Fisher Suzanne Woods – Kav's Best Reads

The Imposter

Katrina Stoltzfus thought she had life and love all figured out: she was going to marry John and live happily ever after. Those plans started to crumble when her father moved the family to Stoney Ridge, then completely collapsed when John decided to marry someone else. Katrina is devastated. How could she have felt so loved, yet been so deceived?

As she struggles to face a future without him, a widow asks for her help to start a new business and Katrina quickly agrees. She needs time to heal her broken heart, to untangle her messy life, to find a purpose. What she doesn’t need is attention from Andy Miller, a farm hand who arrives at the widow’s farm just when help is most needed–and who always seems to say the right thing, and be in the right place, at the right time. Is Andy
for real, or too good to be true? Deceived once before, Katrina is determined to keep her feelings in check.

When a cascade of events is set in motion by some surprising information, the little Amish church is turned upside down. Soon, everyone has a stake in the outcome, and the community struggles to find the best response to an imposter in their midst. Can they forgive even the most deceitful deeds?

My Review:

Squeeeeeallll! Fisher takes us back to Stoney Ridge in her new series, The Bishops Family. There are some carry over characters from The Inn at Eagle Hill series, but no worries if you haven’t read any of those books, The Imposter works perfectly fine as a standalone story. If you have though, you’ll get a tickle out of connecting with some familiar and oh-so-lovable quirky characters — like Hank and Fern.

There’s an unhurried charm to the way Fisher tells this story. It’s so easy to slide right into the thick of things and forget that you have a life outside of Stoney Ridge. And it feels like you have all the time in the world to explore and discover. Talk about overflowing on the reader contentment meter!

Love the multiple viewpoints in this read — and the way seemingly diverse plotlines connect in some truly amazing ways. The Imposter is filled with all the true to life drama and humour that you find anywhere people gather as a community. I was especially challenged by the inspirational thread. As in the case with many Amish fiction I read, I was able to parallel solid gospel truths with my own faith journey and this one packs quite a punch.

The Imposter is chock-full of surprises. Seriously — I did not see that coming. Or that. Or the other thing either. Completely blew my mind…and has left me eager for the next installment because this story isn’t over yet. Yes some threads have been neatly tied up in a bow but many others are just waiting to take on a life of their own. I can’t wait.

On a Summer Tide + Giveaway

random retro reread

Sometimes love hurts–and sometimes it can heal in the most unexpected way.

Camden Grayson loves her challenging career, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. “Moving on” is Cam’s mantra. But there’s a difference, her two sisters insist, between one who moves on . . . and one who keeps moving.

Cam’s full-throttle life skids to a stop when her father buys a remote island off the coast of Maine. Paul Grayson has a dream to breathe new life into the island–a dream that includes reuniting his estranged daughters. Certain Dad has lost his mind, the three sisters rush to the island. To Cam’s surprise, the slow pace of island life appeals to her, along with the locals–and one in particular. Sam Walker, the scruffy island schoolteacher harbors more than a few surprises.

With On a Summer Tide, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher begins a brand-new contemporary romance series that is sure to delight her fans and draw new ones.

My Review:

published in 2019

Eeeeppp!!! I’m all starry-eyed over this new series by Suzanne Woods Fisher! I’m an ardent fan of her Amish novels and did wonder if a straight contemporary would have the same pizzazz — and, boy, does it ever!!!!

An island in Maine is the perfect setting for this author’s trademark community-with-quirks world building. From the Never Late Ferry (no schedule = never late) to the sketchy wi-fi service to the wary locals — well, I’m a tad shy of giddy over all the eccentricities that bring touches of humour to the very real struggles facing Paul Grayson and his daughters.

And secondary character Peg Legg (yes, that’s really her name! Not just pulling your leg…bwahahaha — sorry!) brightens every scene she’s in. A plain-spoken woman with a big heart, she becomes an anchor for the newcomers who have definitely stepped out of their comfort zone. “One thing I know, you either get bitter or better by what life throws at you.” (p 81) This book is full to brimming with Pegisms like that!

On a Summer Tide is told from multiple points of view — Paul and his three daughter, Cam, Maddie and Blaine. I love the way Fisher sets the series up here, drawing readers into the heart of this complicated and somewhat dysfunctional family. And there are things I love and…don’t….about each sister. Maddie in particular got my dander up and I’m looking forward to what’s in store for her in the next book.

But Cam is featured in this first book and though I couldn’t relate to her at first — she’s very corporate success driven and that’s just not me at all! — I loved watching her true self emerge under island magic…and the influence of a certain ‘new to the island’ local and one-room schoolhouse teacher extraordinaire. Loved Seth on first sight. A man of deep faith who isn’t afraid to share: “We all have to let go of the need to prove ourselves. Our souls aren’t a matter of commerce, we’re a matter of faith.” (p 219) He’s the perfect foil for Cam…and a man of mystery too. I guarantee her’ll surprise you!

Such an enthralling start to the Three Sisters Island series! I’m so enamoured I’ve been hunting online for the release info for the next book but I can’t even find out the title! Sob! Hope we don’t have long to wait because I’m ready for another island visit!

Giveaway Opportunity:

This giveaway is for a gently read copy, available to any reader anywhere so, YAY, open to International Readers.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Counting on a Cowboy leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 16 2026

Capture the Moment + Giveaway

She’s ready for adventure–isn’t she?

Kate Cunningham is facing the opportunity of a lifetime. As a zoo photographer, she’s spent years photographing animals in carefully controlled environments, but now National Geographic has dangled an irresistible prize: If Kate can snag a unique photo of a legendary bear in Grand Teton National Park, they just might publish it. It’s the kind of challenge Kate has been waiting for, and she’s eager to prove herself in the wild. 

With more enthusiasm than experience, Kate soon realizes that capturing an image of this bear isn’t as simple as she hoped. Fortunately, she crosses paths with Grant Cooper, a seasonal park ranger who knows the terrain–and the bears–better than anyone. His tracking skills could be exactly what Kate needs to succeed, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes. But they’re not the only ones with an interest in the park’s most famous bear. And his motives are far from innocent.

A clean, kisses-only contemporary romance and summer read by Suzanne Woods Fisher for wildlife, travel, and photography enthusiasts set in Grand Teton National Park.

My Review:

This is Classic Suzanne Woods Fisher and I love it sooooo much! The way she pulls a story together is absolute bibliophile magic! ‘Capture the Moment’ put me in mind of her Stoney Ridge series…only not Amish. The likeness is in the multiple points of view and the complex backstories that bring characters together in amazing ways.

And what an eclectic group of characters! While this is ultimately Kate and Coop’s love story, I fear thirteen-year-old Maisie might have stolen my heart. High energy, awkwardly endearing, exasperatingly infuriating and full of naive exuberance! I laughed. I cringed. I laughed some more!

The Grand Teton National Park makes for a remarkable and sadly, poignant setting. I’m sure the author had no idea when she was writing this story that the National Parks would become victims of damaging federal cuts resulting in colossal job losses. Since the part-time seasonal positions have been hit particularly hard, I couldn’t help but think that Coop would actually be out of a job this summer and that would mean he’d never meet Kate and that would mean….well, this story would be completely different. So glad all is well in the fictional National Parks world!

So, Coop is kinda grumpy and terse. Very passionate about his job as a seasonal park ranger (a nice break from his stint has a high school teacher the rest of the year.) He’d rather spend the summer communing with bears then humans but the powers that be think he needs to brush up on his peopling skills which results in all sorts of funny and awkward situations. Including more than one run-in with Kate. She’s a little bit sunshine and a whole lot feisty, determined to capture a career defining wildlife photograph and no one is going to get in her way, especially not a pesky park ranger!

Their slow-burn romance is shadowed by an unexpected park mystery that had me on the edge of my seat – especially since Fisher provides us with some unsettling villain POVs that upped the intrigue. She also throws in some surprising curveballs that had me gasping out loud! Phew! I did not see that coming. Or that. Or…

A stirring tribute to National Parks through the eyes of characters who appreciate the wonder of God’s creation. Emotionally engaging and thought provoking. A winning combination that has me excited to see which park will be featured in the next ‘National Parks Summers’ series and that release can’t come soon enough!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Capture the Moment leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 17 2025

A Healing Touch

Ruth “Dok” Stoltzfus is the kind of doctor who still believes in house calls, addressing not just her patients’ physical needs but their emotional ones too. When newly widowed Bee faces a breast cancer diagnosis, Dok connects her with Fern Lapp for support. When her painfully shy assistant Annie finds herself drawn to a new calling, Dok goes to great lengths to help her achieve her dream. And when an abandoned newborn mysteriously appears at her office one frosty morning, Dok’s world takes an unexpected turn as ripples of change touch several lives.

A Healing Touch is a captivating tale of compassion, resilience, and the bonds that form in surprising places. Bestselling and award-winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you into a new story that’s like medicine for the weary soul. Join Dok, Annie, and the tight-knit Stoney Ridge community as they navigate the twists of fate, discovering that sometimes the greatest healing comes from the heart.

My Review:

What a thrill to be back in Stoney Ridge and meet up with so many beloved characters from the author’s previous series. ‘A Healing Touch’ could be read as a standalone, but I think readers familiar with some of the Stoney Ridge books, especially the ones featuring Dok, will appreciate this story so much more.

Dok was raised Amish but left the faith and her community to pursue a medical degree. Circumstances have brought her back to Stoney Ridge where her brother is the Bishop and she has an interesting mix of Amish and Englisch patients in her thriving Family Medicine practice. Dok is the kind of physician we’d all love to have – old-fashioned enough to still make house calls, caring enough (aka bossy enough) to push for the best outcomes for her patients, whether they want her to or not! And she has a creative approach to meet the needs of some of her most stubborn patients!

Mind you, Dok, knows a thing or two about stubbornness — just ask her husband! Love the insights we get into her married life (he’s the sheriff!) as they work their way through some tough situations. I might have cried at one point.

This story is told from three different women’s points of view. Dok, of course, and her busy practice and challenging home life; her receptionist, Annie, a young Amish woman who yearns for something more in her life, and Bee, Dok’s recently widowed patient who has just been given an unwelcome diagnosis.

There’s love and laughter, frustrations and tears — all woven together with the promise of divine hope and faith shared. An emotional journey realistically depicting a slice of real life.

Lost and Found + Giveaway

Trudy Yoder shares a passion for birding with Micah Weaver–and she has an even greater passion for Micah. Their friendship is finally turning romantic when Micah abruptly grows cold. Worse still, he wants to leave Stoney Ridge.

Micah Weaver thought he was over Trudy’s older sister. A year and a half ago, Shelley had broken his heart when she ran away from Stoney Ridge to pursue a singing career in Nashville. Then, out of the blue, she’s started to leave distressing phone messages for him.

When the bishop asks for volunteers to scout out a possible church relocation in Tennessee, Micah is the first to raise his hand. Despite scant details, he’s confident he can find Shelley. After all, his reputation as a field guide is based on finding birds that don’t want to be found.

What Micah doesn’t know is that what you’re looking for isn’t always what you find.

My Review:

It was so much fun to journey back to Stoney Ridge! One of my favourite fictional places inhabited by the bestest in bookish friends! In fact, I’m inspired now to revisit the earlier Stoney Ridge books after reading ‘Lost and Found’ because Suzanne Woods Fisher knows how to create the kind of lasting memories a reader savours and I know I’m in store for a real homecoming.

You absolutely don’t have to be familiar with previous books that feature this setting in order to enjoy this one. There are some overlapping characters but it’s easy to get to know them so you won’t feel lost in any way. I especially adore David Stolzfus, long-suffering Old Order Amish Bishop. His compassion as well as his humility make him the kind of church leader you want in your corner.

Fisher’s combination of wit and wisdom make this an emotionally satisfying read. I laughed and winced and stewed and fretted my way to the exquisitely satisfying conclusion. Complexities of relationships, light romance and the all too intriguing glimpse at three types of Amish churches (ultra-conservative Swartzentruber, Old Order and Beachy) kept me glued to the page.

Not to mention Trudy’s enlightening (and humorous) bird-watching log entries. There are a lot of birding references which I also found fascinating as it is a popular pastime for many Amish. But it’s the subtle parallels Trudy draws between bird and human habits that is alternately amusing and thought-provoking and adds an extra bit of charm.

A heartwarming and satisfying read that still has me smiling.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and open to any reader, anywhere in the world — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Lost and Found, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easier for me to spot. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday December 9 2023. Offer open to International Readers.