A Season on the Wind by Suzanne Woods Fisher

A Season on the Wind.  Suzanne Woods Fisher. Revell (2021). 320 pages. Genre: Christian Fiction, Amish Fiction.

First Line:  "Penny Weaver stayed so still that the field sparrow in her yard didn't seem to know she was there."

Summary:  Penny Weaver and her brother Micah live at Lost Creek Farm, a home previously owned by their grandmother.  Micah is an avid birder and is hoping to begin a guiding business.  When famous author, bird-watcher Ben Zook hears that a rare White-winged Tern has been sighted near Lost Creek Farm, he books Micah as a guide.  It has been many years since Ben has returned to his Amish home in Stoney Ridge and he doesn't plan to visit now.  He plans to photograph the rare bird and get back to his life in Philadelphia before anyone spots him.  

Years ago, when Penny was staying with her grandmother, she and Ben spent many summer days watching birds.  She never thought he would return to Stoney Ridge.  The problem is that Ben doesn't seem to have any memory of her.  When Ben becomes ill and has to stay longer at Lost Creek Farm, Penny is hopeful this will give him time to remember her. 

My thoughts:  I was excited to see another book taking place in Stoney Ridge.  This is not part of a series, but a stand alone.  However, several of the characters we have met in previous books make appearances in this one.  The book starts out with a cast of characters and a Birder's Glossary which was really helpful and set the stage for what was coming.

Each of the characters in this story is realistic and relatable.  They each have struggles and difficulties and I enjoyed watching them work through them in ways that were not always easy.  I especially appreciated the way the author showed how God works in mysterious ways in hearts and lives.  One of the major themes in the book is forgiveness and this played out in the lives of the characters in several different ways.  

I learned so much about birds in this book as well.  There were several different birds mentioned and at the end of each chapter there was a page from Micah's log book which contained a plethora of information about the bird sighted.  Often these pages included a humorous thought as well.  Speaking of humor, Hank Lapp, who was a character in other Stoney Ridge books, makes several appearances in this one.  He is always good for a chuckle.  He often tells jokes on purpose, but sometimes unintentionally.  

This was a delightful read that I highly recommend.

Quotes:

"Like all the women she knew, Penny was a person of activity, moving purposefully through every waking moment."

"'I was crossing the yard to your house when I heard it first.  That buzzing sound of its whirling wings.  The ears always come first.  Most folks think watching birds starts with the eyes, then the binoculars.  They're wrong.  The ears come first. Listening, that's what bird-watching is all about.'"

"'Some church leaders feel very strongly about artistic expression, that it can lead someone down a path of pride.  But I believe that recording what we see sharpens our awareness and makes us appreciate even more God's most beautiful and varied creations.'"