Mending Fences

Fisher (The Light Before Day) explores what it means to seek forgiveness and make amends in this wholesome Amish novel. Luke Schrock has been exiled from the Amish community of Stoney Ridge, Pa., for a year, as he has been in and out of rehab three times. But this time, Luke’s bishop arranges for him to return to live at Windmill Farm, the home of Amos and Fern Lapp, who have a soft spot for wayward children and teens. The Lapps also provide for Izzy Miller, a young woman Luke knew in rehab who now wants little to do with him. As part of his agreement with the bishop, Luke must seek out those he hurt over the years, apologize, and come to understand how his actions impacted their lives. Luke soon realizes that “fence-mending was going to take some work,” and that his actions had consequences far greater than he imagined. Meanwhile, he continues to seek Izzy’s friendship at home, with her ultimately agreeing to be his friend if he can help to find her long-lost mother. Wanting to help Izzy find closure in her past, he agrees to help. Fisher gently unpacks the challenge that making peace with others (and God) brings after a fall from grace. (Feb.)