The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Jorie King's life is on hold. She has been waiting for Ben Zook to return to Lancaster County. Waiting for him to settle down and join the church. Waiting to marry him.

But when news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie is devastated. She finds unlikely comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. Friendship ripens into love, and two broken hearts plan for a life filled with the promise of a fresh beginning--until their worlds are turned upside down.

With her realistic characters whose weaknesses develop into strengthes, Suzanne Woods Fisher offers a reading experience that rises above the others. You will love growing in spirit with these complex people living the simple life as The Waiting transports you into a world where things aren't as simple as they seem.

"More than just a story of the Amish, The Waiting is the story of a woman, sometimes triumphant, sometimes struggling, carried through turbulent times by a plain faith."--Lisa Wingate, national bestselling author of Tending Roses and Never Say Never

"Fisher takes the sweet story expected in Amish fiction and adds a kick of realism. I treasured my time with Jorie King and the whole Zook family, sharing their grief and laughter--what a lovely read."--Sarah Sundin, author of Wings of Glory series

Suzanne Woods Fisher's interest in the Anabaptist culture can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is the author of The Choice, Amish Peace, and Amish Proverbs. She hosts an internet radio show called Amish Wisdom and lives with her family in California.

Review on 11/20/11 - No book has ever made me want to post a review before I'm actually done with it. But this part of the book moved me. Here's the part...

"What will it be like in heave?" Maggie asked Mary Ann as she handed her a warm mug.
....
"Maggie, how do your hands feel right now, holding on to that warm mug after playing in the cold?" "Good." "Really good?" She nodded. "But after a while, that good feeling fades away." She nodded again. "In heaven, that good feeling won't go away. That warm good feeling is like the presence of God, and it will last for all eternity."

All I can say is WOW!!! What an amazing example for a child and, apparently, for a 28 year old woman like me. I will never forget this example or this part of the book. Very few books move me enough to shed a tear or tell my husband what is going on in it but this book did both. I shed a tear or two while I was reading it and then after that I told my husband and shed another few. Amazing!

My Final Review - I LOVED this book. I don't know if it's cause I'm pregnant with a little girl but Maggie just touched me in this story. Jorie and Cal were very touching as well. Overall this book is going on my favorites list. It's a must read and you really don't even have to read the series in order for the books to make sense. In my review of the first book, The Choice, I was worried that would make me not like the book because they had nothing to do with each other...BUT it didn't factor into my liking of the book at all. Fisher painted wonderful pictures with words throughout the book. Sylvia and her daughter Esther did get on my nerves quiet a bit. But I think Fisher was trying to show that no matter where you go in life you are always going to have those people that try to make life hard for you. And that maybe we non-Amish people need to take an Amish approach to them and kill them with kindness so to speak. Again, I LOVED this book and you should read it!