Audible Book Review: The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This is an interesting Amish romance story with a complication of heart decease.
The Keeper
A Novel
By: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Narrated by: Amy Rubinate

Series: Stoney Ridge Seasons, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins
Release date: 01-02-12
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Amish, Contemporary, Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Life on Windmill Farm hasn’t been the same since Julia Lapp’s father has had trouble with his heart. But that doesn’t stop Julia from hoping for a bright future. She has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl. Now twenty-one, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. But when Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding - again - she is determined to change his mind. She knows who is to blame for Paul’s sudden reluctance to wed: the Bee Man. Roman Troyer, the Bee Man, travels through the Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania with his hives full of bees, renting them out to farmers in need of pollinators. A mysterious man who relishes his nomadic life, Roman especially enjoys bringing his bees to Stoney Ridge each year. But with Julia seriously at odds with him, Windmill Farm is looking decidedly less appealing.
Can Julia secure the future she’s always dreamed of? Or does God have something else in mind?
©2012 Suzanne Woods Fisher (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
Julia Lapp, her younger sisters and younger brother have been struggling since their father suffered a heart attack. His strength and breathing are not recovering but his believes have made him refuse to be put on the waiting list for a heart transplant. Julia’s younger brother is a strong, sweet adolescent with learning disabilities. It is clear he will not be able to run the farm for the family without help.

The children’s uncle arrives to help, but he brings his own brand of openness. This causes some dismay in the community, especially with the mother of Julia’s intended fiancé, Paul. Paul had postponed their marriage a year ago but now Julia is busy making plans for their wedding in November. Julia is distressed and hurt when Paul calls the wedding off again. Julia believes that Paul has been influenced not only by his mother, but by the Bee Man, Roman Troyer.

Roman is a wanderer who moves his bees from community to community. He is a kind man, but suffered loss in his youth and has keeps himself emotionally apart from others. He developed a friendship with Mr. Lapp and cares about the struggles the family is experiencing. Roman decides to stay and help the Lapps even though Julia is annoyed with him and doesn’t fancy him like most young ladies.

Mr. Lapp’s condition deteriorates and Roman and Julia try to convince him to agree to accept a heart transplant. A soft friendship begins to develop between Roman and Julia as they work together. The story progresses as the reader wonders if the family can hold on to the farm and whether Julia and Paul will get back together.

I enjoyed the distinct characters and the unique aspects of the beekeeper. I also learning information about congestive heart failure that helped me to better understand my husband’s failing condition. The medical issue provides a different conflict which added to the story interest. I recommend this to fans of gentle Amish romance.

Audio Notes: Amy Rubinate does a very nice job with the narration. She provides clear voices and gentle emotions. I am glad I had this to listen to.

Source: 4/18/17 Audible Sale $5.95. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.