What do you think?
Rate this book
The Amish of Summer Grove #3
Gathering the Threads
After three months ofdraus in da Welt, Ariana has returned to Summer Grove, the Old Order Amish community where she was raised for twenty years, and life with her Brenneman family. Skylar Nash, the Englisch-raised young woman is working in Ariana s cafe while getting to know her birth family and their Plain way of life. Skylar's time in Summer Grove has changed her outlook, just as Ariana has grown to see her personal faith in God in a different light than the manner she was taught while growing up. Both women will have to make decisions about their paths and Ariana must decide what role her childhood friend, ex-Amish Quill Schlabach, will play in her life.
Gathering the Threadsis the third and final novel in the Amish of Summer Grove series."
Gathering the Threadsis the third and final novel in the Amish of Summer Grove series."
340 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2017
142 people are currently reading
446 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
September 18, 2017
Gathering the Threads
Cindy Woodsmall
Received from Netgalley
GATHERING THE THREADS is the third and final book in The Amish of Summer Grove series. I really enjoyed the first two but this one, I loved. I couldn't ask for a better wrap up to a series than GATHERING THE THREADS and Cindy Woodsmall captivated me from the very beginning and never let my heart go until the very last page. I love the way Ms. Woodsmall combines the Amish world with the Englisch world and this beautiful and emotional story is exactly why.
Ariana has returned to her Amish community after living with her Englisch dad for three months. There was a fire on the day she was born and she was switched with another baby who was raised Englisch but is really Amish. Skylar, the other baby, is twenty, just like Ariana, and she has been living with her Amish family while Ariana was with her Englisch family. Skylar isn't going to be joining the faith that her real family is living in, but she learns many many lessons from them and the way they live. GATHERING THE THREADS has Ariana questioning her faith and the way everyone just accepts whatever the bishop says even if they don't agree with him. While she was away, she learned a lot about social injustice and helping women and children who are in abusive situations. Ariana wants to teach the Amish women about this and feels it's time for a change in their faith.
My emotions were all over the place while reading GATHERING THE THREADS and one minute I was happy and smiling and the next, my heart was breaking. I felt bad for Ariana and felt as if the whole community was ganging up on her at times. Will Skylar take the plunge and give up her worldly ways? Will Ariana give up her Amish faith and become an advocate for abused women and children? Will Rudy learn to love the changes in Ariana? Will Quill finally confess his true feelings for Ariana? So many questions and when you read GATHERING THE THREADS you will get all the answers! While you can read this heartbreaking story as a stand alone, I would suggest reading all three in order so you can get all the background on all of the characters.
Cindy Woodsmall
Received from Netgalley
GATHERING THE THREADS is the third and final book in The Amish of Summer Grove series. I really enjoyed the first two but this one, I loved. I couldn't ask for a better wrap up to a series than GATHERING THE THREADS and Cindy Woodsmall captivated me from the very beginning and never let my heart go until the very last page. I love the way Ms. Woodsmall combines the Amish world with the Englisch world and this beautiful and emotional story is exactly why.
Ariana has returned to her Amish community after living with her Englisch dad for three months. There was a fire on the day she was born and she was switched with another baby who was raised Englisch but is really Amish. Skylar, the other baby, is twenty, just like Ariana, and she has been living with her Amish family while Ariana was with her Englisch family. Skylar isn't going to be joining the faith that her real family is living in, but she learns many many lessons from them and the way they live. GATHERING THE THREADS has Ariana questioning her faith and the way everyone just accepts whatever the bishop says even if they don't agree with him. While she was away, she learned a lot about social injustice and helping women and children who are in abusive situations. Ariana wants to teach the Amish women about this and feels it's time for a change in their faith.
My emotions were all over the place while reading GATHERING THE THREADS and one minute I was happy and smiling and the next, my heart was breaking. I felt bad for Ariana and felt as if the whole community was ganging up on her at times. Will Skylar take the plunge and give up her worldly ways? Will Ariana give up her Amish faith and become an advocate for abused women and children? Will Rudy learn to love the changes in Ariana? Will Quill finally confess his true feelings for Ariana? So many questions and when you read GATHERING THE THREADS you will get all the answers! While you can read this heartbreaking story as a stand alone, I would suggest reading all three in order so you can get all the background on all of the characters.
December 21, 2020
A fantastic ending to a superb series filled with second chances at love, faith through hard times, and family reunions.
August 15, 2017
This conclusion to the Amish of Summer Grove series continues the story of Ariana and Skyler, two young women who were switched at birth. In Ties That Bind the mistake was uncovered, and in Fraying at the Edge the women traded places, with Ariana going out into the world to learn new things and Skyler experiencing the Amish way of life for the first time. Ariana managed to reach an agreement with her biological family to go back to the Brennemans before the end of their one-year deal, but now that she is home she's met by a cacophony of inner voices telling her who she is and what she should believe. Has she lost herself in the midst of trying to navigate both Amish and English worlds?
Meanwhile Skyler has remained on the farm, recovering from her bad choices in the past and learning about the joy of hard work and family togetherness. She isn't really thinking of joining the faith that binds her Amish family together, but she has come to value much about it. She gains clarity about her goals and dreams through the love and support the Brennemans offer her.
Though Skyler is flourishing, Ariana feels like she's drowning. Her district ministers are in a hurry for her to renounce any form of worldliness she came across while she was away, but she refuses to lose contact with her biological family or turn her back on the things she's learned. She would like to see reform within the Amish church to bring the Old Ways more into balance with the Bible, but that's a tall order for any twenty-year-old woman.
This book felt a bit like the series had become larger than the author originally intended. For example, in the first two books I felt like Lovina was a valuable point of view character to help us understand the anguish she felt at finding out the daughter she raised was not her own. In "Gathering the Threads," the scenes from Lovina's perspective were more confusing than anything, because all but one of them seemed like they would have made more sense if they had been presented from Ariana's viewpoint. I nearly felt the same way with Abram as a point of view character, although I did enjoy the wrapping up of his storyline. It just seemed like too many characters for this particular story.
I also did not like how the passage of time was portrayed in the later chapters of this novel. It seemed like it was the quickest way to show the progression of time, but was rather clinical and put distance between me as a reader and the journey of the characters. While I do believe the series ended as it was always meant to, I felt like we missed the joy of coming to Ariana's final conclusions alongside her. After the jump of so much time, we were reintroduced at the point of Ariana's making decisions, rather than shown her growth and struggle to reach them. It felt rushed and was disappointing to me in that aspect.
That said, I still enjoyed this whole series and feel that this book in particular delves into some of the very real problems in the Amish faith. Cindy Woodsmall did an excellent job exposing them in an understandable way through Ariana's unique experiences. I look forward to Cindy's next release and all she'll bring to her readers in the future!
I received an advanced reading copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org
Meanwhile Skyler has remained on the farm, recovering from her bad choices in the past and learning about the joy of hard work and family togetherness. She isn't really thinking of joining the faith that binds her Amish family together, but she has come to value much about it. She gains clarity about her goals and dreams through the love and support the Brennemans offer her.
Though Skyler is flourishing, Ariana feels like she's drowning. Her district ministers are in a hurry for her to renounce any form of worldliness she came across while she was away, but she refuses to lose contact with her biological family or turn her back on the things she's learned. She would like to see reform within the Amish church to bring the Old Ways more into balance with the Bible, but that's a tall order for any twenty-year-old woman.
This book felt a bit like the series had become larger than the author originally intended. For example, in the first two books I felt like Lovina was a valuable point of view character to help us understand the anguish she felt at finding out the daughter she raised was not her own. In "Gathering the Threads," the scenes from Lovina's perspective were more confusing than anything, because all but one of them seemed like they would have made more sense if they had been presented from Ariana's viewpoint. I nearly felt the same way with Abram as a point of view character, although I did enjoy the wrapping up of his storyline. It just seemed like too many characters for this particular story.
I also did not like how the passage of time was portrayed in the later chapters of this novel. It seemed like it was the quickest way to show the progression of time, but was rather clinical and put distance between me as a reader and the journey of the characters. While I do believe the series ended as it was always meant to, I felt like we missed the joy of coming to Ariana's final conclusions alongside her. After the jump of so much time, we were reintroduced at the point of Ariana's making decisions, rather than shown her growth and struggle to reach them. It felt rushed and was disappointing to me in that aspect.
That said, I still enjoyed this whole series and feel that this book in particular delves into some of the very real problems in the Amish faith. Cindy Woodsmall did an excellent job exposing them in an understandable way through Ariana's unique experiences. I look forward to Cindy's next release and all she'll bring to her readers in the future!
I received an advanced reading copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org
August 6, 2017
The concluding book of the Amish of Summer Grove series, Gathering the Threads, takes an already unusual story for "Amish fiction" and packs a powerful ending as the threads of this group of people thoroughly mended together by family, life, faith, and community are finally sewn together into one beautiful finality.
This is not your typically sweet, quaint story of the people who are of Amish Christian beliefs and live in their strict community. It is one where the outside world has already broken the barriers and now openings to customs, people, problems, thought processes, and solutions so very different from their own bring to the forefront issues long buried or tolerated. And yet into their own rigidly controlled faith community where the Bishop's rule overrides all thought and even Biblical injunctions, they find that they still have obligations to the laws that government people of all communities.
Interestingly, Gathering the Threads is also a story about an awakening to social injustices and a move to secure the protection of those abused in their homes. There is a need for change and a need for forgiveness.
And there is love or romance that is tenderly woven through and it is, of course, quite discrete and definitely a good, clean read.
While Gathering the Threads, can surely be read as a stand-alone book, it will be more enjoyable to read books one and two in the series. I personally recommend you read the books in succession simply because they are all good reads and worth delving into.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and freely given.
This is not your typically sweet, quaint story of the people who are of Amish Christian beliefs and live in their strict community. It is one where the outside world has already broken the barriers and now openings to customs, people, problems, thought processes, and solutions so very different from their own bring to the forefront issues long buried or tolerated. And yet into their own rigidly controlled faith community where the Bishop's rule overrides all thought and even Biblical injunctions, they find that they still have obligations to the laws that government people of all communities.
Interestingly, Gathering the Threads is also a story about an awakening to social injustices and a move to secure the protection of those abused in their homes. There is a need for change and a need for forgiveness.
And there is love or romance that is tenderly woven through and it is, of course, quite discrete and definitely a good, clean read.
While Gathering the Threads, can surely be read as a stand-alone book, it will be more enjoyable to read books one and two in the series. I personally recommend you read the books in succession simply because they are all good reads and worth delving into.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and freely given.
November 1, 2017
Great ending for this series. Cindy Woodsmall did a wonderful job of presenting a difficult situation, babies switched at birth, and adding extenuating circumstances, one family is Amish and the other is not only English but fractured. Then she let the difficulties of such a scenario to play out in a plausible way. After spending their whole lives being raised in their respective environments they are suddenly subject to their new environments. So many heart rending situations but of course Cindy allows us to see God work all things out in a manner that brings Him glory.
October 26, 2017
“Just because people think they’re right doesn’t actually make them right…”
Gathering the Threads concludes the Amish of Summer Grove series, and it’s really best to read the first two books before starting this one. That’s because the compelling story of two babies switched at birth – one raised Amish, the other raised Englisch – begins in Ties that Bind and continues in Fraying at the Edge. And then this book, where the threads of their story are finally gathered into a finished piece of warmth, faith, and family.
Ariana is probably my favorite character, perhaps because of the way she finds her voice – and her faith – in Gathering the Threads. After sampling the world to which she ‘should’ have been born, she returns to her Amish family with fresh eyes newly keen to areas in which tradition has surpassed Scripture. The discussions that Ariana starts, as well as some long-held secrets coming to light within the community, bring about important topics for readers to debate as well. No matter what faith background we come from tradition works its way in so stealthily, doesn’t it? Not that tradition is bad… in fact, tradition is most often good and grounding. The problem occurs when we give those traditions the same level of power – or even more – that we give to God’s Word.
This is not an Amish utopia. These are human characters, after all. And as such, they are flawed and sinful by nature. And anytime tradition becomes law, the danger of abuse and shame tends to rise. To that aspect, I love Quill’s character and the role he plays in helping those Amish who just can’t live in the legalistic (and possibly even harmful) environments anymore.
Bottom Line: Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall is compelling and engaging, as is the entire Amish of Summer Grove series. Relatable characters just as flawed as the rest of us learn to adjust to life on the other side of the unthinkable and in so doing they teach us, the readers, about the true meaning of family and embracing a God who loves us no matter our circumstances.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Gathering the Threads concludes the Amish of Summer Grove series, and it’s really best to read the first two books before starting this one. That’s because the compelling story of two babies switched at birth – one raised Amish, the other raised Englisch – begins in Ties that Bind and continues in Fraying at the Edge. And then this book, where the threads of their story are finally gathered into a finished piece of warmth, faith, and family.
Ariana is probably my favorite character, perhaps because of the way she finds her voice – and her faith – in Gathering the Threads. After sampling the world to which she ‘should’ have been born, she returns to her Amish family with fresh eyes newly keen to areas in which tradition has surpassed Scripture. The discussions that Ariana starts, as well as some long-held secrets coming to light within the community, bring about important topics for readers to debate as well. No matter what faith background we come from tradition works its way in so stealthily, doesn’t it? Not that tradition is bad… in fact, tradition is most often good and grounding. The problem occurs when we give those traditions the same level of power – or even more – that we give to God’s Word.
This is not an Amish utopia. These are human characters, after all. And as such, they are flawed and sinful by nature. And anytime tradition becomes law, the danger of abuse and shame tends to rise. To that aspect, I love Quill’s character and the role he plays in helping those Amish who just can’t live in the legalistic (and possibly even harmful) environments anymore.
Bottom Line: Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall is compelling and engaging, as is the entire Amish of Summer Grove series. Relatable characters just as flawed as the rest of us learn to adjust to life on the other side of the unthinkable and in so doing they teach us, the readers, about the true meaning of family and embracing a God who loves us no matter our circumstances.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
September 18, 2017
GATHERING THE THREADS is the third and final book in this series, and I highly recommend readers read the books in order, starting with Ties that Bind and Fraying at the Edge.
Ariana is back with the Amish - in person - but the Englisch world has left some gulfs between her old world and her new one. Bridges need to be built but whether Ariana is truly accepted in her old home remains to be seen. The bishop, preacher, and deacon seem against her and preach about her sins -- as if it was her fault she was reunited with her biological parents.
I absolutely LOVED Gabe. He is a total sweetheart, kind, considerate, and so calm. He loved his family with everything he had in him, but was called to sometimes do dangerous jobs.
Ari broke my heart, struggling to fit into both worlds, and yet stay true to herself. But who is she? Will she ever find her place?
I couldn't put this book down and read it in spurts across two days. I loved this entire series. Highly recommended. Don't miss GATHERING THE THREADS.
I received this book free. All opinions are my own.
Ariana is back with the Amish - in person - but the Englisch world has left some gulfs between her old world and her new one. Bridges need to be built but whether Ariana is truly accepted in her old home remains to be seen. The bishop, preacher, and deacon seem against her and preach about her sins -- as if it was her fault she was reunited with her biological parents.
I absolutely LOVED Gabe. He is a total sweetheart, kind, considerate, and so calm. He loved his family with everything he had in him, but was called to sometimes do dangerous jobs.
Ari broke my heart, struggling to fit into both worlds, and yet stay true to herself. But who is she? Will she ever find her place?
I couldn't put this book down and read it in spurts across two days. I loved this entire series. Highly recommended. Don't miss GATHERING THE THREADS.
I received this book free. All opinions are my own.
September 28, 2019
This was a good ending (although predictable) to a delightful story. I’m glad I finished the series, and I do recommend it! I will miss reading more of Ariana and Quill their families.
August 20, 2017
Gathering the Threads is a very heartwarming novel written by Cindy Woodsmall in her The Amish of Summer Grove series. This is the third and final book in this series which brings mixed emotions to me. There was a phrase in this book 'Love bears all things and keeps on thriving' and this phrase sums up alot of the plot of this book and series. I absolutely loved this storyline and it made it a wonderful series.
When this third book opens the author offers a prolog that was a great help pulling things from my memory that occurred in the previous two books. The author reacquaints her readers with the amazing characters that are extremely likeable. My favorite character was Ariana and there were several times when I thought things were not fair to her. With Ariana being a strong independent Amish young lady she was held to standards that she found difficult to agree to. One thing that remained a constant in her life and that was her childhood love, Quill. Even though she knew a future with Quill was impossible she still found ways to nurture her relationship with him.
There is also a slight mystery to this series that centers around Ariana's best friend Freida. Quill is involved with Freida and Ariana could not understand what was taking place and why. When this plot starts playing out you will be surprised at the outcome. This is where the story really gets to the point of being impossible to put the book down. When the story comes to the epilogue you may be surprised at what has taken place.
This book brought out so many emotions from confusion, to sadness, to pure delight. All making for an excellent book that I highly recommend to all those who love the Amish genre along with romance. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not asked to post a favorable review. All opinions and statements expressed are strictly my own.
Congratulations to Cindy Woodsmall on delivering another outstanding book to her fans. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book for release by her.
When this third book opens the author offers a prolog that was a great help pulling things from my memory that occurred in the previous two books. The author reacquaints her readers with the amazing characters that are extremely likeable. My favorite character was Ariana and there were several times when I thought things were not fair to her. With Ariana being a strong independent Amish young lady she was held to standards that she found difficult to agree to. One thing that remained a constant in her life and that was her childhood love, Quill. Even though she knew a future with Quill was impossible she still found ways to nurture her relationship with him.
There is also a slight mystery to this series that centers around Ariana's best friend Freida. Quill is involved with Freida and Ariana could not understand what was taking place and why. When this plot starts playing out you will be surprised at the outcome. This is where the story really gets to the point of being impossible to put the book down. When the story comes to the epilogue you may be surprised at what has taken place.
This book brought out so many emotions from confusion, to sadness, to pure delight. All making for an excellent book that I highly recommend to all those who love the Amish genre along with romance. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not asked to post a favorable review. All opinions and statements expressed are strictly my own.
Congratulations to Cindy Woodsmall on delivering another outstanding book to her fans. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book for release by her.
August 15, 2017
'Gathering the Threads' ends where 'Fraying at the Edge' left off as the third book in the Amish of Summer Grove series. If you have not yet read the first two books then I must insist that you do. The story builds on each beginning book. It might be doable as a standalone but I highly discourage it! Seriously, read the series! Ariana is back in Summer Grove where she always thought she wanted to be and Skylar, for now has decided to remain as well. But, it's not all sunshine and roses as Ariana tries to navigate the life she thought she always wanted with her newfound understanding of life from the outside world.
I truly grew to love Skylar, until about page 226. She dog-eared a book. The love was over. I still liked her but who does that?!? I like that she knows herself enough to know that she doesn't know herself at all. I respect that she finally finds herself and knows that while she will never be Amish she also can never go back to who she was and then finds the perfect way to blend those together. The trips, as Skylar has come to refer to herself along with Ariana and Abram, have all grown through this experience. The entire family has grown and that spills over to their community. Abram found his voice, literally and figuratively. He's no longer the retiring shy young man he started as. He found his voice and he found his future. Honestly he is one of favorites and I'd love to see the rest of his life sometime.
Ariana however, she tries my patience. At first I was clueless as to why she was so dang attached to that phone but I get it. It wasn't the phone but what it represented. She put herself, her family, her community and me through a lot of trouble for a stinkin' phone. Seriously, I'd decided she was Skylar in reverse and I really couldn't stand her. She was petulant and whiny and I was over it. Eventually it all made sense but geez she was still a bit over the top. This book, this entire journey, did not end how I anticipated and at first I wasn't certain I was OK with how it turned out. I had to sit and stew it for a bit. Eventually I came to terms with how it all turned out and actually respected and appreciated that sometimes hard choices aren't as hard as them seem, nor as easy as they appear. I came to be OK with the conclusion though obviously want no need more. I'd like to see the stories of the supporting characters to continue on another time in another book. Or even another series.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Cindy Woodsmall and WaterBrook & Multnomah Publishing. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.blogspot.c....
I truly grew to love Skylar, until about page 226. She dog-eared a book. The love was over. I still liked her but who does that?!? I like that she knows herself enough to know that she doesn't know herself at all. I respect that she finally finds herself and knows that while she will never be Amish she also can never go back to who she was and then finds the perfect way to blend those together. The trips, as Skylar has come to refer to herself along with Ariana and Abram, have all grown through this experience. The entire family has grown and that spills over to their community. Abram found his voice, literally and figuratively. He's no longer the retiring shy young man he started as. He found his voice and he found his future. Honestly he is one of favorites and I'd love to see the rest of his life sometime.
Ariana however, she tries my patience. At first I was clueless as to why she was so dang attached to that phone but I get it. It wasn't the phone but what it represented. She put herself, her family, her community and me through a lot of trouble for a stinkin' phone. Seriously, I'd decided she was Skylar in reverse and I really couldn't stand her. She was petulant and whiny and I was over it. Eventually it all made sense but geez she was still a bit over the top. This book, this entire journey, did not end how I anticipated and at first I wasn't certain I was OK with how it turned out. I had to sit and stew it for a bit. Eventually I came to terms with how it all turned out and actually respected and appreciated that sometimes hard choices aren't as hard as them seem, nor as easy as they appear. I came to be OK with the conclusion though obviously want no need more. I'd like to see the stories of the supporting characters to continue on another time in another book. Or even another series.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Cindy Woodsmall and WaterBrook & Multnomah Publishing. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.blogspot.c....
June 6, 2018
Gathering the Threads is a powerful story bringing a conclusion to The Amish of Summer Grove. Readers will want to read the series in order to appreciate the depth and awesomeness of this series.
Arianna is back in her Amish community with being accepted back by some and others especially the bishop and ministers against her and the time she spent with her biological family. It wasn’t her fault she had been switched at birth only to discover the truth as a teenager. Skylar adapted to staying with her Amish family, the Brenneman’s, but there were some issues that didn’t set well with Arianna being back.
Strong, faithful and dedicated Quill to his Amish widowed mother and those abused in the English world. With the turn of events that transpired which enlighten the Amish community why Quill had left initially, will the characters discover their true selves? Will those who were in authority coming down with harshness, self righteousness and controlling members be dealt with? Will the Brenneman’s family find renewed strength and a brighter future without struggling for their every day needs?
Cindy Woodsmall dealt with some serious issues that can arise in an Amish community with a true portrayal of how they can play out when individuals in leadership with power bullies others for their own gain. One quote that she used that readers can apply to their own lives when in difficult situations is: “This above all—to thine own self be true, and it must follows, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.” William Shakespeare.
I received a copy of this book from a friend after she knew I had read the first two. I was not required to write a review but have shared my honest thoughts.
Arianna is back in her Amish community with being accepted back by some and others especially the bishop and ministers against her and the time she spent with her biological family. It wasn’t her fault she had been switched at birth only to discover the truth as a teenager. Skylar adapted to staying with her Amish family, the Brenneman’s, but there were some issues that didn’t set well with Arianna being back.
Strong, faithful and dedicated Quill to his Amish widowed mother and those abused in the English world. With the turn of events that transpired which enlighten the Amish community why Quill had left initially, will the characters discover their true selves? Will those who were in authority coming down with harshness, self righteousness and controlling members be dealt with? Will the Brenneman’s family find renewed strength and a brighter future without struggling for their every day needs?
Cindy Woodsmall dealt with some serious issues that can arise in an Amish community with a true portrayal of how they can play out when individuals in leadership with power bullies others for their own gain. One quote that she used that readers can apply to their own lives when in difficult situations is: “This above all—to thine own self be true, and it must follows, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.” William Shakespeare.
I received a copy of this book from a friend after she knew I had read the first two. I was not required to write a review but have shared my honest thoughts.
June 23, 2017
MY THOUGHTS
This is book three of three in the series, Summer Grove. The first two books were TIES THAT BIND and FRAYING AT THE EDGE. I always can tell if a book has meant something to me when I finish and I want more. This has been the way with this series. I'm an Amish genre lover but this series has been one of a kind.
This third book is a continuation of Araina's story. I would definitely suggest reading the three books in order so you get the background on the characters and what's been going on.After Ariana has returned to her Old Order home from being in the Englisch world, she has many different feelings. At times she forgets about the Amish ways. You don't question your daed and when Araina does, her daed doesn't understand why his sweet daughter is questioning his authority. She's been in the Englisch world where asking questions and rebelling is part of life, but in the Amish world, questions are not asked by a daughter to her daed. She is now back in The Old Order Amish community and she must go by the rules. She is seen as rebelling and that is unacceptable. Will her Englisch ways spread to others in the Old World Community? Especially the young ones who are at that point of questioning where they belong, plain or Englisch. She is trying to put sense to what she's learned from her natural parents and the rules of her plain world. There are also secrets of sorts. Skylar has finally found sobriety and feels at peace in the household of the Brenneman's. What will Araina's coming back to the household do to her? She feels her sobriety is threatened. Skylar finally has become herself, she has found her true self and she has tried hard to put the past in the past. But with Araina's coming home, will that past stay in the past? Two people, Araina and Skylar must find what connects them and hold their faith and God close to their hearts to keep that past in the past. They can't let go of their faith.
As always, Ms. Woodsmall has given us another wonderful, heart warming story about the Amish world. She has combined the plain world with the Englisch world. We are given two young women who are finding themselves, grasping their faith, and learning new things. The characters and the scenes are well described and lighten the heart. I always find that reading an Amish book rests my soul a bit. It brings a peacefulness after a long, stressful day. It also reminds the reader of their faith, regardless of what that may be. You don't have to be religious to enjoy this book or any Amish book. They are just good clean reads about another way of life and there are lessons to be learned while enjoying a good book, good characters and lovely communities.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Waterbrook/Multnomah and voluntarily decided to review it.
This is book three of three in the series, Summer Grove. The first two books were TIES THAT BIND and FRAYING AT THE EDGE. I always can tell if a book has meant something to me when I finish and I want more. This has been the way with this series. I'm an Amish genre lover but this series has been one of a kind.
This third book is a continuation of Araina's story. I would definitely suggest reading the three books in order so you get the background on the characters and what's been going on.After Ariana has returned to her Old Order home from being in the Englisch world, she has many different feelings. At times she forgets about the Amish ways. You don't question your daed and when Araina does, her daed doesn't understand why his sweet daughter is questioning his authority. She's been in the Englisch world where asking questions and rebelling is part of life, but in the Amish world, questions are not asked by a daughter to her daed. She is now back in The Old Order Amish community and she must go by the rules. She is seen as rebelling and that is unacceptable. Will her Englisch ways spread to others in the Old World Community? Especially the young ones who are at that point of questioning where they belong, plain or Englisch. She is trying to put sense to what she's learned from her natural parents and the rules of her plain world. There are also secrets of sorts. Skylar has finally found sobriety and feels at peace in the household of the Brenneman's. What will Araina's coming back to the household do to her? She feels her sobriety is threatened. Skylar finally has become herself, she has found her true self and she has tried hard to put the past in the past. But with Araina's coming home, will that past stay in the past? Two people, Araina and Skylar must find what connects them and hold their faith and God close to their hearts to keep that past in the past. They can't let go of their faith.
As always, Ms. Woodsmall has given us another wonderful, heart warming story about the Amish world. She has combined the plain world with the Englisch world. We are given two young women who are finding themselves, grasping their faith, and learning new things. The characters and the scenes are well described and lighten the heart. I always find that reading an Amish book rests my soul a bit. It brings a peacefulness after a long, stressful day. It also reminds the reader of their faith, regardless of what that may be. You don't have to be religious to enjoy this book or any Amish book. They are just good clean reads about another way of life and there are lessons to be learned while enjoying a good book, good characters and lovely communities.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Waterbrook/Multnomah and voluntarily decided to review it.
July 20, 2017
Gathering Threads is the dynamic conclusion to The Amish of Summer Grove series, and what a read and journey you are about to embark on as you turn that first page.
Now this book can be read by itself, there is so much information provided to bring you up to date, but don’t deprive yourself, the first two books are tremendous and you don’t want to pass them up, and yes I have read them.
Ariana, Abram, and Skylar, the Trips, or triplets, or torn apart twins because of circumstances way beyond their control. With this book both Ariana and Skylar are living with Brenneman’s, of course with their twin Abram, and find sibling rivalry at its best.
This book is about closure, and forgiveness, and putting your feet on the right path, and yes the author has given us all of this. There is heartbreak, and then there is love and compassion, above all the Love of God.
Ariana never wanted to go into the English world, but she did and has now returned to her roots, but you can see Gods plan written here, especially in the form of her atheist father Daniel. Then we see broken Skylar, and she is now drug free, but trying to find her place in her Amish family, and Abram, the kind, sweet, young man, who finds himself in love, but of course there are problems to overcome.
We are also reunited with Berta and feel her pain and anguish, trying to live faith, but yearning for her family. There is so much injustice in this small community, and your heart will break for this strong woman, and you will love her son Quill, whose reputation in this area of Amish is not good, and yet he has a heart of gold and is there for his fellow men.
There is a wonderful Epilogue at the end of this book, and I would love to continue here and receive more updates, but it is time to say goodbye, and you will be missed!
I received this book through the Publisher Waterbrook, and was not required to give a positive review.
Now this book can be read by itself, there is so much information provided to bring you up to date, but don’t deprive yourself, the first two books are tremendous and you don’t want to pass them up, and yes I have read them.
Ariana, Abram, and Skylar, the Trips, or triplets, or torn apart twins because of circumstances way beyond their control. With this book both Ariana and Skylar are living with Brenneman’s, of course with their twin Abram, and find sibling rivalry at its best.
This book is about closure, and forgiveness, and putting your feet on the right path, and yes the author has given us all of this. There is heartbreak, and then there is love and compassion, above all the Love of God.
Ariana never wanted to go into the English world, but she did and has now returned to her roots, but you can see Gods plan written here, especially in the form of her atheist father Daniel. Then we see broken Skylar, and she is now drug free, but trying to find her place in her Amish family, and Abram, the kind, sweet, young man, who finds himself in love, but of course there are problems to overcome.
We are also reunited with Berta and feel her pain and anguish, trying to live faith, but yearning for her family. There is so much injustice in this small community, and your heart will break for this strong woman, and you will love her son Quill, whose reputation in this area of Amish is not good, and yet he has a heart of gold and is there for his fellow men.
There is a wonderful Epilogue at the end of this book, and I would love to continue here and receive more updates, but it is time to say goodbye, and you will be missed!
I received this book through the Publisher Waterbrook, and was not required to give a positive review.
August 9, 2017
Gathering the Threads
The Amish of Summer Grove #3
By Cindy Woodsmall
Ariana dreamed and longed to return home to the life and family she had always known. A life that was taken away from her by the parents she didn't know. But her time away has changed her - opening her eyes see her once beloved life differently. And even more unsettling Skylar the young woman with whom she was mixed-up is still living with the Brenneman family.
Skylar isn't ready to leave the Brennemans and return to her old life. She hasn't embraced the Amish lifestyle yet some aspects have helped her as she fought her addictions. But Ariana's return threatens the peace that Skylar is discovering.
As Ariana struggles to once again find her place she has to deal with the suspicions of others within her community. Her ties with her Englisch family are cause for concern as is her re-established friendship with Quill Schlabach. Can Ariana be true to who she really is and the truths that she discovered about God? Or will she allow the pressures of her old life to suppress and constrict her new thoughts?
Gathering the Threads is the concluding book in the Amish of Summer Grove trilogy. This book continues the look at family and what is more important in making a family - blood or love. It is also a study in how belief determines how we react to others and their beliefs. I find it interesting how Ariana's siblings treat her upon her return as compared to her parents, especially her Daed.
I think one could most definitely describe this as an emotional book - not that it causes the reader to go through a range of emotions or even to get emotional. Rather this book expresses a range of emotions as the various characters work through their hopes and their fears.
If you haven't read the first two books in the series you can get a quick synopsis at the beginning of the book and enjoy the story that is found within these covers. However, if you read the first two books you'll more fully appreciate what Skylar and Ariana are confronting when there are each presented with their new biological identities. I mean, who wouldn't have an issue or two to learn that you aren't quite whom you always thought yourself as being.
The book and series conclude in a satisfying manner though I wouldn't have minded another book in the series (or another 100 pages or so in this book). If you're looking for a vacation read give this one a try. This book (and series) would be an excellent choice for a book club selection.
I was provided a review ARC (advanced reviewer copy) of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Amish of Summer Grove #3
By Cindy Woodsmall
Ariana dreamed and longed to return home to the life and family she had always known. A life that was taken away from her by the parents she didn't know. But her time away has changed her - opening her eyes see her once beloved life differently. And even more unsettling Skylar the young woman with whom she was mixed-up is still living with the Brenneman family.
Skylar isn't ready to leave the Brennemans and return to her old life. She hasn't embraced the Amish lifestyle yet some aspects have helped her as she fought her addictions. But Ariana's return threatens the peace that Skylar is discovering.
As Ariana struggles to once again find her place she has to deal with the suspicions of others within her community. Her ties with her Englisch family are cause for concern as is her re-established friendship with Quill Schlabach. Can Ariana be true to who she really is and the truths that she discovered about God? Or will she allow the pressures of her old life to suppress and constrict her new thoughts?
Gathering the Threads is the concluding book in the Amish of Summer Grove trilogy. This book continues the look at family and what is more important in making a family - blood or love. It is also a study in how belief determines how we react to others and their beliefs. I find it interesting how Ariana's siblings treat her upon her return as compared to her parents, especially her Daed.
I think one could most definitely describe this as an emotional book - not that it causes the reader to go through a range of emotions or even to get emotional. Rather this book expresses a range of emotions as the various characters work through their hopes and their fears.
If you haven't read the first two books in the series you can get a quick synopsis at the beginning of the book and enjoy the story that is found within these covers. However, if you read the first two books you'll more fully appreciate what Skylar and Ariana are confronting when there are each presented with their new biological identities. I mean, who wouldn't have an issue or two to learn that you aren't quite whom you always thought yourself as being.
The book and series conclude in a satisfying manner though I wouldn't have minded another book in the series (or another 100 pages or so in this book). If you're looking for a vacation read give this one a try. This book (and series) would be an excellent choice for a book club selection.
I was provided a review ARC (advanced reviewer copy) of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 18, 2017
It can be difficult to see a series come to an end, but what a way to end it! This was such an unusual Amish tale really, and lately that is the kind of Amish books I have been looking for. I will say this - if you haven't read the first two installments, you may be a little confused. The author did a great job in summarizing them in the beginning of this book, but let's face it - you'll want the whole story to connect with the characters.
We all have things we have to face when growing up. We make decisions that will have lasting effects on our lives. Ariana and Skyler had huge decisions to make here. Would they stay with what they knew, or go to the world they thought they needed to be in. Such an emotional rollercoaster, and really not just for the main characters. This decision affects to many people in their lives! Ms. Woodsmall has beautifully woven a story of friendship, following God, and how sometimes making the right decision can be extremely difficult.
While I am sorry to see their story end, perhaps we can see these lovely characters in other series to come in the future. Cindy Woodsmall has always been an author I have enjoyed reading, and this book is no exception to that rule. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
We all have things we have to face when growing up. We make decisions that will have lasting effects on our lives. Ariana and Skyler had huge decisions to make here. Would they stay with what they knew, or go to the world they thought they needed to be in. Such an emotional rollercoaster, and really not just for the main characters. This decision affects to many people in their lives! Ms. Woodsmall has beautifully woven a story of friendship, following God, and how sometimes making the right decision can be extremely difficult.
While I am sorry to see their story end, perhaps we can see these lovely characters in other series to come in the future. Cindy Woodsmall has always been an author I have enjoyed reading, and this book is no exception to that rule. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 16, 2017
In the conclusion to the Amish of Summer Grove series, Ariana returns to her Amish home and family. If you have read the first two books, Ties that Bind and Fraying at the Edge, you’re aware that she was not born into an Amish family. Although this can be read as a stand alone, I encourage everyone to read the series in order to fully appreciate the story.
It was difficult for Ariana to return after she has experienced living in the Englisch world, where she had the freedom to question things and learning is encouraged. Things are definitely different in her Amish home and community, where women are more submissive.
Skylar, having been raised by an Englisch family has been fighting her own personal battles and has hated being forced to live with her Amish family. I haven’t always liked her, but as she matured, I actually became fond of her. It was unimaginable to me to have your world turned upside down like theirs was.
I wondered throughout the series if relationships would survive, if there would be forgiveness and if there would be genuine healing for everyone that went through such anquish. There are so many life changing decisions that the characters had to make all because of a mistake made twenty years ago that effected so many people.
The author has penned another amazing series with amazing characters. She is one of my must read authors and one I highly recommend.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and have given my honest opinion.
It was difficult for Ariana to return after she has experienced living in the Englisch world, where she had the freedom to question things and learning is encouraged. Things are definitely different in her Amish home and community, where women are more submissive.
Skylar, having been raised by an Englisch family has been fighting her own personal battles and has hated being forced to live with her Amish family. I haven’t always liked her, but as she matured, I actually became fond of her. It was unimaginable to me to have your world turned upside down like theirs was.
I wondered throughout the series if relationships would survive, if there would be forgiveness and if there would be genuine healing for everyone that went through such anquish. There are so many life changing decisions that the characters had to make all because of a mistake made twenty years ago that effected so many people.
The author has penned another amazing series with amazing characters. She is one of my must read authors and one I highly recommend.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and have given my honest opinion.
October 16, 2017
After reading all 3 books ...for me personally ...I feel that book #1 & #3 are my ultra faves ...they are battling it out for the win of most fave from my side. I have always been pulled into stories bout the Amish ... I really enjoy how Cindy does write and I will be reading more from her soon enough. If you have read her work before please let me know your faves. Such a good wholesome series. Well done! Check this out! ( ;
August 16, 2017
This is the third book and final novel in the series The Amish of Summer Grove. Ariana and Skylar, switched at birth have been raised in an Englisch home and an Old Order Amish home. They each spend time with their biological parents and this leaves each of them questioning their values, faith, and family ties. The story follows each of them through a period of time where they search for answers and the path they want to follow in the future. This is a great series! I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
September 21, 2017
This is the final book in the Amish of Summer Grove series. This book continues the story of Ariana and Skyler, two young women who were switched at birth. I have been a fan of Ms. Woodsmall for a long time and I love reading anything that she puts out. She always puts a different perspective of Amish Fiction with her careful crafting. Her characters are tangible. This is not your typical sweet Amish book - it collides with the English world, and the different areas that Amish are not accustomed to dealing with. This book is a great read and easy to follow.
I recieved a copy of the book courtesy of Litfuse Blog Tours, all opinions are my own.
I recieved a copy of the book courtesy of Litfuse Blog Tours, all opinions are my own.
September 26, 2017
I love this set of books. They are uplifting, motivating, spiritual, hopeful and real. I'm glad it ended the way it did. I was worried for a while about who would end up with whom. I'll look for other books by Woodsmall.
April 20, 2022
Finished this book so I could finish the series. But it was a struggle. Boring is the best word to describe this.
July 21, 2017
I usually like reading Amish fiction, often I feel it's just kind of "fluff" but oh my, this series of three Amish fiction books in the series "The Amish of Summer Grove" by Cindy Woodsmall are not really fluff, though they are easily readable and VERY interesting!
This book, Gathering the Threads, is (as it sounds) a culminating book in a series. I would REALLY suggest that you read the first two books in the series, as they are wonderful reads as well (but if you don't have the opportunity, this book very nicely gives a little summary at the beginning of the book to tell you the high points of what has happened already in the series, which will be helpful to many.)
Ariana is a young woman (early 20's) who was brought up in an Amish family with younger and older siblings, and even a twin. She is dedicated to her Old Order Amish lifestyle and attempts to talk her sibling out of leaving the group. Her world is completely shaken when she (and her parents) find out that she was mistakenly swapped at birth with another baby girl and she is actually not their biological child. Ariana's parents find their biological daughter and her parents and, at the threat of a lawsuit by the English father, the girls go for a trial period with their biological families.
The biological child of the Amish family is Skylar, who is addicted to drugs and a very worldly lifestyle. Her parents are not married to each other, and they are anxious to find a "fix" for Skylar's destructive lifestyle.
As Skylar enters an Amish family, she has struggles to find her place as well as coming to grips with her heritage. Ariana, thrust into an English lifestyle, has a very hard time, and her bio father has many demands on her as he tries to broaden her horizons. Through this all, a childhood friend of Ariana's (Quill) who has left the Old Order Amish life helps her out immensely.
This third book, Gathering the Threads, is Ariana's re-entry into Amish life. Three months away have changed her in many ways. She has longed to return to her Amish family and fiancee and now that she's there, she is confused. She has learned that God's Word, the Bible, is what is important to follow, and is unsure about how the Amish bishops' rulings fit in with this. She earnestly wants to do what is right and unfortunately the church leaders give her an amazing amount of trouble. Her family is confused as well, and her Amish father exercises his strictness.
In the end, Ariana chooses her pathway--but of course, I'm not going to tell you what it was :)
It's hard to summarize this all, but I will say that it is a very good book, and I would totally recommend it. It gives a bit of a different look at the Amish life, and makes the reader think a bit as well. This is definitely a book that will make you want to stay up at night to read just one more page. :)
So -- yes, yes, yes--read it! Enjoy it! Struggle a little bit along with Ariana to figure out Who is really in charge.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This book, Gathering the Threads, is (as it sounds) a culminating book in a series. I would REALLY suggest that you read the first two books in the series, as they are wonderful reads as well (but if you don't have the opportunity, this book very nicely gives a little summary at the beginning of the book to tell you the high points of what has happened already in the series, which will be helpful to many.)
Ariana is a young woman (early 20's) who was brought up in an Amish family with younger and older siblings, and even a twin. She is dedicated to her Old Order Amish lifestyle and attempts to talk her sibling out of leaving the group. Her world is completely shaken when she (and her parents) find out that she was mistakenly swapped at birth with another baby girl and she is actually not their biological child. Ariana's parents find their biological daughter and her parents and, at the threat of a lawsuit by the English father, the girls go for a trial period with their biological families.
The biological child of the Amish family is Skylar, who is addicted to drugs and a very worldly lifestyle. Her parents are not married to each other, and they are anxious to find a "fix" for Skylar's destructive lifestyle.
As Skylar enters an Amish family, she has struggles to find her place as well as coming to grips with her heritage. Ariana, thrust into an English lifestyle, has a very hard time, and her bio father has many demands on her as he tries to broaden her horizons. Through this all, a childhood friend of Ariana's (Quill) who has left the Old Order Amish life helps her out immensely.
This third book, Gathering the Threads, is Ariana's re-entry into Amish life. Three months away have changed her in many ways. She has longed to return to her Amish family and fiancee and now that she's there, she is confused. She has learned that God's Word, the Bible, is what is important to follow, and is unsure about how the Amish bishops' rulings fit in with this. She earnestly wants to do what is right and unfortunately the church leaders give her an amazing amount of trouble. Her family is confused as well, and her Amish father exercises his strictness.
In the end, Ariana chooses her pathway--but of course, I'm not going to tell you what it was :)
It's hard to summarize this all, but I will say that it is a very good book, and I would totally recommend it. It gives a bit of a different look at the Amish life, and makes the reader think a bit as well. This is definitely a book that will make you want to stay up at night to read just one more page. :)
So -- yes, yes, yes--read it! Enjoy it! Struggle a little bit along with Ariana to figure out Who is really in charge.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 15, 2017
I liked and disliked this one. This was the first in the series that I have read, and I'm SO SO happy that they included a "Previously in the The Amish of Summer Grove Series" at the very beginning of the book! LOL! ;) It got me all caught up on the important parts. And let me tell you I am REALLY happy this is the only one I've read so far. After being introduced to the characters, but also reading about their pasts I really don't think I would like Nicholas nearly as much as I did in this one (and I'm not real sure on whether or not I'm going to go back and read the other's or when I will). Cindy's plot twists kept me engaged, though I did feel it was a touch too long, and there could have been things shortened. I'm also torn with the end, and that might have to do with me only reading this one, but there are somethings that I wish just had ended differently. Overall I'm torn with this one, I really liked the characters and there where some scenes that I ABSOLUTELY LOVED!!!! But it ended differently than I wanted it to and I'm not sure how I feel about that. :/ In the end I am happy I read it though! :)
Songs: "Even If" by MercyMe, "My Lighthouse" by Rend Collective
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC
Psalm 23
~ASC
*I received this book from the author for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Gathering the Threads. ~ASC
Songs: "Even If" by MercyMe, "My Lighthouse" by Rend Collective
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC
Psalm 23
~ASC
*I received this book from the author for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Gathering the Threads. ~ASC
February 10, 2018
"Just because people think they’re right doesn’t actually make them right…"
Loved this series. I really didn't even want to start book 3 knowing it was the last one:-(
THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY
**
Returning to her Amish home, was a joyful event for Ariana Brenneman. And then, sitting at the family table, listening to her father dictate what was to be done, triggered an unease in the young woman.
Forced to live in the ‘Englisch’ world, when it was discovered, she was unintentionally swapped, at her birth, along with Skylar Nash, was an eye-opening situation. Relying on Quill Schlabach wasn’t an ideal, but he was her friend, despite the strained relationship, and he helped her out when she needed it.
Isaac, Ariana’s Amish father, is in disbelief that his daughter, would defy him, his authority. At least her relationship with Rudy (the man she plans to marry) is still going strong. His wife, Lovina, is worried that the two won’t see eye-to-eye. After all, Ariana now knows what it is to live in the Englisch world. Can they truly expect her to be the same?
Now that Ariana is back in the Amish world, will the fact that she wishes to keep the phone and occasionally contact Quill be condoned by the Bishop? And, how much more understanding will Rudy be about that aspect of her life?
Finding her feet, and her place, in the Brenneman family, as well as the Amish community, Skylar is on the road to recovery from drug addiction. Just as she feels that she has control back in her life, in walks Ariana. What happened to spending a whole year outside of this community? And how come her Englisch father, Nicholas, seems so much more understanding of Ariana’s woes than he ever was of hers?
Will the two ‘sisters’ find common ground? To be able to grow together in the Amish way? Whilst Ariana questions her belief in an (almost) oligarchical system, she knows her faith in God is unwavering. How can she be a part of two different worlds, when neither seem to want to understand the other?
In the last part of the Summer Grove series, the story is focused more on Ariana, rather than Skylar, but doesn’t fail to impress. Whilst it would be easy to tie up loose ends, Woodsmall, spins a thoughtful, absorbing story, that is far from predictable. I really enjoyed how she pushed Ariana's thinking, yet being respectful of the Amish culture. There were so many emotions for the characters in this final installment - frustration, anger, disbelief, love, hope, happiness - that, as a reader, I was experiencing them along the way. As always, Woodsmall's characters have depth, personality and traits, that make them all endearing.
**
This is book three of three in the series, Summer Grove. The first two books were TIES THAT BIND and FRAYING AT THE EDGE. I always can tell if a book has meant something to me when I finish and I want more. This has been the way with this series. I'm an Amish genre lover but this series has been one of a kind.
This third book is a continuation of Araina's story. I would definitely suggest reading the three books in order so you get the background on the characters and what's been going on.After Ariana has returned to her Old Order home from being in the Englisch world, she has many different feelings. At times she forgets about the Amish ways. You don't question your daed and when Araina does, her daed doesn't understand why his sweet daughter is questioning his authority. She's been in the Englisch world where asking questions and rebelling is part of life, but in the Amish world, questions are not asked by a daughter to her daed. She is now back in The Old Order Amish community and she must go by the rules. She is seen as rebelling and that is unacceptable. Will her Englisch ways spread to others in the Old World Community? Especially the young ones who are at that point of questioning where they belong, plain or Englisch. She is trying to put sense to what she's learned from her natural parents and the rules of her plain world. There are also secrets of sorts. Skylar has finally found sobriety and feels at peace in the household of the Brenneman's. What will Araina's coming back to the household do to her? She feels her sobriety is threatened. Skylar finally has become herself, she has found her true self and she has tried hard to put the past in the past. But with Araina's coming home, will that past stay in the past? Two people, Araina and Skylar must find what connects them and hold their faith and God close to their hearts to keep that past in the past. They can't let go of their faith.
As always, Ms. Woodsmall has given us another wonderful, heart warming story about the Amish world. She has combined the plain world with the Englisch world. We are given two young women who are finding themselves, grasping their faith, and learning new things. The characters and the scenes are well described and lighten the heart. I always find that reading an Amish book rests my soul a bit. It brings a peacefulness after a long, stressful day. It also reminds the reader of their faith, regardless of what that may be. You don't have to be religious to enjoy this book or any Amish book. They are just good clean reads about another way of life and there are lessons to be learned while enjoying a good book, good characters and lovely communities.
**
This conclusion to the Amish of Summer Grove series continues the story of Ariana and Skyler, two young women who were switched at birth. In Ties That Bind the mistake was uncovered, and in Fraying at the Edge the women traded places, with Ariana going out into the world to learn new things and Skyler experiencing the Amish way of life for the first time. Ariana managed to reach an agreement with her biological family to go back to the Brennemans before the end of their one-year deal, but now that she is home she's met by a cacophony of inner voices telling her who she is and what she should believe. Has she lost herself in the midst of trying to navigate both Amish and English worlds?
Meanwhile Skyler has remained on the farm, recovering from her bad choices in the past and learning about the joy of hard work and family togetherness. She isn't really thinking of joining the faith that binds her Amish family together, but she has come to value much about it. She gains clarity about her goals and dreams through the love and support the Brennemans offer her.
Though Skyler is flourishing, Ariana feels like she's drowning. Her district ministers are in a hurry for her to renounce any form of worldliness she came across while she was away, but she refuses to lose contact with her biological family or turn her back on the things she's learned. She would like to see reform within the Amish church to bring the Old Ways more into balance with the Bible, but that's a tall order for any twenty-year-old woman.
**
The concluding book of the Amish of Summer Grove series, Gathering the Threads, takes an already unusual story for "Amish fiction" and packs a powerful ending as the threads of this group of people thoroughly mended together by family, life, faith, and community are finally sewn together into one beautiful finality.
This is not your typically sweet, quaint story of the people who are of Amish Christian beliefs and live in their strict community. It is one where the outside world has already broken the barriers and now openings to customs, people, problems, thought processes, and solutions so very different from their own bring to the forefront issues long buried or tolerated. And yet into their own rigidly controlled faith community where the Bishop's rule overrides all thought and even Biblical injunctions, they find that they still have obligations to the laws that government people of all communities.
Interestingly, Gathering the Threads is also a story about an awakening to social injustices and a move to secure the protection of those abused in their homes. There is a need for change and a need for forgiveness.
And there is love or romance that is tenderly woven through and it is, of course, quite discrete and definitely a good, clean read.
While Gathering the Threads, can surely be read as a stand-alone book, it will be more enjoyable to read books one and two in the series. I personally recommend you read the books in succession simply because they are all good reads and worth delving into.
Loved this series. I really didn't even want to start book 3 knowing it was the last one:-(
THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY
**
Returning to her Amish home, was a joyful event for Ariana Brenneman. And then, sitting at the family table, listening to her father dictate what was to be done, triggered an unease in the young woman.
Forced to live in the ‘Englisch’ world, when it was discovered, she was unintentionally swapped, at her birth, along with Skylar Nash, was an eye-opening situation. Relying on Quill Schlabach wasn’t an ideal, but he was her friend, despite the strained relationship, and he helped her out when she needed it.
Isaac, Ariana’s Amish father, is in disbelief that his daughter, would defy him, his authority. At least her relationship with Rudy (the man she plans to marry) is still going strong. His wife, Lovina, is worried that the two won’t see eye-to-eye. After all, Ariana now knows what it is to live in the Englisch world. Can they truly expect her to be the same?
Now that Ariana is back in the Amish world, will the fact that she wishes to keep the phone and occasionally contact Quill be condoned by the Bishop? And, how much more understanding will Rudy be about that aspect of her life?
Finding her feet, and her place, in the Brenneman family, as well as the Amish community, Skylar is on the road to recovery from drug addiction. Just as she feels that she has control back in her life, in walks Ariana. What happened to spending a whole year outside of this community? And how come her Englisch father, Nicholas, seems so much more understanding of Ariana’s woes than he ever was of hers?
Will the two ‘sisters’ find common ground? To be able to grow together in the Amish way? Whilst Ariana questions her belief in an (almost) oligarchical system, she knows her faith in God is unwavering. How can she be a part of two different worlds, when neither seem to want to understand the other?
In the last part of the Summer Grove series, the story is focused more on Ariana, rather than Skylar, but doesn’t fail to impress. Whilst it would be easy to tie up loose ends, Woodsmall, spins a thoughtful, absorbing story, that is far from predictable. I really enjoyed how she pushed Ariana's thinking, yet being respectful of the Amish culture. There were so many emotions for the characters in this final installment - frustration, anger, disbelief, love, hope, happiness - that, as a reader, I was experiencing them along the way. As always, Woodsmall's characters have depth, personality and traits, that make them all endearing.
**
This is book three of three in the series, Summer Grove. The first two books were TIES THAT BIND and FRAYING AT THE EDGE. I always can tell if a book has meant something to me when I finish and I want more. This has been the way with this series. I'm an Amish genre lover but this series has been one of a kind.
This third book is a continuation of Araina's story. I would definitely suggest reading the three books in order so you get the background on the characters and what's been going on.After Ariana has returned to her Old Order home from being in the Englisch world, she has many different feelings. At times she forgets about the Amish ways. You don't question your daed and when Araina does, her daed doesn't understand why his sweet daughter is questioning his authority. She's been in the Englisch world where asking questions and rebelling is part of life, but in the Amish world, questions are not asked by a daughter to her daed. She is now back in The Old Order Amish community and she must go by the rules. She is seen as rebelling and that is unacceptable. Will her Englisch ways spread to others in the Old World Community? Especially the young ones who are at that point of questioning where they belong, plain or Englisch. She is trying to put sense to what she's learned from her natural parents and the rules of her plain world. There are also secrets of sorts. Skylar has finally found sobriety and feels at peace in the household of the Brenneman's. What will Araina's coming back to the household do to her? She feels her sobriety is threatened. Skylar finally has become herself, she has found her true self and she has tried hard to put the past in the past. But with Araina's coming home, will that past stay in the past? Two people, Araina and Skylar must find what connects them and hold their faith and God close to their hearts to keep that past in the past. They can't let go of their faith.
As always, Ms. Woodsmall has given us another wonderful, heart warming story about the Amish world. She has combined the plain world with the Englisch world. We are given two young women who are finding themselves, grasping their faith, and learning new things. The characters and the scenes are well described and lighten the heart. I always find that reading an Amish book rests my soul a bit. It brings a peacefulness after a long, stressful day. It also reminds the reader of their faith, regardless of what that may be. You don't have to be religious to enjoy this book or any Amish book. They are just good clean reads about another way of life and there are lessons to be learned while enjoying a good book, good characters and lovely communities.
**
This conclusion to the Amish of Summer Grove series continues the story of Ariana and Skyler, two young women who were switched at birth. In Ties That Bind the mistake was uncovered, and in Fraying at the Edge the women traded places, with Ariana going out into the world to learn new things and Skyler experiencing the Amish way of life for the first time. Ariana managed to reach an agreement with her biological family to go back to the Brennemans before the end of their one-year deal, but now that she is home she's met by a cacophony of inner voices telling her who she is and what she should believe. Has she lost herself in the midst of trying to navigate both Amish and English worlds?
Meanwhile Skyler has remained on the farm, recovering from her bad choices in the past and learning about the joy of hard work and family togetherness. She isn't really thinking of joining the faith that binds her Amish family together, but she has come to value much about it. She gains clarity about her goals and dreams through the love and support the Brennemans offer her.
Though Skyler is flourishing, Ariana feels like she's drowning. Her district ministers are in a hurry for her to renounce any form of worldliness she came across while she was away, but she refuses to lose contact with her biological family or turn her back on the things she's learned. She would like to see reform within the Amish church to bring the Old Ways more into balance with the Bible, but that's a tall order for any twenty-year-old woman.
**
The concluding book of the Amish of Summer Grove series, Gathering the Threads, takes an already unusual story for "Amish fiction" and packs a powerful ending as the threads of this group of people thoroughly mended together by family, life, faith, and community are finally sewn together into one beautiful finality.
This is not your typically sweet, quaint story of the people who are of Amish Christian beliefs and live in their strict community. It is one where the outside world has already broken the barriers and now openings to customs, people, problems, thought processes, and solutions so very different from their own bring to the forefront issues long buried or tolerated. And yet into their own rigidly controlled faith community where the Bishop's rule overrides all thought and even Biblical injunctions, they find that they still have obligations to the laws that government people of all communities.
Interestingly, Gathering the Threads is also a story about an awakening to social injustices and a move to secure the protection of those abused in their homes. There is a need for change and a need for forgiveness.
And there is love or romance that is tenderly woven through and it is, of course, quite discrete and definitely a good, clean read.
While Gathering the Threads, can surely be read as a stand-alone book, it will be more enjoyable to read books one and two in the series. I personally recommend you read the books in succession simply because they are all good reads and worth delving into.
July 13, 2017
I've just finished reading Gathering the Threads. I am blown away. I’m astounded at how the story and message of this novel are relevant to everyone. If you didn’t read books one and two have no fear about jumping into the third and final installment of The Amish of Summer Grove series. The author begins this book by quickly catching readers up to speed in the first few pages. Ariana and Skylar were switched at birth. Ariana was raised in an Amish family and Skylar outside. The girls discover this near their 20th birthday. Each family wants a chance to get to know their biological offspring. Thence the girls' year-long journey of living in strange new worlds.
When this novel opens the girls have lived with their biological families for three months. Arianna was grateful to return to a place she called home. The reunion with family wasn’t as joyful as anticipated. Ariana’s eyes have been opened and the house and family didn’t feel like home anymore. She’s learned many things living in the world with all its newfangled technology but one of the main things she took away from being there was the fact that she can read the Bible and apply what she’s read to her life without Old-Order leadership dictating her every thought and move.
This is a powerful story that deeply touched my heart as I saw these characters earnestly try to grasp and practice concepts from the Bible into their lives; even if it dispelled what they originally thought was true. I was delighted when it was revealed to their hearts that the “truth” would set them free in so many ways when they identified the lies they'd believed and had the courage to walk in the truth about God, themselves and others. I’m thankful for the way this author ended the series. I’m so glad this author had the courage to walk the path God had for her and write what she’s felt called to write. This author is a Blessing. Her work is phenomenal. This is a masterfully written must-read novel. It's one I won't soon forget.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Bloggingforbooks site. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine
SVP Promotions
When this novel opens the girls have lived with their biological families for three months. Arianna was grateful to return to a place she called home. The reunion with family wasn’t as joyful as anticipated. Ariana’s eyes have been opened and the house and family didn’t feel like home anymore. She’s learned many things living in the world with all its newfangled technology but one of the main things she took away from being there was the fact that she can read the Bible and apply what she’s read to her life without Old-Order leadership dictating her every thought and move.
This is a powerful story that deeply touched my heart as I saw these characters earnestly try to grasp and practice concepts from the Bible into their lives; even if it dispelled what they originally thought was true. I was delighted when it was revealed to their hearts that the “truth” would set them free in so many ways when they identified the lies they'd believed and had the courage to walk in the truth about God, themselves and others. I’m thankful for the way this author ended the series. I’m so glad this author had the courage to walk the path God had for her and write what she’s felt called to write. This author is a Blessing. Her work is phenomenal. This is a masterfully written must-read novel. It's one I won't soon forget.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Bloggingforbooks site. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine
SVP Promotions
January 8, 2018
Wonderful audio book and a perfect ending to the trilogy.
September 6, 2017
Arianna returns to her Amish parents a changed woman and fights for women not to be bullied. She has changed too much for Rudy. Skylar has gotten her life together and is accepted by both sets of parents.
December 9, 2017
The series begins with
Ties that Bind
followed by
Fraying at the Edge
before concluding with this book. I have already read quite a few of Cindy Woodsmall's series and each time I have believed that that one was the best one I have read, that is, until I would read the next series. This time I jumped in on the last book first. I don't recommend doing that with this author, because when she writes a series, they are usually books that are closely linked to each other. Fortunately, before the first chapter, this book had a running summary of the previous two books that I haven't read. It was so well summarized that I had no trouble reading this book by itself. But again, I really don't recommended that. Cindy Woodsmall's outstanding talent is to connect us deeply with her characters so that the reader forms an emotional bond and experiences the turmoil written about with the character. This is such a rare gift for a writer, so that when I find one I like to search for all their books and read them through.
That's how I feel about this series. When I read the summary, I had to chuckle. It read like a soap opera. I say that in the kindest manner possible. This series is intense, if all the books are like this one. There are several well-planned out plots, complex characters, schemes, turmoil, twists and turns, and just plain anguish laid out in the first two books that continue in this one. It was quite an amazing task to see how it all resolved. But it was definitely and happily resolved, in a way only this author can accomplish.
There are so many characters that are important to the series. Ariana is the one that stands out the most. Skylar is also another but not as much the focus as Ariana. Book three resolves a long standing issue between Ariana and Quill, a neighbor she had known since her childhood who had left the Amish years ago for reasons no one in the small community of Summer Grove really knew about and thus was a forbidden friend. Nevertheless, he plays a prominent role all throughout the series.
Among the complexity of details there arises a theme that may surprise the reader as it becomes clear. Ariana learned about bullying while she was "out in the world" with her birth father. Interestingly, bullying takes on a whole different shape and color when she encounters it in the Amish community after she returns. Had it always been there and she had never noticed before? The running questions then became how would she deal with it living at home with her parents while preparing for her upcoming marriage? This was not a cut at the Amish community by the author, but rather a commentary of society, that it can happen anywhere, even in places we don't expect to find it.
Finally, just like other books by this author, the spiritual elements of the story are authentic, realistic, respectful while helping us to gain some fresh perspectives on the character of human nature in general. Cindy Woodsmall's series are some of the best faith-based books I have ever read. They are not filled with platitudes or pat answers. Real issues are realistically dealt with that touched my heart deeply. Even though I haven't read the first two books, I know I will soon. So I can heartily recommend this series for you. If you like intense, complex characters who are not stereotypical Amish or non-Amish or former Amish, you'll love this series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Blogging for Books on behalf of the author. I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
That's how I feel about this series. When I read the summary, I had to chuckle. It read like a soap opera. I say that in the kindest manner possible. This series is intense, if all the books are like this one. There are several well-planned out plots, complex characters, schemes, turmoil, twists and turns, and just plain anguish laid out in the first two books that continue in this one. It was quite an amazing task to see how it all resolved. But it was definitely and happily resolved, in a way only this author can accomplish.
There are so many characters that are important to the series. Ariana is the one that stands out the most. Skylar is also another but not as much the focus as Ariana. Book three resolves a long standing issue between Ariana and Quill, a neighbor she had known since her childhood who had left the Amish years ago for reasons no one in the small community of Summer Grove really knew about and thus was a forbidden friend. Nevertheless, he plays a prominent role all throughout the series.
Among the complexity of details there arises a theme that may surprise the reader as it becomes clear. Ariana learned about bullying while she was "out in the world" with her birth father. Interestingly, bullying takes on a whole different shape and color when she encounters it in the Amish community after she returns. Had it always been there and she had never noticed before? The running questions then became how would she deal with it living at home with her parents while preparing for her upcoming marriage? This was not a cut at the Amish community by the author, but rather a commentary of society, that it can happen anywhere, even in places we don't expect to find it.
Finally, just like other books by this author, the spiritual elements of the story are authentic, realistic, respectful while helping us to gain some fresh perspectives on the character of human nature in general. Cindy Woodsmall's series are some of the best faith-based books I have ever read. They are not filled with platitudes or pat answers. Real issues are realistically dealt with that touched my heart deeply. Even though I haven't read the first two books, I know I will soon. So I can heartily recommend this series for you. If you like intense, complex characters who are not stereotypical Amish or non-Amish or former Amish, you'll love this series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Blogging for Books on behalf of the author. I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
August 9, 2017
"His Mamm called her the Thread Gatherer. Mann believed life was like an heirloom quilt that life ripped at the seams, and gatherers were rare. But Ariana took the frayed pieces and worked with them until the quilt could fulfill its purpose once again. Quill had seen her do it. At least once she had done it for him, when he was eighteen and his Daed died of a heart attack."
Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall is the third book in the Amish of Summer Grove series, and for this reader, I hope there is more. The best part of this novel that I really had to share is that at the beginning the author took the time to walk the reader through the previous novels to get them caught up to where this one begins. It is a rare jewel to find this in a series novel, but one I hope more authors will follow suit with.Ties That Bind and Fraying at the Edge are the first two in this series and should be read before picking this one up as it conveys so much more than a simple summary of the first two novels.
Ariana Brenneman is far from the Amish girl that her community remembers anymore, especially her boyfriend Rudy. Even her parents are struggling to figure out just how to get back the Amish girl they have raised, but not the daughter by birth. It was through an accident at birth that Ariana and Skylar Nash were switched and both grew up being raised by parents that were not theirs until they recently discovered the grave error. Since spending months with her English family, Ariana has been exposed to things she never knew before living among the Amish and never once questioning the ways they lived and believed, until now. Being forced by the ministers, her parents and boyfriend, they believe such correction is necessary to help Ariana return to her former life. She can't.
The only people that seem to understand her confusion is her best friend Quill Schlabach, also a former Amish man, Skylar, and her brother by being raised Amish Abram. They understand her confusion about trying to fit back into a society just because that is how you were raised but now are longer the same being exposed to reading the Bible for herself and understanding how the ministers in her community were manipulating things to work for themselves and not the community. It draws a line in the sand between the Amish upbringing she loved, and the new knowledge of what God has provided. Her parents are now faced with the prospect of being shunned if they can't control her defiant daughter, and her boyfriend Rudy isn't so sure he can wait for a girl that may no longer be who she was. This will be a true test of loyalty, love and faith for everyone if they hope to find a lasting peace among them all.
I received Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers. I really love how this book took into consideration all the things going on for Ariana, being challenged in her faith and standing up for what she believes God wants for her in her life, even if it means losing everything she ever knew. She knows she can never go back to that person, because that person no longer exists. Armed with a sense of love and faith, she tries to convince her family and friends of the life she has now embraced and that it might just mean walking away from everything she had ever known even if it separates her from her Amish family. I only hope that there might be more in this series as there are so many other relationships I would love to see expanded on at the conclusion of this one. This has been one of my favorite series by Cindy Woodsmall and well worth 5 out of 5 stars.
Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall is the third book in the Amish of Summer Grove series, and for this reader, I hope there is more. The best part of this novel that I really had to share is that at the beginning the author took the time to walk the reader through the previous novels to get them caught up to where this one begins. It is a rare jewel to find this in a series novel, but one I hope more authors will follow suit with.Ties That Bind and Fraying at the Edge are the first two in this series and should be read before picking this one up as it conveys so much more than a simple summary of the first two novels.
Ariana Brenneman is far from the Amish girl that her community remembers anymore, especially her boyfriend Rudy. Even her parents are struggling to figure out just how to get back the Amish girl they have raised, but not the daughter by birth. It was through an accident at birth that Ariana and Skylar Nash were switched and both grew up being raised by parents that were not theirs until they recently discovered the grave error. Since spending months with her English family, Ariana has been exposed to things she never knew before living among the Amish and never once questioning the ways they lived and believed, until now. Being forced by the ministers, her parents and boyfriend, they believe such correction is necessary to help Ariana return to her former life. She can't.
The only people that seem to understand her confusion is her best friend Quill Schlabach, also a former Amish man, Skylar, and her brother by being raised Amish Abram. They understand her confusion about trying to fit back into a society just because that is how you were raised but now are longer the same being exposed to reading the Bible for herself and understanding how the ministers in her community were manipulating things to work for themselves and not the community. It draws a line in the sand between the Amish upbringing she loved, and the new knowledge of what God has provided. Her parents are now faced with the prospect of being shunned if they can't control her defiant daughter, and her boyfriend Rudy isn't so sure he can wait for a girl that may no longer be who she was. This will be a true test of loyalty, love and faith for everyone if they hope to find a lasting peace among them all.
I received Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers. I really love how this book took into consideration all the things going on for Ariana, being challenged in her faith and standing up for what she believes God wants for her in her life, even if it means losing everything she ever knew. She knows she can never go back to that person, because that person no longer exists. Armed with a sense of love and faith, she tries to convince her family and friends of the life she has now embraced and that it might just mean walking away from everything she had ever known even if it separates her from her Amish family. I only hope that there might be more in this series as there are so many other relationships I would love to see expanded on at the conclusion of this one. This has been one of my favorite series by Cindy Woodsmall and well worth 5 out of 5 stars.
October 11, 2017
GATHERING THREADS is the third book in Cindy Woodsmall's THE AMISH OF SUMMER GROVE series and also the first book I've ever read by Woodsmall, although I recognize her name as one of the top Amish fiction authors. When given an opportunity to read and review GATHERING THREADS I wondered if not having read the first two books would present a problem. For the first time ever, I found a multi-page summary, called "the story so far," at the beginning of the book. Although not filling in the full story of each characters' emotions, this summary told me enough to be off and running as I began the first page. I wish all publishers of series books would offer this simple plot summary. Avid readers know that months and even years intercede between titles within a series, and by the time we've had our hands on the latest addition, many other books and stories have crossed our paths. Just a few pages looking back could refresh readers' minds. We've all read those novels that try to fill the reader in by constantly adding little thought bubbles or flashback topics and those extras don't blend in that well. A simple summary like I found in GATHERING THREADS would be a pleasant addition.
Now for my reactions to this third novel. Ariana Brenneman, who in the previous novels found out that she and Skylar, had been placed with the wrong families after a horrendous fire at the birthing center, returns to the Amish community where she grew up after spending several months with her "real Englisch" family. Despite wanting to come back to life with the Brennemans and the cafe she had been planning when her life changed forever, Ariana can't seem to get her footing. No longer can she accept her daed's demands without questioning them, especially when he chooses the rulings of the bishop over listening to her concerns. Her fiance Rudy seems to be a bit more understanding, but her needs to stay connected to her Englisch father (an atheist, but a seeking one) and to Quill, a former Amish whose departure left the community with unanswered questions, threaten the young couple's future plans. Meanwhile Skylar who is the real Brenneman daughter (and sister to twin Abrahm) lives with her Amish parents, but does not embrace the faith. Ariana's return and her problems bring out Skylar's jealousy and insecurities. Woodsmall's plot did not follow the simplistic
lines that I expected; not everyone chooses the Amish way over the worldly one. Blind, unthinking allegiance to authority is questioned and challenged. Exposure to knowledge just for knowledge's sake is considered and its value embraced by some. I have shied away from Amish fiction because I often find the characters and plots too simplistic. A few strict Amish moved to our small Wisconsin rural community about 40 years ago, and we are now one of the largest Amish settlements in Wisconsin. We have Amish neighbors all around us; we shop their businesses, see their schools, and more. When I read Amish fiction, I want realistic, not idolized portrayals. I think Woodsmall did a good job of presenting a young woman who finds herself exposed to more of the "world" than most Amish. What her family accepts would not happen in our area, but it was an ending that fit this story.
I received a copy of this novel from Litfuse. All opinions are mine.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews