1. The Search, Lancaster County Secrets Series #3
    Suzanne Woods Fisher
    Revell / 2010 / Trade Paperback
    Our Price$10.49 Retail Price$19.00 Save 45% ($8.51)
    4.7 out of 5 stars for The Search, Lancaster County Secrets Series #3. View reviews of this product. 32 Reviews
    Availability: In Stock
    Stock No: WW733872
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Displaying items 31-32 of 32
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  1. Rambling Reader
    4 Stars Out Of 5
    Searching for a Good Read?
    January 11, 2011
    Rambling Reader
    Quality: 4
    Value: 4
    Meets Expectations: 4
    Amish novels have become a staple in the Christian fiction marketplace during the past several years. After reading several predictable Amish fiction novels, they have not been on the top of my reading list. The synopsis of The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher intrigued me and enticed me to give Amish fiction another try.

    In the quiet Amish community of Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania, past secrets are revealed and lives are connected in unexpected ways. Lainey O'Toole, a young English woman finds herself stranded in her hometown of Stoney Ridge on her way to culinary school. Expecting to stay just a few days, Lainey soon realizes that God has other plans for her future. Bertha Reihl is a past acquaintance of Lainey's and a staple in the Amish community with a reputation for her stubborn streak and her sweet roses. Bertha coaxes her teenage granddaughter, Bess, to live on her rose farm for the summer. Like Lainey, Bess's journey to Stoney Ridge is ultimately a life-changing journey. As their lives entwine, Lainey, Bess, Bertha, and their families are forced to confront consequences of their past decisions while reexamining their faith and discovering the power of love and forgiveness.

    The Search is a quick and enjoyable read that offers a departure from the more formulaic Amish novels that I have read in the past. Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone novel. Characters from The Choice and The Waiting make appearances in The Search, but each novel focuses on different characters and situations. Fisher writes the novel from several different perspectives, primarily those of Lainey and Bess. As I read the novel, I found myself more drawn to Bess's character. Over the course of the book, Bess blossoms into a compassionate and strong young woman. Her journey is heartwarming and inspiring, and I hope that her story will continue. I felt less connected to Lainey, who makes several life-changing decisions, but easily transitions into her altered lifestyle. I would have enjoyed a closer look into Lainey's adjustment to her new life.

    Suzanne Woods Fisher reintroduced me to Amish fiction, and I plan to read The Choice and The Waiting. In today's technological world, the Amish lifestyle is often viewed as idyllic and simple. It is often hard to imagine that the Amish have faults and face daily challenges like the rest of society. Amish fiction offers readers a glimpse into the lifestyle that we find fascinating as outsiders and takes us on a journey to the picturesque farmlands, without leaving our modern comforts.
  2. deanawat
    www.deanawat.blogspot.com
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    3 Stars Out Of 5
    Great Teen/Tween Read
    January 18, 2011
    deanawat
    www.deanawat.blogspot.com
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    Quality: 3
    Value: 3
    Meets Expectations: 4
    I haven't read an Amish book for many years, mainly because I'd let life get in the way of my reading obsession for a bit, so when I had the opportunity to try out an author that's new to me, Suzanne Woods Fisher, I jumped on it. My own protestant beliefs parallel the Amish beliefs of family, order, and living a life for God in everything we do, so I enjoy learning more about their lives and beliefs. Thanks for the copy Revell Publishing but this opinion is my own.

    This is really a 2-in-1 story about two young ladies from seemingly different worlds but they share a connection. I liked to see the characters themselves, and those around them, grow spiritually as they discover the secrets and connection that each have. Bess is a young teen, while Lainey is in her early 20's. This book is perfect for a young teen (or even a tween if reading is her obsession). The Search will help broaden a teen's perspective on family dynamics, forgiveness and healing, especially if the discussion questions in the back are used.

    I especially liked Bertha Riehl or Bess' Mammi. I come from a Germanic heritage also and what is seen by so many to be a crusty, conniving old lady is actually the wise, loving gem in the bunch--kind of like a hearty loaf of bread with a heavy crust.
Displaying items 31-32 of 32
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