Gathering the Threads: A Novel

Cindy Woodsmall

Aug 2017 · The Amish of Summer Grove Book 3 · Sold by WaterBrook

About this eBook

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.
 

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

Ratings and reviews

Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall is the final novel in The Amish of Summer Grove series. Ariana Brenneman is returning to the Old Order Amish community where she was raised before it was discovered she was switched with Englischer, Skylar Nash. Settling back into her old life, though, is not easy. Arianna is no longer sure what she believes in and needs time to think things through. Arianna is less accepting of authority (being told what to do). Isaac, Arianna’s father, does not understand the changes in Arianna and is worried her attitude will affect other members of the family (the Amish leaders are not pleased). Rudy, Arianna’s beau, has been waiting for her to return so they can marry, but he does not understand the dilemma facing Arianna. Quill Schlabach is the one-person Arianna can discuss what she is feeling and thinking, but the Amish leaders (and Arianna’s father) to do not approve of Quill. Everyone has an opinion about Ariana, her behavior and her future. But what does Ariana want? What is God’s will? Skylar Nash has adjusted to life in the Amish community and with the Brenneman’s. She has found her niche, but she worries what will happen now that Ariana has returned. Each woman must discover where they truly belong. The path to their future will fraught with potholes, but, at the end, they will find what their hearts truly desire. Gathering the Threads is well-written and engaging. It contains nicely developed characters that grow and change over the course of the series (Nicholas is a great example). I do feel the pace was a little slow. Gathering the Threads is the third book The Amish of Summer Grove series, and the books are best read in order. There is a great summary at the beginning of Gathering the Threads that reminds readers on what occurred in the Ties that Bind and Fraying at the Edge (it has been a year since the last book). My rating for Gathering the Threads is 4 out of 5 stars. I did feel the story dragged on a little long with some parts of the book feeling like filler (they were unneeded and did not enhance or add to the story). I would not survive one day living Amish. It is a patriarchal society that goes against my beliefs. I felt bad for Ariana (while cheering for her) when the Amish leaders attacked her for not bowing to their authority and rules (I loved it when she took back her cellphone). It was difficult for her to be standing with one foot in each world (one in Amish and one with her biological parents). The Christian element is prevalent throughout the story, but it is handled beautifully by the author. I like the themes of acceptance, forgiveness, faith, and love. I do feel the end was a little rushed. Ariana reaches a decision about her future (one her own) and then the story concludes. The ending is heartwarming and nicely wraps up the three-book series (no dangling threads). We get a little glimpse at what the future holds for Arianna, Skylar and their families. I was especially pleased to see closure for Frieda Miller (about time).

Excellent book

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.