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Stoney Ridge Seasons #2
The Haven
When Sadie Lapp steps off the bus in Stoney Ridge after being in Ohio for the winter, she is faced with a decision--one that goes against her very essence. Yet it's the only way she can think of to protect a loved one.
Schoolteacher Gideon Smucker has been crazy about Sadie since boyhood. But his response to her surprising decision undermines his own reputation--and his relationship with Sadie.
College student Will Stoltz is spending the spring at the Lapp farm as a guard for a pair of nesting Peregrine Falcons--courtesy of the Lancaster County Game Warden. Will needs to get his life back on track, but his growing friendship with Sadie threatens his plans.
The lives of these three individuals intertwine, and then unravel as unexpected twists create ripples through the town of Stoney Ridge . . . and through Sadie's heart.
Once again, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher intrigues and delights with a story that explores the bonds of friendship, family, and true love. Readers will enjoy every surprise in Sadie's story as they search for the truth hidden within these pages.
Schoolteacher Gideon Smucker has been crazy about Sadie since boyhood. But his response to her surprising decision undermines his own reputation--and his relationship with Sadie.
College student Will Stoltz is spending the spring at the Lapp farm as a guard for a pair of nesting Peregrine Falcons--courtesy of the Lancaster County Game Warden. Will needs to get his life back on track, but his growing friendship with Sadie threatens his plans.
The lives of these three individuals intertwine, and then unravel as unexpected twists create ripples through the town of Stoney Ridge . . . and through Sadie's heart.
Once again, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher intrigues and delights with a story that explores the bonds of friendship, family, and true love. Readers will enjoy every surprise in Sadie's story as they search for the truth hidden within these pages.
314 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2012
83 people are currently reading
929 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Woods Fisher
73 books3,978 followersSuzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling, award winning author of fiction and non-fiction books about the Old Order Amish for Revell Books, host of the radio-show-turned-blog Amish Wisdom, a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazine.
Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain. A theme in her books (her life!) is that you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate the principles of simple living.
Suzanne lives in California with her family and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can't life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.
Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain. A theme in her books (her life!) is that you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate the principles of simple living.
Suzanne lives in California with her family and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can't life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.
Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
July 29, 2023
It's a joy to be back in Stoney Ridge with Amos, Fern, Uncle Hank, etc. They are such endearing characters. My favorite is MK (Mary Kate). I can't wait for her story in book three.
The ending of this one was a little odd, but overall an enjoyable story.
The ending of this one was a little odd, but overall an enjoyable story.
July 30, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised by book 2 in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series. The first book was just OK as far as I was concerned, but this one had some great characters and important themes.
Sadie Lapp comes home from a visit to her sister in Ohio and she has a surprise for the family - accompanying her is a tiny baby in a basket. Now Sadie knows it isn't her baby, but her impulsive younger sister immediately sets the gossip mill in motion by announcing to all and sundry that "Sadie brought home a baby from Ohio!" Well you can imagine how that goes over in an Amish community! No one asks for Sadie's side of the story.
And to complicate matters, there is great excitement at Windmill Farm as a pair of endangered peregrine falcons is setting up housekeeping on the ridge. A game warden intern has been assigned to watch over them and keep the public at bay so the birds are not disturbed. The young man is a college student who has been suspended from school due to an incident, and he has other secrets besides - his life is really mixed up. And the game warden orders him to not only "babysit" the birds, but to make himself useful on the farm while he is doing it. As he gets to know the Lapp family, he feels the gentle pull of a different lifestyle and a loving family.
This was a really wonderful, engaging story. I can't wait to read the third installment in the series.
Sadie Lapp comes home from a visit to her sister in Ohio and she has a surprise for the family - accompanying her is a tiny baby in a basket. Now Sadie knows it isn't her baby, but her impulsive younger sister immediately sets the gossip mill in motion by announcing to all and sundry that "Sadie brought home a baby from Ohio!" Well you can imagine how that goes over in an Amish community! No one asks for Sadie's side of the story.
And to complicate matters, there is great excitement at Windmill Farm as a pair of endangered peregrine falcons is setting up housekeeping on the ridge. A game warden intern has been assigned to watch over them and keep the public at bay so the birds are not disturbed. The young man is a college student who has been suspended from school due to an incident, and he has other secrets besides - his life is really mixed up. And the game warden orders him to not only "babysit" the birds, but to make himself useful on the farm while he is doing it. As he gets to know the Lapp family, he feels the gentle pull of a different lifestyle and a loving family.
This was a really wonderful, engaging story. I can't wait to read the third installment in the series.
January 20, 2021
This wasn't as deep, and the characters weren't as developed as the first book. I wasn't a big fan of Will. I know Fisher was trying to develop him but I found him somewhat stereotypical and didn't feel like I really got to know him. I didn't like the reveal about his family origins. Thought that was stretching it a bit, though I had wondered about his last name the first time he showed up. I'm also not sure how I felt about the baby's origins on the one hand it was sweet, on the other I'm not sure I was a fan. Also, the ending was rather unsatisfying. If you're looking for everything to be wrapped up neatly in a bow, that's not this book. There are some things left open. Which I don't necessarily have a problem with, but in this book it just felt unfinished. I'm hoping that Sadie's story is addressed a little more in the next book. Or at least we get to find out what she decided.
August 15, 2022
Sadie grew up on an Amish farm. She goes through a series of surprises and difficult circumstances that help her to grow into a mature young lady. Her father, Amos, experiences healing in his body, after a heart replacement and his emotions after the death of his son. The author throws in a number of twists and turns which makes the book an interesting read.
February 15, 2019
This was the second book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series and I really loved how we got to see Sadie in a new light. From a shy, timid girl in the first book to a beautiful woman in the second. Now I can't wait for the third for M.K.'s turn!
August 30, 2012
About the book: (from Revell) On a warm spring day, Sadie Lapp returns home to her quiet, unassertive life in Stoney Ridge after spending the winter in Ohio.
Gideon Smucker, an awkward schoolteacher, has been in love with Sadie since childhood and eagerly awaits her return. But does Sadie feel the same about him?
Will Stoltz, a charming and impetuous college student, has been banished for a semester and sent to babysit endangered peregrine falcons nesting at the Lapp farm. He'd rather be anywhere else . . . until he befriends Sadie.
As the hopes and ambitions of these three young people converge, life in Stoney Ridge may never be the same.
Once again, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher intrigues and delights with a story that explores the bonds of friendship, family, and true love in this captivating series.
My thoughts: The Haven takes us on a journey into the daily lives of the Amish but it also brings to the table an outsider thrust into their midst somewhat against his wishes. The Haven also brings to the forefront bird watching and game preservation, and a study (somewhat) in falconry. So this is an interesting mixture with which Suzanne Woods Fisher stirs her story and shows us that a haven is not always a haven.
Our story opens with the gentle, healer Sadie Lapp traveling home after an extended stay away from the farm learning at the side of a healer. On her journey she picks up a basket containing a hidden treasure. This treasure turns out to be an albatross for the sweet Sadie. Instead of finding a haven in her home and community, she finds she is virtually locked out of the fellowship a haven brings to the folks who reside therein.
The young outsider who ultimately lives in a cabin on the Lapp farm is tending and watching the falcons as they nest on behalf of the local game warden. The nesting of the falcons is a major event because it is so rare. So they must be protected. Will is just the man to do that.
However, "outsider" Will begins to see a sweet beauty in the lovely Sadie. But since Sadie is Amish and Will is not, it does pose major problems. One of the problems though, is Gid who has been "courting" Sadie.
So we have a number problems with which our characters must deal: the troublesome treasure in the basket, the lack of a haven for Sadie, the "outsider" so close on the scene, and Gid who is so troubled with all that is going on.
Ms. Fisher has woven an interesting and enjoyable read that has multilayers of plot and interest.
Click Here to read an excerpt from "The Haven" http://www.revellbooks.com/Media/Medi...
About the author: Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, The Search, The Keeper, and The Haven, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Christy Award finalist and a Carol Award finalist. For more information, please visit www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of The Haven in order to review it for a vitual blog tour. My copy was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of Revell, A Baker Publishing Group and the author.
Gideon Smucker, an awkward schoolteacher, has been in love with Sadie since childhood and eagerly awaits her return. But does Sadie feel the same about him?
Will Stoltz, a charming and impetuous college student, has been banished for a semester and sent to babysit endangered peregrine falcons nesting at the Lapp farm. He'd rather be anywhere else . . . until he befriends Sadie.
As the hopes and ambitions of these three young people converge, life in Stoney Ridge may never be the same.
Once again, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher intrigues and delights with a story that explores the bonds of friendship, family, and true love in this captivating series.
My thoughts: The Haven takes us on a journey into the daily lives of the Amish but it also brings to the table an outsider thrust into their midst somewhat against his wishes. The Haven also brings to the forefront bird watching and game preservation, and a study (somewhat) in falconry. So this is an interesting mixture with which Suzanne Woods Fisher stirs her story and shows us that a haven is not always a haven.
Our story opens with the gentle, healer Sadie Lapp traveling home after an extended stay away from the farm learning at the side of a healer. On her journey she picks up a basket containing a hidden treasure. This treasure turns out to be an albatross for the sweet Sadie. Instead of finding a haven in her home and community, she finds she is virtually locked out of the fellowship a haven brings to the folks who reside therein.
The young outsider who ultimately lives in a cabin on the Lapp farm is tending and watching the falcons as they nest on behalf of the local game warden. The nesting of the falcons is a major event because it is so rare. So they must be protected. Will is just the man to do that.
However, "outsider" Will begins to see a sweet beauty in the lovely Sadie. But since Sadie is Amish and Will is not, it does pose major problems. One of the problems though, is Gid who has been "courting" Sadie.
So we have a number problems with which our characters must deal: the troublesome treasure in the basket, the lack of a haven for Sadie, the "outsider" so close on the scene, and Gid who is so troubled with all that is going on.
Ms. Fisher has woven an interesting and enjoyable read that has multilayers of plot and interest.
Click Here to read an excerpt from "The Haven" http://www.revellbooks.com/Media/Medi...
About the author: Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, The Search, The Keeper, and The Haven, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Christy Award finalist and a Carol Award finalist. For more information, please visit www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of The Haven in order to review it for a vitual blog tour. My copy was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of Revell, A Baker Publishing Group and the author.
August 27, 2012
Sadie Lapp returns home to Stoney Ridge after a long winter visit to Ohio. As she approaches her home there seems to be a large crowd on the road and property. What a wonderful surprise she is told there is a pair of peregrine falcons preparing to nest on their property. Her brother would have loved watching the falcons. As she greets her family it is very apparent she also has a little surprise for them. She isn't sure how they will react to her surprise, especially Gideon Smucker whom she has been in love with since childhood.
She also finds out there is a newcomer to her home. Will Stolz is a handsome Englischer and college student. He has been assigned by the Game Warden to log all the activity of the endangered peregrine falcons nesting. The best way for him to do that was to stay in the small cabin that is on their property so he would have easy access the the falcons.
As Sadie gets settled in she is surprised as to how easy it is to talk with Will. When I say with I mean he actually talks to her. Will has also proven to be a big help with her little surprise. She has never had this kind of friendship with Gideon. Now she is reevaluating her relationship with Gideon. It seems Sadie is not the only person in Stoney Ridge that is reevaluating their lives and the need of companionship with someone to share their lives with.
The author never fails to write from her heart and soul. She writes of the importance of prayer, faith and hope in God's Plan. She emphasizes self esteem in one's self, forgiveness and repentance. Then there is the big issue of gossiping and the the damage and pain it has on everyone. The author reveals a good approach to the sin of gossiping.
I really like this excerpt from the discussions questions:
What is the difference between sharing information and spreading gossip? The Amish proverb might help: "There is a vast difference between putting your nose in other people's business and putting your heart in other people's problems."
I highly recommend this book.
I rate this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure
I received a copy of this book from Litfuse/Revell/Baker Publishing for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
She also finds out there is a newcomer to her home. Will Stolz is a handsome Englischer and college student. He has been assigned by the Game Warden to log all the activity of the endangered peregrine falcons nesting. The best way for him to do that was to stay in the small cabin that is on their property so he would have easy access the the falcons.
As Sadie gets settled in she is surprised as to how easy it is to talk with Will. When I say with I mean he actually talks to her. Will has also proven to be a big help with her little surprise. She has never had this kind of friendship with Gideon. Now she is reevaluating her relationship with Gideon. It seems Sadie is not the only person in Stoney Ridge that is reevaluating their lives and the need of companionship with someone to share their lives with.
The author never fails to write from her heart and soul. She writes of the importance of prayer, faith and hope in God's Plan. She emphasizes self esteem in one's self, forgiveness and repentance. Then there is the big issue of gossiping and the the damage and pain it has on everyone. The author reveals a good approach to the sin of gossiping.
I really like this excerpt from the discussions questions:
What is the difference between sharing information and spreading gossip? The Amish proverb might help: "There is a vast difference between putting your nose in other people's business and putting your heart in other people's problems."
I highly recommend this book.
I rate this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure
I received a copy of this book from Litfuse/Revell/Baker Publishing for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
August 11, 2012
Title: THE HAVEN
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Publisher: Revell
August 2012
ISBN: 978-0800719883
Genre: Inspirational/Amish
Sadie Lapp is returning home to her family after visiting her newlywed sister, and in the bus station she finds an abandoned baby. Or maybe the baby found her. Not knowing what to do with the baby boy, she takes him home with her, but this seems to be a grave mistake. Everyone assumes the baby is Sadie’s and that she went away to have the baby where no one would know her!
Her boyfriend, Gid, is hurt and upset. Sadie was his girl. He knows he’s not the father—so who is? And worse, when he goes out to see her and see if the rumors are true, he finds Sadie becoming good friends with a birder, Will Stultz.
Will has his own secrets, ones that could destroy everything—not to mention hurt the Amish family he’s staying with, and their lovely daughter, Sadie.
As the hopes and ambitions of these three young people meet, life in Stoney Ridge may never be the same.
THE HAVEN is the second book in Ms. Fisher’s Stoney Ridge Seasons. Readers might want to read the first book first to see what happened to Menno, and what brought Fern to Stoney Ridge, but if you don’t, you won’t be too lost in this book. I couldn’t wait to start this book, and read the book from start to finish on a long car ride through Illinois.
If you like Amish fiction then you won’t want to miss THE HAVEN. It was awesomely wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Sadie knows a lot about herbs and healing, and that adds a nice touch to the story. Discussion questions are included at the end. $14.99. 311 pages.
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Publisher: Revell
August 2012
ISBN: 978-0800719883
Genre: Inspirational/Amish
Sadie Lapp is returning home to her family after visiting her newlywed sister, and in the bus station she finds an abandoned baby. Or maybe the baby found her. Not knowing what to do with the baby boy, she takes him home with her, but this seems to be a grave mistake. Everyone assumes the baby is Sadie’s and that she went away to have the baby where no one would know her!
Her boyfriend, Gid, is hurt and upset. Sadie was his girl. He knows he’s not the father—so who is? And worse, when he goes out to see her and see if the rumors are true, he finds Sadie becoming good friends with a birder, Will Stultz.
Will has his own secrets, ones that could destroy everything—not to mention hurt the Amish family he’s staying with, and their lovely daughter, Sadie.
As the hopes and ambitions of these three young people meet, life in Stoney Ridge may never be the same.
THE HAVEN is the second book in Ms. Fisher’s Stoney Ridge Seasons. Readers might want to read the first book first to see what happened to Menno, and what brought Fern to Stoney Ridge, but if you don’t, you won’t be too lost in this book. I couldn’t wait to start this book, and read the book from start to finish on a long car ride through Illinois.
If you like Amish fiction then you won’t want to miss THE HAVEN. It was awesomely wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Sadie knows a lot about herbs and healing, and that adds a nice touch to the story. Discussion questions are included at the end. $14.99. 311 pages.
August 30, 2012
I enjoy reading Amish books and this one is no exception. Sadie is on her way back to Stoney Ridge as a surprise and yet the surprise will be on her. Rumors start to spread when Sadie shows up with a bundle under her arms. She is stubborn and who can blame her. Will an intern that is over seeing some falcons wants to spend more time with Sadie but her special friend Gideon does as well but seems to make her upset every time he turns around. He might be believing the rumors instead of her.
The author once again does a wonderful job with the characters and the setting. There is nothing you can't love about this book. Easy, relaxing and so much more. What will happen to Sadie and the two men?
The author once again does a wonderful job with the characters and the setting. There is nothing you can't love about this book. Easy, relaxing and so much more. What will happen to Sadie and the two men?
December 11, 2012
The Haven is book two in the "Stoney Ridge Series and I couldn’t wait to pick this book up. If you recall from my review of The Keeper, the story follows the Lapp family. I really enjoyed the first book but I felt like this one was missing just a little something—don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed it but it didn’t really pull me in the way the first book had. I think I felt like there was no real conclusion to the ending and if these were meant to be read as a stand-alone—I would have been really upset that the story wasn’t concluded for Sadie. I guess I sound contradictory—to say I liked but also that I felt upset. I guess—I like the story but I’m eager to hurry and pick up book three to try to find out what happens with Sadie and I’m praying that book three does actually do that or I am going to feel a little cheated.
Judge not and forgive lest ye be judged!
This book picks up some time after The Keeper. Julia has married Rome and moved away and Sadie is coming back home after spending time with them and getting them settled in. When Sadie comes back home she surprises the entire community by bringing home a baby! This causes a bit of a stain on Sadie’s reputation. Sadie is fairly disappointed that her boyfriend immediately assumes the worse of her.
Because of her outs with Gideon, Sadie finds herself learning more about the handsome cowboy that is working on the family’s farm. Will has his own secrets though and getting close to Sadie might not be the best for either of them. I honestly and truthfully liked Will’s character over Gideon. Gid is just—not right for Sadie. Perhaps he might have been except his jealousy was a bit over the top for me to ever trust him.
Aside from all that is going on in her love life—the bigger part of the book revolves around Joe-Joe, the baby that Sadie has brought home with her. I wasn’t really surprised at the secrets surrounding his birth and how he came to be with Sadie—but it was bittersweet and very sad. I felt like the father of the baby had perhaps been taken advantage of so this is something I hope to learn a bit more about in book three. This book was filled with a message of forgiveness and a reminder that we need to be careful of how we spend our time judging others.
Overall I enjoyed the book but again—I’m hoping that the conflicting feelings I’m having are satisfactorily addressed in book 3, The Lesson.
Amazon|CBD|Barnes&Noble
In no particular order, Suzanne Woods Fisher is a wife, mother, writer, lifelong student of the Bible, raiser of puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, a gardener and a cook...the latter two with sporadic results.
Suzanne has loved to write since she was a young teen. After college, she started to write for magazines and became a contributing editor for Christian Parenting Today magazine. Her family moved to Hong Kong for four years, just as the internet was developing, and she continued to write articles in a 44-story high-rise apartment, sending manuscripts 7,000 miles away with a click of a key.
After returning from Hong Kong, Suzanne decided to give her first novel a try. For four and a half months, she worked on an antediluvian computer in a cramped laundry room. She didn't even tell her husband what she was up to. When the novel was completed, she told her family at dinner one night that she had written a book. "That's why there's no food in this house!" said her slightly insensitive sons.
Undaunted...Suzanne found a small royalty publisher for that book and wrote three more (all earned multiple). With help from an agent, she has five books currently under contract with Revell. On September 1st, Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World, a non-fiction book of stories and examples about the Old Order Amish, will be released by Revell. The Choice, a novel about the Amish, will follow on January 1st.
Writing, for Suzanne, is a way to express a love of God and His word. With every book or article, she hopes readers get a sense of what faith really looks like in the daily grind. She hopes they realize that life can be hard, but God is good, and never to confuse the two.
Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
Currently Reading:
In her wildest dreams, spunky and impulsive nineteen-year-old Mary Kate Lapp never imagined herself behind a schoolteacher's desk. A run-in (literally) with the schoolteacher compels her to act as a substitute teacher, just as her restless desire to see the world compels her to apply for a passport . . . just in case. The only thing of interest to M.K. in the sleepy Amish community of Stoney Ridge is the unexplained death of a sheep farmer that coincided with the arrival of a mysterious young man into the community. Frustrated that no one takes the crime seriously, she takes matters into her own hands. Unfortunately, as tends to be the case for M.K., she jumps headlong into trouble.
Judge not and forgive lest ye be judged!
This book picks up some time after The Keeper. Julia has married Rome and moved away and Sadie is coming back home after spending time with them and getting them settled in. When Sadie comes back home she surprises the entire community by bringing home a baby! This causes a bit of a stain on Sadie’s reputation. Sadie is fairly disappointed that her boyfriend immediately assumes the worse of her.
Because of her outs with Gideon, Sadie finds herself learning more about the handsome cowboy that is working on the family’s farm. Will has his own secrets though and getting close to Sadie might not be the best for either of them. I honestly and truthfully liked Will’s character over Gideon. Gid is just—not right for Sadie. Perhaps he might have been except his jealousy was a bit over the top for me to ever trust him.
Aside from all that is going on in her love life—the bigger part of the book revolves around Joe-Joe, the baby that Sadie has brought home with her. I wasn’t really surprised at the secrets surrounding his birth and how he came to be with Sadie—but it was bittersweet and very sad. I felt like the father of the baby had perhaps been taken advantage of so this is something I hope to learn a bit more about in book three. This book was filled with a message of forgiveness and a reminder that we need to be careful of how we spend our time judging others.
Overall I enjoyed the book but again—I’m hoping that the conflicting feelings I’m having are satisfactorily addressed in book 3, The Lesson.
Amazon|CBD|Barnes&Noble
In no particular order, Suzanne Woods Fisher is a wife, mother, writer, lifelong student of the Bible, raiser of puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, a gardener and a cook...the latter two with sporadic results.
Suzanne has loved to write since she was a young teen. After college, she started to write for magazines and became a contributing editor for Christian Parenting Today magazine. Her family moved to Hong Kong for four years, just as the internet was developing, and she continued to write articles in a 44-story high-rise apartment, sending manuscripts 7,000 miles away with a click of a key.
After returning from Hong Kong, Suzanne decided to give her first novel a try. For four and a half months, she worked on an antediluvian computer in a cramped laundry room. She didn't even tell her husband what she was up to. When the novel was completed, she told her family at dinner one night that she had written a book. "That's why there's no food in this house!" said her slightly insensitive sons.
Undaunted...Suzanne found a small royalty publisher for that book and wrote three more (all earned multiple). With help from an agent, she has five books currently under contract with Revell. On September 1st, Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World, a non-fiction book of stories and examples about the Old Order Amish, will be released by Revell. The Choice, a novel about the Amish, will follow on January 1st.
Writing, for Suzanne, is a way to express a love of God and His word. With every book or article, she hopes readers get a sense of what faith really looks like in the daily grind. She hopes they realize that life can be hard, but God is good, and never to confuse the two.
Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
Currently Reading:
In her wildest dreams, spunky and impulsive nineteen-year-old Mary Kate Lapp never imagined herself behind a schoolteacher's desk. A run-in (literally) with the schoolteacher compels her to act as a substitute teacher, just as her restless desire to see the world compels her to apply for a passport . . . just in case. The only thing of interest to M.K. in the sleepy Amish community of Stoney Ridge is the unexplained death of a sheep farmer that coincided with the arrival of a mysterious young man into the community. Frustrated that no one takes the crime seriously, she takes matters into her own hands. Unfortunately, as tends to be the case for M.K., she jumps headlong into trouble.
November 18, 2025
This book in the series focused on Sadie Lapp. Julia and Roman have moved to Ohio. Sadie has spent time with Deborah Yoder, a healer, who is teaching Sadie her craft.
She comes back to Windmill Farm, not only with healing knowledge, but with a baby. One would immediately jump to conclusions that the baby was Sadie’s. But it isn’t. We find out it was left with Sadie by Annie, an Amish girl who lived with her grandfather and was friends with Menno Lapp, who passed away. Apparently, they were more than friends. The baby is taken care of by the family, and people think what they want to think since Sadie doesn’t tell anyone, including Gideon Smucker, who is interested in her. When the truth comes out, it’s apparently too late for Gideon and Sadie to continue where their relationship was before Sadie left. But that’s okay, because Will Stoltz, an Englisher, is staying in the cottage on the farm. He is an intern for the game commission who is looking after endangered falcons living nearby and will help around the farm. Will and Sadie become very good friends, but Sadie knows nothing can come about with the relationship. She does teach Will, though, about being honest and following God, so in the end Will tells his father everything that has been happening to him, like getting a DUI and being threatened by a lawyer to give him baby falcons.
MK and Jimmy Fisher are still playing tricks on each other. Could they become a couple in the future?
Amos and Fern become a couple and probably will get married.
There is still hope for Sadie and Gideon, but will Will Stoltz come back?
She comes back to Windmill Farm, not only with healing knowledge, but with a baby. One would immediately jump to conclusions that the baby was Sadie’s. But it isn’t. We find out it was left with Sadie by Annie, an Amish girl who lived with her grandfather and was friends with Menno Lapp, who passed away. Apparently, they were more than friends. The baby is taken care of by the family, and people think what they want to think since Sadie doesn’t tell anyone, including Gideon Smucker, who is interested in her. When the truth comes out, it’s apparently too late for Gideon and Sadie to continue where their relationship was before Sadie left. But that’s okay, because Will Stoltz, an Englisher, is staying in the cottage on the farm. He is an intern for the game commission who is looking after endangered falcons living nearby and will help around the farm. Will and Sadie become very good friends, but Sadie knows nothing can come about with the relationship. She does teach Will, though, about being honest and following God, so in the end Will tells his father everything that has been happening to him, like getting a DUI and being threatened by a lawyer to give him baby falcons.
MK and Jimmy Fisher are still playing tricks on each other. Could they become a couple in the future?
Amos and Fern become a couple and probably will get married.
There is still hope for Sadie and Gideon, but will Will Stoltz come back?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2018
Sadie Lapp is returning home to her family after visiting her newlywed sister, when Sadie comes inside the empty bus station she finds an abandoned baby with no one else around, so she takes the baby boy, home and her sister told everyone it was Sadie’s baby there by making the town think that she was in family way when she left. Schoolteacher Gideon Smucker since they had been a couple just let everyone think it was his.
Along comes Will Stoltz who is babysitting the endangered peregrine falcons who are nesting at the Lapp’s farm. He was assigned to the position by the Lancaster County Game Warden. Will this young man accept the terms of his employment or stand on principles. How will Will decision be accepted by his father.
This is a cute story which I enjoyed with all of the ups and downs. I love how the real parents are found. It is a mystery which will have you smiling.
Along comes Will Stoltz who is babysitting the endangered peregrine falcons who are nesting at the Lapp’s farm. He was assigned to the position by the Lancaster County Game Warden. Will this young man accept the terms of his employment or stand on principles. How will Will decision be accepted by his father.
This is a cute story which I enjoyed with all of the ups and downs. I love how the real parents are found. It is a mystery which will have you smiling.
July 19, 2017
The second book in this trilogy, this novel is the story of the second youngest sister of the Lapp clan. Quiet and unsure of herself, Sadie Lapp studies the one thing she's good at - healing with herbs and natural remedies - with an elderly Amish woman who lives near her now-married older sister in Ohio. Yet Sadie returns to Stoney Ridge with a surprise in an Amish basket, and that surprise has the community thinking the worst of Sadie, including her beau. And the only person who seems to support her and think well of her, besides her family, is the Englisch man helping her father on the farm.
Through all the trials Sadie went through, she learned how to be strong and how to speak up for herself. Yet, she never lost her gentleness of spirit and her gift of seeing the best in everyone, even when forgiveness was necessary first.
Another excellent story by Suzanne Woods Fisher.
Through all the trials Sadie went through, she learned how to be strong and how to speak up for herself. Yet, she never lost her gentleness of spirit and her gift of seeing the best in everyone, even when forgiveness was necessary first.
Another excellent story by Suzanne Woods Fisher.
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August 10, 2024. One thing that I love about the series is how each child in the family is so completely and utterly different from the others–in looks and personalities. This really rings true to life to me as my own family of 4 kids growing up was much the same way. This book focuses on the shy and soft spoken Sadie. I enjoyed the continued story with the plot and sub plots as thick and juicy as the first book, and as the book ends on a bit of a cliff hanger I’m left anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
Even if you are not a huge fan of Amish fiction you should give this series a chance–it is focused around faith, love, and family-something we can all hopefully relate to!
Even if you are not a huge fan of Amish fiction you should give this series a chance–it is focused around faith, love, and family-something we can all hopefully relate to!
October 13, 2025
I enjoyed this journey with Sadie Lapp, as she grows in confidence and purpose. Sadie is rather shy and quiet but in this story we see her stand up for herself when gossip about her and assumptions of her guilt sweep through the community. Sadie steps into her place as a healer and gains confidence as she uses her God given talents while remaining humble and giving God the glory for her abilities.
Will Stoltz was a great secondary character enduring his own journey of self-discovery and finds God along the way.
Themes of forgiveness, love, redemption, and trust.
I look forward to the next story in the series to see what choices Sadie has made for her future.
Will Stoltz was a great secondary character enduring his own journey of self-discovery and finds God along the way.
Themes of forgiveness, love, redemption, and trust.
I look forward to the next story in the series to see what choices Sadie has made for her future.
February 12, 2020
Book #2 in this series, and it didn’t disappoint. The setting is a quiet, Amish farm and it’s Never by chance that the people who come to visit and stay - leave differently than they arrive. The farm is a Haven and people are changed inside-out, renewed, and re-energized.
I love this section of the book that says so well: “ it’s like the people here had been prepared, designed ahead of time, as a nurturing nest, a soft place to grow new wings.”
I love this section of the book that says so well: “ it’s like the people here had been prepared, designed ahead of time, as a nurturing nest, a soft place to grow new wings.”
May 15, 2020
I really enjoy mysteries but this isn't the main part of this book. I did enjoy the Amish family dynamics and how the families all blend together in their beliefs. When you have a life style where you just do as you should there always comes a time where things need to be aired. I kept wanting the characters to speak their minds but there was such a dance around the true situation. Cant wait to read the last book of the series. Have enjoyed meeting the family members one by one.
October 19, 2023
I guess this might be some people's cup of tea but it wasn't mine.
I chose to read this to try something out of my comfort zone. For me it was neither boring nor exciting. I did get through it however, but I definitely didn't like the ending.
I read it as well to get some insight into Amish life but I feel like it wasn't explained as well as it could (for a reader who isn't Amish).
I also felt like parts were missing and never filled in... was it because I didn't read the first book?
I chose to read this to try something out of my comfort zone. For me it was neither boring nor exciting. I did get through it however, but I definitely didn't like the ending.
I read it as well to get some insight into Amish life but I feel like it wasn't explained as well as it could (for a reader who isn't Amish).
I also felt like parts were missing and never filled in... was it because I didn't read the first book?
August 21, 2025
"The Haven" by Suzanne Woods Fisher highlights Sadie who returns from her sister and is left a baby. She brings the baby home from the bus station and has to deal with gossip that she is an unwed mother while trying to figure out what to do with the baby. Will is an Englisher who winds up working on Sadie's dad's farm so he can help the nature center with the falcons. A few twists and not so predictable ending.
December 4, 2022
I loved this story! I loved reading more about the characters--it was like returning to a favorite place with people you love. The love triangle between Sadie, Will, and Gideon kept me guessing until the very end. So much fun. The plot had more twists than a pretzel. Stellar work by an excellent author. Looking forward to reading more of her books.
June 15, 2019
Birds and people
This story is an interesting combination of the life of a Peregrine falcon family and a human family. There are lots of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing what will come next. And of course it is filled with surprises at the end.
This story is an interesting combination of the life of a Peregrine falcon family and a human family. There are lots of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing what will come next. And of course it is filled with surprises at the end.
October 2, 2020
Suzanne Woods Fisher’s The Haven is a heart-warming story of faith, family, and renewal filled with characters that come alive on the page like old friends. The story will captivate fans of Amish fiction and readers who love an endearing romance.
August 4, 2024
The story was interesting, although I kept hoping the characters would speak up for themselves. Also, the ending is rather abrupt--was hoping for a little more closure. I probably would have enjoyed the book more if I had read the 1st book in the series.
January 17, 2018
Ok book, little dry and did not care for ending
April 1, 2018
Loved it!
August 27, 2019
Another great book.
December 26, 2019
An Amish and an Englisch lad vie for young Sadie Lapp's attentions, and neither is particularly gentlemenly about it. For soap fans only.
January 5, 2020
A change of hearts
Sadie, Will and Gid all have secrets and weaknesses. They learn to trust God to help them grow. The characters and setting make for a fine story.
Sadie, Will and Gid all have secrets and weaknesses. They learn to trust God to help them grow. The characters and setting make for a fine story.
May 8, 2020
I enjoyed this book and the series. I have one piece of advice:
Read this series (Stoney Ridge Seasons) before reading the Inn at Eagle Hill series. I wish I had.
Read this series (Stoney Ridge Seasons) before reading the Inn at Eagle Hill series. I wish I had.
June 23, 2021
4 1/2 stars
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