The Mending

Susan Lantz Simpson

Aug 2018 · The Amish of Southern Maryland Book 2 · Zebra Books

About this ebook

With autumn’s golden glow, marriage season comes to Southern Maryland’s Amish country in a joyful romance from the author of The Promise.

Malinda Stauffer is happy that her gutfrienden Phoebe Yoder may soon be married. Of course, Malinda can’t help wondering about her own future. She hopes someday to find the same contentment as a wife and mother that she has helping her own mamm care for Malinda’s father and five brothers. But a challenging health issue has her convinced no man wants the burden of a fraa who needs rest when there are farms to tend and businesses to run. Adding to her stress is the unwanted attention of an aggressive big city doctor smitten by her—an unsettling distraction she has kept to herself.

Timothy Brenneman works alongside Malinda’s brother, Sam, handcrafting the finest Amish furniture in St. Mary’s County. He can’t recall when Sam’s little schweschder blossomed into a beautiful young woman—but he would do anything to hold Malinda close and soothe the sad yearning in her eyes. Sensing her unease at the mention of her doctor only confirms his desire to protect her. Healing, however, is in Gott’s hands, and a hard lesson in the true meaning of love may soon bless them both in ways they never imagined . . .

Praise for Susan Lantz Simpson

“Susan Lantz Simpson is a talented author and knows how to write authentic Amish fiction.” —She Lives to Read

“Not many authors capture the humility of the Amish as well as Susan.” —Suspense Sisters

Ratings and reviews

The Mending by Susan Lantz Simpson takes us to St. Mary’s County, Maryland. Malinda Stauffer is finally heading home after helping her Aunt Mary recover and then suffering a relapse of her Crohn’s disease that ended up with her hospitalized. Her physician, Dr. Todd McWilliams flirted with her, but Malinda did not encourage him, and she hopes the doctor took the hint that she is not interested in him in a romantic way. Malinda’s best friend, Phoebe Yoder is engaged to Ben Miller and will soon be getting married. Isaac was interested in courting Malinda before she departed, and she hopes he has not changed his mind. However, one glimpse of Isaac with Becky, Malinda knows it is too late. Malinda yearns for a normal life like the other young women in her district, but she feels her illness will keep men at bay. There is one man, though, that Malinda cannot keep away from her. Dr. McWilliams is persistent, and the added stress is causing her Crohn’s disease to flare up. Plus, someone is not happy with Dr. McWilliams interest in Malinda and they are sending her threatening notes. Timothy Brenneman works at the local furniture shop with Malinda’s brother, Sam. Timothy noticed the lovely young woman Malinda has become, but he thought it was too late when he saw her with Isaac. Now that Isaac is courting Becky, Timothy wastes no time in letting Malinda know that he wishes to court her. The problem is convincing Malinda that he loves her and that her disease is not a burden. Follow Timothy and Malinda on their journey in The Mending. The Mending is the second book in this series and follow The Promise (Phoebe’s story). The Mending can be read as a standalone, but I found it helpful to have read The Promise first. I thought The Mending contained good writing, but the pace was slow in some areas. I sympathized with Malinda who must deal with Crohn’s disease. However, I quickly tired of the lengthy pity party. I kept hoping someone would give her a good, long lecture (a reality check). I enjoyed the descriptions of St. Mary’s County and the daily life of the Amish. I cannot imagine living without a regular washing machine and dryer (or without air conditioning). I felt the situation with Dr. McWilliams was serious, but it felt overly dramatic. I never understood why Malinda would not talk with her parents or someone in authority (I know it is part of the story, but it did not feel realistic). For someone who wishes to marry and have children, Malinda failed to act like an adult. The resolution came about abruptly, and it seemed too easy. I thought the romance between Timothy and Malinda progressed at a realistic pace. However, the back and forth with Malinda saying she would be a burden and Timothy saying he loved her (and wants to marry her) and her condition was not a burden became tiresome. Malinda needed to learn that she is not defined by her illness. I felt that Malinda needed to grow as a person as her relationship with Timothy developed. A few tweaks would have made a difference in the story. Some of the Christian themes present are trusting in the Lord, the power of prayer, have faith in God, and that His grace is sufficient. My rating for The Mending is 3 out of 5 stars. For those readers who enjoy a sweet Amish romance, then come along to St. Mary’s County, Maryland in The Mending. There is a preview of The Reconciliation at the end of the book which will be Atlee’s story.

it's a very good book

About the author

Susan Lantz Simpson has been writing stories and poetry ever since she penned her first poem at the age of six. She has always loved the magic of words and how they can entertain and enlighten others. Her love of words led her to earn a degree in English/Education from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in St. Mary’s City, Maryland. She has taught students from pre-kindergarten to high school and has also worked as an editor for the federal government. She also holds a degree in nursing from the University of Maryland at Baltimore and has worked in hospitals and in community health. She writes inspirational stories of love and faith and has published a middle grade novel (Ginger and the Bully). She lives in Southern Maryland and is the mother of two wonderful daughters. She’s also a member of ACFW. When not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, and doing needlework.