Stitches in Time

Stitches in Time is another great read by one of my favorite authors. Suzanne Woods Fisher has created wonderful characters that are likable and relatable. Luke, formerly a troubled young man, is now married and beginning to allay the distrust of others in the community. Then very unexpectedly, he is chosen for a leadership role--and the story begins! There are struggles with a member who drinks too much, the promises to keep regarding emptying the foster care system, the strain on his marriage. The author, with humor and beautiful word pictures, does a fantastic job bringing these scenes to life. Some of the characters are from previous books and it is pleasant to see them again, especially Bishop David and Aunt Fern, both such wise and kind people who speak life into others' lives. I loved how the 23rd Psalm is used throughout the book to illustrate different scenarios as Izzy shepherds her flock of sheep. Another theme throughout the story is related to knitting. Being a person who knits, I liked her allegorical references to dropped stitches and the need to catch those stitches in time. The book focuses on foster care and Fisher realistically portrays some of the problems related to this societal issue. At the end of the book, the author has discussion questions and a brief history of foster care. She also dispels myths that people have regarding foster care and gives suggestions as to how readers can volunteer to help children in need. Readers who like Amish fiction and stories full of family, friends, and faith will not want to miss Stitches in Time. I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.