Blog Tour – The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher

My Review of The Search
Fifteen years ago, during a moment of crisis, Lainey O’Toole made an impulsive decision. Now, in her mid-twenties, and on her way to culinary school, her car breaks down in the same Amish town where that decision was made, forcing her to face her past.

Fifteen-year-old Bess Reihl isn’t thrilled about spending the summer with her grandmother, Bertha, at Rose Hill Farm. The woman is overbearing and intimidating, and expects Bess to work hard on the rose farm. The situation becomes more tolerable as she works next to the handsome hired hand, Billy Lapp, but he has eyes for another girl.

Bess befriends Lainey, who lived next door to Bertha as a child. But Lainey and the grandmother are keeping secrets … and life-changing decisions must be made.

When I first began reading The Search, I found it difficult to get engaged in the story because so many characters were introduced, and each one’s point of view (POV) was given. I didn’t know if I should care more about one over the other.

But once I moved past chapter one, the story drew me in, and I fell in love with the characters. I discovered that Bertha Reihl wasn’t just an overbearing, intimidating woman. She had a heart of gold and wanted only the best for those around her. Bess, although sweet and forgiving, was still very much a teenage girl, struggling with boy issues. Tenderhearted Lainey wanted to do the “right thing,” even when it was difficult. Strong and determined Jonah, Bess’ father, was an example of a gentle and loving man.

The author understands Amish ways, and with skill she shares the life with us. She shows us that the Amish have their “human” moments, but also great faith and kindness. This book piqued my interest in the life, and increased my admiration for those who choose to live it.

Containing twists and turns, The Search is a beautiful story about young love, truth, forgiveness, and facing the past.


The Search is available January 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

DISCLOSURE: I was graciously provided a copy of The Search by Revell Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice and The Waiting. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is the host of the popular internet radio show Amish Wisdom and lives in California.



Suzanne Woods Fisher's latest installment of the Lancaster County Secrets, The Search, is just out and to celebrate Suzanne is hosting The Search iPad Giveaway!

One Grand Prize winner will receive an iPad Prize Package worth over $500 and includes:

• A brand new iPad (16KB with Wi-Fi)


• Signed copies of all three Lancaster Country Secrets books (The Choice, The Waiting, & The Search)

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form/s, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest. Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on February 3rd at Suzanne's Everything is Coming Up Roses Facebook Party. (Did you know The Search takes place on a rose farm?)

Facebook Party:

Join Suzanne for the Everything is Coming Up Roses Facebook Party on February 3rd! She’ll be announcing the winner of the The Search iPad Giveaway, hosting a book club discussion of The Search, giving away copies of all three books and HEAPS of other readerly prizes! Including roses delivered to your door for three months for you AND a friend! Be sure to join us on Thursday, February 3rd at 5:00 PM PST (6:00 MST, 7:00 CST & 8 EST) at Suzanne’s Author Page.