Wednesday, May 3, 2017

The Devoted

GIVEAWAY

FISHER, SUZANNE WOODS
THE DEVOTED

The Amish life is all she's ever known -- but will it satisfy her soul?

Restless and adventurous, Ruthie Stolzfus is right on the cusp of leaving her Amish home. Secretly, she's earned her GED, saved her money -- but she can't quite set her journey into motion. Just as everything falls into place, along comes Patrick Kelly.

Patrick is a young man on a journey of his own. He's come to Stoney Ridge to convert to the Amish and has given himself thirty days to learn the language, drive a buggy, and adapt to "everything Plain." Time is of the essence and every moment is to be cherished -- especially the hours he spends with Ruthie, his Penn Dutch tutor.

Ruthie's next--door neighbor and cunning ex-boyfriend, Luke Schrock, is drawn to trouble like a moth to a flame. Rebellious, headstrong, defiant, Luke will do anything to win Ruthie back -- and Patrick Kelly is in his way.

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to Stoney Ridge for a story of dreams deferred -- and the promise of hopes fulfilled.

My Review:

This is the third book in The Bishop's Family series. It can be read as a standalone thanks to the handy dandy list of characters and brief bios the author provides but, honestly, this is such a sublime series you will really want to read The Imposter and The Quieting as well.

I love the sense of homecoming I feel when I open one of Fisher's novels. I'm immediately invited in and become part of the community. And Stoney Ridge is the kind of place I'd like to live. Fisher has created a small town with so many memorable characters!

Ruthie Stoltzfus has been a favourite of mine in previous books and she really shines in this one. All earnest and eager and brimming with teenage angst. She's positive she's meant for more than what Stoney Ridge has to offer. In contrast, Englischer, Patrick Kelly is eager to leave the complications of the world behind for a simpler life living among the Amish. Ruthie thinks he's crazy, but she's also reluctantly intrigued.

There's a host of other familiar characters to get involved with too -- both Englisch and Amish. Including Bishop David Stoltfus (one of my favourite characters ever!) who is charged with guiding them all in his quiet, contemplative way.

The power of Fisher's storytelling is in the way she weaves all these character's stories together. Diverse plot lines converge in powerful ways and a reader comes away feeling immensely satisfied and fulfilled.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Devoted please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you post a comment and add your email address please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday May 7  2017.  Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

40 comments:

  1. I had to go back to see if I had already read this one & I have :-) Though it's the only one of the Bishop's Family series I've enjoyed, it took a bit to figure out what was what. So I hope to remedy that soon by going back to read the first two. She's a great author who knows her stuff!

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    1. I can see how it would make of an impact if you've read the first two books. I love the way she puts a story together. Hope you get to read the other books soon.

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  2. I missed this one and can't believe I didn't order it with my gift card. (gasp) I love Suzanne's books so much! How could I have forgotten this one? I'm a terrible fan. :P Great review, Kav! Fabulous cover, too, although I know you didn't have anything to do with that. lol

    dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. LOL -- it's hard to keep up with all our favourite authors, isn't it? And yes, the cover is quite striking, isn't it? Good luck, Diana.

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    2. Especially when you're a dizzy blonde. Literally. My hairdresser spent the 1st five minutes yesterday telling me blonde jokes. I told him "no tip" and that hushed him right up for some strange reason. :-) Very striking cover indeed.

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    3. Bwahahahaha! You put him in his place. :-)

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    4. Yup. He may have me over a barrel, though. The fate of my head rests in his hands. hehe

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  3. I loved the first two and look forward to this one!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. Isn't it an awesome series? Good luck, rubynreba.

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  4. Suzanne is such a wonderful author. What a joy it is to read them! Thank you for this giveaway, Kav!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  5. Sounds like such a good book. I can't wait to read it!
    Thank you for the giveaway.

    melodybissonnette AT gmail DOT com

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  6. I love SUZANNE WOODS FISHER's book. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of THE DEVOTED.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  7. I have read Suzanne before and she is great! Would love to win so I can give it away to one of my friends who love Amish books! Thanks, paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet

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  8. Great author! Thanks from Oklahoma.
    Karenskrayons(at)gmail(dot)com

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  9. I love Amish books and would love to read this one and the entire series. Thanks, Kav!

    Dblaser(at)windstream(dot)net

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    1. It's an awesome series, Diane. Good luck.

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    1. It's awesome, isn't it, Lucy? Good luck!

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  11. I've been wanting to read this book. Great post.
    susanlulu(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  12. oh your review makes this sound like such a wonderful book. I love stories of the Amish. They really have a sense of simplicity and faith.

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    1. And Suzanne Woods Fisher tells such amazing stories about the Amish. Good luck, Lori.

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  13. Oh my, it sure sounds like Ruthie and Patrick both have some important decisions to make! I can hardly wait to read this series. Thanks for the review and giveaway. d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  14. Suzanne's Books always sound great. she has the ebook-Kindle of Anna's Crossing - Amaish Beginnings Book #1 For FREE Right now, if anyone else is interested. :) Thanks for the chance to win this one. iamabho (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Oh that's great news. Thanks for sharing. I just read the sequel to Anna's Crossing a few weeks ago. Another great series by this awesome author. Good luck, Linda.

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    2. THANKS, Linda....I just downloaded it! I am waaay behind on reading her books!
      Have a great day!

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    3. Thank You and you are very welcome Jackie

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    5. The Devoted is on sale E-Book for $1.99 and Amish Beginnings Book #2 is on Sale for $1.99 The Newcomer if anyone is interested and Anna's Crossing is still free
      Kav what is the name of the prequel?

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    6. Wow -- I can't believe such new releases are on sale already! Hope lots of people take advantage of the great prices. I'm not away of any prequel, Linda, so can't help you there.

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  15. Ohhh, thank you for the chance to win "The Devotional", I love this series. Suzanne does such a good job!

    wfnren at aol dot com

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    1. It's such a great series. Good luck, Wendy.

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