A Season for Tending by Cindy Woodsmall

My only problem with this book is that it ended..until the next installment, anyway!  I truly love Cindy Woodsmall's books; she is a great story-teller. This one is a compelling page turner and a big insight into the strength of Amish family life.

"For I 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 - this inspiring Scripture sums up the theme for this book.

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.  As with all communities, people are not always what they present themselves to be. People who claim to love the Lord and then do violence to another one is an example. Poor Rhoda has been bullied by some in her Community because she told the truth about this individual. When first her garden, and them her beloved fruit plants are destroyed, she is beyond grief.

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 unfortunate events, Samuel is forced to look for help as well as a solution to the orchards overabundance of cider apples - when a chance meeting with Rhoda, gives him an idea.  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!

I wish to thank Waterbrook-Multnomah's Blogging for Books program for the chance to review this book.  While I do prefer print copy books, this was only available to me in eBook format from  Edelweiss by Random House.  I had numerous problems with the download of this eBook and will not choose to do a book review in eBook format again.  In order to fulfill my obligation for this review, I borrowed a print copy from a friend.