The Devoted by Suzanne Woods Fisher tells the story of a young Amish woman seeking independence and purpose while grappling with faith, family, forgiveness, and love. Ruthie Stoltzfus loves her family, but she is uncertain about her future. She isn’t sure if she wants to get baptized and remain in the faith or pursue another path since she has passed the GED. She has saved up money, but she just doesn’t know which direction to take.
Patrick Kelly is on a journey to learn more about the Amish and to convert. He travels to Stoney Ridge, giving himself thirty days to learn the language, drive a buggy, and immerse himself in the ways of the “Plain People.” Patrick is determined to make the most of his time at Stoney Ridge, especially during the hours he spends with Ruthie, his Penn Dutch tutor. However, there is someone standing between Patrick and Ruthie. Luke Schrock, Ruthie’s next-door neighbor and ex-boyfriend, is a well-known troublemaker who is headstrong and stubborn in his rebellious ways. Nevertheless, he is determined to win Ruthie back.
The novel is a quick and straightforward read with few plot twists or surprises. It is the third book in the series but can be enjoyed as a standalone. While I may have missed some character nuances, I was still able to follow along. The book showcases some of the “problems” within the Amish community and highlights the negative effects of excessive wealth. It was intriguing that both Ruthie and her aunt fell for men who were a bad influence while ignoring those who truly cared for them. As the saying goes, “the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.” If you are a fan of the author’s other Amish books, you might enjoy this one.
No comments:
Post a Comment