The power of words . . .: Review (+ Tour Giveaway): The Devoted

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Review (+ Tour Giveaway): The Devoted

The Devoted
By Suzanne Woods Fisher
The Bishop’s Family #3
Revell, 2016

Summary

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.

To purchase your copy, click here.

My thoughts

Reading a novel by Suzanne Woods Fisher is always an entertaining, satisfying, and fulfilling experience. It’s finding yourself pulled into the day-to-day life of a community, and filled with new insights after turning the last page. The Devoted concludes one of my favorite series, The Bishop’s Family – and while it can stand alone, I highly recommend reading the series in order.

Suzanne’s stories reflect the heartbeat of a community and we get to watch families grow – often learning of a child’s characteristics and seeing how that plays out into adulthood several novels or a series later. One such example is that of Luke Schrock, who I fell in love with as a child in The Letters. But now he is 17 and in so much trouble as he lives life on the edge, not caring about the consequences of his foolish actions. I look forward to Luke’s story in the future.

The Devoted features an ensemble cast where Amish and English interact, which widens its appeal beyond the Amish market. It’s a story about relationships, growing up, discovering how faith intersects with life. I love the gentle humor that’s reflected through characters’ thoughts. And I was touched by memorable characters like Birdy, who makes me see the wonders of God’s creation with new eyes … Hank, who absolutely has no filter … Patrick, the miracle of Stoney Ridge … Ruthie, who wants her life to matter and, because of Patrick, discovers what was right in front of her all along … David’s sister, Dok, who has a heart for the Amish people and discovers the meaning of a lasting relationship.

With Suzanne’s books, it’s a case of whatever I’m reading at the time is my favorite, but I have to say that this series has a special place in my heart because of David, Stoney Creek’s bishop. In working closely with two different pastors over the years, I know firsthand that leadership is lonely – heartbreaking and rewarding at the same time. It requires a heart for people, wisdom that only comes from God, and courage to make tough decisions. David Stoltzfus reflects all that and more.

Highly recommended.

I received this book free of charge through Celebrate Lit.

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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.

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