In her wildest dreams, spunky and impulsive nineteen-year-old Mary Kate Lapp never imagined herself behind a schoolteacher's desk. A run-in (literally) with the schoolteacher compels her to act as a substitute teacher, just as her restless desire to see the world compels her to apply for a passport . . . just in case. The only thing of interest to M.K. in the sleepy Amish community of Stoney Ridge is the unexplained death of a sheep farmer that coincided with the arrival of a mysterious young man into the community. Frustrated that no one takes the crime seriously, she takes matters into her own hands. Unfortunately, as tends to be the case for M.K., she jumps headlong into trouble.
Centered on one of Suzanne Woods Fisher's most loved characters, this is the story fans have eagerly anticipated. The precocious M.K. is all grown up (well, almost) and ready to take on the world--with surprising results. Fisher's trademark plot twists and turns are as unexpected and satisfying as ever in this third book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series.
Goodreads Summary
Mary Kate Lapp fills a book with adventure all by herself! She’s thinking of travel to far-away places, hasn’t willingly joined baptism instruction, and wants to be a detective. In Book 2, M.K.’s sister Sadie was sweet and likeable, so easy-going. Book 3 has M.K.’s energy with a murdered sheep farmer and two 911 calls in the first pages. I had wondered if M.K. and Jimmy Fisher would become a dynamic couple in the future – this story answers that question. Hearing Chris and Jenny
Yoder’s sad upbringing makes Chris’s sterling character all the more amazing and inspiring. Lazy me…, yet I still love to hear stories of people who rise above their circumstances through hard work.
This book either has less information about the Amish…or I’ve read many more books set in this genre now. There were a few great tidbits about Amish life like a sourdough bread starter from Germany 1886! Fern and HANK (he’s a loud one!) are such great secondary characters! Fern’s offered wise quotes are entertaining and so right on for M.K…. and for me sometimes. A new character, 100 year old Erma, offers wise words for M.K. – the new frustrated, reluctant teacher in the schoolhouse. “If one can’t find contentment at home, one is unlikely to find it anywhere else.” A settled down M.K. is a great teacher, even if there is less excitement at the end. Her new personality makes more sense for her age - 19; it’s time for her to stop the crazy driving on her scooter!
Because of Chris Yoder, a sad mystery surrounding M.K.’s mother’s death is explained. The total destruction of all of Chris’s dreams made me so mad that I almost didn’t think finding love could possibly make it right. Losing everything, however, just winds up showing his strength and hope and the love of the people around him.
5/5 Stars
*Reviewed by Colleen*
This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
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