Saturday, January 23, 2010

Review/Giveaway: The Choice

A WINNING READINGS GIVEAWAY!

Title: The Choice (Lancaster County Secrets Book 1)
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Genre: Contemporary Christian fiction (Amish)
How to enter: Leave a comment on THIS post right here! If you're a subscriber or a follower, leave a second comment for a second entry.
Entry deadline: February 10, 2010
Restrictions: Open internationally!

That's right, enter right here for this giveaway. This is my review copy, so it has been gently read.

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I love books that immerse me in a different culture, while introducing me to people who have similar feelings, needs, and wants that I can relate to. This book is one of those.

The Choice, written by Suzanne Woods Fisher, is a 320-page paperback. It has a list price of $14.99 and is available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. You may be interested in the book bomb day, February 15th, with some fun giveaway events for people who've purchased this book.

Book Bomb and Author's Talk with Suzanne Woods Fisher

Here's the publisher's description of the book:
Lancaster County has always been her home--but where does her heart belong? One moment Carrie Weaver was looking forward to running away with Lancaster Barnstormers pitcher Solomon Riehl--plans that included leaving the Amish community where they grew up. The next moment she was staring into a future as broken as her heart. Now, Carrie is faced with a choice. But will this opportunity be all she hoped? Or will this decision, this moment in time, change her life forever? A tender story of love, forgiveness, and looking below the surface, The Choice uncovers the sweet simplicity of the Amish world--and shows that it's never too late to find your way back to God.
And a bit of information about the author:
Suzanne Woods Fisher's interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Dunkard Brethren Church in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne's work has appeared in many magazines. She has contributed to several nonfiction books and is the author of Amish Peace and the novel The Choice.

This book follows the story of Carrie as she deals with tragedy and tries to comprehend love, both in her relationships with three unique men and in her relationship with Christ. She is by no means perfect; in fact, in the beginning, I'm not sure I like her very much, but her growth in maturity is beautiful to watch. I found myself crying with her and then filled with gratitude as all things worked together for good.

While the author sets this book in the Amish community and treats Amish traditions with respect and beauty, I appreciate that the central storyline is about a relationship with Christ. The book brings out how such a relationship transcends all traditions and enables us to find brothers and sisters in all walks of life. Among the topics addressed in the book are selfishness, guilt, family ties, friendship, honesty, and forgiveness.

On a side note, one of the stories in the book had me googling to find out flashpoints of kerosene, gas, and diesel as I researched "contaminated kerosene." It started out because I was curious as to whether there were issues with mixing kerosene and diesel in our heating oil tank (not really, since they both have high flashpoints), and then began to wonder how likely it is for a small gas spill to cause an accident of horrific proportions as in the book. I'm still a little skeptical, but I've learned a lot - and have a lot more respect for the danger of gas spills on clothing, etc.

This is a romance. But it is far more than a romance.

If you like Amish fiction, you'll love this book. If you're not familiar with Amish fiction, this is a great place to start! This book was an absolute pleasure to read, and I look forward to more in this series.

Thanks to Baker Publishing Group for the review copy of this book.

92 comments:

Sandy Jay said...

I'd love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.

forwhlz at gmail dot com

Sandy Jay said...

I am a follower.

forwhlz at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I'm interested in reading this book.

Wendy
ebeandebe at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I follow with reader.

Wendy
ebeandebe at gmail dot com

mindy said...

this looks just awesome thanks for the giveaway minsthins at optonline dot net

scottsgal said...

I'd love to read an Amish story - thanks for the chance
msboatgal at aol.com

wmmahaney said...

I love books based on the Amish
wmmahaney(at)att(dot)net

wmmahaney said...

I follow in Google reader.
wmmahaney(at)att(dot)net

Katie said...

I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to win this book! I spotted it at Walmart earlier today, but wouldn't indulge myself... hopefully I can win!

kateh12783(at)hotmail(dot)com

Danielle said...

I would absolutely love to win this book! My friend always talks about how much she loves Amish fiction, so I'd love to check this out!

danielle78(at)comcast(dot)net

Danielle said...

I'm a follower!

danielle78(at)comcast(dot)net

Annette W. said...

Hmm...My dad also sometimes mixes fuel oil and kero. Hmmm.

I'd love to try this one out with such a great recommendation from you.
derekannette at gmail dot com

Annette W. said...

I follow you!
derekannette at gmail dot com

Nancye said...

I love Amish fiction! I would love to win this book!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

Follower

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

buddyt said...

I am an Intrnational entry so I don't know very much about the Amish.

Maybe this book can give me a bit more insight into their beliefs and lives.

Please enter me.

Thanks.
Carol

buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

buddyt said...

I am a Follower via Google.

Carol


buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

Benita said...

I have wanted to read this book for awhile now. Thanks for the possibility.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

Email subscriber / google friend connect follower.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

would LOVE to read this book...

karenk
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

i'm a subscriber :)

karenk
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com

409cope said...

What an interesting subject,I have always wanted to know more about them. cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

409cope said...

I follow through google friend. cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

apple blossom said...

I love Amish reads. Love to win Thanks.

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

I follow and subscribed. Thanks

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

EVA SB said...

I love reading about other cultures.
This looks interesting

eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com

EVA SB said...

I follow and subscribe
eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com

Nickolay said...

another great book. Thanks for the chance

jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I am a follower of your blog.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Timster said...

I'd love to read this book.

Anonymous said...

I find the AMish culture very interesting and would like to read this book.

nycole
knycks1@aol.com

maureen73 said...

Thanks for the chance to read a good Amish fiction book (my favorite). Our library does not carry many titles so this would be amazing to win!
maureenruble@yahoo.com

pippirose said...

It is an intriguing culture--the Amish. I think we can learn a lot by looking at the way they live: simple, honest. They probably laugh at us, with our "going green" and recycling. They've been doing it for centuries!
The book sounds great!
:o)
pippirose59 at gmail dot com

pippirose said...

I'm a follower.
pippirose59 at gmail dot com

Cheryl B said...

I'd love to read this. Count me in.
cln1812(at)gmail(dot)com

Cheryl B said...

I'm a follower.
cln1812(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Count me in! :)
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Following...

bison61 said...

sounds like a great read-please sign me up

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Retsbar2Go said...

I love Books and am learnign the different styles of authors.

retsbar2go AT gmail DOT com

Nicole C. said...

I would love to read this!!!

choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

LittleEagle said...

I am also interested in reading about other cultures. Thank you for hosting this giveaway. sharonaquilino at hotmail dot com

mindy said...

this sounds awesome thanks for the giveaway minsthins at optonline dot net

mverno said...

love to give this a perusal
mverno@roadrunner.com

mverno said...

i'm a follower
mverno@roadrunner.com

Pat said...

I love Amish fiction!

demmi said...

please enter me in the book giveaway
con5459(at)gmail(dot)com

Chip said...

I've never read Amish fiction, but recently moved to PA near the Amish and horse and buggy Mennonites. Their lives just fascinate me. I would love to read this.

chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I enjoy Christain fiction. I just finished a book about the AMish

Marla said...

I love reading Cgristian fiction set in the Amish community.

Anonymous said...

HORTON111@AOL.COM
EMMA L HORTON

I KNOW THIS IS GOING TO BE GOOD READING AND I COULD READ IT ON THIS SNOWY DAY TODAY AND THIS WEEKEND

McKim said...

My grandmother lived in Pennsylvania in an Amish area and the Amish have always fascinated me.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the giveway. this looks like an interesting book

rugerpuppies at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I would like to be entered.

lex.redding@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Subscriber.

lex.redding@yahoo.com

smilekisses said...

I've been to Lancaster a few times and it is such a beautiful place to visit. Once there, you never want to leave. The Amish are amazing people.
dolniaks[at]consolidated[dot]net

Valerie Taylor Mabrey said...

count me in

Amanda said...

I would love to read this book!

amanda.corley@ymail.com

Jennifer Wilson said...

This sounds great.

jenndiggy at gmail dot com

Linda said...

Have yet to read a book by Suzanee. Fisher. Please enter me. I love Amish reads.

desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Linda said...

I follow by Google reader.

ddesertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Linda said...

Just signed up for you email newsletter.

desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Amber said...

I would love to read this book :)

Thanks for the giveaways and the great reviews!

ayoung3360@hotmail.com

Mia J. said...

This sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for the chance to win it.

Marianna said...

Thanks for the chance!
mannasweeps AT gmail DOT com

Marianna said...

I follow on google friend connect
mannasweeps AT gmail DOT com

Bcteagirl said...

I would love to read a book set in Amish culture!

teagirl1 at telus dot net

Bcteagirl said...

I follow via google friend connect!
Bcteagirl

Smooshy said...

enter me!

minishoes1 said...

I love to read books about the amish! I hope I win! Thanks! jacquecurl1(at)gmail(dot)com

Rhonda said...

I would like to read this book

rhondastruthers at yahoo dot ca

Rhonda said...

I follow

rhondastruthers a tyahoo dot ca

Becky said...

sounds like a great book.

Merry said...

Add me please, The Choices sounds dramatic. Thanks!

worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot}com

Merry said...

I'm a follower.
worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

Nickolay said...

Super Interesting Sounding book. Thanks for the chance

jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I would like to read this!

theyyyguy@yahoo.com

Tinyblessing said...

This one looks interesting.
lil.blessing at gmail dot com

Renee G said...

Would love to read this.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(Dot)com

Oneangel said...

Sounds like a great book!

Anonymous said...

I would really like to read this book. I love reading Christian fiction.

rsmstahley at roadrunner.com

Anonymous said...

I am a follower.

mommiesgotfivechildren at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

mommiesgotfivechildren at hotmail dot com


Love to read good Christian Reads

Valeen said...

Your review really piqued my interest! I would love to read this book!

Heather Y said...

Thanks for hosting a great giveaway! This review definitely interested me in this book... love to win it!

heather y
click4cash4me@gmail.com

Heather Y said...

I'm also a subscriber... thanks!

heather y
click4cash4me@gmail.com

Betty C said...

I love stories of the Amish. Thanks for the contest.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great read!

springxann@aol.com

Valeen said...

This book sounds like a wonderful read!

sweepyhead at gmail dot com

ZESTYWONDERLAND said...

I would b e thrilled to read this book!
marcy
zestywonderland@gmail.com

ZESTYWONDERLAND said...

I subscribe & follow!
marcy
zestywonderland@gmail.com