The Scent of Cherry Blossoms

Two people falling in love. A forbidden love. A love that may destroy not only their families but one family's livelihood. Do they have the strength to never see one another again?

The Scent of Cherry Blossoms by Cindy Woodsmall is a very easy, two to three day read. It is [yet another] book featuring the Amish and Mennonites*. I am not a huge fan of Amish/Mennonite books which have been flooding the market for a time and it doesn't look like that will end anytime soon. I actually get frustrated when I look for a book to purchase and it seems most are Amish books. However, Author Cindy Woodsmall did a good job with the story line and moving it along at just the right pace.

Annie has been friends with Aden for years. Annie realizes she has had a crush on Aden off and on throughout their friendship. Annie is an Old-Order, "horse and buggy" Mennonite. Aden, Amish. Annie and Aden discover love while working together. The two religions do not tolerate inter-religious courtship, dating, or marriage. It is forbidden. Factor in Annie's grandfather is a silent business partner with Aden's Amish family. Aden's family needs her grandfather to keep their business running. Annie and Aden's secret love could be their ruin.

Love is complicated. It is hard to do the right thing. Does God really care about religious differences? God's law or man's law?

Pick up a copy of The Scent of Cherry Blossoms by Cindy Woodsmall to find out!


I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing through their Blogging for Books program. I am not required to write a favorable review, only an honest review.



*Pet-Peeve Alert!!!
I'm Mennonite. I'm not Old Order or 'horse and buggy Mennonite' as the author refers to in this book. The author did distinguish the sect of Mennonite a few times in this book. But, for the majority of times when talking about Annie's religion, the author just used the word Mennonite. Now, I don't mean to make a mountain out of a mole hill and I do realize the author did extensive research. I just cringed while reading this book every time the word Mennonite was used as stand along...without the sect. The book seems to portray both religious groups as judgemental, man-made-rules and caring more about man's law than God's law of Grace and Mercy. While reading this, I kept thinking if people reading books like these thought we (Mennonites and Amish) were all this way, it would be a horrific mess.

Our relationship with God is not one of religious practices but one with God. Our religion is our history and a factor in how we see this world. But our true relationship must be with God himself. Not man-made laws to try to keep everyone in 'order'. If you want to learn more about Mennonites (I can't speak for Amish), click here. Educate yourself and just don't rely on a fictional book. [stepping down from soap box]