A Season for Tending

By: Cindy Woodsmall

Narrated by: Stina Nielsen

Length: 12 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's Summary

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?

©2012 Cindy Woodsmall (P)2012 Recorded Books

Entertaining story, but......

This was a well written story. Interesting and fast paced.
I am no expert on Amish culture, but I did find it hard to believe that anybody with a Christian background (who has actually studied the Bible) would consider messages from a dead relative to be a gift from God. Rhoda makes it clear that she receives messages from her dead sister. Christians are meant to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit, not from the dead.
Perhaps Rhoda realizes that she should not communicate with her deceased sister later in the series???
Definitely set up for another book to follow...

A Season for Tending Review

Story very well written. so refreshing to listen to and know that I would not be hearing a description of love making or any type of sexual activity. God is an important part of Amish and Mennonite life as well as so many other people. We are not weird but sold out to GOD and yes face difficult decisions and capable of making a wrong decision. Thank you do much for this breath of fresh air.

Author Passes off Familiar Spirits as Being of God

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

Any additional comments?

The main character in this book sees and hears familiar spirits. The author tries to pass this off as a gift from God. She slowly introduces you to the idea that this gift is from God in book one so that the reader gets that “something’s just not right here” feeling. But she opens it wide up in book two so that any discerning Christian should understand that this is a series to put down and immediately. Familiar spirits and spirit guides are under the control of their master, Satan. Leviticus 19:31; 20:6, 27; and Deuteronomy 18:9-14 refer to “mediums and familiar spirits” and forbids being involved with them, as they are an abomination to the Lord. Christians are to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We are also to be on guard, "for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).

another good one by Ms Woodsmall

Of the several authors I've experienced who have Amish settings, Cindy Woodsmall is my favorite. Beverly Lewis also writes some good stories by Woodsmall is my favorite. She has great character development, writes a good yarn, gives you a good idea of the Amish lifestyle, and can really pull the emotional heart strings. This book is the first in her latest trilogy, the other two not out yet. She gets you involved in the lives of the characters and in this one gives a lot of insight into growing things plus some tough times. I will look forward to the second book.

The Ending

This book was fine up until the last chapter which was a real surprise that left me empty without answers. Really was let down with the jump in setting, Thought I must have fallen asleep and missed a chapter or two. Checked back and this had not happened.

A wonderful book.

This book is the first in the series. I will not give spoilers but will say I highly recommend this book.

a wonderful read

Reading a ton of Amish lit right now, and some of it is downright boring. Not this one. The author weaves in interesting characters throughout the story. Her writing is full of the best (and sometimes the worst) of human kind. Quite a wonderful ride, you're in for a treat you won't soon forget. Enjoy.

WOW!!!

Loved it!! Best narrator!! Best story! You won't want to turn your device off (if using Audible) or put the book down!!

Abrupt ending.

I really liked it, but boy did it just END. Maybe it's to wet your tongue for book 2 in the series. It worked

BEWARE

This is not a bad story but Ms. Cindy Woodsmall takes too long to tell it. I'm into the third book of the series and there is still no conclusion. Usually when someone creates a series each book stands alone at least somewhat!