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.

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.