A Season for Tending (Amish Vines and Orchids #1)

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A Season for Tending (Amish Vines and Orchards #1)

by Cindy Woodsmall (Goodreads Author)

4.33 of 5 stars 4.33 · rating details · 284 ratings · 86 reviews

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...more

Paperback, 352 pages

Published September 18th 2012 by WaterBrook Press (first published 2012)

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Feb 06, 2013 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

Title: A SEASON FOR TENDING
Author: Cindy Woodsmall
Publisher: Waterbrook Press
September 2012
ISBN : 978-0-3077-3002-2
Genre: Amish

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...more Title: A SEASON FOR TENDING
Author: Cindy Woodsmall
Publisher: Waterbrook Press
September 2012
ISBN : 978-0-3077-3002-2
Genre: Amish

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?

A SEASON FOR TENDING is the first book in Ms. Woodsmalls Amish Vines and Orchards series. I am anxiously waiting for the rest of the books in this series. I enjoyed getting to know Rhoda, an amazing Amish woman with the gift to see hurt in people, and a gift of healing. I felt terrible that her suspicious family and community forced her to try to conform to their way of thinking.

The King family are struggling with Leah's teenage years, and it is causing all kinds of stress in an already stressful environment. I wondered how Rhoda and the Kings would tie together, but Cindy Woodsmall does it beautifully. Wonderful sounding recipes by Sherry Gore are included at the end of the book. $14.99. 352 pages.
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May 10, 2013 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am not a big Amish novel fan, but I absolutely loved this novel! It was so good and I had a hard time putting it down!

I thought it was so fascinating to read about how herbs can help the body as well as the canning process! The love that Samuel and Rhoda had for their gardens/orchard was so cool because the love of having a garden/orchard as they did is amazing! I did not realize it took so much work and how much a passion it is of the farmer to work the land!

I enjoyed all the characters excep...more

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May 06, 2013 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Oh why must Cindy Woodsmall tease me so! How can I possibly wait almost eight months for the sequel to A Season for Tending? She has written a beautiful tale that has left me with an overwhelming realization that I will not be able catch up with my new found friends for months! This book is absolutely wonderful. What characters Cindy has fashioned. Rhoda Byler is unique, beautiful, and has been blessed with the ability to sense when something bad is about to happen. Almost like a sixth sense. Ma...more

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Apr 28, 2013 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a book that took me a while to fall into the groove of the story. I am not into gardening or anything along those lines so I wasn't really sure what to think at first. But as I got more and more into the story I grew to care for the characters and the use of gardening and caring for orchards became a great part of the story.

Rhoda Byler has a gift from God. But it is gift that is misunderstood by those around her. Not only does she need to learn to trust God but she needs to learn to trus...more

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Apr 20, 2013 Cindi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Cindy Woodsmall has again written a book, A Season for Tending, that not only has me on the edge of my seat, one that I can't put down, but also has me anticipating book #2. I enjoy these books. Cindy has a way of opening up so many characters, bringing in many different plot lines without them becoming confused or hard to follow. They just leave you wanting more.

In A Season for Tending she opens the door by introducing Rhoda, often called Rhodes, who is considered a bit quirky by those who know...more

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Mar 31, 2013 Rhonda Gayle rated it 5 of 5 stars

I felt my heart being torn for Rhoda Byler as the community questioned her gift. It is not just the Amish who look on "gifts" of intuition or knowing as strange and attribute it to witchcraft as they did with Rhoda. She does have the support of most of her family though. What I loved is that in this Amish fiction, several characters struggle with gossip, jealousy, and unkind thoughts of others. The characters were made to seem very human and I appreciate that. Cindy Woodsmall gives a clear messa...more

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Feb 18, 2013 Barb Klein rated it 5 of 5 stars

Cindy Woodsmall is writing an Amish series called Amish Vines and Orchards. I have just finished reading the first book of the series, “A Season for Tending”, and I cannot wait until the next books of the series are published. I really enjoy Amish stories and lore, and I must say that this book is one of my favorites so far. I was so intrigued by the different storylines running through the book that I was loathe putting this book down, and yet wanted to extend my reading time in order to savor...more Cindy Woodsmall is writing an Amish series called Amish Vines and Orchards. I have just finished reading the first book of the series, “A Season for Tending”, and I cannot wait until the next books of the series are published. I really enjoy Amish stories and lore, and I must say that this book is one of my favorites so far. I was so intrigued by the different storylines running through the book that I was loathe putting this book down, and yet wanted to extend my reading time in order to savor every word and not be done with the book. I thought the multiple stories intertwined were written so seamlessly that I hardly knew when I passed from one to the other.

The story begins with Rhoda Byer tending her garden of herbs and berries. She has her own business and cans the fruits of her labors to sell at various outlets. She is blessed (or cursed) with the ability to foresee disasters, but not in time to avert them. She is haunted by the spirit of her dead sister, whose death she blames on herself. Other people in the community pick up on this gift and think that she is a witch or at least that she touches the occult with her various teas and ointments prepared from her herb garden. This brings many sorrows her way and repercussions from the most ignorant in the community of the Amish and Englishers.

Meanwhile, Samuel King and his brothers Jacob and Eli tend the King Apple Orchards. Each brother is in charge of a third of the orchard. When a tragic mistake threatens the future of the King Orchards, Samuel looks for ways to salvage what they can and carry on as before. Rhoda has met the family after she helps their sister Leah during her Rumschpringe. They admire Rhoda for her business acumen and her way with growing things. They seek to form an alliance between her and their business. While planning and discussing the viability of the merger, all sorts of happenings occur to family members from both the Kings and the Bylers.

I cannot recommend this book enough. I give it five stars and will keep this book in my library. I received a free print copy of this book for my honest review from the publisher, WaterBrook Press. The opinions expressed here are my own.

You can read this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-4G.(less)

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Dec 26, 2012 Julia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Studying the Amish has become a hobby of mine. I try to read anything I can get my hands on about the Amish-- including fiction books. I chose this book because of the author supposedly having strong connections with the Amish community.

I was very disappointed in the Amish side of this book. First, the women characters were very mouthy and outspoken. Second, from my interactions with the Amish and from what I have read in both non-fiction and fiction books-- Amish men are not allowed to wear co...more

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Dec 12, 2012 Amada Chavez rated it 4 of 5 stars

Cindy Woodsmall is an excellent writer. I loved the characters especially spunky Rhoda and I can relate to Leah at times (not all the time, but at times). One thing that bothers me is that "Ya" is spelled wrong, in my opinion, (in all the Amish novels I've read "Jah" is the correct way of using the word) I have grown accustomed to Jah and prefer it, but I digress. A Season for Tending is little slow paced for my liking, but it holds enough secrets and mystery to keep me intrigued and reading. Rh...more

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Nov 16, 2012 Vera Godley rated it 5 of 5 stars

There is a plentiful supply and selection of Amish themed books available in the Christian fiction market. Cindy Woodsmall is among the best authors of this genre. I believe in A Season for Tending she presents some interesting insight into life among the Amish.

With Rhoda, our mail female character, we have an unwed Amish young lady who is dedicated to growing herbs and berries. But other issues are at play involving Rhoda. She has something akin to "second sight" though it is not called that i...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Susan rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-read

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...more

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Nov 10, 2012 Meagan Myhren-bennett rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: amish, christian, family, fiction, forgiveness, friendship, romance

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 wor...more

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Oct 21, 2012 Tima rated it 3 of 5 stars

Rhoda has an unusual gift. But very few people in her community appreciate her gift and she is feeling trapped and unappreciated. Samuel is trying desperately to save the family apple farm. But family and nature seem to be against him. Perhaps the two of them can combine efforts to save their businesses.

I enjoyed this book. There were enough plot twists and character depth to keep the story moving and interesting. This story wasn't just about Rhoda and Samuel. It involved all of their families a...more

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Oct 12, 2012 Gail Welborn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews

Cindy Woodsmall introduces her new Amish Vines and Orchards series with “A Season for Tending,” a story wrapped in economic hardship, troubled family relationships, romance and suspected witchcraft.

The story opens in Morganville where readers meet Rhoda Byler a young, guilt-ridden woman tending her flourishing herb and berry gardens as she prepares for harvest. She intends to can the large variety of fruits, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and strawberries she harvests and use the herbs...more

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Oct 09, 2012 Marianne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Come with me to Amish country, Pennsylvania and immerse yourself into the world Cindy Woodsmall has created. I have read numerous Amish novels, and I was starting to think they were more or less all the same already – horse and buggy, large families, no modern facilities such as cars or what I would think of as the basics of electricity and telephones. In a sense this is completely true, because the Amish lifestyle does embrace large families and eschews the more modern ideas, but in another sen...more

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Oct 08, 2012 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

So my latest read was oh so good having said that I have to say I never met a Cindy Woodsmall book I did not like or even love. The latest book I read was the start to a new Amish series. I can describe this book in one word FABOULOUS. The book is called A Season for Tending the series is called The Amish Vines and Orchard. I met Rhonda Byler and she is gifted. She is gifted in growing herbs and berries ever since the day her dad gave her a blue berry bush. She is looked upon as odd because she...more

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Sep 23, 2012 Maureen Timerman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

I am a fan of Cindy Woodsmall's books, once you read them, they linger with you for a long time. This one is a compelling page turner and a big insight into the strength of Amish family life.
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 true about this individual. When first her garden, and them her bel...more

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Sep 20, 2012 Cindy Meilink rated it 4 of 5 stars

Although this book was outside my usual genre, I've always been curious about Amish life, and the description intrigued me.

Cindy Woodsmall offers a fresh look at Amish life as she brings her characters to life.

Rhoda Byler is a young Amish woman who operates her own small canning business. Living with her parents, siblings, and their spouses and children, brings a whole new meaning to "close-knit family".

As a woman in business, she has her share of cynics, but add to that a gift that enables her...more

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Sep 15, 2012 Beth Withers rated it 4 of 5 stars

I've read a lot of Amish fiction, and this is one of the better ones. I enjoyed meeting all of the main characters and grew to like them as the book progressed. The main character is Rhoda, who has two talents: an unusual intuitive spirit and a green thumb. Then there is the King family with their apple orchard. You will read a bit before learning the connection between two seemingly different stories. I was a bit concerned about the reactions of some of Rhoda's neighbors and those in the commun...more

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Sep 15, 2012 Whoopie rated it 5 of 5 stars

A Season for Tending
By Cindy Woodsmall

This is the first book in Ms. Woodsmall’s “Amish Vines and Orchards”. It is a MUST read, and personally, I think Ms. Woodsmall needs to get busy getting the rest of the books in this series to us as soon as she can ☺

Book Description
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...more A Season for Tending
By Cindy Woodsmall

This is the first book in Ms. Woodsmall’s “Amish Vines and Orchards”. It is a MUST read, and personally, I think Ms. Woodsmall needs to get busy getting the rest of the books in this series to us as soon as she can ☺

Book Description
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?

I cannot remember another book that I have read that there was not just one character that was my favorite. Deep rich characters were plentiful in this book so I have many favorites. And I do have one in this book though that needs a “come to Jesus” meeting and that would be Rueben Glick. And Catherine… well, I haven’t figured out exactly what her solution may be just yet. I truly fell in love with Rhoda, Samuel, Jacob, Landon, Eli & Leah. Rhoda Byler’s “unusual gift” was written in a way that you could grasp the emotions that it caused Rhoda and her family.

I must shake my pointer finger at Ms. Woodsmall and say, “you naughty author” (with a smile) for the last quarter of the book. Naughty not in a bad way, but in a way that she threw us a curve ball when it was least expected. It’s a page-turner from the beginning but if that last quarter of the book doesn’t really captivate you in impatiently waiting for the next in this series, then there is something seriously wrong.

My biggest regret in reading this book is that there are not others already out in the series, because I wanted to continue reading this wonderful story.

~ I give this book 5 Whoopie Pies ~
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Aug 24, 2012 Stephanie Mayfield rated it 5 of 5 stars

I've never read any books on the Amish, so this was a first for me. But the way Cindy Woodsmall wrote Season for Tending brought them out to be normal people that everyone can relate to. All the while introducing the rest of us to their ways of life. Can I share a secret with you?? There really no different than the rest of us. they just have a few beliefs that we deem as strange.
Rhoda's spirit calls out from this book with such a surprising strength it keeps you turning the page, and not wanti...more

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Apr 13, 2013 Debbie rated it 5 of 5 stars

A Season of Tending (Amish Vines and Orchards #1) by Cindy Woodsmall

Cindy Woodsmall has done it again and she keeps getting better and better. This is Book 1 and the second book, The Winnowing Season, is out now and I can’t wait to read it.

Rhoda Byler is not your typical Amish young woman. She senses things. She has premonitions and the people in the Amish and Englischer communities are not happy with her. They begin spreading rumors and causing her lots of trouble. She has an acre on her family...more

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Sep 26, 2012 Sally rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: proverbial-reads-review, amish, christian-fiction, waterbrook-multnomah-free-for-revie

Cindy Woodsmall has written half a dozen Amish novels and I’ve previously reviewed two of them on my blog. A Season for Tending is her newest offering and the first in the Amish Vines and Orchards trilogy. As always, while Woodsmall focuses on two characters she also gives us insights into their family and friends so that we get that sense of community. The plot, however, is a little different. We’re used to the Amish being involved in quilting, retail, farming and carpentry. The apple orchard c...more

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Oct 16, 2012 Debbie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Just finished reading "A Season For Tending" by Cindy Woodsmall. This is book 1 in The Amish Vines And Orchards Series. Another 5 star book by Cindy Woodsmall. Leah always felt her family didn't love her and didn't want the Amish lifestyle so she was always going to English parties and one night her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her when she is drunk and she loses her way home and falls asleep in Rhoda's garden, Rhoda is considered strange by the people in town because of the herbs she gro...more

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Jan 05, 2013 Miranda rated it 5 of 5 stars

This story indeed depicts a season in the lives of its characters—Rhoda, Samuel, Jacob, Leah, Catherine and even Mrs. Walker—that represents different circumstances to them with different outcomes. Each of them turned out to have a different view of the issues they had to deal with at the end, in a sometimes, tough but positive way. I liked that about this story.

For a plot with so many personal stories to tell, Cindy did a marvelous job of putting all of them together and appropriately in such a...more This story indeed depicts a season in the lives of its characters—Rhoda, Samuel, Jacob, Leah, Catherine and even Mrs. Walker—that represents different circumstances to them with different outcomes. Each of them turned out to have a different view of the issues they had to deal with at the end, in a sometimes, tough but positive way. I liked that about this story.

For a plot with so many personal stories to tell, Cindy did a marvelous job of putting all of them together and appropriately in such a way that no character overshot their space in the story. The many characters/POVs didn’t stop Cindy from doing justice in developing their personalities to a level of satisfaction either.

I also love how other introduced secondary characters—Sandra and her daughter—were kept at bay, giving a sense that they’d play a larger and vital role in the coming series [I think I’ve already guessed what it is and I’d rightly keep it to myself and wait and see how it all turns out ;)]

I love Samuel’s sense of responsibility, Rhoda’s strength, Jacob’s confident sense of humor and Arlan’s fearlessness in searching for answers. I must confess that I didn’t like Catherine at all at the beginning. She came off as immature, naïve and whiny. She always put the responsibility of Arlan’s actions on Leah and demanded that it was Samuel’s responsibility to fix it. I later started to feel empathy towards her and finally, sympathy. It takes the expertise of a skilled writer to provoke the right emotion towards a character and Cindy accomplished this well.

I’ll have to admit that Rhoda’s ‘gift’ made me uneasy. Truth be told, I wasn’t exactly sure what to do with it. On one hand, she doesn’t appear different from what Scripture calls a Medium. On the other hand, since she insists that it’s from God, she appears to follow His leading to save people. It isn’t clear which it is.

Also, when an Amish word was mentioned in a dialogue, the next sentence was literarily set up to explain the word, before diving back to the story. (For example: … He turned to her. “Du duh net verschter?” It was the Amish word for ‘You do not understand’. She shook her head …). I found that distracting. I thought Cindy should have found a way to weave the meaning into the lines without temporarily stepping out of the story to do so. Thankfully, it happened only a few times.

All said and done, I found A Season for Tending very fascinating. I’ve never read a book where the Amish were presented in such an interesting way with so much fun, humor and drama. It was a wonderful discovery. The end got my heart pumping and all I could say was, “Oh my God!” I would equate this story as a book version of a TV soap opera. I’m looking forward to knowing how it all ends, especially with Rhoda, Samuel and Jacob.

*Although I offer this review to the public, it is my opinion and simply that. Many thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
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Apr 28, 2013 Stephanie Ziegler rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Stephanie by: Gift from Novel Crossing

Shelves: gift, favorites, amish

I GIVE THIS BOOK: 4 3/4 out of 5 stars

This has been my first dip into the Amish genre. I never really knew how much Amish fiction is out in the world and that I can say with ease that it has its own genre. I do not know if it is this way with all Amish books but as I was reading, I felt peaceful and innocent.

This book was a fast read. I read it in two sittings and that is only because I had to sleep. The beginning of the Rhoda/King partnership is exciting! Some people may think, "could all this...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Caitlyn Santi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

To be honest I did not anticipate that I would like this book, I do not generally read Amish fiction because I don't like the way that a lot of authors portray their Amish characters, as worldly and shallow people that only care about themselves, all in an effort to make the characters relatable to readers! Just a personal pet peeve! But I was intrigued by this book and when I was given a chance to review it, I decided to give it a whirl. I ended up loving this book! The characters were perfect,...more

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Sep 10, 2012 ShawnaFlem rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was luck enough to be given a chance to read A Season for Tending before it was even released. Cindy Woodsmall tells a wonderful story of an odd Amish women named Rhoda who prefers to spend most of her time in her garden than with her peers. Most of her community are appalled by her gift and avoid her at all cost. Across the state lives the King family. Samuel, the oldest boy trying to revive the old apple orchard. Eventually the two meet thanks to Samuel's younger sister Leah. Samuel and his...more

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Sep 16, 2012 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

**Goodreads First Reads Giveaway Review**

I have heard a lot about Amish Fiction lately, but have never read any (unless Jodi Picoult's Plain Truth counts, which I don't think it does). I thought A Season for Tending would be a bit cheesy, and began reading prepared to be particularly critical of it. However, I was almost immediately hooked and read it in less than 24 hours. Now I anxiously await the next book of the series (not out until 2013) so that I can find out what happens to our endearin...more

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Sep 24, 2012 Kristin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, favorites, amish, 2012-reading-challenge

"A Season for Tending" is the first book in the Amish Vines and Orchards series by Cindy Woodsmall. So far I have enjoyed every single book I've ever read by the author and this book was no exception to that. There's a certain standard I have come to expect from Cindy and that is:
1. Characters you can fall in love with.
2. Wisdom interwoven into the very fabric of her stories.
3. Edgy and unique storyline.

In this book we meet a young lady named Rhoda Byler. As an Old Order Amish, you would expec...more

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About Cindy Woodsmall

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author who has written six novels, three novellas, and Plain Wisdom, a work of nonfiction coauthored with her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud. She’s been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life.

She is also a veteran homeschool...more Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author who has written six novels, three novellas, and Plain Wisdom, a work of nonfiction coauthored with her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud. She’s been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life.

She is also a veteran homeschool mom who no longer holds that position. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.

She’s won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer’s Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest, as well as one of Crossings’ Best Books of the Year. She’s been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards.

Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity. Though she didn’t realize it at the time, seeds were sown years ago that began preparing Cindy to write these books. At the age of ten, while living in the dairy country of Maryland, she became best friends with Luann, a Plain Mennonite girl. Luann, like all the females in her family, wore the prayer Kapp and cape dresses. Her parents didn’t allow television or radios, and many other modern conveniences were frowned upon. During the numerous times Luann came to Cindy’s house to spend the night, her rules came with her and the two were careful to obey them—afraid that if they didn’t, the adults would end their friendship. Although the rules were much easier to keep when they spent the night at Luann’s because her family didn’t own any of the forbidden items, both sets of parents were uncomfortable with the relationship and a small infraction of any kind would have been enough reason for the parents to end the relationship. While navigating around the adults’ disapproval and the obstacles in each other’s lifestyle, the two girls bonded in true friendship that lasted into their teen years, until Cindy’s family moved to another region of the US.

As an adult, Cindy became friends with a wonderful Old Order Amish family who opened their home to her. Although the two women, Miriam and Cindy, live seven hundred miles apart geographically, and a century apart by customs, when they come together they never lack for commonality, laughter, and dreams of what only God can accomplish through His children. Over the years Cindy has continued to make wonderful friendships with those inside the Amish and Mennonite communities—from the most conservative ones to the most liberal.

Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband, three sons, two daughters-in-law, a new granddaughter, and a dog named Jersey who wants to dominate the world, starting with the Woodsmall household.(less)

More about Cindy Woodsmall...

Books by Cindy Woodsmall

When the Heart Cries (Sisters of the Quilt, #1)

When the Morning Comes (Sisters of the Quilt, book #2)

The Harvest of Grace: Book 3 in the Ada's House Amish Romance Series

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Quotes from A Season for Tending

“People ate everyday, and often times they didn't pause when standing in the fresh produce section of the grocery store to realize the magnitude of God's earth that feeds them.” — 1 person liked it

“Pretty is as pretty does" was a stupid cliché in her estimation. Pretty is what God does in the hearts and minds of people who are a mess-whether outwardly or inwardly or both.” — 1 person liked it

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avg rating	preview: A Season for Tending Goodreads rating: 4.33 (284 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13532284-a-season-for-tending?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1332539892l/13532284.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13532284-a-season-for-tending?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]A Season for Tending by Cindy Woodsmall[/url]

A Season for Tending (Amish Vines and Orchards #1)

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