The Winnowing Season: Book Two in the Amish Vines and Orchards Series

by Cindy Woodsmall

Paperback, 2013

Status

Available

Call number

813.6

Publication

WaterBrook (2013), 336 pages

Description

The tornado that devastated Kings' Orchard pushed Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob to make a new start in Maine. Are they strong enough to withstand the challenges of establishing an Amish community -- and brave enough to face the secrets that move with them?

User reviews

LibraryThing member Bandings
"The Winnowing Season" is one of THOSE books -- you know the kind. It's the kind of book where I wish I didn't have to be a Responsible Adult. As a Responsible Adult, I had to put it down so I could sleep for the night when I'd rather have read straight through. As a Responsible Adult I had to do
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my chores in the morning before I could continue reading. Ah, the woes of being a Responsible Adult.

I read "The Winnowing Season", book two in a series, before book one. It was obvious throughout the story that there were things that had happened to the characters prior to the second book, but the storyline in the second book filled in enough details that it could stand alone. I WANT to read the first book, but I don't HAVE to read it to follow the story.

I have several books set in Amish communities, some written a decade or more ago. It seemed that earlier books that included the Amish used traditional Amish farm settings. Modern Amish books reflect what is likely happening in the real Amish world; they include more interaction between the Amish and the non-Amish (Englisch). This book includes several non-Amish characters who interact extensively with the Amish characters. One main character was never Amish; another chose to leave the Amish to live as an Englisch. Another character is trying to decide whether she wants to remain Amish or if she wants to live in the World (a theme visited in many books having to do with the Amish).

I recommend this book for readers who enjoy reading of the Amish, for readers who enjoy a good romance with twists, and for readers who just want a good, clean book to read.

I wish I did not have to wait to read the next book in the series.

I received "The Winnowing Season" through librarything.com's Early Reviewers. It is requested that I submit a review in return for the book, though there is no requirement that it be a good review.
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LibraryThing member gincam
Author Cindy Woodsmall continues the story of young Rhoda Byler, whom we first met in "A Season for Tending", with "The Winnowing Season", Book 2 in the "Amish Vines and Orchards" series. Rhoda is an Old Order Amish member with intelligence, a head for business, and the gift of "intuition", which
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she feels is God-given. These personal characteristics, combined with a natural ability to grow produce and herbs, cause some in the community to allow superstition to enter their view of Rhoda. When someone maliciously destroys her beloved garden, Rhoda is devastated. She has the land cleared and divides it as gifts to her two brothers. Samuel King offers to go into business with Rhoda, and combining his family orchard with her canning and business skills would seem like an answer to prayers for them both. However, Samuel and Rhoda are at odds with each other from the beginning on almost every decision to be made. Samuel's younger brother, Jacob, spent several years living with the Englisch, and he has quite a different nature from his older brother. Jacob wants to court Rhoda, but shortly after the new business arrangement begins, a devastating tornado hits the orchard. After months of hard work to restore what was lost, a plan is formed to buy an abandoned orchard in Maine. Leaving behind all that they have known in Pennsylvania and moving to a new world in Maine is a huge step, and it means even more hard work and sacrifice. Finally, all is ready for the group of investors to make their journey to a new life, but at the last minute, an inquiry is held into who ruined Rhoda's garden, and she must once again face public scrutiny. When the group is finally free to move forward, old secrets and recurring threats will face them as they build a new future. When Jacob and Rhoda are separated for a time, she and Samuel realize that they are drawn to each other, and when Jacob returns, heartbreak is felt by all. Rhoda makes a personal decision which she feels is best for all, but what will it mean for her own life and happiness? Cindy Woodsmall once again enchants with her deeply drawn characterizations and her knowledge of the ways of the Amish and the Englisch. I look forward to reading Book 3 in the series, "For Every Season".

Review Copy Gratis Library Thing
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LibraryThing member polarmath
I enjoyed reading the second book in this series to see how Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob work out their personal relationships as well as make a go of trying to make their orchard viable.
LibraryThing member kaykwilts
The Winnowing Season is book 2 of the series Amish Vines and Orchards. I think the reader would enjoy this book more if they read the books in order. This book picks up from where A Season for Tending left off. In the first book a tornado came through and destroyed all the orchards on the King
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family properties. Half of the King family which consists of siblings Samuel, Jacob and Leah decides to establish orchards at a foreclosed farm in Maine. The Bylers are Rhoda and her brother and his family. Rhoda has a gift from God of seeing things. In her community this gift is looked upon as a curse. By moving to Maine Rhoda hopes to leave her past behind and establish a new life but troubles soon follow. Something happens and she is falsely accused of something that she did not do. Both of the King brothers are in love with her, however one of the brothers who keeps company with her most in the book is distracted helping out an Englisher woman who was from his past. I think she has feelings for both and it will be interesting to see which brother she will finally give her heart to in the third and final book which is due to come out in the fall.
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LibraryThing member alekee
This is book two in this series, and again it leaves me wanting more. You do not need to read the first book to read this one. The Author gives you a good preview in the beginning of The Winnowing Season, but you would be denying yourself a great read.
This story does pick up basically where the
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last one left off. Rhoda Byler is still having a hard time with her God gift. Hopefully, things will get better in the new Community they hope to establish in Maine.
Jacob King is really smitten with Rhoda, but still fighting his demons. Samuel King, has recognized what he wants, but is it to late? Leah King, loves her family, but will she leave her faith.
Just a few of the questions for this book, but there are more. We end again heading down hill, with more questions! Life in Maine really is going to have its ups and downs for them, will they be able to survive? Will Rhoda's Gift become a nightmare? The answers are here, but there is more to come. Can't wait for the next book in this amazing series.

I received this book through The Library Thing, and the Publisher Waterbrook Press, and was not required to give a positive review.
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LibraryThing member hobbitprincess
Woodsmall's newest novel is the second in what I presume will be a series of at least 3 books with Rhoda Byler as the main character. I did read the first book before I read this one. I think I would have been lost if I had not. Rhoda and some family, friends, and business partners from her
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original town move to Maine to establish a new apple orchard. Rhoda is accused of seeing into the future, and the community does not handle this well. In fact, she is all but shunned. She is in business with brothers from a neighboring district, who go with her to Maine. There is love and romance and some struggle to be accepted into the new community. I have read a lot of Amish fiction, so perhaps I'm just getting jaded by it all. I appreciate the message, and I did enjoy the book, but there were several places in the novel where I just grew impatient with the characters. In fact, I wanted to shake Rhoda to get her to see some sense! The characters tend to whine too much for my liking. As I said with the first book, I still find it hard to believe that Rhoda would be so looked down upon in her home town because she gets hints of things to come. First, she needs to have sense enough to keep from sharing what she "sees", and second, the people around her come across as not very Christ-like. Will I read the next novel when it comes out? Probably, but I won't rush out to buy it.
***I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.***
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LibraryThing member wearylibrarian
Although I liked this book it did not hold my interest as well as the first book in the series. I felt the book was lacking something. At times I found it bogged down with needless information and I found the interaction of Jacob and Sandra boring. I missed Rueben as an antagonist and wish his
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character had moved to Maine, too. This book just didn't have the holding power of the first book. I had to tell myself to read the book instead of automatically reaching for it.
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LibraryThing member khiemstra631
This is the second book in a trilogy by author Woodsmall. All of the same characters from the first book are present, but a group of them head off to Maine to start a new Amish settlement early into it. Rhoda Byler and her brother Steven and his family plus three King siblings, Jacob, Samuel and
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Leah all move into the same house to try revitalize a defunct orchard. Not unexpectedly, trouble follows Rhoda, and the book revolves around her difficulties plus problems from Jacob's past as an English construction worker continue to haunt him. It's kind of hard to keep track of everyone, but the author provides a helpful chart listing the characters. The book is interesting because it focuses on the experience of founding a new settlement and how the rules can be bent to allow this to happen. Good writing and an enjoyable story. I look forward to the third book in the series.
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LibraryThing member drebbles
Rhoda Byler is anxious to put her past behind her and moved to Maine with family and friends to start a new Old Order Amish community. Her journey won't be easy since she has to explain her gift of intuition to the bishops before she leaves. She is furious with Samuel King for putting her through
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that ordeal - Little does she know that Samuel is in love with her. Rhoda’s heart belongs to Samuel's brother Jacob but he never seems to be there when she needs him. Jacob and Samuel’s sister Leah has her own set of problems - she is increasingly drawn to the Englisch way of life and Landon Olsen. Will the move to Maine be a new beginning or just more heartache for all?

I wanted to read “The Winnowing Season” because I thought that I had read “A Season for Tending”, the first book in Cindy Woodsmall’s “Amish Vines and Orchards” series. It turns out I didn't and truthfully there were times when I felt lost while reading this book (I still don't know exactly what happened to Emma). However, while this could be frustrating at times, I soon got caught up in the characters lives and what happened to them. All of them are complex characters and none have easy decisions to make (Rhoda was definitely one of the most complex Amish characters I've seen in a book). Rhoda’s life is not an easy one - I hope she eventually finds peace. Again, since I missed the first book (which I do plan on reading) I'm not sure of all the nuances of Jacob’s story in this book (although I wanted to shake him a few times!). I do like the Rhoda/Samuel/Jacob story line and will be interested to see what happens with it in future books. Leah's story is also interesting as she increasingly feels pulled toward the Englisch way of life. In addition to the romance aspects and the building of a new community in Maine (which naturally doesn't go easily), there is a mystery building around a couple that Rhoda meets - I'm anxious to see how that turns out in future books in the series.

While I enjoyed “The Winnowing Season”, I recommend you read the first book in the series to fully appreciate the complexity of the series, situations, and characters.
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LibraryThing member mwortinger
This was book 2 of the series "Amish Vines & Orchards". Not reading book 1 of the series it was a little hard to follow at first. Rhoda Byler moved to Maine with Jacob & Samuel King & a few others from the Amish community to start an apple orchard. Jacob & Samuel were both in love with Rhoda but
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she prefers Jacob, however he has other problems in his life from when he was living in the English world. He keeps taking off to avoid conflict at home which creates issues between the three of them. At times it seems a little out of character for the Amish but all in all it was a good read.
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LibraryThing member vintagebeckie
The Winnowing Season by Cindy Woodsmall is book 2 of 3 of the Amish Vines And Orchards series. This book is not a standalone; you really need to read book one first. (See my review of A Season for Tending HERE.) Book 2 continues the story of Rhoda Byler and the King family as they move to Maine to
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establish a new Amish community and to revitalize an apple orchard and their businesses. They are all eager to start a new chapter in their lives, but trouble seems to follow Rhoda and soon their determination to start afresh and live apart is disrupted. There are also secrets from the past that just won’t relinquish their hold.

I really enjoyed The Winnowing Season, as I have all of Woodsmall’s books. My book club, By The Book, will be discussing it in a few days, and I anticipate a good discussion of the Amish way of life, the lure of the world for a Christian, and the destructive nature of secrets. The book is a bridge of sorts. It advanced the story begun in book 1, but little is resolved. There are still plenty of loose strings for Woodsmall to tie up in book 3, For Every Season. Of course, that one will be on our schedule as soon as its published.

My group does not regularly read Amish fiction, and Woodsmall is the only author in that genre that we have read. She appeals to the die-hard suspense junkies, the romance lovers and to all of us who love a good story. If you have not read any of her books, pick up A Season for Tending and The Winnowing Season. You won’t be disappointed.

Recommended.
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LibraryThing member AuntieSal
The author adds even more mystery and intrigue into the second book along with frustration. I like the mystery and intrigue but she does carry some of the unanswered romance too far. That left me with frustration. I will read the next book to follow the mystery and intrigue but with some
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disappointment of not doing a better job of transitioning the struggling romantical triangle.
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LibraryThing member Lindz2012
I loved this book even more. It tell you more about Ronda Bayler. I love the fact that it tell us about her and she learn a lesson as well about a few things and what gods wants. Though does she know that she may be in love with some else but thinks it Jacob. We will have to see about that in the
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next book.

This book also goes in to depth about Jacob past as well. I do not know want to give way anything. I strongly you read this book if you have read "A Season for Tending". If you have not you can read this on first and then the that one. But that up to you.

In this book, you learn more about Ronda and her family a bit and also about Jacob and Samuel. There some fun things that happen and what they were learning about how to start a settlement in Maine. Do they learn about Friendship as well.
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LibraryThing member Robin661
The Winnowing Season
Cindy Woodsmall

Book Summary: The tornado that devastated Kings’ Orchard pushed Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob to make a new start in Maine. Are they strong enough to withstand the challenges of establishing an Amish community—and brave enough to face the secrets that move with
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them? On the eve of their departure to begin a new Old Order Amish community outside of Unity, Maine, Rhoda Byler is shocked to discover that choices made by her business partner and friend, Samuel King, have placed her and her unusual gifts directly into the path of her district’s bishop and preachers. She is furious with Samuel and is fearful that the Kings will be influenced by the way her leaders see her, and not what they know to be true—that Rhoda’s intuition is a gift from God. Jacob King won’t be swayed by community speculation. He loves Rhoda, believes in her, and wants to build a future with her in Maine. But when the ghosts of his past come calling and require him to fulfill a great debt, can he shake their hold before it destroys what he has with Rhoda? Samuel has a secret of his own—one he’ll go to great lengths to keep hidden, even if it means alienating those closest to him. Throwing himself into rehabilitating the once-abandoned orchard, Samuel turns to a surprising new ally. Book 2 of the Amish Vines and Orchards series asks: can the three faithfully follow God’s leading and build a new home and orchard in Maine? Or will this new beginning lead to more ruin and heartbreak?

My Review: I was amazed at how quick a read this was. It was worth reading every minute of it. I loved how much more the characters grew and changed in such a short time. The plot grew greater with all the little details swirling around this book. I think that Rhoda and Samuel are the best of the book. It is very hard to pick which of the secondary characters I liked best. There was very little to complain about. I found between book 1 and book 2 a seamlessness that was like coming in out of the cold. I liked the move to Maine after all the stress of Rhoda going before her elders. I was disappointed that Jacob left and for so long. Jacob's situation from his past was getting a little old but seemed more controlled by the end of the book. This is just another fine example of Ms. Woodsmall's superb writing just enough to hook me into the 3rd even 4th book and look forward to each an every word!!

I would like to thank Blogging for Books and Waterbook Press for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
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LibraryThing member Maydacat
Trouble never seems to be far behind Rhoda. Now on her way to start a new Amish settlement in Maine with the King brothers, she eventually discovers that she is the object of affection for both brothers. Jacob openly declares his love while Samuel hides his. Jacob also has his secrets from the time
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he lived with the English. The past has a way of intruding on the present, and all three must deal with its repercussions. Rhoda is still troubled by her ability to sense things. Everyone has problems, but these characters seem to have more than their fair share. An entertaining story, you’ll soon find yourself lost in the lives and loves of these endearing characters.
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LibraryThing member Lindz2012
I loved this book even more. It tell you more about Ronda Bayler. I love the fact that it tell us about her and she learn a lesson as well about a few things and what gods wants. Though does she know that she may be in love with some else but thinks it Jacob. We will have to see about that in the
Show More
next book.

This book also goes in to depth about Jacob past as well. I do not know want to give way anything. I strongly you read this book if you have read "A Season for Tending". If you have not you can read this on first and then the that one. But that up to you.

In this book, you learn more about Ronda and her family a bit and also about Jacob and Samuel. There some fun things that happen and what they were learning about how to start a settlement in Maine. Do they learn about Friendship as well.
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LibraryThing member judyg54
This ending will leave you hanging and wanting to find out how this story will end. So I will be starting book 3 next, "For Every Season". As in most books you can read this one as a stand alone, but I don't advise it. You need to read them in order to fully get to know these characters.

In this
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story Rhoda, Samuel and Jacob (along with others) will leave the Kings' Orchard and their Amish community behind and travel to Maine to establish a new Amish community and take over a very run down apple orchard. There will be many challenges. One being that Samuel has discovered a great love for Rhoda, but only after Rhoda and his brother Jacob have shown a real interest in each other. Samuel does not want to cause division so he withholds his feelings. Jacob has some very deep and dark secrets and these will also come out and cause hurt and confusion. As the back cover asks: "Can the three faithfully follow God's leading and build a home and orchard in Maine? Or will this new beginning lead to more ruin and heartbreak?"

I felt the characters all had issues to deal with, but they also had a lot to give to one another. It was another well told story and had me reading late into the night to see how it would end. Unfortunately, it didn't really end, so now I will pick up book 3 and see what happens next.
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Language

Original language

English

Physical description

336 p.; 8.27 inches

ISBN

0307730042 / 9780307730046

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