Gathering the Threads

Gathering the Threads
The Amish of Summer Grove, Book 3
Cindy Woodsmall
(Waterbrook)
ISBN: 978-1601427038
September 2017/352 pages/$14.99
Finally back in the Old Order Amish world she loves, will Ariana’s new perspectives draw her family closer together—or completely rip them apart?

After months away in the Englisch world, Ariana Brenneman is overjoyed to be in the Old Order Amish home where she was raised. Yet her excitement is mixed with an unexpected apprehension as she reconciles all she’s learned from her biological parents with the uncompromising teachings of her Plain community. Although her childhood friend, ex-Amish Quill Schlabach, hopes to help her navigate her new role amongst her people, Ariana’s Daed doesn’t understand why his sweet daughter is suddenly questioning his authority. What will happen if she sows seeds of unrest and rebellion in the entire family?

Meanwhile, Skylar Nash has finally found her place among the large Brenneman family, but Ariana’s arrival threatens to unravel Skylar’s new identity—and her sobriety. Both Ariana and Skylar must discover the true cords that bind a family and community together and grasp tight the One who holds their authentic identities close to His heart.

Gathering the Threads is the third and final novel in The Amish of Summer Grove series.


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cindy Woodsmall is the New York Times and CBA best-selling author of nineteen works of fiction and non-fiction with more than a million copies sold. Her connection with the Amish community has been featured in national media outlets such as ABC’s “Nightline,” the Wall Street Journal, and a National Geographic documentary on Amish life. Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains.

Find out more about Cindy at www.cindywoodsmall.com and connect with her on Facebook.


MY THOUGHTS

Cindy Woodsmall stands in a class all her own when it comes to Amish fiction. This is a compelling series, and I have been eagerly awaiting its conclusion. Gathering the Threads begins with a summary of the previous two books, enabling new readers to jump into this one without being confused. However, those who don't read the earlier books will deprive themselves of a richer experience. Woodsmall once again masterfully portrays the crises of identity and faith that Ariana has experienced as a result of her time draus in da Welt (out in the world) with her birth parents, while Skylar has had an equally challenging time adjusting to Amish life. Honest and realistic, the story neither caricaturizes nor adulates Amish customs or beliefs, but represents well both the positive and negative aspects of this culture as well as the outside world. Thought-provoking and applicable to more than just the Amish system of beliefs, Gathering the Threads is great for book clubs. I highly recommend this book and series.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook and Litfuse Publicity Group for a blog tour. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”