"The Quieting"By Suzanne Woods Fisher
Are well laid plans always "the best" plans??? Abigail Stoltzfus discovers that they certainly are NOT!!
This second book in Suzanne's series, "The Bishop's Family", is every bit as good as the first, "The Imposter". I must admit that I had doubts about this book as I picked it up. Not that I wouldn't enjoy it, (who would not love this author's creations??), but that it could not possibly be as great a read as the previous one was! Happy to announce that I was WRONG!! It was a fantastic read that kept me glued to the page from beginning to the end.
Synopsis:
The Stoltzfus family faces serious problems, both in the church and at home. Everyone in the community expects minister David Stoltzfus to fix things–fast. But David doesn’t work fast. He prefers to wait for God to work in individual hearts. However, even he is left wondering if the solution to their most pressing problem might be a Quieting.
When David’s mother arrives, uninvited, more upheaval is in store. She has matchmaking plans for everyone in the family, including David and her eligible granddaughters–and especially for David’s niece Abigail. When Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem–but will it create another?
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher takes fans back to Stoney Ridge, delivering the twists, turns, and romance they adore.
My Thoughts: For those that love genealogy, this book will grab your attention immediately! A topic, not common among those stories written about the Amish community, is dealt with in the usual unique style that only Suzanne Woods Fisher can produce. Abigail, the main character is totally amazed by and engrossed in this study, as well as being dedicated in assisting her father who is unable to complete the work himself. She proves to be a somewhat quirky, determined young woman who has no time to waste on frivolous things like finding a husband, much to her Grandmother's dismay! I immediately was able to identify with this young woman who became my closest friend! I felt her every challenge and disappointment. Her Grandmother was certainly not a person to ignore or take lightly! Her plan to find a husband for Abigail among the many bachelors, she believes is available in Stoney Ridge was one that this determined woman was not going to give up. Even when discovering they are not as plentiful as thought, Mammi does not give up!! She is one strong willed woman!! I wasn't sure I would want her to be pushing me towards any end!! What a stubborn old woman she was!!
The plot moved quickly and steadily with surprising twists and turns appearing at the most unexpected times. The conflict grows as the plot develops keeping the reader totally engrossed. The complications lead to family against family, clear that that path to a solution may lead to a Quieting- the removal of a church leader, not a pleasant or common occurrence in the Amish faith. The solving of one problem seems to create another!! I could not put this book down as I just had to know what would happen next!! There were so much going on within the main plot that you feel that you must untangle the webs that develop! At least, I wanted to!!
This book stresses the need to let go of the past and move on with the present. Although the past may be important, it must remain in the past, not carried on in the present and future! Each of must take time to listen to God. He has a plan for each of us, however, we have to be the one to allow Him to carry it out.
Definitely, a five star book!! Don't miss this one, it is a true winner in Amish fiction!!
This book was provided by the author and CelebrateLit in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book was provided by the author and CelebrateLit in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Purchase your copy of The Quieting here.
About the Author
Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author whose most recent novels include Anna’s Crossing and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.
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A Word from the Author:
Twenty years ago, my husband and I attended a large church with a dynamic senior pastor. Each Sunday, we would sit spellbound during 40 minute sermons—he was that good a preacher. And then a terrible thing came to light—this very man had been taking advantage of vulnerable women during counseling sessions. Fourteen women, it turned out, and the pastor remained unrepentant. As issues were dealt with, our entire church suffered. We were a hurting community. The sins of one affected all.
As I plotted out ‘The Bishop’s Family,’ I wanted to borrow the theme of how a leader’s sins hurts the church community. (Now, I need to clarify that this is not a novel that addresses sexual sin. However, it does address unrepentant sin in an ordained leader.) First, I spoke to some Amish friends to see if my story idea had any merit. Was I was on the right track? To my amazement, a similar situation to my novels had occurred in one Amish friend’s church, and it resulted in a “quieting.” That’s an Amish phrase that means revoking the responsibilities of an unrepentant ordained leader. Just like it sounds–he is, essentially, “quieted.”
In this novel, you’ll see the behind-the-scenes of Amish church leadership, and get a sense of how a community is hurting. And how it begins to heal, too.
This series began in the Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania community with The Imposter. More twists and turns are coming to Stoney Ridge after The Quieting—so stay tuned for The Devoted to hit bookshelves in early October. Just in time for autumn reading by a warm fireplace!
Warmly, Suzanne
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a grab bag of Amish-made gifts worth over $100! Click the link to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/99a8
Hi Karla! Thank you so much for reading my book and taking the time to write up such a thoughtful review. I know how much work it takes! So glad you enjoyed the story. Loved the points you brought out (genealogy, for example!). Grateful to be on your blog. Warmly, Suzanne
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