The Imposter (The Bishop's Family Book #1): A Novel

The Imposter by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the first book in The Bishop’s Family series. David Stoltzfus is a widower who moved his family (six children) to Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania when he was approached by Bishop Elmo Yoder. Bishop Yoder has now passed away and the lot went to Freeman Glick. His brother, Levi was chosen to be the new minister (to replace Freeman—what a coincidence). David is not sure this is going to be a good thing for their community. Freeman and David have differing ideas. David is also the object of some matchmaking. Hank Lapp put an ad in The Budget and has gotten some responses. This could get interesting. David’s son, Jesse has returned to the community. He was at a relative’s house helping out on their farm. Jesse is a smart young man (sixteen) but he gets bored quickly (and into trouble). David has decided to apprentice him to Hank Lapp to learn how to repair buggies. Hank, though, is busy helping Edith Fisher with her chickens (her son left for Colorado). What trouble will Jesse get into this time and how will it impact David? Katrina Stoltzfus is David’s oldest daughter. When Thelma Beiler hurts her shoulder, Katrina is asked to go stay with her. Thelma hired Andy Miller as a farmhand at Moss Hill. Andy is not from the community and Katrina can keep an eye on Thelma and Andy (to protect Thelma). Katrina has been depressed since her boyfriend, John broke up with her. Her father is hoping that Moss Hill and Thelma can keep Katrina busy and help her get over her hurt. Birdy Glick is thirty-one years old and the brother of Freeman and Levi Glick (she is a big girl at 6’ 2”). She lives in a small house on the family property. She loves birds and gives bird watching tours at the Wild Bird Rescue and Animal Shelter. Her brother, Freeman has decided that she is to be the teacher at the new school (I am really not liking Freeman). Birdy is in love with David Stoltzfus (not that he notices). Whenever she is around him she gets extremely clumsy. Can Birdy get David to notice her before it is too late (thanks to Hank’s matchmaking)? There are troubling times ahead for the community of Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania with Bishop Freeman and his new ideas. Will David be able to save their community from a split? He might need a little divine intervention. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Imposter. Some parts will just have you laughing out loud. The Imposter is well-written and keeps the reader engaged during the whole book. There are some great characters in this book and a lovely setting. I look forward to returning to Stoney Ridge in the next book in The Bishop’s Family series. I give The Imposter 5 out of 5 stars. I received a complimentary copy of The Imposter from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.