The Quieting: A Novel

The Quieting by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the second book in The Bishop's Family series. David Stoltzfus is a minister in Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania. He moved here a year and a half ago from Ohio. He felt called to the area. Things are not going well though. David (and the rest of the community) found out that their bishop, Freeman Glick rigged the picking of the lots (where the bishop is chosen). David knows that something needs to be done, but he believes in waiting (to see where God directs him). But the wait and see approach is not helping things in the community. Tensions are running high and people are dividing into groups. Then David's mother (knows as Meddling Mammi) shows up along with two of his nieces from Ohio. Abigail (one of the nieces) is hoping to finish a project while in Stoney Ridge. Her father was working (with Abigail doing most of the work) on the family tree for a client. They have hit a brick wall. Abigail is hoping to find answers and complete the assignment. She believes it will help her father's depression. What Abigail does not know is that her family is hoping she will find a husband while in Stoney Ridge (Meddling Mammi loves to play matchmaker). Mammi is sticking her nose into everyone's business (and making life difficult for one and all). The only good thing is that is a great cook (and Molly is a horrible cook)! Life is never dull in the Stoltzfus household or in Stoney Ridge.

There is a lot going on in this book (I just described a few of the things that happened in the book). You do need to read the first book in the series in order to understand the characters and what is happening in The Quieting. There are some slow bits though where the novel drags a little. I found Meddling Mammi to be extremely annoying, and I kept waiting for David (her son) to stand up to her (I might have yelled at my kindle a little). Abigail was an interesting character. She reminded me of Temperance Brennan (from the show Bones). The writing is good and the novel had a good flow (except for a few areas). It was also easy to read and has a lovely ending. I give The Quieting 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I will be reading the next book in The Bishop's Family series (and other books by Suzanne Woods Fisher).

I received a complimentary copy of The Quieting from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.