Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future.Luke Schrock is a new and improved man after a stint in rehab, though everyone in Stoney Ridge only remembers the old Luke. They might have forgiven him, but nobody trusts him.Amos and Fern Lapp allow Luke to live at Windmill Farm under two conditions. First, Luke must make a sincere apology to each person he’s hurt–a four-page, single-spaced … four-page, single-spaced list. Second, he must ask each victim of mischief to describe the damage he caused.
Simple, Luke thinks. Offering apologies is easy. But discovering the lasting effects his careless actions have caused . . . that isn’t so simple. It’s gut-wrenching.
And his list keeps growing. Izzy Miller, beautiful and frustratingly aloof, also boards at Windmill Farm. Luke’s clumsy efforts to befriend Izzy only insult and annoy her. Eager to impress, Luke sets out to prove himself to her by locating her mother. When he does, her identity sends shock waves through Stoney Ridge.
Bestselling and award-winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher returns to her beloved Stoney Ridge for this brand-new series featuring some of her readers’ favorite characters.
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Wow! That’s the first thought I had after finishing this book. The book starts a new series for the author and I already can tell it will be a best seller. I was talking with another author and we both agreed that this is the authors’ best book yet. It filled my soul with hope and sprinkled my cheeks with tears. I had a hard time deciding who my favorite character was because two of them I easily related to.
Luke has come home after a period in rehab. He has worked very hard to change but he knows he has a long road ahead of him. I related to him because I have stumbled and made a mess of my life. I turned away from God and did some pretty awful things to people. Luke is not exactly welcomed home but after reading the story I finally have a better understanding of some of the Amish ways. They are quick to forgive but trusting is something you have to work on. I loved that the Bishop believed in Luke and helped him on his journey. Luke has a list of people he has hurt and will have to go to them and make amends. I loved how the author shows readers the consequences of a person’s bad decisions and how devastating it could be to someone. We become so selfish at times that we forget that our actions could affect someone else in a negative way.
Izzy has had a difficult childhood and still carries the pain of not being wanted by her mother. The feeling of abandonment is strong in her life and she has never felt wanted. I think I related to her because I know that feeling of not being wanted by your parents. They didn’t abandon me physically but definitely emotionally. Izzy’s desire to find her mother was a roller coaster ride at times. I would wonder if she found out where her mother was, would it heal her wounds or hurt her more. It is hard for Izzy to have a relationship with anyone, but her relationship with God was one I worried about the most.
The author has written a book that deals with forgiveness, acceptance, making amends and finding your way back to God. The journey is hard for these two characters but along the way they have a chance to change their lives and experience unconditional love.
“You’re a pearl of great price to God.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Oh my, the places this book went. Can you imagine having to make a list of the wrong things you’ve done to people, then go apologize and ask questions so you understand the damage you did? Yikes! But that’s what Luke had to do and it was as difficult and emotional as you can imagine. However this story wasn’t heavy at all. In fact there were many moments where I was laughing, completely drawn into the story.
Author Suzanne Woods Fisher deals with the subject of alcoholism and rehab, as well as health issues in one of the main characters. She doesn’t shy away from these things, but makes it clear that God is in the middle of our messes and heartache. That there can be forgiveness, redemption, and hope.
I truly enjoyed every page of this book and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
This is an insightful look at the road to redemption!
I’m talking about redemption in the eyes of man not God. The characters are incredibly well developed. Luke has caused a lot of people a lot of heartache and very deep wounds. They are just as varied as the characters themselves.
I was completely captivated by the journey that Luke had to go on to bring healing to himself and others. He is helped along the way by two very wise and Godly men. I love the fact that everything is done with an attitude of prayer and seeking God. We can all learn an awful lot about this from this wonderful book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I am sure if you have read Suzanne Woods Fishers book or a few you may have read a book about Luke Schrock in one of her books. Then you ran into Stoney Ridge community. I know I did. It nice to see Luke and see if he make it in the world.
He is mentioned in the “The Queting” in the Bishop series. This book is mostly about Luke and him making amends. Though we meet someone new named Issy? Luke seem to want to be friends with this girl that at windmill farm.
There seems to be a story behind Issy and we get her side and Luke’s. Will Luke be able to help Issy? What is really behind Issy and her looking for her mother? I can say you will be surprised to find out how David and his family and Amos Lapp stories or past are connected. There seems to be mystery to Chris and Jenny Yoder.
We follow Luke on his journey though this book. I really think this is book about redemption and learning to trust god. Will Issy and Luke get together? We see Fern and Amo’s health and their lives and how they add other trouble children to stay with them.
This was one of my favorite Amish fiction books I have read lately. This had a lot of twists and turns. Both Luke and Izzy had a lot of growing up to do. This shows that anyone can get addicted to many things and must work things out to get better. I loved how different this book was. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Hardest, most gut-wrenching thing he’d even done in his life. Best thing he’d ever done in his life
My rating is 4.5 stars
When Luke played “”pranks”” on the people of his community, he gave no thought as to how his actions would affect them. After all, he didn’t really mean anything by them, did he? Yet he discovered as he set about “”mending fences””, that his actions had much deeper consequences than he had imagined.
In this touching, humorous, and insightful story, Luke goes through a transformational journey as he attempts to change his life, the community’s perception of him, and figure out what to do next. I really appreciated the fact that the author didn’t have me loving Luke from the start. She kept a great balance of showing his faults and making him just likable enough that I wanted to keep reading to learn more about him. Don’t worry, though. I did end up liking Luke a lot by the end!
I loved watching Luke become a man I could admire. His blunders as he attempted to set things right were humorous and sweet. His heart was pricked when he saw the damage he had done to others and he truly had very good intentions. . .
Luke’s interactions with Betty the librarian were great! As were his attempts to keep Bob the horse in his stall at night. And who could blame him for trying? Being wakened out of a deep sleep by horse breath wouldn’t be something I would be passive about either!
Izzy was taken from her mother by the State when she was very young and she had a difficult childhood, never feeling accepted and always waiting to be told that she could no longer stay. Her life had been hard and she saw some ugly things. The opportunity to stay in the Amish community was such a gift to her. Amos and Fern were so thankful for her gentle nature and the compliant way that she followed their instructions.
The contrast between Izzy and Luke was similar to the one between the Prodigal Son and his older brother. While the younger son clearly displeased the father with his wasteful and indulgent living, the older brother appeared to be righteous and yet harbored pride and resentment towards his brother. And like the elder brother, though her actions were all as the community desired, she had some heart issues that needed to be addressed. I enjoyed seeing who noticed this problem and the way it was handled.
If you have read other Amish stories, you will have noticed they are often filled them with Amish terms. I was surprised not to see that here. It gave a different feel to the story than what I expected.
Rich spiritual truths are shared in a poignant manner. In several places where I was moved almost to tears. If you like your fiction to challenge your walk with the Lord, Mending Fences will certainly fit the bill.
This story of fiery trials, shame, guilt, treachery, forgiveness, and faith is one that should not be missed!
Read with a Preview at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Amos and David are amazing people who are willing to help those less fortunate. Fern acts like a mother to all the kids who they try to help. The way Luke and Izzy are helped by these people is truly wonderful and inspiring. Luke’s adventures with Bob the buggy horse will have you laughing. You will feel God working throughout this wonderful book. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
Mending Fences Destined to Be Another Success for Suzanne Woods Fisher
Luke Schrock just got out of rehab for the third time. He didn’t receive the welcome home he expected and he was unsure where he would stay or whether he wanted to be back in Stoney Ridge. He had long since worn out his welcome and wore down the community. When Bishop David Stoltzfus talked to Luke about mending fences, it was not meant in the literal way with a hammer and some nails. Rather, it was a painstaking method that Luke found the most difficult challenge of his life.
Handsome, confident Luke got much more than he bargained for this time. I loved reading this book by Suzanne Woods Fisher. Whenever I read one of her books I tell myself it is her best yet. However, there is so much inside Mending Fences that I recommend it not just for a good read but also as a book club selection. The discussions would be lively and all the more so for the questions in the back of the book.
I found myself laughing out loud a few times in this book for the adventures Luke got himself into. In the midst of all his foibles there is a truly serious side to this story of resilience and faith. He is persistent in his journey of second ( or sometimes more….) chances and along the way his faith grows, bringing along some surprising new friends.
Although this is Luke’s story, it would be rather dull without Izzy Miller, A young woman, who like Luke, was staying at Windmill Farm with Amos and Fern Lapp. Throughout the story he worked hard to win her friendship. She trusted very few people, least of all Luke. His reputation had, after all, preceded him. The story of their prickly relationship is heartwarming and full of surprises. Tears of sadness and joy abound.
Mending Fences is the first book of Suzanne’s new series The Deacon’s family. After reading an excerpt of the upcoming Stitches In Time, I am looking forward to hearing more about Luke and Izzy.
When I looked at the cover and the title, Mending Fences, I got a whole different idea of what the story was really about. Actually Luke had fence mending to do that included sincere apologies, introspection and forgiveness. Unlike the typical Amish I’ve read about, Luke was an alcoholic that had been in rehab three times. After his third release he was invited to live at an older couples farm in his community. He got lots of cold shoulders and snubbing. But his stipulation for staying was to help around the farm, make a list of all the people he had hurt in the past, seek each one out and offer his sincere apology. The hardest part of all was to ask each how what he did affected them. That was a tough pill for Luke to swallow and brought him lots of shame and heartache.
Izzy was a young woman, former alcoholic that was also living with the older couple. She loved the Amish way and was strongly considering joining the Amish church. She questioned God’s love a lot because of what happened to her growing up. She also had lots of hurts from the past she had to deal with.
These two needed lots of love and understanding and Fern and Amos, the older couple that were helping them, gave an abundance of both. It’s interesting to think on what our pasts and growing up years can influence what we think of ourselves and how it can determine what we become as adults. This was a deep thought provoking read for me. I enjoyed how the characters went about doing their retrospection and their looking forward into a better future. There was a surprise in the latter part of the book and a mischievous raccoon that keeps reappearing. I’m sure we’ll hear more from him….
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
Mending Fences is so much more than an Amish romance novel. It probably contains the absolute best examples of forgiveness and restoration that I have encountered in any other novel. It was both gratifying and touching to follow Luke’s journey through making apologies to each person he hurt through his past actions, especially as he began to realize exactly how his unthinking pranks had affected others. Then the revelations at the end that illustrated even further the depths of forgiveness other characters had given in their own situations left me with the belief that this novel was definitely inspired by God.
The story itself is very well written with the serious subject of rehabilitation and restoration lightened by a few quite humorous incidents scattered throughout including a time or two when Luke’s attempts to make things right backfired on him. At least his intentions were pure! I loved all the other characters and enjoyed encountering a few from earlier novels. I especially liked David and his loving method of imparting wisdom to others.
I am so thankful that I agreed to review this book. Even if you are not a fan of Amish fiction, Mending Fences is one book you should not miss.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Mending Fences begins a whole new Amish series by Suzanne Woods Fisher, The Deacon’s Family. Luke Schrock finds he is having to prove himself after in is town that he no longer the same man before entering rehab. He is no longer that person and struggles to find forgiveness from those who hurt in the past. Amos and Fern Lapp gives him a chance to redeem himself by allowing him to live with them. As long as he makes things right. Izzy Miller, also, lives with the Lapps. Luke tries his best to befriend her but when doing so, it leads to a shocking discovery.
I enjoyed Mending Fences. I think so many readers could relate to Luke and his struggles. I honestly was not sure about Izzy at first but she grew on me by the end. The story had some twists that I had not expected.
I give Mending Fences four stars. It is a good story of redemption, faith and inspiration. I recommend it. I look forward to reading the second installment from The Deacon’s Family series.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
“Maybe this is just the place God wants you to be Luke. Humble. Contrite. On your knees.” Deacon Lapp to Luke (page 115)
I enjoy when I get caught up in a storyline filled with characters from earlier books of Suzanne Woods Fisher. Amos and Fern Lapp were willing for Luke Schrock to come to Windmill Farm after his rehabilitation ended. Luke was still unsure going back with all that had transpired in the past.
The love and insight of Bishop David Stoltzfus, Deacon Amos and his wife Fern for Luke and Izzy Miller, that was residing at Windmill Farm too, brought plenty of adventures and emotions while reading. There are plenty of twists and turns that kept the pages turning. As Luke proceeded to make apologies to those he wronged he learned the effect of his action that caused more pain, especially with Alice who had not left her home since Luke threw a snake in her buggy.
Suzanne Wood Fisher penned a pictorial and expressive vivid script with Mending Fences. This is a compelling story that reminds each one of second chances that can be given when an individual is willing to right wrongs and find God’s peace and will for their life.
I look forward to the next book, Stitches in Time, in this new series The Deacon’s Family by Fisher. Fisher is a favorite author that brings characters to life with a solid Christian message in each book. The excerpt for Stitches in Time ended with “Oh no.” What’s going to be the future for Luke Schrock?
Loved this book!! Suzanne Woods Fisher has such a sense of humor and keeps the story moving along.
I have read a few of Suzanne Woods Fisher’s books and I have to say that this has to be her best one yet! She shows us the the brokenness of the characters and makes it so real! Her characters had to face some really tough situations in this book. There was such a powerful message of forgiveness here! We have to learn to forgive others, but most importantly, we have to learn to forgive ourselves. I loved these characters and can’t wait to see what comes next for them in the next book! This is one book that I know I will have to read again!
I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
This is a wonderful new series by this talented author, but some of the characters are old friends, or ones that I had an opinion of previously, and I was quickly engrossed in this book!
There is an old saying that “for every action there is a reaction”, which I believe is attributed to Newton, but in this case where forgiveness is asked for and according to Amish faith, is freely given, a second request of how the action affected the lives of those accosted, and there are surprises here both good and bad.
As this story unfolds I loved the surprises that happen, some good and some that blew my mind. I personally cannot wait for the next book in this series!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give positive review.
Mending Fences” is the perfect title for this book and also the perfect start to this new series by Suzanne Woods Fisher. If you’ve read some of her other Amish series, you know that Luke Schrock has been Stoney Ridge’s chief troublemaker for several years. Luke’s charming ways have finally failed him, and after a rehab stay, he’s ready to return home to Stoney Ridge to “mend fences” with each person he’s hurt through his careless actions and thoughtless destruction. Luke finds that although forgiveness may be granted, trust takes a long time to restore.
This book has an entertaining side to it. Luke at first still relies on his ability to be charming, and while it’s sometime painful, it’s fun to see Luke change as he works through his list of all the folks he’s hurt in the past. Even with good intentions, not everything goes as Luke originally plans and some of his troubles as he tries to make things right will make your smile. I also loved the character of Izzy, a lovely, sweet young woman who is finding love and acceptance in Stoney Ridge. Izzy is having nothing to do with Luke or his charm, and resists Luke’s offer of friendship. Their story is a special one, and their budding romance is a sweet part of the book.
However, there’s also a very thoughtful side to this book. There are themes of abandonment, forgiveness, and redemption in the stories of Izzy and Luke. Both have struggled with those issues and sought relief from pain through alcohol abuse. As they both attempt to make a new start, they must come to terms with and acccept God’s unconditional love for them.
Many of the characters that we have loved from the other Stoney Ridge books make appearances in this story. Even if you’ve never read the other series, you can pick this book up and easily start from there. If you love books about strong community and friendships, you’ll love this one.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Stunning. Amazing. Intense. Words cannot describe this fabulous Amish Christian novel! It is about repentance and seeking forgiveness, grace and acceptance. It shows how alcoholism and substance abuse are often family diseases. We see the model for recovery in the twelve steps, how a person in recovery is helped with love that is tough, and how the Lord works through His people to bring healing to those who want it.
Luke spent most of the past year in rehab, the last stint being six months. He was raised Amish in Stoney Ridge and has not yet been baptized. His pranks have frustrated and frightened many, and who doesn’t want to return to the scene of his crimes. His bishop, David and Luke’s counselor believe it is best for him to return to his hometown to face everyone, make amends, and become a man.
Amos and his wife Fern will take Luke in. He will get meals and space in the barn in exchange for his work on the farm. It isn’t his first choice, but possibly his last chance. The church paid his way through rehab, as the Amish do for most of their people with medical bills. David stuck with Luke, visiting him regularly, because God doesn’t give up on people.
When Luke arrives, he sees a young woman who he saw at rehab the first time. Izzy doesn’t remember seeing him. She is a hard worker who has been at the Lapp’s for about a year. She is planning to embrace the Plain life, and dresses as a young Amish woman would. She sees him as arrogant, getting through life on his good looks and charm, and he is very disappointed with her response.
Luke’s counselor and David agree on many things, including something unique when he makes his amends to people. When he apologizes, Luke is to also ask how his “prank” affected the people he is making amends to. For him, making amends becomes a way to mend broken fences and relationships, see the people he harmed as real people. Those pesky fences take a lot more work to rebuild than they did to bust down!
Luke is very well-defined; it is interesting to see inside his heart as he goes about daily life and his amends. He has little impulse control, evidenced even through how what goes through his mind, whether nice or critical, falls out of his mouth. I like Izzy, also, even if she is much more of an enigma. We see much of what Luke sees of her, learning little about her until Luke does.
The plot is non-stop, making this hard to put down. I would have been horrified to have to ask the questions of people that Luke did – and worse, to hear the truth of his actions. Izzy has a closely-held past that only a couple people know a little bit about, Amos and David. They aren’t aware that she is still looking for her birth mother who made her a ward of the state when she was very young. When she finally asks Luke to help her, she doesn’t hold out much hope. More twists than I could imagine are part of this story. I highly recommend this remarkable novel to fans of the author, those who appreciate Amish Christian fiction and the earlier Stoney Ridge series, and drug and/ or alcohol addiction.
From a grateful heart: I received a copy of the e-ARC from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Mending Fences ( The Deacon’s Family-Book 1 )
By; Suzanne Woods Fisher
Mending Fences is book one in a brand new series The Deacon’s Family by Suzanne Woods fisher. This is by far the best book I have read by Ms. Fisher. She has herself a winner. I absolutely love the story and the characters ,both were well written and realistic. The author pens about selfishness, jealousy, healing, redemption, and second chances. Have you ever did something to someone in the past that you wish you had not done? Mending Fences is the perfect title for this book. Ms. Fisher carries you on a roller coaster. There was times when I was laughing so hard and other times when I was crying so hard the tears were rolling down my face. I had to stop and wipe my eyes so I could see to read. I also loved the spiritual parts running throughout the story. I could just see God working throughout the story. I highly recommend Mending Fences to anyone who loves a good read.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley and the Publisher, Revell, but was not told that I Had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Suzanne Woods Fisher has become an author whose books I snatch up as soon as they are available. She is such a wordsmith that one’s whole being is drawn into the worlds she creates. In Mending Fences, Fisher combines a couple different series as Luke Schrock returns home to Amish Stoney Ridge after his third stint in rehab.
This is a novel of second chances; caring for the unlovable; longing for what one doesn’t have, while perhaps missing what is offered one; discovering that one’s foolish actions can have both negative and positive consequences. And the laughter!! Fisher knows how to present serious truths in a hilarious setting.
I felt my heart sympathize with quiet Izzy who is learning to be plain. I wanted to like bad boy Luke who is trying to reform, but still carries a bit of an attitude. I especially liked the characterizations of Amos, Fran, and Bishop David Stoltzfus. Each is more than they initially appear. David is unlike many of the bishops one reads about, very caring, respected, thoughtful, and wise.
Since it is forbidden to quote the whole book, here are a few quotes I liked:
“Like I said, forgiveness, that comes naturally for us. It’s trust that’s hard to restore. Trust is a fragile thing. There’s no such thing as a little violation of trust, especially if you are the one who was betrayed.”
“He was a pity party of one.”
and,
“at any given moment, your life is going to be determined by your view of you, or God’s view of you.”
I can’t wait for the next installment, book two of The Deacon’s Family.
This book can be read without benefit of the other series, as enough backstory is revealed. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.
A touching story of forgiveness and redemption. Would you be able to find people you have hurt in the past and ask for their forgiveness? Could you reach out and ask for a second chance? In this story, an honest vulnerability is found when Luke finally hits rock bottom and is given a choice to begin again. Each one of us can learn from this story. Great read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. This is my honest personal opinion. No review was required.