MY REVIEW:
I have read a few other reviews about The Choice that have been critical of various aspects of the story – too many deaths, a villain who was exaggerated, etc. Personally, I thought the villain was believable. I have encountered people in my life who had similar attitudes and behavior. I agree that there was an abundance of tragedy in The Choice. Unfortunately, I have also known people who have experienced more than their share of grief. For some unexplained reason, life is just that way for some.
To me the whole point of the story is that through all the adverse events in Carrie’s life, her main concern was to take care of her younger brother and family. Each new tragedy seemed to increase her inner strength even as her hope failed and despair tried to take over. As she walked through the fires, Carrie’s gentle caring spirit touched the people around her. And with the help of one special man, Carrie was once again able to trust the Lord and find peace for herself and forgiveness for others.
I have read quite a few books in the “bonnet fiction” category over the past several years. There are several different authors in this widely popular genre and the Amish are presented from varying viewpoints. Most of the books have been pleasant reading and I have learned quite a bit about the Amish lifestyle through them. I personally enjoyed The Choice and would recommend it to others. The author has an easy to read writing style that kept my attention. This book has romance, suspense, humor, and an excellent spiritual theme. What more could I ask?
A complimentary copy of The Choice was provided by the Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A fresh fiction series that explores what happens when one young Amish woman must make the choice of a lifetime…
Lancaster County has always been her home–but where does her heart belong?
One moment Carrie Weaver was looking forward to running away with Lancaster Barnstormers pitcher Solomon Riehl–plans that included leaving the Amish community where they grew up. The next moment she was staring into a future as broken as her heart. Now, Carrie is faced with a choice. But will this opportunity be all she hoped? Or will this decision, this moment in time, change her life forever?
A tender story of love, forgiveness, and looking below the surface, The Choice uncovers the sweet simplicity of the Amish world–and shows that it’s never too late to find your way back to God.
ENDORSEMENTS:
“Fisher’s writing brings that Amish sense of peace into your own world. The Choice brings an entirely new perspective to the Amish way of life. You will love it!”
–Kristin Billerbeck, author of What a Girl Wants
“A story of endearing characters. . . . Fisher writes with a fresh mix of humor and depth, splashing raw emotion onto the pages. I guarantee your heart will be touched.”
–Ginger Kolbaba, founding editor of Kyria.com, former editor of Today’s Christian Woman, and author of Desperate Pastors’ Wives
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suzanne Woods Fisher‘s interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Dunkard Brethren Church in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne’s work has appeared in many magazines, including Today’s Christian Woman, Worldwide Challenge, ParentLife, Christian Parenting Today, and Marriage Partnership. She has contributed to several nonfiction books and is the author of Amish Peace and two novels. Fisher resides in Alamo, California.
Suzanne Woods Fisher has straddled the world between the Amish and the English all her life: Many of her relatives are of a strict religious sect like the Amish, known as the Dunkard Brethren Church. Because of Fisher’s ties to the Amish, she has made every effort to keep her storytelling authentic, showcasing the Amish’s strong communities, their simple life-style and their willingness to put each other first. She is also the author of the nonfiction collection of stories about the Amish that came out in October, Amish Peace.
“Available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
