I love Amish fiction...I've read just about every Amish fiction book on the "shelves" so to speak, so it takes a lot to surprise me or keep me in suspense with Amish stories. Cindy Woodsmall hit a home run with the Amish Vines and Orchards series and if you haven't read the first three books in the series, you need to do so before reading Seasons of Tomorrow.
The twists and turns of the story line...the complexity of the "characters" was portrayed so well that I found myself frustrated with them, impatient, sad, happy...you name it...
Sometimes it's hard to write a review without giving away too much...but the "gift" Rhoda has and the way she is treated for it and ultimately comes to terms with it is incredible!
The Amish way of "turning the other cheek" is so contrary to the world we live in and while we read of it often in Amish books, we don't often get such an inside glimpse of the ramifications of not turning the other cheek...Rhoda keeps silent about bullying and hurtful damage to her property, but someone wanting to seek justice on her behalf oversteps their bounds and reports it. The scene of Rhoda appearing before the church deacons and members is intense. The scrutiny...just their way of thinking is unreal.
Cindy Woodsmall is an amazing Amish fiction writer. Her stories are believable...they aren't fluff. If you've never read Amish fiction or if like me, you've read it for years, put the Amish Vines and Orchards series by Cindy Woodsmall on your must-read Christian fiction list!
