THE HAVEN: BOOK #2 IN THE 'STONEY RIDGE SEASONS' SERIES (SUZANNE WOODS FISHER)

Story Description: 

Baker Publishing Group|August 1, 2012|Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-0-8007-1988-3 

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 her 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 Suzanna 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 Review: 

Sadie Lap has been in Berlin, Ohio for the winter and returned home on a bright, warm, spring day to a driveway full of people, satellite dishes, and t.v. cameras and crews.  Sadie is stunned beyond belief and being extremely shy is annoyed that she now realizes she has chosen the worst possible day in her life to “surprise” her family with her homecoming.  Sadie hadn’t told anyone she was returning home two weeks early.  As she stood there in awe with suitcases in hand, she suddenly heard the loud voice of her twelve-year-old sister Mary Kate calling “Saaaddddiiiieeee!”, then the warm welcoming of her father.  They explained to Sadie that a pair of peregrine falcons have nested on their farm which has brought the local Audabon Society, and everyone in town, and the t.v. crews to film this momentous moment. 

Will Stoltz, a charming and handsome young man has been banished for a semester from his college and sent to the Lapp farm to babysit the endangered peregrine falcons nesting at their farm.  Will would much rather be anywhere else until he meets Sadie Lapp. 

Gideon Smucker, a more quiet, awkward schoolteacher, has been in love with Sadie since they were children and is eagerly awaiting her return from Berlin, Ohio.  But does Sadie feel the same about him? 

Will and Gideon don’t care much for each other and at one point get into a physical altercation over their beloved Sadie.  However, it is little Mary Kate who creates some of the problems and a mistake over some petite fours that aids the controversy between the two men.  Who will win the heart of Sadie Lapp? 

This was a heartwarming and feel good story of faith, family, forgiveness and hope.  I would highly recommend this novel to anyone. 

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".