Gathering the Threads Book Review

Gathering the Threads is the third and final novel in The Amish of Summer Grove series.

About Gathering the Threads

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.

My Thoughts

Gathering the Threads is an intense and thought-provoking look at the life of Ariana, who in one moment had her whole life changed. She always grew up thinking she was Amish and that her parents were her parents. Fate changed this when she found out she was switched at birth. She was then thrust into the Englisch world quickly and without preparation. She was expected to change her thoughts, beliefs and even her appearance to suit her birth parents. This world was not for her and she could not wait to return to her old life.

Little did she know what an impact that small exposure would have on her life! She began to question her Daed and her elders in the Amish community. She craved freedom, independence and support as a woman. She still holds true to her love and belief in God but she questions the mad made decisions and rules that govern her community. It is this questioning that begins to have her blacklisted in the community. She refuses to cave into the roles that men have created for the women instead she quotes the word of God to back up her beliefs.

The other young girl who was switched at birth, Skylar, goes through her own transformation as well. At first she hates all things Amish – the lifestyle, the clothes, the culture and way of life. She slowly begins to appreciate the beliefs, the focus on family and their love and support of each other. She grows mentally and emotionally and it is beautiful to watch.

Both of these young girls grow as women and strong advocates of others, community and family all within the belief of love, family and forgiveness. They go through so much both individually and together as a family but somehow they pull through. Their experiences in both cultures helps them grow and learn to respect each other.

Gathering the Threads is a truly beautiful book of growth, hope, family and community. It uses scripture to help us understand God’s love for us, family and our greater role in the community around us.

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Rating: 4/5

About the Author

Cindy Woodsmall is the “New York Times” and CBA best-selling author of nineteen works of fiction and non-fiction with more than a million copies sold. Her connection with the Amish community has been featured in national media outlets such as ABC’s “Nightline,” the “Wall Street Journal,” and a National Geographic documentary on Amish life. Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.