Working hard to develop a new Amish community outside of Unity, Maine, Rhoda Byler is fully committed to rehabilitating an orchard with business partner Samuel King. But an impulsive decision has created an unexpected strain in her relationship with her beau, Samuel’s brother, Jacob, threatening plans for the orchard. Amidst mounting tension in matters of the heart and business, Rhoda finds that this fledging settlement feels like the home she has always longed for, and she begins to embrace the God-given, heightened intuition that has always felt like a burden to her. She longs for Jacob to fully be free of his past, so they can work towards the future together.
But as Rhoda uses her gift to unpack an old secret with her Englisch neighbors, it is not her beau but an unlikely ally that cheers her on. With the orchard on shaky ground and Jacob’s plans in question, Rhoda is determined to see things through to harvest. But can she trust her insight to direct her path in matters of the heart?
But as Rhoda uses her gift to unpack an old secret with her Englisch neighbors, it is not her beau but an unlikely ally that cheers her on. With the orchard on shaky ground and Jacob’s plans in question, Rhoda is determined to see things through to harvest. But can she trust her insight to direct her path in matters of the heart?
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Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times, CBA, ECPA, and USA Today best-selling author who has written a dozen (and counting!) works of fiction and one of nonfiction. She and her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud, coauthored the nonfiction, Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. Cindy has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal,and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life. In June of 2013, the Wall Street Journal listed Cindy as the second most popular author of Amish fiction, following Beverly Lewis.
She's a veteran homeschool mom who no longer holds that position. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.
She's won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer's Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest, as well as one of Crossings' Best Books of the Year. She's been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards.
Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity. Though she didn't realize it at the time, seeds were sown years ago that began preparing Cindy to write these books. At the age of ten, while living in the dairy country of Maryland, she became best friends with Luann, a Plain Mennonite girl. Luann, like all the females in her family, wore the prayer Kapp and cape dresses. Her parents didn't allow television or radios, and many other modern conveniences were frowned upon. During the numerous times Luann came to Cindy's house to spend the night, her rules came with her and the two were careful to obey them--afraid that if they didn't, the adults would end their friendship. Although the rules were much easier to keep when they spent the night at Luann's because her family didn't own any of the forbidden items, both sets of parents were uncomfortable with the relationship and a small infraction of any kind would have been enough reason for the parents to end the relationship. While navigating around the adults' disapproval and the obstacles in each other's lifestyle, the two girls bonded in true friendship that lasted into their teen years, until Cindy's family moved to another region of the US.
As an adult, Cindy became friends with a wonderful Old Order Amish family who opened their home to her. Although the two women, Miriam and Cindy, live seven hundred miles apart geographically, and a century apart by customs, when they come together they never lack for commonality, laughter, and dreams of what only God can accomplish through His children. Over the years Cindy has continued to make wonderful friendships with those inside the Amish and Mennonite communities--from the most conservative ones to the most liberal.
Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in their now empty nest.
If you'd like more information or to contact her, you can go to her website: http://www.cindywoodsmall.com or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authorcindywoodsmall
If you loved the first two books in the Amish Vines and Orchards series you are in for a real treat with this last one. It was by far the best!
You will not be able to put it down. This series was such a great escape to the long summer days. I loved getting away in this book.
I have to say I gave it 5 stars. I highly recommend this book as well as the whole series. But then again who am I fooling I love all of Cindy's Amish fiction.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.
Cindy is one of my favorite authors. Hope I win this book! Thanks Mary for the review!
ReplyDeleteI have not been a fan of the last few books by Ms. Woodsmall. But I am going to get this one and give her one more try. Thank you Mary
ReplyDeleteBonnie, you are the WINNER! I will get your book right out to you!
DeleteThank you for the review, Mary. This books sound like one I would really love to read and I would love to be a winner!
ReplyDeleteMary, I think you will receive a lot of entries for this one. Who doesn't like Cindy's books? I have been a fan of hers for a long time. Loved your review and thanks for your giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy B
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteReading Amish is always a good read .Blessings ,Dana "Girl"
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book.
ReplyDeleteAnd love your awesome review.
I love this author!!! Would so love to win this book!
ReplyDeleteI love Cindy's books. Thanks, Mary for the great review.
ReplyDeleteI read the first two in series and really want this one!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rhonda
rhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net
I love to read Cindy's books.
ReplyDeleteI would so love to win this one!
You do such a wonderful job doing reviews Mary!
CherylB1987@Hotmail.com
I am so happy to see your review of this book Mary. Thanks
ReplyDeleteGreat review as always!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I love Cindy's books. Will have to put this one on my wish list. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteKaren G.
kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com
Your review are always so nice Mary. This book sounds so inviting and I would love to have a chance to be given this gift.
ReplyDeleteI love her books..and her name...would LOVE to win a copy..
ReplyDeleteWonderful review, and I'm jealous of you! LOL! I need to find a way to get on Cindy's list of reviewers. Thanks, Mary!
ReplyDeleteI love your books and really would love to win one, thank you
ReplyDeleteShirley B
This sounds like a wonderful book. Thank you for the review and giveaway!
ReplyDeletetexaggs2000 at gmail dot com
I love touring the Amish settlements, ate a meal in an Amish home a couple of times, & love books about the Amish. I haven't read any of Cindy's books, & would love to read/win this one!
ReplyDeleteI think it is wonderful that Cindy has the relationship with the Amish that she does, & wonder if she still keeps in touch with Luann?
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love this series and can't wait to read this one. It would be awesome to win! donnaeharmon@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThis was a great series and have not read the last yet, love to hear Rhoda's story...thanks for sharing about this author and the book.
ReplyDeletePaula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
Wonderful review. Will have to put this one on my wish list. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteprettyinpurplerose(at)aol(dot)com
Really want this book! I love Cindy's books and have read many. The review convinced that I will be reading it!
ReplyDeleteI thought sure I had entered this already, but don't see my comment. Hope its not too late. I LOVE Cindy's book and do not have any of this series. Please add my name and I hope to win. Been a very, very long time. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI want to win. I love cindy's books. Sharma Darby
ReplyDeleteI so want to win this book! Please pick me lol
ReplyDeleteI would love to win. angelachesnut246@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteLOVE Cindy's books!
ReplyDeleteKarenP3720@aol.com
I would love to read this book. The amish books are some of my favorite books. Hope to win. Thanks for the opportunity
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to have winning this book as an excuse to start another series! Thanks for the chance! My email is elise(underscore)jehan(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDelete