Can Life Get Good Again?
Years ago, I met a twelve-year-old Amish boy named Zack, the middle child in a very big family. Zack was small for his age, but you wouldn’t know it by his larger than life personality. His ear-to-ear grin could light up a room—and that’s worth a lot. If you’ve ever been in an Amish farmhouse on a cloudy day or in the evening, you know how dim the lighting is.
A few weeks later, I learned from a mutual friend that Zack’s best friend had been fatally hit by a car on his way home from school. Zack was griefstricken, overwhelmed by loss. As months passed, his parents grew increasingly worried. Zack’s grieving had deepened, displayed by alarming behaviors. That summer, Zack’s parents admitted him into a facility where he could get help before he tried to hurt himself.
Over the last decade, mental health facilities have sprouted up in rural Amish and Mennonite communities. Counselors speak Penn Dutch, and faith is a central part of the healing process.
Surprised? If so, that’s understandable. Most of us assume the Amish live idyllic lives. It seems they have come to personify a goodness, a healthy wholesomeness, that’s missing in much of the world.
But it’s a mistake to assume the Amish don’t have problems. While the statistics for anxiety and depression among the Amish are lower than the national average, they’re not impervious to the stresses of this broken world.
In Mending Fences, Luke Schrock is fresh out of rehab (three stints!) and ready to come home to Stoney Ridge. As much as Luke would like others to forgive and forget, it’s not that easy, even for the Amish. Oh, sure, they forgive him. That’s part of being Amish. But they can’t quite forget the damage he caused during his downward spiral of drugs and alcohol. Bishop David Stoltzfus and Deacon Amos Lapp don’t want Luke to forget, either. They insist that he make amends with each person he hurt—steps 8 and 9 of the Twelve Step Program. David and Amos both know that lasting recovery and full healing start from there.
No small task for Luke, who would prefer a quick fix. Plus, he’s distracted by Izzy Miller, a dark eyed beauty who lives at Windmill Farm and seems immune to his charms. Just when Luke thinks things can’t get much worse, Izzy reveals a secret that causes them both to confront their past—and their feelings for each other.
What to know what happens next? Consider yourself invited to enter a giveaway to win a copy of Mending Fences.
And as for my young friend Zach…he is now eighteen years old and doing…great. Just great! Strong and sturdy, whole and healthy.
That’s what can happen if you get help when you need it. Life can get good again.
Thanks for stopping by Destination Amish, Suzanne! As mentioned, Suzanne is giving away a copy of Mending Fences. How great is that? To enter, leave a comment below. Easy peasy.
Giveaway starts today, Tuesday, February 5th and ends Tuesday, February 12th and is only open to US residents. One winner will be selected at random and announced on Wednesday, February 13th in the comment section of this blog post. Good luck and don’t forget to share this giveaway with your friends!
*Thank you to Revell Books for sponsoring this post.*
Carol award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes stories that take you to places you’ve never visited—one with characters that seem like old friends. But most of all, her books give you something to think about long after you’ve finished reading it. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, Suzanne is the best-selling author of more than thirty books, ranging from non-fiction books, to children’s books, to novels. She lives with her very big family in northern California.
70 thoughts on “Mending Fences: Guest Post and Giveaway by Suzanne Woods Fisher”
I would live to read this book!
Thank you for writing the wonderful books about Amish! I love them!
I love your books and own several of them. Would love to win this one! Amish books can’t be beat!
I enjoy reading books who are written around the Amish. Thanks for sharing Suzanne Woods Fisher’s book Mending Fences.
I think the message in this book is profound–that our sins (ill-chosen words, careless actions, intentional faux pas, etc.) have consequences, and if we were aware of the ramifications of our words/actions, we would not intentionally commit so many sins. I’m looking forward to reading this book.
So excited to read this book! Thank you for the chance to win:)
I’m Reading One Of Your Books Right Now. I Only Read Amish Books. I Never Watch TV So I Read Every Chance I Get. Any Type I Get Like These. I’ll Have To See If My Library Can Order It Along With Other Such Like Books As That Is Where I Get My Books To Read. When I Go To The Library I Come Out With About 25-30 Books As I’m A Speed Reader. I Come Out With My Library Book Bags Full. Thanks Again For The Chance To Win & Read. GOD BLESS! Have A Great Week!
I have read several of your books. Love the way you give the characters personality and pull The stories together. Thank you.
WOW sure is Wonderful to Read about Problems the Amish Communities have and how they are now more accepting and Willing to get Help.. especially with Drugs and Alcohol. I love to Read about Amish Families ….
Sounds so good but all her books are good. Love a chance to win. Sharing this also so others may have that chance.
Blessings
Diana
I love ‘easy peasy’ and I love Suzanne’s books. Can’t wait to read this one.
Would absolutely love to win a copy! I love Amish books!
What a great opportunity, thank you. You write such good books. Thank you.
I would love to read your your book. Add it my collection of amish books
I would love to read this book.
I would love to win your book. I have read them all and enjoyed everyone!!
Thank you for the giveaway opportunity AND reminding us that the Amish are regular folks who have ups and downs too.
I WOULD LOVE TO WIN THIS BOOK THANK YOU FOR THE CHANCE !
I love Amish novels! Hope I win!
Would love to win. This sounds like a good book.
I would love to read this book. We never know how the examples of our lives can affect other people. Thank you for allowing the opportunity to win this book.
Would love to read your new book.
I really enjoy Suzanne’s books and always look forward to reading each new one so thank you for the chance to win a copy of “Mending Fences”
wfnren at aol dot com
I love books about the Amish and Suzanne is one of the best writers.
Would love to win a copy of this book. Love the cover. Story sound like a must read. Thanks for the giveaway.
I am looking forward to reading Suzanne’s new book. I was diagnosed with depression years ago and recently started having anxiety attacks. Thanks for your post.
Would love the win this book and add it to my collection
Your books are always good. I have read 24 of them and always ready to read another one! I would love to win. Thank you for the opportunity.
I would like to win one of her books, She is a good Amish writter.
Sounds really interesting. Looking forward to read this book.
Would love to read your Mending Fences. It sounds interesting. I have read some of your books and have thoroughly enjoyed them.You are a talented author.Thank you for your generosity !
I would love to read this book. thank you for the chance to win a copy of “Mending Fences”
I would love to win this book! You are one of my favorite authors! I have dealt with a couple family members with addiction. It is not easy at all, but I live them unconditionally!
This sounds like an awesome read! I’d love to win and read it!
What a handsome man for the cover photo.
Thanks for offering this chance for Suzanne Woods Fishers book.
Thank you for sharing and for a chance to win Mending fences.
I love all the Suzanne woods Fisher books, and can’t wait to read mending fences
I love your books. Thank you so much for the opportunity to win this book. God bless you and your family…
I love reading Amish fiction and Luke’s story intrigues me
Sounds like an awesome book to read. I sure could use a new book.
I just love Suzanne Woods books. Thanks for the chance to win this new one. Have a blessed day.
Sounds like another fun, interesting read from Suzanne. Would be thrilled to add this book to my collection. Thank you.
I have enjoyed your books for years. They are always inspiring. I look forward to readingthis one as well and adding it to my collection. I will also post reviews on several sites. Congratulations and Happy Birthday to Mending fences.
I guess I was as guilty as anyone thinking of the Amish life as idyllic. Thank you for sharing with us.
Looking forward to reading this book.
I so love your books. Can’t wait to read.
“Mending Fences” sounds like another amazing read from Suzanne Woods Fisher. Really enjoy reading Amish fiction.
I have many of her books and I am looking forward to this one
The preview of this book is very interesting and looks like a great book. Thanks, Kelly, my chance to win a copy.
Love your books! Looking forward to reading your new book.
Can’t wait to read this one.
I will truly enjoy reading this book. It addresses a topic that many authors seem reluctant to write about yet it affects so many individuals in a variety of ways. Always enjoy your books! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Looking forward to reading this book! Luke and Izzy seem like a great couple!
I would love to check this book out!
WOW!! The cover of this book catches my eye and would love to win a copy. This author writes great books.
I love reading your books but it is something about this one that has really stuck with me. I cannot wait to read it. I am so glad that it came out today. I am going to get it as soon as I can afford it or maybe win it.
Love your books thanks for a chance to win
Yes, I want to know what happens next. I know I’d love to read this book. Thanks for the chance.
Oh yes please! I SO love Amish romance books! I wasn’t much of a reader growing up, but NOW…I can’t get enough! And I love all your books!!! Thank you and have a blessed week!
Love the cover! I can’t wait to read it. It’s on my Goodreads to-read list!
Love to read Amish themed books.
The Amish Books are some of the best. Read lots of those. Thanks.
Susan is a great writer and I would enjoy reading this book.
I always enjoy reading your books.
Can’t wait to read the newest book! Thank you for the chance
I’d love to add this book to my extensive collection of other Amish romances and mysteries — which I love!
I would appreciate being entered in your giveaway. There are several Amish settlement s in our area and I’ve learned that they aren’t exempt from problems and heartaches. It is their acceptance and their trust that sets them apart from others.
Would love to add this book to my collection
what are the names of the books in the series the deacon’s family ?? I have read the first one Mending fences great book great author
The winner of a copy of Mending Fences is MaryEllen Ashenfelder. Congratulations! Please watch your email for details on how to claim your prize. Thanks for entering, everyone!