Book Description:
The Stoltzfus family faces serious problems, both in the church and at home. Everyone in the community expects minister David Stoltzfus to fix things--fast. But David doesn't work fast. He prefers to wait for God to work in individual hearts. However, even he is left wondering if the solution to their most pressing problem might be a Quieting.
When David's mother arrives, uninvited, more upheaval is in store. She has matchmaking plans for everyone in the family, including David and her eligible granddaughters--and especially for David's niece Abigail. When Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem--but will it create another?
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher takes fans back to Stoney Ridge, delivering the twists, turns, and romance they adore.
When David's mother arrives, uninvited, more upheaval is in store. She has matchmaking plans for everyone in the family, including David and her eligible granddaughters--and especially for David's niece Abigail. When Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem--but will it create another?
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher takes fans back to Stoney Ridge, delivering the twists, turns, and romance they adore.
My Thoughts:
The Quieting is the second book in Suzanne Woods Fisher's latest series, The Bishop's Family, and it is fantastic. As a HUGE fan of Amish Fiction, Suzanne Woods Fisher is in my top 10 must read Amish Authors. I had the privilege of reading and reviewing the first book, The Imposter, so I was so excited to have the opportunity to read and review this latest book. Suzanne Woods Fisher writes with authority about all things Amish including their beliefs, their lifestyles, their jobs, and how their families are. She also writes with authority about oil wells, moss gardening, drilling, genealogy, buggy repair, running a grocery store, and the practice of quieting. Before I go any further here is the definition of a Quieting from Suzanne Woods Fisher website: A Quieting revokes the ordination of a bishop, minister or deacon so that he returns to being a church member, but not a leader. One Amish woman thought the process of Quieting most likely came from the books of Timothy in the New Testament, however there are many biblical passages in which guidance was provided to protect the young churches from false teachers and cancer-like sin.
A Quieting is not done in haste. It’s a serious, heart-wrenching step for an Amish church. In my interviews with the Amish, it was obvious that the entire church felt the impact, the pain, of this action. It reminded me of how my church felt after the awful ordeal with our unrepentant pastor.
I found myself drawn into the story right from the start and could not put it down. The book definitely had twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. I love this series, it takes place in Stoney Ridge which is the setting for a few of Suzanne Woods Fisher's series so I LOVE reading about old friends from these previous series, learning all about how their lives have progressed. In The Quieting we meet new friends also. I have to say in this book my favorites would be Abigail Stolzfus, one of David's nieces who shows up to "help" the family and to help complete a genealogy report for her father and Ruthie Stolzfus, one of David's daughters who takes her responsibilities seriously. I loved the interactions between Abigail and Ruthie. Abigail is a born organizer and took it upon herself to organize the Stolzfus house and tell Ruthie how to do things better so they hit heads a lot. They definitely gave some comic relief but also dealt with some heavy things between them. I definitely found myself laughing in many parts, sad in others, and holding my breath in others. I enjoy Suzanne Woods Fisher's style of writing, really makes me feel like I am right there as the events unfold. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series, The Devoted, coming out in Fall of 2016. I HIGHLY recommend this book, series, and author to anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I give this book 5+ STARS.
A Quieting is not done in haste. It’s a serious, heart-wrenching step for an Amish church. In my interviews with the Amish, it was obvious that the entire church felt the impact, the pain, of this action. It reminded me of how my church felt after the awful ordeal with our unrepentant pastor.
I found myself drawn into the story right from the start and could not put it down. The book definitely had twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. I love this series, it takes place in Stoney Ridge which is the setting for a few of Suzanne Woods Fisher's series so I LOVE reading about old friends from these previous series, learning all about how their lives have progressed. In The Quieting we meet new friends also. I have to say in this book my favorites would be Abigail Stolzfus, one of David's nieces who shows up to "help" the family and to help complete a genealogy report for her father and Ruthie Stolzfus, one of David's daughters who takes her responsibilities seriously. I loved the interactions between Abigail and Ruthie. Abigail is a born organizer and took it upon herself to organize the Stolzfus house and tell Ruthie how to do things better so they hit heads a lot. They definitely gave some comic relief but also dealt with some heavy things between them. I definitely found myself laughing in many parts, sad in others, and holding my breath in others. I enjoy Suzanne Woods Fisher's style of writing, really makes me feel like I am right there as the events unfold. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series, The Devoted, coming out in Fall of 2016. I HIGHLY recommend this book, series, and author to anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I give this book 5+ STARS.
Purchase your copy of The Quieting here.
About the Book
About the Author
Blog Stops
May 17: Singing Librarian Books
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May 30: Blossoms and Blessings
May 30: Quiet Quilter
Guest Post from Suzanne Woods Fisher
Twenty years ago, my husband and I attended a large church with a dynamic senior pastor. Each Sunday, we would sit spellbound during 40 minute sermons—he was that good a preacher. And then a terrible thing came to light—this very man had been taking advantage of vulnerable women during counseling sessions. Fourteen women, it turned out, and the pastor remained unrepentant. As issues were dealt with, our entire church suffered. We were a hurting community. The sins of one affected all.As I plotted out ‘The Bishop’s Family,’ I wanted to borrow the theme of how a leader’s sins hurts the church community. (Now, I need to clarify that this is not a novel that addresses sexual sin. However, it does address unrepentant sin in an ordained leader.) First, I spoke to some Amish friends to see if my story idea had any merit. Was I was on the right track? To my amazement, a similar situation to my novels had occurred in one Amish friend’s church, and it resulted in a “quieting.” That’s an Amish phrase that means revoking the responsibilities of an unrepentant ordained leader. Just like it sounds–he is, essentially, “quieted.”
In this novel, you’ll see the behind-the-scenes of Amish church leadership, and get a sense of how a community is hurting. And how it begins to heal, too.
This series began in the Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania community with The Imposter. More twists and turns are coming to Stoney Ridge after The Quieting—so stay tuned for The Devoted to hit bookshelves in early October. Just in time for autumn reading by a warm fireplace!
Warmly, Suzanne
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a grab bag of Amish-made gifts worth over $100! Click the link to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/99a8
Hi Beth! What a wonderful blog...(love the graphics!)...and thank you for your thoughtful, detailed review of "The Quieting!" You're one of the few reviewers who has mentioned Gabby's organizing skills! :) Loved what you pulled out of the story, Beth. Warmly, Suzanne
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