A Plain Confession Suzanne Woods Fisher

A Plain Confession by Suzanne Woods Fisher Celebrate Lit Tour Banner

About the Book

Suzanne Woods Fisher, author of A Plain Confession

Book: A Plain Confession

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Amish Fiction

Release Date: October 20, 2026

Sam Mustang has come to Stoney Ridge with one purpose–to make amends before his time runs out. An outsider with a past he can’t undo, he finds unexpected companionship in Darcy Delaney, a traveling nurse whose restless spirit is steadied as Sam teaches her and young Gus Troyer the wonder of stargazing.

But the stars aren’t the only things shifting in Stoney Ridge. Dok Stoltzfus is thrust back into the hardest chapter of her life when the child she once fostered returns. His presence stirs complicated questions: Is she now too old to be a mother, and what lies behind the troubling changes she sees in the child?

As those secrets ripple outward, the lives of Sam, Dok, and Gus begin to pull at the same thread. Sam’s search for redemption, Dok’s struggle with calling and family, and Gus’s bond with a vulnerable child collide in ways that test faith, love, and the very meaning of forgiveness.

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author, Christy finalist, Carol and Selah winner, and two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, with over forty books to her name. She writes contemporary, historical and Amish novels. Suzanne lives in California with her husband, where life (family and friends) provides plenty of grit for the oyster.

More from Suzanne

Dear Reader,

Here’s a fun bit of timing to celebrate A Plain Confession‘s release: in November 2026, just a few weeks after the book comes out, the Leonid meteor shower peaks. It’s one of the most dazzling showers of the year, with fast, bright streaks that show up without warning. No telescope needed. Just a dark patch of sky, a warm jacket, and a willingness to slow down for a while.

If you want to make a night of it, pack some stargazing snacks. Cosmic popcorn, sprinkled with smoked paprika. Shooting star sandwiches, cut with a cookie cutter. Milky Way hot cocoa or Comet apple cider in a thermos. Or go all out with a celestial charcuterie board: moon and star-shaped cheddar bites, chocolate-covered almonds, dried cherries, crackers, the works.

A few tips if you’re new to stargazing:

Find a darker spot. Even stepping away from porch lights helps.
Give your eyes time. Ten minutes without bright screens makes a huge difference.
Look toward the east for the best show.

Then just pause. Let yourself slow down.

That’s the heart of Sam’s story too. Slowing down. Paying attention. Letting small wonders do their quiet work.

I hope A Plain Confession gives you that same sense of wonder. Thanks for joining me on the tour! Happy stargazing!

Suzanne

Devoted To Hoper's Review of A Plain Confession

God’s handiwork in the stars and His work in people’s hearts … I loved experiencing both in A Plain Confession. Suzanne Woods Fisher intertwines these stories so beautifully, bringing together people whose choices have hurt one another and whose lives still hold opportunities for forgiveness. This book is fantastic, and the faith content is such a wonderful part of why!

Sam Mustang comes to Stoney Ridge wanting to make amends after an ALS diagnosis. With that in mind, Bishop David’s question means so much: “What would you do differently if you knew you were dying? Perhaps it’s an attitude we should all consider -- to live like you’re dying.”

What would we change? What would suddenly matter enough for us to act? I appreciated seeing other characters consider that question, too. Our time on this earth is limited. Why wait to seek the Lord’s forgiveness and make things right with others?

The moments of confession were amazing. People acknowledged their sins and asked forgiveness, and David himself needed to confess. Being the bishop didn’t excuse him from examining his own heart. He was weary and struggling with his responsibilities, yet he could also see the Lord working in the congregation in ways only the Lord could accomplish.

“Where strength fails, God’s grace carries us.” How easily we can recognize what God has done and still shoulder the next burden as though we have to carry it ourselves. I’ve written this quote on an index card so I will always be mindful of this truth along with the Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 12:9 and Isaiah 46:4.

What made these intertwining stories so meaningful to me was seeing how one person’s humility affected others. Past choices had caused decades of hurt that reached into the present, but confession and forgiveness also reached beyond the people directly involved. Watching God work through all of that was beautiful … and realistic!

I also loved Sam sharing his interest in the stars with Darcy and Gus. God’s handiwork! Those moments of looking up and learning about His creation were such a lovely part of this story.

Forgiveness wasn’t easy for everyone, and I appreciated that the story showed the hurt people needed to work through. The Lord knew every bit of it. The One who made those stars could soften hearts, bring hidden sins to light, lead people to repentance, help them forgive one another, and give them grace to make things right.

I received a digital ARC of this book from Celebrate Lit Publicity Group, the publisher, and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.