A Season for Tending by Cindy Woodsmall

Amish Vines and Orchards (#1)

Cindy Woodsmall caught me with the first two words… “It’s time…”

 From GoodReads: In a community where conformity flourishes, seeds of Rhoda’s odd behavior were planted long ago. Can she cultivate her relationships with the same care and tenderness that she gives her beloved garden?

Old Order Amish Rhoda Byler’s unusual gift and her remarkable abilities to grow herbs and berries have caused many to think her odd. As rumors mount that Rhoda’s “gift” is a detriment to the community, she chooses isolation, spending her time in her fruit garden and on her thriving canning business.

Miles away in Harvest Mills, Samuel King struggles to keep his family’s apple orchard profitable. As the eldest son, Samuel farms with his brothers, the irrepressible Jacob and brash Eli, while his longtime girlfriend Catherine remains hopeful that Samuel will marry her when he feels financially stable.

Meanwhile, Samuel’s younger sister Leah is testing all the boundaries during her rumschpringe, and finds herself far from home in Rhoda’s garden after a night of partying gone badly. But Leah’s poor choices serve as a bridge between Rhoda and the King family when a tragic mistake in the orchard leaves Samuel searching for solutions.
Rhoda’s expertise in canning could be the answer, but she struggles with guilt over the tragic death of her sister and doesn’t trust herself outside her garden walls. As the lines between business, love, and family begin to blur, can Rhoda finally open up to a new life? And what effect will this odd, amazing woman have on the entire King family?

MY THOUGHTS: 

It was easy to identify with Rhoda, since I love growing & picking berries, and I’m used to accepting blame (even when I’ve done nothing). And I love how her father gave her his support, even though he was often caught in the middle between Rhoda and those who would malign, ridicule or fear her.

Her father allowed her herb garden to be destroyed to protect her from possible punishment from the church. After her berries were destroyed she joined with Kings Orchard. But another disaster comes, leaving them no choice but to relocate.

I appreciate how Landon always sticks by Rhoda. Although not Amish, he has been a true friend.

The three King brothers are charming in their own ways. Eli makes big mistakes at home; Jacob made bigger mistakes when he was away from home; Sam takes on the orchard and all the responsibility to keep it going.

Sam shows maturity and chivalry in his relationship with Catherine. I’m glad he discovered before promises were made that his feelings aren’t what they should be. (I hope he falls for Rhoda!) This is definitely a novel I’ll read again.

I did not receive an advanced reader copy; nor did I receive this book in exchange for an honest review. I bought this book at my local Christian bookstore. I’m writing a review because I loved the book… and…
I can’t wait to read the sequel!

Hey, check it out for yourself. Read more about it HERE at GoodReads.
And read more about Cindy Woodsmall and her other novels on her WEBSITE.

Related articles

• Review for “A Season for Tending” by Cindy Woodsmall (jcsbookshelf.wordpress.com)
• “For Every Season” by Cindy Woodsmall (fushiacat.wordpress.com)
• Guest Blogger: Author Cindy Woodsmall on Writing Amish Romance (kindlepost.com)

Tagged: Amish, apple orchard, berries, Cindy Woodsmall, community, herbs, Multnomah, Pennsylvania, romance, series, WaterBrook