Cover Image: Lost and Found

Lost and Found

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Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of only a few authors of Amish fiction that I read and Lost and Found reminded me why. The underlying themes of this book of faith and family are beautifully written. . The characters of Micah and Trudy were lovely and well written.

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I always enjoy Suzanne Woods Fisher books. Lost and Found was a sweet and slow romance between Trudy and Micah. I loved being back in Stoney Ridge and seeing all the members of this community again. Hank is still a hoot!

I also listened to the audio book and loved the narrator. Rachel Botchan has narrated several books that I've "read" and I've enjoyed her voice very much.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 26 September 2023

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Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of only a few authors of Amish fiction that I read and Lost and Found reminded me why. The underlying themes of this book of faith and family are beautifully written. It was great to return to Stony Ridge and meet up with several characters from previous novels. The characters of Micah and Trudy were lovely and watching their love blossom was a special thing to read.

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Another lovely read by SWF! I enjoyed how the community cared about one another but had a hard time with Shelley and her family. Maybe that is the Amish way… . I was happy that everyone thought a bit more progressively at the end, and that there was more than one happily ever after!

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There is much that is going on in David Stoltzfus's life. His mother is not doing well. As the bishop of a small Amish church, he sees the effects of a new Amish group that has moved into his community. There are differences between the two orders and this has led to discontent. Micah Weaver, a young man who is a member of David's church, has built a solid reputation as a respected birder and field guide. He has found a friend in Trudy Yoder as she shares his passion for birding. However, Trudy is hoping for more than friendship from Micah. When Micah receives a strange message asking for help from Trudy's sister, it sets off a chain of events no one saw coming.

There are several themes in this well plotted story. It deals with family, change and mental health. The story moves between the well-rounded group of characters. The secondary characters are a memorable and unique group. The dialogue alternates from being profound to sometimes laugh out loud funny. David, Micah and Trudy are faced with having to make difficult decisions-ones that will affect their lives going forward.

I found Lost and Found to be a well written and heart warming story. It is well worth reading. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher publisher, Revell, for this book.

I enjoy Suzanne Wood Fisher books, so I knew I would really enjoy this one, but I really fell in love with Trudy Yoder and Micah Weaver. Their story is beautifully told. Heart wrenching at times, but do, so sweet.

The side characters are all wonderfully developed and if you haven't read any books in this series, don't worry, you will come to know and fall in love with the community. The community is truly a family that loves, forgives, and supports one another.

Highly recommend.

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This book has a little bit of everything. There’s a list of characters at the start of the book, I thought that would mean I’d have trouble keeping everyone and their different storylines straight. It wasn’t difficult. I enjoyed watching the characters grow, especially the Bishop and Micah. My favorite part was the trip to Tennessee, there was a lot of humor thrown in with Billy and Hank. They made me laugh. Definitely one to read if you love Amish fiction.

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Description … my blurb …
I almost didn’t request this one. I couldn’t imagine how an Amish birder would work in a soft, clean Amish romance. You see there are these two Amish relative young people. One is Micah Weaver who is a birder — a for-real birder and there is Trudy Yoder who also loves birding with a passion. Now Trudy is sure Micah is showing sides of “really liking” her and then abruptly acts like he doesn’t.

What no one knows except Micah is Trudy’s sister Shelley who left the Amish and has called Micah (who used to be enamored with her) sounding scared and asking for help.

Then there is a loving bishop of their community who is dealing with a huge crisis — an Amish Beachy group has “invaded” Stoney Ridge and is buying everything in sight.

Three good people and an Old Order community — each with a serious issue.

My review …
What did I love about this book? First, Stoney Ridge is Old-Order. Then the Beachy Amish appear and the Swartzentrubers sects. I recommend you read the “Author’s Note” at the end of the book before reading the story. Succinctly and interestingly, Ms. Fisher explains the basic differences. I didn’t realize how — let’s just call it “free” the Beachy Amish are.

Second, birding. I have a friend who is, I think, a twitcher. And yes, there is Birder Glossary at the beginning of the book. My friend has traveled all over the world birding. The last time I saw him he was preparing for a trip to Madagascar. And each chapter has Trudy’s Birding Log in which she tells about one bird spotted. Lots of detail but I loved her notes. Like the Scott’s Oriole is one of the first birds to start singing *before* sunrise. And the status for that bird — is there “low concern”? Or is it ‘in steep decline”? I’m the kind of reader who loves details like this.

Third, the bishop. the Stoney Ridge bishop — I found the Beachy bishop to be a bit of a showoff most of the time. The Stoney Ridge bishop is David Stoltzfus and I like him and his wife, Birdy. And he has more than just the usual “bishop workload”. The Beachys are invading their Old Order community and are “sucking” people into their fold as well as land.

This 307-page book has more side-plots or subplots which keeps the story interesting. The subplot involving Shelley is a little bit of a mystery. Oh, I must not forget HANK LAPP. He will THINK you LIKE HIM BEST. When you read the book, you’ll understand why I used all caps for some of the words.

So yes, I definitely recommend this story. I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of “Lost and Found” via NetGalley from the publisher, Revell. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. The book also touches on a mental health problem. I’m a senior citizen and I remember when having any kind of mental problem (yourself or family) was just *not* spoken about. And always discussed in hushed tones. And never discussed with your doctor. That would be telling.

Rating: 5 stars
Cover: I do not like this cover. Looks like the photographer only had the book title.
Pages: 307
Series: It feels like it is part of a series, but one is not listed on NetGalley or Amazon.
Publish Date: 26 Sep 2023
#LostandFound #NetGalley #SuzanneWoodsFisher

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Lost and Found written by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a down to earth Christian novel. Its such a great book! Suzanne knows how to pull you into the story within the first chapter. The characters are well written and so lovable. The end of each chapter has information about a bird, which is very interesting.

What a sweet story about Trudy Yoder and Micah Weaver. They both have a passion for bird's, but Trudy also has a eye for Micah. When another less strict church decides to build a church on the land where bird watchers go. Trudy work's to stop it. Micah doesn't have time to help because he is to busy helping someone in his past.

I received this complimentary book from the publisher through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.

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Lost and Found is another Amish Stoney Ridge story.

There were returning characters like Hank, David the Amish bishop add his wife Birdy, Edith and others. The first couple chapters seemed slow to me and I had a hard time staying interested in the book; but once I did I found myself involved in the story with Micah trying to find his lost friend Shelley in Tennessee and Bishop David’s dilemma with possibly moving the church.

The chapters alternated between different characters and I liked getting to know them better. It also included lots of interesting bird facts since the two main characters Micah and Trudy were considered avid birders. The story also discussed mental health, death, forgiveness and faith. I really enjoy reading books by this author!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed are my own.

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Times are changing in Stoney Ridge. Families are leaving to go to other Amish towns and Bishop David is having a hard time keeping up with the problem. A more progressive Amish church has moved into town, and they allow somethings that David and the older congregants do not believe in. However, the young people are a different story. After another family moves, David wonders if moving the entire congregation to someplace new is what is needed to be done.

Trudy Yoder is in love with Micah. They go bird watching all of the time and Trudy believes that Micah's feelings have changed and that he might just be interested in her too. They are getting closer, until her sister Shelley calls him. Then everything changes.

Micah cares for Shelley and now that she is reaching back out to him, he wants to do all he can do to help her. But when he sees what kind of trouble she is in, it is much more than he can handle on his own.

I enjoyed going back for a visit at Stoney Ridge. Their lives are changing and some of the change is good, not good, and very sad. It was good to reconnect with these characters again and meet new ones. Trudy's bird watching log is included in between the chapters and it was fascinating to read about the different birds and her personal notes on them.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

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I loved this newest Amish romance with some intrigue and mystery. I loved Trudy and enjoy that she is so level headed. I liked Micah and loved that he can be a bit scatter brained. I love the parts of Trudy’s bird watchers book. I enjoyed the intrigue and mystery. I liked the twists and turns on whether this Amish group should leave the area they live in or not. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

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LOST AND FOUND hooked me from the very first page! This one really will really pull on the reader’s heart strings. LOST AND FOUND is filled with forgiveness, family, and love and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Suzanne Woods Fisher was taking us and what would happen to this wonderful community. They feel like they are being pushed out by a much larger church and don’t know where they will go. There is so much heart in Suzanne’s writing that I was left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. The differences between the Old Order Amish and the Beachy group is interesting. Now I need to figure out how to fit more of Suzanne’s books into my reading plans!

LOST AND FOUND is not the first book I’ve read by Suzanne Woods Fisher and it won’t be the last. She has a way of grabbing her readers and she never lets us go and now I’m kicking myself for not making time to read all of her books! Shocking twists and turns that I never saw coming blew my mind and the humor kept me laughing so much. Trudy and Micah have been friends for years. He was infatuated with Trudy’s sister, Shelley, until she broke his heart when she moved to Nashville to persue her singing career. When Shelley reaches out to Micah for his help, he basically drops everything and figures out a way to get to her. As with all of Suzanne Woods Fisher’s books, this is another awesome read! Filled with a host of secrets coming from all directions, LOST AND FOUND is sure to capture your attention and give you several hours of enjoyable entertainment.

Once I started reading LOST AND FOUND it was very hard to stop. Even though it is 320 pages it was a very quick read. My emotions were all over the place reading this beautiful story. My heart broke for Micah. Trudy never gave up on Micah, even though at one point in the story, he does kind of push her away. Trudy’s bird logs at the beginning of each chapter, were very interesting and I really learned many things about different birds. I’m so excited to read more by this wonderful author. Suzanne has a way of telling a story that completely absorbs the reader and makes them feel like they are part of the story. Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of my favorite Amish authors and I love devouring her books.

I was given a copy of this book by Revell and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

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A trip back to Stoney Ridge and all of the wonderful people who live there. Trudy Yoder shares a passion for birds with Micah Weaver. Just when their friendship is finally turning romantic, Trudy begins to feel him pull back. To make it worse, he wants to leave their community. What is she to do? Micah has loved Trudy's sister Shelley for years. When he has a chance to possibly find her, will she be what he remembers? Sometimes what you seek isn't what you really want. I love how the story tells of redemption, forgiveness, and family. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

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Have you ever found an author that, no matter the subject, they always enthrall you? An author that you wait and wait for their next book. An author who you wish you could reach into their head and hear the stories first hand? That is Suzanne Woods Fisher for me. And, here we are again, with Lost and Found, her newest novel set in Stoney Ridge. Bishop David Stoltzfus and his small Amish community are feeling the pinch from their new neighbors, a progressively liberal Amish church. Farm land is disappearing, business is slowing, and there is a general sense of dissatisfaction in the air. Micah Weaver is happily giving bird tours and spending time with Trudy Yoder, which Trudy hopes means that they may finally have a future together. But all that changes when Trudy's sister Shelley calls Micah for help. Suddenly, Micah is distant and moody. Then there is the mystery bird and the fact that the new Amish community that moved in wants to destroy a beautiful landmark that is home to several species of birds. How does it all fit together? What will happen to Micah and Trudy and Shelley. How will Bishop David help his church? And what can we learn about ourselves and our relationship with God along the way? Go grab your copy and find out right now! You won't be disappointed!

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Hooray! A new Suzanne Woods Fisher book : I can’t wait! (The only problem is, I don’t want to stop reading it – but I don’t want to come to the end, either...)
This has more than met my expectations. Back amongst old friends, catching up but with unforeseen plot twists – as well as learning more about birds : ) I love, love, love this author’s writing. What a gift she has, & how well she uses it : there is not only a good story guaranteed, but also many ‘life lessons’ to be learned - & never a hint of preachiness.
Thankyou, Suzanne, for the reminders we all need from time to time : Matthew 29:30 was brought to mind, but also the lyrics of “(...Whate’er Betide) God Will Take Care Of You”.
Thoroughly recommended!

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Any book that features the inimitable Hank Lapp (Suzanne Woods Fisher’s ECCENTRIC Amish BUSYBODY – some words shouted because if you know, you know) promises to be a delightful read that will bring a smile to my face and to my heart, and Lost and Found did exactly that.

The community of Stoney Ridge is a special place, and I enjoy every visit via the talented pen of this author. The characters are relatable and layered … and yes, some are quite entertaining (looking at you, Hank Lapp). I always appreciate the variety of ages, personalities, and interests represented in the primary recurring characters as well as each book’s specific protagonists, and each time I pick up a new Stoney Ridge story it feels a bit like a gathering of old friends. In Lost and Found, a new group of more liberal Amish – the Beachy Amish – has moved into Stoney Ridge and are causing considerable problems for our beloved & already established Old Order community. So much so that Bishop David Stoltzfus is thinking about relocating his church to another state. I have to admit that my heart sank into my stomach at this news – how could these beloved characters live anywhere else?!? I needn’t have worried, should have remembered that the author cares for this little community even more than I do lol and would make sure it turned out for their good. (Spiritual life application lesson there!)

There are a few plot threads going on in Lost and Found, and we are treated to several different character POVS as we shift back and forth between the different storylines. Fisher excels at this writing style and makes the transitions seamless, easy to follow, and headed toward a common, unifying end. I especially enjoyed the subplots involving birding (I didn’t know until Fisher’s books that this is a huge hobby for the Amish) and mental health, as well as the character growth we see in several people throughout. Trudy’s bird logs were entertaining as well as informative, and I loved learning about the spiritual symbolism of certain birds. Her specific character voice made me chuckle more than once as I read the logs, and the scenes between her and the ‘tattooed lady’ were hysterical.

Bottom Line: There’s a lot more I could say about Lost and Found by Suzanne Woods Fisher – so many aspects I enjoyed – but I don’t want to spoil the reading experience for you. It’s best if you settle in with your favorite reading beverage and a comfy perch to discover for yourself all the delightful characters and plot twists that make up this sweet book. On the surface, it’s an engaging novel with hints of romance, dashes of humor, and a dose of drama…. and you can certainly enjoy it at that level alone. But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find several profound spiritual and practical truths to ponder. I stayed solidly invested in the outcome from beginning to end, and I closed the final page with a satisfied sigh and my usual Hank-Lapp-induced grin.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

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Lost and Found is another delightful story from one of my favorite Amish writers, Suzanne Woods Fisher. I believe this one may be my new favorite from her and was far from being disappointed. I adored meeting Trudy & Micah. I, also, love that there are true to life issues within the pages that so many could relate to. I enjoyed reading this sweet tale and was a perfect way to spend a cool and rainy fall day. I loved it.

I am giving Lost and Found five stars. I believe fans of clean Amish romance will not want to pass on this one. It is definitely worth reading and not to be missed.

I received a paperback copy of Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Lost and Found from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

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I liked this book. It was very interesting to read about the different birds and their characteristics. Also the differences between the three different Amish settlements. Also liked the characters in the book.

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Finished this book in one sitting. It was pretty interesting and I appreciated all the information about birding. It added depth to the story!

The arc of the story seemed to come to a weak close in my opinion. Micah made mistakes and he saw them, yes, but he didn’t seem to have taken the time to really grow and adjust after his realizations before moving forward. So yes, the story did wrap up nicely, but as a reader who wishes to see characters grapple with struggles as we all do in our own lives, I didn’t find the easy resolution very satisfying.

*I received a copy of this book I’m exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are completely my own.*

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