From family secrets to past mistakes to searching for forgiveness, this story is filled with unique relationships. Determination and fortitude are found in strong characters. I enjoyed this story. Great read. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

The third book in the Deacon's Family series has Jimmy Fisher returning home. A lot of hard subjects are dealt with in this story to include abortion, fostering children, adoption, fatherless children, and family problems. Readers familiar with this series will enjoy catching up with all the characters in this book and the spiritual growth in many. The ending was surprising but I especially like the way the author dealt with Edith. Recommended!

"Growing up is hard on a man." Jimmy Fisher definitely has some growing up to do. Motivated to gain back his independence, he works hard to help out a neighbor, the young widow, Sylvie, and her precocious son, Joey. Another delightful book in the Deacon's Family series! Continuing the story begun in the first two books, with a bit of recap to refresh the memory. I loved this one too, picking up with Izzy and Luke's lives again a year later.

“For in you the fatherless find compassion.” Told with charming subtle humor, this story was a fun read, but not a light one. The main characters struggle with some deep issues and challenged me to think. Centered on themes of faith and family, particularly the importance of fathers, loving difficult neighbors, trusting God, and the sanctity of life were presented without being too 'preachy'. Sylvie was a peach, so kind and patient despite her ill treatment. I enjoyed seeing her grow in faith, along with her awkward friendship with Jimmy. He reminded me of Luke a little, with a few more rough edges.

Recommend reading the series in order to fully enjoy it. There is a handy reference list of characters though in case readers jump in here. I hope there will be more books. I am very reluctant to see it end!

I really loved this book and I loved the cover and the character's of the story. I was very happy I got the opportunity to read it.

The conclusion to the The Deacon's Family Series was a wonderful conglomeration of the previous books with characters that were in previous writings by this author. I loved how they reappeared and meshed so well with this book.

Sylvie needs help. She's a widow with a large farm in very run down condition and unpaid back taxes. She hires her neighbors son, Jimmy, who has been away from home for quite a period of time. The situation between Jimmy's mother and Sylvie is not a good one and her hiring of Jimmy does not sit well with his mother. But Jimmy has a special way with horses and Sylvie has a beautiful Arabian stallion.

I love how this book revolves around a beautiful Arabian horse and horse breeding which is a new and refreshing angle. Love new ideas in an Amish series. I have read the earlier books of this series, and therefore recognized the names and personalities that appear in this book. But I still think that it can easily be a stand alone book.

All in all, I loved the book, the series and the amazing writing style of this wonderful author.

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

This is the first book about the Amish that for me shows clearly although they choose to live differently, they are much like everyone else. They struggle with their daily challenges and relationships, relying on their faith, and community to lend a hand when needed, as well as celebrate their triumphs with them.
Two Steps Forward is well written and brings the Amish community to life. I was pulled right into Stoney Ridge, and the budding relationships between Jimmy, Sylvie, and Joey.
The protagonists and side characters had all the flaws we face in our own lives. Each one was an individual with their own unique experiences playing into their thoughts and actions. The development and growth, as well as failures of each character made it easy to step into a culture different than my own.
There was a thread of hope and faith throughout the story that felt genuine instead of preachy. Each story within the story had its own challenges to deal with—abortion, miscarriage, adoption, pride, abandonment, rejection, and drug use were touched on and overcome.
I will definitely read this book again. I loved every minute of it.
I was given a copy of this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group through Interviews and Reviews. This is my honest assessment.

I loved this book. I am a big fan of Suanne Woods Fisher, but this was the best of the series. I love seeing people we have met in the others titles reappear. I have loved seeing Luke grow and Izzy gain confidence as an Amish woman.
The characters were well-drawn and very relatable.
The only drawback was the ending. It made sense but felt very hurried and could have been different.
That being said this was a very satisfying read.

This is the 3rd book of the Deacon family serie, after StitchesInTime, but you can easily read it as a stand-alone book.
It is set in Stoney Ridge.
Sylvie, a cousin of deacon Luke Schrock, became widow.
She has a child and a big farm to raise, she needs help. A say from the Holy Book "Good doesn't give you more than you can handle".
Jimmy Fisher, her neighbour, come back her mother-home, alone, without job and house.
Hank Lapp, Jimmy step-father, is a big man, so real and good. He speaks loud and much and always what he has in mind, but sometimes profoundd thoughts and good advances.
All the characters in the book are realistic, well building.
In this book there are hard topics:
the responsability to care about the unwanted children, the important of haveing a father, the love of friends and family help each others,
the power of the lies, that make small things big and big things small, the real meaning of comunity and Easter and Communion.