Since I haven’t read any of the earlier books in this series, my review will be my thoughts regarding just this book. And as you know, sometimes being familiar with the characters and their backstories can make a difference.

To be honest, the book started out interesting, but rather slow. However, as I continued reading it did begin to pick up and interest me. There are moments where secrets come to light and faith is addressed. But it is all balanced with a touch of humor.

The various characters come across as very believable as they clear their own paths through life. Their relationships are unique, their emotions are exactly what you might expect. Though I wish I had read the earlier books and had a little more information about Jimmy Fisher, enough can be picked up in this book to pretty well guess his earlier problems and personality.

Jimmy returns home to Stoney Ridge after four years of being away. He is broke and homeless. It is there that he meets Sylvie Schrock King, a widow. He immediately shares her love for horses. Sylvie hires Jimmy, and that is the place, for me, that it became more interesting. You see, Jimmy is the son of Edith Fisher Lapp. And Edith is Sylvie’s neighbor and rival. All sorts of little things started to boost my interest and curiosity.

Not only do two people attempt to overcome past events, but there is the tale of Izzy Schrock. An interesting woman who is involved with orphaned babies. The depth of various topics covers so much in this book.

My thanks to Revell and NetGalley for an ARC and the ability to review and express my opinions.

What Concerned Me
Nothing

What I Liked Most
Family, romance, apologies, forgiveness, humor, and more contribute to this interesting book.

I highly recommend this book. I would just get the most out of it by starting with the first in the series.

Sylvie has taken a chance by hiring Jimmy Fisher to come and work on her farm. He knows horses and got introduced to her while admiring her buggy horse. Sylvie has her hands full running the farm and trying to keep her neighbor (Jimmy's mom) from trying to take the farm. As the work together to try to get the farm back in shape and to get the finances shored up they become closer.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. While it is book three and characters from the other books appear, it can be enjoyed without having read the other books.
I received a copy of the book to read, the review is mine.

There are not enough good things that I can say about this book! Two Steps Forward by Suzanne Woods Fisher had me laughing out loud, crying, and smiling. As always, Fisher is able to look deep into the heart of what is happening in our world and offer hope. Two Steps Forward is the story of Jimmy Fisher, newly returned to Stoney Ridge, where he works for Sylvie King, a widow with a small son. And, as much as I loved the story of the two of them, this book is so much more. We also get more Luke and Izzy, more Edith and Hank, more Fern, more David. I have grown to love these characters in the stories and feel like they are family. I am so grateful for the chance to read about them, their lives, loves, and dreams.
In the story, Jimmy, as usual, is afraid to commit to anything or anyone, except maybe horses. Sylvie feels unloved and unwanted, by everyone from her father to her neighbor Edith Lapp. Izzy wants a baby so badly, even while she loves Katy Ann, their adopted daughter. She also wants to know about her father, but her mother isn't talking. Luke is growing in his deacon duties and decisions and is a good father and husband, Edith and Hank are still Edith and Hank, but even the two of them have growth and will surprise you. If you haven't read the other books in this series, you don't have to. You can still enjoy the book. However, I highly encourage you to go get them now and start reading! what are you waiting for!!!
I received a free copy of this story from NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

In this, the last book in the author’s Deacon Family series, we find Jimmy Fisher returning to Stoney Ridge after having worked in Colorado on a horse farm when he left his controlling mother, Edith.

Upon his return, he meets young widow, Sylvie Schrock King and begins working on Rising Star Farm. This farm was originally in his family, and his mother, Edith, makes no bones about how she feels about Sylvie’s presence.

As Jimmy and Sylvie work closely, Edith does her best to be sure they don’t develop a relationship.

This is a fast, fun read and I highly recommend the book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Two Steps Forward by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the third (and final) book in The Deacon’s Family series. While Two Steps Forward can be read on its own, you will be missing out on two delightful books. Reading The Deacon’s Family series in order allows you to get to know Luke, Izzy, Bishop David, Hank, Edith and the other characters in Stoney Ridge. I have enjoyed following Luke’s journey and it is not over yet. Jimmy Fisher is returning to Stoney Ridge after the ranch he was working on in Colorado went belly up. He discovers that his mother, Edith has turned his bedroom into a scrapbooking room which has Jimmy sleeping on a lumpy sofa in the basement. Sylvie Schrock King is a widow raising four and a half year old, Joey on her own along with trying to take care of Rising Star Farm. Sylvie offers Jimmy a job which he accepts over his mother’s protests. Jimmy is eager to work with Prince the Arabian horse Sylvie uses to pull her buggy. When Izzy and Fern read about a second infant who died after being abandoned, they implore Luke to come up with an idea. Izzy is happily married to Luke and loves their adopted girl, but she feels a loss over never knowing her own father. She approaches her mother in hopes of learning more about her biological father. Two Steps Forward is a delightfully entertaining novel. There is humor, joy, love, frustration and despair. There is also faith in the Lord. They know that God is there watching over them and will take care of them. I liked getting to know Sylvie. She had a rough childhood in a conservative Amish group and frequently quotes phrases from the Bible. Sylvie is good with animals and strays have a way of finding their way to Rising Star Farm. Jimmy is an upbeat man who is a hard worker and a charmer. His dimples and charm help him with women, but Jimmy has trouble with making a permanent commitment. I like how the book brought attention to the issue of abandoned babies. While there are Safe Haven laws, there are still babies left in restrooms and dumpsters. Two Steps Forward is well-written with engaging characters set in a special Amish community. This is a book that had me smiling and laughing often while reading it with the occasional frown (thanks to Edith). I am going to miss Stoney Ridge and the people who reside there (even Hank Lapp). Two Steps Forward is a brilliant conclusion to The Deacon’s Family series. Two Steps Forward is a charming tale with baby boxes, a hen pen, a jumble of junk, a bright boy, a meddling mother and a benevolent bishop.

This was not your usual Amish set of characters and setting. Jimmy came back to his community after working as a cowboy for 2 years out in Colorado. He came back to stay at his mother and stepfathers house to stay, knowing his mom was the town judge and jury for everyone who did something wrong but herself.
His new neighbors were Sylvia, a violet - eyed young lady, and her boy Joey.
Sylvia had an Arabian stallion that she wanted to bred with an Amish thoroughbred to create a better carriage horse.
Jimmy took a job at Sylvias, cleaning out her ramshackle barn, yard and garden so it would be fit to live in.
Jimmy had been wild, unsettled, and used to being by himself - but that started to change.....

"Two Steps Forward” by Susanne Woods Fisher is a story filled with unique relationships, ranging from a wide gamut of family secrets and past mistakes to searching for forgiveness. The main characters are strong-minded and realistic, laced with determination and fortitude. Susan Woods Fisher is a unique voice for the Amish community. Her sensitive, true-to-life stories are well balanced, with a lot of heart, humor and faith. "Two Steps Forward” is the third and final book in the ‘Deacon Family’ series. Jimmy Fisher is back, broke and bereft in Stoney Ridge, having coasted through the vicissitudes of life, as long and as well as he could, purely on the strength of his charming good looks and deep-set dimples, which had always stood him in good stead, until one day, much to his chagrin, they didn’t! His dazzling smile had absolutely no effect on Sylvie Schrock King, the violet-eyed, vivacious beauty, who offered him a job at her farm, to keep herself and her son Joey afloat. Hiring Jimmy, the son of her neighbour and nemesis, Edith Fisher Lapp, would only serve to fan the fiery flames of Edith’s rancorous rage. However, Sylvie, desperate for help, has no other option. Jimmy has a heart for horses, unlike any other. While Jimmy’s dazzling smile and endearing ways win Sylvie’s heart, Edith schemes to claim her land. Has Sylvie made a terrible mistake in hiring Jimmy? Is it too late to outwit and outfox the fox? And who exactly is the fox? Writing with warm wit, Suzanne Woods Fisher delivers a supremely satisfying tale to wrap up ‘Deacon’s family series, with this extraordinary twist to the typical Amish tale. Humanitarian issues of abandonment and compassionate virtues of commitment, forgiveness, and helping the helpless weave their way through this heartwarming tale. I highly recommend “Two Steps Forward” to all who wish to identify with Amish family life in their own unique communities.

TWO STEPS FORWARD is the conclusion of The Deacon's Family series. It does stand alone but fans will want to read Ms Fisher's other books as the community is close-knit.

There were plenty of smiles, a few chuckles, and some surprises, but mostly sweet moments when secrets were revealed and family ties strengthened.

I loved how Izzy's story was wrapped up. And Jimmy is just Jimmy...but curious minds want to know, is Hank Jimmy's dad?

I love Ms. Fisher's books. She is one of my top five Amish authors. A very talented writer. Highly recommended.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

Sweet but thoughtful

I like Suzanne Woods Fisher's books a lot. On one hand, they just seem like sweet Amish stories. On the other hand, the author brings us interesting characters, each with their own strengths, weaknesses and needs for redemption. Plus this book is full of inspirational ideas to make communities better. I am sad that this book is the end of this series, but the loose ends are nicely wrapped up. I wish the book were longer, though, I want to know what happens next with the hero and heroine. As the third book in the series, I had forgotten a lot of the previous background, but didn't find it an issue. I may go back and read the other books again. Highly recommended.

Thank you to the publisher who send me an e-arc via Netgalley. There was no obligation and this review is my own opinion.

What Wonderful set of characters and I was happy to see some of the old ones too!!
I enjoyed returning to Stoney Ridge again.
This is an excellent story and one that I feel that is a wonderful conclusion to this series!!
I was so sad to see the series end.
I love Suzanne! Her writing is just fabulous!
I'm wondering if anyone notices that there is a theme here? At least it seems to me it is.
The son returns home after being gone for years flat broke etc.
I thought it was interesting to read how Fisher puts these lovable characters through different paces in their lives and learning how to get along, forgive and accepting.
I like how Fisher makes it realistic and believable too.
I love how she pulls you into the story from opening and just keeps you glued to your seat until it's finished.
She writes these stories that will make you believe that the characters are realistic and believable and for me they are!
I feel that I'm really there in the story with them! Some u want to shout at and some you just want to say yes because they've succeeded in what they set out to accomplish.
I enjoyed learning about how different the Amish really are.
Fisher has done a fabulous job in this area as well along with the knowledge about RH blood. Even I've never heard of this before.
I thought the baby boxes were rather neat.
I don't remember much about being that young or what I slept in.
Baby boxes seems like a nice idea.
This is a book that will make you want to eagerly turning the pages to see if Jimmy comes out on top in the end. Will he?
Ya'll just have to pick this book up and read it. Guaranteed you'll love it

This is the third book in the Deacons Family Series. I love that you continue to see old friends from the first two books. This book is about Jimmy Fisher he returns from Colorado after 4 years working with horses. Sylvie is a widow and hires Jimmy to help her on her farm. Jimmy is Edith's son, a neighbor of Sylvie who holds a grudge against her and her son. Love the characters in the book. It was a book hard for me to put down. It is a book of forgiveness and the Amish ways of living it. Hate for the series to come to a end. Suzanne Woods Fisher really knows how to draw you into a book.

I love Two Steps Forward and am truly going to miss this series! Third in the Deacon’s Family series, we see characters from the first two books, especially Luke and Izzy Schrock, and get to know Jimmy Fisher and Sylvie Schrock King. One of my favorite quotes is: “Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future.”

There are so many excellent, current-day challenges addressed in the series, and this novel is no exception. In a gentle, powerful way, the Amish of Stoney Ridge have a solution for women killing and/or abandoning their newborns or having abortions up to the moment of birth, for practicing the spirit of one’s faith, and even emulating Luke’s amend making, or fence-mending, at the approach of Easter. Watching the consistent growth in Luke and Izzy and their marriage is like visiting old friends.

Jimmy Fisher returned to Stoney Ridge after four years of working with horses in Colorado. On his first day in town, he ran into his stepfather Hank Lapp, one of the more memorable folks in town, as he was admiring an Arabian horse hitched to the buggy of a young Amish woman and her son. Arabians are rarely seen in Amish country, as their preferred horse is the Thoroughbred. Sylvie Schrock King, a widow and a cousin to Luke, offered Jimmy a job on the spot based on his knowledge of horses, even though he looked like a homeless man. Hank, thinking she was looking for another husband, told her Jimmy was not available. After the dust settled, Jimmy went to Rising Star Farm, which Sylvie inherited from her late husband Jake, to see if she was still looking for a hired hand.

Jimmy’s mother Edith feels that, when Jake died, the property should have gone to her, as it was originally owned by her grandfather and she wanted it back. She claimed to want it for Jimmy, as she said the will read that the youngest son of each family would inherit the farm. Edith had done all she could to get it from Jake and now that he’d passed away, she wants to take it from his widow. She doesn’t like Sylvie at all, mostly because she believes she should have the property back. Despite the animosity, Jimmy takes the job to care for the horses and handle any other work to clean up the farm from all the stuff Jake collected over the years.

Jimmy proves himself to be a hard worker and finds Sylvie to be quite attractive. That was just the start of his troubles. His mother wants him to court a woman who is scary like her in temperament. Hank has been poking around, looking for something in the house and barn at Rising Star Farm. Jimmy tries to help Sylvie work with the town to prevent the farm from being sold at auction since Jake hadn’t paid taxes for the past couple years. And he sure enjoys the company of Sylvie’s little boy, Joey.

One can read this novel as a standalone. It is such a delightful mix of faith, values, community involvement, heartbreak, romance, and humor, I think one might want to go back and read the first two and meet Luke and Izzy at the beginning. The Amish way of life is beautifully demonstrated by this talented author, and the spiritual lessons she gently shows are valuable. I highly recommend this novel and series to fans of well-written Amish fiction with depth, wisdom, and love for the Lord.

From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this from the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

"Two Steps Forward" is Master Amish Storyteller, Suzanne Woods Fisher's 3rd Novel in her Deacon's Family series. It's an Amazingingly Poignant, Inspirational Romance between widowed Sylvie Schrock King & Amish cowboy Jimmy Fisher. The Story's theme is the Sanctity of Life, & that is Deeply Relevant today.

For those familiar with the Series, several of the Stoney Ridge characters play a part in this novel. But this can be read as a stand alone. You have: feuding neighbors 😤; a domineering Mother trying to arrange her adult son's marriage 😵; a widow & her young son, living on a rundown farm 🚜, in need of TLC; the dream of an Arabian 🐎 stallion being bred to Amish horses, a woman's heart 💓 for desperate young pregnant 🤰 women & their babies 👶; & the Deacon's challenge 🤔 to take action outside his Amish community, in this Outstanding Story.

I Highly Recommend you Get Lost in SWF's Engrossing & Entertaining, Amish Romance today; to see how God brings Sylvie & Jimmy to their Forever 💞! 📖❤️

Returning home isn't always easy - particularly when, like Jimmy Fisher, you left with high hopes of earning a fortune and are coming back flat broke. But his time breaking horses out on the prairies has not been wasted, because on his return to Stoney Ridge he finds an Arabian stallion waiting outside a store and his knowledge earns him a job. Unfortunately, that job is on his old family farm and his mother is desperate to get it back, causing her to be violently against the current owner, Sylvie Schrock. The road to friendship between Jimmy and Sylvie is easy, but the barriers to anything further seem insurmountable - not least Jimmy's own fear of commitment. Is a future for them together possible? And can the problem of the ownership of Rising Star farm ever be finally sorted out?

Every time I pick up a book by this author I know I can safely settle in to enjoy myself, though of course nothing is ever entirely simple enjoyment because life isn't like that. I also know that I'll learn something - in this case, a lesson about the power of confession. That scene near the end... but I don't want to introduce spoilers. Suffice it to say that I found the scene very powerful. Summary: A great story, expertly crafted to hold the interest and make the reader feel like they are there with the characters, dealing with some difficult issues at times but in a generally Biblical way. The growth of the characters over the story is good to watch too. I'm not typically a reader of Amish fiction, but I definitely make an exception for this author, because it's not your typical Amish fiction but so much more. I don't know what she's writing next, if this is the end of this series, but I do know that I'm looking forward to it!

Note that this is part of a series. Though it could be read and enjoyed on its own because the main characters have their own story, parts of the book are a continuation of Luke and Izzy's story, so readers will get more out of it by reading the series in order. All in all, a satisfying story from the point of view of Jimmy and Sylvie, but also a very satisfying end to Luke's journey to full 'deaconage' (if one may coin a word). Highly recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

I am so sad this is the conclusion to the Deacon's Family. I have become a fan of Luke Schrock and I'll be the first to admit that I could not stand him when I first started reading about him. Self-centered little jerk is what he was but he is proof that people can change. I thought pretty much the same of Jimmy Fisher but he did have a grumpy mom and that would make anyone have a hard heart.

I found I was unable to put this book down as I have all the others. Once you delve into Stoney Ridge you don't want to leave. The real world is put on hold and you are transported to a community with problems just like ours but you know things will eventually work out.

Each book in the series can be read as a standalone but I heavily suggest reading in order. Reading in order allows you to be more invested with the characters.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Revell, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

I loved being back with this group of Amish, they now feel like family, and I have come to know them.
Our bad boy Luke is now back, and wow, what a change, he has now grown up, but the story does focus a lot on his loving wife Izzy.
The author also gives us Sylvie, and Edith’s returning son Jimmy, and how they try to save Rising Star Farm, watch out for termites!
Now if you haven’t read the past two books, don’t worry enough information is given that you won’t be lost, but warning you will have to get the other two books, they are that good!
We have several tough topics here, with abandoned babies, but we are also shown what a great bishop David is, I loved what he does! Also, Hank with his words all in caps as he is I take it a bit hard of hearing!
Don’t miss the conclusion to this great series

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

Well written and entertaining inspirational romance. I am not a big fan of Amish fiction but I have truly enjoyed this series. My thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

For a while now I haven't been able to read Amish fiction, after reading several boring Amish novels -- I was in a Amish reading slump. Two Steps Forward brought back my enjoyment of Amish fiction. Fisher brings you an Amish book that is different from nearly all I have read, she wrote a series I have fallen in love with. Most times I come to lack any positive feelings towards the Amish characters because I dislike their beliefs.

In Two Steps Forward I found relatable characters, a beautiful setting, and forgiveness of sins.

With subjects that are not usually shown in Amish fiction such as abortion, abandonment, foster care, and other subjects of the like. This is something of a romance … And so much more.

I look forward to reading more from Suzanne Woods Fisher, and I need to read the first book in the series after reading the last two. For once I look forward to loving an Amish book.

Two Steps Forward is the end of a great series. We finally get to hear Jimmy Fisher's story. Jimmy has coasted along on good looks and dimples. However, he has always been what some would call a problem. Having recently returned from one of his escapades, Jimmy finds he can't keep away from Sylvie Schrock King, his mother's one nemesis. Sylvie doesn't want Jimmy's help but realizes he is the best person for the job. Will they be able to overcome their differences? Will Jimmy's mother quit interfering? I loved how this story unwound. I am glad we finally saw Jimmy Fisher and heard his story. I will miss this series. but hope to visit again soon. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

Two Steps Forward is one of those books that will keep my thoughts captive for many days and when I reread it I will enjoy it just as much. All of the characters in Stoney Ridge are like old friends. You see them again from book to book as another member of the community's story unfolds. So it is with Two Steps Forward Jimmy Fisher returns from being an Amish Cowboy in Colorado. He was an incorrigible lad when he was introduced in The Keeper, book one of the Stoney Ridge Series. What he didn't think of for mischief, nobody else could imagine. Now he was home and life would never be the same. His dogged determination to prove what he can do is just the opposite of what anyone expected.
Suzanne Woods Fisher is a master story teller. She has a way of hooking you into a story from the moment you turn the first page. Her characters, like Jimmy Fisher, are entertaining but have a lot of lessons to give us all. In Suzanne's books a lot of difficult topics are intertwined into the story. While reading Stitches In Time Suzanne introduced the topic of foster care in Amish homes. Luke Schrock, newly appointed deacon wished to fulfill beloved Amos Lapp's wish to empty the system by finding homes for those children. Knowing the impact of that system on his own wife, Luke has been diligent in keeping his promise. While Two Steps Forward is focusing on Jimmy and Sylvie, there is a larger issue at hand. Luke and his wife Izzy are championing the cause of unwanted babies. Recent issues out in the English world seem remote yet closer than one would suspect. Rather than sitting back and being passive about the issue of unwanted babies, the community is united in finding ways to help one baby at a time.

This book is funny, it is entertaining and it leaves the reader something to think about before the book is closed. Things are never what they seem and people will surprise you when you least expect it. I could wax on about this book for a long time, but then, why give the story away when you can enjoy it yourself? It will put your mind on things that are happening in the world today that impact all of us, no matter where we live.

5 stars for this book and the entire Deacon's Family series by Suzanne Woods Fisher! Many thanks to Netgalley.com and Revell for the opportunity to review this book. The opinions offered regarding this book are mine alone.