A great ending to a great series. The other books in the series were good but this one blew me out of the water. The ending was great but I really loved the message that these books and this one in particular. Great book and great ending to a good series ( )

Gathering the Threads is book three of a trilogy, and does build on the previous books. Fortunately there are synopses of each of the other two books, which gives the background of Gathering the Threads. It's a compelling story, one I didn't want to put down. The complexities of family are uniquely portrayed, and spiritual growth illustrated. I will definitely be looking for more books by Cindy. ( )

The series begins with Ties that Bind followed by Fraying at the Edge before concluding with this book. I have already read quite a few of Cindy Woodsmall's series and each time I have believed that that one was the best one I have read, that is, until I would read the next series. This time I jumped in on the last book first. I don't recommend doing that with this author, because when she writes a series, they are usually books that are closely linked to each other. Fortunately, before the first chapter, this book had a running summary of the previous two books that I haven't read. It was so well summarized that I had no trouble reading this book by itself. But again, I really don't recommended that. Cindy Woodsmall's outstanding talent is to connect us deeply with her characters so that the reader forms an emotional bond and experiences the turmoil written about with the character. This is such a rare gift for a writer, so that when I find one I like to search for all their books and read them through.

That's how I feel about this series. When I read the summary, I had to chuckle. It read like a soap opera. I say that in the kindest manner possible. This series is intense, if all the books are like this one. There are several well-planned out plots, complex characters, schemes, turmoil, twists and turns, and just plain anguish laid out in the first two books that continue in this one. It was quite an amazing task to see how it all resolved. But it was definitely and happily resolved, in a way only this author can accomplish.

There are so many characters that are important to the series. Ariana is the one that stands out the most. Skylar is also another but not as much the focus as Ariana. Book three resolves a long standing issue between Ariana and Quill, a neighbor she had known since her childhood who had left the Amish years ago for reasons no one in the small community of Summer Grove really knew about and thus was a forbidden friend. Nevertheless, he plays a prominent role all throughout the series.

Among the complexity of details there arises a theme that may surprise the reader as it becomes clear. Ariana learned about bullying while she was "out in the world" with her birth father. Interestingly, bullying takes on a whole different shape and color when she encounters it in the Amish community after she returns. Had it always been there and she had never noticed before? The running questions then became how would she deal with it living at home with her parents while preparing for her upcoming marriage? This was not a cut at the Amish community by the author, but rather a commentary of society, that it can happen anywhere, even in places we don't expect to find it.

Finally, just like other books by this author, the spiritual elements of the story are authentic, realistic, respectful while helping us to gain some fresh perspectives on the character of human nature in general. Cindy Woodsmall's series are some of the best faith-based books I have ever read. They are not filled with platitudes or pat answers. Real issues are realistically dealt with that touched my heart deeply. Even though I haven't read the first two books, I know I will soon. So I can heartily recommend this series for you. If you like intense, complex characters who are not stereotypical Amish or non-Amish or former Amish, you'll love this series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Blogging for Books on behalf of the author. I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." ( )

The third book in Cindy Woodsmall’s The Amish of Summer Grove series, “Gathering the Threads” continues the story of Skylar and Ariana as they come to terms with the fact that they were switched at birth and brought up in totally different ways. Ariana comes back to her Amish family, but with different ideas that cause discord with her Amish parents and siblings. She is trying to determine just who she is after knowing she comes from Englisher parents and brought up in an Amish home with their plain and strict ways. The bishop of her community is determined to make her knuckle under and conform to the way Amish women are treated. She is resisting and the subsequent dramas that follow make up the story.

I was in total agreement with Ariana throughout the book because I know that my stubbornness and independence would totally rebel at the condescending way women are treated as subjects, not individuals. I thought this book gave much to think about and I was glad that I read it.

I received a print copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers, but was under no obligation to post a review. You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-rP. Other reviews can be found at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com. This review is posted on Good Reads at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2086449664, and on Facebook and Twitter, and on Amazon.com at https://www.amazon.com/review/RQR83V4S6DY7N. ( )

Title: Gathering the Threads (A Novel: The Amish of Summer Grove #3)
Author: Cindy Woodsmall
Pages: 352
Year: 2017
Publisher: WaterBrook
My rating 5 out of 5 stars.
The series begins with Ties that Bind followed by Fraying at the Edge before concluding with this book. I highly suggest reading the books in order as the story develops on many fronts with differing characters plus it is quite enthralling to read. I found myself caught up in the story of Arianna and Skylar’s predicament as well as how it was impacting the community and families.
The author did a wonderful job by including a recap of the story from the first two books in the series to help remind readers what has occurred in the plot up to this point. I found including that very helpful, especially when time has elapsed between books for those who are voracious readers to be reminded of what happened as well as who the players are in the story.
The author really kept me suspended as I kept reading to try and learn what the final decision for Ariana was going to be. I really found the story intriguing as the main two characters Ariana and Skylar throughout the series were on a journey of discovering who they were and what they wanted to do with their lives even in the midst of trying circumstances.
Grab the books and then be prepared to sit and be engaged in the story from start to finish. Then, consider sharing the books or gifting copies of the books to other readers too!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )