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.

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 Quilted Heart : Three Novellas in One - Mona Hodgson

Elsa Brantenberg hosts a quilting circle in a riverside town on the outskirts of the town St. Charles, Missouri. The ladies that attend have experienced some form of heartache relating to the Civil War. Together they offer prayers and friendship as they each contemplate God's plan for them.

Dandelions on the Wind
Maren Johnson took a job on Mrs. Brantenberg's farm not expecting to call it home. Working on the farm and looking after both Elsa's granddaughter (Gabi) and the household, she is growing to love them both. As her love grows so her eyesight slowly fades. When Gabi's father returns, Rutherford 'Wooly' Wainwright, Maren sees it as an opportunity to get a paying job, save the money and return to Denmark to her family. But it seems that her plan isn't necessarily what God has in store for her. Should she accept His way or face an uncertain future?

Bending Towards the Sun
With unswerving loyalty to her father and her education, the last thing on Emilie's mind is love. But then a childhood friend returns from serving in the War. Unexpected feelings emerge and together with his charm and smile, the young woman's heart is captured. However, PaPa has other ideas and is not keen for his daughter to get involved with Quaid - even if he is hardworking and loyal to his family. How will Emilie choose between her beloved father and a future that includes a husband and a family?

Ripples Along the Shore
With all the talk of wagons going west and her husband dead Caroline has many options open to her. She could stay with her sister; but her husband with war injuries is bitter and bad tempered. If not for the sake of the children Caroline would have told him her exact thoughts. So when Garret Cowlishaw (a Confederate solider no less) turns up, the widow's reaction is hate. This Garret may not be the person solely responsible for her husbands death, but he fought on the side that killed him. Tempted to join the wagons there's little stopping her. But will God's love provide the answers she's looking for or will her fate be decided by a man, namely one Garret Cowlishaw.

This collection of three novella's is a gentle story that weaves together the lives of a small community that has been torn apart by war. Yet their faith and determination to carry on is heartwarming and inspiring. With Maren's conflicting emotions to stay or leave, Emilie's unwavering loyalty and dedication, and Caroline's concerns about perception. Each woman is facing their own trials but still very aware of others plight. Their bond is the quilting circle where the ever present, ever kind Mrs. Brantenberg with her deep faith manages to quell the fears of each woman.

This historical drama is so enjoyable it was difficult to put down. There's no high drama yet the author builds tension and apprehension to a happy satisfying conclusion. Each story has a strong lead character that appear true to life as well as being completely likable. It's a collection of heartwarming stories that remind us that despite the ravages of war, faith, loyalty and love always win out. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Blogging for Books program part of WaterBrookMultnomah publishing group. 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.