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A Healing Touch
Ruth "Dok" Stoltzfus is the kind of doctor who still believes in house calls, addressing not just her patients' physical needs but their emotional ones too. When newly widowed Bee faces a breast cancer diagnosis, Dok connects her with Fern Lapp for support. When her painfully shy assistant Annie finds herself drawn to a new calling, Dok goes to great lengths to help her achieve her dream. And when an abandoned newborn mysteriously appears at her office one frosty morning, Dok's world takes an unexpected turn as ripples of change touch several lives.A Healing Touch is a captivating tale of compassion, resilience, and the bonds that form in surprising places. Bestselling and award-winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you into a new story that's like medicine for the weary soul. Join Dok, Annie, and the tight-knit Stoney Ridge community as they navigate the twists of fate, discovering that sometimes the greatest healing comes from the heart.
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2024
About the author
Suzanne Woods Fisher
69 books3,671 followersSuzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling, award winning author of fiction and non-fiction books about the Old Order Amish for Revell Books, host of the radio-show-turned-blog Amish Wisdom, a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazine.
Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain. A theme in her books (her life!) is that you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate the principles of simple living.
Suzanne lives in California with her family and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can't life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.
Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain. A theme in her books (her life!) is that you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate the principles of simple living.
Suzanne lives in California with her family and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can't life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.
Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 30, 2024
A Healing Touch is a lovely, touching trip back to Stoney Ridge where the Amish and English live together. This story has a lot going on with the focus on separate situations with Ruth "Dok" Stoltzfus at the center. Dok grew up Amish but left the community to pursue a calling to become a doctor. When a newborn baby shows up on the steps of her office, her police officer husband Matt gets involved. They become foster parents when they discover the baby is a related to Matt. Did God bring this child to them for a reason? Then Bee, a widow of eighteen months, dealing with grief, has cancer. Dok puts Bee in contact with Fern Lapp, an Amish widow, a no nonsense and wise woman. Bee also has someone from her past show up to help with her horses. There are unresolved issues there. A beloved resident of Stoney Ridge, Hank Lapp, a loudmouth know it all is sick and refuses the extra testing needed. Annie Fisher, Dok's office assistant, has a calling to become an EMT. But can an Amish woman do that? She has to convince her bishop and parents. A handsome Amish man, an EMT, has some answers. This book is full of different stories with many lessons of faith, healing, forgiveness, love, courage, trust and listening to God and knowing that no matter what happens, He is there. Wonderful and uplifting addition to the series.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
August 31, 2024
I really enjoyed this story! There were so many characters that were enjoyable in this story but my favorite was Fern. Fern was a no nonsense lady but dispensed wisdom with grace and allowed the listener to come to their own conclusions. I always appreciate when an author weaves in foster care to the story. There are so many great things about foster care but also so many hard things and this was done well by the author. Dok was also a great character and her medical knowledge and love for her community was unparalleled.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
November 11, 2024
“a doctor can treat to the best of her ability, but only God can heal.”
If I hadn’t wanted to read this book before, the tongue-in-cheek descriptions of some of the characters in the cast of characters (at the front of book) would have convinced me!
I couldn’t wait to return to Stoney Creek with Suzanne Woods Fisher for more of her wonderful Amish community there. However, A Healing Touch is as much about Englischers as it is the Amish.
We get to see an intimate look at Dok Stoltzfus, the Bishop’s sister, who left the Amish ways behind. Dok obtained her MD, married an Englischer, but returned to practice among the People she left. Dok is much beloved and trusted in the community, but we begin to see her single-minded dedication to her patients is beginning to take a toll on her marriage. Will Dok find a reason to spend less time in the office and more at home?
Another major character in the novel is Bee, who is a retired Olympic equestrian racer. Now widowed, she wallows in a haze of misery as life takes yet another unexpected turn. Will she allow a frenemy from the past to help with her beloved horses? What is the story between the two former acquaintances? You’ll love Fran, an Amish woman who comes alongside Bee (an Englischer) and teaches her valuable life lessons!
I especially loved seeing shy Annie, a young Amish girl, as she learns to overcome social anxiety. Dok has taken Annie as her secretary, hoping the position will nudge her out of her shyness. What nobody foresees is the interest that Annie develops. Can Annie trust God to work in her life and others’ to take her down the path He has for her?
I received a copy of the book from Revell via NetGalley. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“Bad thoughts can be like weeds. Pull them out quickly before they take over. There’s no point in watering the weeds.”
“Faith infuses grief the way a tea bag steeps in hot water.”
“Extra kneading ends up with the best bread of all—light and airy and delicious. A little like life, I’ve always thought. Difficult times end up making us the best we can be.”
“…a person’s past wasn’t pertinent, only who they were now.”
“If you aren’t training…“you’re untraining.”
If I hadn’t wanted to read this book before, the tongue-in-cheek descriptions of some of the characters in the cast of characters (at the front of book) would have convinced me!
I couldn’t wait to return to Stoney Creek with Suzanne Woods Fisher for more of her wonderful Amish community there. However, A Healing Touch is as much about Englischers as it is the Amish.
We get to see an intimate look at Dok Stoltzfus, the Bishop’s sister, who left the Amish ways behind. Dok obtained her MD, married an Englischer, but returned to practice among the People she left. Dok is much beloved and trusted in the community, but we begin to see her single-minded dedication to her patients is beginning to take a toll on her marriage. Will Dok find a reason to spend less time in the office and more at home?
Another major character in the novel is Bee, who is a retired Olympic equestrian racer. Now widowed, she wallows in a haze of misery as life takes yet another unexpected turn. Will she allow a frenemy from the past to help with her beloved horses? What is the story between the two former acquaintances? You’ll love Fran, an Amish woman who comes alongside Bee (an Englischer) and teaches her valuable life lessons!
I especially loved seeing shy Annie, a young Amish girl, as she learns to overcome social anxiety. Dok has taken Annie as her secretary, hoping the position will nudge her out of her shyness. What nobody foresees is the interest that Annie develops. Can Annie trust God to work in her life and others’ to take her down the path He has for her?
I received a copy of the book from Revell via NetGalley. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“Bad thoughts can be like weeds. Pull them out quickly before they take over. There’s no point in watering the weeds.”
“Faith infuses grief the way a tea bag steeps in hot water.”
“Extra kneading ends up with the best bread of all—light and airy and delicious. A little like life, I’ve always thought. Difficult times end up making us the best we can be.”
“…a person’s past wasn’t pertinent, only who they were now.”
“If you aren’t training…“you’re untraining.”
November 12, 2024
I will read anything by Suzanne Woods Fisher and I am never disappointed! A Healing Touch is a standalone that is set in Stoney Ridge and has some familiar characters in it. A Healing Touch has three main storylines and chapters alternate between the two. Dok Stoltzfus is the town's doctor, she serves Amish and Englishers and is beloved by both. Having grown up plain she knows how to connect with her community. When an abandoned baby is found on her office doorstep, she and her husband find themselves as temporary foster parents. Her husband is enamored with the idea but she is not, she feels that she is well past that stage in her life and wants to focus on being there for her community. Will a baby get in the way? Annie is Dok's trusty assistant. Even though she is plain she LOVES helping people and learning everything medical. When she discovers an Amish EMT she feels called to become one as well - but how to convince her family and her boss? Finally there is Bee. She is recently widowed and is undergoing chemo for breast cancer. To top is off, her meddling doctor (Dok) has forced her to have grief sessions with an Amish widow down the road and has found a man to help her take care of her horses, the same man that sabotaged Bee's career early on. These three storylines are heartfelt and will tug at reader's hearts. Another wonderful inspirational read from Fisher!
August 31, 2024
A Healing Touch is another excellent addition to the Stoney Ridge series. Suzanne Woods Fisher will draw readers right in with the three distinct storylines and its character driven plot. 5 stars.
First, we meet Ruth Stoltzfus M.D. better known as "Dok". She was raised Amish but left to become a doctor then returned to her Amish community and married police officer Matt Felman. I was fascinated by Dok's struggles to practice medicine among the Amish and maintain balance with her personal life.
Secondly, there's young shy Amish woman Annie Fisher with a hypochondriac for a mother. She's working temporarily for Dok but soon realizes she too can become a part of the medical field helping her community as an EMT. So very interesting what Annie has to do to become an EMT.
And lastly readers will meet horse breeder and widow Bee Bennett. When a medical crisis puts her in a position where she'll need help, she finds it in the most unlikely places, former Olympic rival Damon Harding and wise widow and counselor Fern Lapp.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well written story about life among the Amish and how the things they go through are not so very different than our own experiences. I appreciate Revell Publishing making a copy of A Healing Touch being made available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.
First, we meet Ruth Stoltzfus M.D. better known as "Dok". She was raised Amish but left to become a doctor then returned to her Amish community and married police officer Matt Felman. I was fascinated by Dok's struggles to practice medicine among the Amish and maintain balance with her personal life.
Secondly, there's young shy Amish woman Annie Fisher with a hypochondriac for a mother. She's working temporarily for Dok but soon realizes she too can become a part of the medical field helping her community as an EMT. So very interesting what Annie has to do to become an EMT.
And lastly readers will meet horse breeder and widow Bee Bennett. When a medical crisis puts her in a position where she'll need help, she finds it in the most unlikely places, former Olympic rival Damon Harding and wise widow and counselor Fern Lapp.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well written story about life among the Amish and how the things they go through are not so very different than our own experiences. I appreciate Revell Publishing making a copy of A Healing Touch being made available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.
November 18, 2024
*****I received this free ebook from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I love reading stories that take place in Amish country. This blended a few stories that all took place within the same community. All had ties to the Amish in one way or another. A doctor who was Amish but now served the Amish. An abandoned baby taken in for emergency foster care. A young Amish woman who feels the calling to become an EMT despite this not being the norm in her church district. A woman who breeds horses has to go through radiation treatment for cancer. She gets the advice from a therapeutic Amish woman who guides her with her depression and with coming to terms with people on her past. Overall, a wonderful packed full read!!
I love reading stories that take place in Amish country. This blended a few stories that all took place within the same community. All had ties to the Amish in one way or another. A doctor who was Amish but now served the Amish. An abandoned baby taken in for emergency foster care. A young Amish woman who feels the calling to become an EMT despite this not being the norm in her church district. A woman who breeds horses has to go through radiation treatment for cancer. She gets the advice from a therapeutic Amish woman who guides her with her depression and with coming to terms with people on her past. Overall, a wonderful packed full read!!
October 6, 2024
Another wonderful story about three women in Lancaster county and the interactions between the Plain community and the non-Amish. Each woman, whether they know it or not, is in need of healing and they find it in the most wonderful ways. Lancaster is close to my heart and Suzanne's stories help me understand why!
September 2, 2024
Always a pleasure to be back in Stoney Ridge! Loved this book on so many levels. An enjoyable read from start to finish.
This author has the ability to create a story with multiple characters dealing with issues that many can relate to, and shine a light of faith and hope along the way. I love the subtle humor she adds that had me smiling, as well as the touching, heartfelt moments.
There are themes of dealing with grief, major health crises, marital issues, forgiving past wrongs, and moving forward in life after feeling 'stuck'. I loved Annie and her desire to overcome her crippling shyness in order to help people, being courageous and reaching for a dream despite obstacles and expectations thrown in her path. Her crush on the "Amish EMT" is charming.
Recommend for readers who enjoy a contemporary story with faith and hints of romance. 5 stars!
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
This author has the ability to create a story with multiple characters dealing with issues that many can relate to, and shine a light of faith and hope along the way. I love the subtle humor she adds that had me smiling, as well as the touching, heartfelt moments.
There are themes of dealing with grief, major health crises, marital issues, forgiving past wrongs, and moving forward in life after feeling 'stuck'. I loved Annie and her desire to overcome her crippling shyness in order to help people, being courageous and reaching for a dream despite obstacles and expectations thrown in her path. Her crush on the "Amish EMT" is charming.
Recommend for readers who enjoy a contemporary story with faith and hints of romance. 5 stars!
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
October 20, 2024
Rating: 5 stars ~ Genre: Amish, suspense, medical ~ Pages: 297 ~ Publish Date: 1 Oct 2024
Subtitle: Amish Fiction about a Small Town Community Doctor and an Abandoned Baby
Oh my gosh. My dream story. Amish fiction. With a mystery. The main character is a doctor, Ruth “Dok” Stoltzfus. She reminds me of the country doctor I had until I went off to college. House calls? Dr. B made them. He rode in on a snow plow because I had pneumonia. He drove my mother and me to the hospital when my appendix was about to burst. Emotional? Well, sorta. I had numerous ear infections as a kid and would tell me he was finding sweet potatoes in my painful ears.
Yep, “Dok” Stoltzfus is my kind of doctor. I read the description I knew I wanted to read this book. You are correct. Her surname is Stolzfus and was raised Amish leaving for school before baptism. The story opens with an Amish farmer patient, Levi Yutzy. You might not believe he assures “Dok” there is no need to reattach his finger. By the way, “Dok” does not agree. My daddy once missed a step descending from a combine and ended up with busted ribs. Did he see Dr. B? Nope. He had my mother bind the ribs with a sheet and returned to combining wheat.
“Dok” doctors the Amish and the ‘English’. She knows her patients. Including ‘Englisher’ Bee who is newly widowed. And sadly has a breast cancer diagnosis. Dok’s handling of the situation is unique.
Her assistant, Annie, is Amish and loves her job. Her ‘daad’ does not like Annie working for an Amish turned ‘Englisher’. Annie is a natural and you will like her.
Oh, and a newborn baby boy is left at her office doorway one cold morning. And Dok’s husband, Matt, has a solution for the baby’s immediate care. Dok isn’t so sure.
You might think there is just too much going on for one story. No. This story is a page-turner. I didn’t want this book to end and I hope Suzanne Woods Fisher plans a sequel. All of the above is woven together with skill. Okay, I admit it. I loved this one. Every bit of it.
I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of “A Healing Touch” via NetGalley from the publisher, Revell. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Rating: 5 stars
Cover: An Amish woman holding a baby which hints at the subtitle.
Pages: 297
Publish Date: 1 October 2024
#AHealingTouch #NetGalley #SuzanneWoodsFisher
Subtitle: Amish Fiction about a Small Town Community Doctor and an Abandoned Baby
Oh my gosh. My dream story. Amish fiction. With a mystery. The main character is a doctor, Ruth “Dok” Stoltzfus. She reminds me of the country doctor I had until I went off to college. House calls? Dr. B made them. He rode in on a snow plow because I had pneumonia. He drove my mother and me to the hospital when my appendix was about to burst. Emotional? Well, sorta. I had numerous ear infections as a kid and would tell me he was finding sweet potatoes in my painful ears.
Yep, “Dok” Stoltzfus is my kind of doctor. I read the description I knew I wanted to read this book. You are correct. Her surname is Stolzfus and was raised Amish leaving for school before baptism. The story opens with an Amish farmer patient, Levi Yutzy. You might not believe he assures “Dok” there is no need to reattach his finger. By the way, “Dok” does not agree. My daddy once missed a step descending from a combine and ended up with busted ribs. Did he see Dr. B? Nope. He had my mother bind the ribs with a sheet and returned to combining wheat.
“Dok” doctors the Amish and the ‘English’. She knows her patients. Including ‘Englisher’ Bee who is newly widowed. And sadly has a breast cancer diagnosis. Dok’s handling of the situation is unique.
Her assistant, Annie, is Amish and loves her job. Her ‘daad’ does not like Annie working for an Amish turned ‘Englisher’. Annie is a natural and you will like her.
Oh, and a newborn baby boy is left at her office doorway one cold morning. And Dok’s husband, Matt, has a solution for the baby’s immediate care. Dok isn’t so sure.
You might think there is just too much going on for one story. No. This story is a page-turner. I didn’t want this book to end and I hope Suzanne Woods Fisher plans a sequel. All of the above is woven together with skill. Okay, I admit it. I loved this one. Every bit of it.
I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of “A Healing Touch” via NetGalley from the publisher, Revell. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Rating: 5 stars
Cover: An Amish woman holding a baby which hints at the subtitle.
Pages: 297
Publish Date: 1 October 2024
#AHealingTouch #NetGalley #SuzanneWoodsFisher
November 15, 2024
It was hard to put this book down! The three main characters, Dok Stolzfus, Bee and Annie were very different women in different seasons of life, but they were all “stuck” and resistant to change. God used some very unexpected ways to open their eyes and move them forward.
Dok was a dedicated doctor in the Amish community of Stoney Ridge. Her medical practice was filled with compassion and commitment. She viewed house calls as essential and was concerned not only with her patient’s health but also their spiritual, physical and emotional needs. As you can imagine she had a hectic life. Dok was “stuck” in this cycle of activity and busyness, but it had become her comfort zone, her norm. So much so she had let marriage and husband take a back seat. When a newborn baby left on the steps of her office, she could never dream he would open her life up to blessings she could not imagine.
Bee Bennett lost her husband 18 months ago and is reeling with this heartbreaking change. In the midst of this struggle, she is diagnosed with breast cancer and must go through treatment. So caught up in her grief she stubbornly refuses the help she needs for her horse farm. Unexpectedly a fellow equestrian jumping competitor from thirty years ago shows up and offers to help. One she felt cost her a gold medal by sabotaging her horse before her ride. He does not take no for an answer and comes each day to care for the horses and take her to appointments. She is angry at his intrusion but knows cannot make it without him. Bee is stuck in grief and unforgiveness. She never dreamed him coming back into her life would free her to live a new life.
Annie was a young woman, and receptionist in Dok’s office. She was so painfully shy she could hardly look at anyone or speak to them. She didn’t want to be “stuck” in this way, and she did try to overcome it. Annie memorized scriptures, gave herself peptalks, and was very aware of her hinderance. Saving a friend who had fallen in the ice opened her eyes to her desire to be an EMT. The same incident brought romance into her life.
All three women experienced God healing them in unforeseen and surprising ways. A inspiring and entertaining read!
I received this book from Revell publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.
Dok was a dedicated doctor in the Amish community of Stoney Ridge. Her medical practice was filled with compassion and commitment. She viewed house calls as essential and was concerned not only with her patient’s health but also their spiritual, physical and emotional needs. As you can imagine she had a hectic life. Dok was “stuck” in this cycle of activity and busyness, but it had become her comfort zone, her norm. So much so she had let marriage and husband take a back seat. When a newborn baby left on the steps of her office, she could never dream he would open her life up to blessings she could not imagine.
Bee Bennett lost her husband 18 months ago and is reeling with this heartbreaking change. In the midst of this struggle, she is diagnosed with breast cancer and must go through treatment. So caught up in her grief she stubbornly refuses the help she needs for her horse farm. Unexpectedly a fellow equestrian jumping competitor from thirty years ago shows up and offers to help. One she felt cost her a gold medal by sabotaging her horse before her ride. He does not take no for an answer and comes each day to care for the horses and take her to appointments. She is angry at his intrusion but knows cannot make it without him. Bee is stuck in grief and unforgiveness. She never dreamed him coming back into her life would free her to live a new life.
Annie was a young woman, and receptionist in Dok’s office. She was so painfully shy she could hardly look at anyone or speak to them. She didn’t want to be “stuck” in this way, and she did try to overcome it. Annie memorized scriptures, gave herself peptalks, and was very aware of her hinderance. Saving a friend who had fallen in the ice opened her eyes to her desire to be an EMT. The same incident brought romance into her life.
All three women experienced God healing them in unforeseen and surprising ways. A inspiring and entertaining read!
I received this book from Revell publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.
September 27, 2024
A Healing Touch by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a book to be read repeatedly. The author has skilfully explored two different types of grief, with a cast of characters that spring from the page and lodge themselves in your heart.
Ruth "Dok" Stoltzfus is one busy woman. She believes in house calls and her practice consists of both English and Amish alike. She is so busy that when a baby is dropped on her doorstep, she immediately calls her husband, a police officer, and from there she expects the baby to go into foster care. What she wasn't expecting was her husband suggesting they become foster parents to the baby. She's too busy for a baby! And besides, they were in their 40s, too old to start thinking about having a family. But as the author takes the reader through the foster care/adoption process we learn, through Dok, how stressful it can be and how the heart can grieve for what it never knew it missed.
Dok's patient Bee, a widow, is trying to deal with overwhelming grief over the loss of her husband and now she has a cancer diagnosis. When Dok suggests she needs a support system, she connects her to Fern Lapp, also a widow and with more than her share of memorable and helpful suggestions from dealing with grief to faith and more.
"Faith should infuse grief the way a tea bag steeps in hot water."
If you have recently lost a loved one, this book (with Fern's help) should bring a "healing touch" to your weary soul. I wish I had a Fern in my life.
And then there's Annie. She is shy but has a brilliant mind that soaks up knowledge like a sponge. She is Amish and loves reading medical books and helping in Dok's office. When she spots an Amish man who is an EMT she feels the Lord calling her to the same position. But can an Amish woman become an EMT?
All these characters with their stories make A Healing Touch a novel to be read and savored. While I was disappointed not to see what happened with Annie and Gus, I am hoping another book is coming to see where that goes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and if you like Amish fiction that gets to the heart of grief (in its various forms), you will love A Healing Touch.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley for my honest opinion.
Ruth "Dok" Stoltzfus is one busy woman. She believes in house calls and her practice consists of both English and Amish alike. She is so busy that when a baby is dropped on her doorstep, she immediately calls her husband, a police officer, and from there she expects the baby to go into foster care. What she wasn't expecting was her husband suggesting they become foster parents to the baby. She's too busy for a baby! And besides, they were in their 40s, too old to start thinking about having a family. But as the author takes the reader through the foster care/adoption process we learn, through Dok, how stressful it can be and how the heart can grieve for what it never knew it missed.
Dok's patient Bee, a widow, is trying to deal with overwhelming grief over the loss of her husband and now she has a cancer diagnosis. When Dok suggests she needs a support system, she connects her to Fern Lapp, also a widow and with more than her share of memorable and helpful suggestions from dealing with grief to faith and more.
"Faith should infuse grief the way a tea bag steeps in hot water."
If you have recently lost a loved one, this book (with Fern's help) should bring a "healing touch" to your weary soul. I wish I had a Fern in my life.
And then there's Annie. She is shy but has a brilliant mind that soaks up knowledge like a sponge. She is Amish and loves reading medical books and helping in Dok's office. When she spots an Amish man who is an EMT she feels the Lord calling her to the same position. But can an Amish woman become an EMT?
All these characters with their stories make A Healing Touch a novel to be read and savored. While I was disappointed not to see what happened with Annie and Gus, I am hoping another book is coming to see where that goes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and if you like Amish fiction that gets to the heart of grief (in its various forms), you will love A Healing Touch.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley for my honest opinion.
October 12, 2024
A Healing Touch
Suzzanne Woods Fisher
This is a touching Amish romance. What makes this tale unique is the relationship between Amish and English.
In A Healing Touch we are once again transported to Stoney Ridge. We meet Ruth “Dok” Stolzfus. Dok grew up Amish but felt called to be a doctor. She chose to follow the call, went to college where she studied medicine. When she returned to Stony Ridge she married police officer Matt Felman. Dok and Matt are deeply in love, but he feels they aren’t spending enough time together. Dok has a loving character; she always tries to do what is best for her patients, including house calls. She has both Amish and English patients. She is a very busy woman. Especially after a newborn baby is left at Dok’s office steps. She and her husband Matt become foster parents for the child. The baby is a relative of Matt. Could God have brought the baby too them as a gift?
Bee Bennett was widowed eighteen months ago. She was still dealing with her grief when she discovered she had cancer. Dok thought Bee would benefit from a support system, so she put her in contact with Fern Lapp, also a widow. Fern is a sensible woman and doesn’t believe in nonsense. Bee needed help with her horses. Damon Harding, her former Olympic rival, came to offer that help.
An important resident of Stoney Ridge, Hank Lapp is a loudmouth, and a know it all. He is ill but refuses the tests he needs.
Dok’s office assistant Annie Fisher enjoys working for Dok but when she meets an Amish EMT she sees a way to enter the medical profession and help the community She must convince both her Bishop and her parents. She isn’t sure Amish women can be EMTs.
This book is filled with a variety of stories, all with excellent messages. The messages deal with assurance, recovery, mercy, friendship, courage, confidence and the wisdom to listen to God and to depend on him no matter what. He is in control. I enjoy Amish stories, perhaps it is because we live in an area with an Amish community. This book is rather unique because it is several short stories with a connection. Not all of the stories are wrapped up in this book hopefully they will be in the next installment.
A big thank you to NetGalley for providing a review copy. My reviews are always my opinions.
Suzzanne Woods Fisher
This is a touching Amish romance. What makes this tale unique is the relationship between Amish and English.
In A Healing Touch we are once again transported to Stoney Ridge. We meet Ruth “Dok” Stolzfus. Dok grew up Amish but felt called to be a doctor. She chose to follow the call, went to college where she studied medicine. When she returned to Stony Ridge she married police officer Matt Felman. Dok and Matt are deeply in love, but he feels they aren’t spending enough time together. Dok has a loving character; she always tries to do what is best for her patients, including house calls. She has both Amish and English patients. She is a very busy woman. Especially after a newborn baby is left at Dok’s office steps. She and her husband Matt become foster parents for the child. The baby is a relative of Matt. Could God have brought the baby too them as a gift?
Bee Bennett was widowed eighteen months ago. She was still dealing with her grief when she discovered she had cancer. Dok thought Bee would benefit from a support system, so she put her in contact with Fern Lapp, also a widow. Fern is a sensible woman and doesn’t believe in nonsense. Bee needed help with her horses. Damon Harding, her former Olympic rival, came to offer that help.
An important resident of Stoney Ridge, Hank Lapp is a loudmouth, and a know it all. He is ill but refuses the tests he needs.
Dok’s office assistant Annie Fisher enjoys working for Dok but when she meets an Amish EMT she sees a way to enter the medical profession and help the community She must convince both her Bishop and her parents. She isn’t sure Amish women can be EMTs.
This book is filled with a variety of stories, all with excellent messages. The messages deal with assurance, recovery, mercy, friendship, courage, confidence and the wisdom to listen to God and to depend on him no matter what. He is in control. I enjoy Amish stories, perhaps it is because we live in an area with an Amish community. This book is rather unique because it is several short stories with a connection. Not all of the stories are wrapped up in this book hopefully they will be in the next installment.
A big thank you to NetGalley for providing a review copy. My reviews are always my opinions.
November 7, 2024
I’ve enjoyed the story based in Stoney Ridge and the Amish and English community that live there. Getting reacquainted with familiar characters and diving in deeper with others.
This book has a complex of characters it touches on. The main story is on Ruth “Dok” Stoltzfus. Dok as she is called grew up Amish, but left her community to become a doctor. She came back to her community and is a well loved and respected doctor among the Amish and English. Her and her husband both have busy schedules with him being a police officer and her making house calls at all hours throughout the community. Dok didn’t realize how much it was starting to affect Matt and their relationship. A newborn baby shows up and his left on the steps of her office. They find out that Matt is related to the infant. They are able to foster the baby, and decide that they want to adopt him. Did God bring them this baby for a reason?
An English patient of Dok finds out that she has cancer. Bee is still grieving the loss of her husband. Dok introduces her to Fern Lapp. A wise and intriguing woman that has a different way about her as she loss her husband a while back. Dok’s husband ask a friend to assist Bee with her prized horses while she is battling her cancer. Little did Matt know that they have some unfinished history.
Dok’s office assistant the shy Annie Fisher, has a calling to become an EMT. Being a young Amish woman makes that calling complicated within her community. She keeps running into Mr. Wonderful a handsome Amish EMT who lives in a neighboring town. She is smitten with him. Can shy Annie overcome her shyness to follow her calling to approach Doc, bishop, parents, and the handsome EMT.
Then you have a staple in the community the loudmouth Hank Lapp. Stubborn and needs a biopsy done to see what is causing his relentless cough and trouble breathing. He refuses to waste money on a foolish test that could help determine what is going on.
Another well-written book that touches on many hard topics. As you get to visit Stoney Ridge and glimpse into the lives that I have become pretty fond of. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received this complimentary product through Revell in exchange for my honest thoughts.
This book has a complex of characters it touches on. The main story is on Ruth “Dok” Stoltzfus. Dok as she is called grew up Amish, but left her community to become a doctor. She came back to her community and is a well loved and respected doctor among the Amish and English. Her and her husband both have busy schedules with him being a police officer and her making house calls at all hours throughout the community. Dok didn’t realize how much it was starting to affect Matt and their relationship. A newborn baby shows up and his left on the steps of her office. They find out that Matt is related to the infant. They are able to foster the baby, and decide that they want to adopt him. Did God bring them this baby for a reason?
An English patient of Dok finds out that she has cancer. Bee is still grieving the loss of her husband. Dok introduces her to Fern Lapp. A wise and intriguing woman that has a different way about her as she loss her husband a while back. Dok’s husband ask a friend to assist Bee with her prized horses while she is battling her cancer. Little did Matt know that they have some unfinished history.
Dok’s office assistant the shy Annie Fisher, has a calling to become an EMT. Being a young Amish woman makes that calling complicated within her community. She keeps running into Mr. Wonderful a handsome Amish EMT who lives in a neighboring town. She is smitten with him. Can shy Annie overcome her shyness to follow her calling to approach Doc, bishop, parents, and the handsome EMT.
Then you have a staple in the community the loudmouth Hank Lapp. Stubborn and needs a biopsy done to see what is causing his relentless cough and trouble breathing. He refuses to waste money on a foolish test that could help determine what is going on.
Another well-written book that touches on many hard topics. As you get to visit Stoney Ridge and glimpse into the lives that I have become pretty fond of. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received this complimentary product through Revell in exchange for my honest thoughts.
October 2, 2024
Dok is happy in her marriage, and is therefore shocked when her husband expresses dissatisfaction at the amount of time they're spending apart due to work. Sure, she works a lot - but she has to! But as she works to improve the lives of her patients, particularly the widowed Bee who has just been diagnosed with cancer, she starts to realise that maybe he's right anyway. And the appearance of a baby on the scene will (gradually) change everything. But she's still got an important part to play in Bee's story, one way or another - not to mention the life of her assistant Annie, who has aspirations she's never dreamed of. Can they pull their marriage together and learn what's most important in life while navigating the various things life throws at them?
A delightful and inspiring read - as far as it went. I loved Dok's story, and it tied together beautifully with Bee and Annie's stories. The only problem was that while Dok's story came to a satisfying conclusion, the other two felt still very open-ended and 'to be continued'. And that left me feeling a mix of satisfied and disappointed. Dok is a great character and I loved the care and compassion she showed to her patients and those around her, but in some ways I actually connected more with Annie - possibly because I've never been great socially either. Watching them all grapple with the various problems they faced, whether it be dealing with a new baby, a cancer diagnosis, or an unusual (unpopular?) calling, was thought-provoking and inspiring, but I have to admit I wanted more. Hoping Annie in particular (but possibly also Bee) gets her own story soon, because I want to know how she goes both career-wise and relationship-wise. All in all, a great read, but be prepared for loose ends.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
A delightful and inspiring read - as far as it went. I loved Dok's story, and it tied together beautifully with Bee and Annie's stories. The only problem was that while Dok's story came to a satisfying conclusion, the other two felt still very open-ended and 'to be continued'. And that left me feeling a mix of satisfied and disappointed. Dok is a great character and I loved the care and compassion she showed to her patients and those around her, but in some ways I actually connected more with Annie - possibly because I've never been great socially either. Watching them all grapple with the various problems they faced, whether it be dealing with a new baby, a cancer diagnosis, or an unusual (unpopular?) calling, was thought-provoking and inspiring, but I have to admit I wanted more. Hoping Annie in particular (but possibly also Bee) gets her own story soon, because I want to know how she goes both career-wise and relationship-wise. All in all, a great read, but be prepared for loose ends.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
November 16, 2024
This author has become one of my favorites and I'm always amazed by her ability to educate, enlighten, and entertain! Suzanne Woods Fisher does all of this in "A Healing Touch", an emotional story of loss and grief that also includes a heartwarming reunion with many of the wonderful people of Stoney Ridge. Dok Stoltzfus, the doctor who treats both English and Amish patients. still makes house calls and she believes that Fern Lapp is the perfect person to help with one of her patients. Fern made her first appearance in The Keeper, one of Fisher's earlier novels, and she has become a 'keeper' for me. She's often abrupt and painfully honest, but I love her and I would value someone like her in my own life! Fern is a long-time widow and Dok believes that she's exactly the support that recent widow Bee Bennett needs! Bee may not like what Fern has to say but somehow, we know that this advice will be helped!
There are several other intriguing plotlines in A Healing Touch, including an abandoned baby in need of foster care, Bee's reunion with an old foe, and the blossoming of Dok's office assistant, Annie Fisher. Is Annie's desire to become an EMT due to her work with Dok, or because of the young Amish EMT that she's recently met? I'm hoping that Annie will soon get her own story because I'd love to see this shy, brilliant girl experience some joy and happiness!
This is a touching story of forgiveness, letting go of the past, and looking to the future; It is also an enlightening look at the theory that emotional trauma can adversely affect our physical health. I recommend A Healing Touch to all who enjoy Amish Christian fiction.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
There are several other intriguing plotlines in A Healing Touch, including an abandoned baby in need of foster care, Bee's reunion with an old foe, and the blossoming of Dok's office assistant, Annie Fisher. Is Annie's desire to become an EMT due to her work with Dok, or because of the young Amish EMT that she's recently met? I'm hoping that Annie will soon get her own story because I'd love to see this shy, brilliant girl experience some joy and happiness!
This is a touching story of forgiveness, letting go of the past, and looking to the future; It is also an enlightening look at the theory that emotional trauma can adversely affect our physical health. I recommend A Healing Touch to all who enjoy Amish Christian fiction.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
November 2, 2024
This book is an interesting look at an 'English' female doctor who is trusted by the Amish and the non-Amish in her small town. The Amish trust her enough that they go to her when they need medical help and listen to her advice -- most of the time.
Ruth "Dok" Stoltzfus is a throwback to earlier times - she still does house calls! and she still puts in all of the time that her patients need even if it cuts into her personal time with her husband. She is a caring compassionate person who deeply cares about other people. Even though she was raised Amish, she left the church to pursue her medical education. This book has several sub plots that help show the love Dok has for others.
-One of her non-Amish patients has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. She isn't sure if she even wants treatment - her beloved husband has just died and she doesn't see much future in her life without him. Dok makes sure that she gets treatment for her physical problems and introduces her to an elderly Amish woman who she thinks can help her grief.
-Annie is Dok's receptionist. Her parents will only allow her to work until it's time to plant crops. Annie, despite her shyness, realizes that she wants more out of life and has decided that she wants to be an EMT. Dok helps her work to convince her parents who are totally opposed.
-A new born baby is left at the clinic. Dok and her policeman-husband become foster parents.
There are other sub plots that show the compassion and empathy that Dok has for all of her patients. It's a real feel-good book about love and compassion, community needs and individual needs all bound together in faith.
Ruth "Dok" Stoltzfus is a throwback to earlier times - she still does house calls! and she still puts in all of the time that her patients need even if it cuts into her personal time with her husband. She is a caring compassionate person who deeply cares about other people. Even though she was raised Amish, she left the church to pursue her medical education. This book has several sub plots that help show the love Dok has for others.
-One of her non-Amish patients has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. She isn't sure if she even wants treatment - her beloved husband has just died and she doesn't see much future in her life without him. Dok makes sure that she gets treatment for her physical problems and introduces her to an elderly Amish woman who she thinks can help her grief.
-Annie is Dok's receptionist. Her parents will only allow her to work until it's time to plant crops. Annie, despite her shyness, realizes that she wants more out of life and has decided that she wants to be an EMT. Dok helps her work to convince her parents who are totally opposed.
-A new born baby is left at the clinic. Dok and her policeman-husband become foster parents.
There are other sub plots that show the compassion and empathy that Dok has for all of her patients. It's a real feel-good book about love and compassion, community needs and individual needs all bound together in faith.
September 26, 2024
Suzanne Woods Fisher takes us to the Amish and English community in Stoney Ridge for another multi-character filled story. I want to thank Baker Publishing, the author and NetGalley for my advanced reader's e-copy of this heart-warming novel.
This is my own unsolicited opinion of this book. It is so good. Dok Stolzfus, Bishop David Stolzfus sister, has settled into the mixed community and has become increasingly busy with her practice. It is important to her to do home visits when she is needed by her patients, Amish and English alike. She wants to help everyone heal and move forward.
Bee Bennett is deeply immersed in grief when Dok realizes she need help and suggests she visit Fern Lapp for counseling as she deals with widowhood and illness. This becomes such a wonderful part of the book. Grief and grudges can cause many problems. I love how Fern works with Bee.
Annie Fisher is a very shy young woman who feels God is leading her into the medical world. Dok hires her as an office assistant and decides to help her life out too. I really like her character and the mysterious Amish EMT who inadvertently inspires her.
Something is wrong with Hank Lapp, endearing neighbor; and oh, yes, someone leaves an infant on the steps of the doctor's office. There's a lot going on in Stoney Ridge! Dok seems to be in the middle of it.
This is an excellent read. I give the book a 5-star rating.
Triggers: Widowhood, cancer, abandoned infant, debilitating shyness, hypochondria.
This is my own unsolicited opinion of this book. It is so good. Dok Stolzfus, Bishop David Stolzfus sister, has settled into the mixed community and has become increasingly busy with her practice. It is important to her to do home visits when she is needed by her patients, Amish and English alike. She wants to help everyone heal and move forward.
Bee Bennett is deeply immersed in grief when Dok realizes she need help and suggests she visit Fern Lapp for counseling as she deals with widowhood and illness. This becomes such a wonderful part of the book. Grief and grudges can cause many problems. I love how Fern works with Bee.
Annie Fisher is a very shy young woman who feels God is leading her into the medical world. Dok hires her as an office assistant and decides to help her life out too. I really like her character and the mysterious Amish EMT who inadvertently inspires her.
Something is wrong with Hank Lapp, endearing neighbor; and oh, yes, someone leaves an infant on the steps of the doctor's office. There's a lot going on in Stoney Ridge! Dok seems to be in the middle of it.
This is an excellent read. I give the book a 5-star rating.
Triggers: Widowhood, cancer, abandoned infant, debilitating shyness, hypochondria.
October 3, 2024
A Healing Touch by Suzanne Woods Fisher takes us back to Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania. We get to catch up with Ruth “Dok” Stoltzfus a busy doctor who treats English as well as the Amish and her assistant, Annie Fisher. Annie is a clever young Amish woman with a hypochondriac for a mother. Annie’s mother is also determined to find her a husband, but Annie has dreams of her own. One of Dok’s patients, Bee Bennett, a widow and horse breeder, is going through a health crisis and could use help with her horses. The help comes from an unexpected and unwelcome source which has the stubborn Bee automatically saying no. I thought A Healing Touch was a well written story with developed characters. I have read all the books in the Stoney Ridge series, so I already knew the core characters. I believe the story can be read as a standalone, but readers would benefit from reading the series in order. There is quite a bit going on in this book. The story is an emotional one. It will take you through the gamut of emotions (from laughter to tears). I love Dok’s approach to grief counselling and that she makes house calls. Some of the themes in the story are grief, dealing with a major health crisis, moving forward with your life after being “stuck” (from grief), marital woes, finding your calling, and forgiving past wrongs (which is very hard to do). I hope that we get to return to Stoney Ridge again soon. A Healing Touch is an expressive story with a hardworking doctor, an animated assistant, a bishop for a brother, a meddling mother, a striking EMT, a distinctive calling, unwelcome help with horses, and Amish grief counseling.
October 21, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed A Healing Touch. What a beautiful story. I do find Amish culture fascinating and Suzanne Woods Fisher does a great job of drip feeding the details into the plot. There were several storylines in this book with a marriage on the rocks, a life paused by grief and another stifled by expectation.
Cleverly, all three plots intersect at different places with the Dok and her husband at the center of everything. Dok and her husband Matt have long focused on their careers and not their relationship. But a newborn baby left on her clinic doorstep changes everything for them. Then there’s Bree who has the double blow of being widowed and diagnosed with cancer. A man from her distant past steps in but both need to find different types of healing to allow a new future to be revealed. For Bree, much of the work comes around an Amish table.
And then there’s Dok’s assistant who feels called to be an EMT, but no one from her church has ever done such a thing. A hypochondriac mother doesn’t help. But a handsome Amish EMT from another district could hold the key. Between the clever stories, the Amish details and the beauty of the different resolutions, this is a lovely book. I wish the author had taken a little more time with the ending, but that’s my only complaint. And wanting more isn’t really a bad complaint at all!
I received a copy of A Healing Touch from the publisher via NetGalley, the opinions are my own.
Cleverly, all three plots intersect at different places with the Dok and her husband at the center of everything. Dok and her husband Matt have long focused on their careers and not their relationship. But a newborn baby left on her clinic doorstep changes everything for them. Then there’s Bree who has the double blow of being widowed and diagnosed with cancer. A man from her distant past steps in but both need to find different types of healing to allow a new future to be revealed. For Bree, much of the work comes around an Amish table.
And then there’s Dok’s assistant who feels called to be an EMT, but no one from her church has ever done such a thing. A hypochondriac mother doesn’t help. But a handsome Amish EMT from another district could hold the key. Between the clever stories, the Amish details and the beauty of the different resolutions, this is a lovely book. I wish the author had taken a little more time with the ending, but that’s my only complaint. And wanting more isn’t really a bad complaint at all!
I received a copy of A Healing Touch from the publisher via NetGalley, the opinions are my own.
October 29, 2024
A Healing Touch ranks as one of the best Amish books I have read. I loved the relationship between the Amish and English. There were several plots happening at the same time . The author did a great job intertwining them all. And each character’s story kept me wanting to read more. I was so glad that the characters were above middle aged. A Healing Touch was the first book I have read of Suzanne Woods Fisher. And it captured my attention so much that I will definitely be seeking out more.
This was entertaining and really heartwarming. However, it also enveloped really tough topics so might be a difficult for some to read. One of the characters had cancer and was dealing with the grief of losing a spouse. Another had to face a marriage that needed some repairs and a change of focus on priorities. One of the main characters lived with regrets and the desire for forgiveness. Adoption was also a topic. A Healing Touch really packed a punch and can provide some amazing discussions. It is challenging to write a review without spoilers as there were so many touching moments that really had me paying attention. It truly is entertaining and yet so very engaging . I was amazed when I finished and looking back see so many themes guiding and teaching throughout A Healing Touch.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and the publisher with no obligations. The opinion expressed in this review are entirely my own.
This was entertaining and really heartwarming. However, it also enveloped really tough topics so might be a difficult for some to read. One of the characters had cancer and was dealing with the grief of losing a spouse. Another had to face a marriage that needed some repairs and a change of focus on priorities. One of the main characters lived with regrets and the desire for forgiveness. Adoption was also a topic. A Healing Touch really packed a punch and can provide some amazing discussions. It is challenging to write a review without spoilers as there were so many touching moments that really had me paying attention. It truly is entertaining and yet so very engaging . I was amazed when I finished and looking back see so many themes guiding and teaching throughout A Healing Touch.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and the publisher with no obligations. The opinion expressed in this review are entirely my own.
November 4, 2024
Ruth "Dok" Stoltzfus is the kind of doctor that I wish we had more of. She truly cares for her patients. She listens to them and even makes house calls to see that they get the medical care they need. Unfortunately, she puts them ahead of her own needs and those of her husband. But, God in his own way has a plan to remedy that situation. A way that Dok would have never ever chosen, but it changed her in ways she would have never dreamed.
Dok's assistant is an extremely shy Amish girl, Annie, who feels or maybe even hears a calling from God. But, her parents want her to cease working for Dok come spring to help on their farm. Her mother, unnaturally clings to her, as well as manufacturing illnesses for herself. Can Dok get to the bottom of this?
Then, there is Bee who is still grieving the death of her husband. Now, she has a diagnosis of breast cancer. Dok sends her to Fern Lapp for some help. Fern has a special way about her of knowing how and when to say just the exact right thing for the moment without harping. Bee also got some most unexpected help with her horses while recovering from surgery and radiation treatments. Just maybe Bee will also find forgiveness and healing.
This was just an absolutely wonderful story with an amazing storyline and characters and a happy ever after ending. I would love to see a sequel to it!
I was given an advanced ecopy from the publisher, Revell, through Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.
Dok's assistant is an extremely shy Amish girl, Annie, who feels or maybe even hears a calling from God. But, her parents want her to cease working for Dok come spring to help on their farm. Her mother, unnaturally clings to her, as well as manufacturing illnesses for herself. Can Dok get to the bottom of this?
Then, there is Bee who is still grieving the death of her husband. Now, she has a diagnosis of breast cancer. Dok sends her to Fern Lapp for some help. Fern has a special way about her of knowing how and when to say just the exact right thing for the moment without harping. Bee also got some most unexpected help with her horses while recovering from surgery and radiation treatments. Just maybe Bee will also find forgiveness and healing.
This was just an absolutely wonderful story with an amazing storyline and characters and a happy ever after ending. I would love to see a sequel to it!
I was given an advanced ecopy from the publisher, Revell, through Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.
September 30, 2024
Another great read by Suzanne Woods Fisher! She is becoming one of my favorite authors. She is so engaging and has the ability to keep you captured throughout the entire story.
Dok is the town doctor who grew up Amish. She left, gained experience, and found herself back among the Amish to take care of them. Her husband Matt is on the local police force. A baby was found on the steps of Dok’s office and changed their lives forever.
Anne is a young Amish woman who has big ambitions. She is shy and struggles to speak in front of people. Her life is also changed the day the paramedics pick up the baby left on the doorstep.
Bee is a widower learning to move on. When she is faced with some difficult circumstances, she is paired up to be friends with an older woman who teaches her how to have faith and to keep living.
All the characters in this story come together to create a beautiful, heartwarming story. Suzanne Woods Fisher is phenomenal at bringing challenging situations, humor, God’s word, and positivity all in one story. I highly recommend this story!!
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell Publishing Group through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
Dok is the town doctor who grew up Amish. She left, gained experience, and found herself back among the Amish to take care of them. Her husband Matt is on the local police force. A baby was found on the steps of Dok’s office and changed their lives forever.
Anne is a young Amish woman who has big ambitions. She is shy and struggles to speak in front of people. Her life is also changed the day the paramedics pick up the baby left on the doorstep.
Bee is a widower learning to move on. When she is faced with some difficult circumstances, she is paired up to be friends with an older woman who teaches her how to have faith and to keep living.
All the characters in this story come together to create a beautiful, heartwarming story. Suzanne Woods Fisher is phenomenal at bringing challenging situations, humor, God’s word, and positivity all in one story. I highly recommend this story!!
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell Publishing Group through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
November 8, 2024
A Healing Touch by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a beautiful book full of love, faith, hope, and community. Each of these characters are tightly woven together like a big family. I loved how each one of them relied on and helped each other with various things. Every character was going through a different scenario in life. Young and old this cast of characters made the book vibrant. One couple raising a baby they found until a social worker took it to its father. A woman dealing with breast cancer, and another woman dealing with a career change and dealing with her mother who always thinks of an illness to be checked.
There is a lot happening with this small Amish community. However, they take it day by day and leave readers with inspiration and hope. Suzanne Woods Fisher has a way in writing books that relate to vast group of people and making them enjoyable to read. There are sad, intriguing, and heartfelt moments that melt my heart. I definitely enjoyed following the doctor and her husband as they and their community worked through each other's issues. With God, anything can happen. Blessings come in small disguises.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
There is a lot happening with this small Amish community. However, they take it day by day and leave readers with inspiration and hope. Suzanne Woods Fisher has a way in writing books that relate to vast group of people and making them enjoyable to read. There are sad, intriguing, and heartfelt moments that melt my heart. I definitely enjoyed following the doctor and her husband as they and their community worked through each other's issues. With God, anything can happen. Blessings come in small disguises.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
November 12, 2024
A Healing Touch by the amazing storyteller Suzanne Woods Fisher is another captivating Amish Christian tale. The author takes readers back to Stoney Ridge where Amish and English both live together. I was excited to return there and catch up with the characters.
This book has so many things going on with different situations. It mainly focus on Ruth "Dok" Stoltzfus. She grew up Amish and left the community in order to become a doctor. Then she returned to take care of them.
This thought provoking novel tackles abandoned babies, illness, cancer, family matters, grief, widowhood, hope, and faith. It grabbed my attention quickly. I was so invested in the stories of the Amish and English beloved characters that I had trouble putting the book down. There are twists and turns to keep readers on their toes. The writing is superb and will transport you to the Stoney Ridge community. Be sure to read the Cast of Characters at the beginning. It will make you smile as you become acquainted or reacquainted with everyone.
I highly recommend this poignant novel. It has lingered in my mind for days, which is the sign of a great book. I love the life and Christian lessons it provides. It receives a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided but these are my honest words.
This book has so many things going on with different situations. It mainly focus on Ruth "Dok" Stoltzfus. She grew up Amish and left the community in order to become a doctor. Then she returned to take care of them.
This thought provoking novel tackles abandoned babies, illness, cancer, family matters, grief, widowhood, hope, and faith. It grabbed my attention quickly. I was so invested in the stories of the Amish and English beloved characters that I had trouble putting the book down. There are twists and turns to keep readers on their toes. The writing is superb and will transport you to the Stoney Ridge community. Be sure to read the Cast of Characters at the beginning. It will make you smile as you become acquainted or reacquainted with everyone.
I highly recommend this poignant novel. It has lingered in my mind for days, which is the sign of a great book. I love the life and Christian lessons it provides. It receives a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided but these are my honest words.
October 12, 2024
A Healing Touch was, absolutely, wonderful!
This story touched on so many feelings within.
Truly a must read on your TBR list.
God has a way of healing those that don't realize that they even need it. This story touches in so many different touching points in several different situations of people's lives, and how lives intertwine between English & the Amish is great!
I love how the author placed the case of Breast Cancer in this story, while it being October, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month!! I'm a Breast Cancer Survivor, myself, so this truly touched my heart.
Also, I went through what Hank Lapp deals with, as well. I lived on a farm taking care of chickens, geese,and ducks and had no idea, until later in life, I suffered with a nodule on my lower lobe of my lung.
This story was beautifully written and well worth reading!!
I HIGHLY recommend this to everyone. You won't regret reading it. A touching, heartfelt, loving, faith based book that shows you life with prayer, God, hope, love, grace, humility, and so much more can get you through life much easier.
This story touched on so many feelings within.
Truly a must read on your TBR list.
God has a way of healing those that don't realize that they even need it. This story touches in so many different touching points in several different situations of people's lives, and how lives intertwine between English & the Amish is great!
I love how the author placed the case of Breast Cancer in this story, while it being October, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month!! I'm a Breast Cancer Survivor, myself, so this truly touched my heart.
Also, I went through what Hank Lapp deals with, as well. I lived on a farm taking care of chickens, geese,and ducks and had no idea, until later in life, I suffered with a nodule on my lower lobe of my lung.
This story was beautifully written and well worth reading!!
I HIGHLY recommend this to everyone. You won't regret reading it. A touching, heartfelt, loving, faith based book that shows you life with prayer, God, hope, love, grace, humility, and so much more can get you through life much easier.
October 23, 2024
4.5 stars for this book!
"Difficult times end up making us the best we can be." -Fern Lapp
This was my first read by this author, and I loved it!!
The tough topics of grief, anxiety and cancer were woven into the story, but were written in a way that wasn't emotionally traumatic or depressing for the reader.
I liked Doc and the other characters, but found that I could relate most to Annie, Doc's Amish office assistant as she struggled with anxiety, and learns to conquer her fears with Christ.
Content/Trigger Warning: Doc drinks a glass of wine after a long day at work.
I really enjoyed this story that made me read slower to soak in the wisdom and life lessons that were so poetically written in this book.
I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more of this author's books in the future.
Thanks to Revell Books for the complimentary paperback I received through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.
"Difficult times end up making us the best we can be." -Fern Lapp
This was my first read by this author, and I loved it!!
The tough topics of grief, anxiety and cancer were woven into the story, but were written in a way that wasn't emotionally traumatic or depressing for the reader.
I liked Doc and the other characters, but found that I could relate most to Annie, Doc's Amish office assistant as she struggled with anxiety, and learns to conquer her fears with Christ.
Content/Trigger Warning: Doc drinks a glass of wine after a long day at work.
I really enjoyed this story that made me read slower to soak in the wisdom and life lessons that were so poetically written in this book.
I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more of this author's books in the future.
Thanks to Revell Books for the complimentary paperback I received through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.
October 31, 2024
When I read a story by Suzanne Woods Fisher I feel like I am at a family reunion where there is laughter, conversation, assistance, companionship, and most of all, family. A Healing Touch is like that. There are many things going on in this book. It is the story of Ruth "Dok" Stoltzfus, a doctor in an Amish community. She assists many patients with their physical needs, but she also believes in their spiritual and mental needs also. The book addresses some hard topics such as cancer, death, fostering children, adoption, and hypochondria. It follows the lives of several characters as they interact with Dok. Although this book addresses some heavy topics, I didn't find it to be burdensome. I was uplifted by the characters and their reactions to their trials. I enjoyed reading this book and it went way too quickly. I would love to read more stories from Dok in the future. I definitely recommend this book.
I would like to thank Revell Publishing Company for allowing me to read an advanced reader copy. It in no way influenced my opinion of the book.
I would like to thank Revell Publishing Company for allowing me to read an advanced reader copy. It in no way influenced my opinion of the book.
November 2, 2024
This story! Author Suzanne Woods Fisher does it again. Full of wonderful characters and unexpected happenings, I couldn’t put it down.
Dok is just that; an incredible doctor who treats both Amish and English and knows just how to tie them together. She is an encourager and truly cares. Maybe too much? She and her husband need to find each other again in their world of business.
Fisher deals with breast cancer, abandoned baby, and a girl who is convinced of God’s leading in her life. Bee is dealing with breast cancer, and two unexpected people step in to help. The search is on for the mother of the abandoned baby, and a young girl finds unexpected help in her quest to follow a distinct path. There’s so much going on but it wasn’t confusing nor was it sad the way everything wrapped up. I loved it and think you will too!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Dok is just that; an incredible doctor who treats both Amish and English and knows just how to tie them together. She is an encourager and truly cares. Maybe too much? She and her husband need to find each other again in their world of business.
Fisher deals with breast cancer, abandoned baby, and a girl who is convinced of God’s leading in her life. Bee is dealing with breast cancer, and two unexpected people step in to help. The search is on for the mother of the abandoned baby, and a young girl finds unexpected help in her quest to follow a distinct path. There’s so much going on but it wasn’t confusing nor was it sad the way everything wrapped up. I loved it and think you will too!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
November 7, 2024
A Healing Touch
As a avid reader of Christian fiction book there are certain things I like to see in a book! "A Healing Touch" by Suzanne Woods Fisher has the things I look for. Suzanne Woods Fisher is a great author and you can never go wrong with her books!
My thoughts - One of the things I look for in is a strong Christian base. Also, I have to like the characters. I have to feel like the characters are real and not just part of a story. I fell in love the characters and the storyline was flowed nicely. You will see the love the main character Ruth "Dok" Stoltz the care she has for her patients.
Rating - I have to give this book a perfect score of. 5 stars
Recommend - I highly recommend "A Healing Touch" to all that like a great Christian based book.
Disclaimer - I received this complimentary cope from the publisher for a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone
As a avid reader of Christian fiction book there are certain things I like to see in a book! "A Healing Touch" by Suzanne Woods Fisher has the things I look for. Suzanne Woods Fisher is a great author and you can never go wrong with her books!
My thoughts - One of the things I look for in is a strong Christian base. Also, I have to like the characters. I have to feel like the characters are real and not just part of a story. I fell in love the characters and the storyline was flowed nicely. You will see the love the main character Ruth "Dok" Stoltz the care she has for her patients.
Rating - I have to give this book a perfect score of. 5 stars
Recommend - I highly recommend "A Healing Touch" to all that like a great Christian based book.
Disclaimer - I received this complimentary cope from the publisher for a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone
September 23, 2024
As a devoted fan of Amish romance novels, I was thrilled to read "A Healing Touch" by Suzanne Woods Fisher. This captivating story beautifully blends heartfelt romance with themes of healing and redemption, making it a true gem in the genre.
Fisher’s vivid storytelling brings the Amish community to life, immersing readers in its rich traditions and values. The characters are deeply relatable, each facing their own struggles and triumphs. The protagonist’s journey toward healing, both physically and emotionally, is beautifully portrayed, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.
Overall, "A Healing Touch" is a delightful addition to any Amish romance lover’s collection. It’s a story that will leave you with a smile and a renewed sense of hope!
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.
Fisher’s vivid storytelling brings the Amish community to life, immersing readers in its rich traditions and values. The characters are deeply relatable, each facing their own struggles and triumphs. The protagonist’s journey toward healing, both physically and emotionally, is beautifully portrayed, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.
Overall, "A Healing Touch" is a delightful addition to any Amish romance lover’s collection. It’s a story that will leave you with a smile and a renewed sense of hope!
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.
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