Fantastic finish for a series -- The Lesson

The Book

Centered on one of Suzanne Woods Fisher's most loved characters, this is the story fans have eagerly anticipated. The precocious Mary Kate Lapp 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 M.K. never imagined herself behind a schoolteacher's desk. A run-in 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.

My Thoughts

Mary Kate Lapp -- or M.K. as most folks call her -- is one of the most fun and interesting characters to pop off the pages of a book in a while!  She first appears as a precocious young girl in The Keeper, book one in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series.  She continues to play an important role in book two, The Haven.  And then she plunges head-first into adventure in this conclusion to the series -- The Lesson.   As you read the story, you may find yourself alternating between laughing at M.K.'s antics and wanting to shake some sense into her head and heart, but she will definitely keep your interest.

As always, Suzanne Woods Fisher gives her readers another great Amish story.  Her well-developed characters provide just the right mix of adventure, fun, love and faith.  The Amish romance is present but is not the main emphasis of the story.  Watching Mary Kate Lapp and Chris Yoder each grow through some internal and external struggles as they interact with family and friends makes for a very enjoyable read.  The slowly developed storyline of the connection between the two families provides a really interesting twist as well.  And even though the story ends without all the loose ends tied up in a nice little bundle, you can step away from the series knowing that the characters have learned the important lessons they need to face whatever events are headed their way.

I give 5 stars to Suzanne Woods Fisher's The Lesson.

Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Thanks to Revell for providing me a free copy of this book for my honest review.

The Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, The Search, The Keeper and The Haven, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. 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 Christy Award finalist and a Carol 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 www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher.


 Celebrate the release of The Lesson with Suzanne Woods Fisher by entering to win one of TWO iPads!

Two winners will receive:

• A brand new iPad
• A $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.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.