The Scent of Cherry Blossoms

GIVEAWAY!

WOODSMALL, CINDY
THE SCENT OF CHERRY BLOSSOMS

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:

I battled a raging snowstorm to get to the Christian bookstore before work on Saturday and was greeted by this beautiful cover the second I walked into the store. What a breath of spring! I had to buy it -- especially since it's written by Cindy Woodsmall. Need I say more? And bonus! It's a sequel to her Christmas novella, The Christmas Singing and we even get to catch up with Mattie and Gideon! Hoping that Woodsmall continues with the series because she has two seasons left to cover!

Even though this is a novella, Woodsmall has managed to pack it full of angst, romance and beautiful prose.  She is such a gifted wordsmith! This is a Romeo/Juliet kind of love story with an Amish/Mennonite twist and I absolutely loved it. All the way through I kept fretting over how she could possibly turn this into a happily ever after. And I loved the fascinating details that explain the differences between the Amish and Old Order Mennonite faiths.

As usual, the author has created characters who have won my heart -- including Aden's twin brother, Roman, who has his own story to tell. Hopefully that will be covered in the next novella. This beautiful little hard-cover book is definitely destined for my keeper shelf. How about yours?

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Scent of Cherry Blossoms, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. Make sure to put the title in the subject line so that I can spot your entry easily. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 4, 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!