Sadie Lapp left home to be with her sister Julia and her brother-in-law but felt the pull to return home to her father and sister after only a few months. On her way home she finds something at the bus station that will change not only her life but her family's forever. Upon her arrival she learns that the rare birds her deceased brother loved so much have garnered attention from across the country so the Lapp farm is crawling with strangers trying to catch a glimpse of the falcons. Sadie's unsure of what to make of the handsome Englischer Will Stoltz, birdwatcher and caretaker or the sudden change in her old friend Gideon Smucker. As the summer goes on she struggles with family, community and friendship and must learn to come out of her shell or continue to be trampled on.
Okay so here it comes, I highly respect this author and love all her previous works but this book just wasn't for me. The story in and of itself wasn't bad but I did not like two of the three main characters and found myself almost wanting to skip over their parts of the story. Will Stoltz was lazy and whiny and Gideon Smucker was trying so hard to get Sadie's attention that it bordered on painful to read. Will did get a little better as the story went on but still not enough to impress me. I didn't really like or sympathize with either of these men. As a romance reader I feel you're supposed to like at least one of the heroines potential love interests.
I still loved Sadie's little sister, Mary Kate (aka M.K.) who was precocious as ever and her ornery Uncle Hank in this book. Hopefully The Lesson will bring these characters back, give us some answers about Sadie's love life and hopefully the men of that story I will like! As I said before I loved the first book in this series, The Keeper, and I loved Suzanne Woods Fisher's previous series, Lancaster County Secrets. The characters in those books were so full of soul and the emotion fairly oozed off the pages. I'm looking forward to seeing how this series ends and hopefully get some closure!
~ My Rating 2.5 out of 5 stars ~
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher. 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.*
Okay so here it comes, I highly respect this author and love all her previous works but this book just wasn't for me. The story in and of itself wasn't bad but I did not like two of the three main characters and found myself almost wanting to skip over their parts of the story. Will Stoltz was lazy and whiny and Gideon Smucker was trying so hard to get Sadie's attention that it bordered on painful to read. Will did get a little better as the story went on but still not enough to impress me. I didn't really like or sympathize with either of these men. As a romance reader I feel you're supposed to like at least one of the heroines potential love interests.
I still loved Sadie's little sister, Mary Kate (aka M.K.) who was precocious as ever and her ornery Uncle Hank in this book. Hopefully The Lesson will bring these characters back, give us some answers about Sadie's love life and hopefully the men of that story I will like! As I said before I loved the first book in this series, The Keeper, and I loved Suzanne Woods Fisher's previous series, Lancaster County Secrets. The characters in those books were so full of soul and the emotion fairly oozed off the pages. I'm looking forward to seeing how this series ends and hopefully get some closure!
~ My Rating 2.5 out of 5 stars ~
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher. 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.*
Charity L. (kingsdaughter1611) -
I am personally not a fan of amish type books. To me they are somewhat the same as far as plots, characters, etc. Every once in a while I run across an author who writes a good one that I enjoy and it is different. Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of those authors. I always request her books when I can. They are not really exciting or anything, but they make for a nice slow read on those days you feel like drifting away:)
I enjoyed being able to see many of the characters from the first book in the Stoney Ridge series. One thing I found interesting in this book was how quickly people jump to conclusions. A young lady, Sadie, returns with a surprise and everyone in the community automatically thinks the worst of her. It is amazing how people are, and yet we are all too often the same. Makes me stop and think before coming to the obvious answer now!
Overall a good book that is a slower read. Can't wait to read the next book in the series. Enjoyed this one!
I received a copy of this book for my review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.
I enjoyed being able to see many of the characters from the first book in the Stoney Ridge series. One thing I found interesting in this book was how quickly people jump to conclusions. A young lady, Sadie, returns with a surprise and everyone in the community automatically thinks the worst of her. It is amazing how people are, and yet we are all too often the same. Makes me stop and think before coming to the obvious answer now!
Overall a good book that is a slower read. Can't wait to read the next book in the series. Enjoyed this one!
I received a copy of this book for my review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.
**This review shared with you by my mom. :-))**
A novel of secrets, twists and hidden truths, The Haven, latest title in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series is an enjoyable and likeable read with characters that grabbed my attention as a reader.
The plots twists definitely kept me on my toes, never quite knowing what to expect with each new chapter. The nice thing though is that none of the twists felt irrational or against the grain of actually happening.
Moments of humor had me laughing at some funny bit of dialogue or character reactions. Being able to enjoy a warm laugh, helped balance out the moments of seriousness in the plot.
While the plot was engaging, the story wasnt really one that thoroughly captivated me. Yes, the characters were likeable, the story one that would make me wonder how everything would be resolved, but its a gentle read, one that doesnt greatly inspire a strong pull of attention.
However, I will say that as the second book in the series, returning to a familiar setting and characters, it was great to return to their story. The ending leaves just enough room for another book and Id like to bring closure full circle to a warm cast.
This review is my moms honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for her copy to review.
**Available September 2012 from Revell, a division of Baker Publishers**
A novel of secrets, twists and hidden truths, The Haven, latest title in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series is an enjoyable and likeable read with characters that grabbed my attention as a reader.
The plots twists definitely kept me on my toes, never quite knowing what to expect with each new chapter. The nice thing though is that none of the twists felt irrational or against the grain of actually happening.
Moments of humor had me laughing at some funny bit of dialogue or character reactions. Being able to enjoy a warm laugh, helped balance out the moments of seriousness in the plot.
While the plot was engaging, the story wasnt really one that thoroughly captivated me. Yes, the characters were likeable, the story one that would make me wonder how everything would be resolved, but its a gentle read, one that doesnt greatly inspire a strong pull of attention.
However, I will say that as the second book in the series, returning to a familiar setting and characters, it was great to return to their story. The ending leaves just enough room for another book and Id like to bring closure full circle to a warm cast.
This review is my moms honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for her copy to review.
**Available September 2012 from Revell, a division of Baker Publishers**
Second in the series. Strange ending.
