The Keeper (Stoney Ridge Seasons Series #1)

Fantastic

I loved this book!!! The story is about julia and her family about forgiveness and that you cant always judge a book by its cover and that the gift of life is very precious

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Distracted by Inconsistencies

Overall, my impression of the book is that it has the potential to be middle-of-the-road Amish fiction if it wasn't written so carelessly. It's 10:00 p.m., I'm exhausted after a long day and dozing off while reading, and I'm still catching error after error. Surely a paid editor would pay close enough attention to the story to find the things I'm finding in my state of semi-consciousness! Also, there are several details that are inconsistent with most Amish practices that make the characters seem less than authentic.

"Croppy" should be "crappie" since they are discussing fishing. A "croppy" is a late 18th Century term for an Irish insurrectionist.

There is an incident mentioned about M.K. having "long conversations" with a dog that had a walkie-talkie hidden under his collar. How could M.K. have a two-way conversation over a walkie-talkie if she was not holding down the button on the device when talking back?

Concerning practices inconsistent with the majority of Amish communities, I understand that each community has it's own rules and some are stricter than others. However, it would lend a good deal of credence to Fisher's claim to knowledge of the Amish ways if she prefaced some out-of-the-norm things by saying something like, "even though many communities did not accept the use of _______, Julia's bishop had granted the local families permission to __________________."

For instance, the Lapp's refrigerator is a subject of much talk in these early pages. Since most Amish shun electricity, it would be wise for Fisher to either use some sort of explanatory sentence as I've suggested above or to just make it an ice box and eliminate the seemingly inconsistent idea. Another option would be for Fisher to explain that it is a gas-powered refrigerator. I suppose this may seem petty, but it's distracting...or maybe I'm just in a "mood". :)

Another thing that didn't fit with Amish customs, was the fact that everyone in Julia's life seemed to know about her relationship with Paul. It is very common for an "engaged" couple to keep their upcoming wedding plans a secret from even the closest family members until shortly before the wedding when their intentions are "published" for all the community to see. Not only did Julia's sister, Sadie, know about her "boyfriend", her little sister M.K. and her father knew as well. Then, to make it even less believable, Uncle Hank mentioned it when he came to visit.

I will also note that I had my suspicions about this story from the first time I saw the heavily made-up "Amish girl" on the cover. I suppose it's possible that the heavy eye makeup, blush and lipstick were okayed by her bishop. However, that is inconsistent with most Amish practices, and is actually inconsistent with the story itself. In the first couple of pages, this book's main character guiltily used a mirror to "vainly" check her face. Why would she feel so guilty about the vanity of checking herself in the mirror if she wore such a ridiculous amount of makeup to begin with?

As I said earlier, I really do think this book has the potential of being a moderately good Amish fiction story. It just needs some serious thought and care put into either explaining things that don't seem to line up, or researching the facts and writing truth. I've read a lot of Amish fiction and have studied the cultur

3 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

Review for "The Keeper" is a Keeper

Suzanne Woods Fisher has done it again, she has written another EXCELLENT book to start off a new series. For 2012, I am going to recommend this book every chance I get.

Fall in love with the characters.
Be moved by the details that you feel like are there in Lancaster County, Pa.
Smile, Laugh, and Cry.
Read God at work with the characters.

Julia is the oldest, followed by Menno, then Sadie, and the youngest Mary Kate (M.K.). Their dad Amos and their Uncle H...moreSuzanne Woods Fisher has done it again, she has written another EXCELLENT book to start off a new series. For 2012, I am going to recommend this book every chance I get.

Fall in love with the characters.
Be moved by the details that you feel like are there in Lancaster County, Pa.
Smile, Laugh, and Cry.
Read God at work with the characters.

Julia is the oldest, followed by Menno, then Sadie, and the youngest Mary Kate (M.K.). Their dad Amos and their Uncle Hank. All of them are the Lapp members.
Paul Fisher; Jimmy Fisher; Edith Fisher; Fern Garber; Roman Troyer; R.W.

A FAMILY. A FARM. A HEART. ALL IN NEED OF REPAIR.
Will they all be repaired?
Can forgiveness be given?
Will there be a future?(less)

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Must Read!

This book is more than just another Amish romance novel. It emphasis the importance of family, community, love and forgiveness. There is a shocker at the end of the book that will have you in tears. Well written and kept my interest from first to last page!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Precious and Humble

I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates a novel that really make you think! This is my favorite by Suzanne thus far and I still can't get over how emotionally involved I became with this novel!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Amish Fiction at it's best!

Suzanne Woods Fisher has always been my favorite Amish author. She totally hooked me with her Lancaster County series and I was hooked on her non-fiction books too. They're all filled with wonderful writing talent and amazing wisdom, both fiction and non-fiction. When I had the opportunity to read her newest book, the first in a new series, <em>The Keeper</em>, I was super excited. I was totally pleased with the results of this book! Ms. Fisher has hit it out of the ball park once again with this novel! Julia Lapp is a wonderful, yet a bit complex, character. She's engaged to Paul Fisher, helping to raise her younger siblings, and take care of her ailing father. Her mother passed on years ago, so the responsibility falls namely on her shoulders. But, it seems that something keeps triggering a reaction in Paul, for twice now, he's cancelled their wedding. He never gives a proper excuse and it's really starting to bother Julia. When her baby sister Mary Kate "M.K." Lapp breaks a certain news to Julia.....well, she's starting to realize the reasoning behind Paul's indecisiveness. Roman Troyer is a beekeeper. He travels from Amish farm to Amish Farm, helping the farmers with their farms by allowing his bees to help with the process, and making honey and candles. Circumstances from his past keep shelled inside himself. But, when he reaches Windmill Farm there's always just something that calls him to the home and to the family. When Amos Lapp has fallen ill this time that he comes around, he decides to lend a hand. But, he wishes that Julia Lapp wasn't so dead set on being cool towards him, though he knows he's to blame for her worrying and anger. I loved Roamin' Roman and sweet Jules. Their story really pulled me into the heart of the novel and had me walking along side both of them. With some secrets from the past, and God's guidance, these two characters are more than just characters....they become real. I loved M.K. and Fern too. M.K. is head strong and Stern Fern...well, she's just hurting inside and needs some love. Sweet Menno....a child in a man's body, bless his heart, he added a truly innocent charm to the story. And, poor Sadie! Bless her heart, she really added to the depth of the story. With romance, humor, Amish charm and wisdom, Ms. Fisher has created the start of a wonderful story. This start to a fantastic new series is a 5 Book worthy novel and will be sitting pretty on my Amish fiction bookshelf for years to come. I can't wait to read Sadie Lapp's story in book 2, <em>The Haven</em>, set to release in August of 2012. This review originated at Reviews By Molly in part with a blog tour.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Nothing proclaims love like a beating heart

Sometimes a book shatters stereotypes. The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher does just that. The Amish culture is a mystery to most Americans. Their isolated, primitive lifestyle is closed off from mainstream influence, but as Fisher demonstrates they are not completely detached from the secular world. Families have pizza delivered. Teenage girls wear Spanx. Food is stored in a refrigerator. But the most surprising factor - upon which the book pivots - is that they partake of modern medicine in a hospital setting.

This homespun tale centers around the Lapp clan. With their mother already deceased, the children now face the possibility of losing their father if he does not receive a much-needed heart transplant. The eldest, Julia, is also suffering through additional heartache when her fiancee, Paul, calls off their engagement. Julia believes the culprit behind his change of heart is Roman, also known as the Bee Man. A loner who ventures into town once a year to pollinate the orchards of the surrounding farms, Julia feels his outspoken praise of the freedom of bachelorhood helps to derail her marriage plans. When Roman offers to stay with the Lapps for the entire summer in order to help get the farm back on track, Julia is fit to be tied.

The push and pull of the developing love story between Roman and Julia is a classic case of opposites attract. Julia begins to see the shortcomings in former fiancee's character. While Roman starts to realize that his flirtatious nature might draw women to his side, but why does he do everything in his power to keep them at arm's length? Secrets from his troubled past emerge when the reason behind his enforced isolation lies in a tragic family accident.

While the romance takes top billing, it is the characters that bring the story to life. Sadie, the middle sister, is pleasant and plump. Obsessed with her weight, she just can't resist helping herself to extra sweet here and there. Meek and timid, she is infatuated with Roman, but always seems to make a fool out of herself in his presence. Menno is the boy in the family. Although simple minded, his sweet persona is beloved by people and animals alike. His faith in God is beautiful to behold and his unblemished outlook inspires all who come in contact with him. M.K., the baby sister, is a mischievous tomboy who gets into her fair share of scrapes. Although her heart is usually in the right place, her actions usually land her in a heap of trouble.

The newcomer to the family is Fern. Hired by their eccentric Uncle Hank, she moves into their home setting up command like a drill sergeant. She allows no one to meddle in her kitchen and sets the children to work on a multitude of chores. Although she displays a tough shell, she genuinely cares about the Lapps and gets everything running in tip top shape. Her own misfortune is in some way tied to Roman's, and their connection to a shared sense of pain helps them both to heal.

The lush descriptions of summer on the farm create a vivid, welcoming atmosphere throughout the book. Buggy rides are interspersed with quilting and gardening, immersing the narrative in the Amish culture. However, the plot lines are universal and the interior motivations are relatable regardless if the character is wearing a prayer cap or not. What cements the story in the reader's mind is the strong feeling of family that permeates throughout.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The Keeper - A Heart Warming Story!

Julie Lapp always expected to marry Paul Fisher. Paul has once again put their wedding on hold. Hurt but still wanting to marry Paul, Julia makes up her mind to convince Paul they should marry. Julia knows that Edith, Paul¿s mother, is behind Paul¿s decision. Amos Lapp, Julie¿s Father has been in declining health for some time. His heart is not functioning right and is just plain giving out. This condition is causing Amos to tire easily and is on bed rest most of the time. Only a heart transplant can save Amos. Amos is adamantly against it. He knows that someone must die for him to have a new heart. Would that be God's will? The Lapp children, Julia, Menno, Sadie, and M.K. (Mary Kate) are doing their best to keep the farm running. Uncle Hank lends a hand when he can, especially with Menno. Two outsiders, Fern Graber and The Bee Man (Roman Troyer), show up at the Lapp farm; Fern as a caregiver to Amos and Roman as lending a hand with the farm chores and repairs for the use of his bees for the Lapp's orchard trees. Can the newcomers make a difference? Will Julia and Paul marry? Will Amos agree to a heart transplant? I was taken through many emotions while reading this book. M.K. brought much laughter and I soon grew to love her! She reminds me so much of my granddaughter! I also experienced sadness, anger, tears, and joy. God is at work in each life. I loved that the author brought this out. We read about trust, faith, love, peace, and finally hope. The Author has left me with wanting more. I can't wait for the next book to be released!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

easy to read and very educational

The author did an excellent job at discribing the events in the mind of a teenager diagnosed with juvenille diabeties. As a fellow juvenille diabetic, I could relate to the senarios at hand, and it helped tremendously.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Favorite Amish fiction book to-date!

I've read 100's of Amish fiction books. I'm fascinated by them; however, having read so many, it seems a lot of them share the "same-old", "same-old" story lines- just with different characters. In The Keeper, my initial impression from the overview of the story-line seemed bizarre and implausible-- a roaming bee-keeper and one who is "responsible" for breaking up an engagement? It seemed too outlandish to me and I almost didnt read it but I'm recovering from major surgery and just about all I can do is read (about one book a day!). The Keeper quickly sucked me into the story and I couldn't put my Nook down. The characters are fun and quirky, unpredictable and lovable. I completely forgot my preconceived notions and fell in love with the story and its characters. I can't wait to read the second and third books to this series. This is, hands down, my favorite Amish fiction to-date. Kudos to the author and keep them coming!

Wonderful story

I cant wait for the rest of the series

Wow

I loved it!!

Highly recommended

Excellent book.Suzanne Woods Fisher did a great job on this one and I look forward to reading book #2

New Author to Me--Very Impressed

There were four reasons I decided to read The Keeper, the first in Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Stoney Ridge Seasons series.

1.) I was invited to take part in a Litfuse Blog Tour for the second book in this series (The Haven, which I just got in the mail this week).

2.) I got this book for free for Kindle back in May... and it was just sitting there waiting for me.

3.) I have NEVER once read an Amish novel in my life. I thought I should try the genre out.

4.) I’ve decided that it’s probably a good idea to read the authors who are also represented by my literary agent.

This was my first go at this, and since I am a rather picky reader, I went in praying.

And what I found out right away was that I adore Suzanne Woods Fisher’s writing voice! I think she could have been writing about drag-racing farm equipment through muddy fields and I would have wanted to keep reading. I LOVED the characters, their farm, the name of their farm, their dynamic family relationships, their community... EVERYTHING. I started reading this book on Tuesday night... and I didn’t want to stop.

But I had to. I’d told my mother I would go with her to Shipshewana, Indiana on Independence Day. I’ve been there before. It’s an Amish community that’s only about an hour from where I was born and raised. I don’t even know how many times I’ve been there in my life... but not once before this last Wednesday did I feel like I had an inkling of where they were coming from. I thought about them constantly, wanted to study them (I’m a people-watcher anyway), and most of all, I wanted to get my kindle out and keep reading The Keeper. When I got home that evening I finally had my chance. I sat on my bed for the whole rest of the night until I was finished.

There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about this book. And I’m not able to say that very often. Suzanne Woods Fisher made me love every word and how she placed them together. It wasn’t just a story—although the story from start to finish was perfection—it was the way she put the story together that had me hooked. She uses her words so wisely! There were so many times she amazed me by the depth and meaning she was trying to portray to the reader—I’m sorry I can’t even remember a single one! I really should have taken better notes... but I was so enthralled! I just had to keep reading!

The title, The Keeper, is a great example... in that the hero in the story is a young drifter of an Amish man who hasn’t kept anything in the last six years... except for the bees he keeps... although no one ever calls him a bee-keeper, but rather, The Bee Man. And he, of all of the people in the story is the last person who would want to be called, or anyone else would even dare call a keeper in reference to falling in love and getting married.

Poetical is a perfect word to describe it.

Celebration is in order!... for I’ve found another one of those “go-to” authors who I know will not disappoint. And she has so many other books for me to find and read! I have The Choice and The Haven setting right here beside me waiting for the next chance I’m free! Can you tell how excited I am? Sometimes I go weeks before finding a book that I actually ENJOY reading!

I give Suzanne Woods Fisher’s The Keeper 5 stars.

Best ever

I loved this story and new author to me. The book surprised me and the story pulled my heart. Can not wait to read more from this author!

Predictable ending

Too many dangling story threads. Many errors in Amish ways. Okay if you wish a quick read on faith.

Fun to read, well written

I enjoyed this book. Will look for sequel. Liked the emotional and mental expressions of the characters.

Loved it!!!

Loved this Story, it had a different plot than most. Other's all seem the same after a while, however this one had it's own plot.

Highly recommended

Very good reading,

Good

I enjoyed this book. I guess i was expecting more amish influence. I think i was expecting more references to amish customs and beliefs. I got the feeling that it could have been from any Christian family, not just amish. Don't get me wrong, it is a good book, just not what i expected