The Christmas Remedy

The Christmas Remedy:
An Amish Christmas Romance
Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall
(WaterBrook)
ISBN: 9780735291041
October 2018/208 pages/$14.99 Hardcover
When an Old Order Amish woman takes a job at a small-town pharmacy struggling to survive in a world of "big box" stores, her motive is to help her Plain community. But the advent of the holiday season brings an unusual mystery to the surface--and possibly love.

Twenty-four-year-old Holly Zook lives a unique life for a young Amish woman. Years ago, her bishop allowed her to continue her education and become the lead technician for Greene's Pharmacy, an old-timey drugstore that looks out for the Amish community--a group largely without secure healthcare plans. She knows she can't marry and hold onto her professional job. She's Amish, and she can only have one or the other, so she spurns love and works toward addressing treatable diseases--like the one that claimed her father's life.

As long as Holly continues to avoid Joshua Smucker, the one man who draws her like a warm hearth in winter, she should be fine. When something unexpected threatens Greene's Pharmacy, Holly and Joshua must work together to unravel what's happened and find the "missing" patient before the Board of Pharmacy shuts them down. As the snows of December arrive, with Christmas in the air, will Holly succumb to the generous spirit of the season?


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA bestselling author of numerous works of fiction and one of nonfiction. Her connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media. She lives in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains with her family.

Erin Woodsmall is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of three. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade.


MY THOUGHTS

I do love a Christmas novella and enjoyed this story. I always enjoy tales with a medical slant, and the juxtaposition of Holly's Amish lifestyle and the modern pharmacy piqued my interest. The Woodsmall ladies blend a bit of intrique with a delightful romance, with the Christmas season providing a charming backdrop. Perfect for curling up and reading on a crisp fall evening, The Christmas Remedy will start your holiday season with a smile!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from WaterBrook/Multnomah Publishing. I was not required to write a positive 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.”

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As the Tide Comes In

As the Tide Comes In
Cindy Woodsmall &
Erin Woodsmall
(WaterBrook/Multnomah)
ISBN: 978-0735291010
August 2018/352 pages/$14.99
A New York Times best-selling author releases her first southern novel, a Steel Magnolias-meets-Sweet Home Alabama story set on St. Simons Island.

When an unthinkable loss sends Tara Abbott's life spiraling out of control, she journeys from North Carolina to Georgia's St. Simons Island. Although confused and scared, she hopes to find answers about her past - her life before the years of foster care and raising her two half-brothers as a young adult. Will she find steady ground on the island, surrounded by an eccentric-but-kindhearted group of older women called The Glynn Girls and a determined firefighter? Or will the truth splinter what's left of her identity into pieces?


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Cindy Woodsmall is the New York Times and CBA best-selling author of eighteen works of fiction. She’s been featured in national media outlets such as ABC’s Nightline and the Wall Street Journal. Cindy has won numerous awards and has been finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards. Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in Flowery Branch, GA.

Erin Woodsmall is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of three. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade.

Find out more about Cindy and Erin at www.cindywoodsmall.com.


MY THOUGHTS

Cindy Woodsmall steps away from her trademark Amish genre in this tale set deep in the South. This is a tale to read with tissues nearby as Tara's journey is heart-wrenching. I ached for the losses she experienced throughout her life, especially those which caused her to flee to St. Simon's Island. I will admit that I had a hard time connecting with parts of this story. The Glynn Girls were a bit much for me, as were some of Tara's intermittent bouts of confusion. I also found Gavin's determination and endeavors to sell parts of a home he had not legally taken posession of to be rather far-fetched. However, I became more connected to the characters in the last third of the novel and was pleased with the resolution. Overall, I recommend As the Tide Comes In for fans of Woodsmall and Southern fiction.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from WaterBrook/Multnomah Publishing. I was not required to write a positive 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.”

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The Gift of Christmas Past

The Gift of Christmas Past
Cindy Woodsmall &
Erin Woodsmall
(Stonewater Books)
ISBN: 978-0998753805
October 2017/208 pages/$6.99
Arson wasn’t the only fire that ignited between them.

Promises shattered.
Lies spoken.
She was arrested.
He returned to the safety of his wealthy parents.

Almost ten years later, Hadley and Monroe are both specialists in the field of speech therapy. They meet again . . . thrown together to help a four-year-old-girl rendered mute after being rescued from a fire.

Years of secrets and anger beg to be set free as Hadley and Monroe try to push aside past hurts and find common ground in order to help the traumatized child and her family.

Can the love of Christmas past drift into the present, bringing healing and hope for all?


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Cindy Woodsmall is the New York Times and CBA best-selling author of eighteen works of fiction. She’s been featured in national media outlets such as ABC’s Nightline and the Wall Street Journal. Cindy has won numerous awards and has been finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards. Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in Flowery Branch, GA.

Erin Woodsmall is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of three. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade. She is very excited about their first coauthored book.

Find out more about Cindy and Erin at www.cindywoodsmall.com.


MY THOUGHTS

I have enjoyed a number of Cindy Woodsmall's Amish novels, so I was intrigued that she coauthored a contemporary tale with her daughter-in-law. The duo creates a compelling story with likable characters. I particularly liked that the book shines a spotlight on the important work that speech therapists do, especially with children whose experiences have impacted their ability to express themselves. The foster care aspect tugged at my heart and gave the story additional depth, while making me like Hadley even more. I was less enthused about Monroe, primarily because he allowed his wealthy parents to control him to such an extreme; I can't even fathom a situation like that. Affordably priced, this is a great holiday read or stocking stuffer. Don't wait until The Gift of Christmas Past is...well, in the past! Grab a copy for you and another for a friend today.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Cindy Woodsmall and Litfuse Publicity Group for a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive 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.”

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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.”

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The Angel of Forest Hill

The Angel of Forest Hill
An Amish Christmas Romance
Cindy Woodsmall
(WaterBrook)
ISBN: 978-1601427052
October 2016/208 pages/$14.99

A time of anticipation. A season of miracles.

Because of Joel’s impossible situation, twenty-one-year-old Rose must sacrifice everything. As days pass into years in the midst of the beautiful hills, the laughter of children, and God’s providence—is it too much for Rose to hope for love in return?

An amazing journey toward love and belonging, filled with the wonder of the season of Christ’s birth.

When Old Order Amish Rose Kurtz is asked to leave her family, travel deep into West Vir­ginia, and help Joel Dienner with his children in the wake of tragedy, the quiet young woman recognizes a home where she might find kindness instead of criticism and hope replacing harsh words. She agrees to stay in Forest Hill and become Joel’s wife for the sake of his family needs, but their marriage is to be a partnership, one built from need, not love and affection.

As the years pass, Rose continues to beckon Joel to join life again, to take joy in his growing children, and to awaken his heart to the possibility of new love. Joel hopes that Rose can move beyond deep-rooted hurts to see the beautiful Christmas ahead, their season. But will the arrival of a beautiful widow and a series of misunderstandings reverse how far Rose and Joel have come?


Read the first chapter.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author of numerous works of fiction and one of nonfiction. Her connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media. She lives in the Foothills of the North Georgia Mountains with her family. Learn more at her website and connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.


MY THOUGHTS

I love Christmas novellas and this is a perfect one to read next to the tree with your favorite hot drink! Cindy Woodsmall creates a heartwarming story that touches the heart. As a well-known, best-selling author of Amish fiction, she expertly crafts characters and settings that draw the reader into the story. I ached for Rose and Joel and the hurts they experienced, although those are what brought them together in their sudden marriage of convenience. Woodsmall weaves a tender tale of love and new beginnings wrapped in the beauty of Christmas. Don't miss The Angel of Forest Hill!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an advanced digital copy of this book free from WaterBrook/Multnomah. I was not required to write a positive 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.”

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A Love Undone

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Love UndoneWaterBrook Press (September 9, 2014)byCindy Woodsmall
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author who has written fifteen (and counting!) works of fiction and one of nonfiction. She and her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud, coauthored the nonfiction, Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. Cindy’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. In June of 2013, the Wall Street Journal listed Cindy as one of the top three Amish fiction writers.

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.

Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in their now empty nest.

(Since that last line sounds sad and bare, I thought I’d add an “epilogue” of sorts. Our two oldest sons are married and live only a couple of miles from my empty nest, along with my three adorable grandchildren! ♥)

ABOUT THE BOOK

A husband and son abandoned to forge a path alone.

A young woman who sacrificed her dreams.

How will the God of grace and hope help them find their way?

At nineteen years old, Old Order Amish Jolene Keim was on the brink of happily-ever-after when everything changed, stealing the future she expected and burdening her with an unbearable decision. For the next ten years, Jolene throws herself into family life—and then she meets Andy Fisher. The horse trainer and father to a sweet nine year-old challenges her and holds up a mirror to issues Jolene has been unwilling to face.

Andy is cautious about his deepening friendship with Jolene, but he believes she knows the truth about him – that he is a grass widower. As a man whose wife has abandoned him six years past, he is unable to divorce or remarry according to the Amish ways. Andy has wrestled with God concerning his reality, and he had found peace with the solitary future facing him…until he met Jolene.

As Andy and Jolene find themselves confronted by difficult choices, will they trust in God's guidance—or will the allure of their deepening friendship only lead to further temptation?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Love Undone, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS

Oh. My. From the moment I read the title and description, I knew this would be an impactful novel but it touched me even beyond my expectations. I read it in a single afternoon because I couldn't bear to put it down. Cindy Woodsmall has crafted a story with two endearing characters in a heartbreaking and impossible situation. Raw and authentic emotion wafts from the pages as Jolene and Andy walk the difficult paths that lie before them. (And while the setting is Amish and the restrictions unique to that culture-a point some readers may scoff at-a similar situation could play out within the Englischer community if our society in general took marriage vows a bit more seriously.) This is a beautiful story of conviction, faith, and God's grace. Don't miss it!

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A New Book & A Giveaway

As delighted as I am when a favorite author releases a new book, I find myself becoming just a little sad after reading it because I know I'll now have to wait 6 months to a year for another one! So I was especially happy to learn that Cindy Woodsmall, whose novel, The Hope of Refuge, just came out in August (I reviewed it here), has another new book now available.

In The Sound of Sleigh Bells (WaterBrook Press), Beth Hertzler, an Amish young woman, is still wearing black more than a year after her fiance's tragic death. But rather than working through her grief, she is hiding behind her mourning clothes, overcome with guilt and convinced she does not deserve love. On a trip as a buyer for her Aunt Lizzy's shop, she is captivated by a wooden carving and seeks to find a market for the artisan's beautiful renderings. Once Lizzy meets the crafstman, she is convinced Jonah is the one who will be able to bring Beth out of her self-imposed exile. But as Lizzy manipulates circumstances, will Beth open her heart or retreat further inside the shell she has built?

I enjoyed this book, although I wanted to clobber Aunt Lizzy a time or two for meddling! This is a quick read and perfect for the busy holiday season or to give as a gift. In fact, one of you have the chance to win a copy at the end of this post!

BOOK SUMMARY
Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of her fiancé. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.

Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cindy Woodsmall is the author of When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and The New York Times Best-Seller When the Soul Mends. Her ability to authentically capture the heart of her characters comes from her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. A mother of three sons and two daughters-in-law, Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty-one years.



GIVEAWAY!
The publisher has graciously provided an additional copy of this hard-bound book for me to give to one of you. For a chance to win, just leave a comment on this post by this Thursday (10/15/09) at 8:00 pm CDT. US Residents only, please.

Be sure to visit the publisher's website, where you can purchase this book directly, find other online and local sellers, and even get hooked on the first chapter browse the book!

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Winner of The Hope of Refuge

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
4
Timestamp: 2009-08-08 02:49:57 UTC

Congrats to mez! Email me your address and I'll send you the book!

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Seven-State Book Tour!

New York Times bestselling author Cindy Woodsmall is on tour, and she may be coming to a city near you! Don’t miss your opportunity to meet Cindy and have her sign her newest title The Hope of Refuge at one of the following events.

Cindy says on her website: "This is my first book tour, and I'd love to meet as many readers as possible. I think I'll get the opportunity to speak for a few minutes at each signing as well as answer some questions. If the economy has taken a hit at your home and you don't wish to buy a book, come on out and let's have some fun anyway. I'll sign the flyer you've printed or a bookmark." You can print a flyer at her website.

Tuesday, August 11 7 – 8:30pm
Barnes & Noble
5141 Peachtree Parkway, The Forum
Norcross, Georgia 30092
(770) 209-4244

Wednesday, August 12 7 – 8pm
Barnes & Noble Opry Mills
515 Opry Mills Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37214
(615) 514-5000

Thursday, August 13 6 – 8pm
Barnes & Noble
2540 Futura Pkwy. #135
Plainfield, Indiana 46168
(317) 838-7941

Friday, August 14 6 – 8pm
Barnes & Noble
1550 West 75th
Downers Grove, Illinois 60516
(630) 663-0181

Saturday, August 15 1 – 3pm
Baker Books
2768 East Paris Ave SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546-6139
(616) 957-3110

Sunday, August 16 2 – 4pm
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
3700 Rivertown Parkway Ste. 2058
Grandville, Michigan 49418
(616) 531-1825

Monday, August 17 7 – 8:00pm
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
1739 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 298-9516

Tuesday, August 18 7– 8:30pm
Joseph Beth Booksellers
2705 E. Carson Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15203
(412) 381-3600

Wednesday, August 19 6 – 8pm
Hackman’s Bible Book Store
1341 Mickley Road
Whitehall, Pennsylvania 18052-4610
(610) 264-8600

Thursday, August 20 1 – 3pm
Rachel’s Country Store (Amish dry goods store)
6352 McClays Mill Road
Newburg, Pennsylvania 17240
(717) 530-9452

Can’t make the tour? You can still follow Cindy’s adventures on Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter. See you there!

Be sure to sign comment on Monday's post by noon CDT tomorrow (Friday, 8/7) for a chance to win a copy of The Hope of Refuge!

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Amish Love

What’s all the hubbub about Amish fiction? Major media outlets like Time and ABC Nightline are covering it, and authors like Cindy Woodsmall are making the New York Times bestseller list regularly. What makes these books so interesting?

Check out the recent ABC Nightline piece here about Cindy and her titles When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and When the Soul Mends. It’s an intriguing look at Amish culture and the time Cindy has spent with Amish friends.

And don’t forget that Cindy’s new book, The Hope of Refuge, hits store shelves August 11, and is available for preorder now.

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