Cindy Woodsmall has once again wrote another great book, she has never let me down. I am so glad that I chose that I chose A Season for Tending to read. This book kept my interest and all I could do was keep on reading and reading all day long.
This story is about Rhoda Byler who lost her younger sister in a freak accident when she left and went to the store alone and Rhoda had stayed behind to tend to her herbs and berries patches. These herb and berries have been her pride and joy from the time she was just a small child and a gift from her father every year, her berry patch had grown into an acre of bountiful fruit.
Rhoda blames herself for her sisters death feeling that she could have prevented it because she felt deep inside her that something bad was going to happen and tried to get there to save her, but was too late. Because of this, she buried herself into her work with her herbs and berries. She could tell everyone what any herb could cure and sometimes over stepped her bounds and gave her herbs to people to help cure what ailed them. She could also grow her berry bushes better than anyone around and produce more product off of them and this was what she had so much pride in doing. In doing things that she thinks that is helping others and with her talking to plants while gardening and the fact that she thought she could see what was going to happen to her sister Emma before it happened people of the community thought she was a bit strange and was doing mean things to her.
Then there is the drunk teenager that Rhoda finds asleep in her garden. Rhoda befriends her and helps her get home and covers things when her brother, Samuel King of King's Orchard, comes to pick her up. She even beats him down a little for being so rough on her for doing what she is doing during her rumschpringe and to give her a little credit and appreciation.
The bond that starts between them all in the cellar of Rhoda's parents house while Rhoda is canning her berries is an amazing relationship that blossoms. There's so much more that I could tell you but I don't want to spoil things for you.
I definitely give this book five stars! I can not wait to get my hands on the next book in the series; The Winnowing Season: Book Two in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series.
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Review 2 for A Season for Tending: Book One in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series - eBook
I was a little apprehensive about reading this book. I usually struggle to get into books that have characters following the Amish lifestyle; however, this book was a great read. Cindy Woodsmall was able to introduce the characters in such a way that you instantly felt some emotional connection with each character. I found it a little odd that Rhoda would have such a special gift. It is understandable that others were unsure and uncomfortable around her. I am interested to see how Ms. Woodsmall continues writing about Rhoda and her gift. I will definitely be reading book 2 in this series.
This book was also a great love story about loving family, finding friendships, and supporting those you care about. Though there were some relationships hinted at in the book I found myself appreciating the connections between characters as their bond between each other grew. They were able to find comfort in each other for each of their “dark” secrets, as well as support each other through trials. It created a deeper connection between the reader and the characters in the book.
I would encourage you to check out this book. Read the first chapter of A Season for Tending here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/98995874/A-Season-for-Tending-by-Cindy-Woodsmall-Chapter-1-Excerpt.
"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."
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Review 4 for A Season for Tending: Book One in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series - eBook
Rhoda Byler runs her own canning business in her Old Order Amish community. Her odd ways and eccentric personality however, have caused many to choose to stay away from her as they do not understand her gift for tending plants and herbs long past their harvest seasons. In an effort to stay away from a community that looks down on her and sees her as a detriment, she keeps her distance as much as possible from the people who observe the Old Ways and nurse superstitious fears.
An accidental encounter with a girl from the neighboring town of Harvest Mills causes Rhoda to meet the family who own King's Orchard. Samuel is the eldest, and in charge of the orchard, along with brothers Jacob and Eli. A mistake on Eli's part costs them ten acres of good eating apples and leaves behind almost worthless cider apples. When King's Orchard meets Rhode Side Stands, the simple solution to all those cider apples is to can them into products to make a much bigger profit. But will working together really be the answer? Or has Samuel made a mistake that will cost him beloved orchard?
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised and impressed with this novel. There are so many Amish fiction writers these days, and Woodsmall brings something new, fresh and unexpected to the genre. While the idea of someone being able to see the future is often referred to as being "psychic", this author portrays it just as a simple feeling or emotion; not something that reeks of darker powers and New Age nonsense. A recommended read for anyone who likes something a little different.
This book was provided for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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Review 5 for A Season for Tending: Book One in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series - eBook
I wasn't sure what to think of this book in the beginning as I'm not a believer in premonitions which are a large part of the storyline. In spite of my initial reservations, I found I couldn't put this book down and cannot wait to read the next one.
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Review 6 for A Season for Tending: Book One in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series - eBook
A Season for Tending is written by New York Times Best-Selling Author Cindy Woodsmall. This book is the first in a new series called Amish Vines and Orchards. I love Amish fiction so I was looking forward to reading this new novel by Ms. Woodsmall.
Rhoda Byler is a young Amish woman who has a gift for growing herbs and berries. This alienates her from others in the Amish community because they think her gift is strange. Samuel King is an Amish man living in another community who is struggling to keep his family's apple orchard profitable. Samuel eventually ends up meeting Rhoda through his sister Leah, and they realize that they both can help each other. But then tragedy strikes so Rhoda, Samuel and his family members make a decision to start over in Maine.
My thoughts: I really enjoyed reading this book and am a fan of Cindy Woodsmall. The plot was interesting to me and the characters realistic. There seems to be a love triangle starting between Samuel, Samuel's brother and Rhoda and I am looking forward to reading the 2nd book in the series to see who Rhoda ends up with! I would recommend this book to others.
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Review 7 for A Season for Tending: Book One in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series - eBook
Overall Rating:
5out of5
Great characters!
Date:October 25, 2012
jdreade
Location:Baltimore, MD
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5out of5
Value:
5out of5
Meets Expectations:
5out of5
Excellent read! Hate having to wait so long for #2
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Review 8 for A Season for Tending: Book One in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series - eBook
Very informative, learn a ton about apples and gardening. Even got some recipes. But most of all Cindy draws you in close to God. There were lots of places of Amish language, but one thing I did notice was that it didn't have the strictness of Amish especially in regard to the relationships of Rhoda and her suitors. It was a great book and I finished it much to soon.
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Review 9 for A Season for Tending: Book One in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series - eBook
I will state up front–I am NOT a fan of Amish fiction and A Season for Tending is not the book that will change that. It was slow moving and a bit too soapy for me. Cindy Woodsmall is a fine writer, no doubt about it, but I simply did not enjoy the storyline at all. I would love to see her take a step away from the Amish fiction fad and write a Christian fiction book of a different genre.
Fans of Amish fiction will probably love A Season for Tending. The writing is good and if you enjoy this sort of story line, then I would say that you’d enjoy this one. As for me, I felt it was too slow and stilted. I just didn’t connect with the characters at all. If Woodsmall continues to write Amish fiction alone, this will be the last book of hers I read. But, I hope that at some point she steps away from this genre to write about a different subject. If you like Amish fiction, then give this one a try, but if you’re like me and don’t enjoy it, I’d say skip this one. NOTICE:
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Library Thing in exchange for my honest review. 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 10 for A Season for Tending: Book One in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series - eBook
Overall Rating:
5out of5
Another Cindy Woodsmall Masterpiece!!!
Date:September 27, 2012
Jodi
God used the oddest situations to line people up ang get them involved in each other lives."... "And from now on, he would be patient with the frustrating events, believing that God would use them to get His children to walk a new path" - A Season for Tending.
I recieved a free copy of A Season for Tending from Waterbrook Press to read and review and I was so delighted! Cindy Woodsmall is one of my favorite authors. Thanks Waterbrook!
A Season for Tending is the first book in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series. If you've never read any of Cindy's books before I would recommend that you try them. Even if you are not a fan of Amish fiction.
If I gave this book a theme verse it would be:
"ForI know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11.
Every year, since she was a little girl, Rhoda Byler received a berry and an herb plant from her father for her birthday. Now a grown woman, Rhoda's garden has grown to an acre in size and she is the operator of a successful canning business called Rhodes Side Stands. Rhoda is a very intuitive woman, which along with her desire to use herbs as a healing property, has caused some problems for her in her community. She also carries a load of guilt and wishes she had followed her intuition before it was to late.
Ever since he was a little boy, Samuel King's grandfather gave him the very first apple harvested from Kings Apple Orchard. Since his grandfather passed, Samuel has been in charge of the apple orchard. Due to a series of unfortuante events, Samuel is forced to look for help as well as a solution to the orchards overabundance of cider apples. Maybe Rhoda is the solution?
Will Rhoda agree to help the Kings? Will she be an outcast in the Kings community as well as her own?
This book had me captivated from beginning to end. When I thought I had it figured out, Cindy offered up a new twist in the plot. She takes the time to properly introduce her characters before diving into the heart of the story. A Season for Tending is going to be a well-worn favorite of mine for sure!
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Review 11 for A Season for Tending: Book One in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series - eBook
Season for Tending Amish Vines and Orchards, Book 1 By Cindy Woodsmall
Rhoda Byler has a gift that has been misunderstood by those around her. She has been allowed to sense certain things so that she can help people, but because of skill with plants she is feared. Not only is she feared, but she is accused of dabbling in witchcraft.
But Rhoda is living with a guilt that burdens her soul, she blames herself for her younger sister's death. She was not able to stop it, and worse she feels that her work in the garden caused her to fail her sister. But no one understands her pain.
When Rhoda comes into contact with the King family from Harvest Mills their lives are about to be forever altered. Leah is trying to discover her worth and is determined to escape the Amish ways that seem to imprison her. Meanwhile her brother Jacob struggles to come to terms with what occurred while he was outside the community. His life is hidden by tragic secret. Oldest brother Samuel is in-charge of the family's orchards and he takes everything very seriously.
As Rhoda struggles against the rumors that threaten to destroy her gardens, the Kings struggle against a blight that could destroy their farm. Can Rhoda's skills save them all?
With secrets and fears ruling their lives can these young men and women learn to trust God and to lay their cares at His feet? As Rhoda gets to know this hurting family, God begins to heal them all. Can family, friendship, love, and business free them to live beyond what they thought possible? Or will disaster destroy everything they've worked for?
Cindy Woodsmall has embarked on yet another series that touches the heart and lets you see beyond the fences of your own garden. I look forward to book 2 The Winnowing Season in spring 2013!
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
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Review 12 for A Season for Tending: Book One in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series - eBook
Cindy Woodsmall's A Season for Tending is the first novel in the "Amish Vines and Orchards Series". The main character, Rhoda, is somewhat an introvert with a bad reputation in the Amish communities after some unusual events surrounding the death of her little sister. The first couple chapters of the book seemed a bit disconnected, giving introductions to several key characters and planting seeds of intrigue that will make you wonder and keep you reading with a slight edge of suspense.
The plot thickens as the chapters continue and characters begin to interact and interweave. The primary focus of this (like most novels) is on interpersonal relationships, not on the Amish belief system or way of life. Readers are given detailed insight into the thoughts of all the characters, making them all easy to relate to in one sense or another. There are only a few "bad" guys and no one is presented as without flaw, in fact, a fair amount of text is devoted to telling how the characters reflected on and analyzed their own actions, rather than only reacting to others in the story line.
Despite being set primarily in an Amish community, there are still the tell-tale "soap-opera" scenarios such as teenagers drinking and having a pregnancy scare, a cheating boyfriend, multiple references to superstition, witchcraft, and supernatural "premonitions", a natural disaster to stir things up a bit, etc. Although most of the book implies that hard work and honesty are valued character traits, not all instances of wrongdoing receive consequence, and there is not single "good" character who is portrayed as without making a decision that would be labeled as questionable at best.
If you are looking for a wholesome, entertaining book that upholds Christian values, this one lands in the gray area. I would certainly recommend reading it before presenting it to a teen. One line in the book which really stuck with me was, "She hated pretending to worship a God who, at best, didn't like her any more than she liked herself." While I appreciate the honesty with which the characters emotions are presented, it didn't sit well with me that there was no further follow-up on this character's thoughts about God. We never find out if she knew God loved her or if she blows Him off as being a condemning-man-upstairs. The way the plot moves forward will keep your interest, and there is the infamous little taste of a big change/event in the last chapter (because this is the first of the series, so it can't possible end with an actual conclusion).
In the interest of full disclosure, I would like to mention that I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for the purpose of reviewing. I wasn't obligated to give a positive review, the opinions are mine.
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Review 13 for A Season for Tending: Book One in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series - eBook
This was the first time for me to read a book by Cindy Woodsmall. Knowing it was a series made me a little hesitant to go ahead and read since I like to have all of a series when I read so I don’t have to wait. I really enjoyed the book. It had good reading, and even though it left you wanting to know more of the story, enough of it was told to say it was a good book with a good story. Although I will have to keep my eye out for the 2nd book b/c I will want to see the next phase of this story. The plot kept you going at many different angles so it kept you interested throughout the entire book. I enjoyed the plot of Rhoda the best. Her world fascinated me on how well she gardened, canned, to moving past a tragic lost that she kept herself at fault, even though it wasn’t. There wasn’t much of a devotion to learn or bible verses that this writer concentrates on, but the Amish’s simple life was enough for me for this story. This book was given to me by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.
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Review 14 for A Season for Tending: Book One in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series - eBook
This one is a little out of my usual preferred genre-romance. Though there is a touch of romance, it is not at the core of the book. I enjoyed the story despite this "flaw" (LOL).
As with all of Cindy's books, the characters are well thought-out. Her writing makes you look past the obvious and see into a person's hurts, fears, and insecurities.
I look forward to book 2 The Winnowing Season (schedule for Spring 2013). I need to find out what happens to Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob, which was left open-ended in this story.
***I received this book from the publisher/author for purposes of review. The above is my honest opinion.***
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Review 15 for A Season for Tending: Book One in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series - eBook
If you are wanting a book where all the loose ends get tied up in a neat, story-book ending and everyone lives happily ever after . . . well, you might want to try something else. But, if you're looking for an engaging story filled with complex characters trying to find their way through joys and struggles to follow their dreams and God's direction . . . Cindy Woodsmall's A Season for Tending could be just the one!
Rhoda Byler is a young woman with a "gift" that causes her problems with others in her Old Order Amish community and with her Englisch neighbors. And she struggles with guilt over the death of her younger sister. Her only source of real joy is in the fruits and herbs she grows for her canning business, and she runs the risk of losing those.
Samuel King -- along with his brothers Jacob and Eli -- is running his family's apple orchard, and keeping it profitable has become a formidable challenge. Irresponsible actions, family secrets, and natural tragedies make the job grow more and more difficult.
Samuel's younger sister Leah is pushing all limits during her rumschpringe and trying the patience of her family members. When she wakes up in Rhoda's garden after a night of bad partying, one thing leads to another in forming a connection between Kings' Orchard and Rhode Side Stands.
As always, Cindy Woodsmall has written a great story. Taking her husband's family history with apple orchards as a setting for an intriguing Amish story was a perfect way to blend two things in which you can feel her passion. Her characters and plot keep you moving at a pace that is unpredictable and exciting. And there are many unanswered questions that make the wait well worthwhile for the next installment in the Amish Vines and Orchards series. I definitely give A Season for Tending a five star rating!
As a special bonus, there are a couple of recipes in the back of the book, courtesy of Sherry Gore, an author, editor and member of a Beachy Amish Mennonite church in Sarasota, Florida.
(This book was provided free of charge by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.)
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Review 16 for A Season for Tending: Book One in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series - eBook
"A Season for Tending" is the first book in a brand new series by Cindy Woodsmall. I loved the story; this may be her best yet! The characters, themselves, though, were my favorite feature:
Rhoda Byler is a young woman with a gift for growing things. She also has a gift for understanding people deeply. And sometimes, when people are in danger, she senses it. Unfortunately for Rhoda, instead of people being grateful for her warnings, they feel threatened by them. In their minds, premonitions plus growing things equals witchcraft.
Samuel King is the oldest of three sons working together to manage the struggling family apple orchard. Samuel not only carries the self-imposed burden for this orchard, but also for the behavior and needs of his younger siblings, girlfriend, and her younger brother.
Jacob King, slightly younger than Samuel, has just returned from a few years of living and working in the Englisch world. Though he seems to be doing well back among the Amish, he carries painful secrets from his time away.
Leah King, the oldest sister of the King family, yet younger than her brothers, struggles with the freedom of her rumschpringe. Determining to make wiser choices than some she has made, she still longs to leave the Amish, but does not know how.
Together, these four and their families must find a way to save two businesses: Rhoda’s Rhode Side Stands and the King Family Orchard. I enjoyed reading of their efforts and am looking forward to the next book in the "Amish Vines and Orchards" series.
Thank you, Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers, for sending a complimentary copy of this book for this honest review.
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Review 17 for A Season for Tending: Book One in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series - eBook
A Season for Tending is about an Amish girl, Rhoda, who has a love for gardening and canning and who has an intuition that has the town in an uproar. One day, Rhoda finds an amish girl in her garden. This relationship blossoms into journeying to an apple orchard–where relationships are tested, some are ended, and others are started.
The Amish rumspringa is a time when the young Amish "experience the world." This is played out in the story through bad choices and past memories. Cindy Woodsmall's knowledge of the Amish shows throughout this story. One of my favorite quotes in this story is, "Pretty is what God does in the hearts and minds of people who are a mess–whether outwardly or inwardly or both." I think this is a great reminder that each one of us are a mess and it is because of Christ and God's grace that we are able to be "pretty" and accepted by God.
I really enjoyed reading A Season for Tending. It is full of emotion and I went on a wild journey as I felt the struggles and hurt of the characters. I liked how Cindy used the examples of the Amish rumspringa because it shows how many youth (Amish or not) want to escape the ways they were raised and get to experience the world. It showed the consequences of playing around with sin and the messes it can cause. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series, The Winnowing Season.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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Review 18 for A Season for Tending: Book One in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series - eBook
Rhoda Byler had a knack for growing herbs and fruits. Not only was it her livelihood, it was her passion. Besides her family, her only other true friend was Englisher Landon, who worked at her canning business, Rhode Side Stands. Many people in Rhoda's community looked down on her and thought she was strange. She had gut feelings that told her when someone needed help. There were those who even looked at it as witchcraft.
Rhoda encountered a young girl named Leah King in her garden one morning. She discovered that Leah had been to an English party a few doors down. She could see Leah felt like no one cared about her. Leah's older bother, Samuel, traveled from nearby Harvest Mills to pick her up. Rhoda was excited to find that Samuel and his family had an apple orchard. Samuel was intrigued by Rhoda, as well as her garden and knowledge of plants. Rhoda was definitely attracted to Samuel. When the orchard needed help, Samuel knew just the person for the job - Rhoda. The King's failing apple orchard brought all the characters together and things worked out in ways that were surprising to everyone involved.
All the characters were dealing with their own issues. Rhoda's sister, Emma, died two years before and she was really struggling with her death. She blamed herself. Samuel was trying to keep the orchard from going under, along with the relationship with his girlfriend, Catherine. Leah had very low self esteem and was trying to fit in anywhere. There was also Landon, Jacob, and Catherine. Landon was a great guy, always standing by Rhoda to support her. Jacob, Samuel and Leah's brother, was avoiding a part of his past. Catherine was learning that she needed to stand on her own and not depend on Samuel to fix everything. It was a little hard to keep everyone straight at first, but it didn't affect my wanting to read the story.
This story will keep you guessing when it comes to romance. One minute you think there is a attraction between characters that will turn into something, the next minute you are not so sure. The only issue I had with this story was with Rhoda's "gut feelings". She and her family believed it to be a gift from God. The problem I have is that Rhoda sees and hears her dead sister Emma telling her how to help people. God is not going to use dead people. As the series continues, I'm hoping to discover that she is seeing and hearing Emma because she suffering from depression caused by Emma's death. If you enjoy reading books that are part of a series, you will like A Season For Tending. There are loose ends when the book draws to a close. I am going to have to patiently wait, how I don't know, for the next book in the series to get some answers to my questions. This was a book that I found hard to put down.
Amish Vines And Orchards Series: #1 A Season For Tending #2 The Winnowing Season ( the be released 4/16/13)
I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah for my honest review.
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Review 19 for A Season for Tending: Book One in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series - eBook
A Season for Tending by Cindy Woodsmall, is one of the best books I've ever read.
Rhoda is a young Amish woman with the gift of having a sense when things are going to happen. The Amish Community she lives in does not trust her, fueled by a young Amish man, and a neighbor who is an "Englischer."
A seventeen year old Amish girl who is in her rumschpringe (running around time) ends up in Rhoda's garden after a night of partying, and thus begins a story of Rhoda and the King family - with Rhoda possibly being able to help them save their apple orchard.
I was intrigued with each character in this book and the complexity of each of them. Cindy does a superb job of connecting the characters. There are a lot of contrasts, that I really enjoyed and I also enjoyed how she brought each main character to a point of self-discovery and... I better not say any more!
This book drew me in and I was delighted with each turn of the page. I could see all the details and felt like I was there throughout the story. I really - probably for the first time ever - realized how well the title fit the book as it was meant for more than just plants... : )
Two thumbs up!
"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."
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Review 20 for A Season for Tending: Book One in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series - eBook
Another wonderful book by Cindy Woodsmall. I believe I have read all of her books to date. This is an Amish story about Rhoda. Rhoda has her own little roadside business selling items from her garden. Unfortunately, she also has a gift of “intuition” that is not readily accepted by the Amish and causes lots of hardships in her life. Mix that in with her guilty feelings that she has over her sister’s death, her people not accepting her as “normal” and hardships the family is going thru and you have a story that keeps you wanting to turn the page.