Friday, June 9, 2017

What the Bishop Saw by Vannetta Chapman [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts:  The author has begun a new series - The Amish Bishop Mysteries - with a delightful story about a group of Amish who settled in the San luis Valley area of Colorado. I don't know if the series will feature Bishop Henry Lapp in all of the books, but I just love his gentle guidance that carries a bit of humor and a lot of strength for the members of his community. I hope to read more about him in future stories.

As a peaceful, pacifist group they find themselves embroiled in and the target of murder and arson when one of their own's home is burned out and left murdered in the fire. This is only the start of a series of violent arson acts that seem connected. Yet, the arsonist also strikes a couple of non-Amish establishments leading to questions about how they, too, would be the object of the serial arsonist's attention.

Characters' experience with special gifts of intelligence are brought forth and it is shown how their gift can affect personality and development. Henry is considered a savant because of his unique ability to draw detailed images from his subconscious memory. A good link on savant syndrome is at the NIH website. A concise definition could be....
Savant syndrome is a rare, but extraordinary, condition in which persons ... have some ‘island of genius’ which stands in marked, incongruous contrast to overall handicap. ...Whatever the particular savant skill, it is always linked to massive memory. 
I found one of the warm-fuzzy charcters to be the little puppy that Bishop Henry Lapp adopts added a layer of warmth and joy to the story. Delightful. Heartwarming. And the young girl, Katie, is so loveable. I am thinking she would be a strong interest to follow should the author continue the series with the same characters.

Vannetta Chapman writes an easy to read story and her mysteries are interesting and just suspenseful enough to keep one's attention and yet not get too convoluted. Character development is always a plus with Chapman's books and the story line is always well developed.

I can highly recommend What the Bishop Saw.

About the book: Somewhere in the Embers Lies the Truth

A fire blazes out of control in the San Luis Valley of Colorado, leaving an elderly Amish bachelor dead. Bishop Henry Lapp rushes to the scene, and he learns the fire was no accident. Someone intended to kill Vernon Frey. But who would want to kill Vernon? Well, practically everyone—Amish and Englisch alike.

When the police point the finger at a suspect Henry knows is innocent, the bishop must decide whether or not to use his mysterious, God-given gift—one he's tried desperately to ignore all these years—to try and set the record straight. His close friend and neighbor, Emma, encourages Henry to follow God's leading.

Could the clue to solving the case be locked somewhere deep in his memory? Will Henry find the courage to move forward in faith and put the right person behind bars? Is his friendship with Emma becoming something more?

What the Bishop Saw is a story of extraordinary talents, the bonds of love and friendship, and the unfailing grace of God.
GIVEAWAY
Begins June 9
ENDS June 30 at 12:01 a.m. EDT.
Open to USA addresses only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the author to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated. Winner's copy is provided and shipped by author or publisher.

13 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for your kind review!

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  2. I know some Gifted Children I think they are more sensitive and shy and need to be given extra time to get used to stuff more than normal people

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  3. No I really don't know some exceptionally gifted. I know a few really intelligent people - bordering on genius.
    Wonderful interview - look forward to reading this book
    quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net

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  4. My 2 year old grandson is exceptionally gifted. He can speak in full sentences and understands everything. He can even read.

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  5. I don't know anyone personally who are gifted, but I have to agree with Linda Mofitt. I think they need more time to get used to things as they are shy. I also think they need more compassion and understanding. :-)

    Thanks for the great recipe and giveaway chance. I love Vannetta's writing, this new series sounds good!

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    Replies
    1. Don't know where the word recipe came from but it is supposed to say review! Don't you just love autocorrect, lol!!

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  6. No, I don't know anyone who is gifted. I think they are probably treated differently and even feared by some because they are so intelligent.

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  7. I am not aware of knowing anyone who is gifted.

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  8. I know some very intelligent but not "gifted" people. I admire those I read about or see on TV. I would think they might be really a bit shy as they perhaps wouldn't relate very well to typical pursuits/hobbies, etc. in which many others spend their time.

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  9. I know of a young lady is was in the gifted program at school.
    Marilyn

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  10. I have known two brilliant young men who both struggled with making friends. I think that many of those people felt inferior and failed to give them a chance. I think that the two young men were guilty themselves of assuming that they wouldn't be accepted.
    Thanks for sharing this review.
    Connie
    cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

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  11. This looks like a fun new series! I'm going to check it out! Thanks so much for linking this up at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com this week!
    Tina

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  12. My hubby is exceptionally intelligent. He works with many people who are much more intelligent then him. He did win an award one year for something he did that was on the national level. I honestly dont understand too much of what he does work wise but I am glad God blessed him with this talent and he enjoys the work he does.
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
    Merry

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