Reviewing: The Devoted by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I recently read The Devoted by Suzanne Woods Fisher. This is book 3 in  The Bishop Family series and I have enjoyed watching David Stoltzfus' family grow through the years of the series. This story is no exception as we learn more about Ruthie who has grown into a desirable, loving yet independent young lady.  We also get to know David's Englisch sister Dr. Ruth for whom Ruthie is named. The two women's lives parallel as they go from caring for men who tug at their heart yet aren't necessarily good for them.  Both are at a crossroad in their lives. Ruthie has earned top scores on the GED test she secretly took and feels there must be more than living in her sleepy Amish community.  Her aunt is faced with leaving a hectic career as and emergency room doctor after taking the heat for another doctor's mistake.  Private practice could be the answer to her prayers to get back to making a real difference in people's lives.

Patrick Kelly is new to the area and captures Ruthie's attention. He wants to learn all he can about becoming Amish and he will only be there for thirty days. She is considering leaving the Amish community.  He hires her to teach him Pennsylvania Dutch while her brother Jesse will teach him how to drive a buggy. 

David enjoys many long talks about the faith with Patrick and soon learns things about his community that he was unaware of.  While the people seem to be living out their faith, some things seem to be letting small things go by the wayside. Business on Sunday? Driving golf carts? The bishop is growing concerned as word of how his community is sliding away from their way of life. It is inspiring how he comes to a solution for problems he could easily have simply put his foot down.  He is not one to rule with the iron fist of an old school bishop. His lessons are well worth the read

The story is a wonderful reminder of how important values are no matter your faith.  I enjoy going back to Stoney Ridge and reading of how favorite characters have evolved from story to story. Best selling author Suzanne Woods Fisher is a gifted writer whose stories keep us coming back for more. 

The Christmas Angel Project....An Inspiration for Your Christmas Season!

The Christmas Angel Project is just what I needed to read in the midst of the most difficult election cycles of my life. When you are surrounded by technology as we are today an inspirational spot of fiction offers relief and pleasure you just can't put a price tag on. That quiet corner where you comfortably sit and slow down to read is a haven from the outside world.

This review is late by my own admission but comes with my heartfelt recommendation. I didn't want this one to be buried with Halloween, Thanksgiving, or the latest trendy love story. This book is important. Melody Carlson once again delivers with this 2016 Christmas story that I believe will be worth reading again every holiday season.

Follow five very special women who share life through their book club. Abby, their unofficial leader has a special touch on every member's life. This year, she has made each member a special gift. As we open our story on  Thanksgiving evening she is finishing up her last special angel ornament for her beloved friends'. Each gift is intentional and speaks to each woman't special spiritual gift. Each woman has something to offer everyone yet has a need to develop that gift.

As fate would have it, Abby dies in her sleep that evening and her loving husband delivers her heartfelt gifts to the women of her club.  Stunned at Abby's sudden passing, the women try to determine the future of their unique group.  As they open their gifts they realize that their group is much more than just meeting every month to discuss the current book selection. They are so much  more than just what they see and Abby knew this.  This is a story about women we may have encountered in our lives with normal, every day problems and that is why it is so full of impact.

Please join me this season by reading this wonderful book about life and the simple things we do that have a large impact on the world we live in. Simple, complicated and guaranteed to make you cry and put you in the mood for an inspirational Christmas season.
Five stars for this wonderful, heartwarming book. I had a hard time putting it down and read late into the night.