Book Review - The Secret to Happiness by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 

 

 

The Secret to Happiness  by Suzanne Woods Fisher is about a young woman who is dealing with the aftermath of a career ending mistake. Callie Dixon had it all. She was a chef at a top restaurant and managed the catering team for a hotel. Everything was going so well until she was fired from her job. Callie is usually meticulous and well organized, but she forgot to put a sauce in the fridge overnight. A member of her staff thought Callie took out the sauce and served it to a hotel meeting filled with people from the food safety department. Unfortunately for Callie, many people got sick and she was booted from her job.

Callie always had a purpose in life until recently when she lost her job. She takes an assistant position with an old coworker teaching students how to make ice cream. There she crosses paths with her beloved aunt that she had lost contact with. She decides that she needs a break and invites herself to her aunt’s home in Cape Cod to regroup and plan her next steps. Callie knows why she made the mistake but she is struggling to come to terms with the reason behind it.

Little does Callie know that her aunt’s home is also an ice cream shop that is runned by her cousin, Dawn. Dawn doesn’t have patience with Callie’s pity party. She pushes Callie to take a community class about the secret of happiness. It’s the last thing Callie wants to think about right now but her solemn instructor, Bruno Bianco, is persistent with Callie. He believes that if Callie attends his class and reads his book, that she will be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. However, Bruno believes that she needs to hit rock bottom before she can figure out what is missing from her life. Will Callie be able to find her life’s purpose?

I have read several books by the author and have enjoyed most of her books. The book is the second book in the series but I was able to read the book as a standalone. I found this book to be very enjoyable to read with many fun and interesting characters.  I enjoyed reading Callie’s interaction with Cowboy Leo.

I like reading about the techniques they used to make ice cream and the different flavor combinations. I never had curry flavored ice cream but it seems interesting. I like reading how Callie tackled new recipes and was finding her joy in cooking and being useful to her family.

I really liked the happiness snippets and blurbs. I found that they were helpful and could be applied to everyday life. I like when books weave helpful life information into stories especially when the stories are entertaining.  The book is straightforward and didn’t have any unexpected turns. If you like cozy romantic novels where the main character discovers their passion for life, then you would like this book.

 

Book Review - The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 

The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher is about a young woman who tries to overcome a childhood tragedy by finding her own voice. In the spring of 1911, Lucy Wilson traveled to Rowan County to help her second cousin Cora Wilson Stewart, the superintendent of education for the entire county. Lucy hopes that the change of scenery will help her quell the hurt of losing her sister. When Lucy was young, her father tasked her to watch over her younger sister, Charlotte. Lucy was nose deep in her book before she realized Charlotte was missing. She has been haunted and filled with guilt since her sister’s disappearance years ago.

Cora sends Lucy to the hills to act as a scribe for the mountain people. Lucy is disgusted by their living conditions and norms. She feels that they are uncivilized with their behavior. She is heartbroken when she realizes that only a few of the mountain people can read and write.

 

Lucy’s father was born in the hills and is familiar with the illiteracy that plagues the people. As Lucy tries to figure out the hills, she crosses paths with Brother Wyatt. He was also born in the hills and is a singing teacher who travels through the hills to share and spread the gospels.  As Lucy spends more time with Cora and Brother Wyatt, she finds herself becoming attached and caring for the community. 

 

After seeing the community being taken advantage of by a local lumber company and political leaders, the trio decided they needed to do something to help. They decide to create an after school program for adults to help them learn basic writing and reading skills. They believe it is the best way to help the community rise out of poverty. 

 

They face opposition from a local company and leaders. The local leaders want to keep the community under their control through ignorance.  Lucy wonders if their idea will survive or if anyone will show up to the program. Lucy needs to find her confidence and voice to fight for their cause if she wants the school to have a chance. Will Lucy be able to find her purpose in life?

 

The book is inspired by events and the life of Cora Wilson Stewart. I liked reading how the team was making strides to improve the lives of the illiterate and impoverished citizens. There were a few times when the author mentioned the sadness and isolation a person can feel by not being able to write or read. It was heartwarming seeing how learning made the students feel empowered and independent. It made me appreciate how much freedom and joy reading can bring to someone.

 

I enjoyed seeing Lucy grow as a person. She went from someone who was sheltered and afraid to an outspoken woman. I loved when she found her voice to speak about literacy programs that benefited others and she was willing to put aside her own biases and discomfort to help. 

 

I was surprised to learn that Cora Wilson Stewart was a real person. I like that the author included notes on which elements were true in the story. I loved that Cora believed in helping others become literate even if she had to fight every single step of the way. 

 

The book was a bit slow in the beginning. It was only towards the middle before the idea for a midnight school came into fruition. The earlier parts of the book was about Lucy understanding and bonding with the community along with seeing the need for the literacy program. If you love historical fiction with a bit of romance and strong female leads, then you will enjoy this book!

Book Review - Anything But Plain by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 

Lydie Stoltzfus doesn't have it easy being the bishop's daughter. Unfortunately, she isn't like other Amish girls as much as she tries to be. The only thing Lydie is known for is disappointing others and causing trouble. She feels the only way to make things better is to leave the church and her family.

When Lydie gets let go from her last job, her aunt asks her to fill in at the front desk as a receptionist for a few months for her. Lydie feels that taking the job would give her enough time to say goodbye to her friends and family, especially her neighbor, Nathan Yoder. Nathan claims that he's in love with her but, Lydie is afraid that she isn't good enough for him. And if she ever forgets, Nathan's father constantly reminds her.

I thought the book was an interesting read. This was my first time reading an Amish story where a person had a neurodevelopmental disorder. The characters were believable and relatable. I liked reading about Lydie's drawings and how she manages different relationships. I didn't like the ending though, I felt like it ended abruptly. I am not sure if the author plans on writing more books to continue the story but, I wish the story ended better.

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - The Return (Amish Beginnings #3) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Photo Credit - Amazon

Besty Zook never questioned her family's strict rules or the affections of her beau, Hans. She never had a reason to question her life until she is taken captive during an Indian raid.  During her captivity, Besty endures brutality and hardship but, she also experiences unexpected kindness and kinship. She befriends a native named Caleb, who encourages her to find God during her time of need.  Betsy finds herself torn between her loyalty to her family and Caleb.

Hans is distraught that the love of his life, Besty has been captured. He turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort and friendship. Tessa has been in love with Hans for many years and eagerly accepts his companionship as a sign of love. Tessa is over the moon with her feelings for Hans that she ignores the warning signs that Hans's might be out for revenge. 

The novel is inspired by true events and it was an emotional read. It gave readers a glimpse of the hardships faced during the early years. At first, I was torn between Tessa as a character. I felt like she was a very complex character and different from other characters I normally read in Amish novels. She seemed naive but, also had a streak of maliciousness that isn't normally shown in Amish literature (at least the ones I have read). I felt like the author did a good job of showing things are not always black and white. I have not read the other books in the series but, I didn't feel like I was missing anything. I was, however, a bit dismayed by the ending. I felt like it was left off on a cliffhanger and this was the final book in the series.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - On a Summer Tide by Suzanne Woods Fisher

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Camden Grayson loves a challenge. Her professional career has never been better but, the rest of her life needs improvement.  Her sisters believe that her motto of "moving on" isn't helping her. Cam's life gets all topsy turvy when her father sells their childhood home to buy a remote island off the coast of Maine.

Paul Grayson and his deceased wife shared a dream of returning to the camp where they first met and fell in love. However, while Paul was busy chasing his career, his wife passed away during an unfortunate accident. He decided that he spent too much of his time waiting to achieve their dreams and decides to buy the island. He believes that he already wasted time he could have spent with this wife but, now he can use this time to bond with his daughters. Will the island provide solace to the family? Will they be able to find their path of happiness?

I grew up and spent most of my time in the city but, I have visited a few islands. Living on an island or even a small community has a different pace of time. A person can breathe and reconnect with each other and Mother Nature. The novel showed how people sometimes get caught up with the daily demands of life that they forgot to take time and reconnect with themselves and each other. The novel was a nice cozy read about three sisters finding their path to happiness along with a few twists.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Light Before Day (Nantucket Legacy #3) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

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Henry Macy returns to Nantucket after being gone for three years on a whaling voyage. He receives news that his grandmother, Lillian Coffin has given Henry and Hitty a vast inheritance. However, the fortune comes with steep conditions. Henry and Hitty are given conditions, such as who they can marry. If Henry and Hitty fail to meet the conditions of the will, the inheritance will go to their father's thieving business partner, Tristram Macy. Will Henry and Hitty be able to satisfy all of the will's conditions to obtain their inheritance?

This is the third novel in the series and it can be read as a standalone. However, I think the story will be more enjoyable if readers read the first two books. I found this novel to be an enjoyable read and a welcome addition to the series. I enjoyed reading how Henry and Hitty progressed into adulthood and seeing them make their own choices. Overall, a good read if you are a fan of the series.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Minding the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher + Giveaway

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Captain Reynolds Macy is returning home after sailing away six years ago. He left his newly married bride to sail across the sea in search of whale oil. He looks forward to returning to his beautiful bride, Jane. However, Ren realizes nothing is the same and everything has changed during his absence. 

Daphne Coffin is Jane's sister and is excited that Ren is returning home. When tragedy strikes, she urges Ren to "mind the light" and find solace in God. While Ren is traveling down the path of light, Daphne finds herself falling in love with Ren. However, she is promised to betrothed to someone else. Will Ren be able to find the path to happiness? Will Daphne be able to find love with Ren?

This is the second novel in the Nantucket series. I have read the other novel but, I find that this novel can be read as a standalone. I thought the novel was a good read but, it was a bit slow in some parts. I like how the novel showed that people are very dynamic creatures. The ending was a bit predictable but, it ended a bit abruptly. We found out a missing piece of the puzzle but, we don't know how the characters will react. I am assuming it is a lead way into the next book.  I also liked reading bits of Mary Starbuck's diary but, I felt the first book had a more cohesive theme surrounding the diary. Overall, a satisfying second book to the series.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

About the Book

Book Title: Minding the Light

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: July 3, 2018

Six long years ago, Captain Reynolds Macy sailed away from his bride, looking forward to the day when he would return to Nantucket Island with a ship’s hold full of whale oil. But when that momentous day finally arrives, Ren soon discovers that everything has changed in his absence. Everything. “Is nothing on this island as it appears to be?” he whispers in despair.

Unlike most islanders, bold and spirited Daphne Coffin doesn’t defer to Ren as an authoritative whalemaster, but sees through his aloofness to the aching heart beneath. She encourages him to return to his Quaker roots and “mind the Light,” finding solace in God and community. As Ren becomes the man she believes him to be–honorable, wise, faithful–she finds herself falling in love with him.

But how can she, when her heart is spoken for? Tristram Macy is Ren’s business partner, cousin, and best friend–and Daphne’s fiancé. Love always comes at a cost, but when is the price too high?

Suzanne Woods Fisher welcomes readers back to the Quaker community on Nantucket Island for this riveting love story, full of unexpected moments.

About the Author

Carol-award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes untold stories about inspiring people. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction, ranging from Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World to the historical novel Anna’s Crossing.

 

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a $10 Starbucks gift card to five winners!!

Be sure to leave a comment on one of the blog stops for 9 extra entries into the giveaway. Click link below to enter.

 https://promosimple.com/ps/d1c4/minding-the-light-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

Book Review - Phoebe's Light (Nantucket Legacy #1) by Suzanne Woods Fisher + Giveaway

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Phoebe Starbuck always follows her fickle father in his latest get rich scheme. However, on her latest birthday, she decided that she will do what she wants and that is to marry the illustrious Captain Phineas Foulger and to sail away with him on his latest adventure. Her father not trusting the intentions of the Captain gives her daughter a journal from her great grandmother, Mary and companion for her. Phoebe, however, has little use for both at first, but when she realizes the life at the sea is nothing that she expected she comes to rely on the gifts her father gave her. While reading her great grandmother's journal she comes across a secret that affects everyone on the ship. What is the secret that Mary is keeping? Will Phoebe be able to find happiness while living on the ship?

The novel had an interesting premise about a woman who is traveled the sea with her husband in search of majestic whales. While they were some slow parts to the story, I still felt that the story was interesting especially the historical aspects. I appreciated how detailed the author was and for including a dictionary to help with words used during that time frame. A fun read and I can't wait to read the next installation of this series.

**Disclosure - I receive a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Anna’s Crossing, The Newcomer, and The Return in the Amish Beginnings series, The Bishop’s Family series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a grand prize of a Kindle!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c9e0