Publisher:  Revell

Some authors have a way of giving readers quite the impact without realizing it until the very last page, just like The Devoted, book 3 of The Bishop's Family by Suzanne Woods Fisher. You know it's good throughout the pages, but how good, you might not have grasp it until the end, when a satisfied sigh escapes.

Let's go through this. The characters. We have it all, those who make you laugh like Jesse Stolzfus, Hank Lapp, Patrick Kelly, Birdy, and Jenny, and those that annoys you like lost boy, Luke. There's David Stolzfus, the bishop who simply put is genuinely kind and full of wisdom. He's one of my favorites of this series in Stoney Ridge, but combined with Birdy (my favorite character), their profound insight and goodness permeates throughout the book. To me, they highlight this series, though it's not technically focused on them. The message as a whole, about time, God's time, your time and patience in waiting for God's plan for you - well done. I love that this story isn't about just one couple, but about the community as a whole and several individuals in and related to the community.

As you already know I love David and Birdy. Jesse, Hank and Jenny are quite hilarious in their own ways. Hank - you will laugh, at least chuckle whenever he makes an appearance.  Ruthy, Luke and Patrick's story, ahhh. I like it. It's slow, but not slow as it the pace is bad. It's a like a slow burn, allowing the emotions and development to take its turn . I like Ruthie's uncertainty and Patrick's "wise-beyond his years" type of intelligence. Luke, a lost child that turns to his wild ways to fill the hole inside of him, and he's not perfect. He's trouble, yet you can't help but be drawn to him and what will happen. I even like Freeman Glick, the "antagonist" of past books in the series.

Suzanne writes with a level of sophistication that you read and feel in her books. The Devoted is no different. Ruthie's simple questions about God, our roles, His plans, all are reminders to us. With prudence and sincerity, we join in on the journey our friends in Stoney Ridge takes in love, life, and the cultural issues that is affected by the influx of the Englisch life.

To check out her other books in the series! (click to see my reviews)

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.