Litfuse Blog Tour (Giveaway Link!) + My Review: The Haven by Suzanne Woods Fisher
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| The Haven (Stoney Ridge Seasons 2) by Suzanne Woods Fisher Copyright 2012 Revell Books ISBN: 9780800719883 |
When Sadie Lapp steps off the bus in Stoney Ridge after being in Ohio for the winter, she is faced with a decision–one that goes against her very essence. Yet it’s the only way she can think of to protect a loved one.
Schoolteacher Gideon Smucker has been crazy about Sadie since boyhood. But his response to her surprising decision undermines his own reputation–and his relationship with Sadie.
College student Will Stoltz is spending the spring at the Lapp farm as a guard for a pair of nesting Peregrine Falcons–courtesy of the Lancaster County Game Warden. Will needs to get his life back on track, but his growing friendship with Sadie threatens his plans.
The lives of these three individuals intertwine, and then unravel as unexpected twists create ripples through the town of Stoney Ridge . . . and through Sadie’s heart.
Once again, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher intrigues and delights with a story that explores the bonds of friendship, family, and true love. Readers will enjoy every surprise in Sadie’s story as they search for the truth hidden within these pages.
My Thoughts:
Sadie Lapp left home to be with her sister Julia and her brother-in-law but felt the pull to return home to her father and sister after only a few months. On her way home she finds something at the bus station that will change not only her life but her family's forever. Upon her arrival she learns that the rare birds her deceased brother loved so much have garnered attention from across the country so the Lapp farm is crawling with strangers trying to catch a glimpse of the falcons. Sadie's unsure of what to make of the handsome Englischer Will Stoltz, birdwatcher and caretaker or the sudden change in her old friend Gideon Smucker. As the summer goes on she struggles with family, community and friendship and must learn to come out of her shell or continue to be trampled on.
Okay so here it comes, I highly respect this author and love all her previous works but this book just wasn't for me. The story in and of itself wasn't bad but I did not like two of the three main characters and found myself almost wanting to skip over their parts of the story. Will Stoltz was lazy and whiny and Gideon Smucker was trying so hard to get Sadie's attention that it bordered on painful to read. Will did get a little better as the story went on but still not enough to impress me. I didn't really like or sympathize with either of these men. As a romance reader I feel you're supposed to like at least one of the heroines potential love interests.
I still loved Sadie's little sister, Mary Kate (aka M.K.) who was precocious as ever and her ornery Uncle Hank in this book. Hopefully The Lesson will bring these characters back, give us some answers about Sadie's love life and hopefully the men of that story I will like! As I said before I loved the first book in this series, The Keeper, (my review HERE) and I loved Suzanne Woods Fisher's previous series, Lancaster County Secrets. The characters in those books were so full of soul and the emotion fairly oozed off the pages. I'm looking forward to seeing how this series ends and hopefully get some closure!
~ My Rating 2.5 out of 5 stars ~
* To read what other readers are saying about The Haven go HERE. *
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
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Giveaway:
Win a Kindle Fire or Nook Color from @SuzanneWFisher in "The Haven" Giveaway! RSVP for Live Video Chat on 8/30! Celebrate the newest book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series with Suzanne by entering her 4 eReader Giveaway and Facebook Party and RSVPing for the Live Video Chat on 8/30!
See what folks are saying about The Haven!
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- A Brand new Kindle Fire or Nook Color
- $25 Amazon.com or Barnes&Noble.com Gift certificate
So grab your copy of The Haven and join Suzanne on the evening of the August 30th for a fun chat (both on Facebook and via Live Video), trivia contest and lots of giveaways.
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a>Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!
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Happy Reading!
i remember mk from the previous book in the series. sounds like this one is great too!
ReplyDeleteIt's the middle book so maybe that's why I didn't like it as much but I'm hoping for great things in book 3! Hope you enjoy!
ReplyDeletexoxo~ Renee C.