Hope Crossing

About The Book:  Hope Crossing is the complete Ada's House Trilogy and includes all three books in the series. The three books included are The Hope of Refuge, The Bridge of Peace and The Harvest of Grace.
The first book, The Hope of Refuge is about Ephraim and Clara. Clara has lived a hard life, after her mother died and her father abandoned her she grew up in foster homes. Now she has a little girl named Lori and they are running from a stalker who has been tormenting Clara for years. Clara ends up in Amish country after finding a clue from her mother and it is there that she meets Ephraim for the first time....or is it?
The second book, The Bridge of Peace continues on with the same characters but now the main characters are Lena and Grey. Lena is a school teacher and at 27 years old she is sure that she is to live her life alone. With a huge birthmark on her face she knows that her looks turn everyone away. She is happy with her life as a teacher, but now her job is being threatened and Grey is the only person who will stand up for her. Grey is dealing with some personal tragedies of his own and only wants friendship from Lena. What happens to the two loners?
The third book, The Harvest of Grace completes the stories of the previous books, but the main focus is now on Sylvia and Aaron who both have different goals in life and their struggle of trying to come together.
About The Author:  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 one of the top three most popular authors of Amish fiction.  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 
My Thoughts On The Book: Cindy Woodsmall is one of my favorite Amish fiction writers.  This book is no exception.  I loved it.   Hope Crossing is a great trilogy that allows the reader to experience a real look at the Amish way of life.   Each story, each character makes the reader feel as if they are part of  the story as it begins to unfold before them.  This book can have you smiling one minute and have your heart breaking the next.  The mark of a good writer is one that can draw you in to their story line with ease and Woodsmall is a master at that technique. 
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Blogging for Books as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you! 

Seasons of Tomorrow

About The Book:  As love restores Rhoda, a sudden tragedy is the test of faith she never saw coming.
More settled in her heart than ever before, Rhoda Byler feels a newfound confidence living in the Old Order Amish settlement she helped establish in Orchard Bend, Maine. Time has helped to heal the wounds of Rhoda’s recent severed relationship, and she finds that even her unusual gift of profound intuition is less of a burden as she continues to seek God’s wisdom for her future. She is happy to be working alongside the King family and the love of her life as they tend and nurture the settlement’s orchard.  Yet when Leah King’s involvement with Englischer Landon Olson becomes known outside of the Maine community, her disregard of the Ordnung could threaten all the Orchard Bend Amish are building. In the midst of addressing the discord, a shocking tragedy challenges the young settlement like never before, threatening to uproot Rhoda’s peace and the future of everything she holds dear.  When several members of Orchard Bend Farms are displaced, the estranged King brother is called upon to return. Can those who founded the new Amish community in Maine unite Or will the lingering pain of past hurts and present struggles result in the end of their dreams?




About The Author:  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




My Thoughts On The Book:  This fourth book in the series centers with the Amish families who moved to Orchard Bend, Maine and I loved it!  Cindy Woodsmall is quite the wordsmith and storyteller.  It seems that each new season seems to bring new trials and tribulations.  In this book I found that Rhoda seemed to be more settled and her love for Samuel grows stronger every day. The question is will Jacob drive a wedge between the two of them.  Samuel's baby sister,Leah is battling with a life choice of remaining Amish or leaving the church and attending an Englisher church.  This choice is working against Landon and her and their budding love.   Jacob finally sees that Rhoda is not the one for him, but he has to find a path to follow that will lead him to true love.  The family works together, struggles, divides, and finally the  family comes together when Phoebe becomes very ill and has to be in the hospital for a long time.   I have read all three of the other books in this series and loved them all. While you can enjoy this book as a stand-alone book it makes it much more enjoyable and easier to understand if you read the series in order. Once you start this book you will not want to put it down.



Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher, Waterbrook Press as a member of the blogging for books program in exchange for an honest opinion.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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The Dawn of Christmas

About the Book:  The Amish community of Apple Ridge is a place to discover anew that even though life doesn’t always look the way you might expect and pain can’t help but color our actions…love may just be around the corner, just in time for Christmas!  Sadie Yoder enjoys her freedom away from home but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it’s time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan—but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together?  Read an exerpt from Chapter One. 
 

About the Author: Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times 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’s been featured on ABC Nightline and 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. - See more about Cindy Woodsmall and her books by clicking here. 

My Thoughts On The Book:  I have loved every book I have read by Cindy Woodsmall and the The Dawn of Christmas is no exception.  It is such a wonderfully written story about second chances and learning to trust again. Woodsmall is a master wordsmith and in this story she develops her characters so well that I felt as if I knew Levi and Sadie and their families. I found myself grieving for Levi and Sadie as Daniel stepped in and tore them apart.  This book is a must read if you are a fan of Woodsmall and/or Amish Fiction. 
Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers through their Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Winnowing Season

About The Book:  The tornado that devastated Kings’ Orchard pushed Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob to make a new start in Maine. Are they strong enough to withstand the challenges of establishing an Amish community—and brave enough to face the secrets that move with them?
On the eve of their departure to begin a new Old Order Amish community outside of Unity, Maine, Rhoda Byler is shocked to discover that choices made by her business partner and friend, Samuel King, have placed her and her unusual gifts directly into the path of her district’s bishop and preachers. She is furious with Samuel and is fearful that the Kings will be influenced by the way her leaders see her, and not what they know to be true—that Rhoda’s intuition is a gift from God.  Jacob King won’t be swayed by community speculation. He loves Rhoda, believes in her, and wants to build a future with her in Maine. But when the ghosts of his past come calling and require him to fulfill a great debt, can he shake their hold before it destroys what he has with Rhoda? Samuel has a secret of his own—one he’ll go to great lengths to keep hidden, even if it means alienating those closest to him. Throwing himself into rehabilitating the once-abandoned orchard, Samuel turns to a surprising new ally.  Can the three faithfully follow God’s leading and build a new home and orchard in Maine? Or will this new beginning lead to more ruin and heartbreak?

About The Author: " Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author who has written six novels, three novellas, and Plain Wisdom, a work of nonfiction coauthored with her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud. She’s been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life.  She is also 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 lives in Georgia with her husband, three sons, two daughters-in-law, and a new granddaughter."

My Thoughts On The Book:  Cindy Woodsmall has done it again! Every page is filled with characters that come alive.  I feel as if I know Rhoda, Samuel, Landon, Leah, and and Jacob personally.  I have not read one of her books yet that I did not love.  I cannot wait for the next book to hit the shelves.  Woodsmall shares faith, stories, love and life within the confines of the pages of her books.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group's review program for bloggers, Blogging for Books. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

A Season For Tending - Vol 1 of the Amish Vines and Orchards Series

About The Book:  In a community where conformity flourishes, seeds of Rhoda’s odd behavior were planted long ago. Can she cultivate her relationships with the same care and tenderness that she gives her beloved garden?  Old Order Amish Rhoda Byler’s unusual gift and her remarkable abilities to grow herbs and berries have caused many to think her odd. As rumors mount that Rhoda’s “gift” is a detriment to the community, she chooses isolation, spending her time in her fruit garden and on her thriving canning business.  Miles away in Harvest Mills, Samuel King struggles to keep his family’s apple orchard profitable. As the eldest son, Samuel farms with his brothers, the irrepressible Jacob and brash Eli, while his longtime girlfriend Catherine remains hopeful that Samuel will marry her when he feels financially stable.  Meanwhile, Samuel’s younger sister Leah is testing all the boundaries during her rumschpringe, and finds herself far from home in Rhoda’s garden after a night of partying gone badly. But Leah’s poor choices serve as a bridge between Rhoda and the King family when a tragic mistake in the orchard leaves Samuel searching for solutions.   Rhoda’s expertise in canning could be the answer, but she struggles with guilt over the tragic death of her sister and doesn’t trust herself outside her garden walls. As the lines between business, love, and family begin to blur, can Rhoda finally open up to a new life? And what effect will this odd, amazing woman have on the entire King family?

About The Author:  "Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author who has written six novels, three novellas, and Plain Wisdom, a work of nonfiction coauthored with her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud. She’s been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life.She is also 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 lives in Georgia with her husband, three sons, two daughters-in-law, and a new granddaughter."

My Thoughts On The Book:   I love the writings of Cindy Woodsmall .  She is a wonderful storyteller and a master wordsmith. This first book in the  Amish Vines and orchards serieswas fast moving with a good many twists and turns in it. I have to be honest and say that I was a bit disappointed when the story was not even close to being resolved in the end of the book. I like closure, yet I understand that there had to be some loose ends for book two of the series to line up.  This book attracted me as an herb grower and some who is interested in herbs for medicinal purposes.   I connected immediately with Rhoda and felt a strong bond bloom as her character began to develop.  Personally,   I was a little surprised at the amount of worldliness in this Amish community.  The Amish portrayed in this story were definitely not perfect and holy in every way, and were capable of making mistakes and there were a few who exhibited a mean streak where their Amish brethren were concerned.  I can’t wait to read the next in the series and hate that I have to wait so long.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers as part of their Blogging for Books Program. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

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The Scent of Cherry Blossoms

About The Book:  The Scent of Cherry Blossoms is a wonderful spring novella.  Annie Martin loves the Plain ways of her Old Order Mennonite people, like those revered by her beloved grandfather. Retreating from a contentious relationship with her mother, Annie goes to live with her Daadi Moses in Apple Ridge.  But as spring moves into Pennsylvania and Annie spends time amongst the cherry trees with the handsome Aden Zook, she wishes she could forget how deeply the lines between the Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite are drawn.  Can Annie and Aden find a place for their love to bloom in the midst of the brewing storm?  Want to read an exerpt?  I know you do so click here and I promise you it will hook you. 

About The Author:  Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author who has written six novels, three novellas, and Plain Wisdom, a work of nonfiction coauthored with her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud. She’s been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life.She is also 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, and was 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 lives in Georgia with her husband, three sons, two daughters-in-law, a new granddaughter, and a dog named Jersey who wants to dominate the world, starting with the Woodsmall household.
My Thoughts:  I have read several of Cindy Woodsmall's Amish Books and was hooked from the first one.  Her books are filled with Amish stories, Amish/Mennonite ways of life, love, and Amish simplicity.  From the moment you pick up one of her books until you put it down you are drawn into the lives of the characers.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-copy download of this book from the Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group Blogging for Books program for review purposes. All opinions expressed are always entirely my own.

The Harvest of Grace

About the Book:  The Harvest of Grace is the third and final book in Ada’s House. Come join us for the conclusion of this New York Times best-selling series as beloved characters from The Hope of Refuge and The Bridge of Peace continue to grow in their love and commitment to one another.
In The Harvest of Grace, you’ll be introduced to two unique characters ~  Sylvia Fischer who is reeling from an unexpected betrayal,  is someone who recognizes that most Old Order Amish women her age spend their hours managing a household and raising babies.  Sylvia has just one focus—tending and nurturing the herd on her family’s dairy farm. But when a dangerous connection with an old beau forces her to move far from home, she decides to concentrate on a new start and pour her energy into reviving another family’s debt-ridden farm.  Aaron Blank returns home to sell his Daed’s failing farm and move his parents into an easier lifestyle. Two things stand in his way: the father who stubbornly refuses to recognize that Aaron has changed and the determined new farmhand his parents love like a daughter. Her influence on Aaron’s parents could ruin his plans to escape the burdens of farming and build a new life.  Can Aaron and Sylvia find common ground? Or will their unflinching efforts toward opposite goals blur the bigger picture— a path to forgiveness, glimpses of grace, and the promise of love.

Click here to read Chapter One

About the Author:  Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author who has written six novels, three novellas, and Plain Wisdom, a work of nonfiction coauthored with her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud. She’s been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life.  She is also 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, and was 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.  Want to know more about Cindy Woodsmall?  Then check out her website.

My Thoughts on the Book:  I have to say that this book by far exceeded my expectations!! I love reading Cindy Woodsmall and always expect her books to be good, but this one was great!  From the moment I began reading the book and its characters drug me in and I could not put it down until I finished it.  This particular story is full of twists and turns that you just don't expect in the average Amish novel.   Not all is well in Camelot and you find romance gone bad, a single woman kissing a married man, an Amish man in rehab because of  alcoholism, all topics one normally does not associate with the Amish or Mennonite world.  Even though this was the third book in a series it stands alone and there is a wonderful refresher course in the beginning.  If you are a lover of Amish reads then this one is definitely for you!

FTC Disclaimer:   I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group’ Blogging for Books program for this review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

The Christmas Singing

Recently I did a review one of Cindy Woodsmall's books called The Christmas Singing.  I have to be totally honest and tell you that I loved that book and have shared my copy with several friends already who also loved it.  I want everyone to read this enjoyable Amish tale. If you would like to find out more about the book them click here and see a trailer for it.  You won't be disappointed because it is a wonderful feel good Christmas book.  It is a great story of love, faith, security, heartache and restoration.  If you are like me and a reader then you can click here and check out a preview of the first chapter of the book.  Warning!  It will hook you I can promise you.  I wrote my review back in November so if you'd like to see what I really thought about the book you can head over to my blog and check it out.  While you are there leave me a comment and let me know you stopped in.  P.S.  Waterbrook Multnomah has given me the chance to offer a 30% off deal and free shipping on The Christmas Singing (and any other title) when my readers use the promo code CHRISTMAS11 at the check out on their website at WaterBrookMultnomah.com. Hurry because the coupon code expires on December 20th, 2011.  

Romance and The Christmas Singing

About the Book:  Three years ago, at Christmastime, main character, Mattie’s life was everything she could hope for. That was, until her childhood sweetheart, Gideon, betrayed her.  Heartbroken, Mattie retreated to her brother’s home in Ohio and poured her life into the dream of running her own cake shop. There, she found someone who was the total opposite of her once beloved, Gideon.  Sol was someone safe.  But when a  devastating fire forces her back home she finds herself right in the path of Gideon Beiler. Will learning the truth behind his rejection restore her Christmas joy—or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?  This holiday season, Mattie’s best gift might just be the harmony of unexpected truth and reconciliation.  Spend Christmas with the Amish in this story of love, romance, heartache, and restoration in The Christmas Singing. 
Want to read an excerpt?  Click here and you can sample the book before you rush out and order it.

About the Author:  Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author whose connection with the Amish community has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. She is also 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. To find out more about Cindy Woodsmall visit her website. /

My Thoughts:  I did without sleep last night and I read this book in one sitting. I did not put it down until I found out the ending. Cindy Woodsmall became a favorite of mine when I read her series, Sisters of the Quilt. She is well-schooled in the traditions of the Old World Amish and is a master weaver of a story.  I have to admit that the title,  The Christmas Singing, was the first thing that drew my attention,  since I sing and it had to do with Christmas.  This book is full of good family values and faith in God which makes this a wonderful book for Christian readers.  I would give it five stars.  Great read.

Book Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books Program  in exchange for my review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own and may differ from others.

The Bridge of Peace

Price: $13.99

Format: Trade Paperback

ISBN: 9781400073979

Release: 8.31.2010

Fiction - Christian - Romance

About the Book: The Bridge of Peace is the second book in the Ada’s House trilogy by Cindy Woodsmall but is a stand alone. This book is the first one I have read and I am looking forward to reading more. I am especially looking forward to her third book that should be in bookstores in early Fall 2011.


Summary: Lena Kauffman is an Amish schoolteacher whose outspoken and independent ways surprise and upset members of the Amish community in which she lives. Lena has a birthmark on her face and believes that this makes her flawed and unlovable. Her life as a teacher is not easy….and a series of events threatens all she holds dear.

Click Here to read an excerpt from chapter one

About the Author: Cindy Woodsmall is an excellent storyteller as she unravels the tale through her characters’ everyday relationships. The plot of this book is very engaging and I just could not put it down. The author obviously knows the ins and outs of the Amish world so well that it makes the reader feel as if they are right there observing life in a peaceful Amish town of Dry Lake.  If you want to know more about the author then visit her site.

My Thoughts: There several good Amish fiction writers, but I’d have to say that this one would be my number one pick. This is a must read and I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of her books.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”