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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When you pick up a book by Suzanne Woods Fisher you know it’s going to be good, but I especially liked this one. She has such a way with words that you immediately get pulled into the story. I loved that the characters were so real and true to life. It was a book I can recommend to all lovers of Amish romance.
Mending Fences is the first novel in The Deacon’s Family series. While it is the first book in a new series, it is based on characters and setting from The Inn at Eagle Hill, Stoney Ridge Seasons and The Bishop’s Family series. Personally, I found it helpful to have read The Inn at Eagle Hill series prior to picking up Mending Fences. I thought Mending Fences was well-written with good flow and steady pacing. It contains developed characters and a lovely setting (I especially liked Windmill Farm). I was drawn into the story right away and wanted to keep reading to see how Luke would fare with his “mending fences” list he received from Bishop Stoltzfus. Luke never realized that his pranks (as he called them) had a harmful outcome, but he soon learns that his actions had devastating consequences for some people. While Luke is outgoing and charming, Izzy is withdrawn and thoughtful. She is wary of Luke thanks to her upbringing in the foster care system and her time on the streets. Izzy came to Windmill Farm and reveled in the peace of the farm. Izzy enjoys the Plain lifestyle and wants to remain with the them. Luke and Izzy both have obstacles to overcome and growing up to do. With the help of Amos, Fern, David and God, they just might succeed (I do not want to spoil it for you). Suzanne Woods Fisher created wonderful characters. You cannot help but wanting to know more about them. Fern is a caring and compassionate woman who has faith that Luke will change. Amos is a hardworking farmer who wants to protect Izzy. It took them a long time to earn her trust and Amos does not want Luke messing up the progress Izzy has made. Amos is wary of Luke and not sure if he has the ability to change his ways. Bishop David Stoltzfus has endless patience and remains calm during trying times. There is humor in the story thanks to Bob, Amos’ buggy horse and a peanut butter loving racoon. It was interesting how certain events and people can touch so many lives. Two of my favorite phrases in the book is “love is not finite” and “God is love”. I thought Mending Fences was a thoughtful, heartwarming and inspirational story. I am eager to read the next installment in The Deacon’s Family series.
I laughed and I cried. It was very moving.
Luke Schrock has arrived at Windmill Farms because he has nowhere else to go. He’s dispirited, broke, but not quite ready to give up. And yet he couldn’t be more ill-prepared for the girl he finds at this Amish farm. A funny, heartwarming story of friendship, love, and the possibility of happily ever after.
What a journey! A tale of second, third, fourth chances. This Amish community encircles the people with love that goes beyond the pain and disappointment of the past.
Loved it!
Loved the characters, fun to read.
Sweet story about love and forgiveness…..including forgiveness of yourself. Cannot wait to lead others in this series.
This was a good story with interesting characters.
I received a copy of the second book in this series, Stitches in Time, so I had to rush out and get book number 1, Mending Fences. I am so glad I did!! I had only read one book by Suzanne Woods Fisher previously, but now I’m planning on working her previous books into my lineup.
In Mending Fences, Luke comes back and has a list of people he needs to “mend fences” with. This book should be required reading for everyone entering adolescence! I was amazed at the way that Fisher was able to wrap life lesson situations into a light hearted but serious storyline, keeping my attention throughout the entire book!
I plan on going back through and visiting Fisher’s previous books and getting to know the people of Stoney Ridge even more!
Love it
The Amish lifestyle is very interesting. Great plot.
Mending Fences is the first book in Suzanne Woods Fisher’s new series, The Deacon’s Family. It is not the run of the mill Amish story as the first pages reveal with the main character entering the scene just out of rehab–for the third time. Fisher does an excellent job portraying the journey of a recovering alcoholic who truly is sorry for his past antics and wants to make amends. Luke is determined, steadfast and not going to give up even though many in the community find it difficult to forget…forgiveness is extended but the memories remain. A number of the characters are from previous books and it is pleasant to see them in Luke’s story, especially Bishop David, such a wise and kind man who continues to speak life into Luke’s life–reminding him ‘you know better now.’ There are some serious ‘wow’ moments in the book, twists that I did not see coming and I love that in a book. Mending Fences is a captivating story of forgiveness, friends, and faith…a story that reminds readers of the importance of living a life determined by God’s view and not their own view of themselves.
I read a library copy of the book and the opinions expressed are my own. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed this clean Amish Romance but it was so much more. It showed how the hero and the heroine touched the whole community. I received this for free and I voluntarily chose to review it. I’ve given this a 5* rating. It had a really sweet ending, that brought me to tears. There is a little mystery and action woven into this story and it kept me turning the pages when I had time. Would love to read more of this community.
Oh my soul what a powerfully moving book.
NetGalley:
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 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.
My Review:
It has been a few months since I have read a book that totally took me off guard and blew my socks off. This book definitely did that. I am not even sure where to start with this book review.
In today’s world addiction is so prevalent. Almost every family has dealt with it through a spouse, child or other close family members. The effects tear families and communities apart. I deal with it more than I would like in the classroom. Nothing is more heartbreaking than a precious 5-year old kindergartener coming up to you and saying my mommy had to have NARCAN last night. Thankfully I have never had a personal addiction problem and I will be the first to tell you that I do not understand it. Fisher did an excellent job in showing addiction from the person with the addiction. I appreciated it that she also made sure to make that person accountable.
I also love the lesson of you never know how your (bad) actions can affect another and the rest of their life. You may think you are pulling a harmless prank but in reality, you could be taking something very important from that person. Something I need to strive towards is forgiveness. That is a downfall of mine. I don’t forgive easily not do I forget.
Towards the end is a shocking revelation that will floor you. I actually had to stop reading to process it. No, I am not giving you any hints as I want you to experience the shock I did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
It has been quite a while since I have read a book by Suzanne Woods Fisher, and truly had forgotten how good her books were.
This story of faith, forgiveness, and redemption, got my attention from the very start and I enjoyed its storyline and characters to the very end. I look forward to reading the next story in this series.
I was provided a copy of this story from Celebrate Lit, but was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.
Mending Fences by Suzanne Woods Fisher is an incredible book and I hardly know how to do it justice. Amish fiction fans will be thrilled with this story, but I’ve always said that Fisher’s books have an appeal that reaches far beyond the Amish fiction audience, and that is certainly true with Mending Fences. The reason is simply that her novels are relationship/character driven and filled with complexity. Readers can connect with people just like them – flawed characters who struggle with the same things we do, and who inspire as they grow in their faith and maturity. The heartwarming and sometimes bittersweet Mending Fences entertains, often makes me smile, and challenges what we think about grace, forgiveness and trust. A “best of the best” book for me!
My reading self is nowhere more at home than in Fisher’s stories set in Lancaster. I first met the memorable Luke as a precocious child in The Letters and knew that he would have a fantastic story someday. Well, that day has arrived with this first book in The Deacon’s Family series. Luke, haunted by the guilt of his past, is one of my all-time favorite fictional characters, and the cover art brings out the essence of his nature. And what a strong ensemble cast is found in David, Amos and Fern – people who lived their faith by their wisdom, insight into what could be, and willingness to extend the grace of second chances.
For the longest time, Izzy has a strong defensive wall around her – but oh, how I loved her! When it came to God, she refused to trust that which she didn’t understand, and I could see some of my own reactions in her. And she was so good for Luke because she made him earn her respect.
Some of my favorite parts are the gentle words of wisdom that Amos shares at just the right time. One example is this conversation between Amos and Luke…
“How can I stick around when no one is willing to trust me?”
“Well, Luke, the way I see it, if you don’t stick around, you’ll never find out the answer to that question… And it seems like a pretty important thing to figure out.”
There are a few tear-shedding moments in this story, both of joy and sadness. Mending Fences reflects life and faith in a realistic way, giving much to reflect on personally. If there’s someone around you who needs a second chance, grace, someone who has eyes to see beyond a person’s guilt, then this story just might help you see them through God’s eyes.
Again, I really can’t say enough about this story. While I’ve loved all that I’ve read by Suzanne Woods Fisher, there’s something special and unique about Luke’s story. Mending Fences begs to be read slowly, savoring each word.
Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Mending Fences is a unique story that takes an interesting approach at examining how the Amish live out forgiveness and reconciliation. As far as I can recollect, this is only the second story I’ve read that broaches the topic of alcoholism in the Amish community, however Luke’s trouble-making is what’s dealt with in the story more than the struggle with alcohol. Just out of rehab (for the third time), Luke is sent to live with another family in the Amish community due to his own family being away to help his uncle. Because they have another young woman living with them, Amos and Fern tell Luke that he will be sleeping in a room in the barn. While he’s not thrilled with his sleeping arrangements, he learns to live with them.
It was so refreshing to see a Bishop painted like David Stoltzfus. Although not in all cases, often in Amish Fiction the Bishops are characters to be feared and viewed more as disciplinarians than shepherds. David not only visited Luke in rehab, but he counseled him, encouraged him, and corrected him. His goal was clearly not just to punish Luke, but to see him grow as a man and follower of Christ. His hope was that Luke would not only change from his past, but learn from it. He came alongside Luke and encouraged him in his walk towards reconciling with those he’d hurt in the past and helped him process the changes in himself that came from those conversations. He was absolutely one of my favorite characters.
In the beginning of the book it says that while this is the first book in the series, many of the characters were introduced in previous books by the author. While I’ve read some of her other books, I haven’t read the ones that the other characters were present in. I didn’t have any issues reading this book as it is, but I won’t lie I wish I’d read the others first so I could have learned the pasts of some of the other characters. I really love the depth of development Suzanne puts into each of her characters, and it really makes them come to life in your mind. I just might have to go back now and read the other books they’re found in!
Another piece that I liked in this story, is that when Luke was supposed to be “mending fences” with those he’d hurt in the past by his immature actions, he was challenged to not only apologize, but ask how they’d been affected by them. I won’t spoil any responses, but it was interesting to watch him learn that while he thought a “prank” might not have been a big deal, it could actually have a huge impact on someone else in ways he didn’t consider. He grew not only through apologizing, but through understanding the damage he’d caused and seeking to make things right. The apology was just the first step.
I really enjoyed this story and will be keeping my eyes out for more releases in the series. I highly recommend to Amish fiction fans.
*I received a copy of this book through CelebrateLit and NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Luke Schrock returns to his Amish community a new man after many months of rehab because of his achohol addiction and reckless lifestyle. His Amish neighbors forgive him, so they say, but they don’t trust him, and still treat him like the old Luke. This is something that I find so irritating, because it seems like the Amish forgiveness is in word only, not from the heart. Sure Luke has to prove himself, but I find the behavior of this Amish community off balance. But for David, the only one who stuck by Luke through it all. It was David who found Luke a place to stay, with farm owners Amos and Fern. Luke was to help Amos on his farm that grew many types of fruit. As well as apologize to all of the people he offended, and ask each person the damage he had caused. This humbled Luke more than he imagined, and he strived to make amends to each of those people.
Again, Suzanne Woods Fisher gives readers a sweet heartwarming and eye opening Amish story to read and enjoy. It was truly a story of heartfelt love and redemption, learning and friendships. If you enjoy Amish stories, you will love this one! But I do have to say, there is one thing I did not like about this story and that’s all of the references to snakes. And I don’t care how hard Luke tried, I would have sent him on his way with every book, and sacks of snakes he showed up with! But that’s just the opinion of this one reader!
A copy of this book was provided by Celebration Lit Tours and the author for me to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.
Mending Fences
I cannot wait until the next book in the series to see what happens next. It does continue in the next book so when you buy this book you will want to keep it. This is the first in the series.
Luke goes back to his home town after getting out of rehab. He has such good intentions to make amends but at times it backfires on him. You just never know what to expect. He meets Lizzy there who hasn’t been out of rehab very long herself.
A really inspiring book. I really loved Luke, he tried so hard. So much more besides Luke’s story though. Lizzy brings so much to the story also.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.