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Customer Reviews for Christian Large Print The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Series #2 LGPT
Christian Large Print The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Series #2 LGPT
The tornado that devastated Kings' Orchard pushed Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob to make a new start in Maine. Are they strong enough to withstand the challenges of establishing an Amish community-and brave enough to face the secrets that move with them?
On the eve of their departure to begin a new Old Order Amish community outside of Unity, Maine, Rhoda Byler is shocked to discover that choices made by her business partner and friend, Samuel King, have placed her and her unusual gifts directly into the path of her district's bishop and preachers. She is furious with Samuel and is fearful that the Kings will be influenced by the way her leaders see her, and not what they know to be true-that Rhoda's intuition is a gift from God.
Average Customer Rating:
(18 Reviews) 18
Rating Snapshot (18 reviews)
5 stars
16
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18 out of 18100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Series #2 LGPT
Review 1 for The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Series #2 LGPT
Overall Rating:
WONDERFUL SERIES !!!!!
Date:May 14, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
This series is simply one you do not want to miss. I have read book one and finished book two at 6 a.m. because I simply could not put it down. I cannot wait for the 3rd one to come out which your site states will be in August, not sure I can wait that long!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hats off to Cindy Woodsmall for this one. Yes, the 2nd one leaves you "hanging", so to speak but it is just a wonderful book!!!!!!!!!!!! I have about 170 Amish Fiction Books and this series ranks in the No. 1 category!! You will be sorry if you miss it!!!!!!!!!!
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Review 2 for The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Series #2 LGPT
Overall Rating:
Plain life is replete with harsh times
Date:May 13, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The Winnowing Season is book 2 in the series and follows A Season for Tending. The main female character is Rhoda Byler who has a gift of being able to intuitively know what is about to happen. Some call this a hunch. Some call it "second sight." But some deem it witchcraft or evil. But Rhoda has lived with this gift virtually her entire life and has learned to suppress and hide it from the people around her. Because, you see, the Amish deem it evil. But Rhoda is a woman of God and one who seeks His will in all she does.
Next we have Jacob and Samuel King, owners of the fabled King Apple Orchards and brothers. Both men have begun to love Rhoda but Jacob seems to be winning the courtship.
The story begins in book two on the heels of a devastating tornado that brought ruin to Kings Orchard. A group of Amish from the community have sought out new land in Maine and are leaving to begin a totally new Amish community in Maine. Rhoda is especially looking forward to a new life in a new community freed from the whispers and seeming hatred of her current Amish community. Before they can leave, though, Rhoda is called before the controlling and governing body of Amish pastors regarding her "gift."
It is difficult to understand the concept of church government and judging as is followed in the Amish communities unless one has been exposed personally to such. This meeting has strictly observed rules, regulations, and order peculiar to the Amish. It needs to be understood that there would be differences in communities of Amish believers so they would not all follow this plan. The matter for Rhoda is ultimately resolved and the group leaves for Maine.
This story line involves a lot of conflict between individuals and brings to light the possible harshness that can exist in the life of seemingly peaceful, plain folk.
As I have come to expect, Cindy Woodsmall has again produced a very good read that is clean and a joy to read. But then, we would expect such from a New York Times Best-Selling Author of Christian fiction. I am looking forward to the September 2013 release of book 3 in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series - Every Season.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of The Winnowing Season from Blogging for Books on behalf of Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group and the author in exchange for my honest opinion. No other goods were exchanged. Opinions expressed are solely my own.
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Review 3 for The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Series #2 LGPT
Overall Rating:
Date:May 12, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I have read the second book in Cindy Woodsmall's Amish Vines and Orchards Series. I loved how the story continues and hated when I was done reading it and have to wait for the next book to come out!
In this book, Rhoda Byler, her fiancé, his brother and others move to Maine to start over as their orchard was damaged by a tornado. Rhoda becomes discouraged when her fiancé disappears for several weeks before showing up in Maine. Will his secret destroy their courtship? This book is filled with lots of surprises and I didn't want to put it down! Can't wait for the next book in the series!!
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Review 4 for The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Series #2 LGPT
Overall Rating:
Surprising find
Date:May 8, 2013
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
3
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
So we rejoin Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob as they embark on starting a new Amish community in Maine. This second book starts right where the first leaves off. It begins when Rhoda, Samuel and Jacob are suppose to be heading to Maine. I won’t give away any spoilers but it doesn’t work out the way they plan.
Among all the hardship that is facing them, trouble still seems to follow Rhoda wherever she goes. Now they are faced with a rough move, no community support, an outside world trying to get involved in their lives, and can Rhoda stop hearing her sister Emma? This book was just as good as the first.
I loved the chemistry between the characters in this book. There was something different about this book than other Amish books that I have read. Rhoda, Samuel and Jacob’s struggles seemed very authentic. Their reactions to problems in their lives seemed more real as well. What a blessing it could be that with everything all of us could go to God instead of being distracted by worldly things. One can learn so much from Amish ways.
This book is worth taking the time to read.
I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my honest opinion. No other goods were exchanged.
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Review 5 for The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Series #2 LGPT
Overall Rating:
The Winnowing Season by Cindy Woodsmall
Date:May 8, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The Winnowing Season by Cindy Woodsmall
The Winnowing Season by Cindy Woodsmall is the second installment of the Amish Vines and Orchards series. Rhoda Byler and her brother and his family have joined forces with the King brothers’ family to form a new Amish community in Maine. Rhoda and Jacob King had a new romance begun during the A Season for Tending installment of the series. Rhoda’s friend Landon had found an orchard in Maine badly in need of repair which was for sale at a price that they could afford. Rhoda came from a harder more conservative community of Amish than the King family. The night before they were to leave they got word that the Rueben Glick, the man who had destroyed Rhoda’s small family orchard and garden had twisted the story so that Rhoda was in trouble and maybe would be punished by not being allowed to go on the move. Though Rueben’s uncle was presiding over the meeting truth managed to win out and so began the great move to the new orchard in Maine. Rhoda Byler and Samuel King must learn to work together and Rhoda needs to learn how to deal with Jacob’s secrets and trouble with the law. This 2nd installment is how they all learn to live together drawing from each of their strengths and living within their weaknesses.
Ms Woodsmall has outdone herself with this installment. As usual she has left us wanting more. The author has drawn the reader into the lives of the Byler and King settlement of Amish in such a way that they no longer see the characters as Amish but rather as friends that anyone could have. Friends that we all want to live in and around our own community, friends who have problems but who love and care about those around them whether like them or different from them. I love reading her stories and look forward to reading the next installment of the Amish Vines and Orchards series.
This book was provided by Waterbrook Press for this review.
The Winnowing Season by Cindy Woodsmall is the second installment of the Amish Vines and Orchards series. Rhoda Byler and her brother and his family have joined forces with the King brothers’ family to form a new Amish community in Maine. Rhoda and Jacob King had a new romance begun during the A Season for Tending installment of the series. Rhoda’s friend Landon had found an orchard in Maine badly in need of repair which was for sale at a price that they could afford. Rhoda came from a harder more conservative community of Amish than the King family. The night before they were to leave they got word that the Rueben Glick, the man who had destroyed Rhoda’s small family orchard and garden had twisted the story so that Rhoda was in trouble and maybe would be punished by not being allowed to go on the move. Though Rueben’s uncle was presiding over the meeting truth managed to win out and so began the great move to the new orchard in Maine. Rhoda Byler and Samuel King must learn to work together and Rhoda needs to learn how to deal with Jacob’s secrets and trouble with the law. This 2nd installment is how they all learn to live together drawing from each of their strengths and living within their weaknesses.
Ms Woodsmall has outdone herself with this installment. As usual she has left us wanting more. The author has drawn the reader into the lives of the Byler and King settlement of Amish in such a way that they no longer see the characters as Amish but rather as friends that anyone could have. Friends that we all want to live in and around our own community, friends who have problems but who love and care about those around them whether like them or different from them. I love reading her stories and look forward to reading the next installment of the Amish Vines and Orchards series.
This book was provided by Waterbrook Press for this review.
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Review 6 for The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Series #2 LGPT
Overall Rating:
The winnowing season
Date:May 6, 2013
mamaof4
Location:Tennessee
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
"The Winnowing Season" by Cindy Woodsmall, book review, Amish Vines and Orchards, book #2
Rhoda, Samuel and Jacob are the owners and operators of Kings' Orchard, but when a tornado devastates the apple orchard, they decide to move to Maine and start over. With the help of the English friend, Landon, they buy an abandoned apple orchard with the hope of starting a new Amish community. They are all really counting on this move to be the beginning, a fresh start. But they are plagued with past problems even before they leave. Rhoda is brought before the Amish elders to answer claims that she was wronged by the destruction of her herb garden. Jacob gets a frantic call from an English friend who needs help. And Samuel just tries to keep the family together.
The story continues with the struggles of moving, made a little more challenging by being the first Amish in the new area, so folks are not used to how they live. Each works for the better of the family and the hopes that the new community will soon attract more Amish families. The book definietly is open about the differences between Amish and English and the struggles for both sides.
I was a bit overwhelmed by all the time spent in the beginning with the dispute between Rhoda and an Amish neighbor who destroyed her garden, and the way the church leaders handled the meeting. While I am not Amish, so I do not understand all their rules and laws, the way the meeting was described, it did not seem fair the all parties involved. But overall, I did enjoy the story and will look forward to reading the next in the series.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher, Waterbrook Press. All opinions expressed are my own.
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Review 7 for The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Series #2 LGPT
Overall Rating:
New Amish romance/mystery
Date:May 4, 2013
Cheryl
Location:Prospect,KY
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Value:
5
out of
5
Rhoda Byler has left her home behind to join the King brothers, particularly Jacob and Samuel, in helping make their apple orchard a successful combined business and then, after tragedy strikes the orchard, several of them have purchased an abandoned orchard in Maine to restore. Perhaps the move to Maine and a new Amish settlement will help Rhoda make a clean start, leaving behind her past and moving beyond the guilt she feels over her sister's murder. But things don't happen exactly as planned. Rhoda still has the visions she has almost been banned from the Amish community for and hers and Jacob's relationship is threatened by his past. Samuel, on the other hand, has realized he too is beginning to have feelings for Rhoda but continues to maintain a distance out of honor for his brother. It seems everyone has a secret or hidden past that continues to get in the way.
First of all, let me say that I have never read anything by Cindy Woodsmall that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed but do you ever feel like you've walked in on the middle of a conversation? I try to make it my reading "policy" never to read a series unless in order and usually until not all are published as I get impatient waiting for the next book to be released. I probably should have adhered to my "policy". Ms. Woodsmall, thankfully, did begin Winnowing Season with a brief summary of book 1, A Season for Tending but I still felt like I was missing a lot of character development and plot that would have allowed me to grab onto The Winnowing Season a bit quicker than I did. However, as always, Ms. Woodsmall has again written another fabulous Amish story that deviates quite a bit from what I have come to expect from the plethora of Amish novels being written today. So, pick it up and hurry. Book 3, For Every Season will be on bookstore shelves this September and these first two will leave you hanging and ready for more! In a nutshell, you can't go wrong with any of Ms. Woodsmall's books.
I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and was in no way obligated to leave a positive review.
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Review 8 for The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Series #2 LGPT
Overall Rating:
A Winner by Cindy Woodsmall
Date:May 2, 2013
Patsdream
Location:Huntsville, AL
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Rhoda Byler has an unusal gift that her Bishop and church members don't believe is of God. Rhoda knows only God could give her this gift. Jacob King loves her but his past keeps interferring with their new venture. Samuel is Jacob's brother. Rhoda's brother & his family, Samuel & Jacob's sister all join with Rhoda in a new community. They bought an apple orchard after the one they had at their old home place was destroyed by a tornado. Samuel has a secret but can't share it with anyone. Jacob's past is catching up with him (from his time in the Englisch world). I love Cindy Woodsmall's writing style. There are claims and threats of being banned for Rhoda. Cindy shows how Rhoda's faith and belief that God is in control. The characters soon become your friends and you are cheering them on. Highly recommend this book
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Review 9 for The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Series #2 LGPT
Overall Rating:
Now Eagerly Waiting for Book 3!
Date:May 2, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
In Book 2 of Cindy Woodsmall’s "Amish Vines and Orchards" series, "The Winnowing Season," everything is changing for Rhoda Byler as she, with the King family, attempts to start a new Amish settlement in Maine. This book is full of obstacles for this group of determined young people to overcome, obstacles that go far beyond those that naturally come with merging and relocating two businesses and the people involved in this. Rhoda must convince her superstitious and fearful church leaders that they can trust her and her brother’s family to go. Jacob must overcome the mysterious past that is catching up with him at the worst time ever. Samuel, out of loyalty to his brother, must keep a professional distance from Rhoda, denying his own feelings for her. All must work to get along with each other—and with the Englischers they now live among, people who are curious, but know little about the Amish or their ways. Hardest of all, Rhoda must make peace with her gift, the intuition and visions that she’d hoped to leave behind. Will her new community come to fear her as her old one did? Or will she learn to hear God’s voice in her gift and follow wherever He leads?
I enjoyed reading the second part of this on-going story and am now eagerly waiting for the conclusion to be released. I thank Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers for sending a complimentary copy for this honest review.
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Review 10 for The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Series #2 LGPT
Overall Rating:
This book was so unique and intriguing!
Date:May 1, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Out of all the books released this year I think I was looking forward to this one the most. I was not disappointed but I am freaking out that I have to wait for months to read the next installment! This is easily one of my new favorites. I am so in love with these characters and how unique they are. I’m embarrassed to admit that I’m SO glad that I’m not Rhoda because I have no idea which brother I would choose. Samuel comes off so harsh at times and yet I can’t help but to adore him. The whole plot and all of the characters are absolutely amazing and perfectly unique. It is so hard to find unique Amish but this series pulls it off and manages to stand out for its unusual qualities. I have no idea how I’m going to make it until September to read the next installment!
About the Story:
The story picks up where A Season for Tending leaves off. Rhoda and the gang are busy establishing a new farm and trying to avoid drawing attention to themselves. The problem is that Jacob and Rhoda’s trouble seems to just follow them no matter where they go. Rhoda is unable to escape the voices that haunt her and Jacob is unable to break free from the past.
The story picks up where A Season for Tending leaves off. Rhoda and the gang are busy establishing a new farm and trying to avoid drawing attention to themselves. The problem is that Jacob and Rhoda’s trouble seems to just follow them no matter where they go. Rhoda is unable to escape the voices that haunt her and Jacob is unable to break free from the past.
This is where things got tricky and a bit sticky for the characters. Each person seems to have a secret they want to hide from everyone else. The exploration of Rhoda’s insight is so intriguing to me. It keeps me guessing and I can imagine why it must be a frustrating gift for her. Leah’s secret was one I was kind of expecting but Jacob’s response was one that most frustrated me. I’m so torn between whether Rhoda should stick things out with Jacob or completely forget about him and get with Samuel. There is going to have to be some big event that makes my mind up for me because right now I really am so conflicted!
This story is truly a joy to read and very unique. It does have a ghost story feel to it at times or a definite supernatural element that is so compelling and interesting to be in the middle of an Amish tale. I absolutely cannot wait to pick up the third installment of the series!
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Review 11 for The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Series #2 LGPT
Overall Rating:
The Winnowing Season
Date:May 1, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Rhoda Byler is ready to start over again this time right outside Unity, Maine. They are to start a new Amish community and there is so much to do before they make the move, which is in the morning. First thing she has to do is go back to her hometown community to have a meeting with the Bishop of the church to address accusation against a man in her church for destroying her garden which was her livelihood. She was not even the person to accuse him to the Bishop. She has Samuel King to thank for that. Now there was a big chance she would not get permission to move. It always seemed to get turned back around to being her fault. Not many see her intuitions as a gift.
Jacob King openly loves Rhoda and Samuel King hides the feelings he has for her to himself. If Rhoda does not get permission to move then they will have lost everything. Both men see Rhoda as the key to the Kings' Orchard success.
They all seem to have something to hide and a lot of healing is required. Will they turn all their worries over to God? They need to trust that God holds the blueprint for their lives.
In book two the author pulls you right back to Rhoda and her search for reconciliation and acceptance from her family and community. The character Rhoda is given a little taste of what happiness can fill like yet realizes that it can be taken from her at anytime or place. The story compares in parts to the book of Job.
The books in Amish Vines and Orchards series have been fast reads for me mainly because I did not want to put the books down. So now I am anxious and ready to read book three.
I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Press/Blogging for Books for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.
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Review 12 for The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Series #2 LGPT
Overall Rating:
Date:April 29, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Rhoda Byler and her business partners, Samuel and Jacob King, have finally come to an agreement on what to do after the devastating tornado that destroys King's Orchard. With no way to restore the orchard to it's productive state, Rhoda's friend Landon, offers them a solution and new start in Unity, Maine where his grandmother lives. Finding an apple orchard to restore is no easy task however; and with plans to leave young Eli King in charge of the dying orchard in Pennsylvania, they are ready to start a new life in Maine.
Their intentions to start a new Amish community where there are none is daunting, but they are determined to succeed as they have no other choice except to turn back. Steven Byler, his wife Phoebe, and their two children are the only complete family coming along. Leah King is tagging along to help with as much as she possibly can. Landon is there as their English liaison and guide. But the evening before their scheduled departure finds Rhoda and Samuel under the inquisition of her church leaders. Will her uncanny ability to perceive things before they happen cause the church to not allow her to leave for Maine as planned? And what secrets do the King brothers have to hide?
This was a long-anticipated sequel to Woodsmall's first book in the Amish Vines and Orchard Series. Amish novel are a dime a dozen, but I couldn't help but get sucked into this series. While I think Rhoda tends to get upset very easily towards the King brothers - to the point of unnecessary drama; her character has been second guessed all her life, feared, and disrespected at every turn, so I can understand why she reacts to authority the way she does. All in all a wonderful novel, and I can't wait to find out how everything turns out!
This book was provided for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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Review 13 for The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Series #2 LGPT
Overall Rating:
Date:April 28, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The Winnowing Season, by Cindy Woodsmall, is a remarkable novel. The second in the Amish Vines and Orchards series, it continues the story of Rhoda Byler, an Amish woman with a gift for gardening and cooking who carries the burden of a powerful intuition.
This story begins with Rhoda, her business partners Samuel and Jacob King, their sister Leah, Rhoda’s brother Steven and his family, and her English business partner Landon preparing to move to Maine to begin work on a new orchard and a new Amish community. The Amish leaders wish to speak to Rhoda in a community meeting the night before they are to leave, causing difficulty before the journey even begins. The trip to Maine does not go according to plan, and, once they arrive, many events occur that seem to stretch their chances of success as well as their faith.
After reading the first book in this series, I was more prepared for the cliffhanger ending in this one. I must admit that I cannot wait to find out what happens to these characters. I look forward to reading the next book in order to find out.
I would definitely recommend this book to all who enjoy Amish fiction, but I recommend reading the series in order.
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Review 14 for The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Series #2 LGPT
Overall Rating:
LOVED this twist to your typical Amish series!
Date:April 26, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
"Rhoda Byler shoved her to-do list into the hidden pocket of her apron and slipped out of the summer kitchen. A brief glance assured her non one was around to see her. She needed a few minutes, however fleeting, without anyone tugging at her. Her shoulders and arms ached as she walked into the orchard.
She breathed in, and the heady scents of fall and ripe apples helped soothe her frayed nerves. After nearly two months of nurturing the tornado-ravaged orchard, she found the view both uplifting and disheartening. Despite their long, hard days of cleaning up felled trees and mending broken ones, the once vibrant orchard looked like a battlefield strewn with injured, defeated soldiers. Would all of her and Samuel's tending restore the wounded trees? Or simply prolong their dying?
How strange that she found comfort in walking among these wounded trees. Much of the orchard lay dormant, waiting for late winter, when new trees would be planted.
But she wouldn't be here for that.
A ladder rested against a tree where she and Samuel has grafted tree limbs from storm-damaged trees into healthy ones, hoping their grafts would take. It wasn't the right time of year for such work, but they were giving this orchard their all before leaving it behind tomorrow.
A wavering, misty image stepped out from behind an apple tree.
Emma.
The vision appeared real enough, but it wasn't actually her little sister. Emma had been with God since the day she was murdered, since the day Rhoda all but sent her teary-eyed sister to that convenience store by herself at exactly the wrong time. Emma often formed in a visible way, as if Rhoda's guilt over her death was burned so deeply into Rhoda's soul that she would see her sister the rest of her days.
And maybe she would, but Rhoda dared to hope the move to Maine would end the haunting memories.
Not long after she met Samuel King of Kings' Orchard last summer, he asked if she would partner her canning business with his family's apple farming business. When she finally agreed, she did so hoping for several things to come from the agreement. One desire was for the aberrations to remain at home in Morgansville, some thirty miles away - and where all memories of Emma had been made.
But whether Rhoda was here at Kings' Orchard or at home with her family, she had yet to be freed of Emma's constant reminders that Rhoda had failed her.
Would Maine be an escape?" (pg 1-2).
In the second novel in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series by author Cindy Woodsmall, The Winnowing Season picks up right where A Season for Tending left off. In this continuation of the struggles that Rhoda Byler faces by the Amish community for having a gift from God that allows her to see into the future using her intuition, she is ready to take on a new challenge. A challenge she hopes will bring her far away from the judgmental eyes from her Amish community and church for being branded as using witchcraft to know things that no one could know about the lives of the people living in Morgansville.
She hopes to find a way to go about living a single life as a successful business woman and in helping build an alliance between herself and the King family. But when Samuel goes to far in bringing an issue to the attention of the church leaders, Rhoda feels that Samuel has overstepped his bounds into her personal life. However will that be the proverbial straw that inevitably severes the relationship between their business dealings?
I received The Winnowing Season by Cindy Woodsmall compliments of Waterbrook Multnomah for my honest review and received no compensation for a favorable review. What immediately drew my interest in this series was the unique gift that Rhoda possesses of being able to use God's gift of prophecy to help the people in her community. Instead of them seeing it as just that, they don't believe that she has been endowed with it from God but instead is up to no good and has resorted to witchcraft to allow herself to be so successful.
This was a unique change from your typical Amish books and I was interested to see how Rhoda would continue to use her knowledge of gardening to potentially help another failing apple orchard. Being a huge gardener myself I was interested to see how this could be incorporated into the novel since most Amish women are seen but not necessarily heard when it comes to running their own business and home as a single woman. The best part about this novel is Cindy's attention to detail. Since I hadn't read the first book in the series, one I will rectify shortly when I pick that one up, is that she takes a moment before launching into this book to bring her readers up to speed where the first book left off. I especially love this because often times there is so much time that lapses between books in a series, you have a tendency to forget what the first book was about. There is also a character reference included in the back so you can refer to it as needed to remind yourself about each of the characters you meet in this one. Hands down a 5 out of 5 stars and I can't wait to read the next one in this series.
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Review 15 for The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Series #2 LGPT
Overall Rating:
Another great book by Cindy Woodsmall
Date:April 20, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Samuel King and Rhoda Byler have become partners in the Kings' Orchard and the Rhode Side Stands. With the help of Rhoda's friend Landon they found an old orchard in Orchard Bend, Maine so they get approval from the district and purchase it. Eight of the Kings and Bylers move to start a new Amish community.
Samuel and his brother Jacob have both fallen in love with Rhoda, while Samuel keeps it to himself Jacob expresses himself to Rhoda and she reciprocates the feelings. The problem is that Jacob has commitments from his rumschpringe days so every time Sandra calls, Jacob goes running. Samuel has also upset Rhoda by writing a letter to her district sharing some secrets that she shared with him.
Once in Orchard Bend Samuel and Rhoda continue to disagree on some things and there are times that Samuel won't hardly talk to her. Jacob continues to run when his past calls and when marijuana and drug paraphernalia are discovered in one of the greenhouses and Rhoda is accused of growing with intent to sell, Jacob has to leave so the police won't discover him. Jacob is gone more than he's home, it seems like he's never there when she needs some moral support, but she doesn't waver in her love for him. Samuel just finds himself falling deeper and deeper in love with Rhoda.
Rhoda also loses her best friend Landon because he falls for Jacob's 17 year old sister Leah, who really thinks she wants to leave the Amish. When Rhoda discovers him bringing Leah home late one night she asks to have a talk with him when he shows up for work the next morning and she demands that he stop seeing Leah or she will fire him. He knows that he needs the job so he starts avoiding not only Leah but Rhoda too. Rhoda finds herself spending more time with Samuel and even confiding in him again.
Wonderful story that shows even though people don't always get along, they can put those differences aside and live in one house supporting each other. Yes, eight people in one house, two different families that haven't really know each other all that long either, it can be done! Also the faith Rhoda has is impressive, she never loses her trust in Jacob even though he spends so much time with Sandra and her daughter or during the investigation when she's advised to get a really good attorney, she still depends on God to get her through without hiring an attorney.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BloggingforBooks book review bloggers program. 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.”
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Review 16 for The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Series #2 LGPT
Overall Rating:
Date:April 19, 2013
Shirley Eaves
Location:Joplin, Mo
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I find Cindy Woodsmall to be a very good writer.I enjoy her style of writing. the book held my interest and will I eagerly look forward to the next one. The story shows love and for
giveness and concern for other people not just the amish. A great read and I hope she keeps up the good work.
giveness and concern for other people not just the amish. A great read and I hope she keeps up the good work.
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Review 17 for The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Series #2 LGPT
Overall Rating:
Great book!
Date:April 13, 2013
TPorterRN
Location:Atlanta, GA
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I've read everything this author has written & while all of her books are excellent, this series is one of her best. Now the difficult thing for me is waiting 5 months until the 3rd & final book in the series is released!
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Review 18 for The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Series #2 LGPT
Overall Rating:
Loved it!!
Date:April 2, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This is book two in this series, and again it leaves me wanting more. You do not need to read the first book to read this one. The Author gives you a good preview in the beginning of The Winnowing Season, but you would be denying yourself a great read.
This story does pick up basically where the last one left off. Rhoda Byler is still having a hard time with her God gift. Hopefully, things will get better in the new Community they hope to establish in Maine.
Jacob King is really smitten with Rhoda, but still fighting his demons. Samuel King, has recognized what he wants, but is it to late? Leah King, loves her family, but will she leave her faith.
Just a few of the questions for this book, but there are more. We end again heading down hill, with more questions! Life in Maine really is going to have its ups and downs for them, will they be able to survive? Will Rhoda's Gift become a nightmare? The answers are here, but there is more to come. Can't wait for the next book in this amazing series.
This story does pick up basically where the last one left off. Rhoda Byler is still having a hard time with her God gift. Hopefully, things will get better in the new Community they hope to establish in Maine.
Jacob King is really smitten with Rhoda, but still fighting his demons. Samuel King, has recognized what he wants, but is it to late? Leah King, loves her family, but will she leave her faith.
Just a few of the questions for this book, but there are more. We end again heading down hill, with more questions! Life in Maine really is going to have its ups and downs for them, will they be able to survive? Will Rhoda's Gift become a nightmare? The answers are here, but there is more to come. Can't wait for the next book in this amazing series.
I received this book through The Library Thing, and the Publisher Waterbrook Press, and was not required to give a positive review.
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