Detachment had worked well as a life strategy for horse trainer Sam Schrock. Until he met Mollie Graber . . .New to Stoney Ridge, schoolteacher Mollie has come to town for a fresh start. Aware of how fleeting and fragile life is, she wants to live it boldly and bravely. When Luke Schrock, new to his role as deacon, asks the church to take in foster girls from a group home, she’s the first to … first to raise her hand. The power of love, she believes, can pick up the dropped stitches in a child’s heart and knit them back together.
Mollie envisions sleepovers and pillow fights. What the 11-year-old twins bring to her home is anything but. Visits from the sheriff at midnight. Phone calls from the school truancy officer. And then the most humiliating moment of all: the girls accuse Mollie of drug addiction.
There’s only one thing that breaks through the girls’ hard shell–an interest in horses. Reluctantly and skeptically, Sam Schrock gets drawn into Mollie’s chaotic life. What he didn’t expect was for love to knit together the dropped stitches in his own heart . . . just in time.
Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to the little Amish church of Stoney Ridge for a touching story of the power of love.
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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.
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.
Readers will find a poignant and heartfelt story within the pages of Stitches in Time. Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of my top favorite authors and this series, The Deacon’s Family, is becoming one of my favorite by her. I recommend readers read Mending Fences, book one, first; although, Stitches in Time can be read as a standalone. They’ll just appreciate knowing all the flaws, struggles and how faith has developed the cast of characters.
This book is Mollie and Sam’s story but it also focuses upon Luke, Izzy and others within in the community of Stoney Ridge. Luke was in disbelief that he had been given the lot to serve as deacon as he felt so inadequate with his past. As he gained insight and the wisdom of Bishop David Stoltzfus his perspective and confidence grew that God was truly caring for all. Just like Izzy was the shepherdess for her “woolies” God was the Great Shepherd no matter the trial someone was facing.
I appreciate the interweaving of Psalm 23 that Fisher wove into this phenomenal story. It was amazing to see how different characters claimed a portion of this Psalm for their life’s situations that were difficult and challenging. The Stoney Ridge community coming together to provide respite care for the group home of foster girls in an emergency situation was right on. Fisher’s research of the foster care system shined through. I could identify with the descriptive realism of the challenges the foster children and their foster families faced with my history of working with foster children, parents and their bio parents. I’m thankful in her author’s note she included myths and truths of our current foster care system.
I didn’t want this story to end as I want to know how the characters are progressing from overcoming their past from childhood abuse, fighting cancer, low self esteem, infertility, sorrow, and other aspect of life. The journey of life is difficult but Fisher’s woven words from Biblical truths in this book will be gems to hang on to. The Amish lifestyle is just like any walk of life even though many think their lives are exempt and this tale is true to life in every aspect.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group. I was under no obligation to post a review but have expressed my sincere thoughts. I look forward to reading book three Two Steps Forward, when it is released.
It was lovely returning to Stoney Ridge, and seeing what everyone was up to.
The people of Stoney Ridge have good hearts that are human as they work through challenges, just as we all do. Taking on such things as abandonment, alcoholism, and the fostering of troubled teens, life isn’t all peaches and cream. But faith and trust in God make the tough things of life easier to handle, as we learn in this story. Yes, it isn’t all light and fluffy, but it is an enjoyable read. Lovely characters in a beautiful setting made me glad to return.
Full of surprises along with encouragement to read scripture, makes this a great read for lovers of Amish fiction. I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
I have read other Amish fiction books by this author so I was familiar with some of the characters mentioned in previous books and series. The author also included a listing of characters in the beginning of the book which was helpful if you’re read her other books.
The Deacon’s Family Book #2 focuses mostly on Luke and Izzy, Molly, and Sam’s stories. Lots of great mini stories throughout including fostering, becoming an Amish Deacon, raising sheep, medical issues, marriage… lots of laughs, tears, frustrating moments, and various emotions. God’s love, faith, forgiveness and trust were all important elements in this book.
I really enjoy this story and characters and can’t wait to read more from this series!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions 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.
STITCHES..IN..TIME….Suzanne.Wood.Fisher
A long time fan of her books, will say this was another interesting story.
Sam and Mollie and foster children in Stoney Ridge. Other homes were given to these young girls, that came from difficult, and different homes, needing shelter. With a new Bishop that is insecure. An Amish school teacher that brings in humor, wisdom and love. Makes this an ideal book to read and enjoy. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion by Net Galley and Revell.
Stitches in time
The foster children need temporary homes to go to. 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 like she wants it to.
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 just getting to know each other when the foster girls came along.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
I love this thoughtful, outstanding Amish novel! I enjoyed it as much as Mending Fences and was happy to see Izzy and Luke again. We see new people, interesting surprises, and a new calling for Luke. The characters are so captivating that I was sad to see the last page, and the plot captured and held my attention from the beginning. Two of the most compelling things, aside from the characters, are the foster teens and the magnificent spiritual lessons that are not just for the teens.
Luke and Izzy did not expect marriage to be easy, especially with their backgrounds, but they didn’t think it would be quite so hard! Izzy is grieved that she is not yet pregnant and that her mother, after many years in prison, doesn’t seem to want a relationship with her. Stitches in Time is the name of Izzy’s yarn shop and has a greater meaning about her life and the lives of many in this compelling read. Izzy loves her woollies (lambs), spinning yarn, and running the shop. Luke’s hands are full, taking care of the orchard, fixit shop, and other parts of the Lapp farm, and is building an addition to the two rooms they live in behind the fixit shop.
Amos Lapp and his wife Fern had taken Izzy and Luke in when they were released, separately, from a drug and alcohol rehab. Amos passed away, and his role as deacon in their Amish community is vacant. It is a lifetime mantle of leadership, and Luke can’t imagine why someone nominated him after the troublemaker he had been. Out of five men, the lot fell to him to be the new deacon! There must be some mistake. After all, he has a huge promise to Amos to fulfill…to empty the foster care system in Lancaster County. Izzy wants nothing to do with it. Her years in foster care are not soon forgotten.
Molly wants to care for foster children and make a difference. A teacher at the Amish school, Mollie had been overprotected by her mother and left Ohio when Fern told her about the position. She loves her new church district and is interested in Sam, whose farm is near the schoolhouse.
Sam, Luke’s brother, grew up in the shadow of the practical joker and troublemaker. He gets horses from his stepfather who raises Thoroughbreds for racing. Most are no longer racing or aren’t suited for racing; he trains them to be buggy horses. His reputation is stellar; people love the horses he trains. He is startled when he realizes that Mollie, who he is interested in, seems interested in him. Until he learns about her desire to foster.
Mollie has the wildest of the teens when emergency, short term fostering is needed for the girls at the group home. She tries to give them all the love she has until she is almost convinced she is a failure at being a foster parent. Fern, who still lives in the Lapp farmhouse, has a foster daughter who is interested in Izzy’s life. Cassidy follows Izzy around, watching her with the woollies, spinning, and knitting.
The spiritual lessons have great depth, including prayer and ruminating on scripture, especially Psalm 23. This novel filled my heart with wonder at times, sadness at others, and empathy for the characters. It is full of surprises, and like the first in series, is a keeper to read again and again. I highly recommend it to fans of the author, of Amish Christian fiction with depth and relatable characters who demonstrate living out God’s love.
From a thankful heart: I received an arc of this novel from the author and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Stitches in Time by Author Suzanne Woods Fisher is Amish Christian Fiction at its best. Author Fisher is an expert wordsmith and masterfully weaves a captivating tale. It is engaging and so interesting that I could not put it down. It is about God doesn’t call the qualified but qualify the called.
There were so many relevant life lessons in the powerhouse of a book. Foster-care is discussed in all aspects. Marriage is dissected. Silence verses opening up is discussed as is being truthful.
If you are a longtime fan, there will be many familiar names pop up in the lovely book. For me it felt like a friendly reunion. Characters are so well described that the are like friends well before the end of the book. I am invested in their lives. In fact, I want to chat up on all the latest news while the new stuff is happening.
This tale had a strong spiritual message which I really appreciate in any Christian book. It had plenty of scripture, life lessons, and taught me things I did not know. Parts of it made me chuckle, angry, sad, and want to rejoice. This is the most different, yet refreshing, Amish story I have ever read.
There is a yummy recipe at the end. I am going to try that tomorrow. That is followed by a sneak peek for her next week. Then you will find Discussion Questions. Book Clubs, get this book! There is a lot to ponder and discuss. The author has included some notes, too. Be sure to read the section on Foster Care.
Anyone will glean something from this skillfully crafted novel. I highly recommend it. I think everyone will adore it. Even if you are an Amish fan, you will love this book. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit but these are my honest thoughts.
I loved being back with these characters, I’ve watched them grow up and some had a hard time doing that, but they have become like family!
The struggles here are the same for these folks as others, but sometimes I feel they are held to a higher standard. With the Bishop having everyone focus on the 23 Psalm, we see a shepherdess and her sheep following her, how appropriate!
Life struggles here, and some are tested to the breaking point, foster children, health scares, church leadership, families, they all meld together for a great read, with a teaser at the end for a new book! I need answers and can’t wait for the next in this series!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
Wow! Talk about a book I didn’t want to end! I absolutely adored this book. I guarantee it’s making my top favorites list for the year <3
Oh, the inner workings of a broken heart. Relationships (of every kind) are often messy because we are all broken people with our own desires for healing and/or avoiding further pain. Even with good intentions, we don't always fully understand what others around us need no matter how badly we want to help them. At the end of the day our true healing is found in Christ, but God has given us fellowship with other believers so that we can encourage and support one another. We weren't meant to do this life alone!
several families in the Stoney Ridge community ended up taking in foster children while the group home in the area had to undergo some urgent repairs. As someone with a heart for foster care, this is the thread that initially drew me to this story. Initially Mollie was anxious to dive in and welcome two little ones into her home. In truth she had no idea what she was in for. Initially she thought that love was all they needed and they could be fixed. It took time and learning from mistakes for her to start to learn what they truly needed. Seeing her grow both as a woman and a foster mother throughout this novel was a heartfelt journey to observe.
I don't think I could say enough positive things about this book. Whether you're a fan of Amish fiction or not, I still give this one a strong recommendation as a must read. I wasn't ready to let this book go but sadly there was eventually no more pages to turn. I'll be keeping my eye out for the next book to arrive in this series!
*I received a copy of this book through CelebrateLit and NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
Warning!!!! Before reading this book you will need several boxes of tissues. This has been an emotional journey for me. The writing is so empowering with how much God loves us. There is a lot of references to sheep in the story which I thought was visually perfect to illustrate how much God loves us. I am reminded of one story in the Bible where Jesus leaves ninety-nine sheep to go after the lost one. I feel lost sometimes and wonder what my purpose is. What keeps me going is knowing that no matter what, God is there to comfort me.
Izzy so desperately wants a child. Her desire is very strong but it did hinder her in areas that slowly come to the surface. When you have been abandoned as a child it is hard to realize that there are people who love you. The author gracefully lets us witness a young woman who is having trouble waiting on God, find her way from feeling unwanted as a child to what God’s purpose for her is. There are others things blocking Izzy’s happiness like her husband becoming a deacon. It was interesting to read about an Amish marriage and how they have problems like everyone else. This part of the story opened my eyes to some things I thought about Amish but were unfounded. They are not perfect, but strive to live unashamed lives. Yes they stumble, but they seek counsel and and ask forgiveness. We all try to hide our sins, but God has a way to bring them to surface.
The meat of the story for me was how the author gives readers insight into Foster Care. There are so many children waiting for their forever home. When there is talk that the community will take in foster care children for a period of time, Mollie jumps at the chance to take in two young sisters. Little did she know that she would have her hands full. What the girls need most is love, direction and acceptance. I loved how we see Mollie examine herself and see where her insecurities are. My heart went out to the children in the story. The perception that foster kids are troubled kids is not always true. Most of them have come from abusive homes where they witnessed how insignificant they are. Mollie’s journey was very emotional as her desire to make an impact on these children will also teach her about love and asking for help.
The story is a wonderful journey of unconditional love and how important it is to give children guidance and a feeling of belonging. The author’s eloquent story about foster care is one we all need to be aware of. I have always had a desire to adopt a child but always found excuses not to. I wonder what opportunity did I pass up to make a difference in a child’s life? I loved the way a community comes together in this story to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Stitches in Time is another great read by one of my favorite authors. Suzanne Woods Fisher has created wonderful characters that are likable and relatable. Luke, formerly a troubled young man, is now married and beginning to allay the distrust of others in the community. Then very unexpectedly, he is chosen for a leadership role–and the story begins! There are struggles with a member who drinks too much, the promises to keep regarding emptying the foster care system, the strain on his marriage. The author, with humor and beautiful word pictures, does a fantastic job bringing these scenes to life. Some of the characters are from previous books and it is pleasant to see them again, especially Bishop David and Aunt Fern, both such wise and kind people who speak life into others’ lives. I loved how the 23rd Psalm is used throughout the book to illustrate different scenarios as Izzy shepherds her flock of sheep. Another theme throughout the story is related to knitting. Being a person who knits, I liked her allegorical references to dropped stitches and the need to catch those stitches in time. The book focuses on foster care and Fisher realistically portrays some of the problems related to this societal issue. At the end of the book, the author has discussion questions and a brief history of foster care. She also dispels myths that people have regarding foster care and gives suggestions as to how readers can volunteer to help children in need. Readers who like Amish fiction and stories full of family, friends, and faith will not want to miss Stitches in Time. I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
I absolutely loved this book! Suzanne Woods Fisher is a new to me author and I was excited to read her new book. The characters were all unique and personable, I laughed and was sad with them. I felt like the characters were friends whom I knew by the end of the book. Not many authors I’ve read can do that for me. There were several different sets of characters that I got to meet in this book; after finishing I found out that several of the characters are in other books that Suzanne Woods Fisher has written, but I would definitely say you could read this one as a standalone.
Other interesting things about this book were the topics; The Amish taking in kids from foster care, struggles between newlyweds, dealing with Gods calling on your life… So many great topics and Suzanne Woods Fisher did a great job in my opinion of weaving them all together in a believable way. I loved her use of something unexpected coming up in life that you are totally unprepared for and God showing you how to use it for His good. I needed that reminder!
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for originality, the great sets of characters, and making me interested enough to get the rest of the series! I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one by Suzanne Woods Fisher.
I volunteered to read this book from Celebrate Lit in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
I’ve read many good books this year and loved them. But this book—this book captured my whole heart. I laughed in parts at Luke Schrock and the great change that came into his life, but I was also moved to tears several times through this story. I’ll explain that in just a minute. But first, I want to write a note to two separate groups of readers.
To those of you who are reading a book from Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Amish series for the first time; The characters in this book have appeared in several of her series. You’ll understand more of their backstory if you’ve read those books, (especially Luke and Izzy’s stories) but it really isn’t necessary to read this one. You’ll be able to enjoy and love this story as it is.
To those of you who have kept up with these characters throughout these series: You are going to LOVE this one. Luke Schrock has been one of my favorite characters for a long time, and in this book he comes full circle from being a public nuisance to embracing his relationship with God on a whole different level. There’s a storyline about Luke and Izzy’s marriage and the challenges they face. But there’s so much more than that, as the Amish community takes in, on an emergency basis, several foster care children. This changes several lives of characters that we’ve know before. A sweet character we love faces a health care crisis; and and there’s still a couple of characters who are seeking God’s guidance in their lives.
As much as I love all the above, what touched me the most was the emphasis on Psalm 23 all throughout the book. Suzanne FIsher did an outstanding job bringing that Psalm to life in the lives of this Amish community. Although I laughed at Luke at times, these lessons from Psalm 23 as acted out in the lives of these characters brought me to tears at times. And the ending to this story is a total, unexpected surprise. It was with great reluctance that I finished reading this book and I’m already wishing for the next book in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.