A Big Year For Lily by M.A. Kissinger and S. Woods Fisher, Book review

Publisher: Revell (July 1, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-0800721343

Synopsis:

 A Big Year for Lily:

Book Three in the Adventures of Lily Lapp series. Co-written with Mary Kinsinger.

Lily Lapp's family has settled into their new home in Pennsylvania, but life still holds big changes and big steps for Lily. Good changes, like once again living close to her beloved cousin and best friend, Hannah. Bad changes, like a mean girl who plays tricks on her. And no change at all where Lily would most want one--Aaron Yoder sits near her in school and relentlessly teases her. Surprises are in store for Lily as she learns, with Mama and Papa's help, to manage the ups and downs of growing up Amish.

The third of four charming novels that chronicle the gentle way of the Amish through the eyes of a young girl, A Big Year for Lily gives children ages 8-12 a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Amish---and lots of fun and laughter along the way. It combines Mary Ann Kinsinger's real-life stories of growing up Amish and the bestselling writing of Amish fiction and nonfiction author Suzanne Woods Fisher. With charming line drawings in each book, this series captures the hearts of readers young and old.


Here are my thoughts:

 
'A Big Year For Lily' is the third installment in The Adventures of Lily Lapp series anticipated by many children (as young as 6 years old it seems) if rumours are true. A new 'Anne of Green Gables' or 'Little House on the Prairie' perhaps? 

Thanks to the teamwork of Mary Ann Kinsinger and bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher, it is an ideal introduction to the world of Amish children as you will remember from the previous titles ('Life with Lily' reviewed HERE and 'A New Home for Lily' reviewed HERE).

From the beginning Lily won our heart with her big smile and spunky attitude as the enticing cover shows.   The little girl shown illustrates the delightful character we have discovered in Suzanne and Mary Ann's warm hearted stories!

Lily will soon be 10 years old and there are many changes in store for her. Being the only girl in the family, she is now entitled to her own bedroom (even if it has a few bats). She will now sit with the older children in church instead of with her Mum and then there is school to attend...
Growing up is never easy for anyone but Lily is the first to admit she has her share of challenges: having her cousin Hannah in class was great until she discovers Hannah does not share Lily's feelings about her classmate Aaron. Than there is the taffy incident...Outch! Poor Lily...

Throughout the story we see a little Amish girl who feels just like any other child and lives in a secure environment where everyone helps their neighbour...A few lessons to be garnered for most of us!

A heartfelt thank you to both authors for a story you will not hesitate to share with children age 8 to 12 and even the younger ones. Parents and Grandparents will enjoy sharing these delightful adventures with their families.

I am a fan Folks, so I give 5 stars!

Psst: A new adventure entitled 'A Surprise for Lily' will soon be published! Stay Tuned!!

Landing page: 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/sfisher

About the Authors:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Lancaster County Secrets series and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. 

Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California.

Vist her website (and sign up for her newsletter) HERE

Mary Ann Kinsinger was raised Old Order Amish in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. She met and married her husband, whom she knew from school days, and started a family. After they chose to leave the Amish church, Mary Ann began a blog, A Joyful Chaos, as a way to pass on her warm childhood memories to her own children. 

From the start, this blog found a ready audience and even captured the attention of key media players, such as the influential blog AmishAmerica and the New York Times. She lives in Pennsylvania.

Suzanne Woods Fisher and Mary Ann Kinsinger are celebrating the release of A Big Year for Lily, book three in the beloved Adventures of Lily Lapp series, with a giveaway extravaganza!

 One winner will receive:

• An iPad Adventure Pack (includes a fun stand and an art kit) 

Twelve winners will receive:

• Special prizes specially picked by Lily (something new each day)! Suzanne will announce the winners on July 29 on her blog!

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 27th. All winners will be announced July 29th at Suzanne's blog. 

Don't miss a moment of the fun!

Enter today and be sure to visit Suzanne's blog on the 29th to see if you won one of the fun prizes! (Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

I received a paperback copy of this title from LITFUSE as part of their blogger review program . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.