The Winnowing Season by Cindy Smallwood

In book two of the Amish Vines and Orchards series by Cindy Woodsmall, The Winnowing Season, we see a continuation of the story of Rhoda, Samuel, Jacob, Leah and Landon.

In this book, we pick up right where book one (A Season for Tending) left off…with the characters preparing to move to Maine after a disaster leaves their current farm in need of too much repair.  Right from the beginning, the story gets the reader hooked.  Rhoda again struggles with choices that she made due to her gift, Samuel is trying to sort out his feelings and Jacob is still trying to recover from the demons that have followed him back from his time away from the Amish.  Leah is also trying to make some hard life decisions and Landon is beginning to have feelings for her.

Several questions can be asked as readers continue through this story.  Samuel has finally recognized what he wants but is it too late?  Jacob and Rhoda continue their relationship, but will his personal demons destroy what they have?  Leah loves her family, but will she give it all up for a life among the English?  Will Rhoda begin to understand the voices that keep haunting her?  Will there be a happy ending for everyone?

Like book one (A Season for Tending), this book leaves you hanging and asking more questions then getting answers.  I was hooked right from the beginning and couldn’t put this book down.  Cindy Woodsmall has such an amazing way of bringing the characters to life and drawing the reader into their story.  She leaves you wanting more.  Unfortunately, the next book won’t be available until Fall, 2013.

I highly recommend this book, especially if you love to read Amish Fiction.  You don’t necessarily have to read book one to understand the characters and story line.  Cindy Woodsmall does a fantastic job of “catching” the reader up on the story, but, to not read book one, would be a sad thing.  The story of these characters is so sweet that you don’t want to deny yourself being a part of their lives.  Get book one (A Season for Tending), read it, read book two (The Winnowing Season), and hold on for book three…coming Fall 2013!

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah’s Blogging for Books program for my free copy of The Winnowing Season, which I received in exchange for an honest review.