‘A Lancaster County Christmas’ by Suzanne Woods Fisher – Book Review

What a joy it is to read another book by Suzanne Woods Fisher! The latest to add to my list is ‘A Lancaster County Christmas.’

Here is the synopsis of this book:

Mattie Riehl was hoping to give her husband, Sol, the Christmas gift they had both longed for – news that a baby was on the way. But as usual, she is disappointed. The holidays bring an acute awareness to Mattie that her dream of a big Amish family isn’t likely to become a reality. Will those empty chairs at the table ever be filled?

Then a winter storm raging outside blows an impatient young woman and her husband into the Riehl home on Christmas Eve – and into a much slower pace of life.

Both couples are about to find out if they can weather the storm – and if miracles still happen at Christmastime.

Here is the biography of this author:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, and The Search - the bestselling Lancaster County Secrets series. Her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. He eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Her interest in living a simple, faith-filled life began with her Dunkard cousins.

Suzanne is also the author of Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World, and Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life, both finalists for the ECPA Book of the Year award. She is the host of Amish Wisdom, a weekly radio program on www.toginet.com. She lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay area. When Suzanne isn’t writing or bragging to her friends about her new first grandbaby, she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne’s way of thinking…you just can’t take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone’s underwear in its mouth.

I love the fact that this book featured a character from one of Suzanne’s previous novels from the ‘Lancaster County Secrets’ series, ‘The Choice,’ Solomon Riehl! I often am felt wanting to know ‘the rest of the story’ – and this time, I was able to visit Solomon again. It was wonderful!

Another thing that I love about this book is the fact that I was so envious of the English woman, Jaime Fitzpatrick, being able to spend time with an Amish family. I have had a fascination with the Plain People since I was a child. I always have admired their faith and their dedication to family and friends. It would be a dream to spend time with them! So it was amazing to get an inside glimpse into their lives through the eyes of an outsider.

As usual, Suzanne’s story is full of interesting side plots. One of the most interesting to me was that involving Mattie’s cousin, Zach, who was contemplating leaving the Amish church in search of the intrigue of the outside world. It was fascinating to get inside his mind to see the reasoning behind his thought process on that major life change.

Suzanne shares the Gospel in all of her work, and this book is no exception. Here she glorifies God through an exchange between Mattie and Jaime. Here is Mattie’s perspective:

“I believe God reveals his loving nature in all kinds of wondrous ways. Every single day. From sunrises and sunsets, to the families he’s given to us to share this life, to---”…. “to birds and animals. To the greatest miracle of all – the birth of the Christ child, a holy God entering into his creation to redeem it. God’s perfect love is all around us, Jaime. But if you shut your eyes to all the light he has given to you, you can’t see the evidence of his love.” (p. 155)

Ultimately, both couples were enriched by meeting the other. They learned important truths from each other. Their meeting was definitely a divine appointment. Those are always wonderful when they happen!

I have had the joy and pleasure of reading several books by Suzanne - Book One in the Lancaster County Secrets’ series, ‘The Choice’ (you can read my review here), Book Two, ‘The Waiting’ (you can read my review here), Book Three, ‘The Search’ (you can read my review here), ‘Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life’ (you can read that review here) and ‘Amish Values for Your Family: What We Can Learn From the Simple Life' (you can read my blog post here). Not surprising, I loved this book! Suzanne is such a talented writer, and so creative! I believe Suzanne’s writing is a gift from God, and it is awesome that she uses that gift for His glory.

As has been the case in the past, I look forward to her next book, ‘The Keeper,' the first book in her Stoney Ridge Seasons series; it will be released in January, 2012. Thank you, Revell, for bringing more SWF books to us!

You can order this book here.

This book was published by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. I am happy to be participating in the blog tour for this book through the LitFuse Group along with these other bloggers.

‘Beside Still Waters’ by Tricia Goyer – Book Review

Anyone who has read my blog for any period of time knows that I love the Amish community! So when I learned that Tricia Goyer’s latest book, 'Beside Still Waters’ was a story about a young Amish woman, I knew I wanted to jump on the blog tour bus!

Here is the synopsis of this book:

Raised among the Amish of Indiana, 18 year-old Marianna Sommer plans to get baptized into the church, marry Aaron Zook, and set up life in the only community she has ever known. But when her older brother chooses the world’s path following his rumschpringe, and a younger sibling begins showing interest in Englisch ways, Marianna’s parents move the family to Montana.

Although she is also in her rumschpringe years and not obligated to move, Marianna makes the journey to dutifully help her mother who is expecting another child. Surprisingly, from strangers on the cross-country train ride to the less rigid stance of the new Montana community, many Englisch influences awaken within Marianna – and ever her father – the desire to pursue a deeper kind of joy and love for God.

After an accident, Marianna tells her friend Ben a defining story about the Sommer family, and his response further illumines the active relationship God seeks with His followers. In due time, she learns the move from Indiana was not about losing anything, but finding out who God really is. Despite all the shake-ups, Marianna feels a sweet peace, like still waters, in her soul.  

Here is the biography of this author:

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-six books including ‘Songbird Under a German Moon’, ‘The Swiss Courier’, and the mommy memoir, ‘Blue Like Play Dough.’ She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

Here is the book trailer:

And here is Tricia talking about her book:

One of the most interesting aspects of this book is Marianna’s reaction to the ‘Englisch’ people that she encountered after the family’s move to Montana. Here is a conversation between Marianna and a woman she encountered on the train her family took from Indiana to Montana:

“Moving to Montana? Really? I thought the Amish stayed in the same community their whole lives.” One of the woman’s penciled eyebrows peaked into an arch. She was curious, but open about her thoughts. Marianna found her liking the woman.

“Most do. That was my plan, too. But Dat – oh, my father, had other ideas.”

“Well, it’s good to know that God will be with you wherever you go, don’t you think? It helps me to think about Him – to pray – whenever I’m scared and alone. And He’s never abandoned me. When I seek Him, when I make the time to be with Him, I’m never disappointed.”

Marianna couldn’t help but notice the joy that spilled out of the woman as she talked. She tucked her hair behind her ear and then looked to the kids again. “I have a few coloring books and some crayons if your sister would like them. I got them for my friends’ kids, but I can just pick up something else later.” (p. 95)

Marianna had been insulated from the outside world, and was under the impression (an impression that was encouraged by her family and the leaders of her church) that the Englisch were evil and/or outside of the will of God. However, this woman led her to a different conclusion:

For as long as Marianna could remember, prayers to God were said reverently, silently to one’s self. For some reason she couldn’t picture that woman sitting quietly at a table in prayer. She pictured loud, exuberant prayers. And for the first time that seemed okay. Maybe God understood the woman’s heart despite the way she lived within the world? Marianna hoped so.

Surely someone so kind was worthy of God’s attention too. (p. 97)

I have been to Montana once before, many years ago. This book reminded me how beautiful that state is. Tricia’s description of the state makes me want to go visit again, this time with my husband, Fred. Here is Marianna’s impression of the state when they first arrive:

She rubbed her eyes and sat up, seeing a different world outside the window than the place they left yesterday. Pine trees clung to rocky cliff faces, and a river – not like the creek back home, but a real river – roared at the base of the canyon. The color of the water was bluish-green, like the turquoise necklace the clerk in the general store had worn, one Marianna had always admired. White foam danced on top of the river, reflecting in the morning light.

She cocked her head as she gazed out the window, lifting her eyes to the sky, but the hills rose and then turned into mountains. The sky was a sliver of blue off in the distance. Even though the view was breathtaking, her heart felt a slight pinch realizing her prairie lay far behind. (pp. 104-105)

I loved the device that Mrs. Goyer used to help us learn more about Marianna, and that was her letters to the ‘Junie-Sevenies,’ other young women whose birthday was also on June 7. It gives us a great glimpse into her heart and her life.   

I also loved how a young man that the Sommer family met, Benjamin, exhibited a life which was transformed by God’s love and forgiveness; he was happy to pass along his story to anyone who would listen. He also loved to praise the Lord with music by singing and playing his guitar. This was also a revelation to Marianna, who had been taught that instruments were forbidden. She only later learned that people in the Bible (King David foremost among them) played instruments in praise to God. I loved the freedom in Christ that became evident more and more as she saw God’s love outside of her small circle.

I have only read one other book by Tricia – ‘All Things Hidden’ (you can read my review here). Being that I am an Amish admirer from way back, I did enjoy this book better. This is the first in a three-part 'Big Sky' series. The second book in the series, ‘Along Wooded Paths,’ will be released in October, 2011. I look forward to the continuing journey – both spiritual and territorial – of Marianna Sommer and her family and friends.

You can order this book here.

The Advanced Reader Edition of this book was provided by B&H Fiction for review purposes. The page numbers in the quotations included here may not match those of the final publication, which is now available. I am pleased to be on the book’s blog tour through the LitFuse Publicity Group with these other bloggers.

‘The Waiting’ by Suzanne Woods Fisher – Book Review

One of my favorite book genres is Amish fiction. I have been an admirer of the Amish culture since I was a child. The latest book I have read, ‘The Waiting’ by Suzanne Woods Fisher, gives me more insight (albeit fictional) into their world.

Here is the synopsis of this book:

She was waiting for love – and found it in the most unexpected places. Jorie King’s life is on hold. She has been waiting for Ben Zook to return to Lancaster County. Waiting for him to settle down and join the church. Waiting to marry him.

But when news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie is devastated. She finds unlikely comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. Friendship ripens into love, and two broken hearts plan for a life filled with the promise of a fresh beginning – until their worlds are turned upside down.

With her realistic characters whose weaknesses develop into strengths, Suzanne Woods Fisher offers a reading experience that rises above the others. You will love growing in spirit with these complex people living the simple life as The Waiting transports you into a world where things aren’t as simple as they seem.

Here is the biography of this author:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the author of The Choice, the first book in the Lancaster County Secrets series. Her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Her interest in living a simple, faith-filled life began with her Dunkard cousins.

Suzanne is also the author of Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World, a finalist for the ECPA Book of the Year award, and Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life. She is the host of “Amish Wisdom,” a weekly radio program on toginet.com. She lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay area and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne’s way of thinking, you just can’t take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone’s underwear in its mouth.

Here is an excerpt from the audiobook version of this wonderful book:

This book is set in 1965, at the peak of the Vietnam War. One of the main characters in this book, Benjamin Zook, is deployed there – despite the fact that the Amish do not believe in war and are usually classified as conscientious objectors. Benjamin has always had a bit of a rebellious and adventurous streak, so he took advantage of the opportunity to travel outside of his community and his hemisphere.

I really was intrigued by how Suzanne handled the issue of war in general and its effect on the psyche of a person, and how he or she can be rehabilitated back into society. The love of a family is often more effective than what the medical industry can come up with – and such was the case  in one of the storylines in this book.

I also loved how each character in this book is unique. Often when you read Amish fiction, the characters are one-dimensional. In this story, the characters are multi-dimensional, and they are just as flawed as the rest of us. That is a comfort to me. In the past, I have placed the Amish on a pedestal, expecting that they have less stresses than those of us on the outside – ‘The English,’ as they call us. But Suzanne shows that they are just as human as we are.

A subplot in this book is the arrival of a new veterinarian in the community – one who happened to be African-American. Again, this book’s setting is 1965, at the height of the Civic Rights movement. Several of ‘The English’ in the community were not too happy about his and his family’s arrival, and the hardware store owner, Ron Harding, approached Cal to try to get the Amish to their way of thinking:

“All that I wanted to say is that you folks have enjoyed your way of living out here, set apart, and able to mind your own business. We want to keep things that way. But there’s a fellow trying to buy a house in this town. He’s not our kind of man. If he buys in Stoney Ridge, we’ll all lose. Others will be coming in right behind him. That’s the way it works with those people. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Our land values drop and before you know it, we’re looking like Philly or Camden. No townsfolk will sell to him, I made sure of that. So I’m thinking he might try next to find something out in the country. So I’d like you to talk to your people and make sure no one sells to him.”

Cal looked at Ron Harding as if he was speaking Chinese.

“A fellow named James Robinson.”

“The veterinarian that’s buying Doc Williams’s practice?” Cal asked. “We need a good vet. Doc Williams said he’s never seen a young vet as capable as James Robinson.”

Ron snorted. “Well, we don’t need that one.”

Cal looked at him, puzzled.

“This one is a colored man.” (pp. 45-46)

Suzanne is not afraid to tackle two of the most divisive issues in the United States in the 1960s – the Vietnam Conflict and the Civic Rights movement – and she handles each of them with compassion and dignity.

Another thing I loved about this book is the godly example of Caleb Zook. Here is an exchange between him and his brother, Matthew:

          “Cal, we all count on you. Who do you count on?”

Cal’s eyes turned to the ridgeline that defined Stoney Ridge. “‘I will lift mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.’ If the Lord God is wise enough to manage this world, he knows enough to help me through these troubles.” (p. 69)

This book has several love stories of different varieties (agape love and filial love, for example). I found all instances to be true to life and heartfelt.

I have had the pleasure of reading two books by Suzanne - Book One in the Lancaster County Secrets’ series, ‘The Choice’ (you can read my review here) and ‘Amish Proverbs’ (you can read that review here). I love the Amish community and I love Suzanne’s writing style, so I was not surprised by how much I loved ‘The Waiting’! This book stands alone from 'The Choice,' so the first book does not need to be read prior to reading this book. However, I heartily recommend that you read both books at some point in time!

I will always have a special place in my heart for the Amish. In fact, one of my longtime dreams came true earlier in the year when I was able to purchase an Amish quilt sampler, which hangs right next to my bed (if anyone knows the names of the quilt patterns, I would love to know!). That beautiful handiwork reminds me of their simple way of life, and, at the same time, how hard they work. Judging Suzanne by her heritage, it is clear to me that hard work can be genetic! I thank Suzanne for once again writing a terrific book celebrating the Amish and their faith in God.

The next book in the 'Lancaster County Secrets' series is 'The Search,' which will be available from Revell on January 1, 2011. 2011 can't come soon enough for me; what a way to celebrate the New Year! This book cover alone would draw me to read it - never mind the fact that it is another Suzanne Woods Fisher title! 


Please accept my apologies for gushing! :  )

You can order this book here.

Available October 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This book was provided by Revel for review purposes.

‘Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life’ by Suzanne Woods Fisher – Book Review and Giveaway

The Amish community has been an interest/passion of mine since I visited the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area as a young person. So when I am near an Amish community or have the opportunity to learn more about them, I take advantage! One of my favorite new authors, Suzanne Woods Fisher, has just released a beautiful new book, ‘Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life.’ Favorite author + Amish community = I’m there!

Here’s a synopsis of this lovely book:

          Simplify your life with Amish wisdom.

Through firsthand research and personal relationships, Suzanne Woods Fisher has collected more than 200 proverbs that cover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Plain People. These proverbs serve as teaching tools and maxims for practical living – but they’re not just for the Amish. They’re for anyone who seeks God’s wisdom and truth for everyday circumstances.

Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with you through life’s joys and sorrows. With beautiful full-color photos throughout, Amish Proverbs is the perfect gift for any occasion.

Here is the biography of the author:

Suzanne Woods Fisher first became interested in the culture of the Plain People through her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. She had a warm relationship with her Dunkard cousins and asks them many questions, which they patiently answer.

Fisher is the author of Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World and the bestselling novel, The Choice, the first in her Lancaster County Secrets series. Her work has appeared in many magazines, including Today’s Christian Woman, Worldwide Challenge, ParentLife, Christian Parenting Today, Marriage Partnership, and many others. Suzanne  lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay area. She loves to hear from her readers.

In the Introduction, Suzanne explains that we all need wisdom:

These sayings and proverbs, dear to the Amish, can help the English (non-Amish) better understand them. For example, here are two proverbs that reveal how the Amish value the virtue of patience: “Only when a squirrel buries and forgets an acorn, can a new oak tree come forth,” and “Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience.”

Proverbs are just as useful in our life today as they are to Old Order Amish families. They’re just as relevant to us as they were to the Israelites in King Solomon’s day. They help point us toward wisdom, toward good judgment, towards God’s teachings. To please God, we must know what he values; what does he care about? What does he love? What does he hate? Proverbs teach us about God. (p. 13)

This book is divided into several categories: Time, Money, Faith, Children & Family, In Word & Deed, Work Ethic, Handling Adversity, Education, Community, Character and Just for Fun.

Here are a few from the Faith section:

·         Bibles that are coming apart usually belong to people who are not.

·         It may be difficult to wait on the Lord, but it is worse to wish you had.

·         He who bows lowest in the presence of God stands straightest in the presence of sin. (p. 47)

And here are a few from the ‘In Word & Deed’ section:

·         All that you do, do with your might. Things done by halves are never done right.

·         Swallowing words before you say them is so much better than having to eat them afterward.

·         When you speak, always remember that God is one of your listeners. (p. 86)

And these are from the Community chapter:

·         It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.

·         Swallowing pride rarely gives you indigestion.

·         Many things have been opened by mistake, but none so frequently as the mouth. (p. 180)

And, finally, from the Just for Fun chapter:

·         Every family tree has a little sap.

·         Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.

·         Those who have no children know best how to raise them. (p. 197)

This is the second book from Suzanne that I have read; the first was ‘The Choice,’ Book One in her Lancaster County Secrets series (you can read my review here). Book Two in the Lancaster County Secrets series is ‘The Waiting;’ I am waiting until it releases on October 1, 2010!

I appreciated the fact that Suzanne and the publisher honored the wishes of the Amish, who do not believe in having their faces photographed. There are many photos in this book, but they all show the Amish from the side or back views.

I highly recommend this book. It is full of wisdom, and so beautifully written and designed! It would be perfect for a gift for anyone for any occasion – everyone needs more wisdom!

You can order this book here.

This book was published by Revell Publishers and provided by them for review and giveaway purposes.

_______________________________________________

I have a copy of this absolutely beautiful book that I would love to send along to one winner! 

There are several ways to gain entry:

1) Leave a comment here on the blog, sharing with us a proverb that has reverberated in your family. Please make sure to leave your email address in this format – sample[at]gmail[dot]com.

2) Follow me on Twitter; I will more than likely follow you back!  If you are already a Twitter follower, that counts, too!  Please leave a new comment to that effect.

3) Follow me as a Google Friend on this blog; if you are already a Friend, that counts, too!  Please leave a new comment to that effect.

4) Become my Facebook friend.  Please leave a new comment to that effect.

5) Follow this blog as a NetWorked Blog Follower after you’ve become my Facebook friend.  Please leave a new comment to that effect.

So there are five chances to enter!  Please limit one entry per option.

This giveaway is for U.S. residents only.  The deadline for entry is Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. EST.  A winner will be chosen via the Random Number Generator on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 and will be contacted via email.  The best to all of you!