I read The Scent of Cherry Blossoms a while back and found myself unimpressed. I decided to give Cindy Woodsmall another chance and read A Season for Tending. I only wanted to read it to begin with because the synopsis on Amazon is in first person from Rhoda's point of view (Rhoda is the main character). I thought it would be refreshing to read an Amish book in first person. Sadly, that synopsis was deceptive, since the book was told like most other books are-in third person. However, I did like getting to know Rhoda and her stubborn, heartwarming ways. But because of what I thought going into it, I was disappointed.
I don't think that this novel gave as much insight into Amish ways as other books I have read. But it did reveal a lot about what it takes to run an apple orchard, which I found mildly interesting, but not overly so. I liked Samuel and Jacob. But Samuel appeared weak when he wasn't willing to go one way or the other with his girlfriend.
Also, I found myself disliking Catherine, Samuel's girlfriend, more and more. She was whiny,judgmental, suspicious, spiteful, and utterly dependent upon Samuel for unnecessary things. I don't know why Samuel stuck with her for so long.
I felt sorry for Leah, who was overweight, and felt like she had to give herself away to be loved. But she was a dynamic character who changed throughout the book and ended up better in the end.
One thing I found wrong with A Season for Tendingis that there was no clear presentation of the gospel, and no personal relationship with God was encouraged. It felt rather weak in the spiritual aspect, though Rhoda does have her amazing gift.
I give A Season for Tending three out of five stars.