Review: The Choice

My Synopsis:

The Choice (Lancaster Country Secrets Series - Book 1) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

(For Review From Revell Publishing) Blog Tour dates: January 25th - February 8th.

In The Choice, the first book in the Suzanne Woods Fisher's new Lancaster County Secrets series, Carrie Weaver is forced to decide between her life in the Amish community where she grew up and the unknown world outside.

When her father dies suddenly, Carrie enters into a marriage of convenience to provide a home for herself and her brother, Andy. But, her broken heart keeps her from becoming totally committed to her new husband. Will Carrie choose the simple Amish life or the man she loves?

This tender love story, is about simplicity, forgiveness, and faith. Carrie's choice will change her life forever, as she learns to follow her heart, all the way back to God.

My Thoughts:

Suzanne Woods Fisher, draws the reader into this story with very real and believable characters. Carrie Weaver is a young girl with a difficult choice. She is a strong character that is able to make the tough choices when tragedy enters her life. But, she still feels that sense of loss and pain even though she knows she has made the right decisions.

Daniel Miller's character is one of a tortured soul, stuck in the past and unable to move forward. I believe many people can identify with him. He is a quiet, loving man who can't seem to let go of something he cannot change.

Abel Miller's character is a breath of fresh air. You can feel the joy in him, the assurance that God is in control of his life, even though he chose to go to prison for a crime he didn't commit. Fisher is a master at conveying emotion and letting the reader get a sense of who these people are and what they are facing.

This book seemed very authentic. It was easy to see that the writer did a lot of research about the Amish community and their beliefs. From the use of language to the rituals like the barn raising and the sense of unity in the community, Fisher excels at bringing the Amish to life.

I truly enjoyed this book. Suzanne Woods Fisher did a wonderful job of meshing the Amish beliefs with what I consider my own faith to be. The themes of forgiveness and being able to move on even when you think you can't were very true to life. This book is certainly a great first book in the series and I look forward to learning more about the characters in future novels.

Available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I give this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag and definitely recommend it to my readers.