The Search (Lancaster County Secrets) (Volume 3) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Lancaster County Secrets #3

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Excellent Book

Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction, Amish Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian, Christian Romance

Paperback

First published December 3, 2010

About the author

Suzanne 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

Reviews

[Amy Clipston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series! This is a beautiful story of family, forgiveness, and finding new love. Fans Amish fiction will love the authenticity in the details and the community. I highly recommend this series!

[Stephanie’s Ninth Suitcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woods Fisher explicitly tackles the reality that people cannot fill the void that only God can fill. So refreshing and one of the reasons I highly recommend this series!

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lancaster, Pennsylvania 1971

This was my favorite of the series. I adored Bertha Riehl (Mammi). She was a cunning and witty woman with a heart of gold.

I'm hopeful Bess has a story of her own in another series.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Search, by Suzanne Woods Fisher, is my first introduction to Suzanne’s writings about the Amish. I found her style refreshing, real, transparent, and unique.

Refreshing in the way she describes the scenes in such intricate detail, the raw emotions that spill out unexpectantly, and the guarded pain held deeply, pulling you into every experience. Real in the way she portrays the many circumstances that could easily happen today, in just a slightly different fashion. Transparent because you could ‘read’ Mammi’s facial expressions and body language, feel Bess’s attraction to Billy, and empathize with Jonah’s pain and tragedy. Unique in how she draws out the strength of her characters in their own personal way, making them special and lovable. At least most of them!

You learn how one widow makes a new life for herself that pulls in her love of roses and the ingenuity of a young man trying to establish himself in the eyes of his father.

The underlying secret Suzanne has running through the book has you on edge, wondering if or when it will be told, and how it will affect each character if it is exposed. She weaves in the aspects of forgiveness and healing, which are essential in everyone’s life. I am sure you will find this a heartwarming story that resonates throughout your own life.

This book was provided by Donna of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest review.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing retro read from one of my favourite authors. I just love how Suzanne Woods Fisher brings an Amish community to life! And Stoney Ridge is the kind of town I want to live in.

I laughed until my tummy hurt over Bertha's antics. Bess's grandmother is a law unto herself and she has a lovable way of mashing words that kept me chuckling throughout the read. But she's crusty and opinionated and downright intimidating at times as well. Kind of reminded me of Marilla Cuthburt (Anne of Green Gables.) But this isn't Bertha's story -- though she plays a pivotal role -- it's Bess and Lainey's tale.

I was gobsmacked in places. Literally stunned. And my emotions dipped and soared as the story unfolded. True confession -- I shed more than a tear or two. And spiritually moved by such faith-filled concepts as: "Are we going to be part of condemning a man? Or are we going to be a part of releasing him from condemnation?" (p. 191) A rich read that is sure to stir your emotions and get you thinking.

[Giovanni Gelati · Rating 5 out of 5]

* My Wife stepped in and read this novel and did the post.
I have to admit, I am a big fan of good stories written with an Amish backdrop. I don’t know if this comes from having lived my entire life about 90 minutes away from Lancaster, PA and enjoying frequent trips there or my envy of a lifestyle that most of us will never get to experience. I am drawn in by the faith, dedication to family and community, natural beauty, and simplicity of the Amish people.
The words on the back cover of The Search describe this story better than I ever could, “Beautifully written, The Search is a skillfully woven story that takes you through unexpected twists and turns on the long country road toward truth. Immerse yourself in this heartwarming – and surprising – tale of young love¸ forgiveness, and healing.”
The Search is the third book in Suzanne Woods Fisher’s series Lancaster County Secrets. I have not read the first two, but with the author’s great descriptions and attention to detail, I felt as if I was right in the middle of the story. It was as if I knew the characters and their personalities. The feelings of love, forgiveness and especially healing were beautifully portrayed. Throughout are snippets from sermons that really hit home. They pertain to specific situations but could be applied to our lives as well. Here’s an example, “But a few years ago, I went to a church service and the pastor happened to be preaching on the difference between divine forgiveness and human forgiveness. I knew I couldn’t forgive others without God’s help. He said that we fail in the work of grace and love when there is too much of us and not enough of God.” That one made me stop and think.
All in all, The Secret is a really nice blend of a good storyline, likable characters, very detailed descriptions of scenery and personalities, along with many fine examples of how living a life of love and truth will lead to happiness
“Available January 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”


What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin &Twitter . Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com



.

[Mary O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

**This is the third book in this series. If you haven't read the first two, you may not want to continue reading**


According to Goodreads:
Fifteen years ago, Lainey O'Toole made a split-second decision. She couldn't have known that her choice would impact so many. Now in her mid-twenties, she is poised to go to culinary school when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge, the very Amish town in which her long-reaching decision was made, forcing her to face the shadowed past.


Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm with her large and intimidating grandmother, Bertha. It quickly becomes clear that she is there to work the farm--and work hard. The labor is made slightly more tolerable by the time it affords Bess to spend with the handsome hired hand, Billy Lapp. But he only has eyes for a flirty and curvaceous older girl.


Lainey's and Bess's worlds are about to collide and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.


Beautifully written, The Search is a skillfully woven story that takes readers through unexpected twists and turns on the long country road toward truth. Fans both old and new will find themselves immersed in this heartwarming--and surprising--tale of young love, forgiveness, and coming to grips with the past.

This book was my favorite in the series! Not only did I cry my eyes out, I also laughed so hard I cried!! I loved everything about this book! I loved how Bertha had a wild side to her! I loved how Bess grew fond of her grandmother in such a short time! I loved how it took a silly incident to bring her son Jonah home for a visit! The mischief that Bertha was up to was hilarious! I loved the bond that Bess had with her father, Jonah and how Bess grew to care for Lainey. I loved how Lainey realized that she didn't need all the "extra's" in life. All she needed was her faith in God and the people she loved. I personally have always wondered what it would be like to live as the Amish do. We tend to take so much for granted and forget that it's the simple things in life that matter most!

The book did leave you wondering if there may be another one to follow somewhere down the line. This book also touches on second chances. I am sure we all have asked for a second chance before! A truly great read!

I rate this book 5/5!

[Trinity Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read written by Suzanne Woods Fisher. So glad I found a new author that writes so wonderfully. “The Search” is the third book in the series Lancaster County Secrets. Even through it is the third in the series it was still very easy to follow along. So you can read this alone or with the other two. I believe it would be so neat to read the other two first. They are called “The Choice” and “The Waiting.”
It seems so many people write about Amish stories. I’m not a fan of many of them, because of the attitude of the Amish that only Amish can be right about their life and faith. In “The Search” I don’t feel that opinion at all. Matter of fact one of the main characters is a Christian outside of the Amish community. She is a stronger Christian than some Amish in the book.
I love the mother/grandmother who is harsh/brisk on the outside, but has a most tender heart. She puts many people together to change their lives for the better.
The setting of the book is just so beautiful. The cover of the book shows a picture of one main character {Lainey O'Toole } who is holding a rose, and it’s just beautiful. I like hearing the description of the rose farm and the beautiful country side. I would love to live on a rose farm.
The whole book really revolves around the decision made by a very young girl. Then years later all of these people are back together in the same place. You will see how one decision can change life for all of those involved.
In “The Search” you will find love, heartaches, illnesses, death, peace, forgiveness.
It is a book that I highly recommend for many days of reading pleasure and a book you will want to reread.
Also in a few days I will have a giveaway for this book.

I received my free copy from Donna Hausler from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I can say about Suzanne Woods Fisher is that she is keeping the Amish fiction genre fresh. Confronting issues such as war, alcohol abuse and even "fun" topics like growing roses makes Suzanne's books stand out. If you're looking for a tender, gut-wrenching all around awesome story pick up one (or all) of her books. Usually one to shy away from too much Amish fiction I can safely say that I will definitely be reading more of it in the future if they are stories like this one.

The Search follows Englischer, Lainey O'Toole who inadvertently winds up in Stoney Ridge, the small town she left years ago and Amish teen, Bess Reihl who is visiting her ailing grandmother for the summer. What ensues involves grief, loss, and the affects of long kept secrets. While not as dramatic in terms of dealing with war and conflict as The Waiting or The Choice, The Search had its own unique storyline and characters. For most of the story the matriarch of the Reihl family, Bertha and her rose garden brought so many people together and came to represent the strength and tender care that must be had and given when dealing with humans AND roses alike. I think this entire series is a keeper and a must read for fans of the genre. I would also ask you to give this a chance even if you're not a fan of Amish fiction, as it just may change your mind!

*I received my complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for posting my honest review.*

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the series
This one does mention people from the 2nd book but i would say that while there is 3 books in the series each are a book on their own so if you read one of the book you can but the series is worth reading
This is a good book the ending once again felt it left some questions which is the same with all 3 books
You really warm to Lainey & Bess as well as others in the book Simon he one you can understand a bit even if you don't like him too much I would say this is one well worth reading

[Andi Tubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suzanne has a way of pulling you into a story that you actually feel like you are the characters living in their world. This is a beautiful story of love, forgiveness, and healing. While it is #3 in a series it can easily stand alone. I highly recommend it! Go out and grab your copy and cuddle up by the fire for a great night or weekend of reading!

[Gaylina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series. They are all stand alone books.I have enjoyed each book so far. Can’t wait to read the next. I really enjoyed Lainey’s character and her love for God and others. It’s a great story if forgiveness and redemption.

[Deana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It was very creative!

[Sandy Duke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really loving this author. Not your typical Amish Novels. Lots of surprising twists and turns. Great character development. Can't wait for my next read by Suzanne Woods Fisher!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great ending to the series.

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story and wonderful conclusion to this series!

[Chris]

Primary Characters
Elizabeth Lapp: The protagonist. After spending time away in the "English" world, she returns to her Amish community in Lancaster County. She is a woman seeking redemption and a fresh start while grappling with the guilt of her past.

Timothy Fisher: A central figure who works with search-and-rescue dogs. He is compassionate, skilled, and becomes a vital ally (and romantic interest) for Elizabeth as they look for her missing brother.

Matthew Lapp: Elizabeth’s brother. His mysterious disappearance serves as the catalyst for the novel's plot. His absence reveals various secrets and tensions within the Lapp family and the community.

Character,Role & Description
Lydia Lapp,Elizabeth and Matthew's mother. She is a woman deeply affected by the loss of her son and is trying to hold her family together through faith.
Eli Lapp,Elizabeth’s father. He represents the traditionalist views of the Amish community and struggles with the choices his children have made.
Toby,"Timothy Fisher’s search-and-rescue dog. While not human, Toby plays a crucial ""character"" role in the physical search for Matthew."
The Bishop,"Provides spiritual guidance and represents the strict adherence to the Ordnung (the rules of the Amish church), often creating tension for those returning from the outside world."

In **The Search**, Bertha (specifically **Bertha Riehl**) is one of the most memorable and colorful characters. She is often referred to as "Mammi" by her granddaughter.

### Role and Personality

Bertha is the owner of **Rose Hill Farm** in Stoney Ridge and the grandmother of **Bess Reihl**, one of the book's main protagonists. She is a prominent figure in the community, known for being a "law unto herself."

* **The "Intimidating" Matron:** She is described as a large, imposing woman (humorously claiming to be "five feet twelve inches" tall rather than six feet) who is crusty, opinionated, and highly independent.
* **Hardworking:** She runs her farm with a firm hand and expects the same level of work from those around her, including her granddaughter Bess and her hired hand, **Billy Lapp**.
* **The Matchmaker/Schemer:** While she appears gruff and intimidating, Bertha is secretly quite cunning. She often uses "bluff and bluster" to get her way, and she is instrumental in bringing her estranged family members back together.
* **Her Companions:** She is rarely seen without her two constant companions:
* **Otto:** A cranky, 14-year-old leghorn rooster that she carries around "football-style" under her arm.
* **Boomer:** A large black dog that follows her everywhere.



### Relationship to the Plot

Bertha's role is central to the "search" for family reconciliation. The story involves a long-standing rift between Bertha and her son, **Jonah** (Bess’s father). By bringing Bess to the farm for the summer, Bertha sets in motion a series of events that force her family to confront secrets from fifteen years prior.

---

### Correction on Previous Characters

To ensure accuracy based on the specific text of this novel: While the Lapp family is central to the series, the primary protagonists of *The Search* (the third book in the *Lancaster County Secrets* series) are actually **Bess Reihl** and **Lainey O’Toole**. The search mentioned in the title refers to both the search for the truth behind a past tragedy and the characters' search for their own identities.

Would you like more details on the connection between Bertha and the other main characters like Bess or Lainey?

[Anne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that this book followed the previous book in the series. In the back of my mind, I’m still wondering if the first book, The Choice, happened first? But this book definitely was set in at first I thought 1972, but then a wedding date has it as December 1971. Again, with the way Amish live, time doesn’t matter, but it’s nice to get a sense of things.
This book focused on Lainey O’Toole, who actually was raised English. But she lived among the Amish, even having an Amish step-father who left her with her baby half-sister after her mother died. This baby, Bess, was “given” by Lainey, to the dying Rebecca, after a buggy accident that claimed the life of her biological baby. Jonah, married to Rebecca, didn’t know of any baby switching, and raises Bess on his own. When Bess is 15, her grandmother, Jonah’s mother, Bertha, invites her to come to her rose farm in Lancaster for the summer, saying she needs help recovering from a surgery. This is the beginning of Bertha’s humor and getting people to satisfy her every whim. The surgery was getting her teeth pulled!
Bess comes out of her shell that summer. She learns how to harvest, graph, and make things from roses. She falls in love for the first time with Billy Lapp, and learns what a broken heart feels like. She also learns her true background, that Lainey is her half sister. Before learning that Simon, shunned and Bertha’s brother, is her biological father, she donates her bone marrow to him since she was a perfect match. Bess never tells him he is her father.
Lainey and Jonah, Bess’ father, realize they love each other. Lainey and Bess get baptized in the Amish church together. The only sad and disappointing thing was the untimely death of Bertha. I felt how she was sorely missed on the farm. It looks like Jonah isn’t going to move back to Ohio, so it looks like the rose farm could still be kept up. This would make for a great next story…Bess coming of age, who she marries, and even having an update on Maggie, Bishop Caleb’s daughter, finding love. Will Esther ever find love with her annoying ways?

[Natsie Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 stars
The Search is one of those Amish romance novels that feels warm, comforting, and effortlessly readable — the kind of book that feels like spending an afternoon in a quiet farmhouse kitchen with the smell of fresh bread in the air.
This story follows Lainey O’Toole, who returns to Stoney Ridge after years away and unexpectedly crosses paths with Bess, a spirited young Amish woman who’s staying with her grandmother. Their lives intersect in a way that uncovers long-held secrets, heartbreak, and surprising new beginnings.
What I Loved
✨ The cozy Amish setting: Fisher’s writing shines most in the simplicity and charm of Stoney Ridge. The farmland, the community rhythms, the emphasis on quiet living — it all reads like comfort fiction.
✨ Great character dynamics: Bess steals every scene she’s in. She’s vibrant, curious, and brings much-needed humor and energy to the more emotional plotlines.
✨ Thoughtful exploration of forgiveness: The secrets revealed in this book carry real emotional weight. The way the story deals with truth, healing, and reconciliation is gentle yet impactful.
✨ Sweet, wholesome romance: Not overly dramatic, not rushed — just simple chemistry that fits the tone of the book.
What Didn’t Quite Hit
⚠️ Predictability: The major twist is easy to guess early on.
⚠️ Some pacing dips: A few middle chapters drag, especially when focusing on side characters.
⚠️ Conflict resolves a bit too neatly: If you enjoy tidy endings, this won’t bother you — but if you prefer more tension, it might feel too clean.
Final Thoughts
If you love cozy, gentle romances, Amish fiction, or stories about second chances and healing, The Search is a sweet, comforting read. It’s the kind of book that won’t stress you — perfect for a rainy afternoon, a reading slump, or when you want something heartwarming without being heavy.

[Diana C. Kobylak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this touching story about Bess, a 15 year old girl who was summed from Ohio to Pennsylvania for the summer by her grandmother with the pretense that she is ailing after female surgery. Her father gives Bess the choice and Bess goes, then discovers her Mamie had dental surgery but needs help with her roses farm. Bess regrets it initially because her Mamie seems to always get her way and is brusque. However, over time, Bess learns how to stand her ground and grows to love her grandmother.
Bess’s grandmother then takes convinces Bess to drive the sheriff’s car three times with the goal of getting arrested. She has an ulterior motive: to get Bess’s father to travel to Pennsylvania and to for Bess to get tested to see if he is a donor match for her shunned mean and alcoholic brother, Simon, who is a veteran, and hospitalized. He will die without a bone marrow transplant. Mamie also convinces Lainey, who is now grown up 15 years later, to go visit. There is a connection between Bess, Lainey, and Simon.
I like that Bess grows as a character. The thing I disliked was that the men, Bess’s father and Billy, Bess’s crush, seemed like weak men. They become involved in unhealthy relationships and find it hard to dissolve them.

[Victoria (hotcocoaandbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably my least favorite of the series, but it was still good and well written while giving you some emotions.
This is a book about two women. One, Lainey, was born into an Amish family but had grown up jumping to different foster homes before returning to the home she remembered long ago simply because her car broke down there. Secrets come out about a tragedy that took place when she was young. The other, Bess, has been raised by her father. He has never remarried, and he truly cares for his daughter. Now she is maturing and thinking about joining the church even though some think she may be too young to make that decision. There is also a young man she is in love with but keeps it to herself because he has eyes for another. Both of these women grow in fondness and friendship for one another. It is a really sweet relationship. Lainey remembers Bess' father from when she too was young and admires the man he has become.

There is a lot of talk about forgiveness and being able to grow through the pains of the past. It was rather lovely.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 is contemporary, book 2 is set in 1965, and book 3 takes place in 1971. They all can be read as stand alone. They don't overlap very much. As far as I could tell, Esther is the only character in all 3.

What I liked best
The way Bess matures during the year. I like how the author handled her relationship with Billy. I felt it was very realistic for a 15 year old. Bess showed so much maturity when she realized relationships take time. My favorite part was when Bess was no longer infatuated with Billy. Over time, things may or may not work out between them and that's okay. It was refreshing. I also liked when Billy wanted to marry when he was 21 not at 18.

My major take away of the author's message
Forgive others; we need God's help with this. Forgiving and loving people go hand in hand. "...we fail in the work of grace and love when there is too much of us and not enough of God." (77%, p167 on my ebook)

[Rosemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interestingly, I thought book 2 was a Vietnam period piece because I didn't catch any historical references in book 1. However, in book 3, which referenced characters in book 1, the year 1971 was mentioned, so this entire series takes place during the Vietnam war.

This story is about a teenage Amish girl who travels from Ohio to visit her grandmother in Stony Ridge (Lancaster, PA) and an Englisch girl whose car breaks down in Stoney Ridge. Both of their lives are tied together in a tragedy that happened years before, and a secret truth that brings healing to more than just the two young women.

I enjoyed this story and was saddened by it being the end of the series. I will be looking to read more books by this author.

[JenV · Rating 3 out of 5]

This third book of the trilogy takes place a few years after the second book. It’s the story of Bess Riehl, her father Jonah, and Lainey O’Toole. I suspect that Jonah may ultimately be the grandfather of Sol Riehl from the first book just like Caleb Zook (main character from the second book and supporting character in this book) was the grandfather of Mattie Zook from the first book. The author never ties this Riehl family to Sol, but one can easily make the inference. That would be the only way the first and third books make sense together. In any event, this was a decent story. Better than the first, not quite as good as the second. Still left loose ends that I’d have preferred tied up.

[Larisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the 3rd book in the series. It's wonderful how each book can be read as a stand-a-lone and yet they are all woven together too. I enjoy the author's style of writing.

This was a beautiful story about forgiveness, healing, and love. I like this part from the book..."How do I forgive her?, as far as forgiving your mother, Peter asked Jesus, how many times should he forgive another? Peter wanted a statistical count and Jesus responded with a story. Not seven times, but I tell you, seventy-seven times. Jesus was teaching him that we don't live by careful bookkeeping. Through God's mercy, bookkeeping has given way to extravagant generosity."

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this wasn't my favorite series but it was still good. This might have been my favorite book of the 3 but I wish the books would have flowed together a lot more. Books in a series should follow each other and this series really didn't do that much at all so that disappointed me. Wish there was a 4th book that would pull everything together and finish the stories of all the lives that were left in limbo for us to ponder as to what truly happened in the end. Especially this one.....would Bess eventually marry Billy...would Laney and Jonah have children of their own.....just so much left unsaid.....oh well, onto the next series!

[Taryn Spearey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this installment just as much as the previous one! Lainey O'Toole's car breaks down in Stony Ridge, the last place she wants to be and now has to face her past.

Bess Riehl is unhappy when her father tells her that she will be spending the summer with her grandmother in Stony Ridge. Her grandmother does a lot of things in a certain way.

Bess and Lainey met at the bakery one day, and Lainey feels an instant connection to Bess. The reveal that they are half-sisters really shocked me.

I think that Bess was a bit too worried about her dad. I think she should have had more faith in him. Also, i loved the wedding between him and Lainey.

[Jolee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I was surprised how much I enjoyed this. If I’m being honest, it’s probably fair to say that I was an ‘anti-bonnet fiction’ snob. Eeks! But I had met the author at a convention, and had a signed copy, so I thought I’d at least give it a whirl. I never read any. I suppose I figured any fictional book with an Amish woman and a bonnet equaled formulaic and trite. There you go for prejudging! It was a well-written and sweet story with characters and a plot I enjoyed.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good story! I liked the crabby grandma and her knowing things before they happen. I like the twists and turns the story takes. Bess is a good character and seems older than her age. I thought the book was a good one.

i want to thank the author for sending me this large print book for my mom.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lancaster County Secrets: Read in Paperback
**The Choice {Lancaster Secrets book 1}
5 stars
Read in paperback many years ago

**The Waiting {Lancaster Secrets book 2}
5 stars
Read in paperback many years ago

**The Search {Lancaster secrets book 3}
5 stars
Read in paperback many years ago