The day many of you have been waiting for and writing to me about arrives tomorrow! I’m excited for you to read book three in the Amish Vines and Orchards series.
Because of my real-life connections to several of the main aspects of this series, I have enjoyed writing these books in a way I haven’t experienced before.
Running apple orchards is a part of my husband’s family history, and although I feel as if I've barely scratched the surface concerning tending to vines and orchards, I’ll carry the beauty and strength of apple farms with me the rest of my days. This has been a wonderful series to write. (To read about the Woodsmall apple orchard history, go here.)
Readers’ enthusiasm has been a huge encouragement along the way and a lot of fun.
Are you hoping Rhoda chooses Jacob or Samuel? They are both truly good men, and it’s apparent to us through The Winnowing Season, although perhaps not yet to Rhoda, that she cares deeply for both of them.
For Every Season will bring closure to those who've been aching to find out where Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob find themselves as book three comes to a close. You’ll know which wonderful brother Rhoda chooses (but don’t peek at the end!) This third book is a journey you don’t want to cheat yourself out of, and it will answer your pounding questions.
As I neared the end of For Every Season, I faced a dilemma—to write an extra five to seven thousand words rushing you through what happens to all the characters in the future through added chapters and an epilogue, or to ask my publisher to allow us all to go on one more journey with Rhoda, Samuel, Jacob, Leah, Iva, Phoebe, and Steven.
I decided to turn my manuscript in to my editor and not say anything about a fourth book. But I wasn't surprised when she called me and said, “You know what I think readers would enjoy the most? For you to restructure Leah’s journey and give her time to mature, for you to show the healing in the life of the brother who doesn't face the future with Rhoda by his side, for you to write a fourth book.” She asked how I felt about that, and I, of course, told her I’d be delighted.
So, for readers who love family sagas, and these characters in particular, I will have a book four in the series—Seasons of Tomorrow. I don't have a release date or a cover yet, but I’m finishing up this story as a labor of love and am grateful for the opportunity.
Ever since book one in the Amish Vines and Orchards series, parts of Rhoda’s story have been raw with emotions. The books are filled with valor and strength as well as faith, hope, and love. I believe inspirational stories like these refresh and strengthen us for our day-to-day journey on this planet.
So come, let’s go on another leg of Rhoda’s journey and find in fiction some of the strength we all need for our real tomorrows.
New Release
For Every Season releases tomorrow!
Book three in the Amish Vines and Orchards series
Working hard to develop a new Amish community outside of Unity, Maine, Rhoda Byler is fully committed to rehabilitating an orchard with business partner Samuel King. But an impulsive decision has created an unexpected strain in her relationship with her beau, Samuel’s brother, Jacob, threatening plans for the orchard. Amidst mounting tension in matters of the heart and business, Rhoda finds that this fledging settlement feels like the home she has always longed for, and she begins to embrace the God-given, heightened intuition that has always felt like a burden to her. She longs for Jacob to fully be free of his past, so they can work towards the future together.
But as Rhoda uses her gift to unpack an old secret with her Englisch neighbors, it is not her beau but an unlikely ally that cheers her on. With the orchard on shaky ground and Jacob’s plans in question, Rhoda is determined to see things through to harvest. But can she trust her insight to direct her path in matters of the heart?
Click here to read the first chapter of For Every Season.
Available from: |
Cindy's Itinerary
I'm writing and staying close to home during the book launch of For Every Season, but in October I will do an author event at Warren County Public Library in Bowling Green, Kentucky. I’ll return to doing book tours in the spring of 2014. Hope to see you then!
Warren County Public Library
Tuesday, October 8, 2013 6 p.m.
CEC Parish Hall
1215 State Street
Bowling Green, KY 42101
For more information, contact Jayne Pelaski, jaynep@warrenpl.org
Amish Connection
The sweet sincerity of the Amish family in this BBC documentary is what I see time and again in the hearts of the Amish I spend time with. I forewarn those who haven’t seen this before—the beauty and honesty in this video may cause tears. It did for me!
Recipe
Apple Crisp
This is an old family recipe provided by Marion Woodsmall. Aunt Marion’s husband and his brother (my late father-in-law) worked an apple orchard with their father while growing up. When she first sent me this recipe, it was missing the temperature setting for the stove, so I wrote to her and asked about it. Her answer was so precious I had to share it with you. She wrote: This recipe is very old and they used woodstoves to cook and hoped for the best, but I set my oven at 375 degrees.
Thank you, Aunt Marion!
8 tart apples, peeled and sliced (Courtland, Macintosh, or your choice)
cup orange juice
1 cup sugar, divided in half
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons margarine or butter
Place the sliced apples in an 8" x 8" ungreased pan. Pour the orange juice over the apples. Mix 1/2 cup sugar and the cinnamon together, and sprinkle over apples. Work the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, flour, salt, and margarine or butter together using your fingers or a pastry cutter. Mixture should be crumbly, pea size or smaller Spread over the apples and pat smooth. Bake at 375 degrees for 40–45 minutes until crust is crisp and brown and apples are tender. Serve with milk or cream. Enjoy this very old recipe.
Plain Talk
I offer regular giveaways on my blog and on Facebook. I invite you to join me on one or both of those. The contests for the blog and Facebook are separate from each other, so if you’re not on Facebook, you aren't left out! We've redesigned the blog with you in mind—a place to enjoy learning about the Plain life. It has articles, wonderful guest bloggers, recipes, and giveaways. I hope you’ll join us!
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