Description … my blurb …
I almost didn’t request this one. I couldn’t imagine how an Amish birder would work in a soft, clean Amish romance. You see there are these two Amish relative young people. One is Micah Weaver who is a birder — a for-real birder and there is Trudy Yoder who also loves birding with a passion. Now Trudy is sure Micah is showing sides of “really liking” her and then abruptly acts like he doesn’t.
What no one knows except Micah is Trudy’s sister Shelley who left the Amish and has called Micah (who used to be enamored with her) sounding scared and asking for help.
Then there is a loving bishop of their community who is dealing with a huge crisis — an Amish Beachy group has “invaded” Stoney Ridge and is buying everything in sight.
Three good people and an Old Order community — each with a serious issue.
My review …
What did I love about this book? First, Stoney Ridge is Old-Order. Then the Beachy Amish appear and the Swartzentrubers sects. I recommend you read the “Author’s Note” at the end of the book before reading the story. Succinctly and interestingly, Ms. Fisher explains the basic differences. I didn’t realize how — let’s just call it “free” the Beachy Amish are.
Second, birding. I have a friend who is, I think, a twitcher. And yes, there is Birder Glossary at the beginning of the book. My friend has traveled all over the world birding. The last time I saw him he was preparing for a trip to Madagascar. And each chapter has Trudy’s Birding Log in which she tells about one bird spotted. Lots of detail but I loved her notes. Like the Scott’s Oriole is one of the first birds to start singing *before* sunrise. And the status for that bird — is there “low concern”? Or is it ‘in steep decline”? I’m the kind of reader who loves details like this.
Third, the bishop. the Stoney Ridge bishop — I found the Beachy bishop to be a bit of a showoff most of the time. The Stoney Ridge bishop is David Stoltzfus and I like him and his wife, Birdy. And he has more than just the usual “bishop workload”. The Beachys are invading their Old Order community and are “sucking” people into their fold as well as land.
This 307-page book has more side-plots or subplots which keeps the story interesting. The subplot involving Shelley is a little bit of a mystery. Oh, I must not forget HANK LAPP. He will THINK you LIKE HIM BEST. When you read the book, you’ll understand why I used all caps for some of the words.
So yes, I definitely recommend this story. I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of “Lost and Found” via NetGalley from the publisher, Revell. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. The book also touches on a mental health problem. I’m a senior citizen and I remember when having any kind of mental problem (yourself or family) was just *not* spoken about. And always discussed in hushed tones. And never discussed with your doctor. That would be telling.
Rating: 5 stars
Cover: I do not like this cover. Looks like the photographer only had the book title.
Pages: 307
Series: It feels like it is part of a series, but one is not listed on NetGalley or Amazon.
Publish Date: 26 Sep 2023
#LostandFound #NetGalley #SuzanneWoodsFisher
