The Englisch Daughter - Cindy and Erin Woodsmall

Things are different within the marriage and Jemima Graber can't fully understand what has gone wrong. Devoted mother and wife, her life for the last ten years belonged to her family.

When an accident causes her husband and daughter to be injured, the distance starts. It was a time to be thankful as they survived yet Roy isolates himself from them, their family. When did things get so bad? Jemima hardly sees him and her desire to own a food truck, sanctioned by the Bishop, is fast becoming a pipe dream.

Roy loves his family, the horse farm he owns is successful. But, that one night with an old friend has caused so much internal turmoil. He doesn't know how to face Jemima, the love of his life. Would she understand the relationship he has with Tiffany, an Englisch woman he met before joining the Old Order faith? Not only does Roy have to find the courage to speak to his wife, he also needs to explain why she won't be able to purchase the food truck. When did things go so wrong?

Abigail loves her independence, helping out at Endless Grace (a group helping men in recovery and at risk teens), working on the horse farm. She knows something isn't right between her brother and sister-in-law but, whatever it is, she's on Jemima's side. Her opinion of men is a touch jaded. And, then she meets Chris, the newly employed farmhand.

Chris Fisher is in between the Order. He's taken on boxing, frowned upon in the Amish community, but he has to compete in one more fight. It may be his downfall, but it will help his brother. When he meets Abigail, he's not inclined to tell her the whole truth. But, if he wants to have a relationship with her he'll have to come clean - will she still accept him?

When the situation with Tiffany comes to head all four have to work together to save a life - but will it save Roy and Jemima's relationship?

Together, the lives of  Jemima, Roy, Abigail and Chris converge to create both a heartwarming and heart wrenching story. Erin and Cindy Woodsmall's story is thoughtful, sincere and scattered with touches of humor. Love and strength of family is the main theme with heavy doses of being truthful and facing the consequences of ones' actions.

Being told from a different perspective, the story shines a new light on how an Amish family deals with trouble within a marriage. It's a story that you hope turns out well if only for the sake of Jemima. The Woodsmall's have created such a strong kind and compassionate protagonist that the reader can  only wish the best for her.

Another well written and thought out novel. The authors have managed to create a story filled with so much emotion and believable characters. Capturing the nuances of children, a strained relationship, a burgeoning one as well as unconditional love and deep faith, The Englisch Daughter will be a book that can't be put down once started. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

A Christmas Haven - Cindy and Erin Woodsmall

When Arlan and Magda Keim crash in to Raysburg's town pharmacy, Ivy Zook's plans take a slight detour.

Running a party planning business is a dream that Ivy wants to see come true. But the reality is proving difficult. Shedding the Old Order ways means she can create access the internet and listen to music so that she can fulfill her clients needs. However, leaving her Amish life behind could mean losing her family. It means leaving her Mamm to tend to the small dairy farm alone, a farm that her father looked after before passing away.

Not only does Ivy need to break the news to her Mamm of her desire to live Englisch and that she will be leaving the community soon but she also needs to time her departure so it doesn't disrupt her elder sister's plans. Holly is getting married to Joshua Smucker in December. And, she's also studying for her LPN (Licensed Practice Nurse) - something her Bishop approved but an issue Holly is unsure whether her fiancé's Bishop will accept.

Arlan left their 'ultra-conservative sect' (Swartzenruber) to get much needed medical help for his sister. He certainly didn't mean to drive in the pharmacy. However, when the Zook family take them in and provided shelter, food and medicine, it gives Arlan a chance to work through how he will return home.

With Ivy looking to leave a restricted lifestyle and Arlan whishing to return to one, the two immediately clash. From living with Ivy's family he sees a freedom that he never knew could exist - one that allowed him to be himself but stay true to God. They both hide parts of their lives - Christmas ornaments for Ivy, books for Arlan - and it's this commonality that breaks the barrier and allows them to understand each other.

Christmas is a time for peace, reflection and sharing a joyous time with family and friends. For Ivy, Arlan and Holly it's a time for them to stay true to their own needs and realizing that they are able to do so within their Amish community. Christ knows the path they have to take - they need to find it.

Another great book from Cindy and her daughter Erin. As usual the characters are sound, relatable and just interesting. The romance is subtle but nonetheless satisfying when sparks finally emerge. The scripture quoted throughout gives the reader further insight of how Ivy and Arlan view life differently and being set amidst the holiday season adds a magical, warming element to the whole story.

I'm a huge fan of Woodsmall and of Amish fiction. This story (far too short for me) was simply sweet and lovely. Characters from other stories popped their heads in here and there and the atmosphere created was homely with a sprinkling of Christmas anticipation. The author(s) have a wonderful way of promoting scripture without it being overbearing and whilst I wish the story was a little longer to have a little more romance, they certainly captured the emotions well. A great read for fans of Amish and Christian fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook and Multnomah as part of their Launch Team. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique. 

Gathering the Threads (The Amish of Summer Grove, Bk 3) – Cindy Woodsmall

Returning to her Amish home, was a joyful event for Ariana Brenneman. And then, sitting at the family table, listening to her father dictate what was to be done, triggered an unease in the young woman.

Forced to live in the ‘Englisch’ world, when it was discovered, she was unintentionally swapped, at her birth, along with Skylar Nash, was an eye-opening situation. Relying on Quill Schlabach wasn’t an ideal, but he was her friend, despite the strained relationship, and he helped her out when she needed it.

Isaac, Ariana’s Amish father, is in disbelief that his daughter, would defy him, his authority. At least her relationship with Rudy (the man she plans to marry) is still going strong. His wife, Lovina, is worried that the two won’t see eye-to-eye. After all, Ariana now knows what it is to live in the Englisch world. Can they truly expect her to be the same?

Now that Ariana is back in the Amish world, will the fact that she wishes to keep the phone and occasionally contact Quill be condoned by the Bishop? And, how much more understanding will Rudy be about that aspect of her life?

Finding her feet, and her place, in the Brenneman family, as well as the Amish community, Skylar is on the road to recovery from drug addiction. Just as she feels that she has control back in her life, in walks Ariana. What happened to spending a whole year outside of this community? And how come her Englisch father, Nicholas, seems so much more understanding of Ariana’s woes than he ever was of hers?

Will the two ‘sisters’ find common ground? To be able to grow together in the Amish way? Whilst Ariana questions her belief in an (almost) oligarchical system, she knows her faith in God is unwavering. How can she be a part of two different worlds, when neither seem to want to understand the other?

In the last part of theSummer Grove series, the story is focused more on Ariana, rather than Skylar, but doesn’t fail to impress. Whilst it would be easy to tie up loose ends, Woodsmall, spins a thoughtful, absorbing story, that is far from predictable. I really enjoyed how she pushed Ariana's thinking, yet being respectful of the Amish culture. There were so many emotions for the characters in this final installment - frustration, anger, disbelief, love, hope,  happiness - that, as a reader, I was experiencing them along the way. As always, Woodsmall's characters have depth, personality and traits, that make them all endearing.

An excellent series and a highly recommended read for, not only, all fans of Amish and Christian fiction, but those who enjoy a really good story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from WaterBrookMultnomah as part of their blogging program. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Angel of Forest Hill - Cindy Woodsmall

Rose Kurtz, quiet and unsure of herself, yet hard-working, has been asked by her Bishop to travel to Forest Hill to help a family. Lost in her thoughts when asked, she only half listened to the request but accepted that she had little choice.

With no fond farewell from her family, Rose arrives at the home of Joel Dienner. There she finds that she’s not helping in the way she expected. Thrust in to the role of surrogate mother to a newborn and two boisterous toddlers who constantly seek their mother, Rose must buckle down and deal with the situation before her. Her familiar prayer, “Dear God, if it’s not a bother, show me what to do, and let Your truth set me free," gives her the strength to do just that.

However, as a single woman, Rose cannot stay in the house with a widowed man. Joel’s father comes up with a solution that in his grief, Joel agrees to but not before asking Rose what her expectations are regarding their marriage of convenience. Kindness is all she requires.

Time passes and Joel finds himself in love with Rose. But can they move forward with so much of the past still surrounding them – the death of his wife, the unhappy familial home life of Rose – and now Joel’s mother-in-law has spoken to the Bishop about a personal situation.

Rose is horrified, Joel angry. Now there is talk of an annulment. Can they overcome this latest obstacle and have a happy Christmas?

A short and sweet romance with a Christmas background. I wished it were a little longer but that’s only because Cindy creates characters that have so much depth and realism. Her ability to write an absorbing, warming story is exceptional. It’s an easy read and fans of Amish fiction and/or Cindy Woodsmall will not be disappointed. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books as part of their blogger program. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Fraying the Edge (Book 2) – The Amish of Summer Grove - Cindy Woodsmall

Continuing the absorbing, heart wrenching story from Book 1, Ariana Brenneman's Amish life disappeared in a blink of an eye when it was discovered that she was not the biological daughter of Lovina and Isaac. Now the parents of Skylar Nash have asked that she spend a year with them.

Absorbed into an Englischer world with a dad keen to expand her views, especially questioning her deep faith, Ariana is alone. Well, almost. Quill Schlabach is a childhood friend who lives an Englisch life but past betrayals make Ariana wonder whether she can trust him. Yet in a new world with so many expectations thrown at her – learn to drive (a car), listen to music, watch movies – is she able to get through the next 12 months without some guidance from him?

Skylar’s choice is either rehab or staying with the large Brenneman family. A choice she feels that isn’t one. The prospect of living without her phone and modern comforts is one thing but she’s more hurt by the fact that her parents, especially her mother, seemed to have ‘dropped’ her off with zeal. Having the pure and perfect Ariana is an opportunity to start over. The bigger problem, perhaps, for the young woman is her addiction to prescription drugs and the fear that perhaps she doesn’t belong in either family.  

As the days roll into months, they are both learning how to adjust to their new lives. With one woman having little regard for God and the other with unwavering faith, will they be able to adjust to what is expected of them? For Ariana it's overwhelming but she knows she belongs back in Summer Grove. Skylar is wary of the devotion her new family show to her. But as she works in Ariana’s café she feels her attitude softening towards the hardworking family.

Very much a set up for the next in the series this story is still filled with deep, meaningful characters, descriptions and words. Woodsmall’s ability to create a fictional world where the reader is instantly interested in their lives is outstanding. Whilst the author hasn’t delved deeply into addiction and the stress of going clean, it’s still paramount that Skylar is suffering.

Questioning faith and questioning the merits of materialism is the main theme in the next chapter of this series and whilst I found the Nicholas (Skylar's dad) overbearing in his quest to 'modernize' his real daughter, it was obvious he had little knowledge of being in an Amish community and didn't seem to want to understand it. In turn, will Isaac appreciate that his daughter may have her own opinions?

A thoroughly enjoyable addition to the Summer Grove series. With a few subplots weaved in, this story will not disappoint. A highly recommended read especially fans of Amish and/or Christian Fiction.         

I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Blogging for Books program. The opinions expressed here are my own and I am not required to give a positive review.

Ties That Bind - Cindy Woodsmall

A firm believer in the Old Ways, as well as loving her family with fierce devotion, twenty year old Ariana Bennenman has two things to accomplish. One is to open a café and the other, prevent other Amish from leaving with Quill Schlabach.

Still hurt from when he and Ariana's good friend Frieda ran off together, she's taken aback to meet him five years later - with the intent of helping someone leave - someone from her own family. Little does Ariana know that when Quill helps a family leave, he and his brothers ensure the person leaving does so with absolute certainty.

But unbeknown to the young girl, her world is about to turn upside down.

Quill confirms the suspicions of Ariana's 'mamm', Lovina, suspicions that she's had for a long time about what happened after Ariana (and her twin brother) was born and a possible mix-up. The hardworking mother was never sure if to pursue the matter until she studies a leaflet detailing a show to be put on by local (Englisch) students. Suddenly that day comes rushing to forefront of her family life. Now Quill finds himself in an unenviable position of helping. Will he and Ariana ever be able to re-establish their friendship?

All he's ever wanted and still wants, is to protect Ariana. He knows her devotion to God and her inner strength will carry her through the inevitable unbalancing of her world but how strong is she really? Quill knows he must do everything he can to safeguard her - even help her get her café - all without  ever expressing his true feelings.

The first in a series, the Amish of Summer Grove promises to be an outstanding set of stories. Woodsmall yet again has written a book filled with such likable, strong characters each with a story to tell that combine to make an intricate and absorbing plot.

As with all of the author's novels, they are easy to read and completely engrossing from the first page to the last. Her style and language pulls you into the Amish existence easily and with this particular novel focusing on the conflict met with the Englisch, it certainly does so sympathetically and thoughtfully.

Ariana's story is so inviting and so heartbreaking. I was actually disappointed when it came to the end! I can't wait to read what happens next and am looking forward to book two. A very highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Water Press blogging program. The opinions expressed here are my own and I am not expected to give a positive critique.

Seasons of Tomorrow (Amish Vines & Orchards Book 4) - Cindy Woodsmall

Rhoda Byler and Samuel King are co-owners of the Orchard Bend Farms along with Samuel's brother Jacob. The three became entangled in a bitter estrangement after Rhoda and Samuel fell in love - even though Rhoda was seeing Jacob. That was several months ago and like the seasons, life changes and continues.

The spirited young woman has healed somewhat from the break-up and is determined to see the farm grow successfully. Her God given gift of 'profound intuition' has become less of an issue as Samuel is the strength to her understanding of the present bestowed upon her.

Whilst the new couple toil the land, Jacob is taking on construction work and trying, with God's grace, to not become bitter about losing his girl to his brother. When he meets a vibrant, confident woman known affectionately as 'Shark Bait' the wounded man begins to believe that having a real friend and friendship is important to a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Winter turns to spring to summer all too soon and things are about to take a turn for the worse. Phoebe, Rhoda's sister in law, is expecting and the younger sister of Samuel, Leah, has fallen in love with the Englisher Landon Olson. They've managed to keep it a secret but as more Amish families have moved into Maine there's no telling who may have seen them together. Therefore, it's no surprise when her Daed comes to the farm guns blazing demanding she return to Pennsylvania.

But a sudden tragedy strikes and their faith is severely tested. Rhoda and Samuel are losing their help quickly and with the harvest soon upon them they turn to Jacob for help. Will the past hurt prevent his return and end their dreams of starting a new community in Maine?

The final book in the series sees the gutsy and passionate Rhodes finally in a relationship where her gifts are not only understood but accepted. Jacob slowly finds peace with what has happened yet there are hints of his mistrust of strong and courageous women. Is this really the path that God has chosen for them? When asked to return to help he's unsure of how he will react. Can the the three move past their bruised hearts and become friends once again? And will Leah be able to make the tough decision of leaving the Amish faith?

Another thoroughly enjoyable novel from the Vines and Orchards range. Romance abounds in addition to being detailed with raw and honest emotions. Woodsmall's book is articulate and expressive and completely engrossing. Beautifully written, book four provides a satisfying conclusion to the series without being rushed. It's sad to say goodbye to such well thought out and realistic characters as well as an inspiring story, I shall miss them! A very highly recommended read.

Previous reviews: (unfortunately I didn't review Book 1 but Cindy gives an excellent 'the story so far' introduction that you don't feel like you've missed out). The Winnowing Season (Book 2), For Every Season (Book 3)

Find out more about the author at: Cindy Woodsmall

I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Blogging for Books program from WaterBrook Press in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

The Dawn of Christmas - Cindy Woodsmall

Finding her fiance in the arms of her cousin, Sadie calls off the wedding the night before. Distraught that no-one believes her side of the story, she faces an uncertain future. Why is it that no-one will quite believe Daniel's act of deceit? However, with the support of her Daed, she leaves the town of Brim to try to put the incident behind her.

Four years later with mission trips behind her, Sadie's family insist she return home, settle down and marry. But how can she? Leading an independent life has been transforming, she doesn't have time to get married, start a family, for love.

A confirmed bachelor, Levi lives with his brother and nephew. After his brothers heartbreak - Eva left her husband and son - he doesn't trust women. So when he meets Sadie and they concoct a plan to stop all the badgering of finding a partner crops up, they both jump at the chance to be left alone. Will the barriers of prejudice and resentment that they've built tumble down as their friendship solidifies? Will it blossom into something else? Meanwhile in another part of town, neighbours Beth and Jonah are expecting a baby. It's due after Christmas but will there be complications?

Evoking the magic of Christmas entwined with finding true love. Woodsmall's characters are real, vivacious and amiable. From Beth's strong will to Sadie's fear of being hurt, their stories reveal the vulnerability of human nature. How easily it is to misunderstand, to build up mistrust and stop others from healing the wounds created. The lives of these couples intertwine creating a warming continuity and underlining the strength that comes from being part of an Amish community.

Another excellent story from Cindy Woodsmall. Her seemingly effortless story telling of an Amish community where its occupants come together to face adversity head on. There are moments of laughter, deep love and compassion as well tearful and heartwarming ones. The authors skill at letting the characters drive the story along comes shining through and linking the story to the magical time of Christmas lends to an enchanting quality. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrookMultnomah Publishing to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

For Every Season (Amish Vines and Orchards, Book 3) - Cindy Woodsmall

The Kings Orchard, Maine is on its way to being established. But the problems they face are not only with getting the apple trees prepared for unexpected frost.

There's also a cold front in the household. Rhoda Byler, dedicated horticulturist is still reeling from the kiss received from Samuel King - part owner of the farm. The other person to share ownership is Jacob, the one that the young Amish woman is seeing. And to make matters worse, Jacob and Samuel are brothers. What possessed Samuel to tell Jacob of the stolen kiss?

As tension builds between the three farm owners each must battle with their guilt, responsibilities to the farm and family as well as their own ambitions.

Moving out and living with their Englisher neighbors, Rhonda is forced to confront her gift - the heightened intuition that made her become a distrusted person in her Pennsylvania (Amish) community. Why can she sense that Camilla has a granddaughter despite the older woman saying no. Any why does her dead sister, Emma, always appear when Samuel is around?

With determination Rhonda will see things through to Harvest. But with so many obstacles in the way, will her God given gift help her see the way? And can she really make the difficult decision that Jacob has asked her to make?

The third installment of this series moves the story forward of the lives of Rhoda, her family and friends beautifully. Who would have imagined that she would find herself torn between her love of horticulture and the two Kings' brothers? Woodsmall's characters continue to develop and grow in a quiet and unassuming way yet still captivating and intriguing. Besides the main characters, the subplots of other family members creates an extra level of enjoyment.

Another excellent 'chapter' in the Vines and Orchard collection. It was exciting to find out what happened next in this complex love story. Along with questioning faith, loyalty and trust, the book explores the perhaps controversial issue of Rhoda's 'gift' from God. I'm sure there are many Christians that would say seeing ghosts/having second sight is not anything to do with God. But I find the author has handled this subject sensitively. The series isn't rushed and it moves along at a steady pace without losing any impact (or causing boredom!). Looking forward to Book 4! A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Press as part of the Blogging for Books program. The opinions expressed here are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

The Winnowing Season ( Vines & Orchard : Book 2) Cindy Woodsmall

After suffering a few setbacks - namely vandalized farmland and then a tornado - Rhoda Byler along with Jacob King, his brother Samuel and Rhoda's brother's family, they make the decision to move to Maine.

The speculation of Rhoda's strange actions - she can sense things - doesn't sway Jacob's affection for her. In fact he's more than willing to stand by her side. Samuel, the main business partner with Rhoda is struggling with his emotions. The Byler woman is headstrong and opinionated but has amazing horticultural knowledge. Without her, the orchard in Maine wouldn't survive. Oh and he's fallen in love with her. And try as he does, his feelings just develop.

When an Englisch woman Sandra, from his brief spell outside of the Amish world, suddenly calls asking Jacob for help, the new life he hoped for Rhoda and himself swiftly takes a downward turn. The story he had hidden from everyone has surfaced. How much does he tell Rhoda? Will she understand and want to still make a life with him?

As Sandra's troubles take him away for lengthy periods, Rhoda's thoughts become clouded with voices, music and the phrase 'tell them'. What does it mean? Will she find the answer in Maine? Her support came from Jacob's calming demeanor, but he's hardly around. And why does Samuel, whose friendship she values, seem to keep pushing her away? With so many questions abound, will this new settlement for the Amish prove successful?

Second in the series, Woodsmall's glimpse into the Amish life is complicated, spirited and makes for compulsive reading. Each of her characters are full of life all with their own battle which when brought together in a new Amish settlement seems to pronounce their nuances further. Family life is strong, but strained at times, yet they manage to overcome through their faith and desire to make the orchard succeed.

It took a little time to get into the story as it's a follow on from Book 1 (which I have yet to read) but the author did a good job of giving a synopsis without rewriting the first in the series, so it's not difficult to catch up with. The story line is well thought out, its characters well defined. I enjoyed the interaction between them and the authors style of writing made them seem very real so much so, I was rooting for Samuel and Rhoda to realize their true feelings for each other. The author leaves the story on a cliffhanger - of sorts. But it's still a whole story. A recommended read.

About the author: A New York Times and CBA best selling author of numerous words of fiction, Cindy's connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media and throughout Christian news outlets. Read more

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Blogging for Books program part of WaterBrook Multnomah publishers. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive review.

Christmas in Apple Ridge (Three in One Collection) - Cindy Woodsmall

Book 1: The Sound of Sleigh Bells
Headstrong with great business acumen but a heavy heart, Beth Hertzler runs the dry good store with her aunt. Still single, the community wonder when she will stop wearing black. Her fiance died nearly a year ago and for many it's about time she moves on.

Whilst Beth is lost in her somber thoughts, Lizzy (her aunt) takes things into her own matter when Beth is awakened by a wood carving. The craftsman behind the captivating scene is Jonah. A kind man who carries his own wounds. Through a series of letters Beth and Jonah open themselves up not knowing who they're actually talking to. Can Lizzy's well meaning matchmaking see two wounded people find each other, giving Beth a second chance at love?

Book 2: The Christmas Singing
When Gideon suddenly ends his engagement to Mattie, she leaves her family behind heartbroken and pursues her ambition to become a cake decorator. Three years on and and she's involved with Sol - a man that she has some affection for and knows won't hurt her. But a devastating fire causes her to return home. There she is faced with further anguish when she sees Gideon. Will she find out why he left her so dramatically all those years ago? Will Gideon find the strength to reveal his true reason for breaking up with Mattie? With so many questions swirling around their lives like a snowstorm, can they reconcile and enjoy Christmas again?

Book 3: The Dawn of Christmas
Finding her fiance in the arms of her cousin, Sadie calls off the wedding the night before. Distraught that no-one believes what she saw, but with the support of her Daed, she lives Brim behind. Four years later with mission trips behind her, Sadie's family insist she return home, settle down and marry. But how can she? Leading an independent life has been transforming, she doesn't have time for love.

A confirmed bachelor, Levi lives with his brother and nephew and after his brothers heartbreak, doesn't trust women. So when he meets Sadie and they concoct a plan to stop all the badgering of finding a partner crops up, they both jump at the chance to be left alone. Will the barriers of prejudice and resentment that they've built tumble down as their friendship solidifies?

Each story has been carefully crafted evoking the magic of Christmas entwined with finding true love. Woodsmall's characters are real, vivacious and amiable. From Beth's strong will to Sadie's fear of being hurt,  their stories reveal the vulnerability of human nature. How easily it is to misunderstand, to build up mistrust and stop others from healing the wounds created. Whilst each story is a stand alone novel, read together, the lives of these three couples intertwine creating a warming continuity and underlining the strength that comes from being part of an Amish community.

Another excellent set of stories from Cindy Woodsmall. Her seemingly effortless story telling of an Amish community where its occupants come together to face adversity head on. There are moments of laughter, deep love and compassion as well tearful and heartwarming ones. The authors skill at letting the characters drive the story along comes shining through and linking these stories to the magical time of Christmas lends the tales an enchanting quality. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrookMultnomah Publishing to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

The Scent of Cherry Blossoms - Cindy Woodsmall

Annie Martin is an Old Order Mennonite and loves the Plain ways. She has a great relationship with her grandfather and wishes the one with her mother was a lot stronger. After a hard days work, Annie ends up arguing with her mother yet again to which she is asked every politely that she live with her Daadi Moses in Apple Ridge.

As Annie leaves New York to live in Pennsylvania, she reacquaints her friendship with the Zook family especially the handsome Aden Zook an Old Order Amish. As she spends more time with him, at the diner and among the cherry blossom trees, she realizes that she's falling in love with him. Can their love bridge the path between the two faiths?

A novella that is filled to the brim with genuine happiness, fear, cowardice, hope and essentially love. The characters Woodsmall has created are full of life and so real. In between reading about Annie and Aden's search to be together, you meet the rest of the family and get a glimpse of how they feel about the union. The reader will meet Roman, Aden's twin brother disabled from an accident who is filled with such bitterness and self-pity that he doesn't realize the right girl is right in front of him.

The story may come across as a tad twee or even mushy, but it's a romance - what else would you want? It's a shame that it is only 190 odd pages as it's a great story and I would have liked to have read a little more on the lives of the Zook and Martin clans.  A recommended read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook and Multnomah Publishing Group. I am not required to give a positive review and the opinions expressed are my own. 

Sisters of the Quilt (The Complete Trilogy) - Cindy Woodsmall

The three novels - When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes and When the Soul Mends - tells the story of Hannah Lapp, a beautiful, headstrong 17year old Amish girl.

Happy with her lifestyle, despite falling in love with Paul Waddle, a non Old Order Amish man, her life is turned upside down after an horrific event. An event that no-one in her close-knit community or her Mennonite fiance knows how to handle. She finds herself lost and alone convinced that not even God is able to guide her.

Rejected by her family and wider community, she leaves behind the Amish people seeking some sort of redemption in the 'outside world'. She leaves behind friends (some of whom stood up to the possible scorn of their families and friends) to stand by Hannah, to help her leave her home (When the Heart Cries and When the Morning Comes). In the following years, Hannah returns to the community that shunned her for a 'sin' that she was not culpable of to help her younger sister (When the Soul Mends). Upon her return, she discovers that her Paul - the man she was ready to marry regardless of how her father felt - was lead down a path that denied them reacquainting with each other. From this reunion, Hannah needs to make a somewhat difficult decision to return to the Amish lifestyle or remain living in the Englischer world.

This is an amazing story. Rich with likable and identifiable characters, I was able to sympathize easily with Hannah and her struggle to be understood. The Amish are sometimes mocked but that's because they lead such a simple lifestyle that to most 'Englischer's' it's odd - how can someone not live with a phone, a television or even a electricity? Woodsmall's trilogy is easy read and its narrative flows seamlessly from one book to the next. Hannah and her family's and friends' journey took me on a myriad of emotions. At times I became frustrated with the people that I met along the way, how a simple misunderstanding(s) can create such a mess. How one person's good intentions are easily rejected which leads to people being hurt. It certainly wasn't all doom and gloom either, there are lots of moments of such tenderness and real, deep love. The author focus' on a number of families and I found myself rooting for them all to find contentment and happiness. Essentially, the trilogy is about love, compassion, family and ultimately believing that the path God leads you down, isn't one you'd necessarily choose for yourself, but it's one to be journeyed with belief  and hope.

Once I started reading this novel, I just couldn't put it down and when I read the final page, I did so with a smile on my face. The ending may come across as a little twee but it's a happy ending and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. A highly recommended read!


I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrookMultnomash publishing company as part of the Blogging for Books program. The opinions expressed here are my own.