Mending Fences

Written by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Narrated by Rachel Botchan

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 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 Miranda, 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 5, 2019
• ISBN: 9781980019282

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the award-winning, bestselling author of more than forty books, including The Sweet Life, The Secret to Happiness, and Love on a Whim, as well as many beloved contemporary romance and Amish romance series. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs. She lives in California. Learn more at SuzanneWoodsFisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and X @SuzanneWFisher.

Reviews for Mending Fences

[kevin shumway · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a very lovely book full of healing, teaching, loving & acceptance.

[Rozann Lamberto · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent characters with the hand of God clearly shown in every day life!

[JoAnn Fredendall McGowan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful ! Such a great book! Loved the characters from the prior series !

This book really helped me with my faith , I hope it does for guy too!

Love God with all your heart and soul ❤️

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amos and Fern are known for their kindness, and for helping people. Izzy lives with them, and is on the verge of accepting the Amish faith. Luke was raised Amish, but strayed from the strict upbringing, causing mischief and worse for his neighbors. He is out of rehab, for alcohol abuse, for the third time, and this is his last chance. Amos and Fern take him in, but in deference to Izzy, Luke must sleep in the barn. And before he is fully welcomed back into the fold, he must make amends by going to the people he wronged and apologizing and righting the harm he inflicted. This makes for some interesting and entertaining reading. Luke’s heart is now in the right place, but his thinking is sometimes a bit skewed. The book is sprinkled with humor, especially with a subplot of a pesky raccoon. This author knows how to tell a good story with great characters, and with her lovely way with words, everything just flows together.

[chrirob · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Luke Schrock is out of choices...either he goes to rehab and rejoins the Amish community he once fled or he can go to jail. Reluctantly, he decides to return to Stoney Ridge and and the family and friends he once left behind. But returning to this quiet community will not be easy, the Amish may forgive, but their forgiveness is hard earned...and they never forget. With help from his friends, he begins to work towards regaining the forgiveness and trust that was once lost through his pranks and misdeeds as a teenager. It is a long, arduous, painful, and frightening road for Luke, but he has many who will help him...if he will reach out for help and acknowledge a need for change. While Luke might be slowly beginning to recognize a need to change, his old ways are certainly hard to overcome; his eyes settle on beautiful Lizzie who is beginning her life with the Amish of Stoney Ridge. However, winning her trust, much less her attention at all is proving all too difficult for Luke. Will Luke learn the real lessons of life or will he continue to try and avoid his personal challenges to look good for others?This was a great book! It is the first in The Deacon's Family series by Ms. Woods Fisher.I am currently reading the second book in the series Stitches in Time and am enjoying is as much as the first...thank you LibraryThing for the Early Reviewers copy of Stitches in Time!

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

As her bio states, Suzanne Woods Fisher’s strength is writing “about real people living in faith-based communities”. Whether set in a Plain community or in an historical context, her characters feel like your own neighbors, friends, and family. Mending Fences is no exception. Bringing favorite characters from past books together with new, she creates a story of second chances and new beginnings. While this novel will certainly appeal to fans of Amish fiction, it will resonate with anyone looking for a heartwarming story.Luck Schrock has been a secondary character in a number of Fisher’s novels, but in Mending Fences he is one of the mains. Back from another stint in rehab, Luke wants a chance to prove he is a changed man. While the Amish are quick to offer forgiveness, trust is hard to come by. And for Luke it can be painful. I loved how Luke doggedly worked through making amends for his many pranks. He learned that what seemed harmless fun cost others in meaningful ways. The other main character, Izzy Miller, is looking for a brand new start in the first safe place she has lived. She is attracted to many of the aspects of a Plain life, but her old ways of thinking get in the way of grace. Forgiveness, both giving and receiving, is a strong theme. As always, Fisher liberally sprinkles humor within the pages of Mending Fences. There are laugh out loud moments combined with poignant scenes as more than one character accepts God’s love.There’s more to come from The Deacon’s Family series as a few story lines are left unresolved. But the wait will be a short one — book 2, Stitches in Time, is due out in just a few days!. I am looking forward to seeing just what else Fisher has in store for Luke, Izzy, and the other residents of Stoney Ridge.Recommended. Audience: adults.(Thanks to Library Thing and Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[readerbynight · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Mending Fences (The Deacon's Family) by Suzanne Woods FisherA very interesting read of a young man who made a lot of mistakes in his youth must make amends. He must "undo" the actions and sorrow he caused so many people with his antics.I loved this book, besides giving me a good look at the Amish ideals, it is a very meaningful way of looking at things, trading past mistakes for a more fulfilling and actively correctly the wrongs done in the past. Aside from that, this book made me feel the closeness of these people, something that doesn't always show up in quite the same way. Very good and helpful, fulfilling story-line. I enjoyed every part of this book. Especially with the lessons Luke must learn and how he goes about repairing his past errors.

[drebbles · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Luke Schrock has been in and out of rehab so many times even he has lost count. Just about everyone in his Amish community – including his family – seem to have given up on him except for Bishop David Stoltzfus who is willing to give him one more chance and convinces Amos Lapp to let David live at and help out at his farm. Izzy Miller is already living at the farm – she comes from a troubled background and won’t let Luke penetrate the wall she has built around herself. As Luke comes to know himself he also comes to know more and more about Lizzy and wants to become closer to her. Has Luke finally conquered his demons or will he once again disappoint those who care about him?“Mending Fences: is the very nicely done first book in Suzanne Woods Fisher’s The Deacon’s Family series set among the Amish. While this is the first book in The Deacon’s Family series, it uses characters from other series Fisher has written (for example The Inn at Eagle Hill series and The Bishop’s Family series) – however, I have not read those series so these characters were new to me and I have to say I liked them quite a bit. I liked Luke as a character – he certainly has his rough spots but he grows so much through the book (I wouldn’t be surprised if he became a bishop one day). I also like Lizzy – even with the wall she has built around herself. Fisher does a great job with the relationship between the two – the attraction is there but this book is really about Luke’s healing more that it is about romance. This book is a great combination of happiness and sadness with just the right dose of needed humor. There are also quite a few surprises in the book – at least to me since I am new to these characters. All in all, I really enjoyed this book. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I am going to buy the earlier books – I want to know more about these characters!

[rjmoren · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read this one in two days. Very good story with lots of surprises about the characters past. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.

[macnoid · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I truly loved this book! Having read the Seasons of Stoney Ridge series, the Inn at Eagle Hill series and the Bishops Family series, I was delighted to read more about characters I had come to love in those books. It's always a bit of a letdown when you complete a series, close the last page of the last book....and it's all over. How wonderful when an author writes a new series that take you back to the same settings and characters......with more of their stories! I have followed Suzanne Woods Fisher's books for some time, and these Amish series are so uplifting! (There is also trouble and sadness...you will need some kleenex!) Her characters are so real, they almost walk off the pages! Mending Fences picks up with Luke Schrock, a young Amish man who had left the community. He had been a troublemaker, alcoholic, and after several bouts in rehab, returns home to make amends and rejoin the community. Following the 12 steps program, he must seek out those he hurt, apologize, find out how his actions had impacted them, and make amends. Amos & Fern, a loving Amish couple, take him in at Windmill Farm. Izzy, also a recovering alcoholic, is also staying there. She is alone in the world, having grown up in the foster care system, then on the streets, and has embraced the Amish life for it's simplicity and order. She asks Luke to help her find her mother, who she hasn't seen since she was 5 yrs old. Woods weaves a fine tale about Luke and Izzy's struggles, the search for the mother, and the revelations that are the result of the search. Amos's kids (who were in the previous series) are a part of the story too, as well as the beloved bishop, David Stoltzfus. It is a story of redemption and forgiveness, and acceptance, but most of all faith! I can't wait to read the other books that will follow in the Deacon's Family series! While waiting for the next book, I have already re-read the Stoney Ridge series, and plan to re-read The Inn At Eagle Hill, too. All excellent books!

[nancyluebke · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[khiemstra631 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I always really enjoy Suzanne Woods Fisher's Amish books, and this one was no exception. In fact, my husband also read it and really liked it, too. Luck Schrock in Stoney Ridge after several stints in rehab for alcohol abuse. This time, his reformation is for real, and he sets about to make amends for all of the harm that he caused in his wild days. The book transmits a wonderful message of healing while also being laugh-out-loud funny in numerous sections. I highly recommend it!

[lindz2012 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[jenniferrobb · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It's different than your typical Amish/Mennonite fiction book. I've heard that alcoholism is a problem in some Amish communities--and that seems to be the case for Luke Schrock, but not for Izzy Miller or her mother, Grace, who were not Amish (though Izzy is now living among them). Grace is shown throughout the book. The Amish community paid for 3 stints of rehab for Luke and are willing to bring him back to continue his recovery. Luke assumes he'll either live with his mom and stepfather at the Inn or at David's store. Instead, he's taken to the barn at Amos Lapp's farm--the same farm where Izzy is staying (though she lives in the house).As part of his recovery, Luke is asked to make amends to those he harmed in the past. Luke thinks there are only 3 people he's hurt, so he's shocked when David hands him a 3 page list! At first, those Luke seeks out share ways his actions hurt them that he hadn't ever considered: time lost with a loved one, missing a chance to tell someone what they'd meant to you, crushing a chance to perpetuate an endangered species, causing someone's fears to flare up in various ways. Things that make him realize that what he considered harmless pranks had more widespread consequences than he'd realized. Later, there are some instances where what he did, God used for good: finding out a tree was rotted before a swing brought the heavy branch down on a child, getting rid of a defective lawn mower before it hurt someone . . . We do not get to see the result of Luke's attempts with his stepfather--though his mother returns for his baptism, so perhaps that is meant to convey the result--perhaps that will come in a later book in the series.Izzy spends most of the book feeling like she's not worth anything and could be told to leave at any moment. This stems from her foster child upbringing, I'm sure. She's quick to assume she did something wrong or that people don't want her.Izzy's searching for her mother, hoping that knowing the why behind things will make her feel whole, not realizing that the hole she feels needs to be filled by God and God alone. There's a surprise when they do find Izzy's mother. Izzy has half-siblings! There are also ties between Izzy's mother and other families in Stoney Ridge that will probably be explored in later books in the series--(some of the episodes may have been related in other series's by the author also since the dramatis personae lists two other series where some of these characters have appeared).I am sorry to see Amos Lapp's transplanted heart failing. I'm not sure how I feel about his medical decisions. On the one hand, I can see that he wants to die with his son's heart in him, but on the other, it feels like he's giving up by asking to be taken off the transplant list. Maybe it's just that I don't want to lose him as a character. Plus, he doesn't seem to have totally dealt with the death of his first wife, Maggie, and he probably will have a chance to do that in a future book.

[mizroady · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When I see a new book by Ms. Fisher I know it will be good! This one was great! Luke Schrock is an Amish bad boy. He has a loving family, community and strong roots to a simple and good life. He throws it away and finds himself in trouble with the law and in rehab for alcoholism. His Bishop, David and his rehab counselor feel the best way for Luke overcome his problems is return to home to Stoney Ridge and apologize to the people he has wronged. And there is more. He must offer to make amends and ask them how it affected their lives. His list of victims is quite long. This is his last chance and He to “mend fences” and start a new life. Amos and Fern Lapp have offered to bring him into their home, with meals and a place to stay in exchange for work. What a shocker when he finds out his room is in the barn!Izzy has also been taken in by the Lapps a year ago; she gets to stay in the house of course! She lacks and craves all Luke took for granted; a secure home, a loving family and place to belong. She treasures having these blessings and sees how valuable they are. Luke is intrigued by Izzy. She is quite, even secretive and totally unimpressed by his charms that have always turned the girl’s heads. I loved this book. The title is so appropriate. I enjoyed watching Luke grow and change as he realized the damage what he considered “innocent pranks” did to so many. It was extremely interesting to look into the lives of those wronged and how it had changed them. I saw his years of selfishness and his attitude of entitlement fall away as he grows spiritually, truly loving and caring for his people. Izzy is a beautiful soul trapped inside a shell of childhood hurt and resentment. It was painful to see her struggle with trusting even the Lapps and realizing she was loved. I just wanted to hug Amos and Fern. Their challenges and hardships could have easily caused them to abandon Luke and Izzy to focus on their needs but they didn’t. They were so sweet and sincere in their sacrifices to help troubled youth. One of my favorite parts of the books was Luke’s problems with a wily raccoon and Amos’s beloved horse Bob. I was sorry for the book to end, it was that good! It did make me happy to see this is a series another book will be coming! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Mending Fences by Suzanne Woods Fisher takes us on a journey to Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania. Luke Schrock has just finished rehab for the third time and is returning to his hometown. Luke is not sure of the reception he will receive after the various stunts he has pulled over the years. Bishop David Stoltzfus meets Luke’s bus and takes him to Windmill Farm owned by Fern and Amos Lapp. Luke will live in the barn since the Lapp’s have Izzy Miller, another recovering alcoholic, staying in their home. He will work on the farm in exchange for room (aka bed in tack room) and board. While the Amish have forgiven Luke, they do not trust him. Bishop Stoltzfus has a plan to remedy the situation. He hands Luke a thick packet of papers which lists the people he has harmed over the years and what he did to the individual. Luke must make a sincere apology to each person and then ask how his actions harmed them. He immediately starts on his “mending fences” list, but Luke is unprepared to hear the consequences his actions caused. Luke tries all his usual charming tricks to get Izzy to befriend him, but she continues to remain cold and distant. Luke asks what he can do to prove himself to her and Izzy asks that he locate her mother whom she has not seen she was four years old. What Luke uncovers will surprise and shock several members of the community. See how Luke makes amends and Izzy’s amazing journey in Mending Fences.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.

[jypsylynn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Mending Fences is sort of like a 12 step program for the Amish. After rehab from alcohol, an Amish man returns to his community to apologize and make amends for all the stupid things he did. It's not an easy task, and the story is well written to show the struggle of this. The characters grow and learn. They are thoughtful and kind and refreshing. I enjoyed this story of redemption. Fans of Amish fiction will enjoy this one. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.