Life with Lily by mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher - REVIEWED

About the Book: (from Revell Publishing)


For a child, every day is a thing of wonder. And for six-year-old Lily Lapp, every day is a new opportunity for blessings, laughter, family, and a touch of mischief. As she explores her world, goes to school, spends time with her family, and gets into a bit of trouble with her friends, Lily learns what it means to be Amish and what it means to grow up. From getting a new teacher to welcoming a new sibling, Lily's life is always full of adventure.

The first of four charming novels that chronicle the gentle way of the Amish through the eyes of a young girl, Life with Lily gives children ages 8-12 a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Amish--and lots of fun and laughter along the way. It combines the real-life stories of growing up Amish from Mary Ann Kinsinger and the bestselling writing of Amish fiction and nonfiction author Suzanne Woods Fisher. With charming illustrations throughout, this series is sure to capture the hearts of readers young and old.

My Thoughts:

From the moment that Lily Lapp follows her father into the night on the first page of the story, to the moment when she is looks back on the only place she has ever called home, she lives an adventurous, happy life in the bosom of her family and community.  I didn’t grow up in an Amish community, but  I did grow up on a farm, and reading Life With Lily brought back many familiar and pleasant memories for me!  I laughed with Lily, grew anxious over the changes in her life and worried over the “accidents” that are common with farm life.  I relished the times the family was gathered together on a rainy afternoon, or when the Lily spent time playing with her siblings in her mother’s bedroom floor.  I loved the way her father was such a friend and leader in the community.

In short, I loved my entire experience as I lived Life With Lily and her family!  This is the first installment of The Adventures of Lily Lapp, and I think children of all ages (even grown up ones like me!) will grow to love Lily and her entire Amish community!  This is a precious book, and a stellar beginning to a very memorable series!

About the Authors:

  Mary Ann Kinsinger was raised Old Order Amish in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. She met and married her husband, whom she knew from school days and started a family. After they chose to leave the Amish church, Mary Ann began a blog, A Joyful Chaos, as a way to capture her warm memories of her childhood for her own children. From the start, this blog found a ready audience and even captured the attention of key media players, such as the influential blog AmishAmerica and the New York Times. She lives in Pennsylvania.

 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. 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 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.