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 Review:
I love reading Cindy Woodsmall. She writes Amish love stories, but no two are the same. This book is different because Rhoda has a gift. I really enjoyed reading about the Amish community's reaction to an insider with a gift. Non- believers were out to get her every chance they got. Her sister's death plays a huge role in Rhoda being isolated. She blames herself, and can not find the strength to tell her dad what happened that day. I wish that I could can like Rhoda! She is great at canning. Her herb usage leads to her enemies saying she is a witch.
Samuel is just as isolated, but for different reasons. He is in charge of taking care of the failing family farm. Catherine, his girlfriend, is a great character to hate. I am actually surprised that Samuel stayed with her as long as he did. Samuel's sister Leah dreams of living with the Englishers and can not wait for her chance. She is young and naive and puts her future on the line.
Rhoda finds Leah, and this leads to Samuel and Rhoda meeting. Will they fall in love? Will they combine their businesses? Can either of them follow their hearts and forget about the past? Can Samuel accept Rhoda and all her gifts?
There is a fire, house building, pregnancy scares, and a whole bunch more drama that makes this book a 5/5 !
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