Monday, August 13, 2012

Book Review: The Haven

When book 2 in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, The Haven, came up for review, I knew I wanted to read it.  I few months ago, I reviewed the first book, The Keeper, which featured Julia Lapp.  The Haven is about her younger sister, Sadie.

Suzanne Woods Fisher writes Amish fiction that pulls me in.  The characters are so very real and they don't strike me as being all that different from people I know.

From the publisher:
When Sadie Lapp steps off the bus in Stoney Ridge after being in Ohio for the winter, she is faced with a decision–one that goes against her very essence. Yet it’s the only way she can think of to protect a loved one.

Schoolteacher Gideon Smucker has been crazy about Sadie since boyhood. But his response to her surprising decision undermines his own reputation–and his relationship with Sadie.

College student Will Stoltz is spending the spring at the Lapp farm as a guard for a pair of nesting Peregrine Falcons–courtesy of the Lancaster County Game Warden. Will needs to get his life back on track, but his growing friendship with Sadie threatens his plans.

The lives of these three individuals intertwine, and then unravel as unexpected twists create ripples through the town of Stoney Ridge . . . and through Sadie’s heart.

Once again, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher intrigues and delights with a story that explores the bonds of friendship, family, and true love. Readers will enjoy every surprise in Sadie’s story as they search for the truth hidden within these pages.

Read an excerpt!
What did I think?

I enjoyed this book immensely.  The characters are rich and well-developed.  They have flaws and idiosyncrasies that are delightful.  The plot moves along and provides a twist or two where instead of thinking, "Wow!  I didn't see THAT coming!" I am thinking something more like, "Huh.  That makes sense, why didn't I see that?"

I also absolutely loved the ending.  And no, I definitely didn't have that figured out beforehand.

This story explores some pretty interesting themes.  Friendship.  Trust.  Choices and their consequences.  Letting go.

A great read.


Celebrate the newest book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series with Suzanne by entering her 4 eReader Giveaway and Facebook Party and RSVPing for the Live Video Chat on 8/30! 

See what folks are saying about The Haven!




Four grand prize winners will receive:
  • A Brand new Kindle Fire or Nook Color 
  • $25 Amazon.com or Barnes&Noble.com Gift certificate 
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 29th. Winner will be announced at Suzanne's Live Author Chat Party on 8/30. Suzanne will be hosting an author chat (party will start on Facebook AND then be Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and several Burt's Bees® Nourishing Radiance Kits!!


So grab your copy of The Haven and join Suzanne on the evening of the August 30th for a fun chat (both on Facebook and via Live Video), trivia contest and lots of giveaways. 



Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!




Disclaimer:  I received this book through LitFuse Blog Tour.  No other compensation was received.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own. 

2 comments:

Suzanne said...

Hi Debra! Loved, loved, loved your review! You had me grinning when you said you didn't anticipate the ending. YAHOO! That's huge. :) Also appreciated that you pulled out the "letting go" theme. That was a big part of the story! Thanks for being on the tour. Warmly, Suzanne

Anonymous said...

This book sounds like it has it all: suspense, friendship, a look at a special way of life, and a bit of romance. I will be checking out her books.