it was so good to be back with this family
rtc

~~~

I have been following this family through all of Suzanne's books and it's so, so good to be back with them.
The characters were still the ones I loved, with a stern Fern and the loud-mouthed Hank, always announcing his thoughts to everyone.
The blurb doesn't mention how important Luke and Izzy's story is to this book. In some ways, it felt like they were the main characters, not Mollie and Sam.
As for Mollie and Sam, I hope there is another book coming soon. I can't have their story end on a cliffhanger.
Rating: 5 Stars
Content: 3 Stars
*I received a copy of this book through RevellReads. A positive review was not required and all thoughts are my own. ( )

My Review of Stitches in Time by Suzanne Woods Fisher: I didn't read the first book in the series since I wasn't sure I would like the subjects in the book but I got this one since the blurb had me intrigued and I thought I would find an enjoyable Amish read in Fishers' newest book, and I did! This is a somewhat funny, somewhat hard, sad heartbreaking, sweet, and lovable story that mature readers will enjoy, there is content that makes this a 16/18 up book though so I suggest that for younger than 16 parents/guardians/friends read the book first and no one younger than 13 read Stitches in Time.

Rating: 3 and 1/2 stars.

Recommendation: 16/18 up.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. ( )

Luke has made a promise to a dying friend that he is having trouble keeping, but not for lack of trying. He promised to empty out the group home, and find real homes for these children. When a problem with mold in the group home housing the kids occurs, the Amish community steps up to house these kids, temporarily. School teacher Mollie is at the head of the line, thinking of all the great activities she will do with these kids. But the 11-year-old twins she gets are nothing like what she expected. And another unexpected happening occurs to further strain Mollie. This book deals with several subjects – foster care, illness, promises, disillusionment, and the past – with thoughtfulness and compassion. Well written and with likable characters, it tackles subjects not usually seen in Amish fiction, and it does it well. ( )

I thought this was one of the best Amish fiction books I have read in a while. The author shows real characters of all types and shows that they have concerns we might not have considered. I also liked reading about how they all were memorizing Psalm 23 and the parallels in their lives. ( )

I was looking forward to this book, the second in Ms. Fisher’s series, The Deacon’s Family. After giving up his wild boy ways and turning back to God, Luke wins the hand Izzy, the one he truly loves and marries her. Though deeply in love, their marriage requires a lot of adjustment and it is no wonder with how very different the two are. In spite of his wayward youth, Luke finds himself chosen as a Deacon. He doesn’t feel capable of fulfilling this lifelong appointment. Izzy isn’t too happy about the title either as her husband is away from her most of the time. While growing in the Lord, She still has much healing to do from her childhood in foster care. When Luke attempts to fulfill and a promise to Amos lap, to find homes for all the foster children in the county, the conflicts between them grow.
Molly a sweet, young single woman and school teacher for the Amish community wants with all her heart to foster children and show them the love they have missed. She gets more than she wished for when she becomes foster mom to a set of twins that are constantly in trouble. Sam, Luke’s brother, is concerned about what Molly has gotten herself into and tries to help when problems arise. Both couples find themselves facing challenges they never have before.
I have enjoyed in both books Izzy’s love of her “woolies” (sheep) and the way God teaches her through them. Made me want a sweet lamb to put in the backyard! Whenever facing problems physical or emotional, the characters were confused and suffered, but always looked to God and trusted Him. The author does a wonderful job of showing that while difficulties did not immediately go away; they did not give up on the Lord. Molly reminded me of so many young people who have the zeal to follow what they believe to be God’s leading but have no clue of the price that will be exacted of them. I look forward to reading the next book in the series! ( )