Book Review: The Lesson

7 Jan

719891_w185Centered on one of Suzanne Woods Fisher’s most loved characters, this is the story fans have eagerly anticipated. The precocious M.K. is all grown up (well, almost) and ready to take on the world–with surprising results. Fisher’s trademark plot twists and turns are as unexpected and satisfying as ever in this third book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series.

In her wildest dreams, spunky and impulsive nineteen-year-old Mary Kate Lapp never imagined herself behind a schoolteacher’s desk. A run-in (literally) with the schoolteacher compels her to act as a substitute teacher, just as her restless desire to see the world compels her to apply for a passport . . . just in case. The only thing of interest to M.K. in the sleepy Amish community of Stoney Ridge is the unexplained death of a sheep farmer that coincided with the arrival of a mysterious young man into the community. Frustrated that no one takes the crime seriously, she takes matters into her own hands. Unfortunately, as tends to be the case for M.K., she jumps headlong into trouble.

Purchase a copy here.

SFisher-96Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Lancaster County Secrets series and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children’s series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is the host of internet radio show Amish Wisdom and a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. For more information, please visit http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher. Get Amish proverbs delivered right to your iphone or ipad! Download the Free App!

My Impressions:

From the first book I ever read by Suzanne Woods Fisher, I was hooked! She writes about real life and real relationships and does so in a refreshing way. The Lesson is another wonderful book from this talented author. The third book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series features youngest daughter Mary Kate Lapp or M.K. as she is known in her community. Impulsive and restless, Mary Kate embarks on yet another adventure — teaching the scholars of her Amish community. Through this she begins to really grow up. And because M.K. would love to be a detective if she were not Amish, mysteries abound.

M.K. is a delightful character. A young woman on the cusp of maturity, she grows so much in the novel. Other characters from the series are a big part of the book as well. And then there is the mysterious Chris Yoder that M.K. cannot quite figure out. The simple life of the Amish is a natural part of this novel. Their life is neither idealized nor criticized, but presented as a way of life that suits this group of people looking for a way to honor God in their lives. Forgiveness is essential in the Amish life, and the struggle of living this way is presented in a natural way.

All in all, Fisher has written another winner! If you like Amish fiction, you need to read The Lesson. If this genre is just not your thing, I suggest you read The Lesson. You just might be surprised at how well written Fisher’s book is and find another author to explore. Book #2 for 2013 is a winner!

Highly Recommended.

(I received The Lesson from LitFuse in return for an honest review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Want to know what others are saying about The Lesson? Click HERE.

Welcome to the campaign launch for Suzanne Woods Fisher’s final book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, The LessonSometimes love shows up when you least expect it. Don’t miss this delightful and amusing ending to the Lapp sister trilogy.

Celebrate with Suzanne by entering to win a iPad!

The-Lesson-3001

Two winners will receive:

  • A brand new iPad
  • $15 gift certificate to iTunes

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on January 20th. Winner will be announced on 1/22/13 at Suzanne’s Blog.

2 Responses to “Book Review: The Lesson”

  1. suzannewfisher January 22, 2013 at 10:27 pm #

    I loved your review of “The Lesson” for so many reasons! Such a thoughtful write-up about the characters–and I was so grateful you encouraged readers who aren’t fans of the genre to give it a try. Means so much to me to have you say that. In fact, would you mind if I used some of those lines in promoting the book? I really, truly loved your review! Thanks so much for being a part of the blog tour for “Lesson.” Sorry I didn’t stop by a little earlier in the month…I usually try to keep up with the blog tour, but I had a manuscript due in just as “Lesson” was releasing. Getting caught up now and wanted to be sure to thank you for taking the time to read my book and share it with your readers. Warmly, Suzanne

    • rbclibrary January 23, 2013 at 7:29 am #

      Thanks so much for stopping by and for your encouraging words. You may, of course, use my review. Looking forward to your new series.

Comments are closed.

Discover more from By The Book

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading