The Scent of Cherry Blossoms by Cindy Woodsmall

About the book:

Annie Martin loves the Plain ways of her Old Order Mennonite people, like those revered by her beloved grandfather. Retreating from a contentious relationship with her mother, Annie goes to live with her Daadi Moses in Apple Ridge.

But as spring moves into Pennsylvania and Annie spends time amongst the cherry trees with the handsome Aden Zook, she wishes she could forget how deeply the lines between the Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite are drawn.

Can Annie and Aden find a place for their love to bloom in the midst of the brewing storm?

My Review:
5 STARS

Cindy Woodsmall is by far my favorite Amish fiction writer hands down. She has this ability to create descriptive details and deep meaningful characters that just draw you in to the story. Even though The Scent of Cherry Blossoms is just a small novella there is nothing small about the story line or characters.

We have two strong devoted young people. Annie, who belongs to the Older Order Mennonite people and lives with her mother and siblings in a dysfunctional family setting. Then there is Aden who lives next door to Annie's Daadi Moses and is an Old Order Amish man but struggles with a stuttering problem and a paralyzed brother. Cindy does a superb job of bringing together these two different stories in one unique way. There are so many heartfelt moments and tender scenes throughout the story.

Both Aden and Annie begin an interest in each other even though it is highly against their religions to court those in different faiths. They are drawn together but are struggling to do what is right. You will be guessing as to how and if these two will be able to be together by the end of the book.

There are two things that stick out to me that were wonderful about this story. One is the way the other weaves the scent of cherry blossoms in to the story. I could just picture the orchards and blooms as described throughout the story that just added a lovely touch to this sweet story. The other thing that amazed me about this story is how deep and entertaining it was despite its short length. I never thought I'd get as invested in the story as I did!

If you haven't had a chance to read any of Cindy Woodsmall's Amish Fiction, you need to get right on that. She is superb in creating dynamic characters and interesting stories!! The Scent of Cherry Blossoms is a great way to begin your journey of discovering Cindy Woodsmall.

This book was sent to me free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers in exchange for an honest and personal review. All opinions are my own.


About Cindy Woodsmall:

Cindy Woodsmall is a veteran homeschool mom. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.

Her first novel released in 2006 to much acclaim and became a Christian Book Association best seller. Cindy was a 2007 ECPA Christian Book Award finalist, along with Karen Kingsbury, Angela Hunt, and Charles Martin.

Her lastest book, When the Morning Comes, hit the New York Times best-sellers extended list and the Christian Book Association best-sellers list.

Cindy’s real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity.