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    The Devoted (The Bishop's Family Book #3): A Novel
    The Devoted (The Bishop's Family Book #3): A Novel
    The Devoted (The Bishop's Family Book #3): A Novel
    Ebook345 pages6 hours

    The Devoted (The Bishop's Family Book #3): A Novel

    By Suzanne Woods Fisher

    5/5

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    About this ebook

    Fan Favorite Suzanne Woods Fisher Offers Readers Tender Romance, Humor, and Plenty of Surprises

    Bright, curious, and restless, Ruthie Stoltzfus loves her family but is stuck in a sea of indecision about her future: Should she stay Amish? Or should she leave? She's done all she can to prepare to go--passed the GED, saved her money--but she can't quite set her journey into motion.

    Patrick Kelly is a young man on a journey of his own. He's come to Stoney Ridge to convert to the Amish and has given himself thirty days to learn the language, drive a buggy, and adapt to "everything Plain." Time, to Patrick, is of the essence. Every moment is to be cherished, especially the hours he spends with Ruthie, his Penn Dutch tutor.

    Ruthie's next-door neighbor and cunning ex-boyfriend, Luke Schrock, is drawn to trouble like a moth to a flame. Rebellious, headstrong, defiant, Luke will do anything to win Ruthie back--anything--and Patrick Kelly is getting in his way.

    Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites readers back to Stoney Ridge for a story of dreams deferred and hopes fulfilled--complete with Fisher's signature twists that never fail to leave readers delighted.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBaker Publishing Group
    Release dateOct 4, 2016
    ISBN9781441245441
    The Devoted (The Bishop's Family Book #3): A Novel
    Author

    Suzanne Woods Fisher

    Suzanne Woods Fisher is the award-winning, bestselling author of more than forty books, including The Sweet Life, The Secret to Happiness, and Love on a Whim, as well as many beloved contemporary romance and Amish romance series. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs. She lives in California. Learn more at SuzanneWoodsFisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and X @SuzanneWFisher.

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    Reviews for The Devoted (The Bishop's Family Book #3)

    5/5

    19 ratings13 reviews

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    • 5/5
      I like reading about the Amish way of life and how they come to their decisions about whether to say and grow up Amish or pursue different avenues. Ruthie is trying to decide whether she wants to remain with her faith and family or use her money and education to go a different route. At the same time she is trying to decide she also must make a decision about two suitors in her life Patrick who is converting to the Amish ways of life and her ex, Luke. I enjoyed seeing how Ruthie came to her decision and enjoyed the trip back ot Stoney Ridge. I received a copy of this book for free, the review is my own.
    • 5/5
      Oh, wow! I am rereading parts of this book,The Devoted, by Suzanne Woods Fisher, to complete my review. It still leaves me with the same sense of awe and wonder I had the first time. I'm ready to read it all over again, already. Now there's a good book!What makes for such a good book? Several things. Fisher presents us with an unusual bishop,David Stoltzfus,compared to the ones we usually see. David is thoughtful, not dogmatic or legalistic for their own sake. He wants to understand each situation separately.David's son,Jesse,has his appearances, although the book focuses more on Ruth, David's sister, and Ruthie,his daughter. These characters are all well-drawn and rounded. So many people to follow with their relationships and feelings. Yet, Fisher ties them all together for a tremendously well-woven, warm Amish quilt feeling. When the book ends, you feel like you have been under that warm Amish quilt and don't want to come out, because you're way too comfortable and happy.Suzanne Woods Fisher just was added to my list of favorite Amish authors. I received this book as a complimentary copy, but will not hesitate to buy any others. All opinions presented here are solely my own.
    • 5/5
      The Devoted by Suzanne Woods Fisher, third in The Bishop series is a charming and compelling look into the world of the Amish through the Stoltzfus family. Although part of a series, it is easily a stand alone novel that focuses on one of the Stoltzfus daughters, Ruthie, who at seventeen feels like a bird trapped in a cage. Can she find what she is looking for in the Amish way of life or will she follow in her aunt's footsteps and have a career as an outsider? Luke is Ruthie's on again, off again romantic relationship and yet Luke has deep-seated issues. What will it take to scare the sin out of Luke? The unflappable Canadian, Patrick, longs to find a simpler way of life and has come to learn the Amish way. Will he fit in or give up once he realizes the simple life is not easy. And the Bishop, David, what a strong character with a steadfast faith in the way of God and deep concern for his people. How can he help his community remain whole and healthy, and maintain their willingness to put each other first? The author has an exceptional gift for character development and storytelling and The Devoted is a wonderful example of both. The characters are amazingly realistic and the story pulls the reader right in, wondering how things are going to work out for this family. Fisher takes the rather weighty issues of alcoholism, serious illness, and teenage rebellion and threads them through with a strong faith in God and a hope that doesn't disappoint. Hope and trust in God...understanding their connection will bring one to a profound desire for lifelong obedience to a God who loves His children and calls them to holiness.I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
    • 5/5
      Ruthie must decide whether she wants to remain with the Amish or leave and get more education. During this time she is trying to decide whether she wants to remain Luke Schrock's girlfriend. He is doing many things she does not like but she thinks she still is in love with him. Then in comes Patrick who wants to become Amish and is a gentleman. This book makes you laugh and cry. I love the characters. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion.
    • 5/5
      When I know that there is a series coming out, I buy each book and start reading them in order when the last book in the series is completed. That is not the case with this series. As each one was published, I grabbed it up and started reading. Why did I not wait, you may ask? Well the simple answer is because the author writes such memorable stories that I knew I would never forget the previous book in the series. Her characters are so well crafted and relatable that I feel like they become part of my family. This is the third installment of The Bishops Family series and oh my is it a powerful read. The story is written with grace and I loved how the author placed stories from the bible that helped us understand what the characters were struggling with. I loved Ruthie because she was so intriguing. She is always available to help anyone and has such a desire to learn new things. She hasn't found the right person to share her life with, but that may change very soon. What happens at the Inn at Eagle Hill where she Workd that will have people gossiping? Patrick Kelly is a young man who has come to the community to learn how to be Amish. Yes that does seem strange to some, but his enthusiasm and dedication proves to people that he is sincere . His character is very likeable and will face challenges that for some, would make them lose hope. As he studies the culture he does start to have questions for Bishop David Stoltzfus. He knows that Sunday is a day of rest, so why are stores open and people selling their goods on a Sunday? I really liked his hunger for learning the Amish customs and how much he wanted to fit in. Bishop David starts to really take a look at his congregation and see that maybe some have forgotten some of the Amish ways . What happens when several families find wealth ? Will they allow that wealth to overshadow their Amish beliefs? Have you ever found yourself comprising your beliefs ? I loved how the author showed the conflicts the community faced with their new found prosperity and how the Bishop realized that he needed to take a firmer stand. Did he get so caught up in becoming a newlywed that he forgot about his duties as a Bishop? I can't forget to mention Luke Schrock. He sure does have a big chip on his shoulders. He is jealous of the budding friendship between Ruthie and Patrick. His anger comes out in hurtful ways and I loved how the author showed his life spinning out of control. His actions cause a lot of pain and anger for Ruthie. Will she be able to forgive him? Will he get help before it is to late? I loved his character the most because it showed how jealousy can cause destruction in someone's life. I remember the scripture that says, "Pride cometh before a fall," and the author does an amazing job of showing how pride and jealousy can change a person. It was very powerful to read and it brought tears to my eyes to see the pain Luke was in. Will Luke be able to find his way back to God? Can he swallow his pride and ask for forgiveness ? The characters in the book draw on their faith and along the way find forgiveness, hope and unconditional love. The book delivers an unforgettable story that reminds us to never give up, follow your dreams and surround yourself with family and God. I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
    • 5/5
      Newcomer Patrick arrives in Stoney Ridge, and his presence will affect the community, especially Ruthie. He is Canadian and Catholic, but he thinks he would like to become Amish. And so, he, and his parents, have given him a month to immerse himself in the culture and the faith. Luke’s drinking and his behavior have worsened, and he is barely in control. He refuses to honor Ruthie’s declaration that they are no longer a couple, and he sees Patrick as a rival and a threat. Luke needs serious help, but whether it will save him from his path of destruction remains to be seen. This is an interesting conclusion to this trilogy. Some storylines are tied up, others are not. Readers will want to revisit Stoney Ridge in future books to see if Luke’s life is redeemable, and how the lives of the other characters are playing out. There is certainly much to be enjoyed by reading this series, along with some pearls of wisdom to ponder.
    • 5/5
      Title: The Devoted (The Bishop Family #3)Author: Suzanne Woods FisherPages: 336Year: 2016My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.This final book of the series, The Devoted, focuses on the character of Ruthie Stolzfus who is the daughter of the bishop in Stoney Ridge. We meet the community of Amish and the Stolzfus family in the first book titled, The Imposter and then the story continues in The Quieting. What I enjoy most about the novels isn’t the focus on the Amish per se, but the human factor that is present no matter what community one belongs to. With the human element, readers will come across one character named Luke who is trying to find his way through life, but his choices bring dire consequences.Ruthie thinks she might want to leave the Amish like the Bishop David’s sister did so she can be freer in ways she cannot as an Amish woman. I enjoyed the multifaceted tensions in the story line of the novels that were spiritual in many ways and also relational. I enjoyed David’s character the most as he seeks God in the Word, prayer and meditation. Plus, David doesn’t want to begin taking shortcuts to hurry people through to baptism. He likes to give God time to work on the heart instead of browbeating as some in the community want to do. I also enjoyed seeing how older women in the community helped the younger woman with some of the struggles of life as they grew older. In our day and age, we could use more of this passing on of wisdom, opening heart and home to young woman.The idea of taking in a woman who is searching for God and needing to learn even the basic household tasks or taking care of an elderly woman who is alone is I think a wonderful idea. I hope you read and enjoy all three novels in the series as I did. Suzanne writes with such heart and realism that is unique and makes the stories unforgettable!
    • 5/5
      Saturday, October 8, 2016The Devoted by Suzanne Woods Fisher, © 2016The Bishop's Family, Book 3A quiet starry night as a faint breeze floated over the hillside at the Inn of Eagle Hill. On the way home, finished for the night, Ruthie Stolzfus encounters a man in need of rest. Decision-making when you are finished and ready to head home is a little out of the ordinary, especially with no reservation to prepare for a night guest.Conversational, you will get to know the people at Stoney Ridge and the intent of their hearts."It's a funny thing about time. There always seems to be enough of it for the things that really matter."--The Devoted, 150.I liked that characters from previous stories were part of the conclusion of this series. Constant, continuing in their days, some with more gusto than others, doing what they "knew to do." A new arrival is Patrick Kelly from Canada, who is having an extended stay at the cottage at Rose King's inn across from Ruthie's family's home property."People change," Patrick said. "You might try giving her a fresh start. People rise to our expectations for them."--Ibid., 179.Ruthie feels she is insignificant, unaware of the people who look to her for support. Her willingness to help others is beneficial in finding her niche. I like how the showing more than telling, motivates others to reveal themselves. There are lessons to be learned; when to be quiet and when to speak. Another character who unknowingly is a strong encourager is Birdy. If you have yet to meet her, you will find her to be a joy in being aware of her surroundings and spreading happiness and a lift of cares when you are near her. What a jewel she is.Psalm 139 fully is portrayed in this story beyond David Stolzfus' remembrance of being hemmed in, surrounded by the Lord's care ~ "Thou has beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me."***Thank you to Suzanne Woods Fisher and to Revell Reads for sending me a copy of The Devoted for review. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
    • 5/5
      The Devoted is book three in The Bishop’s Family series. This book focuses on seventeen-year-old Ruthie Stoltzfus. Ruthie is being pulled in so many directions. Should she remain within the familiar surroundings of the Amish Community of Stoney Ridge, or should she pursue higher education outside of the community? Should she continue her relationship with handsome Luke Schrock in spite of his poor life choices which hurt so many around him, or should she pursue a relationship with Patrick Kelly, a guest at a local inn who is considering converting to the Amish? While it is wonderful to have choices, making them can be difficult and life altering. Patrick’s appearance has had an impact on Ruthie’s father, David Stoltzfus, the Bishop, as well. As Patrick contrasts what he had anticipated Amish life would be like with the reality of Amish life in Stoney Ridge, David is forced to face some realities as well. How has the last three years of prosperity made possible by the discovery of oil on land owned by Amish families impacted their community? Has the community’s faith become misplaced? Have their priorities been altered? If so, what is the correct course of action? The questions with which David struggles should be questions each and every Christian should ask themselves, whether living in prosperity or not. Visiting Stoney Ridge again is like going home, finding out about new relationships, interacting with eccentric uncles, trying to please stern-faced aunts, oohing and aaahing over how the children have grown, and mourning those that are no longer there. Suzanne Woods Fisher allows us to see inside the Amish world, and helps us discover that we really aren’t so different, our challenges are often their challenges as well. Suzanne Woods Fisher shows a deep understanding of the Amish, and her love for these people shines through in her writing, while always remaining realistic, not romanticizing the Amish community. Her writing brings out a variety of strong emotions; sometimes gluing me to the story, unable to put the book down; other times causing me to put the book down and step aside for a moment. I would highly recommend this book to Amish fiction fans, and also to those who love to study human nature. Thank you to Revell Publishers and the Christian Blog Alliance for providing me with The Devoted in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation.
    • 5/5
      The Devoted by Suzanne Woods Fisher marks the third book in The Bishop’s Family series. With the Stoltzfus’ large family and many more community members with stories waiting to be told, it certainly will not be the last book set in the Amish community of Stoney Creek, Pennsylvania. In this installment, a young man from outside the community begins a long visit at the Inn at Eagle Hill and brings with him a quiet assurance and insight that challenges more than one of the people living there. Change could be coming to the church at Stoney Creek, but it may not be all for the good.I love how Fisher makes the people in Stoney Ridge real and relevant for any reader. I have said it before, but it bears repeating: although the characters are Amish, they could easily belong to any community anywhere. There stories are filled with real life struggles and doubts and hopes and dreams. But it is not just the Amish of the community who are featured. Three Englisch characters figure prominently in The Devoted and are positive influences on the story as well as some of the other characters. The Amish of Stoney Creek are not immune from influences of the world, in spite of their commitment to remain separate. Fisher examines the role of wealth in a believer’s life — in bringing blessings and in drawing us away from God. Fisher also does not shy away from showing the deceptions and consequences of a fallen world.From deep in the heart of Amish country, The Devoted is a story for anyone, a story full of wisdom and wit. Another winner from Fisher, for this reader it is a highly recommended read!Highly recommended.Audience: older teens to adults.(Thanks to Revell for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
    • 4/5
      The Devoted by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the third book in The Bishop’s Family series. Ruthie Stoltzfus is seventeen years old and living in Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania. Ruthie knows she wants something more. She even took the GED without anyone knowing. She is inspired by her aunt, Dr. Ruth Stoltzfus. Ruthie just needs to figure out exactly what she wants. Patrick Kelly has come from Canada and is determined to become Amish. He wants to totally immerse himself in the culture and has given himself thirty days to learn everything he needs to know to become a good Amish person. He has hired Ruthie to teach him Penn Dutch. Ruthie enjoys spending time with Patrick. He is different from Luke Schrock, her ex-boyfriend. Luke does not like seeing Ruthie with someone else. But Luke is not ready to settle down. He has too much fun drinking and getting into trouble (which is why he is an ex-boyfriend). Dr. Ruth is having some problems of her own. Thanks to her boyfriend, Ed Gingerich she is now out of job. Dr. Ruth now has the chance to take over Dr. Max Finegold’s practice in Stoney Ridge. Dr. Ruth ran away from this town when she was younger. Is she ready to come back? Will the Amish community accept Dr. Ruth as their new doctor? Life is never dull for the citizens of Stoney Ridge. The Devoted was an enjoyable book to read. It is a heartwarming novel with enjoyable characters, nice setting, and good messages. The Devoted cannot be read alone. In order to understand the characters and their dynamics, you need to read the other novels in the series (otherwise, you will be confused). The novel is well-written and has a sweet ending. The Devoted deals with alcolhism, teenage growing pains, illness, love, faith and much more. Scripture verses are sprinkled throughout the novel to help reinforce the messages (sometimes it is a little preachy). I give The Devoted 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). If you enjoy Amish novels, I recommend The Bishop’s Family series. I look forward to reading more books by Suzanne Woods Fisher in the future.
    • 5/5
      The Devoted is the third book in The Bishop’s Family series, and we get caught up in the lives of the Stoltzfus family. Lives have moved on, and now David is married to Birdie, so glad, and there are going to be new additions to the family with Katrina and Andy. Jessie is still pining for Min, and we hope he will move on, and lastly we have Ruthie still giving Luke second chances.Some very horrendous acts are committed here, and you will really be shocked by some of them, I know I was. There is also a new fellow in town, and he of course, is keeping a secret, Patrick Kelly, he desires to become Amish in one month, huh?You will soon be wrapped up in this book and page-turning to find out the answers to all of the questions that you are going to have. The end of this book will answer a lot of questions, but I could go on forever with this dear family, sad to have a series end.Pick this one up and you won’t be disappointed, I recommend that you read the other equally great books, but this one can be read alone.I received this book through the Publisher Revell’s Blogger Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.
    • 5/5
      Title: The Devoted (The Bishop Family #3)Author: Suzanne Woods FisherPages: 336Year: 2016My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.This final book of the series, The Devoted, focuses on the character of Ruthie Stolzfus who is the daughter of the bishop in Stoney Ridge. We meet the community of Amish and the Stolzfus family in the first book titled, The Imposter and then the story continues in The Quieting. What I enjoy most about the novels isn’t the focus on the Amish per se, but the human factor that is present no matter what community one belongs to. With the human element, readers will come across one character named Luke who is trying to find his way through life, but his choices bring dire consequences.Ruthie thinks she might want to leave the Amish like the Bishop David’s sister did so she can be freer in ways she cannot as an Amish woman. I enjoyed the multifaceted tensions in the story line of the novels that were spiritual in many ways and also relational. I enjoyed David’s character the most as he seeks God in the Word, prayer and meditation. Plus, David doesn’t want to begin taking shortcuts to hurry people through to baptism. He likes to give God time to work on the heart instead of browbeating as some in the community want to do. I also enjoyed seeing how older women in the community helped the younger woman with some of the struggles of life as they grew older. In our day and age, we could use more of this passing on of wisdom, opening heart and home to young woman.The idea of taking in a woman who is searching for God and needing to learn even the basic household tasks or taking care of an elderly woman who is alone is I think a wonderful idea. I hope you read and enjoy all three novels in the series as I did. Suzanne writes with such heart and realism that is unique and makes the stories unforgettable!

    Book preview

    The Devoted (The Bishop's Family Book #3) - Suzanne Woods Fisher

    Stoltzfus.

    1

    The bad thing about Ruthie Stoltzfus’s job was that it barely paid minimum wage and she had no job security. She was only employed when someone from the Schrock family, who owned the Inn of Eagle Hill, was busy or unavailable, like now.

    The good thing about her job was that it was across the road from her home. She liked to think of the now-and-then job as a hotel concierge-in-training, minus the hotel. The Schrocks referred to the position as a filler.

    But as for what happened last evening . . . nothing ever—ever!—could have trained her for that. She was still shaky from the shock. The guests who had checked out of the inn yesterday had trashed the little cottage. Completely trashed it! Just as she was locking up after she had worked all day long to clean it up, she saw a man stagger over to her.

    Is this a motel?

    Not really, Ruthie said. It’s a bed-and-breakfast. And then she noticed the man had a cut on his forehead. You’re bleeding.

    He lifted a hand to his head as if startled by the thought. It’s nothing. Look, I need a room for the night.

    She looked back at the main house. The lights were out. It was late and they’d gone to bed. But the guest cottage was empty, and she knew Rose would appreciate the income. Still, this man seemed odd. Not in a dangerous way, but he seemed dazed, a little confused. Drunk, maybe? She should send him on his way. But then again, what would he do if she turned him away? He was miles from town. You’ll have to pay cash, up front.

    He reached behind him, then patted his pants, his shirt front, alarmed. I don’t seem to have my wallet. He reached into his pockets. I’m good for the money. If you could just trust me. Just for tonight. In the morning, I’ll take care of everything. I promise. His eyes pleaded with her.

    In the end, Ruthie ignored her usual overriding caution and let him stay. She walked him over to the guest cottage, showed him how to use the kerosene lights, and left him there. As she closed the cottage door behind her, she felt a hitch in her heart. Had she done the right thing? Or the wrong thing. Birdy, her father’s wife, often said that the Bible warned they might entertain angels as strangers in need. Nothing about this man seemed particularly angelic, but he definitely was a stranger in need.

    Ruthie crossed the road and turned around, walking backward, as she climbed the steep driveway to her family’s home. The light in the little cottage was already snuffed out. The man was probably in bed. She’d made her decision. She had to trust it was the right one, even if the stranger-in-need didn’t end up paying for the stay.

    She slept fitfully, tossing and turning. In the morning, she woke and dressed in a flash. She left a note for Birdy and her dad on the kitchen table, that she had to get to work early and would miss breakfast. She grabbed her shawl from the wall peg and rushed down the driveway. The cottage still looked as quiet as it did last night, though she wasn’t sure what she had expected to find. Burned down? Exploded? Don’t be ridiculous, Ruthie, she told herself. You’re letting your imagination run away with you.

    Rose was already in the kitchen at the main house of Eagle Hill as Ruthie walked right in. She looked up at Ruthie in surprise. You’re here early.

    There’s a guest in the cottage, she said. Late last night, as I was heading home—a man came and asked for a place to stay.

    Rose straightened up. She looked out in the driveway. Where’s his car?

    He didn’t have one.

    Rose got that look on her face, the one that seemed as if she knew this story wasn’t going to end well.

    I might have made a mistake, Rose. He seemed to be in some kind of trouble.

    Did he threaten you?

    No. Nothing like that. He was very polite. She explained the whole story.

    Rose went to the window to peer at the cottage. It’s early. Let’s wait another hour or so, then I’ll take him some coffee.

    Are you mad at me?

    Rose swiveled around. No. Not at all. Please don’t worry, even if the man doesn’t pay for the night. You were put in a tough spot and made a decision that felt right to you. She turned back to peer out the window, looking at the cottage, crossing her arms against her chest. But maybe I’ll have Galen take him the coffee.

    An hour later, that’s just what she did. Galen King, Rose’s husband, a no-nonsense kind of man, took a pot of coffee over to the man in the cottage. Not two minutes later, he returned with the untouched coffee tray.

    Is he all right? Ruthie asked. Should I call for a doctor?

    Galen set the tray down and slumped into a chair at the kitchen table. Not a doctor. He definitely doesn’t need a doctor. He swallowed. He needs . . . the county coroner.

    And that’s why Ruthie couldn’t stop shaking. The coroner arrived, and after he saw the cut on the man’s forehead, his bleeding knuckles, and discovered there was no identification to be found, he called the Stoney Ridge Police Department. They dispatched their only two cars, sirens blaring, which alerted all kinds of townspeople to come out and see what on earth had happened at the Inn of Eagle Hill. A reporter from the Stoney Ridge Times said this was the biggest story to hit the town in two years, since someone had blown up Amish farmers’ mailboxes with cherry bombs.

    Perhaps there’s a link, the reporter said, sniffing for any clue he could find to flesh out his story. Hard news, in Stoney Ridge, was as scarce as hens’ teeth.

    No link at all, Luke Schrock said with certainty. Rose’s son, Luke, was Ruthie’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, depending on how much patience she had for him. Lately, it was off-again. Luke seemed almost amused by the activity that was quickly filling up the front yard of his family’s property.

    Ruthie found Luke’s attitude to be callous and would have told him so, but the reporter kept pestering her with questions. When the reporter overheard one policeman tell the other that Ruthie was the only one who had seen and spoken to the man, he cornered her. What kind of weapon was used to murder him?

    Murder? Who said anything about a murder? How awful. What horrible chain of events had Ruthie set into motion last night?

    It’s obvious, the reporter said. The bedroom window was open. The man was found on the floor. It’s a cut-and-dry case, elementary crime solving. Someone came in through the open window, killed him, and left through the front door. And now—the reporter muttered to himself, taking down notes—we’ve got ourselves a John Doe, right here in sleepy Stoney Ridge.

    The policemen were unrolling yellow crime-scene caution tape over the front door of the guest cottage. Ruthie knew one of the officers, Matt Lehman. He was talking to Rose, so she started toward them, hearing him tell Rose to call tonight’s inn guests to explain that their reservation had to be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. Then he turned to Ruthie and told her, twice, that she wasn’t to talk to anyone about what she’d seen or done until she’d been questioned.

    Right, Ruthie said. So don’t say anything about the blood.

    Suddenly the Stoney Ridge Times reporter was by her side again. What blood?

    The man’s forehead was bloody.

    Matt Lehman scowled at the reporter, led Ruthie to the backseat of his police car, and told her to sit there, say nothing, do nothing.

    Luke Schrock watched Matt lead Ruthie to the car. Don’t say anything without a lawyer present, Ruthie! You have rights!

    Matt turned to Luke with a sigh. He was well acquainted with him. She’s not being arrested.

    Oh, Luke said. He waved a hand in the air. Well, then, carry on.

    Ruthie sat in the police car, arms tightly folded against her chest. Murder. She had let an injured man into the cottage, a criminal, probably, only to have him brutally killed in his sleep.

    What did I do? she thought miserably.

    A little later, Matt Lehman and the other policeman walked over to the police car to question Ruthie about everything she could remember from last night. It was surprising how many details her mind had taken in and filed away without realizing it. The stranger was surprised when she pointed out there was blood dripping down his forehead. He had seemed dazed and confused. Even still, he was very polite, very appreciative.

    Why didn’t you ask for the man’s name? Matt said. Why didn’t you ask him for any information?

    For that, she had no answer. It was a set of circumstances that had flustered her, made her feel as if she just wanted to get the man settled in so she could go home. The main house was dark, she was alone, the man seemed like he needed to rest. Looking back, she realized how many mistakes she had made. But the stranger hadn’t seemed dangerous.

    Who might have broken into the cottage to murder him? she asked Matt, and he looked at her strangely.

    What makes you think he was killed?

    The reporter said so. He called it a homicide.

    Aw, no, Matt said, turning to the other officer. He’s gonna get everyone twitchy.

    The officer frowned. They’ll all be hearing things go thump in the night.

    "But . . . was the man murdered?"

    The two police officers exchanged a look. We aren’t sure of anything, Matt said. Not until we get the coroner’s report.

    What about the open window?

    The innkeeper said there’d been a group in there the other night who trashed the place.

    That was true, but I was the one who cleaned up the cottage yesterday and I didn’t notice an open window.

    Ruthie, Matt said. Are you positive? Absolutely positive?

    No. I guess not. She wasn’t positive of anything anymore.

    Can you think of anything else? Anything at all?

    She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to make herself remember. Her cousin Gabby should have been the one here last night but had moved to Kentucky with her new husband, Dane. With Gabby’s unique attention to detail, she could’ve given the policemen a blow-by-blow detailed report.

    Her eyes popped open. He had no wallet. Something else tickled her memory. When he reached for his wallet, he pulled out a ticket stub. It was to a Lancaster Barnstormer baseball game. She recognized the logo because her brother Jesse often slipped off to go to home games. She was rather pleased with herself. Such recall!

    The officers were not as pleased. In fact, they seemed rather disappointed as they closed their notepads.

    Matt handed her a card. If anything else comes to mind, give me a call. A stain of pink started up the sides of his cheeks. Or you could have your aunt track me down.

    My aunt? Her aunts lived in Ohio.

    His cheeks went redder still. The doctor.

    Oh! That aunt. You know Dok? How?

    I’ve bumped into her a few times at the hospital. His face was now streaked with red blotches.

    Oh. Oh! Matt Lehman was sweet on her aunt! How curious.

    As soon as the policemen finished with their questions, Ruthie walked over to the porch of the farmhouse, where Rose King stood waiting for her.

    Are you all right? Rose asked.

    I suppose so. Ruthie looked at the cottage, at the ribbons of yellow caution tape covering the door. I’m so sorry. I should never have let that man stay here last night.

    Rose put an arm around her shoulders. You did what you thought was best. Innkeeping is all about dealing with strangers. I’m not sure what I would’ve done if I’d been in your shoes.

    But look at what it’s turned Eagle Hill into. A human zoo.

    Rose’s gaze swept over the driveway to the cottage. A police car, a handful of horses and buggies, dozens of scooters, clumps of Amish men and women standing together, all curious onlookers. Well, no doubt it’ll all blow over soon.

    Ruthie hoped so, but something deep inside her felt this was just the beginning.

    It was a beautiful July day. Life had its twists and turns, but right now, it was smooth sailing. David Stoltzfus had never felt more content, more optimistic about the future. He felt light as air.

    He gave the horse’s reins a shake to back up the buggy, eager to return home.

    Home. What a beautiful word.

    Home to Birdy. His wife.

    His wife. It still amazed him, to wake up each day beside this woman, whom he dearly loved and grew more attached to each day. It was a different kind of love he had for Birdy than for Anna, his first wife and the mother of his children. Different, but in a way, it was more precious. He knew how fleeting life could be, how quickly things could change.

    Yes, David thought, he had much to be thankful for: his calling to be bishop, his health, his friends, his family, and now his wife. Life had certainly thrown him some curves, and doubtless there would be further tests, trials, and tribulations. But just for now, on this beautiful summer day, it was to be enjoyed in all its fullness and with all its wonders.

    He thought back to this morning, to holding his beautiful little newborn grandson in the crook of his arms. The baby was mewling away when Katrina passed the bundle to David and his crying stopped immediately. He opened his dark blue eyes and peered at him, as if he knew he already had a place deep in his heart.

    A grandchild. His second. A boy! His first.

    For a long while, he studied this little baby who stared back at him. He lay still, silent, his fists closed tight, his wispy hair fine as silk. David kissed the baby’s forehead. He was sure no baby on earth held a candle to how beautiful his little grandchildren were at birth, not even his own six children. He watched the baby’s pulsing scalp, counted his tiny toes and fingers. So miniature, so perfect. A miracle.

    Too soon, Thelma Beiler, a beloved elderly woman with whom Katrina and her family lived at Moss Hill, insisted he relinquish the baby and return him to his mother. As he placed the baby in Katrina’s arms, Thelma gently scolded him like a mother hen, practically shooing him out of the house. You’ve got bishop work to tend to. And she was right. He had a full schedule and then some ahead of him.

    As David watched Katrina rest the baby against her shoulder, a wellspring of emotion emerged within him, a memory so powerful and vivid that it made his eyes sting and he had to turn away. She reminded him so much of Anna. Maybe that’s why people enthused about becoming grandparents: it brought up so many poignant memories, long buried.

    The horse nodded her big head, making the harness jingle, snapping his attention to the present. A police car, lights flashing, siren screeching, was flying down the road past Moss Hill’s turnoff. How odd. It was rare to see a police car over in this part of Stoney Ridge—it was made up almost entirely of Amish farms. And then his thoughts drifted to Luke Schrock and, perhaps unfairly, he automatically assumed the police visit had something to do with Luke. What might the boy have done now? Luke wasn’t a boy, David thought to himself. Nor was he a man. He was stuck somewhere in between.

    As he flicked the reins, clucking to the horse, Thistle, to turn left from the driveway onto the road, his mind traveled from Luke’s frequent brushes with the law to the farms he passed, all belonging to church members of Stoney Ridge, and settled on the church that bound them together. Two years ago, the little church had weathered a great wound and survived. More than survived. It was thriving. The baptism class this last spring was the largest one in years. No families had moved away for over two years. In fact, the church’s population had increased with new families moving in.

    He stopped the horse for a moment to watch the pumpjacks atop Moss Hill, bobbing their heads up and down as they pulled oil from deep inside the earth. Those oil pumps—they were a blessing to this community. It astonished him, and humbled him too, to think the oil had been there, all this time, waiting to be discovered. More Amish families had leased their land after having it surveyed for oil traps. Those oil leases had given Stoney Ridge a fresh wind. The church was able to pay off substantial bills, to build a reserve for future emergencies, and to offer aid to other churches.

    The role of bishop still felt new and a little uncomfortable to David, as if he were wearing a coat that was much too big for him. The previous bishop, Freeman Glick, a tall and broad man, had a powerful presence. Even his long beard, gray and flourishing, conferred considerable authority.

    David’s beard was the opposite of Freeman’s, short and trimmed, a little like his own presence, which was not at all authoritative. Truth discovered is better than truth told was his motto as a bishop, as a father. He believed in letting church members, including his own children, embark on their own journey to faith. The Lord God desired obedience, but only if it came from the heart.

    He felt an unexpected sense of peace and well-being on this beautiful summer morning. A rare day!

    Slapping the reins again to get Thistle trotting, he glanced in his rearview mirror and saw a tiny vehicle gain on him from behind his buggy. The driver extended his arm out the side, waving it like a flag. David slowed the horse to see if there was a problem.

    The arm belonged to Hank Lapp, driving up the road in a bright yellow golf cart. HELLO THERE, DAVID! he yelled in his everyday voice as he passed the horse and buggy. Somethin’s brewing over at the Inn at Eagle Hill. I’m heading there now!

    Hank drove on past him as if it was the most normal thing in the world for an Old Order Amish man to drive himself around in a golf cart.

    2

    Jesse Stoltzfus heard the harsh shriek of a police siren and pulled himself out from under a buggy to see which direction the sound was coming from. It was a rare occurrence in Stoney Ridge and well worth taking a break from work. He wiped his hands on a greasy rag and stopped short when he saw his two apprentices, Sammy Schrock and Leroy Glick, stroll up the driveway. His black Labrador, C.P., two years old but still a puppy at heart, was already darting across the sheep pasture to greet them.

    Jesse’s spirits instantly dropped to the basement. These two boys worked at the buggy repair shop. Work might not be the right word. Puttered. That’s the word. They puttered around Jesse’s buggy shop.

    Why, he wondered for the umpteenth time, did he ever start taking on apprentices? When the idea was first presented to him, over two years ago, he thought it would be a win-win situation. His buggy repair business needed an extra pair or two of hands and he would like to work fewer hours. Miriam Schrock had asked him to take on her brother Luke, the town’s juvenile delinquent, with the hope that Jesse would be a positive influence on him. A sterling example, were Mim’s exact words. Everyone knows Luke is a difficult boy, she said, tears glistening on her sooty eyelashes. How could he say no to Mim, the girl who held his heart in the palm of her hands? He couldn’t.

    But he should have.

    Luke was impossible to manage. Oppositional Defiant Disorder was the diagnosis given to him by the local doctor, Max Finegold, and Luke was delighted. See? he said, grinning. It’s not my fault.

    To Jesse’s way of thinking, Oppositional Defiant Disorder was an excuse that let Luke persist until he got what he wanted and avoid whatever he didn’t want. Like work.

    There was another apprentice, just as impossible to manage as Luke but for an entirely different reason. Yardstick Yoder had cornered Jesse into the apprenticeship, driving a hard bargain, insisting he wouldn’t agree to be the Bent N’ Dent’s delivery boy unless he also learned buggy repairs. Jesse’s father’s store was trying to expand customer services, and Yardstick was the one to make deliveries, quick and speedy. He was the fastest boy in town. How could Jesse say no to that? He couldn’t.

    But he should have.

    Optimistic to a fault, Jesse started the apprenticeships with high hopes for success: Yardstick Yoder, who had a strong work ethic, would settle into work at the store. Mim Schrock would feel beholden to Jesse for being kind to her difficult brother, Luke, who had no work ethic at all.

    Sadly, Jesse’s high hopes were mistaken.

    Those two boys were oil and vinegar; they couldn’t stand being anywhere near each other—all because of Ruthie, his sister, whom they both had serious crushes on. Jesse spent most of his time keeping them occupied with tasks at opposite ends of the buggy shop just so they wouldn’t irritate each other. Once, they nearly came to blows over something as ridiculous as the tune one of them was whistling.

    And then everything changed.

    His sister Ruthie concluded that Luke was a Person of Interest to her—a POI—and Yardstick was no longer a POI. Stunned by her cold rejection, Yardstick decided that the problem did not lie with him but with Ruthie and, by extension, with the entire Stoltzfus family. He quit the buggy shop, he quit the Bent N’ Dent, and he took a job at the Hay & Grain.

    Not to be outdone, Luke quit too. If the job was beneath someone as low as Yardstick Yoder, he said, it was certainly beneath him.

    Personally, Jesse could not imagine what Ruthie saw in either one of them. It wasn’t only that the boys never had much on their minds, but they did not seem to have the proper awe and admiration for the important task of buggy repair work. Not the way they should have.

    Never again, Jesse decided, would he take on apprentices just to make a woman happy. Any woman.

    Alas alack. His resolve was promptly challenged.

    As soon as Birdy, his father’s new wife, learned of the two vacancies, she paid a call to Jesse to ask if he would hire her nephew, Leroy, who sorely needed someone like Jesse in his life.

    And he buckled.

    And then Mim Schrock paid him another call, apologizing for her brother Luke and pleading with him to take on her other brother, Sammy. Before it’s too late, she said, batting her eyelashes at him in that way that made his stomach feel like Jell-O. Before Luke’s influence over him is permanent.

    Again, Jesse buckled.

    It was another grave mistake in his brief management career.

    Jesse had spent the last couple of years diligently improving the disastrous reputation of the buggy repair shop. He had inherited the business from Hank Lapp, a good-hearted but easily distractable man who was untroubled by matters of timeliness. Most of the Amish of Stoney Ridge, Jesse had learned, had taken their buggy business over to Gap or Leola. When he did a little mental calculation, he realized that Hank had lost himself a substantial revenue stream for no good reason other than laziness. Jesse wanted to convince local residents that they didn’t need to go elsewhere for buggy repairs. He could use the help of good apprentices.

    Unfortunately, he did not have good apprentices. He had less-than-average apprentices. Leroy Glick and Sammy Schrock were obsessed with fast girls, fast horses, and fast cars, and they left grease marks from their dirty hands on the freshly painted, pristine walls of the buggy shop. Even more irritating, he had found greasy fingerprints on the cupboard where he kept his private stash of snacks.

    How often did he need to point out the rags to those boys? Yesterday was an example. When you finish working on a buggy, Jesse had told them both, wash your hands before you touch other things. What’s so hard about that?

    Not hard at all, Sammy said, brushing back his floppy brown hair. I always wash my hands.

    Both boys, aged fourteen, looked as though they had barely entered adolescence, other than a whisper of untended fuzz on their upper lips—something they were quite proud of.

    Jesse turned to Leroy, who was enormous, a great pumpkin of a boy, as round as Sammy was thin. Then is it you? Are you the one who leaves handprints on my cupboard?

    Not me, Leroy said, lifting his hands to reveal greasy palms. He had to talk around a big wad of bubblegum in his mouth. I wash my hands more often than Sammy. Twice as often. Maybe three times.

    Jesse decided there might be something essential missing in those boys’ brains. Something significant. An

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