The Devoted

In this third book of the Bishop’s Family series, Fisher (The Choice) weaves several different storylines into an inspirational whole that focuses on the importance of faith, community, and making the most of one’s life. Ruthie Stolzfus is 17 years old and eager to leave the Amish community in current day Stoney Ridge, Penn., to pursue higher education. Her ex-boyfriend, Luke Schrock, is wild and fond of drinking, and causes trouble wherever he goes. When Patrick Kelly arrives in town with his Scripture-spouting bird, Nyna the mynah , he hires Ruthie to teach him Penn Dutch. Despite her initial negative impression of the clumsy newcomer, she soon begins to have feelings for him. Ruthie’s older brother, Jesse, runs a buggy repair shop, has two unfocused young apprentices, and is befuddled by the arrival of Jenny Yoder, a former classmate and rival. Dok Stolzfus is a former member of the Amish community who left to become a doctor. After taking the blame for a medical error and losing her job, she buys a local practice and sets out to serve the Amish. Meanwhile, her brother, David , the bishop of Stoney Ridge, has challenges leading the community, which seems to be placing its trust in money rather than in God. Fisher is a skillful storyteller who has crafted an engaging three-dimensional portrait of the residents of this fictional Amish community, and the novel’s lessons will resonate with all Christians. (Oct.)