Devoted

Written by Jennifer Mathieu

Narrated by Jennifer Grace

Rachel Walker is devoted to God. She prays every day, attends Calvary Christian Church with her family, helps care for her five younger siblings, dresses modestly, and prepares herself to be a wife and mother who serves the Lord with joy. But Rachel is curious about the world her family has turned away from, and increasingly finds that neither the church nor her homeschool education has the answers she craves. Rachel has always found solace in her beliefs, but now she can't shake the feeling that her devotion might destroy her soul.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 2, 2015
• ISBN: 9781490683928

Jennifer Mathieu

Jennifer Mathieu is the author of Devoted, Afterward, The Liars of Mariposa Island, and The Truth About Alice, which won the Teen Choice Debut Author Award. Her 2017 novel, Moxie, was developed into a film by Amy Poehler for Netflix. Jennifer teaches high school English in Texas, where she lives in the Houston area with her husband and son.

Reviews for Devoted

[ecataldi-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Rachel has grown up as a strict, devout Christian. She and her 9 brothers and sisters have been homeschooled and warned of the dangers of "worldly people." When Rachel discovers that a Lauren, young girl who left the church several years ago, has returned to town, her curiosity is peaked. Already, questioning several aspects of her life (being expected to marry young and bear children is the only role designated for her), she decides to sneak onto the computer and learn more about Lauren. What made her leave? What is she doing now? Does she still believe in God? All of these questions, and eventual answers, spark in her a restlessness that is bound to get her in trouble. When the inevitable comes she is forced to make a life changing decision. Powerful, raw, and emotional, this young adult book about coming to terms with religion and staying true to yourself will have readers hooked. The audiobook is brilliantly narrated and worth a listen. I received this audiobook for free from Librarything in return for my honest, unbiased review.

[kmartin802_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My thoughts are really scattered after reading this book. It shows a world that is so alien to me.Rachel Walker is a member of a very strict religious sect where young women are taught to dress modestly so as not to incite lust in males and who are taught that their only future role is to be a helpmate to their husband. But Rachel is chafing at the restrictions of her life. She is smart and curious and doubts that she can fit. Not that she isn't devoted to God, she tries to pray and does believe but she has questions she knows she isn't allowed to ask. She sees her older sister Faith who is married with one baby and another on the way by age 20. She sees that her sister sees to fit into the life as if it were made for her.When Lauren, a young woman who left the congregation six years ago, comes back home, Rachel has someone she can talk to. However, it has to be secret. Once someone leaves the strict Calvary Christian Church it is as though they are dead. Rachel uses the family computer, which she has taught herself to use and uses to manage her father's landscaping business, to begin sharing secret emails with Lauren. When her parents find out about the emails, they decide to send her to Journey of Faith, a camp that reprograms those who are straying. Rachel knows that the camp would change her to someone she isn't. She runs away to Lauren.Lauren takes her in and helps her find her feet in a world that is really strange to her. Luckily, for both Lauren and Rachel, Lauren's boss at the veterinary clinic and his family help the girls. His real estate agent wife hires Rachel to organize her business which gives her some money and a chance to see what happens in the outside world. Their son Mark also shows her what boys can be like as he offers her friendship with no strings.This book is great at portraying the range of emotions that Rachel feels. At one point she says that she alternates between mournfulness and euphoria. I enjoyed getting to know Rachel and am hopeful for her future.Readers who wonder what it might be like inside the world shown on 19 Kids and Counting will enjoy this inside look from the perspective of a young woman who just doesn't fit there.

[foggidawn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Seventeen-year-old Rachel has never worn pants, gone to public school, or had more than five dollars to call her own. Her family attends an extreme fundamentalist church and subscribes to the Quiverfull movement, so Rachel and her nine siblings live a life of strictly enforced obedience to their father and their church. Rachel really wants to be good, but she longs to read and study. She gets a sinking feeling in her stomach when she thinks about courtship, marriage, and the possibility that she might be married and pregnant within a year. And when her mother sinks into depression after a miscarriage, Rachel is frustrated and exhausted at being required to shoulder the majority of the responsibility for running the household. When rumors circulate that Lauren Sullivan, black sheep of the congregation, has returned to their small town, Rachel's curiosity is piqued. Why did Lauren leave? How has she managed to survive on her own? Using the family's ancient computer (purchased solely to help with the running of the family business), Rachel surreptitiously discovers Lauren's blog, and before long, the two are communicating. But what will happen if her father finds out?This is a gripping read, alarming in its veracity -- though Rachel is fictional, her situation is real enough. Mathieu appears to have done a good bit of research, though she has not experienced life within that culture firsthand. I appreciated the way she showed Lauren and Rachel as people who embrace two different worldviews, but can still be close friends who work to understand each other. Also, the fact that Christianity and religion in general is not demonized because of the cult-like sect Rachel's family follows is a positive for me. There's a scene in the book where Rachel attends a mainline Protestant worship service and contrasts it with what she's always known, and I appreciated the nuanced treatment that the author gives religion.My few small quibbles with the book involve the practicalities of life for Rachel in the later part of the book. I felt that some things came too simply or easily for her, both in terms of those practical details, and in the emotional realm. But altogether, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in realistic YA stories that examine various expressions of religion.

[readingbeader · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was worried about how this book would treat her beliefs. I didn't want her ridiculed, and she wasn't. It was a very sensitive portrayal of someone who is learning what it means to be faithful, and really make that something one believes in rather than just accepts as truth.

[rebecca c · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I thought this was a great story. There were some very telling moments. I only wish that Christianity would have been portrayed in a more real way. That may be some Christians but not most. I i’m thankful to know Jesus. That he is not like her family.

[eggsnhm · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a fascinating and delightful novel about a young woman growing up not only in a small town, but an even smaller and more closed-in religious community. Late in her teens, Rachel Walker begins to question the expectations her family and religious community have of her, and the restrictions under which she is expected to live as an adult woman. Told from Rachel's perspective with warmth and compassion, it was a book I couldn't wait to pick up and hated to have to put down. Indeed, it's the first book I've read in years that so kept me wanting more that I was disappointed that the story had to end.

[lycomayflower · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Seventeen-year-old Rachel lives with her parents and nine siblings in rural Texas, where they follow the teachings of Quiverful fundamentalist Christianity. A family tragedy intensifies feelings of doubt about their way of life for Rachel, and eventually she leaves to explore a more worldly life. This YA novel was an intense read; I couldn't put it down because I had to know whether Rachel was going to be okay. This is a good story, well told, but perhaps what's most impressive about the novel is the even-handedness it shows in depicting both Rachel's family and her need to leave them. While it is made clear that Mathieu thinks the Quiverful movement is damaging to children and oppressive to women, she still portrays Rachel's parents as largely good people who are doing their best to raise their children in the way they think they should. I was also happy that ultimately Rachel does not give up her religion, just the particular brand of it she was raised in. I think a wholesale rejection of Christianity would have made the book considerably less complicated and compelling (and I would have felt sorry for Rachel, as her devotion was important to her and it was not that, itself, that she felt constricted her). While I always have a moment of pause about books written about communities on the margins not written by members of those communities, I think Mathieu has done a credible job of making the issues here multi-faceted and avoiding a black-and-white representation of how parents "should" or "should not" raise their children within religion. Fascinating. Recommended.

[cwhisenant11 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received a free audiobook in exchange for an honest review. When the book first started, I was afraid I wouldn't like it for a number of reasons. I'm glad my first impression was wrong. I loved Rachael's character and thought the overall mood of the book was inspiring and thought provoking. I felt so many emotions as I was listening but the message of hope came through loud and clear and I think that's a message that never gets old.

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Newcomer Patrick arrives in Stoney Ridge, and his presence will affect the community, especially Ruthie. He is Canadian and Catholic, but he thinks he would like to become Amish. And so, he, and his parents, have given him a month to immerse himself in the culture and the faith. Luke’s drinking and his behavior have worsened, and he is barely in control. He refuses to honor Ruthie’s declaration that they are no longer a couple, and he sees Patrick as a rival and a threat. Luke needs serious help, but whether it will save him from his path of destruction remains to be seen. This is an interesting conclusion to this trilogy. Some storylines are tied up, others are not. Readers will want to revisit Stoney Ridge in future books to see if Luke’s life is redeemable, and how the lives of the other characters are playing out. There is certainly much to be enjoyed by reading this series, along with some pearls of wisdom to ponder.

[lamb521 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: The Devoted (The Bishop Family #3)Author: Suzanne Woods FisherPages: 336Year: 2016My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.This final book of the series, The Devoted, focuses on the character of Ruthie Stolzfus who is the daughter of the bishop in Stoney Ridge. We meet the community of Amish and the Stolzfus family in the first book titled, The Imposter and then the story continues in The Quieting. What I enjoy most about the novels isn’t the focus on the Amish per se, but the human factor that is present no matter what community one belongs to. With the human element, readers will come across one character named Luke who is trying to find his way through life, but his choices bring dire consequences.Ruthie thinks she might want to leave the Amish like the Bishop David’s sister did so she can be freer in ways she cannot as an Amish woman. I enjoyed the multifaceted tensions in the story line of the novels that were spiritual in many ways and also relational. I enjoyed David’s character the most as he seeks God in the Word, prayer and meditation. Plus, David doesn’t want to begin taking shortcuts to hurry people through to baptism. He likes to give God time to work on the heart instead of browbeating as some in the community want to do. I also enjoyed seeing how older women in the community helped the younger woman with some of the struggles of life as they grew older. In our day and age, we could use more of this passing on of wisdom, opening heart and home to young woman.The idea of taking in a woman who is searching for God and needing to learn even the basic household tasks or taking care of an elderly woman who is alone is I think a wonderful idea. I hope you read and enjoy all three novels in the series as I did. Suzanne writes with such heart and realism that is unique and makes the stories unforgettable!

[polarmath · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I like reading about the Amish way of life and how they come to their decisions about whether to say and grow up Amish or pursue different avenues. Ruthie is trying to decide whether she wants to remain with her faith and family or use her money and education to go a different route. At the same time she is trying to decide she also must make a decision about two suitors in her life Patrick who is converting to the Amish ways of life and her ex, Luke. I enjoyed seeing how Ruthie came to her decision and enjoyed the trip back ot Stoney Ridge. I received a copy of this book for free, the review is my own.

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Oh, wow! I am rereading parts of this book,The Devoted, by Suzanne Woods Fisher, to complete my review. It still leaves me with the same sense of awe and wonder I had the first time. I'm ready to read it all over again, already. Now there's a good book!What makes for such a good book? Several things. Fisher presents us with an unusual bishop,David Stoltzfus,compared to the ones we usually see. David is thoughtful, not dogmatic or legalistic for their own sake. He wants to understand each situation separately.David's son,Jesse,has his appearances, although the book focuses more on Ruth, David's sister, and Ruthie,his daughter. These characters are all well-drawn and rounded. So many people to follow with their relationships and feelings. Yet, Fisher ties them all together for a tremendously well-woven, warm Amish quilt feeling. When the book ends, you feel like you have been under that warm Amish quilt and don't want to come out, because you're way too comfortable and happy.Suzanne Woods Fisher just was added to my list of favorite Amish authors. I received this book as a complimentary copy, but will not hesitate to buy any others. All opinions presented here are solely my own.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Devoted by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the third book in The Bishop’s Family series. Ruthie Stoltzfus is seventeen years old and living in Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania. Ruthie knows she wants something more. She even took the GED without anyone knowing. She is inspired by her aunt, Dr. Ruth Stoltzfus. Ruthie just needs to figure out exactly what she wants. Patrick Kelly has come from Canada and is determined to become Amish. He wants to totally immerse himself in the culture and has given himself thirty days to learn everything he needs to know to become a good Amish person. He has hired Ruthie to teach him Penn Dutch. Ruthie enjoys spending time with Patrick. He is different from Luke Schrock, her ex-boyfriend. Luke does not like seeing Ruthie with someone else. But Luke is not ready to settle down. He has too much fun drinking and getting into trouble (which is why he is an ex-boyfriend). Dr. Ruth is having some problems of her own. Thanks to her boyfriend, Ed Gingerich she is now out of job. Dr. Ruth now has the chance to take over Dr. Max Finegold’s practice in Stoney Ridge. Dr. Ruth ran away from this town when she was younger. Is she ready to come back? Will the Amish community accept Dr. Ruth as their new doctor? Life is never dull for the citizens of Stoney Ridge. The Devoted was an enjoyable book to read. It is a heartwarming novel with enjoyable characters, nice setting, and good messages. The Devoted cannot be read alone. In order to understand the characters and their dynamics, you need to read the other novels in the series (otherwise, you will be confused). The novel is well-written and has a sweet ending. The Devoted deals with alcolhism, teenage growing pains, illness, love, faith and much more. Scripture verses are sprinkled throughout the novel to help reinforce the messages (sometimes it is a little preachy). I give The Devoted 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). If you enjoy Amish novels, I recommend The Bishop’s Family series. I look forward to reading more books by Suzanne Woods Fisher in the future.

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Devoted by Suzanne Woods Fisher marks the third book in The Bishop’s Family series. With the Stoltzfus’ large family and many more community members with stories waiting to be told, it certainly will not be the last book set in the Amish community of Stoney Creek, Pennsylvania. In this installment, a young man from outside the community begins a long visit at the Inn at Eagle Hill and brings with him a quiet assurance and insight that challenges more than one of the people living there. Change could be coming to the church at Stoney Creek, but it may not be all for the good.I love how Fisher makes the people in Stoney Ridge real and relevant for any reader. I have said it before, but it bears repeating: although the characters are Amish, they could easily belong to any community anywhere. There stories are filled with real life struggles and doubts and hopes and dreams. But it is not just the Amish of the community who are featured. Three Englisch characters figure prominently in The Devoted and are positive influences on the story as well as some of the other characters. The Amish of Stoney Creek are not immune from influences of the world, in spite of their commitment to remain separate. Fisher examines the role of wealth in a believer’s life — in bringing blessings and in drawing us away from God. Fisher also does not shy away from showing the deceptions and consequences of a fallen world.From deep in the heart of Amish country, The Devoted is a story for anyone, a story full of wisdom and wit. Another winner from Fisher, for this reader it is a highly recommended read!Highly recommended.Audience: older teens to adults.(Thanks to Revell for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ruthie must decide whether she wants to remain with the Amish or leave and get more education. During this time she is trying to decide whether she wants to remain Luke Schrock's girlfriend. He is doing many things she does not like but she thinks she still is in love with him. Then in comes Patrick who wants to become Amish and is a gentleman. This book makes you laugh and cry. I love the characters. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Devoted is the third book in The Bishop’s Family series, and we get caught up in the lives of the Stoltzfus family. Lives have moved on, and now David is married to Birdie, so glad, and there are going to be new additions to the family with Katrina and Andy. Jessie is still pining for Min, and we hope he will move on, and lastly we have Ruthie still giving Luke second chances.Some very horrendous acts are committed here, and you will really be shocked by some of them, I know I was. There is also a new fellow in town, and he of course, is keeping a secret, Patrick Kelly, he desires to become Amish in one month, huh?You will soon be wrapped up in this book and page-turning to find out the answers to all of the questions that you are going to have. The end of this book will answer a lot of questions, but I could go on forever with this dear family, sad to have a series end.Pick this one up and you won’t be disappointed, I recommend that you read the other equally great books, but this one can be read alone.I received this book through the Publisher Revell’s Blogger Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.

[lanehillhouse · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Saturday, October 8, 2016The Devoted by Suzanne Woods Fisher, © 2016The Bishop's Family, Book 3A quiet starry night as a faint breeze floated over the hillside at the Inn of Eagle Hill. On the way home, finished for the night, Ruthie Stolzfus encounters a man in need of rest. Decision-making when you are finished and ready to head home is a little out of the ordinary, especially with no reservation to prepare for a night guest.Conversational, you will get to know the people at Stoney Ridge and the intent of their hearts."It's a funny thing about time. There always seems to be enough of it for the things that really matter."--The Devoted, 150.I liked that characters from previous stories were part of the conclusion of this series. Constant, continuing in their days, some with more gusto than others, doing what they "knew to do." A new arrival is Patrick Kelly from Canada, who is having an extended stay at the cottage at Rose King's inn across from Ruthie's family's home property."People change," Patrick said. "You might try giving her a fresh start. People rise to our expectations for them."--Ibid., 179.Ruthie feels she is insignificant, unaware of the people who look to her for support. Her willingness to help others is beneficial in finding her niche. I like how the showing more than telling, motivates others to reveal themselves. There are lessons to be learned; when to be quiet and when to speak. Another character who unknowingly is a strong encourager is Birdy. If you have yet to meet her, you will find her to be a joy in being aware of her surroundings and spreading happiness and a lift of cares when you are near her. What a jewel she is.Psalm 139 fully is portrayed in this story beyond David Stolzfus' remembrance of being hemmed in, surrounded by the Lord's care ~ "Thou has beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me."***Thank you to Suzanne Woods Fisher and to Revell Reads for sending me a copy of The Devoted for review. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***

[anne_rightler-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Devoted by Suzanne Woods Fisher, third in The Bishop series is a charming and compelling look into the world of the Amish through the Stoltzfus family. Although part of a series, it is easily a stand alone novel that focuses on one of the Stoltzfus daughters, Ruthie, who at seventeen feels like a bird trapped in a cage. Can she find what she is looking for in the Amish way of life or will she follow in her aunt's footsteps and have a career as an outsider? Luke is Ruthie's on again, off again romantic relationship and yet Luke has deep-seated issues. What will it take to scare the sin out of Luke? The unflappable Canadian, Patrick, longs to find a simpler way of life and has come to learn the Amish way. Will he fit in or give up once he realizes the simple life is not easy. And the Bishop, David, what a strong character with a steadfast faith in the way of God and deep concern for his people. How can he help his community remain whole and healthy, and maintain their willingness to put each other first? The author has an exceptional gift for character development and storytelling and The Devoted is a wonderful example of both. The characters are amazingly realistic and the story pulls the reader right in, wondering how things are going to work out for this family. Fisher takes the rather weighty issues of alcoholism, serious illness, and teenage rebellion and threads them through with a strong faith in God and a hope that doesn't disappoint. Hope and trust in God...understanding their connection will bring one to a profound desire for lifelong obedience to a God who loves His children and calls them to holiness.I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When I know that there is a series coming out, I buy each book and start reading them in order when the last book in the series is completed. That is not the case with this series. As each one was published, I grabbed it up and started reading. Why did I not wait, you may ask? Well the simple answer is because the author writes such memorable stories that I knew I would never forget the previous book in the series. Her characters are so well crafted and relatable that I feel like they become part of my family. This is the third installment of The Bishops Family series and oh my is it a powerful read. The story is written with grace and I loved how the author placed stories from the bible that helped us understand what the characters were struggling with. I loved Ruthie because she was so intriguing. She is always available to help anyone and has such a desire to learn new things. She hasn't found the right person to share her life with, but that may change very soon. What happens at the Inn at Eagle Hill where she Workd that will have people gossiping? Patrick Kelly is a young man who has come to the community to learn how to be Amish. Yes that does seem strange to some, but his enthusiasm and dedication proves to people that he is sincere . His character is very likeable and will face challenges that for some, would make them lose hope. As he studies the culture he does start to have questions for Bishop David Stoltzfus. He knows that Sunday is a day of rest, so why are stores open and people selling their goods on a Sunday? I really liked his hunger for learning the Amish customs and how much he wanted to fit in. Bishop David starts to really take a look at his congregation and see that maybe some have forgotten some of the Amish ways . What happens when several families find wealth ? Will they allow that wealth to overshadow their Amish beliefs? Have you ever found yourself comprising your beliefs ? I loved how the author showed the conflicts the community faced with their new found prosperity and how the Bishop realized that he needed to take a firmer stand. Did he get so caught up in becoming a newlywed that he forgot about his duties as a Bishop? I can't forget to mention Luke Schrock. He sure does have a big chip on his shoulders. He is jealous of the budding friendship between Ruthie and Patrick. His anger comes out in hurtful ways and I loved how the author showed his life spinning out of control. His actions cause a lot of pain and anger for Ruthie. Will she be able to forgive him? Will he get help before it is to late? I loved his character the most because it showed how jealousy can cause destruction in someone's life. I remember the scripture that says, "Pride cometh before a fall," and the author does an amazing job of showing how pride and jealousy can change a person. It was very powerful to read and it brought tears to my eyes to see the pain Luke was in. Will Luke be able to find his way back to God? Can he swallow his pride and ask for forgiveness ? The characters in the book draw on their faith and along the way find forgiveness, hope and unconditional love. The book delivers an unforgettable story that reminds us to never give up, follow your dreams and surround yourself with family and God. I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.