Item: Gathering the Threads
Rating: 5
Author: Kristin

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Cindy Woodsmall, Waterbrook Multnomah and was under no obligation to post a review. No compensation was received for sharing this review and all opinions are my own.

Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall
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Series: The Amish of Summer Grove #3
Published by WaterBrook Press on August 15th 2017
Source: Cindy Woodsmall, Waterbrook Multnomah
Genres: Amish & Mennonite, Christian, Contemporary, Fiction, Romance
Pages: 352

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.

Disclaimer: I gave this book five stars despite a character that dog-eared a book.

I know, right? Now that the shock has worn off, let me tell you what I loved and loved to hate about this book.

I have been invested in the lives of Ariana, Skylar and the Brenneman family for two years now. I’ve read, loved and waited on each book in this series. I’d say that this is one of my most anticipated books of 2017.

Having loved Ariana in the first two books, I couldn’t have anticipated how much she would grate on my nerves. Ariana was confused and her childish outbursts. She wanted to return to the Amish and stamped her feet until she got her way. Rather than being happy to be home, she wanted to make demands. To keep her cellphone and defy the rules she was fully aware of.

Though it bugged me, I am glad that the author showed that life isn’t always simple. People will sometimes make mistakes and act childish. That’s life and we’re all trying to find ourselves and our way.

Feeling annoyed with Ariana also allowed me time to focus on the other characters. I fell in love with Abram and Cilla. Abram grew into a mature young man who was capable of making responsible decisions. Really, I love them and would love to see their story continued.

I also grew to appreciate Arianna’s father. Not her biological father—her Brenneman father. He learned to love his children and the value of putting them before what others think.

With time, I came to love Ariana again. She worked through her childish tantrums and became a better person for it.

This book is a beautiful conclusion to the Amish of Summer Grove. I can’t say that I love this series more than Cindy’s Sisters of the Quilt trilogy. But, this would have to be a close second favorite.

About Cindy Woodsmall

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author who has written nineteen (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. – Learn more about Cindy at: http://www.cindywoodsmall.com

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Posted By: Kristin Filed Under: Book Reviews, Cindy Woodsmall, The Amish of Summer Grove Tagged With: amish fiction, book review