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Amish Vines and Orchards #2
The Winnowing Season
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.
Book 2 of the Amish Vines and Orchards series asks: 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?
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.
Book 2 of the Amish Vines and Orchards series asks: 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?
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
109 people are currently reading
1120 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Woodsmall
68 books1,117 followersCINDY WOODSMALL is an award-winning, New York Times, and CBA best-selling author of twenty-five works of fiction and one nonfiction book. Coverage of Cindy’s Amish connections and her novels has been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal. She lives in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
March 14, 2021
The tension continues to mount! I'm onto the third and last book in the Amish Vines and Orchards series. Really enjoyed this!
May 16, 2020
I wish I was adding this to my DNF shelf, but against my better judgement I read the whole thing and it annoyed me even more than the first book in the series.
I'm also suspicious about whether the author even likes or respects the Amish, because she seems desperate for all the characters to change their ways and realize that they weren't really that good Christians without a little evangelical protestant influence. Like this is a literal quote: "maybe this is what God had intended all along - for her to finally be free enough of any Amish restraints to do His biding." Just say you don't think the Amish are real Christians already.
Never mind the fact that there are whole sentences that don't make grammatical sense... I swear an editor didn't even look this over. All the visions and hearing things are over the top, it's gone past intuition to her actually being some sort of pyschic/clairvoyant which is just odd. The plot is nonsensical, would not recommend to anyone, I regret reading it etc etc.
I'm also suspicious about whether the author even likes or respects the Amish, because she seems desperate for all the characters to change their ways and realize that they weren't really that good Christians without a little evangelical protestant influence. Like this is a literal quote: "maybe this is what God had intended all along - for her to finally be free enough of any Amish restraints to do His biding." Just say you don't think the Amish are real Christians already.
Never mind the fact that there are whole sentences that don't make grammatical sense... I swear an editor didn't even look this over. All the visions and hearing things are over the top, it's gone past intuition to her actually being some sort of pyschic/clairvoyant which is just odd. The plot is nonsensical, would not recommend to anyone, I regret reading it etc etc.
May 13, 2013
The Winnowing Season is book 2 in the series and follows A Season for Tending. The main female character is Rhoda Byler who has a gift of being able to intuitively know what is about to happen. Some call this a hunch. Some call it "second sight." But some deem it witchcraft or evil. But Rhoda has lived with this gift virtually her entire life and has learned to suppress and hide it from the people around her. Because, you see, the Amish deem it evil. But Rhoda is a woman of God and one who seeks His will in all she does.
Next we have Jacob and Samuel King, owners of the fabled King Apple Orchards and brothers. Both men have begun to love Rhoda but Jacob seems to be winning the courtship.
The story begins in book two on the heels of a devastating tornado that brought ruin to Kings Orchard. A group of Amish from the community have sought out new land in Maine and are leaving to begin a totally new Amish community in Maine. Rhoda is especially looking forward to a new life in a new community freed from the whispers and seeming hatred of her current Amish community. Before they can leave, though, Rhoda is called before the controlling and governing body of Amish pastors regarding her "gift."
It is difficult to understand the concept of church government and judging as is followed in the Amish communities unless one has been exposed personally to such. This meeting has strictly observed rules, regulations, and order peculiar to the Amish. It needs to be understood that there would be differences in communities of Amish believers so they would not all follow this plan. The matter for Rhoda is ultimately resolved and the group leaves for Maine.
This story line involves a lot of conflict between individuals and brings to light the possible harshness that can exist in the life of seemingly peaceful, plain folk.
As I have come to expect, Cindy Woodsmall has again produced a very good read that is clean and a joy to read. But then, we would expect such from a New York Times Best-Selling Author of Christian fiction. I am looking forward to the September 2013 release of book 3 in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series - Every Season.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of The Winnowing Season from Blogging for Books on behalf of Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group and the author in exchange for my honest opinion. No other goods were exchanged. Opinions expressed are solely my own.
Author info: Cindy Woodsmall is a best-selling author of numerous works of fiction and non-fiction book Plain Wisdom whose connection with the Amish community has been featured on ABC Nightline, in the Wall Street Journal, and throughout other Christian and general news outlets. She lives outside of Atlanta with her family.
Next we have Jacob and Samuel King, owners of the fabled King Apple Orchards and brothers. Both men have begun to love Rhoda but Jacob seems to be winning the courtship.
The story begins in book two on the heels of a devastating tornado that brought ruin to Kings Orchard. A group of Amish from the community have sought out new land in Maine and are leaving to begin a totally new Amish community in Maine. Rhoda is especially looking forward to a new life in a new community freed from the whispers and seeming hatred of her current Amish community. Before they can leave, though, Rhoda is called before the controlling and governing body of Amish pastors regarding her "gift."
It is difficult to understand the concept of church government and judging as is followed in the Amish communities unless one has been exposed personally to such. This meeting has strictly observed rules, regulations, and order peculiar to the Amish. It needs to be understood that there would be differences in communities of Amish believers so they would not all follow this plan. The matter for Rhoda is ultimately resolved and the group leaves for Maine.
This story line involves a lot of conflict between individuals and brings to light the possible harshness that can exist in the life of seemingly peaceful, plain folk.
As I have come to expect, Cindy Woodsmall has again produced a very good read that is clean and a joy to read. But then, we would expect such from a New York Times Best-Selling Author of Christian fiction. I am looking forward to the September 2013 release of book 3 in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series - Every Season.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of The Winnowing Season from Blogging for Books on behalf of Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group and the author in exchange for my honest opinion. No other goods were exchanged. Opinions expressed are solely my own.
Author info: Cindy Woodsmall is a best-selling author of numerous works of fiction and non-fiction book Plain Wisdom whose connection with the Amish community has been featured on ABC Nightline, in the Wall Street Journal, and throughout other Christian and general news outlets. She lives outside of Atlanta with her family.
March 24, 2013
Author Cindy Woodsmall continues the story of young Rhoda Byler, whom we first met in "A Season for Tending", with "The Winnowing Season", Book 2 in the "Amish Vines and Orchards" series. Rhoda is an Old Order Amish member with intelligence, a head for business, and the gift of "intuition", which she feels is God-given. These personal characteristics, combined with a natural ability to grow produce and herbs, cause some in the community to allow superstition to enter their view of Rhoda. When someone maliciously destroys her beloved garden, Rhoda is devastated. She has the land cleared and divides it as gifts to her two brothers. Samuel King offers to go into business with Rhoda, and combining his family orchard with her canning and business skills would seem like an answer to prayers for them both. However, Samuel and Rhoda are at odds with each other from the beginning on almost every decision to be made. Samuel's younger brother, Jacob, spent several years living with the Englisch, and he has quite a different nature from his older brother. Jacob wants to court Rhoda, but shortly after the new business arrangement begins, a devastating tornado hits the orchard. After months of hard work to restore what was lost, a plan is formed to buy an abandoned orchard in Maine. Leaving behind all that they have known in Pennsylvania and moving to a new world in Maine is a huge step, and it means even more hard work and sacrifice. Finally, all is ready for the group of investors to make their journey to a new life, but at the last minute, an inquiry is held into who ruined Rhoda's garden, and she must once again face public scrutiny. When the group is finally free to move forward, old secrets and recurring threats will face them as they build a new future. When Jacob and Rhoda are separated for a time, she and Samuel realize that they are drawn to each other, and when Jacob returns, heartbreak is felt by all. Rhoda makes a personal decision which she feels is best for all, but what will it mean for her own life and happiness? Cindy Woodsmall once again enchants with her deeply drawn characterizations and her knowledge of the ways of the Amish and the Englisch. I look forward to reading Book 3 in the series, "For Every Season".
Review Copy Gratis Library Thing
Review Copy Gratis Library Thing
May 28, 2016
This is book 3 of this wonderful series and to say I am hooked is an understatement. The main character, Rhoda, is loved by two men, brothers. I have to admit I am rooting for Samuel. His love for her is so beautiful and understated. The suspense is just killing me. Cindy Woodsmall has done such a great job of making these characters come alive in the story. There is also a budding romance between Leah and Landon and I am curious about what decision Leah will make about her future. Jacob just drives me crazy! I get so frustrated with him, I am hoping Rhoda will see his love has limits. Anyway, gotta go read!
April 11, 2016
Blah! I just could not get into this book. I've known about it since it first came out in 2013 but the summary didn't sound good. After reading it I knew my assumptions were correct! Good thing I've already read this author and enjoyed her other books or I may have based her upcoming books on this one.
May 5, 2013
Title: The Winnowing Season
Author: Cindy Woodsman
Source: Review Book
Number Of Pages: 336
ISBN: 9780307730046
Publisher: WaterBrook
Publication Date: 2013
My Rating: 3 Out Of 5 Stars
D e s c r i p t i o n ( T a k e n F r o m www.amazon.com ) :
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.
Book 2 of the Amish Vines and Orchards series asks: 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?
R e v i e w :
I would like to start off by giving a heart-felt "thank you" to Blogging 4 Books for giving me this free copy of "The Winnowing Season" By Cindy Woodsmall for my honest opinion. All thoughts and sentiments are my very own, and I was not paid to do this review :) .
I have read only one other of Cindy's books that I remember, and it was a pretty long time ago. In all honesty I didn't even remember reading any of Cindy's work until a friend reminded me about it. As far as I can tell, she is a remarkable author. BUT . . . I can't really give you a great idea of what this author is about. This book is the second in a series, and I have not read either of it's companions. Therefore, I did not get the beginning OR the ending, which is something that I did not realize until AFTER I got the book. So, not remembering the last book of hers that I read because it was so long ago, and only having part of this story, I can only give you my opinion on what I read.
This story is kind of a hot mess at first. There was WAY too much going on at one time (though I might have felt differently if I had read the first book. Like I said, I'm calling 'em as I see 'em). There are three or four main people whose story this book focuses on. Sometimes it was a little hard to jump around from story to story at first, because to be honest I felt like Cindy didn't really give me a any real depth or description to the characters. Though I eventually learned about their personalities, I think it would have been nice for her to give a little bit of a back-story. The only one she did that on in the beginning was Rhoda (one of the main characters). Though I can see why she held back on Jacob's back-story (another lead character) for story line purposes, I would have liked to have been able to see a little bit more into Jacob's brother Samuel (another lead) before he was made out to be a spoiled brat. I like feeling connected with the characters that I read about, and I really didn't feel that way about this book. In the beginning Rhonda and Jacob were my favorites, then I felt like Jacob was portrayed as a totally different person in the second half of the book. It's confusing. Let me tell you a little about the plot.
Rhonda
Rhonda was born with a special gift that was given to her by God. She has a keen sense of intuition. I'm not just talking about common sense, sometimes things are revealed to her before she even knows whats happening. Her whole life she has been trying to smother this gift, because it made people hate her. Everyone except a few select friends thought it was witchcraft, and others were just extremely suspicious about her. Her whole life she was tormented because of this gift, and right now she just wants a fresh start.When her business partners Samuel and Jacob King find an apple orchard in Unity, Maine, she is more than relieved to move away and start building a new Amish community with them and their friends/employees. But there is a snag. Samuel has contacted the elders of her church about the vandalism to her garden a few months prior, and now she may not be able to leave at all. Boy did he get an ear full . . .
Samuel
Samuel is the younger of the two brothers (Jacob is his brother), though he seems much wiser.
Although he makes his fair share of mistakes, Samuel has a pretty level head on his shoulders. He only has one weakness . . . Rhoda. His brothers girl. He doesn't want to betray his brother, so he tries to put some distance between himself and Rhoda, which is hard since they work together . . . every day. At first he tries being rude, because he just can't keep bantering and teasing with her and keep quiet. Then, when he realizes that taking out his frustrations on her isn't fair, he just does his best to never be around her without Jacob. But pretty soon he's left with no choice.
Jacob
Jacob's future is to have a past. When he was younger and going through his "wild phase" he did some things that he wasn't proud of, and now it's all coming back to haunt him. He is constantly having to leave his girlfriend Rhoda to take care of someone else or hide from cameras. Will his constant absence and lack of support tear the most important person in his life away from him?
This trio and Leah (The sister of the two King boys that is yet another main factor in the book), move to Maine and start construction on their new home and business. It's a long, hard battle, but it is well fought. When a lawsuit is filed against Rhoda and Jacob isn't there for her, she leans on her friend Samuel. I can't really tell you any more without spoiling the whole book, but there is a lot that goes on at the Kings orchard.
I would not recommend reading this book without reading the first one in the series first. There are some books that you can read out of order and it won't really matter, but this isn't one of them. I feel like "The Winnowing Season" started with a lot of problems, and NONE of them were resolved by the end of the book. In the last chapter Rhonda still hasn't made up her mind about two brothers and which one she has feelings for, her intuition is going crazy, there was no explanation about her former hippie neighbors and why she keeps hearing a child cry, and she is still seeing her murdered sister everywhere.There were more unsolved issues in the end then there was in the beginning. Though I don't care if there is a happy ending, there should at least be SOME kind of ending. That being said, I think that if I were to read a complete story by Cindy Woodsmall's, I would enjoy it immensely. She has a knack for coming up with some of the most unique things I've ever read. She doesn't do the same-old same-old stuff like a lot of Amish Fiction authors. I think you should read one of her single/non-series books first to see what you think, because each book is totally different.
Thank you for your support!
~The Literary Maidens
October 6, 2025
The Winnowing Season by Cindy Woodsmall is a beautifully written, emotionally layered story about faith, forgiveness, and the courage to begin again. As the second book in the Amish Vines and Orchards series, it deepens the emotional and spiritual journeys of Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob, while exploring how love and purpose can take root even in the aftermath of loss.
When a tornado destroys Kings’ Orchard, Rhoda and the King brothers set out to start anew in Maine but the fresh soil they till is burdened by secrets, guilt, and unspoken longing. Woodsmall captures this tension masterfully, intertwining romance, redemption, and divine guidance in a narrative that feels both tender and deeply human.
Rhoda’s intuitive gift seen by some as a blessing and by others as blasphemy serves as a powerful metaphor for individuality within faith. Through her, Woodsmall examines how trust and belief can coexist with doubt, how healing often requires truth, and how love grows strongest through trials.
Written with graceful prose and profound emotional insight, The Winnowing Season is more than an Amish romance it’s a testament to second chances, spiritual resilience, and the quiet miracles that bloom after devastation.
Perfect for readers who cherish the emotional depth of Beverly Lewis or the heartfelt storytelling of Wanda E. Brunstetter, this novel invites reflection as much as it offers hope.
When a tornado destroys Kings’ Orchard, Rhoda and the King brothers set out to start anew in Maine but the fresh soil they till is burdened by secrets, guilt, and unspoken longing. Woodsmall captures this tension masterfully, intertwining romance, redemption, and divine guidance in a narrative that feels both tender and deeply human.
Rhoda’s intuitive gift seen by some as a blessing and by others as blasphemy serves as a powerful metaphor for individuality within faith. Through her, Woodsmall examines how trust and belief can coexist with doubt, how healing often requires truth, and how love grows strongest through trials.
Written with graceful prose and profound emotional insight, The Winnowing Season is more than an Amish romance it’s a testament to second chances, spiritual resilience, and the quiet miracles that bloom after devastation.
Perfect for readers who cherish the emotional depth of Beverly Lewis or the heartfelt storytelling of Wanda E. Brunstetter, this novel invites reflection as much as it offers hope.
May 20, 2013
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.
Book 2 of the Amish Vines and Orchards series asks: 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 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.
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/authorcindyw...
My Review:
As always Cindy Woodsmall does not disappoint. Her characters are real and true to form. I love her books. She really has a way of drawing you in and seeing her vision as each of the characters play out. The book The Winnowing Season is actually the second book in the Amish Vines and Orchards series. I imagine myself there with each conversation that takes place. And you will to as you read about the struggles this community has had in years past.
As the community has tried to rebuild after a tornado and acts of vandalism that harmed a young lady who really didn't deserve it. But that was nothing new to Rhoda, they had always let it be known that she was untrustworthy. As if this wasn't enough holding some of these families back from rebuilding their livelihood, it seems that the disagreements between Rhoda and Samuel maybe the straw that breaks the camels back.
Several of the families decide to start an Amish settlement in Maine. They have found some property there big enough to start an orchard which will be there way of making a fresh, new start. So it was agreed that Rhoda, Samuel, Jacob, Landon and a few others are sent to Maine to get everything underway. But soon it is realized that Samuel has done something to upset Rhoda to the point of her not wanting to go through with it at all.
**Disclosure** I received this book at no charge for my honest review from WaterBrook Press through their Blogging for Books program.
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.
Book 2 of the Amish Vines and Orchards series asks: 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 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.
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/authorcindyw...
My Review:
As always Cindy Woodsmall does not disappoint. Her characters are real and true to form. I love her books. She really has a way of drawing you in and seeing her vision as each of the characters play out. The book The Winnowing Season is actually the second book in the Amish Vines and Orchards series. I imagine myself there with each conversation that takes place. And you will to as you read about the struggles this community has had in years past.
As the community has tried to rebuild after a tornado and acts of vandalism that harmed a young lady who really didn't deserve it. But that was nothing new to Rhoda, they had always let it be known that she was untrustworthy. As if this wasn't enough holding some of these families back from rebuilding their livelihood, it seems that the disagreements between Rhoda and Samuel maybe the straw that breaks the camels back.
Several of the families decide to start an Amish settlement in Maine. They have found some property there big enough to start an orchard which will be there way of making a fresh, new start. So it was agreed that Rhoda, Samuel, Jacob, Landon and a few others are sent to Maine to get everything underway. But soon it is realized that Samuel has done something to upset Rhoda to the point of her not wanting to go through with it at all.
**Disclosure** I received this book at no charge for my honest review from WaterBrook Press through their Blogging for Books program.
January 18, 2019
This was a well written and interesting Amish novel with good character development. I am still a little uneasy about Rhoda's "gift" of "premonitions," and when I reread the first novel of the series, I wondered if she is meant to come across as having minor schizophrenia because it wouldn't be all that unlikely for her to be seeing visions of her dead sister and hearing things that aren't there if that were the case. Rhoda feels that her gift is from God--Joan of Arc said the same incidentally--and with some of her insights, that might very well be the case, but much of what she sees and experiences doesn't give across that feeling at all. However, in this book and in the next two books, I think that at the very least the hallucinations she has of her sister stem instead from PTSD because she definitely struggles with a large amount of grief and guilt because she feels responsible for her sister's untimely death. In any case, Rhoda helps people a great deal, both because of her insights and because of her kindness, and, overall, she is a very intriguing character. I enjoyed this novel a little more than I did the first one, and I am glad I decided to read this whole series.
August 18, 2022
Book 2 in the series did not disappoint me. Leah, Landon, Jacob, Samuel, Rhoda, Steven and Phoebe and their two children all strike out for Maine to start the new orchard. Jacob is pulled back into his old life which takes him away from Rhoda. Rhoda has a situation that arises with some girls in her greenhouse. When she is investigated by the police, Jacob goes into hiding so he is not discovered. But Jacob and Rhoda's relationship takes a hit. Samuel loves Rhoda but does not understand how Jacob cannot be there for Rhoda in her time of need. When Rhoda's police investigation ends, Samuel confesses his love to Rhoda. But Jacob arrives unexpectedly. Now what will Rhoda do? She has to work in the orchard with the two brothers. But how can she survive with all the tension and anger amongst the three of them. Leah has asked Landon to help her with finding her way in the English world. Ronda does not think Landon should help her choose between English life and Amish life because he is English and makes it look to appealing. What will happen to Leah and Landon? Look forward to book 3 in the series.
June 12, 2024
After a tornado destroys part of their house and much of their apple orchard, the King family decides to move to Maine and purchase an abandoned orchard there on the advice of Rhoda's non-Amish helper/driver. Starting a new Amish community is fraught with hard work and challenges.
Jacob's past while he was living as an Englisher comes to light and he leaves the community to help an old friend out. Is she really a friend or is she just using him? While he is gone Rhoda is accused of giving marijuana to some teenage girls who were found trespassing in one of her greenhouses. Things look pretty bleak for awhile but the Amish family holds fast to their faith and rely on God to see them through. Will God intervene or will things get worse?
The end left me wanting to start Book 3 right away.
Jacob's past while he was living as an Englisher comes to light and he leaves the community to help an old friend out. Is she really a friend or is she just using him? While he is gone Rhoda is accused of giving marijuana to some teenage girls who were found trespassing in one of her greenhouses. Things look pretty bleak for awhile but the Amish family holds fast to their faith and rely on God to see them through. Will God intervene or will things get worse?
The end left me wanting to start Book 3 right away.
March 18, 2017
I think this book was dragging on things and it was not holding my interest long past the first few chapters. It got boring halfway through. I am really sad such a thing happened considering how hooked I was to the first book. It was still good. Definitely dramatic.
The setting is now in Maine at the new orchard that the Kings and some of the Bylers live at now. They are the first Amish community there. Jacob has been helping out his old English friends which keeps him far apart from his girlfriend Rhoda. This is probably why I also didn't like this book. I like Jacob better than Samuel from this series and feel this book was harsh to him.
Leah has been getting some feelings for Landon, but Rhoda does not want her to be led away from the community, so she tries to get Landon to steer clear from her.
Rhoda keeps hearing things like "Tell them" in her head. She has befriended a couple that lives in the woods near their house. She also has found a few suspicious teens that were smoking, drinking, and camping out in one of her greenhouses.
This book seems to be setting things up for the next book, but I just couldn't feel captured into it. I hope the next one is good like the first one was.
The setting is now in Maine at the new orchard that the Kings and some of the Bylers live at now. They are the first Amish community there. Jacob has been helping out his old English friends which keeps him far apart from his girlfriend Rhoda. This is probably why I also didn't like this book. I like Jacob better than Samuel from this series and feel this book was harsh to him.
Leah has been getting some feelings for Landon, but Rhoda does not want her to be led away from the community, so she tries to get Landon to steer clear from her.
Rhoda keeps hearing things like "Tell them" in her head. She has befriended a couple that lives in the woods near their house. She also has found a few suspicious teens that were smoking, drinking, and camping out in one of her greenhouses.
This book seems to be setting things up for the next book, but I just couldn't feel captured into it. I hope the next one is good like the first one was.
January 28, 2018
Rhoda Byler looks forward to getting a fresh start. Jacob has a past from being in the English world that he can't escape. And Samuel can't fight what's in his heart. The main characters have really changed since the series started. Cindy Woodsmall makes me feels like I know the characters in this book. They are all so likeable, even with their faults. I looked forward to reading this story and wasn't disappointed. It is just as good as the first book. I can't wait to find out how everything comes together in the last book of the series. I received a free copy of this book from The Christian Manifesto and Multnomah/Waterbook in exchange for my honest review.
January 15, 2019
This book picks up where book 1 in the series left off (and includes a synopsis of book 1 as a refresher). Trying to start a new Amish community in Maine is tough enough, but circumstances seem to make things even more difficult. From Jacob's past coming to haunt him to his brother Samuel secretly being in love with Jacob's girl Rhoda to Rhoda being accused of a felony to reporters being where the new community didn't want them to be - can they actually revive the apple orchard and create a new community or is everything a failure waiting to happen?
Real lives, real problems, and a real God who is there through it all. What an excellent series!
Real lives, real problems, and a real God who is there through it all. What an excellent series!
April 18, 2020
A new start for Rhoda Byler as several of their Old Order Amish group prepare to move to Maine. After the King orchard was destroyed by a tornado they are looking forward to a new location and beginning. But the day before they leave Rhoda is called before the elders in an open meeting. Will this but a stop to their plans.? I enjoyed the second in this series and now need to get the next one, because once again author Cindy left it up in the air.
If you enjoy Amish stories this series is a little more suspenseful than most.
Try it. You’ll be hooked
If you enjoy Amish stories this series is a little more suspenseful than most.
Try it. You’ll be hooked
April 21, 2022
This is such a good book like the first book was. Rhodes has become my favourite character in this series so far she is so quirky, funny and not the typical Amish women you see in Amish stories it’s nice to see cause people are all unique just like Rhodes God given gift. Secrets of the past I would have never thought would end up like they did and gosh what that does to a friendship. What amazing friendships, bonds formed, stories told including the shock one wow!!!
I didn’t see this ending how it did, can’t wait to read the next book!!!
I didn’t see this ending how it did, can’t wait to read the next book!!!
September 16, 2019
I have liked this series a lot more than I thought I would. I picked the first one up at a second hand store while out of town when I found myself with hours of extra time.
It's about an Amish girl navigating owning her own business, dating, unfair judgments, and just trying to do the right thing in the face of conflict. My heart strings are attached to this sweet main character who is true to herself and God.
It's about an Amish girl navigating owning her own business, dating, unfair judgments, and just trying to do the right thing in the face of conflict. My heart strings are attached to this sweet main character who is true to herself and God.
December 8, 2016
A passionate and engaging story centered around a young woman attempting to honor God with her gifts and the attempts to forge a new community.
The ending of this tale was particularly maddening to me, as now I am compelled to seek out and read the next book in the series though I should not complain as I do so enjoy tales told by Cindy Woodsmall
The ending of this tale was particularly maddening to me, as now I am compelled to seek out and read the next book in the series though I should not complain as I do so enjoy tales told by Cindy Woodsmall
August 26, 2017
Ugh. It took me forever to get through this one. I have to admit that I don't like all the stupid drama. It's like every character is back in high school. More gardening, more orcharding, less upheaval. If I continue on to book 3 it won't be for a long time. I can't say that I care enough about any of the characters to really want to find out what happens to them.
June 6, 2018
A good read
Loved the book. I want to know what happens next. I think the brothers will eventually make up but I don't know if she will pick either one of the brothers. It will be interesting to see who she picks. This was a hard to put down book. You were constantly wondering what would possibly go wrong next. I hope the author continues the story.
Loved the book. I want to know what happens next. I think the brothers will eventually make up but I don't know if she will pick either one of the brothers. It will be interesting to see who she picks. This was a hard to put down book. You were constantly wondering what would possibly go wrong next. I hope the author continues the story.
June 23, 2018
Another winner
I have thoroughly enjoyed the two books in this series and can't wait to begin book 3.
I love multiple book series. It allows the characters I've come to know to continue to develop and grow as "friends".
Book one was fantastic but I found myself just as glued, if not more so, to book 2.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the two books in this series and can't wait to begin book 3.
I love multiple book series. It allows the characters I've come to know to continue to develop and grow as "friends".
Book one was fantastic but I found myself just as glued, if not more so, to book 2.
January 27, 2019
Complicated!i
Well written book by Cindy Woodsmall. This is part 2of 3. There isn't much written about the business. Rather about conflicts Jason is having with his Englisher girl friend and prob!ems Rhonda is having involving the police. This book is not as good as the first book but still a very good read
Well written book by Cindy Woodsmall. This is part 2of 3. There isn't much written about the business. Rather about conflicts Jason is having with his Englisher girl friend and prob!ems Rhonda is having involving the police. This book is not as good as the first book but still a very good read
August 25, 2021
3.5 stars for volume 2 in this series. Starting over in a new location ought to have solved many of the challenges faced by Rhoda and her business partners. But life gets even more entangled as past events in the life of the man she loves come (part way) to light and Rhoda herself is involved in legal trouble. Only the never ending work of saving the orchard keeps her sane.
April 6, 2022
Heavily rolled my eyes. I am reading this for Landon. Jacob continues to play the stupid card, instead of facing his issues. Samuel is always holier-than-thou and Rhoda is Rhoda. I feel like the book skips over some important parts and slows down on parts that have no meaning. Who knows maybe they will have some meaning in the 3rd.
September 3, 2017
I love the complexity of Ms. Woodsmall's characters -- they are so believable she must be modelling them off real folks or basing them on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. The fact that she's able to hold my interest through a whole series is testimony to what a skilled storyteller she is.
November 10, 2019
the second book in Amish Vines and Orchards Series. Without giving away details; this family continues to work on an orchard as a business and Rhodas' canning and greenhouse herbs. The book kept me interested and will continue with the series; because Cindy Woodsmall keep you interested.
April 26, 2013
"Rhoda Byler shoved her to-do list into the hidden pocket of her apron and slipped out of the summer kitchen. A brief glance assured her non one was around to see her. She needed a few minutes, however fleeting, without anyone tugging at her. Her shoulders and arms ached as she walked into the orchard.
She breathed in, and the heady scents of fall and ripe apples helped soothe her frayed nerves. After nearly two months of nurturing the tornado-ravaged orchard, she found the view both uplifting and disheartening. Despite their long, hard days of cleaning up felled trees and mending broken ones, the once vibrant orchard looked like a battlefield strewn with injured, defeated soldiers. Would all of her and Samuel's tending restore the wounded trees? Or simply prolong their dying?
How strange that she found comfort in walking among these wounded trees. Much of the orchard lay dormant, waiting for late winter, when new trees would be planted.
But she wouldn't be here for that.
A ladder rested against a tree where she and Samuel has grafted tree limbs from storm-damaged trees into healthy ones, hoping their grafts would take. It wasn't the right time of year for such work, but they were giving this orchard their all before leaving it behind tomorrow.
A wavering, misty image stepped out from behind an apple tree.
Emma.
The vision appeared real enough, but it wasn't actually her little sister. Emma had been with God since the day she was murdered, since the day Rhoda all but sent her teary-eyed sister to that convenience store by herself at exactly the wrong time. Emma often formed in a visible way, as if Rhoda's guilt over her death was burned so deeply into Rhoda's soul that she would see her sister the rest of her days.
And maybe she would, but Rhoda dared to hope the move to Maine would end the haunting memories.
Not long after she met Samuel King of Kings' Orchard last summer, he asked if she would partner her canning business with his family's apple farming business. When she finally agreed, she did so hoping for several things to come from the agreement. One desire was for the aberrations to remain at home in Morgansville, some thirty miles away - and where all memories of Emma had been made.
But whether Rhoda was here at Kings' Orchard or at home with her family, she had yet to be freed of Emma's constant reminders that Rhoda had failed her.
Would Maine be an escape?" (pg 1-2).
In the second novel in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series by author Cindy Woodsmall, The Winnowing Season picks up right where A Season for Tending left off. In this continuation of the struggles that Rhoda Byler faces by the Amish community for having a gift from God that allows her to see into the future using her intuition, she is ready to take on a new challenge. A challenge she hopes will bring her far away from the judgmental eyes from her Amish community and church for being branded as using witchcraft to know things that no one could know about the lives of the people living in Morgansville.
She hopes to find a way to go about living a single life as a successful business woman and in helping build an alliance between herself and the King family. But when Samuel goes to far in bringing an issue to the attention of the church leaders, Rhoda feels that Samuel has overstepped his bounds into her personal life. However will that be the proverbial straw that inevitably severes the relationship between their business dealings?
I received The Winnowing Season by Cindy Woodsmall compliments of Waterbrook Multnomah for my honest review and received no compensation for a favorable review. What immediately drew my interest in this series was the unique gift that Rhoda possesses of being able to use God's gift of prophecy to help the people in her community. Instead of them seeing it as just that, they don't believe that she has been endowed with it from God but instead is up to no good and has resorted to witchcraft to allow herself to be so successful.
This was a unique change from your typical Amish books and I was interested to see how Rhoda would continue to use her knowledge of gardening to potentially help another failing apple orchard. Being a huge gardener myself I was interested to see how this could be incorporated into the novel since most Amish women are seen but not necessarily heard when it comes to running their own business and home as a single woman. The best part about this novel is Cindy's attention to detail. Since I hadn't read the first book in the series, one I will rectify shortly when I pick that one up, is that she takes a moment before launching into this book to bring her readers up to speed where the first book left off. I especially love this because often times there is so much time that lapses between books in a series, you have a tendency to forget what the first book was about. There is also a character reference included in the back so you can refer to it as needed to remind yourself about each of the characters you meet in this one. Hands down a 5 out of 5 stars and I can't wait to read the next one in this series.
She breathed in, and the heady scents of fall and ripe apples helped soothe her frayed nerves. After nearly two months of nurturing the tornado-ravaged orchard, she found the view both uplifting and disheartening. Despite their long, hard days of cleaning up felled trees and mending broken ones, the once vibrant orchard looked like a battlefield strewn with injured, defeated soldiers. Would all of her and Samuel's tending restore the wounded trees? Or simply prolong their dying?
How strange that she found comfort in walking among these wounded trees. Much of the orchard lay dormant, waiting for late winter, when new trees would be planted.
But she wouldn't be here for that.
A ladder rested against a tree where she and Samuel has grafted tree limbs from storm-damaged trees into healthy ones, hoping their grafts would take. It wasn't the right time of year for such work, but they were giving this orchard their all before leaving it behind tomorrow.
A wavering, misty image stepped out from behind an apple tree.
Emma.
The vision appeared real enough, but it wasn't actually her little sister. Emma had been with God since the day she was murdered, since the day Rhoda all but sent her teary-eyed sister to that convenience store by herself at exactly the wrong time. Emma often formed in a visible way, as if Rhoda's guilt over her death was burned so deeply into Rhoda's soul that she would see her sister the rest of her days.
And maybe she would, but Rhoda dared to hope the move to Maine would end the haunting memories.
Not long after she met Samuel King of Kings' Orchard last summer, he asked if she would partner her canning business with his family's apple farming business. When she finally agreed, she did so hoping for several things to come from the agreement. One desire was for the aberrations to remain at home in Morgansville, some thirty miles away - and where all memories of Emma had been made.
But whether Rhoda was here at Kings' Orchard or at home with her family, she had yet to be freed of Emma's constant reminders that Rhoda had failed her.
Would Maine be an escape?" (pg 1-2).
In the second novel in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series by author Cindy Woodsmall, The Winnowing Season picks up right where A Season for Tending left off. In this continuation of the struggles that Rhoda Byler faces by the Amish community for having a gift from God that allows her to see into the future using her intuition, she is ready to take on a new challenge. A challenge she hopes will bring her far away from the judgmental eyes from her Amish community and church for being branded as using witchcraft to know things that no one could know about the lives of the people living in Morgansville.
She hopes to find a way to go about living a single life as a successful business woman and in helping build an alliance between herself and the King family. But when Samuel goes to far in bringing an issue to the attention of the church leaders, Rhoda feels that Samuel has overstepped his bounds into her personal life. However will that be the proverbial straw that inevitably severes the relationship between their business dealings?
I received The Winnowing Season by Cindy Woodsmall compliments of Waterbrook Multnomah for my honest review and received no compensation for a favorable review. What immediately drew my interest in this series was the unique gift that Rhoda possesses of being able to use God's gift of prophecy to help the people in her community. Instead of them seeing it as just that, they don't believe that she has been endowed with it from God but instead is up to no good and has resorted to witchcraft to allow herself to be so successful.
This was a unique change from your typical Amish books and I was interested to see how Rhoda would continue to use her knowledge of gardening to potentially help another failing apple orchard. Being a huge gardener myself I was interested to see how this could be incorporated into the novel since most Amish women are seen but not necessarily heard when it comes to running their own business and home as a single woman. The best part about this novel is Cindy's attention to detail. Since I hadn't read the first book in the series, one I will rectify shortly when I pick that one up, is that she takes a moment before launching into this book to bring her readers up to speed where the first book left off. I especially love this because often times there is so much time that lapses between books in a series, you have a tendency to forget what the first book was about. There is also a character reference included in the back so you can refer to it as needed to remind yourself about each of the characters you meet in this one. Hands down a 5 out of 5 stars and I can't wait to read the next one in this series.
August 3, 2017
On to book 3...continuing story of a. Amish family..
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