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
khsmith97217@yahoo. can’t wait for the chance to read this book.
Hi there! I loved your review…it actually makes me smile when a reviewer admits she doesn’t like Amish fiction…but she likes my books. That means so much! Thanks for taking time to read my book and write up such a thoughtful, well-written review. You’re awesome! Warmly, Suzanne