Often when I see the word "mending" I think about clothes that need a seam reinforcement or something like that. That's not what this novel is about.

Malinda has Crohn's Disease and she believes that excludes her from getting married or having children. She believes the cost of her medications and possible surgery would put her completely out of any bachelor's market. This theme runs throughout the book. Malinda seems to be waiting for the next flare of her disease and can't see who she is beyond her disease. In some ways I can relate to her struggles: I too have a chronic disease and I work hard not to let it define me. Malinda has let her condition define who she is.

Susan Lantz Simpson has written a fairly good Amish fiction book that resonates with many readers. There is love, tension, complications, and a too helpful family. A solid four star book.

My appreciation goes to Kensington Press for allowing me to read and review this book.

This book was my first one I read by this author and I loved it. I found it different than other Amish books I read and enjoyed it very much. I am looking forward to more of this story. This book kept me interested from the beginning to the end and i felt it had some interesting turns. If you love Amish books you will certainly enjoy this one.

This is the second book in the series and it was wonderful. The protagonist, Malinda, is dealing with a disease that has robbed her of her lifes joys. She must come face to face with issues that could cause a flare up, and learn to allow herself to live and enjoy each day. The characters were great and the plot was realistic. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

I liked The Mending by Susan Lantz Simpson. It was a little different from most Amish books I have read. I give it 3 1/2 stars.

Malinda, suffering with Crohn's disease battles with the idea that she is a burden because of her illness. This will touch the hearts of many who may be suffering from this disease or other illnesses. This is a sweet story of love and family. I love that Malinda has
bruders that love and tease her so much which I think
adds a lot to the story. The English doctor and nurse adds a twist to the story that I did not expect. Looking forward to the next book in this series. Highly recommended!

I loved this book!
I too suffer with illness and have to remind myself His grace is sufficient for me.
The main character Melinda suffers with illness and longs to feel whole. She feels like everyone looks at her as an invalid and feels she is of no value.When her brothers best friend Tim takes interest in her she struggles to believe she is worthy of him.She fears she can never be a useful helpmate and tries to encourage him to look elsewhere. When Timothy is hurt he struggles with feeling unworthy,Melinda then comes to see her worth through this event.

This is the first book I've read by Susan Lantz Simpson and I absolutely loved it! This is a very well written book and I can't wait to see what she writes next. If you like Amish fiction, you will really enjoy this book. Thank you NetGalley and Kingston Books Zebra for an ARC copy of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.

I was so excited at the opportunity to read and review not just one book by Susan Lantz Simpson, but two, and so close together! And the Mending was also of interest to me in that Malinda, the main character, suffers from Crohn's disease, an illness that affects many of my close family members and friends. My close knowledge of this condition really helps me to emphasize with Malinda's suffering and her feelings about coping with Crohn's Disease.
As the story of The Mending begins, Malinda is returning home to Maryland from Ohio- where she was helping her aunt until Malinda experienced a major relapse of Crohns that required a lengthy hospitalization. Malinda feels quite weak and still not 100 percent well. However, she is relieved to be home again with her parents and brothers. Her parents, her mother especially, seek to give her opportunities for rest and for building back her strength and gaining weight. Malinda struggles with feelings of frustration when people wish to help her- she doesn't want to be pitied or treated like an invalid. Malinda also must get over the hurt of being passed over by her one time boyfriend Isaac. She is at first confused by and then touched and pleased by the attention of Tim, her brother Sam's long time best friend. Tim is quite eager to show her that he cares for her and wants to share life together. However, Malinda also is quite alarmed that her doctor from Ohio is pursuing her romantically- which has her uncomfortable and frightened, as the doctor acts inappropriately.
The Mending is a beautiful novel that will have readers losing track of time until they finish the story. I was up well into the night reading!