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| Suzanne Woods Fisher |
“You will always leave something behind. Your Influence.” Amish Proverb
My grandmother, Marion Woods, was a bundle of high energy. Even later in life, she was adamant that I see cellphones on fanmisenior.com with her so we could stay in contact night and day. After her five children were raised, she decided to start a tearoom on the sun porch of her large country home called Eagle Hill, on Buzzards Bay in Massachusetts. When my dad brought his future bride home to meet the family, my grandmother handed her a knife and a bowl of tomatoes and told her to start slicing. After all, the tearoom was booked with lunch reservations and Marion needed extra hands. My mother, who came from an oh-so-proper home, was appalled. My grandmother didn’t even blink.
The tearoom was so well received that my grandmother decided to expand Eagle Hill and build cottages that surrounded the lake. She planned to rent out the cottages to vacationing families during the warmer months. In a rare moment of reflection, she decided to first visit with her friend, Ruke Wakefield, who ran the nearby Toll House Inn, also in Plymouth County, to glean some tips about inn keeping.
The name of Ruth Wakefield may not be familiar to you, but I can guarantee you have benefited from her influence in the kitchen. Ruth had a delicious family cookie recipe, Butter Drop Cookies, with melted chocolate stirred into the cookie batter. One day, Ruth was out of baker’s chocolate so she substituted broken pieces of Nestle’s semi-sweet chocolate, expecting the chocolate to melt and absorb into the dough. (I’d like to think that might have been the very day my grandmother paid a call, but I think that’s just the fiction writer in me.) Ruth chopped up the semi-sweet chocolate and tossed the diced pieces into the batter instead of melting them first. When she removed the pan from the oven, Ruth was surprised to discover the chocolate pieces hadn’t melted but were intact, soft and creamy. Accidentally, she had invented the world’s first “chocolate chip cookie.”
At the time, Ruth called her creation “Toll House Crunch Cookies.” As the popularity of Toll House Crunch Cookies increased, sales of Nestle’s semi-sweet chocolate bars also spiked. Soon, Nestle started to sell chocolate chips as a product. Nestle and Ruth Wakefield came up with an agreement: Nestle would print the “Toll House Cookie” recipe on its package and Ruth would be given a lifetime supply of Nestle chocolate. The Toll House Cookie is still the most popular cookie in America. Talk about a woman’s influence!
Back to the meeting between my grandmother and Ruth Wakefield. My grandmother left Ruth filled with encouragement and enthusiasm and ideas about how to expand Eagle Hill as an inn, which she promptly did. The 17 acre farm transitioned into a delightful, sought after destination. Fifty years later, I wrote a three-book series, starting with The Letters, about a strong, determined woman who started an inn called Eagle Hill.
My grandmother passed away when I was very young, and she lived the last chapter of her life in a senior independent living facility, surrounded by a remarkable group of carers, as well as her family, yet her “can do” influence remained. It’s encouraging to realize your example as a parent or grandparent goes deep into your children’s development. Such awareness is a motivation, too, to be our best self at all times. Be it cookies or innkeeping, you have a lasting impact on the next generation.
Leave a comment and enter to win a copy of The Letters! USA only. An e-mail address is required so we can find you. Winner has one week to respond.
About Suzanne
Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award winning, bestselling author of books about the Old Order Amish for Revell Books. She has a free downloadable app, Amish Wisdom, for iPhone or Android, that delivers a daily Amish proverb. She lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can find Suzanne on-line at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.
If you haven’t already, leave a comment on Kate’s recent post, “Beating the Blahs.” Enter to win a copy of Leaving Lancaster or Pennsylvania Patchwork!
Love to win a copy of THE LETTERS! I love Amish books. Best way to beat the blahs is to just think of how God has blessed you even in the little things. Give Him praise \o/
Hi Rita! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Hope you win. Suzanne
Would love to win The Letters.
Waving to you, Bonnie!
I enjoy the winter because I love to curl up with a cup of coffee and a great book while setting by the fireplace. There is nothing that says comfort to me than enjoying a beautiful day with a great book.
Hi Marj! Now I want to live in a wintry state. 🙂 Suzanne
Please leave an e-mail address or contact info when entering so we can locate the winner! Thanks!
Absolutely sounds like a wonderful book
I had a great grandmother also
God bless you
Chris Granville
granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet
Hi Chris! Thanks for your encouraging words. Warmly, Suzanne
I would love to win this book The Letters.Reading is a great way to cure the winter blues.Great post.Thanks for sharing.May I ask you what happened to your grandmothers inn?jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com
Hi Jackie! After my grandmother passed away, her children had to sell the farm. Too large and costly for them to take care of–they were all starting their careers and growing their families. Sad! I just was back there and drove to see Eagle Hill. It’s very run down now. 🙁 Suzanne
I would love to win a copy of this book..Beating the Blah’s to me is having family around and taking your mind off of things…Family =Happy Moments to me! Thanks
Kathy Milburn
bearangel0@yahoo.com
Hi Kathy Milburn! Hope you win a copy! Warmly, Suzanne
I have read so many of her books, in fact I have Letters on my to buy list. I love reading Amish books and I live near Lancaster pa. Sure hope I win…..
Fpa222@hotmail.com.
Thank you….FLOSS ANDREWS
Hey, Floss Andrews! Grateful for your kind words! Good luck winning a copy! Warmly, Suzanne
Would love to win!! 🙂 I so love anything Amish!! 🙂
amazinglyblessed@me.com
Good luck to you, Elizabeth! Warmly, Suzanne
Would love to read Suzanne’s book and also love Amish fiction. A big fan of both of your books, they are so entertaining and fun to read!
Hi dear Sonja! Thanks for your kind words! XO Suzanne
Forgot my contact sonja(dot)nishimoto(at)gmail(dot)com Sorry 🙁
Yes, I’d love a copy of The Letters
Good luck, Loretta, and happy Thanksgiving! Warmly, Suzanne
I enjoy Suzanne’s books so much. I would be delighted to win a copy of, The Letters.
I miss my Grandmother so much! She was a Godly woman and a gentle soft spoken woman. She loved all her Grandchildren and never played favorites. She use to tell us such wonderful stories. She has been living with Jesus now for over 20 years.
Blessings!
Judy B
judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com
Waving to you, Judy! Thanks for taking a moment to share your memories of your sweet grandmother. That’s how we should try to be remembered! Xo Suzanne
Would love to win this book! I also would have loved to taste that first chocolate chip cookie! That was an interesting article! Grandmama_brenda@yahoo.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
Oooohhhh…I hadn’t thought of that, Brenda! Bet it was DEELISH! Warmly, Suzanne
What an interesting story, Suzanne! Thank you for the words of exhortation. In writing the final book for the Amish Girls Series, Leah’s Legacy, I’ve been contemplating my own legacy. As writers, we have a wonderful opportunity to leave a small piece of ourselves to future generations. I hope my humble contribution to the future will not only have an earthly impact, but also an eternal impact.
I’ve read a few of your books so far and I must say I enjoyed your stories immensely. Keep writing with purpose and I’m certain others will find pleasure in your work. I can’t wait to read The Letters!
Thanks, J.E.B., for your thoughtful words! Will look for your Amish Girls’ series! Warmly, Suzanne
Interesting story about the invention of chocolate chip cookies. I’ve often heard that necessity is the mother of invention and here is one more example. jbodmer@msn.com
Judy…you are so right! Would be fun to do a magazine article on all of those “accidents.” Especially the delicious ones! Warmly, Suzanne
Love to read Suzanne’s books and would love to read The Letter’s. Our Grandmother’s always have an important part of our lives. I miss my Granny. Thank you for sharing your story about her. I loved cooking with my Grandmother n Mother. LeAnn Mooneyham angel4god(at)charter(dot)net
Hi LeAnn! You gave me an idea…it would be fun to share recipes handed down from our grandmothers on a blog post one day. I even have some recipes with my grandmother’s handwriting. So special! Xo Suzanne
There is nothing better than losing yourself in an Amish book.
Nice to hear that from a gentleman, Rob!
Isn’t it amazing how much influence our grandparents have on our lives regardless of how long we were blessed to have them in our lives. Ü
Please enter me in the drawing to win a copy of The Letters.
Thanks!
cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com
Great comment, Cindi A! And a wonderful aim for our own legacy. Hope you win! Warmly, Suzanne
I would love to win a copy of this book. Please accept my entry. Thank you so much.
meashy@verizon.net
Hi Mary Ellen! Good luck–hope you win! Warmly, Suzanne
Great post. I’ve been through Buzzards Bay a long, long time ago. Would love to win and read this book. Thank you for the chance.
Karen G.
kmgervais@nycap.rr.com
Hi Karen G! I think you’re the first person (who has commented) who recognizes Buzzards Bay! Hope you win! Warmly, Suzanne
would love to win valerie
impicbb@juno.com
Good luck, Valerie!
I’d love to win a book! My grandmothers were special ladies too!
susanlulu@yahoo.com
So glad to hear you had special grandmothers, Susan! A lot of people never knew their grandparents. Such a gift! Good luck winning a copy of “Letters!” Warmly, Suzanne
I also would love to win this book. thanks so much for the chance to win. I really enjoy reading your books too
amhengst AT verizon DOT net
Good luck, Ann! Hope you win! Warmly, Suzanne
Hello there to Kate and Suzanne. Two special people together today in this post.
I have some of Suzanne’s books, but would love to win this book, Only got to know my granddaddy and grandmother, parents of my daddy. Mother’s mother had died when mother was only 5. Her died when I was 1 or 2 years old, never knew them or greats anywhere. Please give me an entry.Suzanne, so glad you were told their life story while she was still alive. thanks! Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
Waving to you, dear Maxie! Thanks for sharing your own story. Hope you win! XO Suzanne
Would love to win this book. It looks so good.
Juanita Cook
seraphinangel7@aol.com
Thanks for entering, Juanita! It is a good book!
Love your books, would love to win this one! Blessing……
I love Suzanne’s books too, Becky!
We never low just how much of an impact we have on children. I can only hope that I leave a good example instead of a bad one. I love chocolate chip cookies!
A very good insight, Jan! I bet you will leave a good example.
Interesting story. I wish I had a grandmother in my life but they both (and grandfathers) pass on before I was born. My mom would tell my stories about her mom and her mom-in-law. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of your book.
msbookwormlady(at)aol(dot)com
Thanks for leaving your comment, Kay, and entering to win a copy of Suzanne’s novel! How wonderful that your mother told you stories about your grandmas.
Would love to win a copy of “The Letters”. I have fond memories of both my grandmothers…one lived in Florida and I called her Granny…(I now have my own grandbabies and to them I am known as Grannie..I too was Southern born) My other grandmother I call mom-mom she was from Pennsylvania.
Reading about your grandmothers makes me recall my own fond memories. Thanks for sharing them with us, Grannie!
What a fascinating story about your grandmother. I enjoyed reading about her. I would love to win a copy of The Letters. Thanks!
Thanks for writing, Linda! I enjoyed reading Suzanne’s story about her grandmother too.
Love your story! Would love to win The Letters! marthajane1@hotmail.com
Thanks for entering the contest!
I would love to win anything of yours, the ones i have read are great
Shirley B jcisforme@aol.com
Thanks for entering the contest, Shirley! I enjoy all of Suzanne’s books, including this one.
I would love to win a copy of The Letters. Thank you for this chance. ~ Blessings ~
Thanks for writing, Lisa!
Thank you for the story about your Grandmother, she sounds like a wonderful influence on anyone’s life, and I’d love to win a copy of The Letters.
Thanks for leaving your comment, Jettie! Suzanne’s grandmother did sound like a wonderful influence. Not to mention her creative cooking.
Great story! sheliarha64@yahoo.com Shelia Hall
Thanks for entering the contest!
Thanks for this opportunity and your wonderful post. Best wishes and much happiness. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for leaving your lovely comment and for entering the contest! Good luck!
I love to read Amish fiction along with a lot of other kinds of nooks. I have learned so much from reading. Thanks tor the opportunity to win a copy of “The Letter “
My email is momndad243(at) yahoo dot com
Good luck in the contest, Polly! I also have learned so much from reading.
Your story reminds me of my grandmother, who also, sadly, passed away when I was eight. Part of her farm was sold off, but luckily, my brother bought the remainder, and has preserved it well. I love reading Suzanne’s books! I hope to win a copy of this one.
Lisa J Cowell lisajcowell(at)cs(dot)com
Thanks for sharing the story about your grandmother, Lisa! How great that your brother bought and preserved the remainder of her farm. Good luck in the contest!
Suzanne, so great you know all that family history!
Nothing is any better than chocolate chip cookies except reading a good book while eating them!
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com
Ooh, chocolate chip cookies and reading, Jackie! What a delightful combination. Thanks for entering the contest!
I would love to win a copy of this book! The legacies our parents and grandparents have left us are so important! Whether it is a major accomplishment or something as simple as a cookie recipe, we never forget. My own mother passed away last Thanksgiving (2012) and I just finished trying to make her homemade noodles. I know they will NOT compare, but the love is there. Thank you for your stories!!
You are so right, Becky, about the importance of our parents and grandparents! Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your mother. I know she would be delighted you are making her homemade noodles. I can tell the love is there.
Loved this story, & hearing how the world’s most famous cookie became an “item”!
Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of your book, Suzanne!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
I enjoyed the story too, Bonnie! Thanks for answering to win Suzanne’s novel.
Great interview. I loved reading about the chocolate chip cookie! I miss my grandma. When my mom died I had grandma move in with our family and I took care of her. I love reading Amish fiction and I love Suzannes books.
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Merry
Your real-life story sounds like a lovely plot for a novel, Merry! I’m also a fan of Suzanne’s writing. Good luck in the contest!
I love reading about your grandmother… I love your books and have read all I can get my hands on. I would love to win The Letters. I thank you for sharing your talent with us. Thank you!
Thanks for writing, Cindy! Suzanne is a talented author. I have enjoyed all of her books, including The Letters!
What a wonderful story. I was the oldest grandchild out of 9 on my mother’s side. My grandmother “Mama Edith” to us grandchildred never showed favorites but I was her favorite. Mama Edith passed away 10 years ago and I really miss her.
Debra Bearden – debsredbirds@yahoo.com
Thanks so much for sharing about your dear Mama Edith, Debra! I miss my grandma too. Good luck in the contest!
Loved learning about your grandmother. I still miss mine.
O Norman
onorman@wilkes.net
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the contest! Good luck!
Interesting background story! I would love to win this! I never had the opportunity to know my maternal grandmother. She passed when I was only 4 yr old. My paternal grandmother lived with our family for a while before going to a nursing home. She used to play games with us. She passed when I was 10 yr old. My mom tells me all of the time that I do a lot of things like my paternal grandmother. Donna d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com
That’s so interesting that you do things like your paternal grandmother, Donna! Just goes to show how important it is for us adults to show love and forgiveness to the children in our lives. Good luck in the contest
I grew up in Carver, Ma and remember this story from always being around Buzzards Bay growing up and i remember Eagle Hill
What fun that you remember this story and Eagle Hill, Carol! Thanks for writing!
Even though I already read the letters would like to win a signed copy by you Suzanne!!
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment for Suzanne!
Would love to win!! I love Suzanne! bluebell5071@yahoo,com
Shirley Culpepper
You are entered in the contest, Shirley! Good luck!