Two Steps Forward (The Deacon's Family) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book Synopsis

Back and broke in Stoney Ridge, Jimmy Fisher has coasted as long as he could through life on charm, good looks, and deep-set dimples. They always worked just fine for him--until they didn't. His smile has no effect on the violet-eyed beauty he met at the Bent N' Dent, the one with that stunning horse. She's offered him a job, but nothing else.

The last thing Sylvie Schrock King needs around Rising Star Farm is a grown boy working for her, especially her neighbor Edith's son. The woman holds a serious grudge against Sylvie and her son, and hiring Jimmy Fisher will only fan the flames of Edith's rancor. But Sylvie is desperate for help on the farm, and Jimmy understands horses like no one else.

While Jimmy's lazy smile and teasing ways steal Sylvie's heart, Edith is working on a way to claim her land. Has Sylvie made another terrible mistake? Or is it too late to outfox the fox? More importantly . . . just who is the fox?

Writing with both wit and warmth, Fisher delivers a supremely satisfying conclusion to the popular Deacon's Family series. 

My thoughts:

I always like returning to Stoney Ridge the community where people care about their families, friends and neighbors.  Some may leave the community but most of them return like Jimmy Fisher did in this novel.  There was no fanfare because the Amish don't really do that sort of thing but he does stop off at The Bent N' Dent where he sees a beautiful horse and an adorable little boy who both belong to a woman who sets his heart racing.

Sylvie Schrock King is a widow who needs help in getting her farm, Rising Star in order so she offers the job to Jimmy, much to his mother's chagrin. 

This isn't just a story of Jimmy and Sylvie although they do figure prominently but we also reconnect with Luke, Izzy, Fern, David and some others that I have grown fond of.  If you have read the first two books in this series than you're familiar with Luke's involvement with children and adoption, so that is as important aspect in the storyline.  There are parts of the storyline that are serious, funny, touching and oh so sweet!

The characters are flawed, they are lovable but most of all they seem real which is why I love this authors writing. 

Overall, I have loved the time I've spent in Stoney Ridge and will miss this community and it's residents. This is the third and final book in the series but this could be read as a standalone although I think it's better to read the books in order to get better acquainted with the characters.  I thought the author has penned a wonderful conclusion to the series and is a perfect read for fans of Amish and Christian fiction. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.