The Lesson by Suzanne Woods Fisher - REVIEWED

About the Book:
Centered 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.   You can purchase a copy of the book HERE.

My Thoughts:

“Because that feeling – wanting to belong, wanting to be valued – that can only get filled by God.  You can’t expect anyone else to do that for you.  That’s God’s work.” (p. 261)

What a blessed truth!  Suzanne Woods Fisher has woven this truth through every fiber of this wonderful story!  Mary Kay Lapp, Chris and Jenny Yoder are all people who are searching for a place to belong.  Amos and Fern Lapp, Uncle Hank and Edith, Erma Yutzy are all characters who are getting along fine in many ways, but each has a need of their own.  Together, in the truest sense of the Amish community, each finds a way to meet a need of someone outside of themselves, and it is in that selflessness they learn that only God can do the work of healing, forgiving, and giving a refreshing new start to situations that long for His touch.

The Lesson is a very multi-layered story filled with a group of characters that will make you laugh and cry, and leave your heart forever changed.  There are elements of this story that are unexpected and will cause you to reconsider how you relate to those around you – how you can make a difference in the lives of others if you can just let go of your own hurts and faults.  Truly, this is a story for everyone, and I can’t recommend it highly enough!  It is just plain fabulous!! (pun intended!)

About the Author:

Suzanne 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 www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher. Get Amish proverbs delivered right to your iphone or ipad! Download the Free App!