Loved catching back up with Izzy and Luke! This story is just as much about them as it is about another couple, Sam and Mollie. Each of the characters has battles to face, and Mollie is so innocent that you can't help but cheer her on! There are some very real issues covered here as well, including addiction, alcoholism, drug abuse, abandonment, keeping promises, health issues, marital problems, and infertility. Through it all, the characters show us how to live bravely, with a strength in faith. It's also about the need for love, and to give love. A group of foster girls finds themselves parceled out among the Amish....with very interesting results! You never know just whose life you're touching each day...

Wow! Just Wow! The appropriately named novel "Stitches In Time" by Suzanne Woods Fisher speaks to the ties that bind all of our relationships from those that are just beginning with new and strong thread, to those who are hanging by a thread. The development of characters is second to none as Luke, Izzy, Sam, Mollie, and all of the surrounding Amish community set out to solve a very real problem with a very real solution. The recurring theme of grace and the emphasis on the Lord is my Shepherd remind the reader that each of us is in need of redemption. I strongly recommend this novel.


I received a complimentary copy of this book through the publisher and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

Lovely Amish story with a little bit of fun, a little bit of romance, and some laughter and tears. This is lighter fare than I’m used to from Suzanne Woods Fisher, but the writing is excellent as usual. The characters were either lovable or I could sympathize with them - and there were plenty of lessons I learned from seeing the characters recognize their own shortcomings. Solid plot development, authentic dialogue, very enjoyable.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an author I look for with great anticipation. I have found her stories to not only be engaging to read, but challenging to me spiritually. There is always the interesting storyline that I am immersed in, but beneath the story there is also a lesson my heart needs to hear. I also appreciate the immense context and detail she provides in her stories. Stitches in Time the sequel to Mending Fences, read that review here, was no exception to my other fantastic experiences with Fisher.

The story of the Stoney Ridge community continues as we follow Mollie (and Sam Schrock) on their journey and move on with Luke Schrock, and his new wife Izzy, who we came to love in Mending Fences. I was particularly drawn to this series because it dealt with drug addiction and is not a historical Amish Fiction, but instead a contemporary story. In Stirches in Time an additional social issue that is discussed and tackled head on is foster care. I find it refreshing, engaging and also more applicable to me when the Amish community I have grown to love is explored in a contemporary setting and current, real-life issues are explored.

I just adore the strong willed, confident character Mollie and felt immediately invested in her. I was engaged from page one of the story, I mean the drawing of lots for the lifetime commitment of deacon in the first few pages…. I was hooked!

An additional aspect of Fishers writing that you won’t find just anywhere is that the story is both complex and simple. The complexity comes from the tales of the characters that are woven even before this story begins. You see many of the characters in this book are introduced to us in other Fisher series and stories. You don’t have to have read them all, that’s he simplicity of it, you can pick up right here with Mollie, Sam, Izzy, and Luke where their story is now. But, if you know their back stories or those of the other characters you can appreciate the complexity all the more, and as you close the last pages with all the lessons learned and new life changes in place you know the characters well and are deeply invested in their lives. This is a fabulously written story, and I just love when minor characters from other books and series become major ones and the majors players from other stories hold supporting roles in the new ones. It’s so much like real life!

I also appreciated Fisher exploring Sam Schrock’s need to break free of the reputation of his family and the “long memories” of the Amish. I think we can all relate to the feeling of being judged by those that have come before us or walking in someone else’s shadow. Seeing these characters pave their own way, tackle huge real-life issues, and find love and acceptance along the way is EXACTLY why I love books by Suzanne Woods Fisher. I hope you’ll grab a copy and consider sharing it with a friend.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a digital copy of the book. All of the opinions are my own.

I can't say enough good things about this book! I absolutely adored it! can I give it more than five stars!? I feel like the folks of Stoney Ridge are family and friends. I would love to visit and hang out with all of them, while eating some of Fern Lapp's wonderful food. If you haven't yet read about any of these fine folks, then you should probably get in gear and get started reading! Suzanne Woods Fisher, as always, has brought a heart-felt and emotional story that will bring you laughter, tears, shock, and joy. Luke Schrock has always been in trouble. We have seen this side of him throughout several books, but in the last one, he started to make amends for his ways. He started to grow into the man that God has intended for him to be all along. He is even married. To Izzy, who is a wonderfully written character as well. When he becomes deacon for their little church district though, nobody is more surprised than Luke himself. As he learns what it means to shepherd a flock, Izzy will also learn who our true Shepherd is. Join the two of them, as well as the rest of Stoney Ridge as they try to do what God has called them to do. One of those callings involves fostering children, specifically some girls from the local group home. When Mollie Graber, Fern Lapp's niece, takes on two sisters, she may have more than she can handle. Add that to falling hard for Luke's brother Sam, who likes to keep himself emotionally unattached, and there is so much more to learn about how we are meant to live and the blessings God has planned for us! I could honestly just go on and on about the book. I was reading in front of my fifteen year old son and my mom and they both kept asking, "What?" because I laughed or smiled or giggled or cried while reading. I would highly recommend this book! Who am I kidding? I recommend all of her books! Go get them! Now! You won't be upset that you did!
I received a free copy of this story for my honest review. All opinions are my own!

What do you get when you mix twin Foster Girls, with an Amish School Teacher, & an Amish Horse Trainer? I Highly Recommend you Read Suzanne Woods Fisher's novel, "Stitches in Time (The Deacon's Family Book 2)", to find out more.
It's been a couple years since "Mending Fences"; & Luke & Izzy have been married for a year. It's time for a new Deacon in Stoney Ridge Amish Church, since Amos Lapp passed away. Surprisingly, Luke Schrock becomes that Deacon. This puts new challenges on both Luke & Izzy.
The Stoney Ridge Church reluctantly take in the girls from a local Foster Group Home, due to its emergency evacuation. School Teacher Mollie & horse Trainer Sam Schrock are drawn to each other. But it takes them working together to break through Millie's twin Foster girls' toughness.
How does God mend the dropped stitches in Sam's & Millie's hearts? How does God bring them to their Forever 💞? How do Luke & Izzy continue to grow in their Christian Faith, & their new roll in the Church? How do Izzy & Luke get blessed? Find the answers in this Engrossing, Outstanding, Amish Romance!♥️📖⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When Mollie Graber moves to Stoney Ridge to become the school teacher, she wants to start a new life. Sam Schrock enjoys his job as horse trainer. His brother Luke is the new deacon at their church, but he's not sure he is the right man for the job. When Luke makes an appeal to the congregation about helping with foster children, Mollie is the first to speak up. When she gets 11 year old twin girls, things don't go as she expects. She reluctantly turns to Sam for help, when she discovers the girls enjoy horses. Will Mollie be able to make a difference in the twin's lives? Will Mollie and Sam realize their love for each other? I enjoyed this book and the characters. Even though I was given a complimentary copy from the publisher, it in no way influenced my opinion. This is my honest review.

This was such a great read. I love anything by this author. Her writing is so good. This story starts right off as Luke becomes a very reluctant Deacon in the Amish church. Knowing that this would be a big problem with his new wife, Izzy as his time would now be shared with the members of his church.

He finds a way to help the community by finding placement for foster children among his church community. There are challenges and things aren't as good as he had hoped for. And the girls are sometimes troubled and wayward.

This is a great addition to this series. It is the second book in the Deacon's Family series. The story line was really believable as I saw the stress and concern Luke had as he became the Deacon by the drawing of lots.

It's a book that will be hard for you to put down. If you like Amish fiction, it's well worth the read! I loved it.

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

I first want to say that although this is book 2 in a series, it is great as a stand alone.
Mollie is the school teacher to the Amish children. She has a secret that she has kept from most all in her Amish community. As we all know, secrets have a way of coming to light.
Sam tries to not allow himself to get to close to anyone, man or beast. He refuses to name any of the horses he trains to sell. How on earth has he allowed himself to have feelings for Mollie? What is he to do about that?
Izzy desperately wishes for a baby, but so far, it hasn't happened. She's frustrated with her husband, Luke, who doesn't seem to mind or be concerned. Then, Luke got the draw for deacon. Oh, my! He only had one vote. He wonders who cast that lone vote and was it in jest or did someone truly believe he'd make a good deacon? He doesn't think so at all. Everyone knows the trouble he caused when younger.
Being a deacon was hard work. Many nights he was out late doing his duties which resulted in an angry wife. Luke had a particularly difficult challenge when the most critical man in the Amish community is the reason for many of Luke's late night calls out.
Things get lively when several in the community took on the role as foster parents for young girls in the Children's Home when due to mold, they had to seek temporary homes for them. Mollie was quick to claim two girls. Oh, the mischief those two got into!
Izzy, once a foster child herself, surprisingly, refuses to foster a child. Even for a short time. Fern took the last girl, Cassidy. Amazing how that girl latched onto Izzy, following her everywhere and learning how to care for the sheep and how to spin the lamb's wool and knit.
I loved how the longed for child came into Izzy and Luke's life. The hints were all there, and I didn't pick up on them. What a joy how God brought it all together and gave Izzy what she longed for!
I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this story! All the characters were well developed, and I felt like I knew them all. Very well written story! Highly recommend!
I was given a copy to read by the publisher, Revell and Net Galley. I was not obligated to give a positive review.

Foster children need temporary homes. Luke being a new deacon, is responsible for helping find families for them. Mollie cannot wait to be a foster parent but will it work out as she wants.
Izzy, who is newly married to Luke, doesn’t want to be a foster parent. How will things work out for her? I love both Mollie and Izzy.

Mollie and Sam were getting to know each other when the foster girls came along. How is it going to affect their relationship?

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.

This was definitely one of my favorite books by Suzanne Woods Fisher. I really love this series of The Deacon’s Family. The characters are wonderful. I really love Mollie and how hopeful she always is. This was so interesting to learn so much about the foster care system. I loved Luke and Izzy and how they each grow in their marriage. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Luke, the 'prodigal son' of Stoney Ridge, has been made a deacon - and no one is taking the news well. His new duties take a lot of time and put a strain on his marriage with Izzy, and when he attempts to keep a promise to empty the foster care system, things become even more difficult - for everyone. But can good come out of difficulties?

Mollie, the local school teacher, dreams of having foster children to care for and encourage - but when she takes in the twins Alicia and Tina, nothing seems to go at all how she'd expected. Only when Sam and his horses get involved does any improvement occur - and having more to do with Sam may be dangerous for her heart (and his), because they're both hiding secrets and issues that will keep them apart...

A thoroughly enjoyable sequel to 'Mending Fences', though it could be read as a standalone. I loved the opportunity to view another episode of the lives of the people of Stoney Ridge, and particularly appreciated the way the story is told from so many points of view, because the story feels more full in some way. All in all, clean and well written, making me feel like I'm there and can't wait to watch how things unfold next. I look forward to the author's next book, whether in this series or in another - but I particularly hope to see more of Stoney Ridge.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

"Stitches in Time" by Suzanne Woods Fisher is an Amish fiction book. It is part of the Deacon's family series. Sam Schrock is a horse trainer. Mollie Graber is new to this Amish community. She is a teacher. She wants a new start. Sam's brother gets elected to be come deacon. Luke is married and is a bit overwhelmed by the challenges of becoming deacon. There are lots of demands on the deacon in the Amish community. He suggests some of the homes should take in foster children. Mollie is very eager to take in foster children. She is given two 11 year told foster girls who end up being very difficult and terror raising. Sam takes a romantic interest in Mollie. What happens with the foster children in this Amish Community. ? What happens with Sam and Mollie's relationship? Thank you to the publisher, netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. I will be sharing my review with facebook, CBD.com, my blog, Goodreads, Amazon. I hope the book is a big success.!

Even without having read book one in this series, I had no trouble following along and jumping right into Suzanne Woods Fisher’s “Stitches in Time”. What initially caught my eye was the cover, and that, along with the rather embarrassing fact that I had not yet read any of this author’s books, led me to request it for review when the opportunity arose. Reading “Mending Fences” first would provide background for the characters in this sequel, as well as the Amish community of Stoney Ridge, but it is not absolutely necessary, and the author has kindly included a character legend at the beginning for reference.

Unique among the Amish fiction which I have read to date, “Stitches in Time” manages to encompass key issues that are pertinent to most readers’ lives but that I would never have thought of in an Amish context. These include marriage struggles, addiction, broken families, church leadership, and chiefly foster families. Fostering children is not something I ever considered the Amish doing, and the different experiences that they undergo in this story run the gamut from good to downright challenging, but their approach of love and discernment speaks to the same care the Savior has for us. This book is mostly split between the story of Luke and Izzy Schrock and that of Sam Schrock and Mollie Graber. And yet despite dealing with such tough topics and multiple characters, “Stitches in Time” never feels bogged down or dismal. Suzanne Woods Fisher writes in such a way that all of the pieces fit together and both the characters and the reader learn some insightful truths.

Psalm 23 underpins this story and beautifully illustrates what shepherding looks like from a Biblical perspective and how it applies to human relationships. For instance, “Sheep weren’t meant to rely on other sheep, only on their shepherd.” Several of the characters in this book have unrealistic expectations that interfere with their relationships and with how they see the world. One of the best pieces of advice comes from the Amish bishop, who tells Luke: “Try to do the opposite of what comes naturally. Listen more than talk. Ask questions more than spout answers.” Another bishop encourages starting each day by asking, “Lord, what do you want me to do today?” What a profound prayer! If we have the courage to pray such and then follow where God leads us, true change can occur as we draw strength not from our own feeble reserves but from the Lord’s omnipotence.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

Stitches in Time is the second installment from Suzanne Woods Fisher’s series, The Deacon’s Family. I enjoyed the first book, Mending Fences, and enjoyed this one so much more. Even though it is part of a series. I feel as though the books can be read as a stand alone. Though, it was fun catching up with the previous main characters.

Stitches in Time tells the story that is full of faith and inspiration. I was hooked from the start to finish. I read the whole book in just one sitting. I loved getting to know the characters, especially Sam and Mollie. I loved how Ms Fisher incorporated some real life issues that readers can relate to.

I am giving Stitches in Time a well deserved five plus stars. I look forward to see what happens next in The Deacon’s Family series in book three, Two Steps Forward. I highly recommend this one for readers who enjoy clean and heartwarming Amish stories.

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

Very sweet story emphasising fostering children. I loved that the author showed the good and bad of fostering. Mollie's gullibility was a little unbelievable but she was such a loveable character. I would like to hear more about the twins in future books. I had guessed Cassidy's secret and loved the ending. Recommended!

Stitches in Time, the second book in Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Deacon’s Family series, takes the reader back to Stoney Ridge and the Plain community readers have come to love. The book finds all the familiar residents of the town living life as they always have — with simplicity, caring, and a bit of quirk thrown in. Newlyweds Luke and Izzy Schrock are adjusting to married life, Fern Lapp is learning to live without her beloved Amos, and the church has welcomed newcomer Mollie Graber to teach their scholars. Everything is going well until an unlikely man is selected by lot as deacon and the nearby group home full of preteen and teenaged girls needs some emergency help. The Amish step in and life is not the same! I loved how the community decided not to remain insulated from the needs of the English world, but instead reached out with their typical practicality and love. Both Plain and English learn great lessons. As always, Fisher balances serious issues such as addiction and fostering with just the right amount of humor. Relationships are key in this novel, and run the gamut of married couples, courting couples, and fostering families. Fisher uses Psalm 23 and the many references to sheep in both the Old and New Testaments to speak truth of God’s care and provision into a number of the character’s lives. While this novel continues the stories begun in Mending Fences, it can be read as a standalone. But I recommend beginning at the beginning to make sure all of this series’ goodness is savored. 🙂

This one is not just for fans of Amish fiction. I definitely recommend Stitches in Time to all readers looking for a thoughtful and heartwarming story.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

STITCHES IN TIME is the second book in The Deacon’s Family series by Suzanne Woods Fisher. I did not read the first book and had no problem following along with this second book, however, I will definitely be going back to read it. There is some background that I want to catch up on. This story actually surprised me somewhat. Many of the characters in this story are flawed with a lot of baggage. Some have overcome their pasts, some are still struggling with it. Having said that, I think it made them real to me and I was invested in their stories from the start.

Mollie Graber is a sweetheart. A relative newcomer to Stoney Ridge, she is a bit naive and trusting having come from an overprotected home. She falls in love with Sam Schrock, but he is so shy, she is not sure if he will ever reciprocate those feelings. When Luke Schrock, the new deacon gets the community involved in fostering children, she embraces the opportunity with open arms. She has no idea what she has gotten herself into. This book is an Amish story but it has so much in it. It deals with addiction, foster children, alcoholism that may lead to abuse, abandonment, keeping promises, health issues, marital problems, infertility and with all that, an unwavering faith to help get the characters through everything they are dealing with.

I really enjoyed this story right from the first page. I was rooting for Mollie while she dealt with her two foster children, I empathized with Sam and all the feelings he carried inside and prayed that Izzy would break through the shell she had built around herself. There was a bit of a twist at the end that I had partially figured out, but it still took me by surprise. This was a well-written and plotted story that I enjoyed and certainly recommend to those who enjoy Amish Fiction. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

My thoughts on Stitches in Time:

I love this series. I’ve been in love with this Amish community for years, ever since the first book that introduced them. Reading each new book is liking going home to some of my favorite friends.

Luke had such a wild childhood. He was always up to something and cared nothing about who he hurt in the process. Luke flat out didn’t think about how his actions might hurt someone else or what the consequences to others might be. He was searching for something that remained ever elusive to him.

And then he changed.

With his change he found God, he found love with Izzy, and now he’s found the lot as a Deacon. Of course, no one can believe it! Who could be worse for the choice of deacon?! He doesn’t think he’s qualified and yet David says that’s exactly why he is one of the best for the job.

Izzy isn’t happy about this new life course. She’s still trying to find herself and grow closer to God after her own upbringing. New to the Amish, Izzy still has a lot of healing and learning to do.

When Luke goes gung-ho on keeping a promise he made to rid the county of children in foster care things get heated fast. Many in the community aren’t supportive. Izzy isn’t even supportive. She feels it’s an attack on her as she just wants to move forward and not have those memories of her own time in the foster care system.

Izzy is adamant that she will not have anything to do with a foster child and Luke better not bring one home, but Fern has one. Can Izzy let go of some of her reserves and actually talk to Cassidy? What about her mother? Can Izzy finally quit searching for the love she has always wanted from her mother?

This book is so so good. Izzy and Luke are two of my favorite characters but I’m loving getting to know Molly as well. Sam is also another character I’m liking meeting. He’s been in all the books but never as one of the main characters and finding out his nature is definitely fun. Sam is very gifted not only with horses but wayward foster children as well.

Can Sam help Molly gain control of the twins before it’s too late? Will Molly suffer a health crisis or is that all just worry?

Definitely a great book and I highly recommend not only this book but the series. I also recommend you read book one first as it definitely gives you the back story and will help you better understand the dynamics of the community.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Whenever I hear that Suzanne has written a new creation, I feel the intense need to get it as quickly as possible. I KNOW that I will love it! My expectations for any work by this author is very high!! This book was no disappointment. Suzanne weaves an endearing tale using her unique, outstanding talent as a storyteller, one that keeps the reader engrossed from beginning to end. Although this is book two in The Deacon's Family, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. As I had read the first in this series, I felt that I was returning home to visit my dear friends.

Stitches in Time deals with aspects of life that we rarely think of taking place in a peaceful Amish community. alcoholism, infertility , childhood abandonment , dealing with a past full of hurt. This author capably combines these topics together into a tale that appeals deeply to ones' emotions. The use of the twenty third Psalm takes on special meaning, as Izzy shepherds her flock of sheep . Relating this to knitting indeed conveys a very clear message to all of us.

The characters are so realistically described that you immediately become their best friends, feeling their emotions deep within. They are people who could easily be our neighbours , flawed, real and yes, lovable too. The pain of not being able to have children had special meaning to me. we were also unable to have biological children and took the adoption route. My heart hurt for the foster girls who each had their own particular quirky and different characters.

The plot moves at a quick pace with unexpected twists and turns that I must admit at times had me close to tears. Not all events were joyful! The book ends with everyone coming together in the way that God wanted them. He was there to shepherd them through their valleys that were often so deep , there appeared to be no way out! Following the good shepherd is an example of which we all need to be reminded.

Suzanne Woods Fisher has once again left a message deep within my heart. As in all of her other books, she has caused me to examine my life. Am I following and trusting the good Shepherd as I should??

This is a book not to be missed. Just have a few tissues nearby to blot the tears that come to the surface as these dear people travel a rocky road called life.

This book was received as a gift. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.