mary's book basket ~ "the search" by suzanne woods fisher

Author Suzanne Woods Fisher has written another wonderful tale of Amish life. What I love about her books is that they usually contain a little mystery and her character's are real with faults and foibles that I can relate to. The Search is one of her best in my opinion. This book really has it all. Emotional conflict, personal growth and redemption. I am all about a good redemption tale.

Product Description:
Fifteen years ago, Lainey O'Toole made a split-second decision. She couldn't have known that her choice would impact so many. Now in her mid-twenties, she is poised to go to culinary school when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge, the very Amish town in which her long-reaching decision was made, forcing her to face the shadowed past.
Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm with her large and intimidating grandmother, Bertha. It quickly becomes clear that she is there to work the farm--and work hard. The labor is made slightly more tolerable by the time it affords Bess to spend with the handsome hired hand, Billy Lapp. But he only has eyes for a flirty and curvaceous older girl.
Lainey's and Bess's worlds are about to collide and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.
Beautifully written, The Search is a skillfully woven story that takes readers through unexpected twists and turns on the long country road toward truth. Fans both old and new will find themselves immersed in this heartwarming--and surprising--tale of young love, forgiveness, and coming to grips with the past.


Bess is on the cusp of womanhood and trying to figure out the whole boy/girl thing amidst helping her cantankerous grandmother with her rose farm. As she adjusts to her new surroundings and gets to know her cantankerous grandmother better, she discovers love for the first time. Not to give anything away but this particular story-line is handled so sweetly and with great respect for each of the characters. The emotional growth and maturity that Bess displays was wonderful to read.

Lainey's story was a bit more complicated but is packed with some very powerful moments. I found her personal journey to be incredibly moving as she searches for who she is and what she believes in. Woods does a fabulous job of explaining Amish culture and their daily way of life. She explores not only how they live but why they chose to live that way. Fascinating stuff.

The Search is a sweet romance and redemptive tale that will make you laugh, tear up in spots and if you really pay attention...you may even begin to smell the roses. Sweet indeed!

Happy Reading,
Mary