by admin | Jul 8, 2016 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I may have to change my opinion about Amish fiction if they were all as entertaining as “Sweet As Honey”. This was such a sweet and entertaining book, filled with humor, romance, and even some lessons in beekeeping.
The characters were priceless! There were times I wanted to give both Lily and Dan a push or two. Were they both just totally clueless? Could Dan not see how teasing Lily the same way he did at ten years old was no way to romance a gal? And Lily – why on earth did she allow herself to be manipulated by such a jerk as Paul for so many years? Oh my! Enough of that or I will spoil everything. I really did love the girls’ Aunt Bitsy and all her eccentricities. She was such a refreshing change in an Amish novel and added some of that delightful humor as well.
I loved every minute of “Sweet As Honey” and will keep my eyes open for the next two installments of the series. Jennifer Beckstrand is another author I will definitely read again.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Amazon Vine.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Smart, kind, and good-hearted, the three Christner girls are affectionately known as The Honeybee Sisters in the beloved Wisconsin Amish community where, under the care of their aunt, they’ve grown into skilled beekeepers–and lovely, sought-after young women. . .
Though she has blossomed into a beauty, Lily Christner doesn’t really believe it. Deep down, she still feels like a lonely, gawky teenager. Maybe that’s why she’s all but promised herself to Paul Glick, the one boy who never teased her in her awkward girlhood–unlike Dan Kanagy, whose creative name-calling left her in tears many a time. Now he’s back in town after two years away–and being surprisingly sweet, suspiciously attentive–and making Lily unsettlingly yet deliciously nervous. It seems Dan wants Lily’s forgiveness–and her heart. But can he convince her–not to mention her protective schwesters and aendi–that despite the past, her future lies with him?…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jennifer Beckstrand is the bestselling author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series and the Forever After in Apple Lake series, set in two Amish communities in beautiful Wisconsin. She has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a background in editing. She and her husband have been married for thirty years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and two adorable grandsons, whom she spoils rotten. Readers can visit her website at www.jenniferbeckstrand.com.
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by admin | Jun 14, 2016 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Amish Firefighter” might be one of the best Amish books I’ve read in quite awhile. Oops, I just looked back at my review for “The Postcard” and I began exactly the same way. Looks Like I definitely need to add Laura Hilton to my must read list.
I particularly liked how down-to-earth the characters were. They struggled with life and faith just like the rest of us. And what fun to see the bad boy from “The Postcard” become the Hero of “The Amish Firefighter”. Such a turnaround in his character that others recognized and approved. I also liked that the author did not hold back on the strong attraction felt by Abigail and Sam. Their romantic encounters were spicier than what is usually found in Amish fiction but as far as I’m concerned did not cross into objectionable territory.
The story itself was excellent with a strong plot filled with mystery, danger, suspense, and romance. Both Sam and Abigail had hurdles to overcome in their lives and for some reason God placed them together to help each other find the truth. This is such a beautiful story of repentance, God’s forgiveness, and restoration. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit and The Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Beautiful Young Woman Banished from Home
Abigail Stutzman thought it was bad enough being dropped at the nearest bus station and sent to live several states away with some relatives she’d never even heard of, much less met. But now, just a week after her arrival in Jamesport, Missouri, she finds herself at the scene of a barn fire. An intentional barn fire. And all fingers are pointed at her. She’s desperate to prove her innocence and protect her reputation, but nobody’s making that easy to do. And God certainly doesn’t seem willing to help.
A Brave Firefighter with an Agenda of His Own
Sam Miller is in the process of turning over a new leaf. Determined to atone for the follies of his past, he is a volunteer firefighter, an EMT, and a doctor-in-training. With suspicious barn fires escalating, and the Miller family being among the victims, no one is more determined to see the perpetrators brought to justice than Sam.
A Kindled Flame Neither One Could Have Anticipated
When their paths first cross at the site of a barn burning, the emotional intensity rivals the warmth of the flames. Soon, they must decide whether this fire is one they should feed or fight. And they’ll discover that the truth can prove more dangerous than a blazing inferno.
Purchase your copy of The Amish Firefighter here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amish fiction lovers responded positively and immediately to Laura V. Hilton’s debut novel, Patchwork Dreams, when she burst on the scene in 2009 with her unique series, The Amish of Seymour, set in the tiny town of Seymour, in Webster County, Missouri. Fans of the genre immediately recognized Hilton’s insider knowledge, not only of the Webster County community, but Amish culture in general. Her natural speech and writing patterns, she says, are uniquely “Amish,” acquired from her Amish maternal grandparents. The Amish of Seymour, includes Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts, and Promised to Another. Her second series, The Amish of Webster County, is comprised of Healing Love, Surrendered Love, and Awakened Love. A stand-alone title, A White Christmas in Webster County, was released in September 2014. The Birdhouse concluded Laura’s 2015 series, The Amish of Jamesport, includes The Snow Globe, The Postcard and The Birdhouse. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer. Laura and her husband, Steve, have five children, whom Laura homeschools. The family makes their home in Arkansas.
For more about Laura, her latest book, the books she’s written and those she’s reviewed:
Laura Hilton’s Website: www.lauravhilton.blogspot.com.
Guest Post from Laura V. Hilton
Unlike some authors, I am not a planner. I have a very vague idea of the story, of the series, and as soon as the characters step forward and introduce themselves I dive in and start writing. When I first began writing this series – New Beginnings in Jamesport – I knew Sammy Miller was going to be the hero. Readers started asking for Sammy’s story as soon as they read The Postcard where Sammy was the villain. Ouch. I’d never considered writing a story about a former villain. But just as David in The Postcard was reader requested, Sammy would be.
Sammy is a very strong character and I knew he had to have a strong female lead character, one that wasn’t afraid to stand up to him and keep him under control. He is a leader, an EMT studying to be a paramedic, and a volunteer firefighter. The female lead, Abigail, is thrown into Jamesport without warning. Her step-father takes her to the bus station and sends her away and she doesn’t even know why! When she is met at the bus station by an aunt and uncle she didn’t even know existed, she is thrown into the middle of several mysteries, including barn fires set by arsonists. And she is the main suspect.
The whole New Beginnings in Jamesport series, while considered a continuation of The Amish of Jamesport series due to Sammy being the hero, is set around Amish starting over in Jamesport. The second book The Amish Wanderer is about a former resident of Jamesport hitchhiking across the country to get to his Mennonite uncle’s house in Pennsylvania. Silas is desperate to escape from his dysfunctional family for several reasons. But he cannot stay in Jamesport because someone is out to kill him. When he stumbles upon another mystery within hours of his arrival, what choice does he have but to stick around for awhile?
God gave me the verses for all three books in the Amish of Jamesport series The Amish Firefighter, The Amish Wanderer and the yet untitled third book (My books all stand alone) before I started writing them, which is unusual. He usually reveals these things slowly to me, as I need to know. The verse for The Amish Firefighter is Isaiah 43:2-4 and the verse for The Amish Wanderer is Romans 8:38-39. The third book’s verse is 2 Corinthians 4:8. It is tentatively titled The Amish Accountant, but most people think accountants are boring, and his real profession is a clockmaker. But The Amish Clockmaker has already been taken by another author. So we shall see what the wonderful Whitaker House team will come up with. It is about another young Amish woman, Lydia, who needs a “safe haven.” So her parents send her to live with her Mennonite aunt and uncle in Jamesport. It doesn’t exactly work out as planned, as the aunt and uncle leave for a foreign mission trip immediately, leaving Lydia acting manager of a gift shop and living in an all electric apartment. Before her aunt leaves, she tells Lydia’s secrets to her best friend. But did she tell all of them or some of them? And the best friend’s son, Caleb (the clockmaker) is acting as accountant for the gift shop. And what about Caleb’s carefully kept secret? When Lydia’s past catches up with her, will it destroy all she’d begun to imagine as she dreamed of starting over in Jamesport?
Next after that is The Christmas Challenge which is also set in Jamesport.
I don’t have official release dates for The Amish Wanderer or the other books yet. But as soon as I know, I’ll share.
Coming next? Who knows? I have two ideas warring for attention—but which one gets told first, I don’t know! I lean toward one, then the other. They both want to be told.
And now, I must get back to work. Thank you for visiting today and thank you so much for supporting my books. I do hope you’ll enjoy The Amish Firefighter!
Happy Reading!
Because of Him,
~ Laura ~
BLOG STOPS:
June 9: Quiet Quilter
June 10: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
June 10: Jeanette’s Thoughts
June 11: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses
June 11: Blogging With Carol
June 12: Cassandra M’s Place
June 12: Splashes of Joy
June 13: Babs Book Bistro
June 13: bigreadersite
June 14: Daysong Reflections
June 14: Rockin’ My Mom Jeans
June 15: Singing Librarian Books
June 15: Blossoms and Blessings
June 16: Reading Is My SuperPower
June 16: The Power of Words
June 17: Two Girls and a Book
June 17: A Greater Yes
June 18: Texas Book -aholic
June 18: Through The Open Window
June 19: For the Love of Books
June 19: Petra’s Hope
June 20: Running Through The Storms
June 20: Simple Harvest Reads
June 21: A Holland Reads
June 21: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
June 22: Pause for Tales
June 22: KarensKrayons
June 23: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Laura is giving away a basket that includes a Kindle Fire and a complete set of her books! Enter here: https://promosimple.com/ps/9bed
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by admin | May 30, 2016 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“A Daughter’s Dream” is the second book in Gray’s The Charmed Amish Life series. It can easily stand alone but would probably be much more enjoyable after reading the first book of the series “A Son’s Vow” which provides background information that helps to understand more about the characters and the town.
As the title implies, this novel is about dreams but in this case it covers the dreams of more than one character. It seems that several of the characters spent their lives trying to fit into the image they thought other people expected of them, leaving them mostly unfulfilled and sometimes unhappy. Funny thing is that most of the time the expectations of others was not what they imagined. In “A Daughter’s Dream” several of these characters learn more about dreams and what it means to follow the Lord’s plan for their lives.
I enjoyed another visit to Charm and was happy to see familiar faces and to learn that the town was beginning to recover from the tragic fire at the mill. This installment was so filled with wisdom and faith that I found much to consider as I read it and wondered if I had ever dared to dream.
Although this book features the Amish, their story could easily apply to any walk of life and contains lessons we would all do well to think about. I am looking forward to the next book of this series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A young teacher and farmer discover they have much in common, especially when it comes to healing old wounds from the past . . . and finding love in one another.
Rebecca Kinsinger has always dreamed of being a teacher. But when she’s given the opportunity she’s been waiting for at Charm Amish School, she’s dismayed to discover that teaching is hard work—work she’s afraid she’s not very good at.
That is, until Lilly Yoder joins the class. A thirteen-year old who’s just lost her parents, Lilly is in need of someone like Rebecca. For the first time since starting her new job, Rebecca feels a sense of purpose. But when she meets Lilly’s uncle, Jacob, his good looks and sweet, easy-going temperament are hard to ignore. How can she even entertain romantic thoughts of Jacob when his niece is her student?
Suddenly becoming Lily’s sole caregiver, Jacob Yoder never thought he’d be a single parent—or a farmer. Having been living in Florida as a carpenter, Jacob feels more at home wielding a hammer than a backhoe. The only bright spot in his life is Rebecca Kinsinger. As Lily and Rebecca develop a bond, Jacob’s fondness for the pretty teacher grows, too.
But when a fateful accident brings them together, Rebecca and Jacob must choose between duty and desire. Will they follow the path before them? Or set out to find true happiness . . . and true love?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
Enter to win a copy of A Daughter’s Dream—five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced June 8th on Shelley’s blog!
by admin | May 20, 2016 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
ABOUT
MY REVIEW:
Suzanne Woods Fisher never ceases to amaze me with her often unique plot twists that always keep me reading far into the night. Most people know that I am not the biggest fan of Amish fiction but I will always make an exception for her books.
I loved how several members of David Stoltzfus’ family showed up unannounced to “help” at the first hint of trouble in his new community – even if they were not exactly wanted. A bossy, interfering mother/grandmother was not his family’s idea of help and cousin Abigail was just weird. What was especially fun for me was the fact that weird Abigail turned out to be the highlight of the book, especially her unexpected romance with equally “different” Dane. The two of them were quite the pair and Abigail learned a lot about accepting herself with all her foibles as she began to see herself through Dane’s eyes.
“The Quieting” follows up the previous novel from The Bishop’s Family series so it would be a good idea to read “The Imposter” first. The reader learns more about the growing problems in the church that has begun to divide the community and David’s dilemma about how to solve the situation in a merciful manner.
I really enjoyed “The Quieting” which had a good blend of drama, humor, and romance as well as a focus on spiritual wisdom. I would happily recommend both books of this series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit Publicity Group.
THE BOOK:
The Stoltzfus family faces serious problems, both in the church and at home. Everyone in the community expects minister David Stoltzfus to fix things–fast. But David doesn’t work fast. He prefers to wait for God to work in individual hearts. However, even he is left wondering if the solution to their most pressing problem might be a Quieting.
When David’s mother arrives, uninvited, more upheaval is in store. She has matchmaking plans for everyone in the family, including David and her eligible granddaughters–and especially for David’s niece Abigail. When Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem–but will it create another?
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher takes fans back to Stoney Ridge, delivering the twists, turns, and romance they adore.
Purchase your copy of The Quieting here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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.
BLOG STOPS:
May 17: Singing Librarian Books
May 17: Heidi Reads…
May 18: Just Commonly
May 18: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
May 19: ASC Book Reviews
May 19: A Holland Reads
May 20: Inklings and Notions
May 20: Quiet Quilter
May 21: Daysong Reflections
May 21: cherylbbookblog
May 22: The Power of Words
May 22: Giveaway Lady
May 23: Texas Book-aholic
May 23: Splashes of Joy
May 24: Lane Hill House
May 24: Book by Book
May 24: Mary Hake
May 25: Jeanette’s Thoughts
May 25: Seasons of Opportunities
May 26: Book bites, Bee Stings & Butterfly Kisses
May 26: For the Love of Books
May 27: Southern Gal Loves to Read
May 27: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
May 28: Reading Is My SuperPower
May 28: Cassandra M’s Place
May 29: Bukwurmzzz
May 29: Bigreadersite
May 30: Blossoms and Blessings
GUEST POST FROM SUZANNE WOODS FISHER:
Twenty years ago, my husband and I attended a large church with a dynamic senior pastor. Each Sunday, we would sit spellbound during 40 minute sermons—he was that good a preacher. And then a terrible thing came to light—this very man had been taking advantage of vulnerable women during counseling sessions. Fourteen women, it turned out, and the pastor remained unrepentant. As issues were dealt with, our entire church suffered. We were a hurting community. The sins of one affected all.
As I plotted out ‘The Bishop’s Family,’ I wanted to borrow the theme of how a leader’s sins hurts the church community. (Now, I need to clarify that this is not a novel that addresses sexual sin. However, it does address unrepentant sin in an ordained leader.) First, I spoke to some Amish friends to see if my story idea had any merit. Was I was on the right track? To my amazement, a similar situation to my novels had occurred in one Amish friend’s church, and it resulted in a “quieting.” That’s an Amish phrase that means revoking the responsibilities of an unrepentant ordained leader. Just like it sounds–he is, essentially, “quieted.”
In this novel, you’ll see the behind-the-scenes of Amish church leadership, and get a sense of how a community is hurting. And how it begins to heal, too.
This series began in the Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania community with The Imposter. More twists and turns are coming to Stoney Ridge after The Quieting—so stay tuned for The Devoted to hit bookshelves in early October. Just in time for autumn reading by a warm fireplace!
Warmly, Suzanne
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a grab bag of Amish-made gifts worth over $100! Click the link to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/99a8
by admin | Apr 26, 2016 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“A Dream of Miracles” differs greatly from many of the Amish novels I have read with a plot full of twists and surprises. Although expected, the romance was not typical of many novels in this genre.
Characters are well-rounded and gained my sympathy and support from the beginning. Situations within the plot were realistic with disturbing insight into what can happen to innocent people when their rights are sacrificed to meet another’s selfish agenda.
Talk about circumstantial evidence! When young Amish widow Mattie’s young son is hospitalized with critical symptoms, everything points to Mattie. At best, she appears to neglect her children – at worst, she has abused her son to the point of death. When Bo Lambright is sent to investigate her case, his instincts tell him she is innocent. His choices in the case could destroy his career as well as Mattie’s life. Frequent disturbing dreams and Mattie’s case force Bo to confront and make peace with his own past. Is there any future for an up-and-coming social services investigator and an Amish widow?
I can truthfully say that I enjoyed “A Dream of Miracles”. The story moved along at a good pace and it was a good sign that I found myself frustrated over the circumstances surrounding Bo and Mattie. There was one character that I particularly disliked from the beginning and my dislike of her proved to be justified. I would recommend this book – especially to those who enjoy Amish fiction.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Amish widow Mattie vows never to love again . . . until a suspicious outsider with a shadowy past comes crashing into her fragile world.
Mattie Diener can barely keep it together. A young Amish widow and mother of two young children, she faces the lingering heartbreak of lost love, her son’s mysterious illness, and a torrent of accusations that threaten to undo her.
Bo Lambright is a fast-rising social services investigator whose high-society mother won’t rest until she finds his Mrs. Right. Despite Bo’s worldly success, the raw ache of a shadowy past and a series of unsettling dreams have left him reeling.
When Mattie and Bo cross paths, all signs point to disaster. Yet as they face a crucible of trials and tragedies together, longings begin to stir that seem destined only to end in more heartbreak. Is a miracle possible—not only of healing but of forbidden love? What secrets lie in Bo’s dreams? And will Mattie find the courage to face her uncertain future . . . or will she simply run away?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA bestselling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She’s a full-time pharmacist who lives in Florida with her husband and three children. When attending Ferris State University School of Pharmacy in Big Rapids, Michigan, she lived on the outskirts of an Amish community and had several occasions to visit the Amish farms. Her interest grew into love as she saw the beauty in living a simple life.
Find out more about Ruth at http://ruthreid.com.
GIVEAWAY:
When a suspicious outsider with a shadowy past comes crashing into Amish widow Mattie’s fragile world, can she learn to love again? Find out in Ruth Reid’s new book, A Dream of Miracles. When Mattie and Bo cross paths, all signs point to disaster. Yet as they face a crucible of trials and tragedies together, longings begin to stir that seem destined only to end in more heartbreak. Is a miracle possible—not only of healing but of forbidden love? What secrets lie in Bo’s dreams? And will Mattie find the courage to face her uncertain future . . . or will she simply run away?
Ruth is celebrating the release of A Dream of Miracles with a Kindle Fire HD 6 giveaway (details below) and an author chat party on May 3!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- One copy of A Dream of Miracles
- A Kindle Fire HD 6
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 5/3. The winner will be announced at A Dream of Miracles Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Ruth and other fans of Amish fiction, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!
RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 3rd!
by admin | Mar 29, 2016 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have to admit that I can often grow weary of Amish fiction but I know I can count on Suzanne Woods Fisher to provide me with a solid story that will always hold my interest. “The Imposter” was no exception. My only problem is how to review it without spoilers.
Readers of Suzanne’s earlier novels set in Stoney Ridge will delight in the return to familiar places and characters but new readers will have no problem jumping right into her latest novel. As one might expect, readers get an intimate look into the lives of several featured Amish characters; however they might just learn a few surprising secrets this time. There are some rumblings among the church leadership and members with a couple of the men who want to make sweeping changes without input from others. Then of course there is the expected romance. Actually this time there are at least two of them, both of which progress naturally as the story progresses. In fact other story elements often take precedence over romance.
All-in-all, “The Imposter” is a very satisfying read with strong and likable characters and a well thought out plot that moved along at the perfect pace. Some elements of the plot were resolved nicely while others will continue on at least into the next book of the series. I cannot wait to read “the rest of the story”.
Note: Previously reviewed for Revell on October 26, 2015.
This book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
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.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Letters, The Calling, the Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. 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 connect with Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.
GUEST POST FROM SUZANNE WOODS FISHER:
If you think you have a pretty clear idea of what an Amish bishop is like—stern, authoritative, patriarchal?—have another think. David Stoltzfus in The Imposter is warm, kindhearted, a reluctant farmer, and quite attractive!
Sound like an unlikely character for an Amish novel? Maybe so, but David Stoltzfus is modeled after a bishop I met, years ago. This real-life bishop might be the most intelligent, thoughtful, spiritually sensitive, and well-read man I’ve ever met. We spent a morning talking Bonhoeffer in his Spartan living room, warmed by his woodstove.
I wanted to present the character of a bishop that best represented this man I’d grown to admire. So when it was time to create a proposal for a new series, I suggested ‘The Bishop’s Family,’ starring David Stoltzfus who was loosely based on this particular bishop.
Very loosely.
David Stoltzfus is a handsome, widowed father of six who runs a local bulk food store. His children are surprisingly nonconforming, outspoken, and fiercely protective of their clan. The real-life bishop is a farmer, happily married with four independently minded children, and looks…well, to be candid, he looks a little like Benjamin Franklin.
But here’s what they have in common: they both love to read, they love their families, and they love the work God has given them of tending a flock.
The Imposter begins as David Stoltzfus moves his family to Stoney Ridge for a fresh start, a new beginning. Things don’t start off well: his eldest daughter, Katrina, faces a crushing disappointment, his prodigal son Jesse has a bent for troublemaking, and then David realizes something fishy is going on in the little church.
A new life awaits the Stoltzfus family, but not the one they expected. Or wanted. But they are needed in Stoney Ridge, each one of them. Even Jesse. J
I hope you’ll feel as though you’ve made some new friends as you get to know David and his children. One thing I can promise: this bishop’s family will surprise you.
Happy Reading!
Warmly, Suzanne
www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
