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Amish Vines and Orchards #3
For Every Season
Working hard to develop a new Amish community outside of Unity, Maine, Rhoda Byler is fully committed to rehabilitating an orchard with business partner Samuel King. But an impulsive decision has created an unexpected strain in her relationship with her beau, Samuel’s brother, Jacob, threatening plans for the orchard. Amidst mounting tension in matters of the heart and business, Rhoda finds that this fledging settlement feels like the home she has always longed for, and she begins to embrace the God-given, heightened intuition that has always felt like a burden to her. She longs for Jacob to fully be free of his past, so they can work towards the future together.
But as Rhoda uses her gift to unpack an old secret with her Englisch neighbors, it is not her beau but an unlikely ally that cheers her on. With the orchard on shaky ground and Jacob’s plans in question, Rhoda is determined to see things through to harvest. But can she trust her insight to direct her path in matters of the heart?
But as Rhoda uses her gift to unpack an old secret with her Englisch neighbors, it is not her beau but an unlikely ally that cheers her on. With the orchard on shaky ground and Jacob’s plans in question, Rhoda is determined to see things through to harvest. But can she trust her insight to direct her path in matters of the heart?
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
107 people are currently reading
990 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Woodsmall
68 books1,118 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 141 reviews
March 15, 2021
Well, I thought for some reason that For Every Season was the last book in this series, BUT it's not. I am kind of glad because I had a hard time with this book, and it left me hanging for obvious reasons! I had a hard time finishing this book (I kind of skimmed to the end) because well I just want know what happens. I need to read the fourth and last book! I struggled with this book, I struggled with some of the character's decisions, and that to me means I am invested in these fictional characters that only exist in this series. That's a good thing, and hopefully, I can finish this series by next week.
August 29, 2013
Cindy Woodsmall's books are always a favorite for me. She give the characters flaws, strengths, fears and love of family and friends. This is the third in the series and you could read it as a stand alone but they have all been so good I would recommend you read each of the books. Rhoda, her brother and his family, Jacob, Samuel, Leah, Landon are all working together to build a new Amish settlement, grow an apple orchard and hope to be able to draw more Amish families to their community. One of the brothers has got into something that he's not sure how to get out of, both brothers are having feelings for Rhoda, Leah is trying to decide what she wants to do with her life. That doesn't bring in the other characters and what they are searching for, longing for and how they grow in strength, love, faith and character. Cindy's characters start to feel like friends by the time you read her book. It does end too soon for me. I would love for it to have been longer so I could enjoy it more.
March 12, 2018
Ok...it took me a month! I love this series but it's really starting to drag out. I want to like these books. I really do. But it's a lot of pages of useless between required and then when something finally happens it could have happened 50 pages ago. I'm making myself read the 4th one but don't really want to.
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October 31, 2018DNF. I'm about in the middle- it doesn't seem like anything is going anywhere, besides two boys fighting for a girl.
October 12, 2020
Too slow and drawn out. Teen fiction like and was frustrating to read. Silly. Had a hard time finishing it.
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, it becomes more likely from the second book onward 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, which in this novel and the final one are less frequent, and because of her kindness, and, overall, she is a very intriguing character. I enjoyed this novel even more than I did the second one, which means that I found it much better than the first one. I am so glad I decided to finish this series.
October 31, 2013
Rhoda Byler has a heightened intuition causing her to have premonitions, visions and hearing the voice of her sister Emma, who was murdered a few years earlier. In a new chapter in her life helping restore an abandoned apple orchard and establish a new Amish community in Maine, Rhoda hopes to escape the ghosts of her past. Rhoda has had an ongoing relationship with Jacob King, who is drawn out of her life more often than into it due to serious troubles as a result of his past. His brother, Samuel, and Rhoda have trouble meeting eye to eye where business decisions regarding the orchard come into play, but Samuel's respect and admiration for Rhoda has turned his head, and as he succumbs to kissing Rhoda, Jacob appears once again. Jacob is infuriated with his brother for kissing Rhoda, and throughout the story the brothers are at odds with each other. When an Indiana Amish girl is hired to help with the paperwork at the farm Rhoda is forced to move in with an Englisch couple. Rhoda loves the peace and beauty of her surroundings in the orchard, and looks forward to canning the fruits of her labors, but her future there is threatened by Jacob's jealousy over the kiss that Samuel and Rhoda shared. His jealous accusations and insecurities cause continuing stress for Rhoda.
Numerous characters are involved in this book, the third in a series. I received the book without having the opportunity to read the two previous books in the series, and found it hard to sort out all of the characters at first. Cindy Woodsmall is an artist at depicting a beautiful portrait of the locale in this book, and I easily envisioned the beautiful countryside with the orchard developing throughout the spring and summer months as the story develops. The main characters are very well defined to the point that I was constantly frustrated with Jacob and his penchant for running off to "take care of his self-imposed issues" at Rhoda's expense. I became irritated with Rhoda for her indecisive and spineless nature in her relationship with Jacob, dropping everything at Jacob's insistence in order to please him. This book is well written, but I would not recommend it as a stand-alone novel. There is too much information based on the previous books in the series, and the story ends rather abruptly as a sequel is to follow. I would love to read the entire series of books in order to have the advantage of the long-range advancement of character development and evolving plot developments.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Numerous characters are involved in this book, the third in a series. I received the book without having the opportunity to read the two previous books in the series, and found it hard to sort out all of the characters at first. Cindy Woodsmall is an artist at depicting a beautiful portrait of the locale in this book, and I easily envisioned the beautiful countryside with the orchard developing throughout the spring and summer months as the story develops. The main characters are very well defined to the point that I was constantly frustrated with Jacob and his penchant for running off to "take care of his self-imposed issues" at Rhoda's expense. I became irritated with Rhoda for her indecisive and spineless nature in her relationship with Jacob, dropping everything at Jacob's insistence in order to please him. This book is well written, but I would not recommend it as a stand-alone novel. There is too much information based on the previous books in the series, and the story ends rather abruptly as a sequel is to follow. I would love to read the entire series of books in order to have the advantage of the long-range advancement of character development and evolving plot developments.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
April 3, 2021
It has been two weeks since the shock heard round the farm. Rhoda Byler and the King brothers, Samuel and Jacob, have barely said a word to each other. Jacob "invited [Rhoda] to leave [the house] and then had refused to talk to her." She moved into the guest bedroom of her Englisch neighbor friends, walking a mile to and from the farm to work. "What had possessed Rhoda to think that two families - the Kings and they Bylers - could live under the same roof while trying to establish a new Amish community?"
Rhoda must prove her love to Jacob by staying away from Samuel. However, nothing is getting done on the farm. Leah knows they need help so she hires Iva Lambright in hopes that she will catch Samuel's eye. It was only upon Iva's arrival that Rhoda and the brothers started speaking to each other - because they had to.
Rhoda starts to see visions of her dead sister again. She had not seen Emma since they left Pennsylvania. Rhoda is also seeing things that have to do with her new roommates, but she cannot figure out what they mean or how to tell her friends.
Jacob decides that the best way to heal their relationship is for he and Rhoda to get married and move back home. He will work as a carpenter while Rhoda has a bit of land to grow her herbs and fruits again. Even though it was Jacob's idea to never keep secrets from each other, he is not telling Rhoda everything from his past in the Englisch world.
I GIVE THIS BOOK: 5 Stars
Cindy Woodsmall has delivered another heart-wrenching Amish story. This book left me stunned with tears pouring from my eyes. It was the perfect ending to this series...until you turn to the last page and see that book 4 comes out in April 2014. Cindy, you are killing me! This series has captivated my heart. While I am happy if the series ended as is, knowing I have to wait 7 months for the next book is pure torture.
As for this book, just because these characters bought a farm in Maine does not mean they left their troubles behind. It is like bad luck follows them. This book deals with the struggles of the heart and what is morally right. The struggles of the Amish and the Englisch. The struggle between money and family. Since the theme of this book is based on struggle, in my opinion, it will touch every reader in a different way. Your heart will be attached to this book the whole way through.
Until next time, live life one page at a time!
Rhoda must prove her love to Jacob by staying away from Samuel. However, nothing is getting done on the farm. Leah knows they need help so she hires Iva Lambright in hopes that she will catch Samuel's eye. It was only upon Iva's arrival that Rhoda and the brothers started speaking to each other - because they had to.
Rhoda starts to see visions of her dead sister again. She had not seen Emma since they left Pennsylvania. Rhoda is also seeing things that have to do with her new roommates, but she cannot figure out what they mean or how to tell her friends.
Jacob decides that the best way to heal their relationship is for he and Rhoda to get married and move back home. He will work as a carpenter while Rhoda has a bit of land to grow her herbs and fruits again. Even though it was Jacob's idea to never keep secrets from each other, he is not telling Rhoda everything from his past in the Englisch world.
I GIVE THIS BOOK: 5 Stars
Cindy Woodsmall has delivered another heart-wrenching Amish story. This book left me stunned with tears pouring from my eyes. It was the perfect ending to this series...until you turn to the last page and see that book 4 comes out in April 2014. Cindy, you are killing me! This series has captivated my heart. While I am happy if the series ended as is, knowing I have to wait 7 months for the next book is pure torture.
As for this book, just because these characters bought a farm in Maine does not mean they left their troubles behind. It is like bad luck follows them. This book deals with the struggles of the heart and what is morally right. The struggles of the Amish and the Englisch. The struggle between money and family. Since the theme of this book is based on struggle, in my opinion, it will touch every reader in a different way. Your heart will be attached to this book the whole way through.
Until next time, live life one page at a time!
September 8, 2013
Okay, well, this book was a shocker for me! Not in a good sense, however.
I have read other books by Cindy Woodsmall and have enjoyed and recommended them, so I was pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this book, For Every Season. It's an Amish fiction, and I usually find such books to be interesting, clean fiction reads.
I knew, going into this, that this book is number 3 in a series~~and I was pleasantly surprised to find a foreword of sorts which began "The story so far. . ." and gave a brief overview of the happenings in books 1 and 2 of the series. I felt like this overview prepared me nicely to begin this book without wondering about what was going on.
The story focuses on several Amish young adults who have moved from Pennsylvania to Maine to begin a new Amish settlement and to recover from the financial difficulties brought upon their families by a tornado's destroying their apple orchard business back home in PA. Many families hopes are tied up in the success of the Maine orchard. Along side of this, there are several interpersonal issues going on -- Rhoda, who is engaged to Jacob -- who also has a very huge mysterious back story -- and Samuel, his brother, who is in love with Rhoda also -- and Leah, who is considering leaving the Amish society for a non-Amish boyfriend, and then there's Rhoda's friends/people she stays with -- and their unfolding dramas -- and, and, and!
To my point of view, there are just TOO many main characters and too many conflicts for the reader to really be able to focus on one or the other. Yes, real life is full of lots of side stories, but the author does not treat these as side stories, but all as competing main stories. What was the main story of this book?
But all that aside, I still would have said that I liked the book -- BUT for the aspect of one of the main character's (Rhoda's) magical mystical visions of the future and past, her "gift". I was really uncomfortable with this in a book which is supposedly a Christian book. These supernatural visions. . .not for me.
For this reason, mainly, I would not really recommend this book. I am not planning on reading any of the other books in this series either. I have liked this author's books in the past and might again in the future, but not this magical supernatural, other-than-God stuff.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review. I was not required to write a positive review.
I have read other books by Cindy Woodsmall and have enjoyed and recommended them, so I was pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this book, For Every Season. It's an Amish fiction, and I usually find such books to be interesting, clean fiction reads.
I knew, going into this, that this book is number 3 in a series~~and I was pleasantly surprised to find a foreword of sorts which began "The story so far. . ." and gave a brief overview of the happenings in books 1 and 2 of the series. I felt like this overview prepared me nicely to begin this book without wondering about what was going on.
The story focuses on several Amish young adults who have moved from Pennsylvania to Maine to begin a new Amish settlement and to recover from the financial difficulties brought upon their families by a tornado's destroying their apple orchard business back home in PA. Many families hopes are tied up in the success of the Maine orchard. Along side of this, there are several interpersonal issues going on -- Rhoda, who is engaged to Jacob -- who also has a very huge mysterious back story -- and Samuel, his brother, who is in love with Rhoda also -- and Leah, who is considering leaving the Amish society for a non-Amish boyfriend, and then there's Rhoda's friends/people she stays with -- and their unfolding dramas -- and, and, and!
To my point of view, there are just TOO many main characters and too many conflicts for the reader to really be able to focus on one or the other. Yes, real life is full of lots of side stories, but the author does not treat these as side stories, but all as competing main stories. What was the main story of this book?
But all that aside, I still would have said that I liked the book -- BUT for the aspect of one of the main character's (Rhoda's) magical mystical visions of the future and past, her "gift". I was really uncomfortable with this in a book which is supposedly a Christian book. These supernatural visions. . .not for me.
For this reason, mainly, I would not really recommend this book. I am not planning on reading any of the other books in this series either. I have liked this author's books in the past and might again in the future, but not this magical supernatural, other-than-God stuff.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review. I was not required to write a positive review.
June 17, 2016
Book 3 in the Amish Vines and Orchards series skillfully picks up the story from where Book 1 and Book 2 left off. The new Amish settlement in Maine is working hard to establish its roots, and it hasn't been an easy task as legal troubles have kept Jacob King off the farm. His girlfriend Rhoda, gifted in horticulture and intuition, has struggled with his absence and unintentionally grown close to his brother Samuel. Now alternately kicking himself for getting caught up in the wrong crowd when he was younger and dealing with irrational jealousy, Jacob tries to ease back into a farmer's life while his heart longs to return to carpentry.
Samuel never meant to fall in love with Rhoda, but that's exactly what has happened. Dedicated to keeping King's Orchard growing, giving Rhoda and Jacob the freedom to be together, and still being a friend and support to both keeps Samuel on his guard and on his knees to seek God's strength for everything on his shoulders.
Relieved that Jacob is back home at last, Rhoda is determined to put any awkwardness behind and give 200% effort to rebuilding their relationship. All she wants to do is become Jacob's wife and see King's Orchard become successful and part of her future for years to come. When it becomes apparent that she may have to choose between the two, Rhoda realizes she has hard choices ahead of her.
As other individuals and families begin to join their small community, pressures mount to see their endeavor flourish. Meanwhile Rhoda feels called to help to help their English neighbor find her granddaughter - a granddaughter the woman doesn't even know exists. Rhoda begins to make peace with her unusual gift of intuition, although there is still quite a bit of prejudice towards her in regards to it.
This is a very well-written and engrossing series by Cindy Woodsmall, and I look forward to finishing Book 4 and reviewing it soon!
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
Samuel never meant to fall in love with Rhoda, but that's exactly what has happened. Dedicated to keeping King's Orchard growing, giving Rhoda and Jacob the freedom to be together, and still being a friend and support to both keeps Samuel on his guard and on his knees to seek God's strength for everything on his shoulders.
Relieved that Jacob is back home at last, Rhoda is determined to put any awkwardness behind and give 200% effort to rebuilding their relationship. All she wants to do is become Jacob's wife and see King's Orchard become successful and part of her future for years to come. When it becomes apparent that she may have to choose between the two, Rhoda realizes she has hard choices ahead of her.
As other individuals and families begin to join their small community, pressures mount to see their endeavor flourish. Meanwhile Rhoda feels called to help to help their English neighbor find her granddaughter - a granddaughter the woman doesn't even know exists. Rhoda begins to make peace with her unusual gift of intuition, although there is still quite a bit of prejudice towards her in regards to it.
This is a very well-written and engrossing series by Cindy Woodsmall, and I look forward to finishing Book 4 and reviewing it soon!
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
October 17, 2013
Rhoda has my heart torn....some moments, I want her with Jacob and some moments, I am sure she belongs with Samuel. Even Rhoda doesn't really seem to know her own heart. The two brothers are certainly at odds over the beautiful intuitive "seer". Can you imagine being given the gift of "seeing and knowing things" by God? Many in her own family and certainly her former community have rejected her because of this gift.
Can Rhoda ever see it as a true gift or calling from God, instead of the curse it seems to be for her? Can she ever reconcile her feelings for the men in her life? I agonized with her as I read, for I wanted her to be happy and to have the wonderful Amish husband, children, and home that she so desires.
So many people say that they value the Amish lifestyle because of its simplicity and peace. Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob have everything except simplicity and peace in their daily dealings on the orchard and in their personal lives. And just as I get to the last page, I think with relief that all the problems will be resolved, and they are NOT!!! I find out that I have to wait for book 4 in the series to come out in 2014. Seriously, Cindy Woodsmall, you are going to make me WAIT to find out what happens for my favorite characters?? sigh, I guess I have no choice, do I, for I am hopelessly hooked!
I received a free copy of this book from bloggingforbooks and Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Can Rhoda ever see it as a true gift or calling from God, instead of the curse it seems to be for her? Can she ever reconcile her feelings for the men in her life? I agonized with her as I read, for I wanted her to be happy and to have the wonderful Amish husband, children, and home that she so desires.
So many people say that they value the Amish lifestyle because of its simplicity and peace. Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob have everything except simplicity and peace in their daily dealings on the orchard and in their personal lives. And just as I get to the last page, I think with relief that all the problems will be resolved, and they are NOT!!! I find out that I have to wait for book 4 in the series to come out in 2014. Seriously, Cindy Woodsmall, you are going to make me WAIT to find out what happens for my favorite characters?? sigh, I guess I have no choice, do I, for I am hopelessly hooked!
I received a free copy of this book from bloggingforbooks and Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
July 3, 2016
Book 2 in this series left the reader wondering how Samuel, Jacob, and Rhoda are going to handle the romantic issues between them as well as the orchard. The orchard is giving them enough problems without the tensions between Rhoda and the brothers. Book 3 handles most of these issues while bringing in some new characters and families to the orchard. But things can't be resolved if Rhoda can't choose which brother she really wants to marry.
Once again the author has told a brilliantly crafted story that is so much more than just a romance. There are quite a few characters and their stories being told, but never once did I feel lost in the details. The book was left open for a 4th book in the series, but the story was left more resolved then the previous two books. I will admit to opening the back of the book to see which brother she chose, but I'll keep it a secret for those that don't like to know before they read the entire book. I've really enjoyed reading all of the books by this author and can't wait until spring to get my hands on the next book.
I received this book free of charge from WaterBrook in exchange for my honest review.
Once again the author has told a brilliantly crafted story that is so much more than just a romance. There are quite a few characters and their stories being told, but never once did I feel lost in the details. The book was left open for a 4th book in the series, but the story was left more resolved then the previous two books. I will admit to opening the back of the book to see which brother she chose, but I'll keep it a secret for those that don't like to know before they read the entire book. I've really enjoyed reading all of the books by this author and can't wait until spring to get my hands on the next book.
I received this book free of charge from WaterBrook in exchange for my honest review.
September 6, 2013
Another great book by Cindy, and the third in this series. I loved spending time with these old dear friends. Note: If you have not yet read the other two books, there is information give so you can catch up. Don't deny yourself the pleasure of these great reads.
Samuel and Rhoda are working hard to getting the Orchard ready in Maine. We are with them them with their struggles and trials. Blending in with the families, and bring in some new people to help. I never wanted to leave, wanted to sit down with them at their meals!
Will Jacob and Rhoda finally be able to put the past behind them, and be married? Will their be someone special finally for Samuel? How about Leah, will she stay Amish and not want to go worldly?
Enjoy this next book in this series, you won't be able to put it down! I couldn't.
I received this book from Waterbook Press and their blogger program, and was not required to give a positive review.
Samuel and Rhoda are working hard to getting the Orchard ready in Maine. We are with them them with their struggles and trials. Blending in with the families, and bring in some new people to help. I never wanted to leave, wanted to sit down with them at their meals!
Will Jacob and Rhoda finally be able to put the past behind them, and be married? Will their be someone special finally for Samuel? How about Leah, will she stay Amish and not want to go worldly?
Enjoy this next book in this series, you won't be able to put it down! I couldn't.
I received this book from Waterbook Press and their blogger program, and was not required to give a positive review.
May 15, 2015
Like other reviews I have read before, it DOES feel like the author is dragging this out into 4 books just to profit. There wasn't a ton of content in this one, just the same old conflict being thumped around. A tiny bit of resolution came at the 2nd to last chapter. Some characters that have been there all along really have no personality at all (the main character's brother, for example). My biggest problem is now that I am 3/4 of the way through the series, I figure I might as well finish it, though I suspect that the author will once again do very little in resolution until the final couple chapters in the final book.
January 4, 2022
.
Inspirational Amish read that includes diversity, hardship, faith, and family bonds. It was well written and compels the reader onward with an interesting plotline.
I was disappointed that there is no H.E.A.. for each book in the series. This compares to a four-part book, each part being sold separately, which is fine if the reader realizes it in advance, but not so much when it comes to a complete surprise at the conclusion of each book.
Inspirational Amish read that includes diversity, hardship, faith, and family bonds. It was well written and compels the reader onward with an interesting plotline.
I was disappointed that there is no H.E.A.. for each book in the series. This compares to a four-part book, each part being sold separately, which is fine if the reader realizes it in advance, but not so much when it comes to a complete surprise at the conclusion of each book.
February 10, 2019
Conflict
I was disappointed with the book. There was more about the on going conflict between the main characters and less about the orchard. It got tiresome reading about the constant arguing.
I was disappointed with the book. There was more about the on going conflict between the main characters and less about the orchard. It got tiresome reading about the constant arguing.
February 9, 2022
Just the worst for me. There was just too much hardship and the ending was far from what I wanted.
October 24, 2024
This story had some slow parts and at times I felt confused.
September 4, 2017
And the excellent storytelling continues!
Zara and Ziggy, the two dogs, again make an appearance. They were purchased near the end of the last book, but, unless my memory is terribly faulty, we are never told their age. I didn't know their breed until a few chapters into this installment. I still have no idea why that particular breed was desirable to our characters. I only inferred why the dogs were bought in the first place as it's never stated outright. They're minor players, but I notice stuff like that since I'm a dog lover and owner.
Also, the main characters are continuously witty, even when they're exhausted. Unrealistic. When I'm exhausted, I, who am normally witty and charming, am brain-dead and unable to banter with anyone. When you don't have energy left, you're not going to try to muster up a cute comeback.
With the exception of sprinklings of warped German, everyone talks the same. No one has pet words or phrases. They all sound very educated and succinct. I get that in books, movies and TV nearly no one talks like a real person, but it'd be nice to have the illusion of such here. For dialog, J.D. Salinger nails it in his short stories. Faulkner manages to have unique speech patterns for each of his 15 characters in As I Lay Dying. Stephen King is a master at characterization and dialogue. So, yes, it can be done.
Speaking of lack of energy, why are these Amish never taking a Sabbath break? So many burdensome rules and yet nothing about resting on the Sabbath. They're gonna end up killing themselves. For what? To scrape out a poverty-level existence? The illogic of it all baffles me.
The last two pages threw me. I can buy the conversation that takes place, but I can't buy anyone hugging anyone. Men, by nature, are competitive creatures and it would take A LOT to have one concede something they held as very precious to their rival. Men's greatest fear is to fail. For the two men to hug or for the rejected man and his ex-love to hug -- I'm just not going for it.
All that said, I went ahead and added Ms. Woodsmall to my list of favorite authors. Of course, I'll keep reading. I want my happy ending. :-)
Zara and Ziggy, the two dogs, again make an appearance. They were purchased near the end of the last book, but, unless my memory is terribly faulty, we are never told their age. I didn't know their breed until a few chapters into this installment. I still have no idea why that particular breed was desirable to our characters. I only inferred why the dogs were bought in the first place as it's never stated outright. They're minor players, but I notice stuff like that since I'm a dog lover and owner.
Also, the main characters are continuously witty, even when they're exhausted. Unrealistic. When I'm exhausted, I, who am normally witty and charming, am brain-dead and unable to banter with anyone. When you don't have energy left, you're not going to try to muster up a cute comeback.
With the exception of sprinklings of warped German, everyone talks the same. No one has pet words or phrases. They all sound very educated and succinct. I get that in books, movies and TV nearly no one talks like a real person, but it'd be nice to have the illusion of such here. For dialog, J.D. Salinger nails it in his short stories. Faulkner manages to have unique speech patterns for each of his 15 characters in As I Lay Dying. Stephen King is a master at characterization and dialogue. So, yes, it can be done.
Speaking of lack of energy, why are these Amish never taking a Sabbath break? So many burdensome rules and yet nothing about resting on the Sabbath. They're gonna end up killing themselves. For what? To scrape out a poverty-level existence? The illogic of it all baffles me.
The last two pages threw me. I can buy the conversation that takes place, but I can't buy anyone hugging anyone. Men, by nature, are competitive creatures and it would take A LOT to have one concede something they held as very precious to their rival. Men's greatest fear is to fail. For the two men to hug or for the rejected man and his ex-love to hug -- I'm just not going for it.
All that said, I went ahead and added Ms. Woodsmall to my list of favorite authors. Of course, I'll keep reading. I want my happy ending. :-)
October 21, 2017
3.5 stars
The emotions while reading this go from me wanting to yell at characters who don't really exist to wanting to cry with them. This book was actually pretty good, story wise.
Rhoda and Jacob have a whole new set of problems in their relationship (what else is new, right), but they are trying their best to work these problems out because they love one another. I really did like Jacob in the first book, but now the way he is acting has set me on edge too!
There is a new character introduced in this book named Iva. She doesn't really have a big role in the story, but I like her. She is an Amish woman who loves photography and seems to stay out of people's way to just help out the best she can.
As for Samuel, of course he takes a bit of a back seat in this book other than a few portions in which he gets to be around to help Rhoda, as usual. He is doing his slight to stay out of his way, but at times I think he tries his best to be in her way too. Or at least God keeps trying to put him in her way. I liked him much more in this book because he has improved so much since the first book.
Leah still doesn't know if she wants to be Amish any longer or not. She is less of a little teen girl in this one than in the first book, as in, she has matured a lot since then.
That's that. The end of this really made me want to read the next book right away, but I have a couple others I plan to read first!
The emotions while reading this go from me wanting to yell at characters who don't really exist to wanting to cry with them. This book was actually pretty good, story wise.
Rhoda and Jacob have a whole new set of problems in their relationship (what else is new, right), but they are trying their best to work these problems out because they love one another. I really did like Jacob in the first book, but now the way he is acting has set me on edge too!
There is a new character introduced in this book named Iva. She doesn't really have a big role in the story, but I like her. She is an Amish woman who loves photography and seems to stay out of people's way to just help out the best she can.
As for Samuel, of course he takes a bit of a back seat in this book other than a few portions in which he gets to be around to help Rhoda, as usual. He is doing his slight to stay out of his way, but at times I think he tries his best to be in her way too. Or at least God keeps trying to put him in her way. I liked him much more in this book because he has improved so much since the first book.
Leah still doesn't know if she wants to be Amish any longer or not. She is less of a little teen girl in this one than in the first book, as in, she has matured a lot since then.
That's that. The end of this really made me want to read the next book right away, but I have a couple others I plan to read first!
January 18, 2019
The story continues in book 3 where book 2 leaves off. (The author gives a great recap of book 1 and book 2 at the beginning.) Beyond the true-to-life characters and in depth plot lines in this series are wonderful spiritual themes/issues that reach the reader's heart. Who did God make us to be? What gift did He give us and how do we use it? Where do we belong? What is our purpose? Even who do I marry?
Cindy Woodsmall is very adept at creating characters who elicit emotions from the reader - because they remind us of people we know, or more accurately, ourselves.
I'm looking forward to reading book 4 in this series.
Cindy Woodsmall is very adept at creating characters who elicit emotions from the reader - because they remind us of people we know, or more accurately, ourselves.
I'm looking forward to reading book 4 in this series.
August 19, 2022
This is a great series. In this book, there is Rhoda struggling with matters of the heart. If things don't work out with Jacob and he leaves the Orchard, what will that mean for the Orchard. Everyone is working hard so the Orchard can be a success. Samuel is patiently waiting for Rhoda. Leah and Landon's relationship is developing into love. But what will that mean for the family if Leah chooses to go English? Steven and Phoebe are the rocks - Steven is trying to be the spiritual leader and Phoebe is keeping everyone fed, which is just as important as those working in the Orchard. Can't wait for book 4.
May 17, 2022
Another good book in this series, im really enjoying reading this series. Rhoda's gift seems a little werid and quirky that it’s a gift from God though it’s clearly helping people. Rhoda helps someone during this book and has a few struggles of her own. I love that the characters have flaws and struggles, some of those struggles seem to bring them closer while others look set to tear them apart. Leah struggles with wether she wants to be Amish or not and her love for Landon. I can’t wait to read the next book and I’m glad I have it there ready to read.
April 26, 2024
I Can Read this Book Over and Over
Years ago when I read the 1st novel in this series I was not sure I liked it. Rhoda's premonition type character concerned me at first. I then read that many written into the book felt insecure as well. I learned it was God given in the story in time. I enjoyed many things about this set. I have read it over and over. The humor is a strength.
Years ago when I read the 1st novel in this series I was not sure I liked it. Rhoda's premonition type character concerned me at first. I then read that many written into the book felt insecure as well. I learned it was God given in the story in time. I enjoyed many things about this set. I have read it over and over. The humor is a strength.
June 28, 2018
A winner
I love this series. When it's easy to put a book down, I know it could be improved upon. When I can't stop reading, I know I've got a winner. I couldn't stop until I finished. Indeed, this is a winner.
I love the characters. They are each unique and very real. I'm glad there is another book to keep them a part of my life a little longer.
I love this series. When it's easy to put a book down, I know it could be improved upon. When I can't stop reading, I know I've got a winner. I couldn't stop until I finished. Indeed, this is a winner.
I love the characters. They are each unique and very real. I'm glad there is another book to keep them a part of my life a little longer.
August 25, 2021
Volume 3 continues the saga of Rhoda, Jacob, and Samuel with all their flaws, gifts, and emotional turmoil. The story line could have been shortened a bit; the arguing, indecision, and self-doubt went on a little long, in my mind. But I will still read the final volume to see how all the loose ends are tied together.
November 28, 2021
I feel like I have whiplash, seriously! So much back and forth in this endless love triangle. Every interaction and thought is drawn out to an almost painful length. Way way way too much extra angst. Just pick a man and marry him already! I can't believe there's another whole book of ceaseless back and forth before they reach a resolution. I don't think I can do it.
May 30, 2017
This is the third in a series and I'm so glad the next one is available. When I read the last in the series I'm sure I'll be sorry it's over. I have been reading Amish fiction for over forty years and this may be the best yet.
August 7, 2023
The story of Rhoda and her orchard continues. This book had lots of ups and downs. The downs were hard to read through; found myself skimming quite a bit. Hoping that the fourth and final book is easier to follow. I also hope that the stories start “finishing”. Curious to see what happens next…
April 7, 2024
I am done with Rhoda and her drama lol. And Jacob and his inability to sort out his life and face conflict head-on. I like Samuel and think he deserves better. I am not going to be completing this series the thought gives me a headache it has ran on too long this book should have been the last imo
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