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Lancaster County Secrets #2
The Waiting
Jorie King has been waiting for Benjamin Zook to return home to Lancaster County so they can marry. When news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie finds comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. That friendship ripens into love, and it seems that they are meant to be together. But when the unexpected happens, their worlds are turned upside down once more. Will Jorie trust God to lead her into the arms of a new man?
A multifaceted story about complex people living the simple life, The Waiting is the second book in the LANCASTER COUNTY SECRETS series. Readers will find themselves transported into the world of the Amish and deeply invested in these wonderful characters.
A multifaceted story about complex people living the simple life, The Waiting is the second book in the LANCASTER COUNTY SECRETS series. Readers will find themselves transported into the world of the Amish and deeply invested in these wonderful characters.
311 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
149 people are currently reading
1987 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Woods Fisher
73 books3,966 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 164 reviews
May 26, 2019
An improvement on the first volume of the series.
October 27, 2020
A gripping story of family, faith, and healing. Fans of Amish fiction will love this series and the authentic community details.
June 28, 2025
1965 Pennsylvania
A bit of historical backdrop with racial tensions, the Vietnam War and development of land.
Great cast of characters in this second of the series. I especially loved Jorie and Lizzie.
A bit of historical backdrop with racial tensions, the Vietnam War and development of land.
Great cast of characters in this second of the series. I especially loved Jorie and Lizzie.
July 30, 2013
This is the 2nd book in the series, i would have thought because it set in the time of the Vietnam war it would have been better being the 1st book
This is a complete change from most Amish books i have read yet it wasn't in other ways it told of Ben Zook who goes to Vietnam & the other brothers who stay behind even how they got called up which i didn't think even happen
There was a bit about Colour which is mention as it was at the time plus about the Amish School & their exam
all in all you not only felt like you read a good book but you also learnt a bit
This is a book well worth reading or waiting to get to read
This is a complete change from most Amish books i have read yet it wasn't in other ways it told of Ben Zook who goes to Vietnam & the other brothers who stay behind even how they got called up which i didn't think even happen
There was a bit about Colour which is mention as it was at the time plus about the Amish School & their exam
all in all you not only felt like you read a good book but you also learnt a bit
This is a book well worth reading or waiting to get to read
March 14, 2021
I enjoyed the storyline with Jorie and Cal. It had a lot of great elements. There were a few too many other side plots but overall I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one.
August 3, 2022
Started off rather slow but, with each chapter seemed to get better. I really didn't want it to end.
March 30, 2020
This sweet story was different than other Amish romances I have read. It is set during the era of the Vietnam War, which definitely affects the characters in different ways. There are some very emotional moments that felt genuine to me, though there were a few cliches as well. Still, a pleasant read that was less preachy than other books in this sub-genre.
October 10, 2019
Much, much better than book 1. A really sweet read.
September 26, 2010
An Amish tale set in during the Vietnam war, this book doesn’t really give off the strong Amish “flavor”, but I think that is what sets it apart from the mainstream Amish fiction.
There is definitely a writing style to this book that can seem jarring until you get into the story and then if flows very nicely. Several major events happen right away in the story lending the reader to be sympathetic towards the characters. The emotions were a roller coaster ride and all the little subplots were woven together to form an enjoyable story without leaving loose threads.
I think what I enjoyed the most is the flavor of the novel. It is about the Amish, but it does not focus strongly on their beliefs, it is more character driven. I think what I liked the least is the story can feel detached at times and I wasn’t really drawn “into” the story during those times.
But the overall story I thought was good. I liked the different angles and basic approach to the Amish beliefs. The characters are strong and likeable and the plot moves forward easily. I would definitely say if you enjoyed the first book, The Choice, you will want to read THE WAITING.
This is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
Available October 2010 from Revell, a division of Baker publishers.
There is definitely a writing style to this book that can seem jarring until you get into the story and then if flows very nicely. Several major events happen right away in the story lending the reader to be sympathetic towards the characters. The emotions were a roller coaster ride and all the little subplots were woven together to form an enjoyable story without leaving loose threads.
I think what I enjoyed the most is the flavor of the novel. It is about the Amish, but it does not focus strongly on their beliefs, it is more character driven. I think what I liked the least is the story can feel detached at times and I wasn’t really drawn “into” the story during those times.
But the overall story I thought was good. I liked the different angles and basic approach to the Amish beliefs. The characters are strong and likeable and the plot moves forward easily. I would definitely say if you enjoyed the first book, The Choice, you will want to read THE WAITING.
This is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
Available October 2010 from Revell, a division of Baker publishers.
February 6, 2016
I'm so sad to see this story end. I adored many of the characters and due to this I would have been happy for it to go on much longer, especially if the future of my favourite couple was to be told. Once again another great read and a beautiful addition to book one. I'm looking forward to delve into the next book, I definitely recommend this to lovers of romance and Amish stories. Be prepared for many twists and turns that you wouldn't see coming:).
January 23, 2018
A beautiful story of patience and long suffering. It is wonderful how God's plan comes through to fruition.
I fell deeply in love with the characters. I was happy for them in the end but I cried with them too. It was such a beautifully written story that I would love to read again.
I fell deeply in love with the characters. I was happy for them in the end but I cried with them too. It was such a beautifully written story that I would love to read again.
November 19, 2010
In The Waiting, Suzanne Woods Fisher takes the sweet story expected in Amish fiction and adds a kick of realism—of racial tension, mental illness, scheming aunties, and Vietnam. I treasured my time with Jorie King and the whole Zook family, sharing their grief and laughter—what a lovely read.
February 20, 2012
Love the way I was drawn into the lives of Jorie King, Ben and Caleb, Amish characters who despite the great things they deal with, continue to lean on the Lord, and call out to him not only when they are strong but when they are weak as well!!!!
July 2, 2022
Very good! This is more than just “another book about the Amish”. This is a story of love, patience, truth, growing up in a family and honoring God. I loved the main characters, Jorie King and Caleb Zook. Great addition to the Lancaster County series.
September 19, 2021
It was a long wait to the second installment, but well-worth it!! Loved the story!
July 13, 2025
True rating: 3.5 ⭐️
This book is set in the 1960's in the country side of Pennsylvania following a family of 4 males, 2 females and a woman named Jorie King. It's told from the 3rd person point of view and we watch these neighbour's experience a simple but hard Amish life in terms of their daily routines but their emotional and spiritual lives are far more complex as they go through loss, grief, doing the right thing, bullying, frustration with the people you love, repentance and so much more.
I enjoyed learning about the Amish community and I loved how their faith in God is seen strongly throughout the book. I'm glad our cast of characters chose not to follow other people when it came to the topic of racism thought it was a small battle for some to overcome.
I wasn't a fan of some of their beliefs when is comes to self defense especially because it put the characters in unnecessary situations because of it and there were points were I was not a fan of some of the plot devices (such as killing off characters) or manners in which the plot was developing.
But overall I enjoyed my read and flew through the story and I love the theme of how any memories good or bad shape us as humans and we have to choose whether they're make better or worse off.
Spice: 0
Cursing: 0
⚠️Content Warnings⚠️
Graphic: Terminal illness
Moderate: Bullying, Cancer, Death, Racism, Violence, Medical content, Death of parent, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Child death, Fatphobia, Miscarriage, Blood, Dementia
This book is set in the 1960's in the country side of Pennsylvania following a family of 4 males, 2 females and a woman named Jorie King. It's told from the 3rd person point of view and we watch these neighbour's experience a simple but hard Amish life in terms of their daily routines but their emotional and spiritual lives are far more complex as they go through loss, grief, doing the right thing, bullying, frustration with the people you love, repentance and so much more.
I enjoyed learning about the Amish community and I loved how their faith in God is seen strongly throughout the book. I'm glad our cast of characters chose not to follow other people when it came to the topic of racism thought it was a small battle for some to overcome.
I wasn't a fan of some of their beliefs when is comes to self defense especially because it put the characters in unnecessary situations because of it and there were points were I was not a fan of some of the plot devices (such as killing off characters) or manners in which the plot was developing.
But overall I enjoyed my read and flew through the story and I love the theme of how any memories good or bad shape us as humans and we have to choose whether they're make better or worse off.
Spice: 0
Cursing: 0
⚠️Content Warnings⚠️
Graphic: Terminal illness
Moderate: Bullying, Cancer, Death, Racism, Violence, Medical content, Death of parent, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Child death, Fatphobia, Miscarriage, Blood, Dementia
June 1, 2025
Like the first book, this is 3.75 stars.
Jorie is an Amish woman who has been in love with Ben for such a long time. He signs up to go to Vietnam during the war as a conscientious objector. Ben's brother Cal has been doing so much for his family between raising his own brothers, becoming the choice for the newest preacher, and finding out hard news about his wife, who now doesn't have much time left. Jorie is also the schoolteacher and is close to Cal's wife. Their families have always been very tight knit together. She goes through the hardship of possibly losing both her friend and her love, while also doing her best to see God's will and love through it all. Cal is doing his best to just keep it together. He also has his daughter he is raising. Everyone seems to think she is not learning how to be a young woman with being around so many men in her family.
This story really took its time to set up things and I really enjoyed the pace, because it wasn't slow and it wasn't rushed. There was some romance put into it too all while trying to grow in faith. Ben was a unique character, and as a Mennonite, it is hard for me to think that someone would want to be a soldier at all when taught about neighbor love, but this book does a good job in handling it and explaining it. I appreciated that. I felt it was a well-developed story. Thankfully it wasn't as crazy tragic as the first one was. That one had shocked me and this one was better for my heart.
Jorie is an Amish woman who has been in love with Ben for such a long time. He signs up to go to Vietnam during the war as a conscientious objector. Ben's brother Cal has been doing so much for his family between raising his own brothers, becoming the choice for the newest preacher, and finding out hard news about his wife, who now doesn't have much time left. Jorie is also the schoolteacher and is close to Cal's wife. Their families have always been very tight knit together. She goes through the hardship of possibly losing both her friend and her love, while also doing her best to see God's will and love through it all. Cal is doing his best to just keep it together. He also has his daughter he is raising. Everyone seems to think she is not learning how to be a young woman with being around so many men in her family.
This story really took its time to set up things and I really enjoyed the pace, because it wasn't slow and it wasn't rushed. There was some romance put into it too all while trying to grow in faith. Ben was a unique character, and as a Mennonite, it is hard for me to think that someone would want to be a soldier at all when taught about neighbor love, but this book does a good job in handling it and explaining it. I appreciated that. I felt it was a well-developed story. Thankfully it wasn't as crazy tragic as the first one was. That one had shocked me and this one was better for my heart.
December 28, 2024
This book surprised me. I had just grabbed it quickly at the library, and as I looked more closely, it appeared to be a romance novel. Not my favorite. But as I started reading it, I found the characters to be likeable and relatable.
This apparently is one of a series of books on the Amish of Pennsylvania, which I didn't know going in. It revealed a lot about the lifestyle of the Amish, and I found myself admiring their honesty, integrity, and determination to do things "God's way". The individuals in this story have many of the same issues and situations that anyone might have, but I admired the way they chose to solve problems with love and respect for others above themselves, using the Bible as their guide.
Yes, it's a little bit of a romance novel, but it has enough character development and action to make it interesting. I liked it.
This apparently is one of a series of books on the Amish of Pennsylvania, which I didn't know going in. It revealed a lot about the lifestyle of the Amish, and I found myself admiring their honesty, integrity, and determination to do things "God's way". The individuals in this story have many of the same issues and situations that anyone might have, but I admired the way they chose to solve problems with love and respect for others above themselves, using the Bible as their guide.
Yes, it's a little bit of a romance novel, but it has enough character development and action to make it interesting. I liked it.
August 10, 2017
This is the second book in the series, and I thought the story would involve some of the characters from the first book, but it didn't. In fact, it's a historical piece, taking place during the Vietnam War yet in the same town of Stoney Ridge. The main character, Jorie, is in love with an Amish man who is serving in Vietnam as a conscientious objector. Hoping he'll mature while he's gone, she waits for his return. Unfortunately, she and his family get news of his death, and Jorie's world is turned upside down. Time passes, and she thinks she may be able to love again until a miraculous surprise once again turns Jorie's world upside down. With a major decision to make that could affect more than just her own life, Jorie must rely on the truth that's deep in her own heart.
December 7, 2025
***orie is an Amish woman who has been in love with Ben for such a long time. He signs up to go to Vietnam during the war as a conscientious objector. Ben's brother Cal has been doing so much for his family between raising his own brothers, becoming the choice for the newest preacher, and finding out hard news about his wife, who now doesn't have much time left.
Jorie is also the schoolteacher and is close to Cal's wife. Their families have always been very tight knit together. She goes through the hardship of possibly losing both her friend and her love, while also doing her best to see God's will and love through it all. Cal is doing his best to just keep it together. He also has his daughter he is raising. Everyone seems to think she is not learning how to be a young woman with being around so many men in her family.
***
This is the second book in the series, and I thought the story would involve some of the characters from the first book, but it didn't. In fact, it's a historical piece, taking place during the Vietnam War yet in the same town of Stoney Ridge. The main character, Jorie, is in love with an Amish man who is serving in Vietnam as a conscientious objector. Hoping he'll mature while he's gone, she waits for his return. Unfortunately, she and his family get news of his death, and Jorie's world is turned upside down. Time passes, and she thinks she may be able to love again until a miraculous surprise once again turns Jorie's world upside down. With a major decision to make that could affect more than just her own life, Jorie must rely on the truth that's deep in her own heart.
Jorie is also the schoolteacher and is close to Cal's wife. Their families have always been very tight knit together. She goes through the hardship of possibly losing both her friend and her love, while also doing her best to see God's will and love through it all. Cal is doing his best to just keep it together. He also has his daughter he is raising. Everyone seems to think she is not learning how to be a young woman with being around so many men in her family.
***
This is the second book in the series, and I thought the story would involve some of the characters from the first book, but it didn't. In fact, it's a historical piece, taking place during the Vietnam War yet in the same town of Stoney Ridge. The main character, Jorie, is in love with an Amish man who is serving in Vietnam as a conscientious objector. Hoping he'll mature while he's gone, she waits for his return. Unfortunately, she and his family get news of his death, and Jorie's world is turned upside down. Time passes, and she thinks she may be able to love again until a miraculous surprise once again turns Jorie's world upside down. With a major decision to make that could affect more than just her own life, Jorie must rely on the truth that's deep in her own heart.
January 21, 2021
This is the second book in this trilogy, but as other reviews have stated it should have been first as it took place 2 generations prior to the first book. This is the story of Jorie King and Caleb Zook who was Mattie Zook’s grandfather, the much-loved late Bishop briefly mentioned in book 1. I think this book was much better than the first. It was more well-written, contained much less far-fetched drama, and the characters are more realistic and endearing. I would love if the author had provided an epilogue with more info into the future to tie up loose ends, especially since Caleb was only briefly mentioned in the first book.
June 23, 2017
I loved this book! The beginning took me a minute to get into, but in the end I found (for the first time in a while) that I had fallen in love with the characters and the setting.
The author's writing style is pretty good, and lots of little sub-plots keep you interested. However I did notice a few mistakes in the writing (like how she described the cougar having short ears and a bobbed tail, then in the next chapter describing it 'thrashing it's long tail' but nothing too devastating). All in all, a very enjoyable read with a lot of plot twists and a very worth-it ending!
The author's writing style is pretty good, and lots of little sub-plots keep you interested. However I did notice a few mistakes in the writing (like how she described the cougar having short ears and a bobbed tail, then in the next chapter describing it 'thrashing it's long tail' but nothing too devastating). All in all, a very enjoyable read with a lot of plot twists and a very worth-it ending!
September 24, 2024
Jorie King is 24 years old and unmarried. She is waiting for Ben Zook, who is away in Vietnam, to grow up. This story is about second chances, forgiveness, and shows a side of post traumatic syndrome some soldiers encounter.
It is also about a young woman, who shows her Amish community that just because her teaching methods seem outlandish does not mean her pupils are not learning. It is also a story about resilience and pressing on. Great overall story!
It is also about a young woman, who shows her Amish community that just because her teaching methods seem outlandish does not mean her pupils are not learning. It is also a story about resilience and pressing on. Great overall story!
July 23, 2017
I enjoy Suzanne Woods Fisher's style of writing. I enjoy her characters, and I love the way God is gently included throughout the whole story so that you're left with a warm hug after the last page This story, The Waiting, has many plots and lots of sub plots to keep you reading to find out how the story goes.
May 26, 2019
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
**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
August 21, 2025
I enjoyed this book. As others have said, this book delves into racial tensions, Vietnam, and family struggles, but the author brings it back to how God is sufficient through it all. Also, I appreciated the author bringing out how confessing our sins to God (and to others when we have hurt them) can be healing.
October 8, 2018
Jorie King was waiting for love. Living the simple life was not always simple. Her good friend Mary Anne dies and Jorie becomes friends with Mary Anne's husband Caleb. Life seems to improve until both of their worlds are turned upside down.
December 22, 2018
This is so much more than a sweet Amish story. I loved the courage and strength of the people, especially Jorie. The author truly developed the suspense in the romance between 2 men who wanted her. Wonderful ending!
April 14, 2025
I was slow to want to read this Amish story, but I am so glad I put aside my bias and gave it a try. I delighted in the unfolding of plot and character with interesting twists.
Each book of the series is really stand alone, but reading in order seems right, like Amish ways.
Each book of the series is really stand alone, but reading in order seems right, like Amish ways.
Read
May 6, 2025I love the Amish stories. So full of love, trusting God, forgiveness-they are just the most heartfelt stories and ones that could also be true life stories. Such a good and easy read! Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews