The Imposter ~ Review

The Imposter
The Bishop's Family 1
By Suzanne Fisher Woods

David Stoltzfus is still the new minister in Stoney Ridge and he's a widower with 6 children ranging in age from 8 to 19 years.  But his two oldest are about to help him get some new gray hairs as they try to find their way in the world.

Katrina thought her life was just about to unfold perfectly, but for some reason John no longer loves her, in fact he is no longer communicating with her at all.  If only she could figure out what went wrong she'd fix it.

But when her brother Jesse returns to Stoney Ridge he brings upsetting news about John.  And suddenly Katrina's dreams are dust at her feet.  Needing to find a new focus, a new direction for her life Katrina turns her attention to Thelma Beiler who is in need of assistance following an injury.  This new chance involves learning about Thelma's new moss business and dealing with Andy Miller, Thelma's new hand.

Meanwhile Katrina's younger brother Jesse is at loose ends.  No longer in school and yet without a job, Jesse would rather spend his days fishing with Jimmy Fisher or Hank Lapp.  Unfortunately for Jesse his father isn't one to watch him idle away his life and a job is in his immediate future.

The church of Stoney Ridge was experiencing difficulties.  Questions about modern ways were threatening the community's stability.  Baptism was falling out of favor. Many of the younger people were leaving the community.

And then there's David's difference of opinion with Bishop Freeman Glick and his brother Levi Glick. Freeman and Levi are seemingly hindering and questioning David's work.  And his children's perceived faults and mistakes are about to be used against him.  Could the leading he felt in his life have been wrong?

Times of trouble have a way of strengthening one, preparing us for what we didn't know was coming.

The Imposter is the first book in The Bishop's Family series by Suzanne Woods Fisher.  Though several Stoney Ridge favorites are mentioned this story deals mainly with the Stoltzfus and Glick families and those who are in their immediate daily circle of friends and acquaintances.  Luke Schrock is one of background characters and he has not grown anymore likable with age.  In fact, I think I could say he is as much a handful as he ever was and I'll be interested to see him star in a book one of these days - I'd like to see his mind in action.

The Imposter is a book of second chances and learning to face the truth of who we are so that we might stop pretending to be something that we are not.  I'm interested in seeing how these lives unfold in future books from this series.  This is an engaging book that you won't want to put down once you start reading it.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
A heart once deceived should not be easily fooled again . . .

Katrina Stoltzfus thought she had life and love all figured out: she was going to marry John and live happily ever after. But as her plans crumble before her eyes, she struggles to face an uncertain future. When a widow asks for help starting a new business, Katrina quickly agrees. She needs time to heal her broken heart, to untangle her messy life, to find a purpose.

What she doesn't need is attention from Andy Miller, a farmhand who arrives at the widow's farm just when help is most needed--and who always seems to say the right thing and be in the right place, at the right time. Is Andy for real or too good to be true? She's been deceived once before, and she isn't planning on experiencing it again. 

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to Stoney Ridge for a tale of love, uncertainty, and trusting God to write your story.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author whose most recent novels include Anna's Crossing 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.