The Scent of Cherry Blossoms

Author: Cindy Woodsmall
Title:The Scent of Cherry Blossoms

Publication: February 21, 2012

Publisher: WaterBrook Press

Genre: Graphic Novel, Comic Book

Pages: 208

Audience: 18 and up

Rating: 4 out of 5

Source: Public Library

Synopsis (from the cover): Inappropriate and forbidden. These words should stop Old Order Mennonite Annie Martins from even entertaining the idea of a romance with Old Order Amish Aden Zook. But as Annie works alongside Aden in Zook's Diner, a restaurant her Daadi Moses Burkholder co-owns, she cant hep but notice what a fine man Aden has become. A shy and stuttering talented artist, Aden struggles while toiling in the shadow of his outgoing wheelchair-bound twin brother, Roman. 
With the weighty responsibility of running the family business and serving as Roman's mobility, Aden knows that Moses could shut down the restaurant if he acts on the feelings he has for Annie. Despite so many reason to walk away, Annie and Aden struggle to envision their lives apart. Will they commit to be together in the midst of deeply drawn dividing lines and potential family hardship- or sacrifice their personal feelings for their vows to their churches, for the good of the Plain communities and the traditions they honor so much? 

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this novel. I know there is a difference between Mennonites and Amish, but this book really illustrates the differences between the two religions. So, I learned a lot and I really like a book that can teach me something new. 
Annie and Aden are so precious together. Aden's stuttering  pretty much stops due to his love and admiration for Annie. Annie does all she can to help Aden- it is a pure, true love. Their love is forbidden by their church and their families. This does not stop the two from seeing and wanting to be with one another. The question is, will there love be able to cross holy boundaries or will it crush all that each family holds dear?
Roman is a bit of a jerk. He is self centered...and he even admits to being even more full of himself before his horrible accident. As the story continues, you actually see how vulnerable, reliant, and  angry he truly is. He is still very mad at God and how his life has played out. He has built a wall around him and his family and has a hard time letting people in until he meets Marian. Marian is one tough Amish chick who is Roman's match. But will he be able to let go and accept his life and allow Marian to help and love him as well?
This book is also about love, healing, and tolerance. If you have never read an Amish Romance, then try this one out. I really enjoyed it. 

 

The Covenant: Book 1 of Abram's Daughters

Author: Beverly Lewis

Title: The Covenant: Book 1 of Abram's Daughters

Publication: September 1, 2002

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Genre: Amish Romance

Pages: 319

Audience: 18 and up

Rating: 2 out of 5

Source: Public Library

Synopsis (from the cover): At the close of World War II, the heart and soul of Gobbler's Knob offers everything young Leah Ebersol cherishes, including her sweetheart Jonas Mast. But for Leah's defiant older sister, Sadie, their Plain heritage holds little appeal compared to the lure of the outside world. For both sisters, it is the time of rumschpringe, when Amish teens are free to run wild before embracing baptismal vows. Those who choose the path of disobedience only find innocence lost and dreams shattered. Drawn into a secret pact with her sister, Leah faces the unthinkable. Will the decision of one wayward soul tarnish her life forever?

My thoughts:
As I have mentioned, I had to pick a genre for a class, and I decided on Amish Romance. The cover and synopsis sounded good enough for me, but I found myself falling asleep while reading it. To be honest, it was pretty boring until the last 30-40 pages, things picked up a bit. However, the Ebersol family has so many secrets, lies, shame, forbidden love, and evil plots- I was surprised the book did not keep me on edge until the end. I understand this is the first book in a series and an author needs to plant seeds to build off of, but I felt like she planted too many. I wish she would have answered at least a couple of my burning questions. My desire to finish the series is zilch, so I may try to find the spoilers somewhere. I did feel like the characters were real people with real problems, but I've never known a whole family to have their own buckets of problems and not share. So maybe that is my problem with the book- you need someone to vent or confide to at some point. If you like slow paced series books with tons of seeds to be answered later on, then try The Covenant.

 

Giveaway and Review: The Sound of Sleigh Bells

Author: Cindy Woodsmall
Title: The Sound of Sleigh Bells

Publication: October 6, 2009

Publisher: WaterBrook Press

Genre: Amish, Romance

Pages: 208

Audience: 18 and up

Rating: 4 out of 5

Source: Purchased

Synopsis (from the cover): Beth Hertzler wourks alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store and serves as a contact between Amish craftsman and Englischer retailers. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart every day, and she still wears dark dresses to indicate her mourning of her fiance'. When she discovers a large intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow in an Englischer store, something deep inside Beth's soul responds, and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work.
Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth show her the woodworking, and after meeting Jonah, the artist, she is determined that Beth come to know this man whose hands create healing art. But it's not that simple- Beth has cut herself off from any possibility of romance. Will Lizzy's elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth new hope and a s second chance at real love- or just more heartbreak?

My thoughts:

 First of all, I just want to say, it is not my plan to offend anyone by reading and reviewing this religious romance novel. For a class assignment, we had to sign up for booktalks. Someone mentioned the Amish romance because they did not know why they were so popular, and other people agreed. I decided to take this genre on.

The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Smallwood is a great way to dip your toe into the genre of Amish Romance. However, this book is not just about romance, it is about healing from physical and emotional wounds. I really enjoyed the wealth of knowledge each character shared on the process of healing.
After surpassing the typical amount time of mourning, Beth is still mourning the tragic death of her fiance', Henry. She has built a wall around her heart to let no one in. She has even pushed the people who truly love and care about her, her family. Beth helps her Aunt Lizzy run an Amish dry goods store that helps support their Amish community. Beth finally decides to go on a business trip that will change her life. Also, Beth is not so bitter that you can't stand her. She is a bit annoying, but she has a human quality and you can sympathize with how she acts the way she does.
Jonah has physical wounds from a horrible accident that happened early in his youth. He was angry, but learned there was no reason to be angry for his situation. Since he has healed emotionally, Beth's Aunt Lizzy sees a way for Jonah to help Beth melt the ice around her heart. Jonah may not be in the ideal shape that he would want to be in at 28, but he has a handsome ruggedness about him. He is wise beyond his years and is extremely patient. He is just a loveable character.
The book is really great. The romance is not sexual, it is more about pure, true love and the power of healing and letting go of the past. I never thought I could enjoy an Amish romance, but I did. I believe Cindy Woodsmall is a great author to try the genre out with.


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