Review: "A Season on the Wind" by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I have a pretty firm "no Amish books" policy (I read a ton of Amish fiction about a decade ago and got burned out on the genre) ... except when it comes to Suzanne Woods Fisher's books! I love every return trip to Stoney Ridge, and A Season on the Wind is no exception!

Review: "Two Steps Forward" by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Let me start this out Hank Lapp syle: IT'S FINALLY JIMMY FISHER'S TURN!!!

Jimmy Fisher has long been a recurring character in Suzanne Woods Fisher's novels set in the Stoney Ridge Amish community, and I'm so glad it's finally his turn to grow up and find love.

Review: "Mending Fences" by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I am absolutely NOT a fan of Amish fiction ... except when it comes to Suzanne Woods Fisher's books! There's just something about her Stoney Ridge books that draws me in, and I want to read each and every one of them!

Book or Movie? "Runaway Romance"

It's been a while, but I'm back with another Book or Movie post ... and, for the first time since I started this project, it doesn't feature a Hallmark Channel Original!

It is still connected to Hallmark, though, if a bit tangentially. The book/movie is Runaway Romance. I reviewed the book last year, and the movie premiered on UP (a Hallmark-esque cable channel) in January ... and now it's available on Hallmark Movies Now, Hallmark's streaming service.

"The Devoted" by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I am not a fan of Amish fiction. (Weird way to start a review of an Amish fiction book, right?) However, I am a fan of Suzanne Woods Fisher's writing, and she happens to write Amish fiction. I've read each fiction release of hers since A Lancaster County Christmas came out in 2011, and I see no signs of stopping.

"the quieting" by suzanne woods fisher

You probably know by now that I am no fan of Amish fiction. The instant I see a cover with a bonnet on it, I know that's a book I don't want to read.

However, there's one notable exception: I read everything Suzanne Woods Fisher writes. I don't know what it is about her writing—maybe it's the fact that most of her books at least loosely tie together, kind of like Karen Kingsbury's Baxter series did—but I cannot get enough of it! I love the people of Stoney Ridge, and I'm always eager to check back in with them.

---

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?

---

The Quieting, book two in Fisher's The Bishop's Family series, picks up right where The Imposter (book one) left off (so yes, you really should read The Imposter first). Widowed minister David Stoltzfus knows that Stoney Ridge's bishop, Freeman Glick, rigged things so that he would become bishop, but David isn't sure what steps to take next. Complicating matters is the arrival of unexpected guests—David's mother and his nieces—whose goal is to "help" David with his children and business.

The Quieting focuses on three people: David, his son Jesse, and his niece Abigail. Of the three stories, I especially enjoyed Abigail's. She is an unusual candidate for a love story, with her tendency toward bluntness and her obliviousness to social cues. (She actually reminded me of a college friend who, like Abigail, did find her "happily ever after." Maybe I should try being more blunt!) I thought her romance with Dane was quite sweet, and it was also comical.

Besides the romance, The Quieting also provides a fascinating look into the way Amish churches deal with ministerial problems—of course those problems exist, but they're not something usually spotlighted in Amish fiction.

Now that I've finished The Quieting, I'm very eager to continue the series, which is shaping up to be my favorite of Fisher's so far! 5 stars.

Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Fisher's The Bishop's Family series: The Imposter (5 stars); Inn at Eagle Hill series: The Letters (3-1/2 stars), The Calling (5 stars), The Rescue (novella: 4-1/2 stars), The Revealing (5 stars); her Stoney Ridge Seasons series: The Haven (4-1/2 stars), The Lesson (4-1/2 stars); her Christmas books: A Lancaster County Christmas and Christmas at Rose Hill Farm (4-1/2 stars), and her Amish Beginnings novel: Anna's Crossing (4-1/2 stars).

---

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.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"amish christmas at north star" by woodsmall, clark, flower, and ganshert

Several years ago, I tired of the Amish fiction genre. Now, it takes something big for me to pick up an Amish book—something like one of my favorite authors penning her first Amish story. When I heard that Katie Ganshert had an entry in an Amish anthology, well, I couldn't wait to read it!

---

One night four lives entered the world by the hands of an Amish midwife, just outside North Star, Pennsylvania. 

Rebekah’s Babies, as they are called, are now grown adults and in four heartwarming novellas each young person experiences a journey of discovery, a possibility of love, and the wonder of Christmas.

Guiding Star by Katie Ganshert
Curiosity gets the best of Englischer Chase Wellington when he investigates the twenty-five-year-old disappearance of an Amish baby. When he finds adventurous Elle McAllister in Iowa will his discoveries upend her world? 

Mourning Star by Amanda Flower
Eden Hochstetler slips from her parents’ fudge shop to investigate the death of her friend Isaac.  Who is guilty? Isaac’s handsome great nephew Jesse, an angry Englischer, or someone else?

In the Stars by Cindy Woodsmall
Heartbroken Kore Detweiler avoids North Star after Savilla Beiler rejects his love.  But when he is unexpectedly called to return home, he and Savilla must join forces to keep a family together.

Star of Grace by Mindy Starns Clark and Emily Clark
Andy Danner left North Star to join a new Amish settlement in Mississippi. His little brother devises a scheme to bring Andy home for Christmas and unwittingly unleashes the power of forgiveness in a reclusive widower’s life.

---

Since I came for Ganshert (and because her novella is first in the anthology), I'll talk about her entry first: Guiding Star. I've read Ganshert's women's fiction, romance, and dystopian YA, and I wondered how she would do writing an Amish romance. The answer is twofold: 1. She wrote a great love story. 2. She didn't write an Amish romance. That's because her heroine, Elle, was born Amish but raised by an Englisch family. Her interactions with her Amish family are very touching, but Elle and Chase are Englischers through and through. I found that to be refreshing—no one became Amish or left the Amish for love; through Elle, Ganshert gave an outsider's look into an Amish community. I also loved the build in Elle and Chase's relationship. 5 stars.

Mourning Star is a cute novella about two young women, Amish girl Eden and her best friend (and Englischer) Gina, who try to uncover the murderer of Eden's elderly friend Isaac. Along the way, Eden begins to fall for Isaac's nephew. This is a fun novella, though I did feel a little let down by the way the murderer was caught ... and by his motivation. Still, it was an enjoyable read. 4 stars.

In the Stars is the longest of the novellas in the collection, and I wouldn't have minded if it had been longer! Savvy broke Kore's heart when she unexpectedly ended their relationship. Her reasons (which I won't spoil here) are compelling, and I'm sure many women will identify in some way with her story. While I normally would scoff at this type of plot line, the fact that it's an Amish story makes it a bit more understandable. When Kore and Savvy are thrown together to care for some children, it's quickly obvious that they still care for one another, and I enjoyed watching them find their way back together. 4 stars.

Star of Grace turned out to be my favorite in the collection—a case of saving the best for last! This novella contains less romance than the other three, but it's also the most complete and compelling story. All Sam Danner wants for Christmas is for his older brother Andy to come home, so he devises a plan: if he can earn enough money to pay for Andy's train ticket home, surely Andy will come. He begins working for Vincent, a sad and bitter old man ... and as the two work together, both of their lives are changed. I loved watching Vincent's story slowly unfold and seeing how Sam's kindness to him rippled out to affect everyone around. 5 stars.

The prologue and epilogue (written by Ganshert) neatly tie together the various stories, and the epilogue answers several questions unresolved by the end of each novella. Overall, this is a wonderful collection—the perfect Christmas read! 4-1/2 stars.

Read the prologue and first chapter.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Ganshert's An October Bride (5 stars), The Perfect Arrangement (5 stars), A Broken Kind of Beautiful (5 stars), and Wildflowers from Winter (5 stars).

---

CINDY WOODSMALL is a best-selling author of several works of Amish fiction and a non-fiction book. MINDY STARNS CLARK is a bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction, coauthoring the Christy Award-winning The Amish Midwife. Her daughter EMILY CLARK is an MFA student. AMANDA FLOWER authored the Amish Quilt Shop mysteries as Isabella Alan and received an Agatha Award nomination for Maid of Murder. Christy Award winner KATIE GANSHERT is the author of A Broken Kind of Beautiful, three other novels and two novellas.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Blogging for Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links on this page are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase a product, I will receive a commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"the imposter" by suzanne woods fisher

Long ago, I grew tired of Amish fiction, and now I rarely read it. But I always, always, always make time for Suzanne Woods Fisher's Amish novels. I can't get enough of them!

---

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.

---

When it comes to reviewing Suzanne Woods Fisher's novels, sometimes I feel like a broken record, always talking about relatable characters, spiritual lessons that aren't preachy, and laugh out loud moments. The thing is, it's true—her novels always contain these elements. The Imposter is no different. In fact, I was only about four pages into the novel when I laughed for the first time. Many more laughs followed, most due to the beloved Hank Lapp, who has appeared in many of Fisher's novels.

The Imposter is the first book in the new Bishop's Family series, which is set in the familiar Stoney Ridge Amish community. This first novel focuses on titular bishop David Stoltzfus (who isn't actually a bishop in this book—I'm guessing that's to come later), a widowed minister who recently moved to Stoney Ridge, and two of his children, Katrina and Jesse. Katrina is reeling after the breakup of a relationship she thought would result in marriage; Jesse is a 16-year-old boy who means well but has a lazy streak and a knack for getting in serious trouble. Jesse reminded me very much of Jimmy Fisher, who, like Hank Lapp, frequently pops up in Fisher's novels. Since Jimmy Fisher is only present in a small portion of The Impostor (though he's mentioned more frequently), I enjoyed having another Jimmy-esque character to take up the mantle of wayward, well-meaning boy.

While I loved these characters (and others), the plot is what really hooked me. You won't get this from the book summary, as it speaks only of Katrina and her possible romance with Andy, but much of the plot is focused on the pull within the Stoney Ridge Amish community to modernize and give up some of their long held traditions. Basically, it's a war within church leadership, and I found that fascinating—and not something I've ever before encountered in an Amish novel.

Fisher's long-time readers will enjoy checking in with beloved characters (and finally seeing Hank's love life take a giant step forward), and new readers will discover what those of us who have long been on this ride already know: Stoney Ridge is a special place, and it's always worth a visit. 5 stars.

Buy the book.

Read my reviews of Fisher's Inn at Eagle Hill series: The Letters (3-1/2 stars), The Calling (5 stars), The Rescue (novella: 4-1/2 stars), The Revealing (5 stars); her Stoney Ridge Seasons series: The Haven (4-1/2 stars), The Lesson (4-1/2 stars); her Christmas books: A Lancaster County Christmas and Christmas at Rose Hill Farm (4-1/2 stars), and her Amish Beginnings novel: Anna's Crossing (4-1/2 stars).

---

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.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"anna's crossing" by suzanne woods fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher is back with another delightful Amish novel, this one set shortly after the church's founding.

---

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.

---

Anna's Crossing is not your typical Amish novel. Set in 1737 and taking place nearly entirely on a ship crossing the Atlantic, it really just reads like historical fiction. Though Anna and the members of her party are Amish, their brand of faith doesn't seem as restrictive and separated as what's present in the Amish faith today. (The extreme lack of technology in the 1700s probably has something to do with this perception!) In essence, what I'm saying is this: If you're not a fan of Amish fiction but you enjoy historical fiction, you should give Anna's Crossing a shot.

The plot, which moves very quickly, unfolds from three perspectives: Anna's, Bairn's, and Felix's. Anna and Bairn's love story is sweet, and the slow unpacking of Bairn's history is incredibly satisfying. Yet I found myself itching to read more about 8-year-old rapscallion Felix, who reminded me very much of a young Jimmy Fisher from Fisher's Stoney Ridge books. (Jimmy Fisher is one of my favorite Fisher characters, so seeing a Jimmy-esque character in Anna's Crossing made me very happy.)

As I have come to expect from Fisher's novels, Anna's Crossing has a laugh-out-loud funny moment, which, of course, features Felix. I love that amid the seriousness of her novels, Fisher always manages to bring in some humor!

Though the book didn't wrap up in the way I'd imagined (I was hoping for just one more scene after the end), Anna's Crossing is incredibly satisfying. I highly recommend it to fans of Amish fiction and/or historical fiction. 4-1/2 stars.

Read an excerpt.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Fisher's Inn at Eagle Hill series: The Letters (3-1/2 stars), The Calling (5 stars), The Rescue (novella: 4-1/2 stars), The Revealing (5 stars); her Stoney Ridge Seasons series: The Haven (4-1/2 stars), The Lesson (4-1/2 stars); and her Christmas books: A Lancaster County Christmas and Christmas at Rose Hill Farm (4-1/2 stars).

---

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.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"the bachelor" by stephanie reed

If you're looking for Amish fiction that's different from the norm, check out Stephanie Reed's Plain City Peace series.

---

In this sequel to The Bargain, Betsie Troyer is back home in her Amish community where she knows she belongs, free from the confusing Englisher way of life. She and Charley Yoder have made promises to each other, and her life is back on track--until Gerald Sullivan shows up with his young daughter, asking for Betsie's help. He's on his way to find his estranged wife, and begs Betsie to take young Sheila in.

When she agrees, Betsie's carefully planned life is shaken up again. Sheila's newfound faith is troubling to Charley--and his attraction to another girl is beginning to be a problem. But how can Betsie confront him when she is still trying to confront her own feelings about Sheila's brother, Michael? Keeping the peace between the Amish man she's always loved, a twelve-year-old Englisher girl, and a draft-dodging hippie is more than she ever thought she'd have to deal with in her simple, orderly life. Still, Betsie is convinced she can keep things from falling apart completely.

Then during her best friend's wedding, tragedy strikes and her world is upended. She has to make a decision: does she love Charley or Michael . . . or is she craving a deeper love that only God can give?

The compelling second novel of the Plain City Peace series, The Bachelor deftly weaves together the strands of a solid, simpler time with the turmoil of an era of change, revealing the strengths of both in its powerful narrative.

---

When I finished reading The Bargain, book one in Stephanie Reed's Plain City Peace series, I couldn't wait to get my hands on The Bachelor. The Bachelor continues the story of Amish woman Betsie Troyer as she attempts to lead her family in the wake of her parents' departure to the English.

While The Bargain was fascinating due to Betsie's trying to survive with the Sullivans in the English world, The Bachelor takes place solely in the Amish community in Plain City, and I didn't find that setting to be as engaging. I do think that this book served a great purpose in getting Betsie to the point of making some major changes in her life, but the journey to those changes wasn't as engaging as the events in The Bargain. Part of the issue here was the absence of Michael through much of the novel. His relationship with Betsie was one of my favorite aspects of The Bargain, so while I understand his absence in The Bachelor, I still missed him.

I did greatly enjoy some of The Bachelor--Betsie's interactions with Sheila and Michael's letters were certainly highlights. And a twist near the end of the book sets up the third book, The Bride, to be quite interesting indeed. So while The Bachelor wasn't my favorite book, I'm eager to read The Bride, which is sure to include much more Michael! 3-1/2 stars.

See what others are saying.
Buy the book--on sale for $1.99 through the Dec. 14!
Read my reviews of Reed's The Bargain and Across the Wide River.

---

Stephanie Reed lives on the outskirts of Plain City, Ohio, site of a once-thriving Amish community. She gleans ideas for her novels from signs glimpsed along the byways of Ohio, as she did for her previous books, Across the Wide River and The Light Across the River. The Bachelor is the second book in the Plain City Peace series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"trading secrets" by melody carlson

Love it or loathe it, the Amish genre has been a mainstay of Christian fiction for several years. In Trading Secrets, Melody Carlson offers a different take on the genre.

---

The truth may set you free—but it might also land you in some uncomfortably hot water.

Over the years, Micah Knight has exchanged many letters—and many secrets—with her longtime Amish pen pal, Zach. But Micah's kept quiet on the biggest secret of all—the fact that despite her name, she's a girl.

Now Micah finally has the chance to meet her pen pal face-to-face. She wants nothing more than to experience life on Zach's Amish farm, but she's more than a little anxious. Will he be angry at her for deceiving him all these years? And will she risk losing his friendship to find something more?

---

Trading Secrets is a pretty unique entry in the YA scene, combining teen drama with the Amish lifestyle. Micah's trip to "Amishland" (as her best friend calls it) provides some humorous and touching moments, but I thought the book really took off upon Micah's return home. Zach's confusion about his own future as he contemplated leaving the Amish seemed especially realistic to me, and I appreciated that author Melody Carlson didn't romanticize the Amish life, but she didn't condemn it, either.

A few things did stretch credulity, such as the events surrounding Micah's arrival at the farm and Zach's education. I also wondered what parent would allow his daughter to board a bus and travel alone to stay with a male pen pal—even an Amish one.

Those criticisms aside, Trading Secrets is an enjoyable and clean YA novel, and I think many teen girls will really like it. 3 stars.

Buy the book.
Read my review of Carlson's Shattered.

---

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than two hundred books, including the Dating Games series, the Life at Kingston High series, Double Take, A Simple Song, and My Amish Boyfriend. She has received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. Melody and her husband live in Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"the bachelor" giveaway information

In December, I'll be reviewing Stephanie Reed's The Bachelor for a Kregel blog tour. But right now, you have a chance to win your own copy and a Kindle Fire through a promotion Reed is doing with Litfuse. Also, there's a Facebook book launch party tonight where you can win other prizes! Keep reading for more info:

Don't miss Stephanie Reed's newest book in the Plain City Peace series, The Bachelor. This compelling second book deftly weaves together the strands of a solid, simpler time with the turmoil of an era of change, revealing the strengths of both in its powerful narrative.

Join Stephanie in celebrating the book's release by entering her Kindle giveaway and RSVPing to her Facebook launch party on October 28th!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• The Bachelor by Stephanie Reed

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 11/9. RSVP for the Facebook launch party today for a chance to connect with Stephanie and Amish fiction fans and a chance to win some great prizes! Winner will be announced November 10th here.

"christmas at rose hill farm" by suzanne woods fisher

A novel of love lost and found set during the 1977 Christmas season, Christmas at Rose Hill Farm takes the reader back to Suzanne Woods Fisher's beloved Stoney Ridge.

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.

"Filled with heart-twisting moments amid the sweet anticipation of love, this story will charm readers into the holiday spirit."

I've read many of Suzanne Woods Fisher's novels, but I haven't read the Secrets of Lancaster County series, which introduces Bess and Billy. This isn't really an issue, as the novel functions completely as a stand alone. But I did feel a bit of confusion regarding Amos. Through the first several chapters, I kept thinking, "Amos Lapp. Why do I know that name?" And then I realized that an Amos Lapp is the patriarch in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series. And then I came to a page where the year was identified as 1969, and it all came together. It's the same Amos Lapp! Because I already have an affection for the character, I found myself caring more about Amos's journey than Bess and Billy's, though I did care about them, too. (Also, dearly beloved Jimmy Fisher pops up, sort of, in a way that made me smile.) But none of this is really important ... I just wanted to share my experience in reading!

I've come to expect several things from Fisher's novels: relatable characters, spiritual lessons that pack a punch without being preachy, and laugh out loud moments. Christmas at Rose Hill Farm provides all three. It's charming and funny while dealing with serious family and spiritual issues. (When you read it, be on the lookout for Maggie Zook, who provides the biggest laugh in the novel. I'd love to spend more time with her!) Though it ended far too soon, I hope that we'll be able to visit these characters again. 4-1/2 stars.

See what others are saying.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Fishers' Inn at Eagle Hill books: The Letters, The Calling, "The Rescue" (novella) and The Revealing; The Stoney Ridge Seasons books: The Haven,The Lesson; and A Lancaster County Christmas.

Get The Choice, the first book in the Lancaster County Secrets series FREE! (as of 9-14-14)

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Inn at Eagle Hill series, 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 a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California.

Download Suzanne's free app! http://bit.ly/10Tygyi

Find Suzanne online: website, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest

Join best-selling, award-winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher for an Amish Christmas to remember. Filled with heart-twisting moments amid the sweet anticipation of love, Christmas at Rose Hill Farm will charm readers into the holiday spirit.

Suzanne is hosting a "Christmas Rose" iPad bundle giveaway and a nation-wide Christmas at Rose Hill Farm Book Club Brunch in November. Enter the giveaway below and sign up to host a brunch HERE.

 

TWO grand prize winners will receive:

• An iPad
• A Rose-patterned iPad case
• A Rose-patterned phone case (for any model phone)
• A Christmas wreath
• A set of Christmas hand-towels
• Christmas at Rose Hill Farm by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Five second place winners will receive:

• Christmas at Rose Hill Farm by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 28th. All winners will be announced September 29th at Suzanne's blog.

Host a Christmas at Rose Hill Farm Book Club Brunch! This fall Suzanne is inviting book clubs across the nation to throw a Christmas at Rose Hill Farm Book Club Brunch. Sign up here between now and September 29. If you’re selected as one of the 50 hosts, you’ll receive a copy of the book plus two other Revell titles (give them away as party prizes or door prizes or keep them for yourself), a complete party kit, and a discount code to purchase copies of Christmas at Rose Hill Farm for your book club at a discount. Suzanne is also encouraging each book club brunch to collect non-perishable items for their local community shelter. She will be making a donation to her favorite charity (helping abused women and children) for every brunch that meets their goal. Click here for more details and to SIGN UP!

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Suzanne's blog on the 29th to see if you won one of the great prizes! (Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"the revealing" by suzanne woods fisher

About the book (from Litfuse): Naomi King, soft spoken, loyal, and easily overlooked, has a gift. She sees what others can't see. Intuition, she calls it. Others in Stoney Ridge don't know what to make of it and dismiss her hunches and inklings altogether.

When a young woman arrives at the Inn at Eagle Hill with a shocking secret about Tobe Schrock, Naomi fears the worst. She can't ignore the feeling that something sinister is at work—something more than a threat to the tenuous love begun between her and Tobe.

As signs mount, they begin to point to Jake Hertzler, the elusive mastermind behind Schrock Investments' downfall. Soon, events spiral hopelessly out of control and Naomi must decide whether to listen to her head or her heart.

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 just the right dose of romance.

My take: The Revealing is a fitting conclusion to The Inn at Eagle Hill series. One thing I love about this series (and really all the books set in Stoney Ridge) is that beloved characters keep growing and evolving and, well, showing up on the pages of the novels! So while The Revealing is ostensibly Naomi and Tobe's story, we readers get to spend similar (if not equal) time with Rose (featured in The Letters), Bethany (featured in The Calling), and Rose's daughter Mim. Suzanne Woods Fisher really has created a world for her novels, and it's so fun to see which characters are going to pop back in!

The Revealing is the perfect title for this novel, as so many secrets are finally brought to light. And while several of the plot threads that have been woven throughout the series come to a fitting (and at times surprising) conclusion, not everything wraps up neatly. I'm hoping that in one of Fisher's future novels we'll finally see Jimmy Fisher—who has been a constant in the Stoney Ridge novels—become successful and get his own happily ever after. And I'm certainly curious about where Mim's story will go!

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know that Amish books tend to be hit or miss for me. (Honestly, it's more often "miss" than "hit"!) Fisher's books are always a hit—great characters, Biblical truth, surprising twists, and a few laugh out loud moments always make me anxious to read whatever she's releasing next!

Note: The Inn at Eagle Hill is a series that you really do need to read in order. So many plot lines are carried over from the first two books that readers who jump in with The Revealing will probably be very confused. You don't need to have read the Stoney Ridge Seasons or Lancaster County series previously.

My rating: 5 stars

See what others are saying.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of the Inn at Eagle Hill books: The Letters, The Calling, and "The Rescue" (novella); The Stoney Ridge Seasons books: The Haven, The Lesson; and A Lancaster County Christmas.

About the author: Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Inn at Eagle Hill series, 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 a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California.

Download Suzanne's free app! http://bit.ly/10Tygyi

Find Suzanne online: website, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest

About the giveaway: In The Revealing, the 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 just the right dose of romance.

Suzanne is celebrating by giving away THREE iPads!

  THREE grand prize winners will receive:

• An iPad
• PickPocket Tablet Accessory Pouch (A stylish storage pouch designed to hold all your tablet accessories. Info.)
• The Inn at Eagle Hill series (The Letters, The Calling, and The Revealing)

Five second place winners will receive:

• The Inn at Eagle Hill series (The Letters, The Calling, and The Revealing) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 20th. All winners will be announced July 21st at Suzanne's blog. AND ... if you're looking for more in the Inn at Eagle Hill series, be sure to pick up the ebook novella, The Rescue, for just $1.99!

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!
Suzanne is also giving away two 10-book mystery prize packs! 
One of the major themes of The Revealing is learning to trust your intuition and instincts. These are God-given qualities that we sometimes are too timid or unsure of to act on. For a chance to win one of the 10-book prize packs, leave a comment on this blog and share about a time when your intuition or instinct saved the day—or a time you ignored it and missed an opportunity. 

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Suzanne's blog on the 21st to see if you won one of the great prizes! (Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"the rescue" by suzanne woods fisher

About the novella (from the publisher): He's taking a chance on love . . . and there's no plan B.

Will Stoltz has returned to Stoney Ridge with a clear plan. He's opening a wild bird rescue center and is determined to rekindle his fizzled romance with Jackie Colombo, the veterinarian who stole his heart. But nothing is working out as Will planned. The leased building for the rescue center is a disaster, his funding is rapidly dwindling, and Jackie Colombo has disappeared without a trace.

When an injured eagle is found in a pasture near the Inn at Eagle Hill, Will is desperate to prove—to himself, to his skeptical father, and to everyone else—that his mission has not been in vain. But as his best-laid plans begin to fail, Will discovers something more valuable.

Travel back to the Inn at Eagle Hill for the untold story of one of your favorite characters and experience the miracle of love.

My take: "The Rescue" is a novella that resumes the story of Will Stoltz, who longtime Suzanne Woods Fisher readers will remember from The Haven (Sadie Lapp's story). Will stays at Rose Schrock's Inn at Eagle Hill and develops a bond with her son Luke while he opens up a wildlife rescue shelter and searches for local vet Jackie. The story is short and sweet, if a bit convenient (practically the second Will turns his problems over to God, they all are resolved.) It also features some of Fisher's trademark humor, which I always enjoy. But what struck me the most was something Rose said to Will regarding Rachel and Leah from the Bible: "Whenever something or someone is in the place that only God was meant for, our heart's desire might be for Rachel, but in the morning, we will always find ourselves with Leah." What a great reminder!

Just in case you're wondering, this isn't really an Amish novella. I mean, there are Amish characters, but it's all about Will, who isn't Amish, and his love interest Jackie isn't Amish either—so I don't know why there's an Amish woman on the cover!

My rating: 4-1/2 stars

Buy the novella.
Read my reviews of The Haven, The Lesson, The Letters, The Calling, and A Lancaster County Christmas.

About the author: Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Inn at Eagle Hill series, 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 a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California.

Download Suzanne's free app! http://bit.ly/10Tygyi

Find Suzanne online: website, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this novella free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio" by Serena B. Miller

About the book: A mysterious outsider casts a long shadow on Ohio's Amish country. Policewoman Rachel Troyer has always looked after her three elderly Amish aunts, proprietors of a farmhouse inn near Sugarcreek, Ohio. The idyllic town is popular with tourists, who come to sample its famous Amish goods. But one thing is clear to Rachel—Joe Matthews is no tourist. When the bearded stranger lands on her aunts' doorstep, begging shelter for himself and his young son, Rachel is suspicious.

Will she be able to uncover Joe's secrets despite her aunts'—and her own—growing affection for him?

My take: Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio is an amalgamation of genres—Amish, romance, suspense, and mystery—that combine into a novel that's much better than I anticipated. Really, I don't know why I'm surprised, as I've enjoyed the other novels that I've read in the "Love Finds You" line. Still, I'm pretty tired of the Amish genre (with a few notable exceptions), so I wasn't sure I'd enjoy this novel.
However, in Sugarcreek, the main characters are not Amish, no one decided to become Amish, and no one contemplated leaving the Amish—which shows you this isn't your typical Amish novel!

The plot is intriguing, and Miller throws in several plot twists that I didn't anticipate at all—especially as the novel neared the conclusion. Rachel and Joe are both compelling characters, and Rachel's aunts—especially Anna—are quite endearing. I really loved almost everything about the novel. The only thing I didn't care for was the Stephanie character. She's a pregnant teen who really seemed to be included solely to contribute to a major plot point. Neither her entrance nor exit struck me as particularly realistic, and I wish either she had played a more major role in the novel or she hadn't been included at all.

Overall, Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio is a great novel. It's mysterious, romantic, and thought provoking. I definitely recommend it! I also recommend the movie based on the novel. Though I haven't seen it yet (and probably won't for some time, as it's airing on Up TV, a channel I don't get), it sure looks good! Plus, it stars Tom Everett Scott ("Shades" on That Thing You Do) and Sarah Lancaster (Rachel on Saved by the Bell: The New Class)—two throwbacks to my teen years! Check out the trailer below, and if you happen to get Up TV, be sure to tune in on June 1.

My rating: 4 stars

See what others are saying.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of other "Love Finds You" books: Mackinac Island, Michigan by Melanie Dobson and Glacier Bay, Alaska by Tricia Goyer & Ocieanna Fleiss.

About the author: Prior to writing novels, Serena Miller wrote for many periodicals, including Woman's World, Guideposts, Billy Graham's Decision Magazine, Reader's Digest, Focus on the Family, Christian Woman, and The Detroit Free Press Magazine. She has spent many years partnering with her husband in full-time ministry and lives on a farm in southern Ohio near a thriving Amish community. Learn more about Serena at http://serenabmiller.com.

About the movie and viewing party: 

   

Guideposts Books is excited to announce the premiere of a new film based on the book Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio (Summerside Press) by Serena Miller. The movie, produced by Mission Pictures International and filmed last fall in the actual town of Sugarcreek, will premiere on Sunday, June 1, 2014, at 7:00 PM EDT on Up TV (formerly the Gospel Music Channel). Visit the movie website for more information.

Serena and Guideposts will be celebrating with a Facebook viewing party! 

Join Serena and readers on Facebook while you tune in to watch Love Finds You in Sugarcreek to share your thoughts about the movie, chat with other viewers, and win fun prizes. Just use hashtag #LFYSugarcreek to join the discussion on June 1st.

Check your local listing for UpTV (http://up.viewerlink.tv) to find out when it airs in your timezone.

Excited? Help me spread the word! Just share this link and information on your social media along with the hashtag #LFYSugarcreek! Plus, we'll be tracking the hashtag and giving away Amazon & Starbucks cards to people at random who help to promote all throughout the month of May. Winners announced at the Love Finds You in Sugarcreek viewing party on June 1st.
 

"This is so exciting for Serena Miller and Guideposts! We are thrilled that Up TV has chosen Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio to make into a movie,” said Lenore Lelah Person, vice president and editorial director of Guideposts Books and Inspirational Media. “With Serena’s wonderful story and a beautiful backdrop in Ohio Amish country, fans of the story and the series will enjoy seeing it on screen. For more information read the media release.

For those who are not familiar with the Love Finds You™ series, this will be a great opportunity to introduce them to these uplifting and engaging romances. Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio is one of more than 50 releases in the popular Love Finds You™ series uniquely titled after actual American towns with unusual but intriguing names and combines travel, romance and faith in one package. The series includes both historical and contemporary releases, and each fictional story draws on compelling history or the unique character of a real place. Stories center on romances kindled in small towns, old loves lost and found again on the high plains, and new loves discovered at exciting vacation getaways. Mission Pictures has purchased the movie rights to the entire series and plans to produce additional films based on the series in the future.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"minding molly" by leslie gould

About the book (from the publisher): Molly Zook Has Everything Planned Just Right.
Or So She Thinks!

Molly Zook's always liked being in control, so she's struggling with her mother's wish that, to save the family farm, she marry Mervin Mosier. Especially after Molly meets Leon Fisher. He's from Montana but is now training horses at a nearby ranch. He's tall and muscular and confident--Molly has never met anyone like him and she's sure he feels the same about her.

Determined to let nothing get between them, Molly tries to coax Mervin into falling back in love with Molly's best friend, Hannah. A weekend camping trip in the Poconos could be just the place...but things quickly go awry, and it seems Leon and Hannah might be falling for each other instead! Will Molly keep struggling to control everyone and everything around her? Or will she learn to let God handle the twists and turns of her life?

My take: Minding Molly, the third book in Leslie Gould's "Courtships of Lancaster County" series, is loosely based on Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Also, I read Courting Cate, book one in this series, a few years ago, and I really enjoyed it. Those two factors prompted me to read this book, as I'm generally tired of the Amish genre.

Unfortunately, Minding Molly did nothing to renew my enjoyment of this genre. As an Amish book, it's just as enjoyable as any other popular novel in the genre, and fans of Amish fiction will probably love it. I actually think what doesn't work so well is the translation of A Midsummer Night's Dream into an Amish setting. The play relies heavily on fairies and magic potions, none of which could be used in this book. Without the assistance of magic, the romantic conflict just seems contrived; either Mervin, Molly, Leon, and Hannah are extremely immature, or they have no concept of real love (or maybe both).

And I think that's the reason I didn't enjoy this novel nearly as much as I'd hoped: the romance seems incredibly juvenile. Junior highish, even. To be fair, these characters are fairly young (I can't recall ever reading Molly's age, but she hasn't yet joined the Amish church when the book begins), but as the "love" leads to marriage, I wish it had been based on something more than looks and infatuation. Perhaps I'm just getting too old and cynical to accept the "love at first sight" notion; I'd like the romance I read about to be substantive and the characters to be mature, no matter their age.

As I said before, I greatly enjoyed Courting Cate (which was based on The Taming of the Shrew), and I do look forward to the release of Becoming Bea this fall, which is based on my favorite of Shakespeare's plays, Much Ado About Nothing. But Minding Molly, though written well, did nothing for me.

My rating: 3 stars

Buy the book.
Read an excerpt.
Read my review of Courting Cate.

About the author: Leslie Gould is the coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 CBA bestseller The Amish Midwife, a 2012 Christy Award winner; ECPA bestseller Courting Cate, first in the Courtships of Lancaster County series; and Beyond the Blue, winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice for Best Inspirational Novel, 2006. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She and her husband and four children live in Portland, Oregon. Learn more about Leslie at www.lesliegould.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Bethany House Publishers through their book reviewer program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.  Also, some of the links are "affilliate links." This means if you click the link and buy the product, I will receive a commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."