A Season on the Wind - by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Paperback)

A Season On the Wind by Suzanne Woods Fisher shares the story of Ben Zook and his love for birds, especially the elusive rare White-winged Tern. Trying to capture a photograph of the elusive tern, Ben looks to Micah to help him out. Unfortunately what Ben does not account for is being noticed in his former Amish community. Micah’s sister, Penny, spies Ben and Is thrilled to have him return. However things are not so easy in Ben’s heart. This is the enjoyable story of an Amish romance featuring field guides of Micah’s birdwatching log. Sprinkled throughout the story are descriptions and notes from Micah’s own log. This offers an enjoyable element to the story. Readers will not want to put the book down. A Season on the Wind features a delightful Amish romance. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do.

I loved this book. I am not an official birder by any stretch of the imagination, but I do enjoy watching birds come to feed at the bird feeders on my deck. So this story centered on birders caught my interest right from the start. In her book, A Season on the Wind, Suzane Woods Fisher has crafted a captivating story with realistic characters and themes of family, friendships, and forgiveness. The characters are people I would love to know in real life. They are flawed but are strong and deal with struggles that resonate with readers, the aftermath of divorce, depression, elderly parents. I liked how Penny had difficulty holding her tongue when she had things she thought should be said but knew it wasn't her place to say them. I enjoyed watching Penny and Ben's relationship change and grow throughout the story. The author expertly unwraps the past layer by layer and reminds the reader that God is at work in our lives to repair the broken and give us second chances. Readers who love contemporary Amish romance will not want to miss A Season on the Wind. I received a complimentary book through CelebrateLit. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions are my own. This review is part of the Celebrate Lit tour for A Season on the Wind.

Enjoyable, informative, and oh, so heartwarming! These are just a few of my thoughts about this new book by Suzanne Woods Fisher! A Season on the Wind is the story of a man who had been raised Amish, left the community with intentions to never return, and then finds himself back in Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania, trying to photograph a rare bird. There he meets an Amish brother and sister who also love birds, and Ben Zook may have his dream come true! This is a captivating book that satisfied my love for romance and impressed upon me the joys that come from truly observing God's creation. I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy Amish fiction and Christian romance. You won't be disappointed! I accepted this book from the publisher as part of Revell Reads. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

Opening a book and seeing a "meet the cast" section is a little scary for this reader. I was immediately leery because I have a hard time following quite a few characters, I am better with less. However, I need not have worried as the author took her time setting the stage and introduction of the characters. With small doses of humor, the author weaves a story of bird-watching, second chances, and healing. As we learn more about the characters we are also learning about a wide variety of birds. Looking at the characters and the birds, another theme is to expect the unexpected. This was a sweet story that also had some emotional depth. It is not a typical Amish storyline, which I really appreciate. There were some surprises and it had the expected happy ending one expects from a story such as this. Anyone who is an avid bird watcher will enjoy this story. Trigger warning without spoilers: suicide. Thank you to Revell and the author for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Are you a birder? I think you are really going to like this book. Are you a casual enjoyer of the birds around your house? I think you're going to like this book too! I must admit a couple of things. First I am in the latter category. I enjoy birds but have very little knowledge about them. Second, Suzanne Woods Fisher could write just about anything and I'm confident that I would enjoy it. So with that being said let me tell you what I thought about this particular book. A Season on the Wind takes us back to the community of Stoney Ridge. We get to catch up with a few of our old favorites like Hank and Edith Lapp. (By the way doesn't Hank remind you of your crazy uncle . . .over the top and somewhat annoying. But he belongs to you and you love him anyway!) We also get to meet some new faces. Siblings Penny and Micah Weaver are recent arrivals in Stoney Ridge. They have taken over the farm of their late grandmother and are busy settling in and getting Micah's local field guide business up and running. We also meet Ben Zook and his cousin Natalie. Ben is a world renowned birder and he has come back to Stoney Ridge to photograph the elusive White-winged Tern that has recently been spotted in Stoney Ridge. Unfortunately there is a whole lot of baggage associated with Stoney Ridge for Ben. Penny, Micah, Ben and Natalie all have some serious wounds in their past. Most of the events that caused the wounds seem impossible to reconcile . . .but God! Ms. Fisher does a beautiful job of telling their stories and letting us come along to see how God uses His creation (birds) to reach His creation (people). I fell in love with these new characters and look forward to them popping up again in future books. I just can't recommend this book enough. Whether you are a bird person or not, get this book for the pure enjoyment of the story. I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

This story is much more than just an Amish story filled with family, relationships and faith. I was pleasantly surprised to read that this beautiful story highlights birds. There is nothing more serene that watching a bird soar in the air, or perch on a branch in all their regal glory. God’s creation is seen in the different brilliance of colors and types of birds. I appreciate the very in-depth information about different birds. There were quite a few that I have not heard of but now I want to buy a book about birds and do sone bird watching myself. One of the things I liked about the book was how the author gives us a realistic look at the Amish. They are Plain people who definitely don’t like to draw attention to theirselves. I didn’t realize that drawing or painting was considered prideful. One character in the book begins to like the simple lifestyle the Amish have and says that “they seem to have such a gentle faith.” If only we all had that gentle spirit within us, we would be happy and content. Penny was this sweet woman who had the biggest heart for others. She was excited to see an old friend again but something was off with Ben. Why is he acting like he doesn’t know her? That was going to be intriguing to find out and I knew this book must be read in one sitting. Nothing was going to get in my way of joining Penny, Micah, Ben and his cousin Natalie on their adventure. Ben may be there to see this mysterious elusive bird he has heard about, but I know there was something he was holding back. I wonder if he knows that Penny is caring for his father by bringing him meals and cleaning for him? It was a treat to read the notes between chapters about the different birds that had been spotted. It was very detailed and I enjoyed getting more familiar with each species. Micah is very thorough with his entries in the journal and I loved how smart he was about birds so much that people sought him out to give then guided tours to find specific birds. He seems to come out of his shell when talking about birds and gives him confidence in himself. When the story comes to the part about Ben’s past, I began to cry. Such a tragedy that Ben witnessed during a time when he and his brother were so close. I will warn readers that there is mention of suicide and depression in this section of the story that may trigger some. It is not very detailed but has a powerful lesson about forgiveness. Now I understand the distance between Ben and his father. Will Ben be able to talk to his father before it is to late? Penny gives Ben sound advice when she tells him, “Forgiving your father will set you free as well.” At the end of the book the author has a section where there are questions that can be used in a book club or for personal use. She points out about the different themes in the book. I now understand the significance of what the birds in the story represent and . The author allows us to see one character choose to forgive while another recognized the choices they have made in their life kept being repeated. Through it all I walked away with learning to find happiness, forgive and reconcile with those you have turned your back on. This book is going on my list of all time favorites for 2021. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Wow! A fiction book with birding as its subject matter!! I am a fan!! Suzanne Woods Fisher pens a most engaging tale of Amish and Englischers hunting both birds and fulfillment in A Season on the Wind. I loved this book on so many levels. First, it starts with descriptions of birds. It was so hard to not look up the birds’ pictures in my phone app as I went. Each chapter includes a page out of Micah's bird diary about a different bird: its plumage, nesting and mating habits, and habitat. Second, personalities and relationships are complex. Nothing is as simple as it seems it should be. Because the novel is written in a non-linear way, we slowly discover the motivations behind Ben’s attitude and life. We also slowly see what makes his cousin Natalie tick. I love the way Fisher surprised me more than once with twists well-placed that make perfect sense, yet I hadn’t seen them coming. Third, a return to some of the characters of Stoney Ridge. The more Amish stories I read, the more I love and respect David Stoltzfus, Bishop of Stoney Ridge. “He was a true Spirit-led leader. Just the right combination of depending on the word of God in Scripture, and the word of God in hearts.” Such wisdom and care for his flock. Then there’s Hank and Edith. This unlikely couple adds so much color and sometimes confusion to their community. Fourth, I love that Fisher is careful to point out that while the Amish life seems peaceful, it has its share of troubles and heartaches. It’s not their lifestyle that is the panacea for troubles. As Boyd says, it's about what’s on the inside, not the outer trappings. “Wherever God puts us, he wants us in relationship with him. That’s for everyone, wherever they are. Amish or Englisch or any other label.” A beautifully complex novel, presenting pain, fear, romance, faith, and ultimately, forgiveness. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit via Net Galley. I was not required to leave a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

It was delightful to visit Stoney Ridge and share a laugh, a cup of tea, and find new friends. That’s how it feels when you read a book by Ms. Fisher as the characters are so real and relatable. I enjoyed the bird watching log after each chapter as I love feeding and watching the birds. Great research went into the crafting of this book. I also liked that there was a cast of characters and a birder’s glossary before the story. I especially enjoyed the twist in the story that I suspected but wasn’t certain about. This author is gifted in writing a rich story with depth and detail that weaves faith and lessons to be learned within. I hated to see this one end as I didn’t want to leave. Put on your must read list now. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

A Season on the Wind by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a lovely Amish novel. We get to return to Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania where it is almost time for the Christmas Bird Count. Micah Weaver, who is an avid birder, reports a rare White-winged Tern in the area. Author and birder, Ben Zook wants to get a picture of the bird for his latest book. His cousin, Natalie Crowell comes along with him because she needs a change after the end of her marriage and the betrayal she experienced. They are staying in the guesthouse on Lost Creek Farm managed by Penny. Penny cannot believe that Ben has returned after twenty years. She gave her heart to him when she was twelve and Penny has been waiting for his return. Unfortunately, Ben has no memory of Penny or the time they spent together one long ago summer. I enjoyed reading A Season on the Wind. It is a sweet story that draws you in and holds you until the end. I stayed up late trying to finish it. I like the characters in this story. They are well-crafted so they are realistic and relatable. We get to follow Penny, Ben, Micah, and Natalie. I like getting to see each of their perspectives. The story is filled with fascinating information about birds. I learned quite a bit about birds and the count that occurs each year at Christmas. This story makes you think about the beauty God created for us. He provided us with these beautiful birds. I like how the author handled a speech disability and Alzheimer’s. The author handled them with dignity. There is also humor in the story courtesy of Hank Lapp. He is quite a character. You can always count on him to lighten up a situation. My favorite phrase from the book is, “Every day was a new day, . . .so yesterday really shouldn’t matter. Even better, there was no point in worrying about the future.” A Season on the Wind has romance, old wounds, new relationships, deep faith, and a stray bird. A Season on the Wind was a special and unique Amish tale.

I requested and was granted, a book to read and review. This review is my own, honest opinion. This book is set in an Amish community and the main characters are both Amish and non-Amish. The story flows well and kept my interest throughout. It had a bit of mystery and some romance. The one thing I really was disappointed in was the prologue as I felt more could have been said about Natalie though I guess her part mainly ended at the end of the book. Other than that I was glad to read this book. The editing was very well done and the main characters were nicely developed. I also enjoyed that some of the people in her previous Amish books made an appearance in this book too. I give this book a 4 out of 5-star rating. This does not mean it's not great, but I save 5 stars for the truly excellent books, rarely given by me as truly great books are rare.

The story of birdwatcher Ben Zook and his return to Stoney Ridge is one that is thought-provoking, entertaining and educational. It is thought-provoking because Ben left his hometown after a terrible tragedy and returns to discover an elusive bird and relationships that he left behind. It is entertaining because the story is woven in an intricate pattern of characters and a complex plot. And it is educational because each chapter ends with a journal entry about a bird that has been spotted in the wild. This was a wonderful book to read, uplifting and encouraging.

Of all the people in the world to show up to stay on her Amish farm it is Ben, the man Penny fell in love with decades earlier—and he doesn’t remember her. Although Ben grew up plain, he left that life years ago, and has become a world- famous novelist and expert on birds. Her younger brother, Micah, is fast becoming well-known, too, in the bird world. Micah’s report of seeing the rare White-winged Tern has brought Ben to them, eager to see it and include it in his latest book. While Ben is staying with them, Penny does everything she can think of to jar his memory about her. Ben is frustrated because no matter how long he stays, Micah has been unable to lead him to the Tern. Micah is at his wits end, because for the first time in his birding career, he has misreported a bird. Eventually, Penny confronts Ben about his lack of remembering her, and they both get a surprise. Now what is to become of Ben and Penny? Will the church decide all this birding is too Englisch, and forbid Micah and Penny from it, and demand they get rid of anything that involves birds? Will Ben’s dislike of all things Amish cause him to leave before seeing the rare White-winged Tern? I discovered that bird watching is anything but dull, and really liked that subject in this Amish tale. Micah’s cousin and the situations she got herself into, as well as, others added humor and drama. This is a fun story. I also liked that the tale included that honesty, and forgiveness—although hard—ultimately make things better. Fans of the plain people will enjoy this five-star Amish book. First time readers to this genre will love it! Revell Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, A Season on the Wind, for the purpose of review.

5 Stars, Tragedy can be overcome A SEASON ON THE WIND by Suzanne Woods Fisher Publisher: Revell Ben Zook has had many tragedies in his life, he was born into an Amish family, but because of a tragedy, he left his home, to become a world-renowned birder. He writes books and travels to new places for the chance to photograph and see unique birds who are travelers that have lost their way, ending up in unusual places. The bird alert has mentioned a rare White-Winged Tern that has been spotted in Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania. Penny and Micah Weaver are Amish, adult siblings who manage their grandmother's Lost Creek Farm. They both have a deep love of nature and birding. Micah is an expert field guide who helps other birders see what the area has to offer in bird sightings. Ben ends up at Lost Creek Farm and has paused his most recent book manuscript, for a photograph and the report on the White-Winged Tern. He has hired Micah to guide him to the elusive bird. The novel is about birds, birding, and the Amish lifestyle. There is a Cast of Characters page and also a Birder's Glossary to help understand who's who. Interspersed throughout the book, there is Micah's Bird Watching Logs, which help you learn a little more about each bird that he has seen and what makes that particular bird unique. This is an inspirational novel, thankfully, there is nothing offensive in it, so you, like myself, can expect a nice, clean tome that will be enjoyed by reading again and again. Who knows, you may learn something new about birds, like LBJs or CBC. Much gratitude to #revell @revell @bakerpublishinggroup for the complimentary copy of #aseasononthewind by @suzannewoodsfisher @suzannewfisher I was under no obligation to post a review.

This was a thought provoking book. This book had several themes. A theme of finding an elusive bird, and a theme about going to your past and working out the problems that one had never hoped to deal with again in life. Ben has a hard time dealing with his Amish past. Memories slowly come to surface in his life. Penny has waited a long time for Ben to be back in her life. This book has surprising twists and turns and deeper meaning than what lies simply on the surface. This was a very well written book. I became so engaged and found myself hurrying through my daily duties to get back to my book! It seemed a simple theme, but there is much more to think about then one might expect. I really encourage readers of this book to read the questions at the end of the book. They will help you to understand feelings and events that occur. I highly recommend this book! I received a complimentary ebook copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.