The Heart of the Amish by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I'm not entirely certain as to why I am so fascinated with the Amish, but I am. Of course, just like many others, I like the simplicity of things. They don't have an overabundance of toys or material things. I want to be that way. In other ways, I'm not certain that I would enjoy doing things that took double the time when certain appliances truly do make our lives more productive. However, one thing I admire about them is the way they forgive.

I'll never forget the school shooting within the Amish community. To read some of the responses of the Amish people was fascinating. I hope I would be that forgiving, but in all honesty, I think it'd take me years to get there if they hurt my child. These people know why forgiveness is so important, as well as peacemaking.

I think this book is perfect for absolutely anyone. Everyone struggles with holding grudges or causing conflict. Hello... gossip?! Definitely not a way for making peace. I was challenged in some ways in these two areas of my life. To see how readily they seek to make peace and not cause conflict is very impressive. It showed me many examples in my life where I need to be more aware of being the peacemaker.

I also liked how easy it is to relate to the stories within this book. It is very honestly written and you get to be taken along on the journey as many people share how they came to forgive others. Anyone who reads this book will be challenged in their ability to forgive and to be a peacemaker.

Suzanne Woods Fisher has been a long-time favorite author of mine when it comes to Amish fiction. I'm thrilled that she's now stepping into the world of nonfiction and sharing so many wonderful stories of the Amish lifestyle. I hope she continues to share the stories from the Amish.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Christmas at Rose Hill Farm by Suzanne Woods Fisher

As I finished the first couple of chapters in this book, I could tell already that I was not going to be happy if things kept on the path they were headed. I so wanted Bess to be with the one she loved,  Billy, and not the man she kept trying to love, Amos. Amos was a good man and treated her wonderfully, but I had a soft spot for Billy.

I liked the facts on the roses, but there were a few times where I felt that the story was a little bogged down because of those facts. It seemed to stall for a few sentences and then pick back up once it moved past the facts. That was just my opinion, though, as I was reading it. To real rose lovers, they probably loved those parts of the book the most.

I liked how the mysterious rose brought two people together and caused them to have to patiently wait as it prepared to bloom. It was sort of similar to the relationship Bess desired to have with a certain man. The story of reconciliation was a beautiful part of this Christmas story.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Revealing by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Oh how I have missed Stoney Ridge!  I felt like I was back home as I met up with familiar faces and sweet friends.  I like how there was so much going on in this book.  The focus was on Naomi King, but truly the book is about the entire King family.  I feel like I know so much about each one in the family.

And then there are the courtships some are in or are wanting to be in.  We get to see Galen and good old Jimmy again.  And then there's Tobe and Danny. 

I was glad that Jake was back because I hated how he had gotten Tobe in trouble previously.  I had no idea how manipulating he could be! Suzanne Woods Fisher did a wonderful job incorporating some suspense within the story about halfway through.  And I would never have expected so many paths to cross like they did. 

I hate to think that this book is the last in the Inn at Eagle Hill series that is set in Stoney Ridge. I don't want to say goodbye to these characters.  Jimmy was left a little unfinished so I hope that means that we get to dive back into Stoney Ridge and our favorite characters!

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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.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Suzanne’s website.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Revealing by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Oh how I have missed Stoney Ridge!  I felt like I was back home as I met up with familiar faces and sweet friends.  I like how there was so much going on in this book.  The focus was on Naomi King, but truly the book is about the entire King family.  I feel like I know so much about each one in the family.

And then there are the courtships some are in or are wanting to be in.  We get to see Galen and good old Jimmy again.  And then there's Tobe and Danny. 

I was glad that Jake was back because I hated how he had gotten Tobe in trouble previously.  I had no idea how manipulating he could be! Suzanne Woods Fisher did a wonderful job incorporating some suspense within the story about halfway through.  And I would never have expected so many paths to cross like they did. 

I hate to think that this book is the last in the Inn at Eagle Hill series that is set in Stoney Ridge. I don't want to say goodbye to these characters.  Jimmy was left a little unfinished so I hope that means that we get to dive back into Stoney Ridge and our favorite characters!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Calling by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Oh how I love Stoney Ridge!  I'm so glad that just because the Stoney Ridge series is over doesn't mean that I have to say goodbye to all of my favorite characters from that series.  I was excited that Uncle Hank came beck on the scene because he was always one of my favorites.  His loudness and carefree personality was always funny to me.  He and Fern had quite a few memorable moments back in the day!

I liked Bethany's spunk.  She reminded me some of M.K. with her personality.  She didn't care at all what others thought.  Her and that scooter cracked me up every time that was a part of the scene.  The scooter depicts her personality perfectly, I think.  She blazes in and blazes out!

Jake has always scared me a little and that still rings true in this book. I'm so ready for him to be caught so he stops threatening people and scamming them.  I want Allen Turner to find him and find out the truth from Tobe.  I might also be hoping for some romance between him and Geena. 

Jimmy Fisher has been another favorite of mine. He has grown up a lot though in this book and isn't the same annoying prankster that gets under the skin of everyone.  He mature a lot.

So many questions left unanswered at the end of this book.  Good thing that I only have to wait until July to read the next book in this series.  I hope Stoney Ridge stays as the main setting for a few more series. It feels like home to me as I read because I see so many familiar characters.  It's always nice to catch up with some old friends!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Calling by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Oh how I love Stoney Ridge!  I'm so glad that just because the Stoney Ridge series is over doesn't mean that I have to say goodbye to all of my favorite characters from that series.  I was excited that Uncle Hank came beck on the scene because he was always one of my favorites.  His loudness and carefree personality was always funny to me.  He and Fern had quite a few memorable moments back in the day!

I liked Bethany's spunk.  She reminded me some of M.K. with her personality.  She didn't care at all what others thought.  Her and that scooter cracked me up every time that was a part of the scene.  The scooter depicts her personality perfectly, I think.  She blazes in and blazes out!

Jake has always scared me a little and that still rings true in this book. I'm so ready for him to be caught so he stops threatening people and scamming them.  I want Allen Turner to find him and find out the truth from Tobe.  I might also be hoping for some romance between him and Geena. 

Jimmy Fisher has been another favorite of mine. He has grown up a lot though in this book and isn't the same annoying prankster that gets under the skin of everyone.  He mature a lot.

So many questions left unanswered at the end of this book.  Good thing that I only have to wait until July to read the next book in this series.  I hope Stoney Ridge stays as the main setting for a few more series. It feels like home to me as I read because I see so many familiar characters.  It's always nice to catch up with some old friends!

You can read more reviews on this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/author/sfisher.

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About the book: Book Two in the Inn at Eagle Hill series.

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

Twenty-year-old Bethany Schrock is restless. Her love life has derailed, her faith hangs by a thread, and she is spending the incredibly hot summer days wading through a lifetime's accumulation of junk at the home of five ancient Amish sisters. About the only thing that holds her interest is the spirited and dangerously handsome Jimmy Fisher---and he seems bent on irritating her to no end.

When the sly old sisters and a guest at the Inn get Bethany involved in running the local soup kitchen and starting a community garden, she suddenly finds herself wondering, Shootfire! How did that happen? Despite her newfound purposefulness, a gnawing emptiness about a childhood mystery continues to plague her. Encouraged by Jimmy Fisher, she will seek out the answers she craves---and uncover a shocking secret that will break her heart, heal it, and point her to love.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/stlG8

Read an excerpt: http://ow.ly/stlIM

Meet 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. Get Amish proverbs delivered right to your mobile device! Download the Free App! http://bit.ly/10Tygyi

Learn more about Suzanne at: http://suzannewoodsfisher.com

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Surprise for Lily by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher

These are some of my favorite books to read to my children.  I liken these to The Little House on the Prairie books, except obviously set in the Amish setting and not the prairie.

 

My daughter, who is 3, likes to take these books off my shelf and look at them.  In fact, I had to keep hunting down this book because she liked to carry it around.  The cover of this book kept drawing her to it! 

 

This is book 4 in the Adventures of Lily Lapp series.  I think that it's a good sign if adults like this book despite it being written for the ages of 8-12.  That's what I have come to like in Suzanne Woods Fisher.  I feel like no matter the book or the age the book is written for, her writing is consistent and good at drawing in readers of all ages.  Just because this book is meant for the younger crowd, it still has a great storyline and well....as the book states, surprises.

 

I like the curiosity of Lily and the predicaments she finds herself in.  She truly does mean well and has good intentions, but since she is a child, she thinks and acts like a child.  This fact alone has made reading these books out loud to my children great discussion starters.  We've been able to talk about the choices Lily made and the consequences.  That alone makes these books a must.

 

I'm impressed with how both writers are able to go back to a child mindset and write these books from a child's perspective.  It makes these books so much more interesting because you very rarely get a child's perspective throughout a book.

 

I've said it before and I'll say it again and again...these books are a must for all little girls and boys!  One of my personal favorites in this book (and in all of them) are the question and answers about the Amish.  I love learning those little tidbits of information!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Beautiful book.  Beautiful cover.  That sums up my opinion!  Of course, I'll elaborate, but I just think this book is the best of all of hers.  Suzanne Woods Fisher has always been one of my top authors, but she has grown in her writing so much. 

I was captivated from the beginning.  I was a huge fan of the Stoney Ridge series, so I was very excited to see some familiar names on the pages.  I felt like I was going home! 

Rose Schrock has had a hard life.  Things haven't come easily for her and she's had her share of disappointments.  I liked how Suzanne Woods Fisher was able to show her readers that despite the circumstances, God is still good and worthy of being praised.  Rose had her faith and many times that seemed like all she had.  I kept thinking about the phrase "Is God enough?" while reading.  What an encouraging book as you read and see that through good and bad, Rose knew God was enough.  His ways are way better than ours!

I like the Inn in this new series.  What a neat idea!  The inn builds relationships and introduces the readers to the possibilities that lay within our reach. 

I'm anxiously waiting for the next book to come out in January.  Yes....I looked it up!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

New Home for Lily by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher

I think that the pictures on the covers of the first two books in this series are absolutely beautiful.  The little girl, who is on both the front and the back of this book is adorable and it just makes the book desired to be read.

I know I said it in my review about the first book in the series, but I can't wait to read these with my daughter when she gets just a little bit older.  They remind me so much of the Little House on the Prairie books and are definitely ones that will be read over and over with such fond memories, I believe.

This book picks up where the last left off.  Lily has now completed her move and is finding herself trying to make new friends, fit in with a new community, along with several other changes to their family life.  I thought it very interesting that when they moved communities, they also had to change dresses.  It kind of reminded me of the English way a little because Lily just didn't feel like she fit in with her other clothes from her last community.  I could relate to that, and I think every little girl could too, because we don't always feel like we fit in with our clothes.  I liked those little lessons that were throughout the book, whether they were intentional or not!

I am looking forward to Book 3 in this series, which I'm hoping comes out soon.  These are books that I hope to be one day reading to my grandchildren....a long time from now, of course!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Lesson by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I have absolutely enjoyed this series.  I know the series has covered the entire Lapp girls but I would love for one more book in this series!  I have liked each girl, but Mary Kate (M.K.) Lapp has been my favorite.  She makes me laugh at the things that she does and says.  She is full of spunk and takes delight in her detective skills. 

I liked Chris from the beginning and I did cry at the end when it seemed as if his whole world was falling apart.  I was so mad at his mom and couldn't believe how she behaved to her own children.  I related to Amos in the fact that I wanted her to pay for all she had done. 

I thought it hilarious that M.K. had to fill in for Alice for a bit, and then permanently.  Of all occupations for M.K. to have!  I laughed so much during the first half of the book because of how her days kept getting worse.  I just loved the sense of humor that Suzanne Woods Fisher used in this book.

This series is great from book 1 to book 3.  How I hope that Fisher might consider writing another one in this series!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.  For more reviews of this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/thelesson.

Life with Lily by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher

Lily is just a little 6-year-old girl who is Amish and lives with her Mama, Papa, and her two younger brothers.  She experiences the simplicities of the Amish life, but finds such amazement in the little things.  She enjoys helping her mother carry out her chores, playing with her brother, befriending other children, and her life never falls short of adventure.  In fact, some of her adventures made me cringe, but I was so glad to see that my kids share in some of her adventures!  I liked seeing how they participated in certain holidays and special events because we put so much emphasis on the gifts when they put the emphasis on the person and on the event or holiday.  They seem to focus on the the reason of why they are gathered together celebrating.

It took me a few chapters to get used to reading shorter, less complex sentences but once I got the hang of the writing style, I really enjoyed this book.  I only mention that because it is written more for younger children, but it's a great book for a mother to read to her children before bed or during story time.  I actually read a lot of it to my 2-year-old and my 4-year-old.   I got lots of "whys" to some of the stories, but they really enjoyed it.  I liked reading something beside short little books.

I am putting this book on the shelf, right beside the Little House on the Prairie books and the Anne of Green Gables because I know this will be a series that I want my daughter to read and re-read as she grows older.  I love how the book is written from Lily's perspective.  Most of the Amish books are written from the adults perspective, or the teens, but it was neat to think about how a little girl might feel or interact with her peers.  I'm excited about this new series and all the possibilities for Lily.  I kind of could see a new "American Girl" series beginning!  Except for the fact....well...it'd be about the Amish instead!

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I received this book free from Revell, a part of Baker Publishing, and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.  To read more reviews on this book or to find out more information on this book or the authors, go to  http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/life-with-lily-kindlenook-giveaway-1016-author-chat-party-with-suzanne-woods-fisher-and-mary-ann-kinsinger-and-blog-tour

The Haven by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I was hooked on this new series by Fisher, the Stoney Ridge Seasons, from the very first book which was The Keeper.  I had been looking forward to the rest of the series because I loved the characters from the first one! I was so excited when I opened Book 2, which is The Haven, and saw that I got a quick update on how life was going for a certain married couple and then it focuses in on Sadie Lapp and home life back on the Lapp farm.

Amos is doing well with his heart transplant, Sadie has brought home something that has caused people to have a certain opinion of her, and M.K. and Fern are still battling with their personalities. 

Sadie has just returned home after an extended stay away from Stoney Ridge.  Thanks to the package she brings with her home,she gets a lot of unfair judgment when people perceive the gift to be something of the reason why she left a few months back.  Before she left, Gideon Smucker thought he might be getting somewhere with his relationship with Sadie.  He loved her and even demonstrated honor and responsibility when Sadie brings her package home.  He still wants to marry her and soon.

Will Stoltz, and Englischer, is now living on the Lapp farm so he can watch the endangered peregrine falcons to make sure that no birdwatchers would disrupt them.  He has had some difficult things happen over the last 6 months and his father has arranged for him to learn hard work and stop being so lazy.  He doesn't want to do either, but he especially doesn't want his father to find out a little secret....so he carries on.  As he becomes better friends with Sadie, sparks start to fly.  This makes Gideon a little uneasy, but makes Will quite happy. 

Will Sadie learn to love Gideon again after his distrust of her, or will she be swept away by Will?

This book was just as good as the first book!  I loved the ending, because I wasn't quite for sure which way she would go.  I'm so glad she ended up with who I wanted her to end up with.  Now....when does book 3 get released?!

To read more reviews, go to: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13530005/thehaven

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Julia, Sadie, Mary Kate (M.K.), and Menno Lapp are pulling together to do as much work as they possibly can since their father, Amos, is sick with a bad heart and probably won't be alive much longer.  Their mom passed away a few years earlier, which meant that Sadie took over the kitchen duties while Julia helped hold the household together with the outside chores.  Menno is a special child who needs direction.  No one really knows what is wrong with him, but it is suspected that something happened to him at birth.  M.K. is a highly enthusiastic girl that goes full speed into everything she does and has some tricks up her sleeves.  Uncle Hank lives on the Windmill Farm with the Lapps but he is a different breed, or so everyone thinks.  He makes life interesting, but has a hard time focusing on doing the things that need to get done.  Uncle Hank writes for The Budget, which Fern happens to read.  She heard about how the family was needing lots of help around the farm, so she offered to come stay and help.  Fern was a  blessing in disguise, despite the objections the Lapps had to her coming. 

Once spring came, the Bee Man, Roman Troyer (Rome) showed up and decided that the farm needed lots of help and so did Amos.  After having roamed for 6 years, Fern opens up a small house for him to stay in.  Rome and Fern have a connection from Ohio that Rome is trying to stay away from facing.  Rome did Julia's to-do list and then some while he was living on the farm, all without Julia ever acting like she noticed his good looks.  Oh, did I mention that Roman played a part in Julia's postponement of a wedding to Paul?  Twice.  Each time when the Bee Man came into town.  Julia is downright mad at Roman for the breaking of her engagement.  However, through a series of events, they are able to at least become friends.  Or will they become more than that?  Will Amos decide to have a heart transplant to save his life?  Will Roman stay or will he continue on with his roamin' ways?  How did Fern and Roman meet?  Why is Roman always wondering?  And you think I'm going to tell you?! 

This book had me laughing, smiling, and crying.  I never predicted the ending.  Some may have, but I found myself crying at the ending because I was in shock.  Suzanne had me tied to her book for 2 straight days.  Any spare moment that I had, I had her book in my hand.  It is Amish fiction, but it's also a love story and a story of hope and all entwined into one.

Being the first book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons book, I can't wait to read the second.  I do hope she mentions what happens to Julia and Rome in her next book!
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Join the giveaways:

The iPad giveaway: http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/183799 Running now until January 17th

The Facebook Party: http://www.facebook.com/events/209723589116292 Party is on January 17^th, and the winner of the prize package will be announced there.

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

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I received this book free from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.