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To Everything A Season
11th Annual Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Finalist12th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards, FinalistOne June night, on a dark country road, two worlds—one of privilege and wealth, one modest and plain—collide, and tragedy forces two families together, causing both to question the lives they lead.Taylor Loden, future heiress to her father’s media empire, is fused 24/7 to her two cell phones, wakes up in the middle of the night to check emails, and has never examined her breakneck work pace or her empty life until she meets the Old Order Amish Yoder family of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.Taylor has zero desire to muck a barn or strip tobacco, yet feels compelled, for reasons she’s not prone to analyze, to temporarily trade her technology-fueled business life in Philadelphia for country life without electricity on the Yoder farm. While she strives to adapt to Amish life, she bonds with the family, especially with two of the Yoder Jacob and Becca.Jacob, the eldest son, refuses to baptize and join the church, and according to his frustrated father, lacks direction. He not only faces a grave physical challenge resulting from his actions that June night, but also harbors a secret that threatens to upend his family and community. Becca is 16, just entering her rumspringa, the time period when she is free to explore the normally forbidden modern world. When Taylor returns to her Philadelphia penthouse, Becca accompanies her for the summer and for the first time is exposed to city life—museums, music, technology, restaurants, fashion, even religious faiths different from her own.Taylor mentors Becca’s city fling and helps Jacob conceal his secret, actions that jeopardize her relationship with the Yoder family and her father. As the two cultures clash, both families struggle to determine whether the deep ties that bind them are greater than the differences that may tear them apart. Ultimately, Taylor, Jacob and Becca must answer for Are we more than what we do for a living or where we’re born? And if so, what price, if any, is too steep to walk away from family expectations?To Everything A Season is a perfect book club selection—smart and sophisticated contemporary women's fiction that invites discussion as well as touches the heart.Awards for To Everything A Annual Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Finalist, Multicultural Fiction category12th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards, Finalist, Multicultural Fiction category
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2016
325 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Sherri Schaeffer
1 book6 followersSherri Schaeffer's professional background includes newspaper reporting and corporate law. TO EVERYTHING A SEASON is her first novel. It was named a Finalist in the 2018 Next Generation Indie Book Awards and the 12th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards, both in the Multicultural Fiction category. She lives in the Greater Philadelphia area with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 25, 2018
The novel takes you to places you might not ever experience...Amish country, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The detail in which the author describes the everyday life and struggles of this community gives the reader an insight into not only their strengths, but their weaknesses. When the modern world and the Amish world collide, questions arise...decisions must be made...and the characters in both worlds must exam their priorities.
The author lives in Philadelphia and we are treated to a tour of the best of that city as well. To Everything a Season is well researched and at the end, the reader can write their own version of how it all turns out.
The author lives in Philadelphia and we are treated to a tour of the best of that city as well. To Everything a Season is well researched and at the end, the reader can write their own version of how it all turns out.
April 23, 2020
Perfect first novel!
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
I'm crying right now. The incredibly intense and beautiful book is one I will read again & again. That doesn't happen often, to find a book so special that you read it slowly to savor each scene, that you can feel the breezes or heat, and smell the scents in the air. It doesn't often happen that one can feel the excitement of a first-time encounter with classical music, talking about books, and sharing new foods. It doesn't often happen that one can see characters so clearly & feel their emotions.
The author has set the bar high & I am thankful! It's been a long time since I have been so enthralled with a book. When I stopped reading a chapter, I spent time contemplating it. I have spent more time thinking about the book; the characters, the action, and the outcomes; than I did reading it. I have even dreamt about it. Talk about an impact!
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It's a perfect book club book. Discussions would be wonderful! This is a book to be savored, like a fine wine or the first, fresh fruit of the season...full of sweetness & warmed by the sun! Please read this book. I thoroughly believe that each reader will be changed in some manner, after reading it. Don't just take my word on how excellent this book is, read it for yourself.
To the author: I sincerely hope that you will write another book! Fill it to the brim with writing that allows the characters & situations simmer together, melding glorious flavor, and providing food for thought. Thank you! You have set the bar high & brought back writing that means something.
10 stars!
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
I'm crying right now. The incredibly intense and beautiful book is one I will read again & again. That doesn't happen often, to find a book so special that you read it slowly to savor each scene, that you can feel the breezes or heat, and smell the scents in the air. It doesn't often happen that one can feel the excitement of a first-time encounter with classical music, talking about books, and sharing new foods. It doesn't often happen that one can see characters so clearly & feel their emotions.
The author has set the bar high & I am thankful! It's been a long time since I have been so enthralled with a book. When I stopped reading a chapter, I spent time contemplating it. I have spent more time thinking about the book; the characters, the action, and the outcomes; than I did reading it. I have even dreamt about it. Talk about an impact!
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It's a perfect book club book. Discussions would be wonderful! This is a book to be savored, like a fine wine or the first, fresh fruit of the season...full of sweetness & warmed by the sun! Please read this book. I thoroughly believe that each reader will be changed in some manner, after reading it. Don't just take my word on how excellent this book is, read it for yourself.
To the author: I sincerely hope that you will write another book! Fill it to the brim with writing that allows the characters & situations simmer together, melding glorious flavor, and providing food for thought. Thank you! You have set the bar high & brought back writing that means something.
10 stars!
May 28, 2020
I read this book at an interesting time in world history, during the Covid19 Pandemic. A time when people around the world were forced to live a simpler life, give up many of the things we take for granted like going out to eat, and spending more time with family. Much like the lessons Taylor learns during her time with the Yoder Family.
This book delves deep into the topic of religions of various forms and breaks them down so that you understand their core and their core values. Bottom line is we are not that different no matter how we pray, or if we pray at all.
There were many times this book could have taken turns into common areas that seem to go through many books geared towards women. But with the exception of one episode it stays clear of these cliques and stays true to the storyline using well defined characters that seem real and human.
The book was a bit long and could have used some editing. By page 340 we already got the idea and it could have been trimmed. But that is just a mild flaw. This is a well written, thought provoking book that is making me look inside and see what things I can tweak in my own life.
I cannot believe this is a first novel and look forward to many more written by this new voice in modern fiction.
This book delves deep into the topic of religions of various forms and breaks them down so that you understand their core and their core values. Bottom line is we are not that different no matter how we pray, or if we pray at all.
There were many times this book could have taken turns into common areas that seem to go through many books geared towards women. But with the exception of one episode it stays clear of these cliques and stays true to the storyline using well defined characters that seem real and human.
The book was a bit long and could have used some editing. By page 340 we already got the idea and it could have been trimmed. But that is just a mild flaw. This is a well written, thought provoking book that is making me look inside and see what things I can tweak in my own life.
I cannot believe this is a first novel and look forward to many more written by this new voice in modern fiction.
November 1, 2019
Amazing first novel!
You would NEVER know this is a first novel if it was not mentioned in the write-up, this book is THAT GOOD!
Since there's no mention of the author being Amish, then she did a phenomenal job of making me believe she is because the book drew me in to that culture so completely, it's as if it could be written only by someone who grew up in an Amish community.
The only thing I noticed was that, when writing "from" the Amish perspective she would use BOTH the English "Dad" and Pennsylvania Dutch "Datt" so if I picked it back up after a bit, sometimes I'd be a tad confused about "where I was" if I saw "dad" until I saw who was speaking or something else to put me back on track.
WONDERFUL, INSPIRING STORY OF A FAMILY'S LOVE FOR EACH OTHER, THE INNER TURMOIL ONE FACES BETWEEN FAITH AND FAMILY, STRUGGLE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY, AND THE SEARCH WE ALL GO THROUGH IN FINDING OURSELVES.
You would NEVER know this is a first novel if it was not mentioned in the write-up, this book is THAT GOOD!
Since there's no mention of the author being Amish, then she did a phenomenal job of making me believe she is because the book drew me in to that culture so completely, it's as if it could be written only by someone who grew up in an Amish community.
The only thing I noticed was that, when writing "from" the Amish perspective she would use BOTH the English "Dad" and Pennsylvania Dutch "Datt" so if I picked it back up after a bit, sometimes I'd be a tad confused about "where I was" if I saw "dad" until I saw who was speaking or something else to put me back on track.
WONDERFUL, INSPIRING STORY OF A FAMILY'S LOVE FOR EACH OTHER, THE INNER TURMOIL ONE FACES BETWEEN FAITH AND FAMILY, STRUGGLE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY, AND THE SEARCH WE ALL GO THROUGH IN FINDING OURSELVES.
May 9, 2020
An absolute must read!
I was experiencing so many emotions after reading this book that I had to wait a bit to write this..I haven't read a book in a while that affected me quite like this . How Jacob and the Yoders came together with Taylor,
People from such different backgrounds, was beautifully done. I learned so much from reading this book and it is definitely not a story I wil forget easily.
Thank you Me Schaeffer
I was experiencing so many emotions after reading this book that I had to wait a bit to write this..I haven't read a book in a while that affected me quite like this . How Jacob and the Yoders came together with Taylor,
People from such different backgrounds, was beautifully done. I learned so much from reading this book and it is definitely not a story I wil forget easily.
Thank you Me Schaeffer
April 17, 2021
Some books are just so terrible they're great. This is one of them. I'm fascinated by the Amish which is why this book caught my eye. To be fair, the story isn't bad. It's the telling that is awful. This book is simply way too long. Liberal use of a red pen would have done this book a great service. It reads as if the author did a lot of research on the Amish and wanted to show off what she knew. She does this through painfully tedious dialogue that she then uses to her own advantage to criticise Amish ways. Occasionally - obviously aware that she needs some balance - she makes minor concessions letting the feisty Becca, an Amish teen spending part of her "rumspringa" (the couple of years when Amish teens are permitted to live with more freedom in the hope it will "get it out of their system" and persuade them to return to the fold) in the big city, score some points against Tyler, heiress to a media empire. To Everything A Season is a bit like a cheesy soap opera, you know you shouldn't watch, but it's so addictive. And chapeaux to Sherri Schaeffer, the ending is tremendous. If I hadn't been in bed way past usual lights out (I really needed to finish this book, it was starting to make me feel dirty), I'd have been bowled off my feet. Ideally, I'd give 4 stars for the story and 2 for the telling.
July 24, 2020
Dismal
The only good thing I can say about this is: if you want to learn about the Amish way of life, this is the book for you. Otherwise, the story is not terribly believable and not very interesting - and too long! I was also irritated by the designer and brand references and decided the author must be being paid to mention them ( probably not, but really irritating all the same). Cannot recommend it Im afraid.
The only good thing I can say about this is: if you want to learn about the Amish way of life, this is the book for you. Otherwise, the story is not terribly believable and not very interesting - and too long! I was also irritated by the designer and brand references and decided the author must be being paid to mention them ( probably not, but really irritating all the same). Cannot recommend it Im afraid.
August 16, 2018
My book club chose this book. I was a bit turned off with the unlikelihood of the two main characters bonding to each other but by the book’s end it all comes together. The author is quite knowledgeable about a lot of topics and I learned a lot about the Amish. It seemed eating and food was important as almost every page or paragraph, it seems, mentioned food or eating in detail.
June 6, 2019
Loved how gently and lovingly the author was able to present each “side” of this battle over the role of religion, education, family. She offered no black and white answer, but a thought provoking portrait of multi-shaded grays. Great book for a book club discussion.
October 21, 2020
Riveting. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I haven't gotten anything done in my house today. I had great plans but just couldn't put this book down. It will make you question everything you think you know. Bravo!!!
I haven't gotten anything done in my house today. I had great plans but just couldn't put this book down. It will make you question everything you think you know. Bravo!!!
May 16, 2022
A really good family saga set between 2 different worlds, that of affluent America and back water Amish. I loved it.
*********************
One June night, on a dark country road, two worlds—one of privilege and wealth, one modest and plain—collide, and tragedy forces two families together, causing both to question the lives they lead.
Taylor Loden, future heiress to her father’s media empire, is fused 24/7 to her two cell phones, wakes up in the middle of the night to check emails, and has never examined her breakneck work pace or her empty life until she meets the Old Order Amish Yoder family of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Taylor has zero desire to muck a barn or strip tobacco, yet feels compelled, for reasons she’s not prone to analyze, to temporarily trade her technology-fueled business life in Philadelphia for country life without electricity on the Yoder farm. While she strives to adapt to Amish life, she bonds with the family, especially with two of the Yoder siblings: Jacob and Becca.
Jacob, the eldest son, refuses to baptize and join the church, and according to his frustrated father, lacks direction. He not only faces a grave physical challenge resulting from his actions that June night, but also harbors a secret that threatens to upend his family and community.
Becca is 16, just entering her rumspringa, the time period when she is free to explore the normally forbidden modern world. When Taylor returns to her Philadelphia penthouse, Becca accompanies her for the summer and for the first time is exposed to city life—museums, music, technology, restaurants, fashion, even religious faiths different from her own.
Taylor mentors Becca’s city fling and helps Jacob conceal his secret, actions that jeopardize her relationship with the Yoder family and her father. As the two cultures clash, both families struggle to determine whether the deep ties that bind them are greater than the differences that may tear them apart. Ultimately, Taylor, Jacob and Becca must answer for themselves: Are we more than what we do for a living or where we’re born? And if so, what price, if any, is too steep to walk away from family expectations?
*********************
One June night, on a dark country road, two worlds—one of privilege and wealth, one modest and plain—collide, and tragedy forces two families together, causing both to question the lives they lead.
Taylor Loden, future heiress to her father’s media empire, is fused 24/7 to her two cell phones, wakes up in the middle of the night to check emails, and has never examined her breakneck work pace or her empty life until she meets the Old Order Amish Yoder family of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Taylor has zero desire to muck a barn or strip tobacco, yet feels compelled, for reasons she’s not prone to analyze, to temporarily trade her technology-fueled business life in Philadelphia for country life without electricity on the Yoder farm. While she strives to adapt to Amish life, she bonds with the family, especially with two of the Yoder siblings: Jacob and Becca.
Jacob, the eldest son, refuses to baptize and join the church, and according to his frustrated father, lacks direction. He not only faces a grave physical challenge resulting from his actions that June night, but also harbors a secret that threatens to upend his family and community.
Becca is 16, just entering her rumspringa, the time period when she is free to explore the normally forbidden modern world. When Taylor returns to her Philadelphia penthouse, Becca accompanies her for the summer and for the first time is exposed to city life—museums, music, technology, restaurants, fashion, even religious faiths different from her own.
Taylor mentors Becca’s city fling and helps Jacob conceal his secret, actions that jeopardize her relationship with the Yoder family and her father. As the two cultures clash, both families struggle to determine whether the deep ties that bind them are greater than the differences that may tear them apart. Ultimately, Taylor, Jacob and Becca must answer for themselves: Are we more than what we do for a living or where we’re born? And if so, what price, if any, is too steep to walk away from family expectations?
Read
July 15, 2022"To Everything A Season" is simply a wonderful book. As with many good books, the happenings in this one would likely never take place in the real world, but it would be wonderful if they did. I especially appreciated the discussions on the similarities and differences in the major religions. This is a first book for Ms. Schaeffer, and I sincerely hope it is the first of many as I enjoyed it immensely. Jacob's and Becca's Amish lifestyle was quite authentic, as was Taylor's modern day "Englisher" world. It was so nice to escape our fractured world and spend some time with the Yoder and Loden families in this most enjoyable book.
April 28, 2020
Believable fictional characters show great strength and self discovery within this intriguing detailed setting of the Amish community ways and beliefs and surprising medical details on paraplegic sufferers
This is a good read for any age group but maybe directed more to school/ university leavers. There is a great deal of courage in all the characters as they discover their strengths
Congratulations to the author for maintaining the dignity of the characters throughout the story and with creating a hopeful ending
This is a good read for any age group but maybe directed more to school/ university leavers. There is a great deal of courage in all the characters as they discover their strengths
Congratulations to the author for maintaining the dignity of the characters throughout the story and with creating a hopeful ending
March 21, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. The Amish way of life has always intrigued me and I became totally immersed with the Amish family in this book, and Taylor, who becomes involved with the family. This book taught me so much, about different beliefs, coping with grief and other emotions, as well as making me want to jet over to Philadelphia to sample some of the many foods Becca and Taylor sample.
I could not believe this was a first novel and I will definitely be looking out for Sherri’s next novel.
Brilliant.
I could not believe this was a first novel and I will definitely be looking out for Sherri’s next novel.
Brilliant.
May 10, 2020
I enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the characters. It was worth reading. However, I feel that the author set out to discredit and criticise the Amish way of life through discourse and conversation between the main characters. Their choices to limit education and technology were belittled and I don't think this added to the book in any way. In fact, I think it detracted from the story and emotion in a big way.
September 13, 2021
Beautifully written
I enjoyed taking a look into the Amish way of life. The characters came to life for me and made me long for a tight knit family and supportive community. I wouldn't want the restrictive controlling lifestyle though. It was a beautiful journey and ignited a desire to find meaning and contentment in my own life. I enjoyed reading this. No cliffhanger, Full novel.
I enjoyed taking a look into the Amish way of life. The characters came to life for me and made me long for a tight knit family and supportive community. I wouldn't want the restrictive controlling lifestyle though. It was a beautiful journey and ignited a desire to find meaning and contentment in my own life. I enjoyed reading this. No cliffhanger, Full novel.
July 3, 2022
Hard to put down
I loved this book! A realistic look at a world we can’t live in or truly understand that, from the outside looking in, seems so
ideologically perfect and stress free .. but is it? It took longer to read than is normal for me only because I did a lot of fact checking as I read. This is Sherri’s first book? I’ll look for her second book but it’s going to be hard to follow this one..
I loved this book! A realistic look at a world we can’t live in or truly understand that, from the outside looking in, seems so
ideologically perfect and stress free .. but is it? It took longer to read than is normal for me only because I did a lot of fact checking as I read. This is Sherri’s first book? I’ll look for her second book but it’s going to be hard to follow this one..
May 16, 2020
I would rate this 3.5. Well written, and chock full of information about the Amish, which I found very interesting. I thought the second half of the book started to get a bit full on, with serious and informative dissertations that, while interesting, made me feel like it was a text book masquerading as a novel.
August 25, 2018
Inspirational and enlightening
The social issues are handled to include numerous situations to which each of us should be made aware of: the religious differences, the handicap,and the different roles in the families
The social issues are handled to include numerous situations to which each of us should be made aware of: the religious differences, the handicap,and the different roles in the families
May 7, 2019
Inspiring
Not only was this a wonderful story, but it was thought-provoking and educational. It raised questions, it answered questions while moving my heart and emotions at the same time.
Not only was this a wonderful story, but it was thought-provoking and educational. It raised questions, it answered questions while moving my heart and emotions at the same time.
April 26, 2020
Lovely book
What a lovely book. I truly enjoyed it. I found learning about the Amish faith and way of life so interesting. I loved how both the Amish family and Taylor learned from each other’s way of life and way of thinking. I highly recommend this book.
What a lovely book. I truly enjoyed it. I found learning about the Amish faith and way of life so interesting. I loved how both the Amish family and Taylor learned from each other’s way of life and way of thinking. I highly recommend this book.
April 27, 2020
Excellent read. Explains so much about the Amish beliefs and lifestyle. Also the personal struggles. So much more about this book to say, by don't want to spoil the p!easiest for others. Read it, I'm sure you'll enjoy every page.
May 25, 2020
Good story and characters but bogged down with too much detail
Good story,loved the characters but it got too bogged down in places like describing what they ate. The ending could have been better and not so drug out.
Good story,loved the characters but it got too bogged down in places like describing what they ate. The ending could have been better and not so drug out.
June 4, 2020
Heartwarming and Insightful
Truying to find oneself is never easy. Sometimes it's a combination of people, places and life events which help determine our path in life. Such is the story of the character's portrayed in this book. Good read for all ages.
Truying to find oneself is never easy. Sometimes it's a combination of people, places and life events which help determine our path in life. Such is the story of the character's portrayed in this book. Good read for all ages.
September 24, 2020
A soul defining and enlightening book
I have just finished this beautifully written and sensitive novel. Every angle is dealt with without prejudice and every side is allowed it's merit. I loved it and was moved to tears.
I have just finished this beautifully written and sensitive novel. Every angle is dealt with without prejudice and every side is allowed it's merit. I loved it and was moved to tears.
February 28, 2021
Really enjoyed the book and didn’t know it was the authors first novel until the end, but I would have never thought it was. She did a wonderful job blending the Amish and English world together and never expected them would end.
December 8, 2021
Wow! This is the best book ever! Absolutely loved it!
I was thinking that Taylor might be in a relationship with Jacob but, it’s too late cause he passed away so sad! ☹️ Overall, it was an excellent book!
Looking forward to read the new author that I never read this before..
I was thinking that Taylor might be in a relationship with Jacob but, it’s too late cause he passed away so sad! ☹️ Overall, it was an excellent book!
Looking forward to read the new author that I never read this before..
August 1, 2023
Great story
This was a wonderful story about how two cultures can come together in friendship and teach other many things. This is the first book I have read by this author. I will look for more by her and definitely read them
This was a wonderful story about how two cultures can come together in friendship and teach other many things. This is the first book I have read by this author. I will look for more by her and definitely read them
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August 6, 2023Insightful
The story was very good.makes you think and ask yourself hard questions. I really appreciate books that make see outside of your own beliefs, I am recommending this to everyone. I hope to read more of books. Good luck in future.
The story was very good.makes you think and ask yourself hard questions. I really appreciate books that make see outside of your own beliefs, I am recommending this to everyone. I hope to read more of books. Good luck in future.
December 12, 2019
Couldn’t put it down!
Heart warming and a definite learning experience....of the Amish community and their experiences on the farm and inter-acting with the outside world.
Heart warming and a definite learning experience....of the Amish community and their experiences on the farm and inter-acting with the outside world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews