I’M RUNNING A GIVEAWAY OF SUZANNE’S BOOKS. SEE BELOW . . .

Comment below for a chance to win an ebook or paperback of your choice.

READ ON FOR A BLUEBERRY RECIPE INSPIRED BY SUZANNE’S UPCOMING NOVEL, Chase the Light, SET IN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK IN MAINE . . .

I’m extremely grateful to Suzanne Woods Fisher for endorsing my novel, The Broken Weathervane, published by Scrivenings Press in September 2025. As a thank you, I’m featuring several of her books on my blog today.

Teaser for The Broken Weathervane:

• Two co-workers seek the same information for opposite reasons
• Leslie’s quest to learn the truth about her family comes at a high cost
• Family drama meets mystery, deception, and thwarted academic aspirations

Suzanne’s complete endorsement:

“This beautifully written novel follows Leslie Wickersham, a grant writer who has always tried to hide her grandparents’ complicated past, until she ends up working for an academic whose research threatens to expose everything—and whose presence in her life becomes impossible to ignore. A Broken Weathervane is a bittersweet story about family secrets, reluctant love, and how the past refuses to stay buried.” 

~ Suzanne Woods Fisher, bestselling author of The Moonlight School

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Back to Suzanne . . .

Comment below on any of Suzanne’s books for a chance to win the paperback of your choice. 

Whatever your mood, you can probably find a novel by Suzanne Woods Fisher that fits it. That includes historical fiction, contemporary romance, and Amish fiction–with settings in southern Appalachia, on the ocean, or in the country.

Suzanne has been a guest on my Standout Stories blog before:

• The Moonlight School 

• The Sweet Life

• The Secret to Happiness

Blurb for Capture the Moment (Revell–May 6, 2025)

Book 1 in the National Parks Summers series

Kate Cunningham is facing the opportunity of a lifetime. As a zoo photographer, she’s spent years photographing animals in carefully controlled environments, but now National Geographic has dangled an irresistible prize: if Kate can snag a unique photo of the legendary Grizzly Bear #399 in Grand Teton National Park, they might publish it. It’s the kind of challenge Kate has been waiting for, and she’s eager to prove herself in the wild. 

With more enthusiasm than experience, Kate soon realizes that capturing an image of this bear isn’t as simple as she hoped. Fortunately, she crosses paths with Grant Cooper, a seasonal park ranger who knows the terrain–and the bears–better than anyone. His tracking skills could be exactly what Kate needs to succeed, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes. But they’re not the only ones with an interest in Grizzly #399. Someone else is on the bear’s trail, and his motives are far from innocent.

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher kicks off her new contemporary romance series with a thrilling adventure that invites readers to follow their instincts, confront their fears, and believe in something bigger than themselves.

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More from Suzanne regarding Capture the Moment . . . 

Out of the Zoo, Into the Wild

In Capture the Moment, Kate Cunningham is a zoo photographer stepping into the unpredictable wilderness of Grand Teton National Park, she’s eager to prove herself among seasoned wildlife photographers. But let’s just say the welcome isn’t warm.

They call her “Zoo Girl.” It’s not a compliment. At first, Kate brushes it off, confident her years of photographing animals in enclosures will translate seamlessly to the wild. It doesn’t take long for reality to hit. Animals in the zoo follow rhythms shaped by human schedules—feeding time, nap time, predictability. But in the wild? Nothing syncs. Bears don’t stroll into frame on cue, and a single cell phone chirp can send a herd of elk vanishing into the woods.

The learning curve is steep, but Kate is no quitter.

Enter Grant Cooper, a park ranger with an uncanny understanding of grizzly bears—the very creature Kate is desperate to photograph. She quickly realizes his tracking skills might be her best shot at getting the image that could define her career. But as they navigate the unpredictable terrain of the Tetons, Kate discovers something even more surprising than the elusive bear: sometimes, the real adventure is letting someone in. Because love, like the wilderness, is untamed, unpredictable, and worth the risk.

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Coming soon . . . Book 2 of the National Parks Summers series . . .

Chase the Light launches on May 5, 2026.

Blurb for Chase the Light — Clean Contemporary Romance at Acadia National Park with Love Triangle, Mystery, Multi-Generational Characters, and Secrets

She uncovered a piece of history–but can she make peace with her own?

When Acadia National Park ranger Scout Johnson discovers a weathered note near a remote lighthouse, she never imagines it will expose a century-old mystery. The cryptic message points to a forgotten shipwreck, a vanished treasure, and a lighthouse keeper’s suspicious death. Seeking answers, Scout enlists Naki Dana, a thoughtful man whose Penobscot heritage provides crucial insights. As they venture deeper into Acadia’s rugged wilderness, their unlikely partnership begins stirring feelings Scout didn’t expect to find. But they aren’t the only ones searching.

Chase Fletcher, a charming local journalist, sees this treasure hunt as his last opportunity to save his failing paper–and finds himself increasingly drawn to the ranger leading the search. With pressure mounting and loyalties tested, Scout must navigate a winding path between history and justice, truth and betrayal . . . and determine who–and what–deserves her trust.

Suzanne Woods Fisher weaves a contemporary romance filled with mystery, treasure hunting, and adventure as a park ranger uncovers a century-old shipwreck and dangerous secrets at Acadia National Park. Perfect for fans of mysteries and love triangles.

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Suzanne shared this mouth-watering recipe from Maine . . . using blueberries, of course. Let me know if you try this!

Comment below on any of Suzanne’s books for a chance to win the paperback of your choice. 

Blurb for The Moonlight School

Haunted by her sister’s mysterious disappearance, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to work for Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent of education. When Cora sends Lucy into the hills to act as scribe for the mountain people, she is repelled by the primitive conditions and intellectual poverty she encounters. Few adults can read and write.

Born in those hills, Cora knows the plague of illiteracy. So does Brother Wyatt, a singing schoolmaster who travels through the hills. Involving Lucy and Wyatt, Cora hatches a plan to open the schoolhouses to adults on moonlit nights. The best way to combat poverty, she believes, is to eliminate illiteracy. But will the people come?

As Lucy emerges from a life in the shadows, she finds purpose; or maybe purpose finds her. With purpose comes answers to her questions, and something else she hadn’t expected: love.

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My thoughts about The Moonlight School

This novel was my first introduction to educator Cora Wilson Stewart and her work in rural Kentucky.  She was an amazing woman! I enjoyed getting to know Cora and her challenges through Lucy’s eyes. But Lucy has problems of her own, equally compelling. The vivid setting, imagery, and characters made this story come alive. Check out my full review on the Standout Stories blog here.

Comment below on any of Suzanne’s books for a chance to win the paperback of your choice. 

Excerpt from The Moonlight School Q & A:

The Moonlight School is another departure from your Amish novels. What was your inspiration for writing it? What’s your personal connection to Kentucky, Cora Wilson Stewart, and/or the time period? 

Suzanne: The idea behind The Moonlight School dropped into my lap. I listen to a classical music station as I write. One morning, the radio announcer casually mentioned that on this day in history, the Moonlight Schools began. There was just something about that phrase that made me stop and research it. I took the idea to my editor and it wasn’t long before I had a contract. 

The Moonlight School was published last year and will always be one of my favorite novels. And it’s all based on an incredible true story!  

I didn’t have any personal connection to Kentucky or to Cora Wilson Stewart, or to that time period—other than curiosity. After The Moonlight School was published, a relative of Cora connected with me and sent me copies of some private family letters, handwritten by Cora. Her tone in the letters was similar to the Cora in my mind. So pleased! 

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The CAPE COD CREAMERY series (Revell)

Blurb for The Sweet Life

Dawn Dixon can hardly believe she’s on a groomless honeymoon on beautiful Cape Cod . . . with her mother. Sure, Marnie Dixon is good company, but Dawn was supposed to be here with Kevin, the love of her life (or so she thought).

Marnie Dixon needs some time away from the absolute realness of life as much as her jilted daughter does, and she’s not about to let her only child suffer alone–even if Marnie herself had been doing precisely that for the past month.

Given the circumstances, maybe it was inevitable that Marnie would do something as rash as buy a run-down ice-cream shop in the town’s tightly regulated historic district. After all, everything’s better with ice cream.

Her exasperated daughter knows that she’s the one who will have to clean up this mess. Even when her mother’s impulsive real estate purchase brings Kevin back into her life, Dawn doesn’t get her hopes up. Everyone knows that broken romances stay broken . . . don’t they?

Welcome to a summer of sweet surprises on Cape Cod–a place where dreams just might come true.

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My thoughts about The Sweet Life

You can’t go wrong with ice cream! The unusual premise of a daughter on a honeymoon with her mom rather than her groom is a delightful read. The Cape Cod setting is charming. The ice cream shop escapades add equal amounts of tension and humor. Check out my review on the Standout Stories blog post here.

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Blurb for The Secret to Happiness (book #2 of Cape Cod Creamery)

Escape to Cape Cod–where you just might find the secret to happiness

Callie Dixon had the world by the tail . . . until it all slipped away. Fired from her dream job after making a colossal mistake, she’s escaped to her aunt’s home on Cape Cod for time to bounce back. Except it isn’t a home, it’s an ice cream shop. And time isn’t going to help, because Callie’s bounce has up and left. There’s a reason she made that mistake at work, and she’s struggling to come to terms with it.

Things go from bad to worse when Callie’s cousin Dawn drags her to a community class about the secret to happiness. Happiness is the last thing Callie wants to think about right now, but instructor Bruno Bianco–a curiously gloomy fellow–is relentless. He has a way of turning Callie’s thoughts upside down. Her feelings, too.

Bruno insists that hitting rock bottom is the very best place to be. But if that’s true, how is it supposed to help her figure out what–or who–has been missing from her life all along?

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My thoughts on The Secret to Happiness

The fun and whimsy continues, bringing popsicles into the mix. Some lighthearted touches are the ice cream and popsicle quotes, plus the texting between characters at the end of each chapter.

Plenty of false assumptions by Dawn (from Book #1) combined with a lack of communication from her cousin Callie make for some interesting twists and turns. I predicted a few things, but definitely not all of them. 

Comment below on any of Suzanne’s books for a chance to win the paperback of your choice. 

Excerpt from The Sweet Life Q & A:

Besides your Three Sisters Island series and The Moonlight School, The Sweet Life is a switch from your Amish novels. What was your inspiration for writing The Sweet Life? What’s your personal connection to ice cream and Cape Cod?  

Suzanne: First, thank you for hosting me on Standout Stories! It’s a pleasure to connect to new readers. Okay, now for answering Q’s. Ice cream is a big deal in our house. My husband, Steve, attended Penn State’s Ice Cream School. 

Did any of you know there was such a thing? It’s been going on since 1892. All the greats have attended: Baskin & Robbins, Ben & Jerry, Jeni Britton Bauer of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, on and on.

My editor has been to my home on several occasions and has sampled my husband’s ice cream. She’s the one who said she wanted a novel about ice cream. We settled on Cape Cod—partly, it’s an iconic summer spot and partly, my dad grew up there so I’m familiar with the Cape—and voila! The Sweet Life was off and running. 

How did you decide on a mother-daughter duo point of view for a contemporary romance? Did you consider including someone else’s perspective, too? 

Suzanne: I had this phrase in mind: “Dawn was on her honeymoon…with her mother.” I’m not even sure how I landed on that phrase, but it set up the story. Interestingly, it was the phrase that hooked a TV/film company to purchase its options! (Stay tuned!)

REPLY IN THE COMMENTS BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A PAPERBACK OF YOUR CHOICE! (YOUR COMMENT MUST PERTAIN TO HER BOOKS.)

Here are many of her book titles at a glance . . . 

A Year of Flowers series (2024):

• An Apology in Bloom—Revell (March 19, 2024)
• A Bouquet of Dreams—Revell (June 18, 2024)
• A Field of Beauty—Revell (September 10, 2024)
• A Future in Blossom—November 19, 2024

Cape Cod Creamery Books 1 – 3: contemporary clean romance set in Cape Cod (2022 – 2024)

• The Sweet Life—Revell (May 3, 2022)
• The Secret to Happiness—Revell (May 2, 2023)
• Love on a Whim—Revell (May 7, 2024)

The Moonlight School—biographical historical fiction—Revell (February 2, 2021)

Three Sister Island series—on the coast of Maine:

• On a Summer Tide—Revell (April 30, 2019)
• On a Coastal Breeze—Revell (May 5, 2020)
• At Lighthouse Point—Revell (May 4, 2021)

Amish—several series include Lancaster County Secrets, Stoney Ridge Seasons, The Bishop’s Family, Amish Beginnings, The Inn at Eagle Hill, The Deacon’s Family, & several standalone novels—too many to list here

• A Healing Touch—Revell (October 1, 2024)

Nantucket Legacy series—the Quakers of colonial-era Nantucket Island.

• Phoebe’s Light—Revell (February 6, 2018)
• Minding the Light—Revell (July 3, 2018)
• The Light Before Day—Revell (October 2, 2018)

Copper Star series—historical fiction WWII

• Copper Star—originally published in 2007, Vintage Romance Publishing, LLC (November 22, 2013)
• Copper Fire— Vintage Romance Publishing (May 29, 2008)

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Back to Laura . . . On a similar note . . . 

If you like dual timeline fiction about family dynamics in a small town Midwest (Wisconsin) setting, try The Broken Weathervane (launched September 2). Two co-workers seek the same information. One wants to publish it; the other has good reasons to keep it hidden. The timeline alternates between 2015 and the 1950s. Check out the reviews and book trailer here.

If you like historical fiction, you might enjoy A Hundred Magical Reasons (launched January 2025). This story spotlights L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, his friendship with a young girl, and his impact through the decades. Set in Holland, Michigan, this dual timeline novel alternates between 1980 and the early 1900s. Read more and watch the book trailer here. 

Here’s what Suzanne Woods Fisher has to say about it:

If you like Southern fiction and small town/rural stories about family dynamics and secrets, you might enjoy my novel All That Is Hidden. Set near North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains in 1968, the story spotlights the bond of family and the connections of a tight-knit community. Northern exploitation threatens as a father’s hidden past catches up to him and tests family ties. Learn more and watch the trailer here.

All That Is Hidden is now an audiobook! 

I invite you to join my monthly newsletter for writing updates, freebies, and giveaways. Sign up and I’ll send you a prequel and 7 Oz-inspired recipes: StandoutStoriesNewsletter.com  

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Suzanne Woods Fisher Bio

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a Christy finalist, a Carol Award winner, a two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, and the Publishers Weekly, ECPA, CBA, bestselling author of more than thirty books. Her genres include contemporary and historical romances, Amish romance, and women’s fiction. She and her husband live in a small town in California, where everyone knows everyone else, knows what they are doing and why. Most friends act a little nervous around Suzanne because they usually wind up in one of her novels. She has four grown children and enough grandchildren to keep her young. Visit Suzanne at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

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Join me next time for a visit with author Katie Powner.

Meanwhile, have you read any of Suzanne Woods Fisher’s books? If not, which one appeals to you?

Comment below on any of Suzanne’s books for a chance to win the paperback of your choice. 

Ever reading,

Laura

Sign up for my monthly newsletter and receive the 7 free Oz-inspired recipes: StandoutStoriesNewsletter.com