things around her with heavenly eyes made me stop and think about how I viewed everything.  Thelma, although she came off as a gruff old lady at first, was sweet and thoughtful, especially when it came to Katrina.  David's heart for a pure fellowship with God instead of rules and regulations made some people angry but many in his community admired his stand and desired to have it too.  Katrina had some hard decisions to make.  I love how she stood by her decisions and how her family came along side her and supported her without question or condemnation.  

     This is a good book.  It does refer a lot to instances and people that are found in Ms. Fisher's other Amish novels set in Stoney Ridge.  People who have not read any other of her novels may wonder if they missed something at times.  I enjoyed this book and hope others do, too.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

 

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author whose most recent novels include Anna's Crossing and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish.  She lives in California.  Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

The Heart of the Amish Book Review

Life Lessons on Peacemaking

and the Power of Forgiveness

SUMMARY:  We all have someone we need to forgive.  But sometimes it's hard to let go of our hurt and anger in order to truly forgive and move on.  For the Amish, forgiving others is woven into the very fabric of their faith.  From daily annoyances to heartbreaking tragedy, they exhibit an incredible capacity for forgiveness that often baffles us.

     Through the true stories gathered from a variety of Amish communities, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher shows you how the Amish are able to release their pain and desire for revenge, and live at peace with others.  Her in-depth, personal research uncovers the astounding yet fundamental way the Amish can forgive any one from the angry customer at the grocery store to the shooter at Nickel Mines.  You'll learn how to invite God into your story, apply lessons from the Amish to your own circumstances, and find the freedom that comes with true forgiveness.

REVIEW:  Forgiveness is hard.  We, as humans, want to hold onto the hurt and make sure the one who caused us so much pain suffers as much as we do.  As Christians, we are told to forgive and to love our enemies but it is NOT easy.  The Amish have made forgiveness a lifestyle, engraving it deep into their DNA, so to speak.   As Ms. Fisher shows, it's not always easy but it is necessary.  She shows us story after story of when an Amish person has been wronged, hurt, or devastated, how reliance on their faith in God helps them forgive, love their "enemy" and move forward.  It's not always easy but when the wronged reaches out to the one who wounded them in forgiveness and love, powerful healing takes place.  She also shows how we can move towards forgiveness when we are wronged in the Reflections questions at the end of each chapter. 
     This is a short book, less than 200 pages but very meaningful.  It would make a great bible study or Sunday school lesson for all ages.  Check it out!!

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs, as well as many novels about the Amish, including the Lancaster County Secrets series, the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series.  She is also the coauthor of an Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp.  Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting.  She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines.  She lives in California.  Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher. 

Anna's Crossing Book Review

An Amish Beginnings Novel

SUMMARY:  Some endings are really beginnings . . .

     On a hot day in 1737 in Rotterdam, Anna König reluctantly sets foot on the Charming Nancy, a merchant ship that will carry her and her fellow Amish believers across the Atlantic to start a new life.  As the only one in her community who can speak English, she feels compelled to go.  But Anna is determined to complete this journey and return home - assuming she survives.  She's heard horrific tales of ocean crossings and worse ones of what lay ahead in the New World.  But fearfulness is something Anna has never known.

     Ship's carpenter Bairn resents the somber people - dubbed Peculiars by the deckhands - who fill the lower deck of the Charming Nancy.  All Bairn wants to do is to put his lonely past behind him, but that irksome and lovely lass Anna and her people keep intruding on him.  

     Delays, storms, illness, and diminishing provisions test the mettle and patience of everyone on board.  When Anna is caught in a life-threatening situation, Bairn makes a discovery that shakes his entire foundation.  But has the revelation come too late?

     Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to the beginning of Amish life in America with this fascinating glimpse into the first ocean crossing - and the lives of two intrepid people who braved it.

REVIEW:  In her latest novel, Suzanne Woods Fisher explores the idea of when the Amish first came to America.  Persecuted in their native Germany and Switzerland, they hope to live peacefully, worshipping the way the want and raising their families in Penn's Woods in the New World.  This story is about what life may have been like on board the ships that carried them away from the familiar to the unknown.  

     This book was different from the author's usual stories as the setting is a ship.  She describes the difficulties on board for the passengers: overcrowding, the horrible smells, seasickness and other illnesses, storms, death, and running out of drinking water. The reader is pulled into the story by Anna's reluctant willingness to step out of her comfort zone to help her community and to stand up for them when difficulties arise.  She helps them when they get sick and champions for them to get out of the hold for fresh air at least once a day. The story of Bairn's life growing up is difficult which affects his outlook on life and fuels his desire to make money.  His admiration for Anna grows as he sees how she gives of herself and makes sacrifices, one of which could have caused her death.  I was drawn into their tale and the attraction they felt for each other, even though they came from two completely different worlds.  The ending was one I had not expected.  Even though I had part of it figured out, the author took some twists and turns that made ending even better.  This is a wonderful book worth checking out and reading.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

 

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Lancaster County Secrets series, the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace.  She is also the coauthor of an Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp.  Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting.  She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines.  She lives in California.  Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

Christmas at Rose Hill Farm Book Review

An Amish Love Story

SUMMARY:  Bess Riehl is preparing Rose Hill Farm for her Christmas wedding, but her groom isn't who she thought it would be. Billy Lapp is far away from his Amish roots working as a rose rustler for Penn State and wants nothing to do with Stoney Ridge, his family, or Bess. And that suits Bess just fine. Why should she think twice about a man who left without a word, without any explanation? It's time she moved on with her life, and that meant saying yes to Amos Lapp, Billy's cousin and best friend. But as Bess and Amos's wedding day draws near, her emotions tangle into a tight knot. She loves Amos. Yet she can't forget Billy.

     When a "lost" rose is discovered at Rose Hill Farm, Billy is sent to track down its origins. Get in, identify the rose, and get out. That's his plan. The only catch is that he's having a hard time narrowing down the identity of the lost rose, and he can't get those tropical blue eyes of Bess Riehl out of his mind.
      As the history of the lost rose is pieced together, it reminds Bess and Billy---and Amos, too---that Christmas truly is the season of miracles.

REVIEW:  Susanne Woods Fisher's 25th novel does not disappoint.  She writes a wonderful book of love, imagined betrayal, and confusion.  My heart went out to all the main characters and the tough decisions that had to be made and loved how a couple of minor characters who played very important roles.  This is a wonderful book and look forward to many more by this author.

 This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Lancaster County Secrets series, the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace.  She is also the coauthor of an Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp.  Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting.  She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines.  She lives in California.  Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

The Revealing Book Review

The Inn at Eagle Hill Series

Book Three

SUMMARY:  Love does extraordinary things to people . . . .

     In a single, impulsive act, Naomi King chooses to follow her heart into unfamiliar territory, jeopardizing all that she holds dear.  If anyone finds out what she's up to, she's in for trouble.  But when it comes to Tobe Schrock, Naomi believes it's worth it.

     But it all comes crashing down when a young woman arrives at the Inn at Eagle Hill with an unexpected delivery for Tobe.  Add a guest at the in with a curious talent and a genealogist who is more interested in modern day Schrocks than in old family trees, and evidence starts to mount that points to something sinister at work.  Or someone.

     In this riveting conclusion to The Inn at Eagle Hill series, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher pulls out all the stops with a fast-paced tale of deception, revelation, and romance.

REVIEW:  I will be honest here.  When I first started reading this book, there were so many characters that I had a hard time trying to figure out who was who and their relevance to the story.  There were a few times I was tempted to put it down and not pick it back up.  But as I plowed on, the characters, their stories and their relevance made more sense.  To fully understand Tobe's involvement with his father's company and why he was in prison, you really need to read the other two books and probably even the last book of the Stoney Ridge series.  

     I did like how the characters evolved and grew through adversity and change.  The way they reached out to Paisley, a friend of Tobe's, was admirable, even though she used them.  I really liked how everyone in the family stepped up to help take care of Sarah, a special child.  There were a few places I wondered how everything would work out and liked how it did in the end.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

 

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Letters, The Calling, the Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace, and an Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp.  Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting.  She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines.  She lives in California.  Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

The Calling Book Review

The Inn at Eagle Hill Series

Book Two

SUMMARY:  Bethany's restless heart is searching for answers - in life and in love.

     Bethany Schrock's love life has derailed, her faith hangs by a thread, and she is spending hot summer days wading through a lifetime of accumulation at the home of five elderly Amish sisters.  She's not sure what she wants out of life, but she knows that she's not finding in Stoney Ridge.

     Then a new guest at the Inn at Eagle Hill ropes her into volunteering in a community project for down-and-outers.  Reluctant at first, Bethany starts to feel a bit of joy and satisfaction again.  But not so much that Jimmy Fisher, adorable and impossible, can woo her affections with his winks and tricks.  Well, maybe a little.

     When a figure from her past reenters her life, Bethany must decide:  What does the past mean to her future?

     Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher delivers her trademark twists, turns, and tender romance in this delightful and exciting visit to the quiet community of Stoney Ridge.

REVIEW:  Having read and loved Suzanne's Stoney Ridge Seasons series, I wanted to see what this book was about.  There were a lot of things I liked but quite a few I had trouble with.  First, the good.  I love the five elderly sisters who were between the ages of 80 and 90.  They could not take care of their house but they loved to help take care of those who were in need by providing food and other things for anyone who needed it, whether they were Amish or not.  The youth minister, Geena, who stayed at the bed and breakfast run by Bethany's step-mom, had a huge heart for kids, especially troubled teens.  I like how she jumped right in helping the Sisters make meals and got involved in the community garden and eventually a home for wayward teens.  I love how the Quilting Circle helped out a former member, even though it has been about twenty years since she had participated.  They looked out for her and raised money for her quietly to help meet her needs.

     Now, some of the difficulties I had.  It seemed like there were too many stories going on at one time:  Bethany helping the Sisters; Mim secretly writing for the local newspaper; Jimmy's decisions on what to do about his desire to raise horses or run the family hatchery business; the goings-on in the past with Bethany's dad, brother and Jake that affect the present; Geena's job loss and trying to figure out where God wants her next; and the events surrounding Bethany finding her mother, who had disappeared about twenty years earlier.  Also, quite a few of the characters in her previous series, Stoney Ridge, showed up in this book.  Trying to remember what happened in the previous books and how their stories affected the characters in this book hurt my head sometimes.  It would be nice to have had a Cast of Characters to help place each person from the other series, especially since it has been a few years since I read the books.

     I love Suzanne Woods Fisher's books and will continue to read any future ones she writes.  This one, unfortunately, was not one of my favorites, though I might read it again later to see if I get a different feel for it.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Letters, the Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace.  She is also the coauthor of an Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp.  Suzanne is a Christy Award finalist, a Carol Award winner, and a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines.  She lives in California.  For more information, please visit www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

A Surprise for Lily Book Review

The Adventures of Lily Lapp Series

Book Four

SUMMARY:  Change is in the air!

     Eleven-year-old Lily Lapp wants her life to stay just the way it is.  Instead, it's constantly changing.  New jobs, new schoolmates, and new challenges sure keep life interesting.  It seems like the only thing Lily really wants to change - Effie Kauffman's mischief making - is the one thing that never does.  Effie is up to her old tricks, and Lily is her favorite target.

     With each chapter in Lily's life comes another ever-more exciting adventure.  But no one could have prepared Lily for the biggest surprise of all!

REVIEW:  Like the others that have come before, this book is fun to read.  Lily is so adorable and loveable!!  Just like the rest of us, Lily experiences changes in school, with her friends and in her family and learns how to adjust and keep moving forward.  When a friend loses her home in a fire, Lily and her family reach out and help them.  Aaron Yoder is still a pest but he shows Lily he can be a friend and helpful, too.  This is a wonderful book for kids (and adults) of all ages!!  I hope this is not the last we see of Lily, Aaron and their friends and families.  I would love to see what the future has in store for them.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

www.AdventuresofLilyLapp.com 

Mary Ann Kinsinger was raised Old Order Amish in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.  She is the coauthor of the Adventures of Lily Lapp series and lives in Pennsylvania. 

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Lancaster County series and the Stone Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace.  She lives in California.  For more information, please visit www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewoodsfisher. 

A Big Year for Lily Book Review

The Adventures of Lily Lapp

Book Three

SUMMARY:  Get ready for more FUN and FRIENDSHIP with LILY!

     Every day brings new adventures for Lily!  With cousin Hannah at her side, life is filled with surprises - including a rotten school trick played on her by Effie Kauffman and a surprising change of heart in the worst boy imaginable, Aaron Yoder.  But tears turn to laughter as Lily turns ten, wears grown-up clothes, sits with her friends at church . . . and turns the tables on Effie.

     You'll adore this tale of love, laughter, forgiveness, and ties that bind an Amish family together.

REVIEW:  Like the two before, this book is delightful and fun to read.  Lily is a typical 9-10 year old little girl who gets into lots of messes and makes lots of mistakes.  When she is wrongly accused of stealing lunches at school, her parents help her to endure and overcome this adversity.  Kids could learn a lot from Lily of what to do (and not to do).  My kids love this series and I can't wait to pass this book along to them.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Revell for review without compensation.

Mary Ann Kinsinger was raised Old Order Amish in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.  She is the coauthor of the Adventures of Lily Lapp series and lives in Pennsylvania.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Lancaster County Secrets series and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace.  She lives in California.  For more information, please visit www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher.  Also, check out Lily's website at www.AdventuresofLilyLapp.com.

A New Home for Lily Book Review

The Adventures of Lily Lapp

Book Two

SUMMARY:  New town, new house, new friends - and always lots of fun!

     Lily Lapp is moving with her family to Pennsylvania to join a new Amish community.  In this small town, Lily has to get used to a new school, new friends, and Aaron Yoder, the most annoying boy in the world!  But some changes are good, like exploring an attic full of adventure and getting anew baby brother.  Still Lily wonders, why can't God bring her just one sister?

REVIEW:  This book is just as intriguing as the first.  I love Lily's look on life.  She enjoys school and her family but isn't too happy with her new house and some of her classmates.  Lily doesn't let that stop her from finding fun wherever she goes and in whatever she and her brother do.  One of my favorite parts is towards the end when some of their neighbors come over and help the Lapps build a new addition to their house.  When they are finished, Lily gets to move out of her bedroom located in the upstairs hallway and relocate into her new room in the attic. LOVE IT!!  My twelve-year-old daughter read it and loved this book too.  We are both look forward to reading more about Lily's life and the adventures she will find in Pennsylvania.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Available February 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Mary Ann Kinsinger was raised Old Order Amish in somerset County, Pennsylvania.  she is the coauthor of Life with Lily and lives in Pennsylvania.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Lancaster County Secrets series and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace.  She lives in California.  For more information, please visit www.suzannewoodsfisher.com andconect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher.  Check out Lily's website at www.AdventuresofLilyLapp.com.

The Lesson Book Review

Stoney Ridge Seasons

Book Three

SUMMARY:  Sometimes love shows up when you least expect it. 

     Nineteen-year-old Mary Kate Lapp yearns for adventure, but all she seems to find is trouble.  Her dreams of travel have taken a backseat to her assignment to teach school this year.  And nothing ever seems to happen in her sleepy Amish community.

     But when a sudden and unexplained death conveniently coinsides with the arrival of a mysterious young man, M.K. is frustrated that no one takes it seriously.  She's determined to take matters into her own hands and get to the bottom of it.  Will she find more than she bargained for?

     Centered on one of the bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher's most loved characters, this is the Stone Ridge story you have been waiting for.  With a surprise at every turn, a gentle romance, and a shocking answer to an old family mystery, The Lesson is the dramatic conclusion to the Stoney Ridge Seasons series.

REVIEW:  Even though this is the third book in the series, you do not need to read the others to understand the premise of this book.  They do give you some background on MK's character and help you better understand her and some of the backstory more completely.

     This is a great book.  My heart went out to Chris and Jenny.  With all the difficulties they faced, they didn't give up hope and Chris just keeps on trying to give Jenny a better life.  MK got me frustrated at times because she would just barrel through without giving thought to those who might be affected by her actions.  When Alice Smucker is hurt by her carelessness and MK is forced to teach school in her place, Fern's advice and introduction to Ermy Yutzy help her in the schoolroom and outside with life in general.  I also like how things work out in the end for the main characters (who will remain nameless as it will give the ending away).

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Revell for review without compensation.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Lancaster County Secrets series and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is the host of internet radio show Amish Wisdom and a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. For more information, please visit www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher. Get Amish proverbs delivered right to your iphone or ipad! Download the Free App! 

Life with Lily - Book One Book Review

The Adventures of Lily Lapp

Book One

SUMMARY:  Every day is a new adventure!

     On a small Amish farm in upstate New York, young Lily Lapp has plenty to do and plenty of people to love.  But changes are coming - including a new baby brother, a new teacher at school, and new ways of looking at the world.  Lily's growing up Amish, and there's always a lot to learn - if only Lily can stay out of trouble!

REVIEW:  This is an awesome book!!  I asked my eleven-year-old daughter to read it and get her thoughts.  She loved it too and is looking forward to more.  The stories remind both of us of a modern-day Laura Ingalls Wilder in Amish clothing and lifestyle.  Lily is an exciting six-year-old who looks at the world with wide-eyed wonder.  She struggles with friends, school and little brothers, but loves her family, her doll Sally and her home.  This is a book I think would be interesting to both boys and girls.  

     If you would like more information about Lily, her family and friends, you can go to her website at www.adventuresoflilylapp.com.  You can play games, download coloring pages from Lily's books, and send Lily and e-mail.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Revell for review without compensation.

Mary Ann Kinsinger was raised Old Order Amish and currently writes the popular blog A Joyful Chaos as a way to capture her warm memories of her childhood for her own children.  She lives in Pennsylvania.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of several Amish novels, including the Lancaster County series and The Keeper, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace.  She is the host of the internet radio show Amish Wisdom and lives in California.

The Haven Book Review

Stoney Ridge Seasons

Book 2

SUMMARY:  Spring brings new life, young love, and second chances to Stoney Ridge.
     On a warm spring day, Sadie Lapp returns home to her quiet, unassertive life in Stoney Ridge after spending the winter in Ohio.
     Gideon Smucker, an awkward schoolteacher, has been in love with Sadie since childhood and eagerly awaits her return.  But does Sadie feel the same about him?
     Will Stoltz, a charming and impetuous college student, has been banished for a semester and sent to babysit endangered peregrine falcons nesting at the Lapp farm.  He'd rather be anywhere else ... until he befriends Sadie.
     As the hopes and ambitions of these three young people converge, life in Stoney Ridge may never be the same.
     Once again, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher intrigues and delights with a story that explores the bonds of friendships, family and true love in the captivating series. 

REVIEW:  Sadie is a quiet person, content to be on the outside looking in and helping the members of her community with her healing skills.  But, when she returns from helping her sister and her new husband get settled in Ohio, Sadie is not alone.  While waiting at the bus terminal, a baby is left at her feet and Sadie takes responsibility for him. Rumors start flying about Sadie being the baby's mother, leaving her feeling ostracized from her community.  Gabriel decides to help Sadie by saying he's the child's father, when he isn't, and causes even more problems.
     Meanwhile, when Sadie is having trouble getting the baby to stop crying, Will is the only on that seems to be able to calm the child, much to her dismay.  Even though he is an outsider, Sadie is drawn more and more to Will and spends more and more time with him, much to Gabriel's dismay.
     This book was different in that it never came to a clear ending regarding Sadie and her relationships with both Gabriel and Will.  I like how it left me to imagine the direction a future storyline might take.  Even though this is the second book in the Stoney Ridge series, it stands well on it's own.  The first book, The Keeper, would give you a little more background on the characters but it is not needed.  This is a good book and I'm excited to read others in this series as well.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Available August 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, The Search, and The Keeper, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace.   She is also the co-author of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp.  Suzanne is the host of internet radio show Amish Wisdom and a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines.  She lives in California.

The Keeper Book Review

SUMMARY:  A family. A farm. A heart. All in need of repair.
     Life on Windmill Farm hasn't been the same since Julia Lapp's father has had trouble with his heart.  But that doesn't stop Julia from hoping for a bright future.  She has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl.  Now twenty-one, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. But when Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding - again - she is determined to change his mind.  She knows who is to blame for Paul's sudden reluctance to wed: the Bee Man.
     Roman Troyer, the Bee Man, travels through the Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania with his hives full of bees, renting them out to farmers in need of pollinators.  A mysterious man who relishes his nomadic life, Roman especially enjoys bringing his bees to Stoney Ridge each year.  But with Julia seriously at odds with him, Windmill Farm is looking decidedly less appealing.
     Can Julia secure the future she's always dreamed of?  Or does God have something else in mind?

REVIEW:  Julia becomes the head of the house while her father is very ill with heart problems.  She has to look after and care for her two younger sisters and younger brother while running a household and working farm.  A life with Paul would mean help in the fields and taking care of the property like it should.  Plus, it doesn't hurt that Julia has been in love with him since childhood.  When Paul decides to postpone the wedding for a second time after talking to Rome, Julia is determined to get him back and to put Rome in his place for interfering.  With the help of a new housekeeper, Fran, and Rome, Windmill Farm is brought back to its former glory and the household is running smoother than ever.  Even though Fran is a stern taskmaster, she helps Amos, Julia's father, with his heart issues.
     I like how the author weaves Rome's past in with the Lapp's current situation.  There were a couple of times I was worried about the intentions of a minor character that kept popping up but they were laid to rest at the end of the story.  Even though the Lapps have to endure heartache (both literally and figuratively), Roman and Fran, along with others in their Amish community, come together to help them out.
     This is a great book which I highly recommend.

This book was provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for review without compensation.

Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, The Search, and A Lancaster County Christmas, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.  Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine.  Suzanne is the host of Amish Wisdom, a weekly radio program, and a columnist for Christian Post.  She lives in California.  For more information, check out her website at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.