Book Review: For Every Season....

 

 Struggling relationships, secrets and restlessness of the heart continue to plague all of the characters in Cindy Woodsmall's third book in the Amish Vines and Orchards series.   Because I had read the first and second book, I went into this one with high hopes of having some questions about the characters answered! Cindy does an incredible job of describing the Amish day to day life and I find myself wanting to read more and more.  That's a good indication of an excellent writer in my opinion!

To be completely honest, I really had a hard time getting into For Every Season.  But once I forced myself to pick it up, I was pleasantly surprised at how the story unfolded.  Rhoda, Samuel and Jacob continue to struggle until the inevitable happens and Cindy was able to stay true to the kind of people she created them to be from the beginning.

If you are an Amish Fiction fan, I think you'd really enjoy this series!  And stay tuned because book number four is due to come out in April of 2014!

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for providing this book to me free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

PS: Book number three also includes a couple of apple recipes! :)

Book Review: The Winnowing Season....

 

Book two in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series begins with Rhoda, Samuel and Jacob getting ready to start a new Old Order Amish Community in Unity, Maine.  Complications arise almost immediately when Rhoda's past comes face to face with her future and threatens to prevent the King's and Byler's from making the actual move.

Triumphant after a grueling meeting with church leaders, the small group arrives at the new orchard and begins the back breaking work of reestablishing the thriving business.  Cindy Woodsmall reveals a little more about Jacob's past and how his decisions then continue to impact his future.

Emotions run high as Rhoda, Samuel and Jacob all try and figure out how to remain in God's will while balancing their own desires.  It's a fascinating story line that leaves you wanting more!  If Amish fiction is something you enjoy reading, then I whole-heartedly recommend this series!

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for providing this book free of charge in return for my honest review.

Book Review: A Season for Tending....

Good evening everyone!  I hope your April is off to a good start...mine has been busy but good so far so what more could I ask for? :)

Tonight I'm sharing a review on a book I received from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group.  If you've followed my blog for any length of time, you know I enjoy reading Amish Fiction almost as much as historical fiction!  I've actually reviewed a couple of Cindy Woodsmall's books before so I was all for getting this one.  And I wasn't disappointed!

A Season for Tending is the first book in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series from Cindy Woodsmall.  It starts out by introducing Rhoda Byler, an Old Order Amish woman who has a knack for gardening and how the strict community she lives in views it.  Preferring to spend time alone allows Rhoda to tend to her garden and process a tragedy that haunts her daily.

Samuel King is a kind, responsible and hard working Amish man who lives in the neighboring town of  Harvest Mills.  He runs his family's apple orchard business and tries to hold everything together when he too endures a tragedy. 

God brings these two families together in a way that only He can.  Many choices have to be made and relationships are tested as business and love start to merge. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to get my hands on the next one in the series!

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for providing this book free of charge in return for my honest review.

Book Review: The Harvest of Grace.....

 

Good afternoon!  

If you've been a reader of mine for any length of time, you know I am a big fan of both Amish Fiction and Historical Fiction and I'm back today to share my thoughts on one of three books I've recently finished.  Enjoy!

The Harvest of Grace by Cindy Woodsmall is book three of the Ada's House Series and while I have not read books one and two, I was immediately drawn into their story.  The author did an excellent job of introducing the complex characters in a way that made you feel like you had already read the first two books and for quick reference included a complete list of the characters in the back of the book.

Sylvia Fisher is a young and hard working Old Order Amish woman.  Her story begins with a betrayal forcing her from her family, home and all that she's known.

Aaron Blank is fresh out of alcohol rehab and is looking to sell the family farm that Sylvia fled to in her time of need.  Needless to say, these two clash but in the end find a common ground in both their faith and a growing love for one another.

Grace....what a beautiful word!

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for providing this book for free for my honest review!  

Many Blessings,

Melissa

Book Review: The Scent of Cherry Blossoms

Here's book review number two.....

The Scent of Cherry Blossoms by: Cindy Woodsmall

The Scent of Cherry Blossoms by Cindy Woodsmall was a sweet and quick read!  It was refreshing to jump into dialogue that wasn't derogatory or tasteless in nature.  The story starts with complicated family relationships and ends with sacrifices in order to follow God's promptings.  My limited knowledge of the inner workings of the Amish and Mennonite communities was increased and this book has re-ignited my interest in how they live their lives.  I highly recommend this book!

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for providing this book for free for my honest review!

 

Book Review: Where Will You Go from Here?

Good morning friends!  It's been a while since I've reviewed a book on here and have not one, but two!  I will post the reviews separately so be sure to check them both out....

Where Will You Go from Here?  Valorie Burton

We all have less than desirable events that take place in our lives so I was excited to receive Where Will You Go from Here? in hopes that it would provide simple steps to overcome trying situations.  Unfortunately,  I found it difficult to stay focused on what Ms. Burton was writing.  At first I thought it was because I wasn't going through a particularly difficult time at the point of reading the book, but the further I got into it, the worse my wandering mind got!  I was highly disappointed and have a hard time recommending this book to anyone else.  

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for supplying this book to me for free for my honest review.

The Christmas Singing....

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a big reader.....and have been for many years. I like all kinds of books, mystery, historical romance, autobiographies, Amish fiction....and this new book from New York Times Best Selling Author Cindy Woodsmall looks really really good! Here is a link to an excerpt of the the first chapter.....

http://www.scribd.com/doc/69473983/The-Christmas-Singing-Chapter-1-Excerpt

As an added bonus, my readers are able to get The Christmas Singing (and any other title) for 30% off and free shipping if you use the promo code CHRISTMAS11 at checkout on WaterBrookMultnomah.com. The code expires on December 20, 2011.

Hurry and get your copy today!