| Title | : | A Healing Touch: (Amish Fiction about a Small Town Community Doctor and an Abandoned Baby) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1493447149 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781493447145 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 297 |
| Publication | : | Published October 1, 2024 |
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.
A Healing Touch: (Amish Fiction about a Small Town Community Doctor and an Abandoned Baby) Reviews
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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. -
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. -
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.) -
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 -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
The story is set in a small amish town, Stoney Ridge.
The characters are both Amish and English.
Through the story you can read and learn the differences about dresses, thoughts, way to do, to grieve and to live between Amish and English. This is very interesting, I love it.
The author includes in the story some sentences and saying from the Bible, such as:
"The doctor can treat, but only God can heal"
The topics are common in the life both in Amish and English world, but also hard and difficult to deal with: cancer, loss of an husband, help Others, neglect family needs, jeopardizing the marriage, foster baby and give love.
I enjoyed very much reading the book, I love how the author writes. Lovely characters, I'll miss them.
Thank you to let me read this book to: Author, Editor, Interview&Review, Netgalley. -
A Healing Touch
by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Suzanne Woods Fisher has given us a delightful new book, A Healing Touch, in the Stoney Ridge series. Although part of this series, it is a story or should I say stories that could easily stand alone in its own right.
Dok, Annie, Bee, Fern, and Hank Lapp. Each has an interesting storyline On their own. Her characters are realistic and believable. Each have an important story to tell and add much to the book.
Each storyline is developed well leaving just enough unsaid that we really can’t wait to see what happens as their lives go forward.
This story is very uplifting and a great addition to the series.
I was given an ARC by Revell and was not required to give a positive review. Order your copy of this 5-star book today. -
Having read a number of Suzanne Woods Fisher's book, I was excited to read A Healing Touch. I was not disappointed in this new offering from a favorite author. It was enjoyable to follow several characters from previous books (Dok, the doctor in Stoney Ridge, Hank (Mr. Loudmouth! and his wife, and Fern, recently widowed) and to get to know Annie, Dok's assistant. There are several story lines--dealing with cancer, foster care, illness, and a young Amish woman who desperately wants to step out of the traditional woman's role. Each were dealt with realistically and kept my interest. I enjoyed this delightful story that is rich with faith and family, Readers who enjoy Amish fiction will not want to miss reading A Healing Touch. I read a complimentary copy of the book through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.
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We are gifted with several stories here, and some will require tissues!
We are back in Stoney Ridge, and there are some recurring character's here, but this can be read alone.
This read does feature Dok, and the gift that is given to her, that she doesn't want, but? Then we meet Bee, and Annie, among others!
This reads like we are there, and when the last page was turned we want more!
I loved Fern, she seemed to have the answers, and a subtle way, and Bee's sure needs help. Then Annie wishing to bloom, she is such a shy girl, but her Mom also needs help.
Journey for answers and surprises, not always like we hope!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review. -
“A doctor can treat, but only God can heal.” “Faith should infuse grief.”
It was nice to return to Stoney Ridge with Ruth “Dok” Stoltzfus story as a doctor to the Amish community as well as Englishers. Growing up Amish she understood the beliefs of her patients which was a plus. There were a variety of characters with issues in this story that Dok was in touched with. Dok’s own life was challenged in this tale where she had to release her own situations to the Lord knowing best. I would like to see Fisher write Annie’s story who is Dok’s office assistant in this read.
Fisher has a way to draw her readers in from the start till the story is finished. Her creativity with humor, plots, Amish proverbs, strong characters and faith brings life to her books. -
Thank you to Suzanne Woods Fisher and Revell/Baker for a copy of A Healing Touch. I don't give away spoilers in my reviews.
I really enjoy stories with Amish characters and settings. I read so much crime and mystery that it's a nice happy break from my usual books.
This is the first in this series that I've read. I really like Dok - especially for her flaws. I took am impatient and I rarely see that in a character. I also loved Annie - and can't wait to read additional books to hear more about her.
The Amish setting - farms, culture, etc are well represented in this book. I also liked the stories that intertwine into one novel. Fern was a good, smart character and I liked her views. -
A Healing Touch
by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Pub Date Oct 01 2024
Revell
Christian | General Fiction (Adult) | Romance
In addition to addressing her patients’ physical needs, Ruth Stoltzfus also addresses their emotional ones through house calls. As a newly widowed Bee faces breast cancer, Dok reaches out to Fern Lapp for support. In order to help her painfully shy assistant Annie achieve her dream, Dok goes to great lengths. Dok’s world takes an unexpected turn when an abandoned newborn mysteriously appears at her office one frosty morning.
I give A Healing Touch five out of five stars!
Happy Reading! -
I love all of Suzanne Woods Fisher's books. This one, I wasn't sure I wanted to read it because of dealing with the topic of cancer; but it was amazing. I loved re-immersing myself in Dok's life, especially now that she's married, and then add in a baby boy and well, I was hooked! I loved seeing Hank and his wife again and I loved getting to know Annie. I didn't know if I remembered her from previous books but she seemed familiar (as was Sarah at the grocery store).
This book was amazing. I didn't have to write a review. I picked the book up at a local library but I loved it so much, I wanted to write and let others know this book will bless you indeed! -
I rate this book 5 stars as one of the best books I have read so far this year. If you are a fan of Suzanne Woods Fisher, you will not be disappointed. I had a hard time putting this book down because I was anxious to see what would happen next. Suzanne had my attention from page one because each character had their own uniqueness about them and their own storyline that all tied in together with each other. I enjoyed it so much and wanted to share it with others that I requested our library order it. I highly recommend it.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own. -
Such a good story set in an Amish setting -
I enjoyed visiting Stoney Ridge again, and as I said before, Suzanne Woods Fisher creates wonderful believable characters who share the same thoughts and feeling regardless of what religion or culture they might live in. I love that the people in Stoney Ridge share together and respect each other regardless of cultural boundaries... This is actually three [maybe 4] stories within a story and each storyline is wonderful and blends together - much like the community they live in. A story of bravery, change, forgiveness.. and maybe hope for love in the future... -
Ruth "Dok" Stoltzfus, a doctor for a small Amish community, was Amish before heading to medical school. She is a doctor who makes house calls and tries to meet all the needs of those who come to her. Bee a new widow now facing cancer is one of those. Dok pairs her up with Fern Lap to help Bee face her problems and get unstuck. A horse trainer comes to help take care of her horses and farm & her. There is Annie a new office assistant of Dok's whose wanting to learn more about the medical profession, Hank a loud old coot that everyone loves and emergencies galore. There's romance and lots of tension and problems to solve. Come join Dok's tiny world of Stoney Ridge for the journey.
