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.”

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.