Stitches in Time (The Deacon's Family)

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Paperback, 2019

Status

Available

Call number

813.6

Publication

Revell (2019), 336 pages

Description

A new teacher in Stoney Ridge takes on the challenge to help find homes for foster children in Lancaster County. Her effort brings hope to two young girls, but complicates her budding romance.

User reviews

LibraryThing member Harley0326
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
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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 Librarything Early Review Program. The review is my own opinion.
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LibraryThing member alekee
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
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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.
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LibraryThing member arlenadean
Title: Stitches in Time
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Company
Series: The Deason's Family Book # 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Stitches in Time" by Suzanne Woods Fisher

My Rationalization:

"Stitches in Time" was indeed a beautifully written inspirational
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romantic Amish Christian Fiction story from Stoney Ridge that will keep you turning the pages till the very end being so interesting and engaging. From the theme of the foster-care situation that was portrayed some of the problems that were involved in this societal issue. Along with a dissected marriage and the beautiful discussion of the scripture Psalms 23 with a strong spiritual message, and indeed some life lessons that anyone can learn from.

I enjoyed the character, Mollie who took in two foster kids in this story thinking that love was all they need but soon found out what they really needed was.. well I will say you will have to pick up this good read to see what that was all about. Then there was another character that I will mention by the name of Luke who had been troubled young man now a changed man, Deacon in a church, now married and having problems as he also had some distrust of others in the Amish Community. Now, what was that all about? Again you will have to pick up 'Stitches in Time' to see what that was all about. For the most part, I found the rest of the characters unique in some form or another with their friendship among each other. It was good seeing how well this the author was able to weave these characters so well giving one quite a believable read.

I enjoyed how this author brought out Psalm 23 [which is my favorite] that was used to bring out several scenarios as 'Izzy Lukes' wife] shepherds her flock of sheep.' Also, I also liked how this author brought out the story as it related to 'knitting.'

Be ready for a story that will cover 'many aspects of life, alcoholism, childhood abandonment, infertility, love, forgiveness, surprise, and unexpected blessings.'
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LibraryThing member Kris_Anderson
Stitches in Time by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the second novel in The Deacon’s Family series. I recommend reading Mending Fences before embarking on Stitches in Time, so you fully understand what is happening. However, there is a cast of characters to help new readers to the series and some
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backstory is provided. I found Stitches in Time to be well-written with developed characters going through realistic situations. When Luke Schrock draws the lot for deacon, he knows his life will forever be changed and so does his wife, Izzy. Luke has troubling following through on projects which will not fly as deacon. He started the expansion of their small home by demoing some walls and then he became deacon (project is at a standstill). Izzy is struggling to connect with her mother, Grace, but they are still two distant strangers. Izzy is also upset because she has yet to become pregnant and Luke does not understand her concern. Izzy is grateful for her sheep who provide comfort and a listening ear along with the sanctuary of her yarn shop. Mollie Graber is the new schoolteacher and she is happy to be out from under her mother’s thumb. She wants to live life to the fullest and when Luke asks for volunteers to become foster parents, Mollie is quick to raise her hand. She wants two young girls but gets two eleven year old sisters who have been in the foster system since they were small. They delight in skipping school and shooting off firecrackers to scare horses (and so much more). Mollie and Sam were getting to know each other when she took in the girls. Sam then became distant and Mollie does not understand why. There are dropped stitches in Sam’s heart that need mending and God has a plan. There is love, sadness, hope, faith, dismay, confusion and frustration in Stitches in Time (all of life’s normal emotions). We watch as Izzy and Luke navigate married life with the added complication of his new job as deacon. The importance of having strong faith and praying to God. We forget to pray when faced with troubling situations and that should be the first step. God can work wonders if we just let Him. One of the phrases from Stitches in Time stuck with me and it is “The more I pray the more things happen.” Hank Lapp provided amusement as he always does with his loud voice and directness. I like that we get to see that the Amish suffer from the same afflictions that the English do. Stitches in Time is a thoughtful story that will linger in your mind with you long after you finish it. I found Stitches in Time to be an inspiring story with troubled tweens, scared sheep, deacon duties, a half-done house, and startling surprises.
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LibraryThing member Stardust_Fiddle
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
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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.
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LibraryThing member hes7
Oh, it is a delight to revisit Stoney Ridge with the characters of Mending Fences, Luke and Izzy (along with a potential new couple, Sam and Mollie, of course). Fans of Suzanne Woods Fisher and Amish fiction will not be disappointed with the continuation of the Deacon’s Family series, Stitches in
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Time.

Teacher Mollie Graber is new to town, but does not hesitate when Luke Schrock needs the community to foster girls from a group home. When the fostering life proves more challenging than she anticipated, horses have a way of making a difference—which brings Sam Schrock across her path.

Stitches in Time delivers a heartwarming story, full of challenges, questions, romance, family, and Psalm 23. I enjoyed my time with the characters, as their story unfolded, feeling the emotions, insecurities, and hope alongside them. I look forward to seeing them again in Two Steps Forward (plus Jimmy Fisher!).

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
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LibraryThing member Virginia51
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
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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.
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LibraryThing member Simmmba
Overall, "Stitches in Time" by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a lovely book. Ms. Fisher does a wonderful job of describing the daily lives of the Amish people in enough detail to allow the reader to learn quite a bit, but not enough to cause you to lose interest. I truly enjoyed the personal glimpses into
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Amish life I got by following the lives of Mollie, Sam, Luke, Izzy, and others over a period of a few months.

The intertwined storylines were all interesting in their own right, and all worked together well to form the overall fabric of the novel. The reader watches as Sam and Mollie start to explore their fledgling feelings for each other, Luke tackles his new role as a deacon, Luke and Izzy try to strengthen their marriage, and the community (led by Luke) steps in to help when a local foster care home has to temporarily shut down, leaving a group of teenage girls with nowhere to go.

There are a lot of really nice things about this book:

1. Each character has a unique and well-drawn personality, and it was enjoyable to get to know all of them, and try to guess what will happen to them next.
2. The Amish community itself is almost a stand-alone character. It was interesting to see how each person fits into the group as a whole.
3. There were some nice, subtle lessons about the value of forgiveness and trusting God's plan for your life.
4. Izzy's journey to a stronger personal faith was particularly inspirational to me. I loved how this young newlywed shepherdess discovered all the sheep-related Biblical references and applied them to her own life. Proof positive that there is something special and personal in the Bible for everyone.

One note: This book CAN be read as a stand-alone. "Stitches in Time" is the first book I have read in this family of books, and I WAS able to follow everything. That being said, it's probably best to start with book 1 of "The Deacon's Family", "Mending Fences". It's possibly even better to have also read some of Ms. Fisher's other books set in the Stoney Ridge community. This book starts right off with considerable name-dropping of characters that had presumably been introduced in earlier volumes. At first, I tried to refer to the helpful list of characters included at the front of the book, but quickly gave up trying to figure out who everyone was, and how they related to each other. If you start with this book, I recommend not worrying about any of that. Just keep reading, and the characters who are important to this book will become clear as you go.

All in all, four chunks of smooth, mild cheddar.
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LibraryThing member lamb521
Title: Stitches in Time (The Deacon’s Family #2)
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Pages: 336
Year: 2019
Publisher: Revell
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
The first book in the series it titled, Mending Fences. Readers might also note that the characters in the story are from Suzanne’s other Amish novels, a
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few of which I have read. Although I haven’t read all of the novels from which the characters were taken to appear in this novel, it didn’t inhibit me from thoroughly enjoying the book.
The story tells of a couple of characters who are looking for fulfillment, and the way they go about it, or life experiences teaches them much about God. One of the unique aspects of the story is that it doesn’t shy away from hard times or rough situations various players experience. For example, one of my favorite female characters is a woman named Milly. Her past health scares and experiences bring her to a place of deep faith and a very merciful heart.
Then there is Izzy who has been married to Luke for a little over a year but hasn’t become pregnant yet. Every time she sees her mother come and go, she struggles with an absent mom. Luke is now a new deacon and doesn’t tell Izzy what is going on. The stress that brings to their marriage brings them both to a point where they must decide how they are going to trust God.
I found the story a very heart-touching one. I don’t know about others, but I enjoyed seeing the characters deal with hard times and wrestle through their faith. The author didn’t make it easy on them or gloss over the rough patches of their lives. The tale is one of hope amid sorrow, loss, health scares and much more. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
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LibraryThing member grammy57
This is not the first book I've read by Suzanne Woods Fisher and I hope it is not my last. I truly enjoyed reading Stitches in Time. It was towards the end of the book that the title made sense but that didn't detract from the book at all. This book is the second in the series The Deacon's Family.
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I did not read the first book and I wish I had but since many of the characters came from other series I'm not sure that would have helped. The characters were listed in the front of the book but they didn't help me understand things any better.

I do not give a synopsis in my review as that is found elsewhere and I figure you are reading this to know my opinion on the book. I liked the book. It is a typical Amish type book but very well written. Editing errors in a book can ruin it for me but there were no major errors and I don't remember minor issues either. The characters were well developed. I especially liked innocent Molly. The book bounces back and forth between two groups of people that do come together at times. There are two storylines going on also. At first, this was disconcerting but after a little but it did not bother me at all.

I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. It seemed to leave quite a few things unsettled but hopefully, these issues will be resolved in coming books.

I requested this book so I could read it and give my own, honest opinion. This opinion is my own and not required to be positive. I give this book a 4 out of 5 star rating. I will also post my review where this book is sold.
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LibraryThing member ecataldi
I see Suzanne Woods Fisher books ALL THE TIME at my library. She's got like three full to bursting shelves and library patrons love her. Generally I'm not to keen on Amish romance but I decided to give this one a whirl. I was more than pleasantly surprised! This is the second in the Deacon Family
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series, but I honestly couldn't tell; it read easily as a standalone (I'm assuming book one focused on different people in the community). Stitches in Time focuses on a few different people. Recently married, Izzy and Luke, Mollie who is new to the community and the school teacher, and Sam brother to Luke and has a better relationship with his horses than he does any member of their community. Luke has just been tapped as Deacon and it is already putting a strain on his and Izzy's relationship. Luke is constantly gone working or helping others and the addition to their house isn't getting worked on and neither is Izzy (she DESPERATELY wants a baby). Mollie and Sam meanwhile are falling for each other, although both are a little too scared ans stubborn to make anything come from it. To complicate things for the whole community; ten foster kids come into their community and shake everyone's lives up. Sweet, endearing, and dealing with harder issues then I thought I would read about in an Amish romance, this book took me by surprise and I look forward to reading the rest in the series!
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LibraryThing member fcplcataloger
Suzanne Woods Fisher is a noted author of Amish fiction because of her knowledge of the Amish faith and lifestyle and she also understands that the Amish people aren't immune to the tempations and worries of the outside world. Stitches in Time deals with some heavy subjects: addiction, the
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increasing need of foster care in our society, and the dreaded C word: cancer. It isn't, howerver, a book of doom and gloom because hope and faith are very prevalent throughout this story. Fisher uses both Bible scripture and Amish sayings to relate the depth of the Amish faith and the strength of their absolute trust in God's Providence and I found my own faith boosted as I read them.

This is the second book of The Deacon's Family series and, even though I haven't read the first, I never felt lost in this story. Part of this is due to the Cast of Characters that Fisher lists in the front and part is her ability to weave past events into the present storyline. I wasn't familiar with Luke Schrocks' previous problems or his wife Izzy's past but Fisher made it easy for me to see how they were affecting the present and she also explained their previous relationship with Fern Lapp. Fern is a treasure and I especially loved her very wise observations about God, faith, and life in general.

I am so in love with this book! Stitches in Time is excellent Christian fiction and I highly recommend it for all who enjoy reading about the Amish. I am giving it 5 Stars and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group, Revell Division, through Interviews & Reviews.
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LibraryThing member lyndavaughan
Received as preview book.
Interesting view into the world of the Amish. Recommended for those who have a history of Amish families, or for those wanting to learn more. Great story line focusing on the caring lifestyle and the commitment of members to their religion.
LibraryThing member chrirob
Luke Schrock's life is finally taking a turn for the better; he has mended his relationship with his family, friends, and God. He is married to beautiful, talented, and loving Izzie and they are trying to become a family. Life, however, has thrown him a curve ball and no one is more surprised,
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shocked, and dismayed than Luke: he has been chosen to be the new Deacon of Stoney Ridge! How could newly reformed trouble-maker Luke Schrock be the new spiritual guide and leader of their Amish community? As Luke tries to acclimate to his new role, he remembers a promise made to Amos Lapp before his passing: find foster homes for all the Stoney Ridge orphans. While the village seems shocked and apprehensive about Luke's first mission as deacon, newcomer schoolteacher Molly is not daunted, she is thrilled! While Luke works to bring Molly's dream of being a mother and Amos' last wish to fruition, an emergency at the orphanage results in not only Molly being a foster parent, but 10 other children are needing a temporary home as well. While the citizens of Stoney Ridge work together to help these children, the children may just be able to help the citizens of this small community in ways they never expected.

This is the second book in The Deacon's Family series by Suzanne Woods Fisher and it did not disappoint. I could not put it down until I had finished the story of Molly, Sam, Izzie, and Luke. I have learned that Ms. Fisher's previous series contains characters from this book, so I will eventually have to go back and read all of her books...that is like a Netflix book binge! Hmmm...now to only find the time!!! I look forward to seeing what happens next in Stoney Ridge (I spy the next book in the series in the Early Reviewers booklist...as I do another series!...no pressure Early Reviewer administrators! :) ) If you enjoy the culture and history of the Amish, and enjoy a heartwarming and engaging book, then this series is for you!
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LibraryThing member JenniferRobb
I've enjoyed other books by this author, but I am starting to feel that she tells the same story repeatedly just substituting different characters. It was so noticeable in this book that I struggled to want to pick it up to continue reading it.

Luke becomes a deacon by lot. How does he know only 1
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person mentioned his name to the bishop? I mean we know at least one person had to mention his name because he was nominated but how does he know it was only 1 person who did so? In fact, in a previous book, I thought it was stated that at least 2 people had to nominate a man for him to be eligible to be put forth as a candidate.

I don't remember all the details from the first book in the series--which perhaps is telling--I don't remember Luke promising to "empty the foster homes". I know Izzy struggles with this concept. Both in the case of Luke's becoming a deacon and Izzy's storming off when he asks her about Mollie becoming a foster parent--I didn't understand the issues they were struggling with. The author did't let us into their heads/thoughts to allow us to understand it--at least not for far too long since I got bored trying to figure it out.
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LibraryThing member Mizroady
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
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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!
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LibraryThing member HuberK
Stitches in Time by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Pages: 336
October 1, 2019
Fleming H. Revell Company and Baker Publishing
The Deacon's Family Book # 2

This book didn't follow the usual way of books and series,' Suzanne Woods Fisher took a wonderful step, to include the possible use of Amish families being
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used as Foster Homes. A community of strict Amish families each said how many children they were able to take care of. Mollie is the teacher and she is sure she wants two young girls, that she can mentor and learn to love.

This is a great book that gives the reader insights as to how the foster system works and how a strict Amish community bends and easily absorbs the children from a local group home, that needed instant repairs, that will take several weeks to months to fix up the problems.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a Christian author, you know you've picked out something worthy, when you pick out one of her books. She has several series,' all with a positive Christian message.

Stitches in Time by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Pages: 336
October 1, 2019
Fleming H. Revell Company and Baker Publishing
The Deacon's Family Book # 2

I received a complimentary copy of this book from LibraryThing and Revell and Baker Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
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LibraryThing member Maydacat
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
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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.
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Language

Original language

English

Original publication date

2019

Physical description

336 p.; 8.5 inches

ISBN

0800727525 / 9780800727529
Page: 0.2316 seconds