Ties That Bind by Cindy Woodsmall | Book Review

Overview: Twenty-year-old Ariana Brenneman loves her family and the Old Ways. She has two aspirations: open a café in historic Summer Grove to help support her family’s ever-expanding brood, and keep any other Amish from being lured into the Englisch life by Quill Schlabach.

Five years ago Quill, along with her dear friend Frieda, ran off together, and Ariana still carries the wounds of that betrayal. When she unexpectedly encounters him, she soon realizes he has plans to help someone else she loves leave the Amish.

Despite how things look, Quill’s goal has always been to protect Ariana from anything that may hurt her, including the reasons he left. After returning to Summer Grove on another matter, he unearths secrets about Ariana and her family that she is unaware of. His loyalty to her beckons him to try to win her trust—because when she learns the truth that connects her and a stranger named Skylar Nash, Quill knows it may upend her life forever.

Read an excerpt of Ties That Bind

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ISBN-13: 9781601426994 | Publisher: Crown Religion/Business/Forum

Publication date: 09/08/2015 | Series: Amish of Summer Grove Series

My Review: I've never read such an intense book from the Amish genre. Ties That Bind was all I expected it to be... and so much more! From the very beginning to the very end, I was biting my nails. I was nervous, excited, and scared for Ariana and the Brenneman family, even though I didn't know exactly what was wrong! The well-hashed plot kept me turning pages until the very end. AND TALK ABOUT A CLIFF HANGER! I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!

Ariana Brenneman loves her family, her faith, and her community and it shines through her personality on each page. After a devastating blow five years ago, Ariana has become fiercely protective of those she loves, so when Quill enters her life again she is understandably wary. Despite how Ariana feels, I instantly fell in love with Quill, especially after I learned why he did what he did. His deep understanding of faith and his acceptance of the consequences associated with his choices made him my favorite character in the book. I *hope* Quill and Ariana end up together. He is definitely my choice for her! (HINT HINT Cindy Woodsmall!!)

The statement that touched me the most, and the one I feel relates to the message of the story for all characters involved is this: "I used to think I wasn't strong enough to face my future. But eventually I learned that I only have to face today, and that's where our loving God, faithful family, and good friends come in. Each brings something to the day that strengthens us - just enough, but who needs more than just enough?" Wow.... just wow. I cannot tell you how much that statement just knocked me off my feet. Who needs more than just enough?.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Ariana's story and cannot wait to see what the future holds for her and the Brenneman family.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review.*

About the Author: Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author of numerous works of fiction and one of nonfiction. Her connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media. She lives in the Foothills of the North Georgia Mountains with her family.

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Hope Crossing by Cindy Woodsmall - Review & Giveaway!

Overview: Hope Crossing…where Ada’s House stands as a haven for weary souls looking for kindness, faith, and second chances.

The Hope of Refuge
Two very different women are pulled by their strongest desires. Deborah Mast joined the Amish church and longs to marry her fiancé, but he is changing. Cara Moore is forced to look into a life that was meant to be hers. Will Ada’s House help them realize their hearts’ desires or will it force them to accept what life has done to each of them? Read an excerpt.

The Bridge of Peace
Living out her passion for teaching, Lena Kauffman’s work is suddenly interrupted by a series of pranks and accidents targeted toward her and her students. When tragedy strikes her dear friend Grey Graber’s family on school property, the school board begins to blame her for the trouble. As grief and confusion take their toll on Grey and Lena’s friendship, they are both forced to face a new reality that may offer the peace and love they each long for. Read an excerpt.

The Harvest of Grace
Fleeing a terrible mistake, Sylvia Fisher dedicates herself to saving the failing Blank farm. When prodigal son Aaron returns, he is surprised by this unusual farmhand who opposes all his plans. Will Aaron and Sylvia’s unflinching efforts toward opposite futures mask the bigger picture—a path to forgiveness, grace, and the promise of love? Read an excerpt.

ISBN-13: 9781601427670
Publisher: The Doubleday Religious Publishing Group
Publication date: 11/4/2014
Series: Ada's House Series
Pages: 1040
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My Review: The Hope of Refuge - I loved this story, until the end. Now, don't get me wrong. The end is exactly what I had hoped for. However, I found it to be very anti-climatic. I won't say why, because I don't want to give away the plot. The characters are truly amazing and well-written. I loved watching Cara learn to accept God in her life and the strength and faith of Ephriam when a long way in helping her. Deborah's heartache and feelings of abandonment tore me up, but I loved how the community rallied around her and Ada. As for the Amish community, this is the first time I've ever encountered an Amish district that I didn't immediately love. As the story progressed, I began to understand why they were the way they were, and I loved watching them change. Overall, this was a great story and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

The Bridge of Peace - As I began this story, I was hoping to see more of Deborah, Cara, and Ada. I wasn't disappointed! It really made up for my earlier disappointment. As with the first book in the series, the characters and plot are amazingly written and well-developed. Lena is a true role model for women. Even with her blemishes, she acts with grace, compassion, and quickly extends forgiveness and accepts corrections with grace. Grey is a godly man struggling with grief and acceptance. The adversary of the story made for an interesting take and really showed how a negative influence can taint a whole community. It was great watching the community "bridge" the peace they crave in God's time.

The Harvest of Grace -This was such a heartwarming and satisfying conclusion to a wonderful series. I loved Aaron and Sylvia's characters. Each character was dealing with some form of addiction and working to overcome it. That being said, the author does an excellent job of getting inside the mind of a former alcoholic and showcasing this terrible disease. I loved both of their determinations to find what God had for them, even when they struggled to embrace it. The author also provides satisfying conclusions to every story line started, and that I appreciate! The Amish community in Dry Lake came together in a heartwarming way to support their members and really endeared themselves to me.  I really enjoyed this entire series, but I think this story was my favorite.

Join Ada and her friends at Ada's House as they journey to find a hope of refuge, a bridge of peace, and an abundant harvest of grace!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review.*

About the Author: Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author of numerous works of fiction and one of nonfiction. Her connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media. She lives in the Foothills of the North Georgia Mountains with her family. - See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=72213#sthash.9oEUEhVN.dpuf

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Giveaway time!

The publisher was nice enough to provide me with two copies of this fantastic series. So, I'm giving one of my copies to you, one of my lucky readers! To enter, simply comment on the post below: Do you enjoy Amish novels? If so, who is your favorite author?
Ends 2/27
*U.S. Entries only please. Leave email in non-spam format (youremail(at)domain(dot)com). 

A Love Undone by Cindy Woodsmall

Overview: A husband and son abandoned to forge a path alone. 
A young woman who sacrificed her dreams.
How will the God of grace and hope help them find their way?

At nineteen years old, Old Order Amish Jolene Keim was on the brink of happily-ever-after when everything changed, stealing the future she expected and burdening her with an unbearable decision. For the next ten years, Jolene throws herself into family life—and then she meets Andy Fisher. The horse trainer and father to a sweet nine year-old challenges her and holds up a mirror to issues Jolene has been unwilling to face.

Andy is cautious about his deepening friendship with Jolene, but he believes she knows the truth about him – that he is a grass widower. As a man whose wife has abandoned him six years past, he is unable to divorce or remarry according to the Amish ways. Andy has wrestled with God concerning his reality, and he had found peace with the solitary future facing him…until he met Jolene.

As Andy and Jolene find themselves confronted by difficult choices, will they trust in God's guidance—or will the allure of their deepening friendship only lead to further temptation?

ISBN-13: 9780307730008

Publisher: WaterBrook Press

Publication date: 9/9/2014

Pages: 336

Read an Excerpt

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My Review: Cindy Woodsmall has a way of taking an ordinary Amish story and turning it into an extraordinary one. I devoured all 336 pages of this book. As I began to delve into the story, I immediately knew this wasn't going to be a typical Amish book. I highly enjoy learning more about the Amish faith and their day to day lives, but it can be a little redundant at times. It's refreshing to read a story that doesn't follow the typical "mold." 

I really enjoyed getting to know Jolene and her family. The obstacles she had to overcome were every bit as daunting as the author made them out to be, and I could feel Jolene's struggles right along with her. Ray added a different element to the story, offering insight from someone who Jolene had worked her best on, but couldn't quite let go of. I'll admit, I didn't quite like Andy when we first meet him in the story. I think the author did this on purpose, though, because as the story progresses, I fall in love with him just like Jo does. 

Both Andy and Jolene, and in some ways Ray, have a lot to overcome in this story.  Though Jolene is content and works her best to please God and follow His word, there are parts of herself she keeps hidden and struggles with fear, doubt, and anger. Andy accepts his position in life, until he meets Jo. Then he struggles to again overcome the reality of his situation. The imagery of the Dogwood blooming year round was beautiful in that it reminds the characters the God is there for them, watching over them, no matter what. His ways are perfect and flawless, and in time we will hopefully come to accept, and maybe understand them.

Overall, I highly recommend this story of "shattered dreams", of "love undone", and "God's unfailing grace."

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review.*

About the Author: Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author of numerous works of fiction and one of nonfiction. Her connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media. She lives in the Foothills of the North Georgia Mountains with her family. - See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=72213#sthash.9oEUEhVN.dpuf

Connect with Cindy:  - Facebook  - Twitter  - Goodreads  - Pinterest  - RSS Feed 

Christmas in Apple Ridge by Cindy Woodsmall

Happy New Year everyone! What better way to start off the new year than with a book review?! I was very excited to read this book and wanted to badly to read it over Christmas, but that wasn't to be. However, I'm so glad I read this fantastic collection. Christmas in Apple Ridge is a collection of three books in one: The Sound of Sleigh Bells, The Christmas Singing, and The Dawn of Christmas. 

Overview: Experience the holidays with the Plain folk of Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania, in these touching novellas centered around love, romance, heartache, and restoration from best-selling author Cindy Woodsmall.

The Sound of Sleigh Bells
Beth Hertzler is unable to let go of a past tragedy, but when she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds. Determined that her niece meet the gifted artist, her aunt tracks him down, but it’s not that simple – will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love?

The Christmas Singing
Mattie thought her childhood sweetheart adored her until he abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas Eve. Brokenhearted, Mattie moves away and pursues her longtime dream of becoming a cake decorator, and even finds a new beau. But when Mattie is forced to return home three years later, will learning the truth behind Gideon’s rejection restore her Christmas joy – or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?
The Dawn of Christmas
Sadie enjoys her freedom away from home and her mission trips to Peru, but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it’s time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan—but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together?

My Review: All I can say is this collection was such a blessing to read! I have never read an Amish book that was so captivating and enthralling from beginning to end. I wasn't sure what to expect since I don't read a lot of books in the Amish category, but I was pleasantly surprised!

The Sound of Sleigh Bells features Beth and Jonah. Beth is a very no-nonsense, business-like woman who was deeply wounded in the past and determined not to let it happen again. Jonah is a damaged soul who learned that God is good no matter what. Can he teach Beth that despite her past, she can open up to love? I loved the message of the book. If you don't let go of your past, you aren't letting in all that God has for you.

The Christmas Singing features Mattie and Gideon.  Mattie was heartbroken when Gideon broke up with her on Christmas Eve and has worked hard to hide her heart from anyone who tries to take it. Gideon has lived with a secret illness and brokenness since his break-up with Mattie. Can they get along enough to figure out they still love each other? The message in this book was to trust God with everything. You can't protect everyone, only God can do that.

The Dawn of Christmas was my favorite! Sadie and Levi suffer from the same affliction - aversion to marraige and the other sex.  They have both seen or been hurt by someone and are determined never to let it happen again. So, when Sadie finds Levi injured in a field, neither expects anything to happen. Reading their story was amusing. I figured out long before the characters did that they were meant for each other. Can they open their hearts to let in what God has planned for them, or will they turn away out of fear? The message in this story is to not let fear rule your lives.

Overall, this was the most enjoyable Christmas book I've ever read. I would recommend it to anyone who loves reading about the magic of Christmas and the blessings it can bring.

**I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.**

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