A Novel (The Amish of Summer Grove) - Fraying at the Edge

Fraying on the Edge picks up after we discover that Ariana and Skylar were switched at birth due to the chaos when the birthing center where they were born caught fire. When it is discovered twenty years later that that mistake occurred, Ariana must abide by what her biological father, Nicholas Jenkins, dictates or Rachel, the Amish mid-wife could go to jail.

Ariana must live in the English world with her biological family, Nicholas, an atheist and against all Ariana's family stands for and Brandi. Ariana has to leave her boyfriend, Rudy, her family, and her new cafe that she worked so hard to purchase. This means that Ariana will have to ask her family to run her new café while she is gone. Nicholas makes up a list of items for Ariana to accomplish before she is allowed to decided to return to her home or make a new life for herself in the English world. Ariana is in for a rough adjustment. Will Ariana be the same person when she returns home?

Skylar Nash was given the choice of staying with her birth parents in Amish county or going to drug rehab. Skylar picks staying with the Brennemans and plans to sneak away as soon as her good-for-nothing boyfriend comes to get her. Isaac, her biological father, insists that Skylar has to contribute to the household. Skylar chooses to help in the cafe with her siblings. Can the Brenneman’s help Skylar or will she find a way to escape?

Fraying at the Edge is well-written has good character development. You do need to read the first book in the series, The Ties That Bind, in order to understand everything or you might be left feeling confused. I was intrigued with this book from the beginning and found it hard to put down. I was somewhat disappointed to be left with so many questions at the end of the book, but it definitely leaves me knowing I will pick up book three in the series to find out what Arianna and Skylar's next decisions hold for them.

I received a copy of Fraying at the Edge from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion.

Babies being mixed up at the hospital and sent home with the wrong family are found on news stories here and there all the time. All sorts of complications arise from such a mistake. Ms. Woodsmall turned this type of occurrence into a very interesting book that brings all sorts of thoughts and questions to mind. An English and Amish baby switched at birth! Even more intriguing is that is it not revealed until 20 years later when they are grown and their lifestyles are very deeply ingrained. How complicated can it get!
Ariana Brenneman and Skylar Nash were accidently swapped at the birthing center their mothers both were at. Ariana is adheres 100% to her Amish beliefs, and Skylar is very much a part of the modern culture and world.
Ariana’s birth father, Nicholas, doesn’t want to leave it there. He wants to get to know the daughter he lost. Threatening to sue the now elderly midwife, both girls are forced to go live with their birth families for one year. He is no longer married to Ariana’s mom which adds even more difficulties to the arrangement. Being an atheist he wants her to change everything and become an Englisher. He makes her a list of things he wants her to try, and most go against all her beliefs and many are even sinful. Trying to be an obedient daughter she agrees but it tears at the heart of who she is.
Skylar is told she can go to a drug rehab for her addiction or go live with her Amish biological parents. She chooses the later as the lesser of two evils in her eyes but still very much against her will.
Will each girl change to fit the family they now live with? This isn’t just an Amish culture vs. modern culture story. It digs deep inside of how seriously Christian beliefs or lack of them guide and direct the lives of believers. Each characters feelings, perceptions, and experiences were vividly portrayed, giving me the opportunity to really look at the differences. The girls learned a great deal about themselves of course. Not only they but the reader are faced with the realization who we are runs much deeper than how we dress or where we live but also the need to examine those beliefs and see if they are truly of God. A great book. I can’t wait to read the next one and see what Ariana chooses! I received a copy this book from Blogging for Books and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

My Thoughts On The Book:  Fraying at the Edge is book two from Cindy Woodsmall's The Amish of Summer Grove series. I feel that you need to read the first in the series first to get the full impact of the series, although you could read this one as a stand alone.
Fraying at the Edge is wonderful and I loved connecting with my Amish friends again.  The two young women were thrown into unknown worlds have both touched my heart. Woodsmall's books are among the best Amish books I have ever read.  Once I start one I cannot stop reading until it is finished.   It is going to be hard waiting for the third and final book.  I have to see how the story line finishes.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

I thoroughly enjoyed Fraying at the Edge: The Amish of Summer Grove, Book 2 by Cindy Woodsmall! What would you do if you were a modern person, fully relying on technology and all the “essentials”, found out that you were actually born to Amish parents and you were sent to live amongst them for a year without any of the modern conveniences? Take it a step further and what would you do if you were completely born and raised Amish, living in a world of horses and buggies and kerosene lanterns and candles and found out you were born to “Englisch” parents and sent to live in a modern world for a year? This novel explores just that aspect.

Ariana Brenneman loves being Amish and is engaged to an Amish man and has every intention on marrying him and raising a large family with him. Her world is shaken when one of her ex-best friends sees a woman who looks very much like her sister and investigates into it further only to find out that the woman actually was the birth daughter of the Brenneman’s and due to a freak accident, the babies were switched shortly after birth and the wrong baby went home with the wrong mom. Fast forward 20 years, and Ariana is immersed in her society, but her control-freak biological father either wants Ariana to come live in the Englisch world with him and her birth mother for a year or else he threatens to take measures against her Amish parents. Being brought up how she was, she acquiesces since he is her father and is sent into a world she never imagined living in.

Skylar Nash is the child of a broken home. She can’t remember a time when her parents were ever together and she feels over-controlled by them. Unable to take the pressure and needing some kind of respite, she becomes an addict of prescription drugs. During this time, she finds out that her parents aren’t actually her birth parents and she is given the option to either go to rehab for awhile… or to live with her biological Amish parents for a year. She can’t imagine any worse options, but chooses to live with them. She exposes her Amish family to things they have never thought they would have to deal with, but eventually, a general tolerance and even borderline love win over.

These two women are left to figure out whether they want to stay in their current worlds, or go back to the world they are brought up in, with the parents who brought them up.

This was a page turner from the very first page to the last line of the novel! Having children myself, I am usually not able to read a novel so quickly currently, but I had this novel read in less than a week. The only downside to this novel is it leaves off with a huge cliffhanger and being that this novel was just released days ago, I now have to wait until the next novel in the series is released to see more of the full story. I haven’t personally read the first book in the series yet, although I plan to do so soon, but I feel from the way the book started out, that this is one of those series where you definitely should start with the first book. Cindy Woodsmall fills you in enough at the beginning of book 2 that you don’t necessarily have to read the first, but I have the sneaking suspicion that this story is actually started before this book, and since I usually enjoy the full story, I should have started with the first book. This is a book that would be best for readers who are high school age and up. There is not anything necessarily that is bad for younger readers and if one of my children (who are pre-teen) picked it up, I wouldn’t have a problem with them reading it. The book does deal with drug addiction a little bit in Skylar’s character, which is what makes me feel that maybe a younger chapter book reader would have a bit of a hard time understanding that concept. Fantastic book though, and I highly recommend it!

WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group provided this book to me for free in exchange for this honest review as part of their Blogging for Books program.

Life could not have changed more dramatically for either Ariana Brenneman or Skyler Nash. In this sequel to "Ties That Bind," the two twenty-year-old women who discovered they were switched at birth are now trying to fit in with their biological families. Ariana has agreed to leave her Amish home for a one-year trial period in exchange for her father not suing the midwife who made the mistake, while Skyler chose a year with her Amish family rather than going to rehab for a drug addiction.

Ariana has a sincere desire to do her best in getting to know her new family, but she is quickly overwhelmed by all they ask from her. Her biological father is an atheist who challenges the beliefs she was raised with, and he gives her a 'bucket list' of experiences she can pursue in order to earn points towards a visit with her boyfriend. The title of this book perfectly describes the confusion and self-doubt Ariana goes through as she navigates the changes that have been thrust upon her.

Meanwhile Skyler is determined to be as insolent and difficult as possible towards the Brennemans, feeling like her parents disowned their troubled daughter in exchange for a chance to bring home a brand new innocent one. She believes she can still find suppliers to keep her drug habit going, and as soon as she can manage it she plans to run away. Yet as she unwillingly helps around the farm and in the cafe Ariana that bought just before finding out about her heritage, something begins to change inside Skyler. If this is what working together and truly loving others looks like, maybe she could begin to accept the love and care the Brennemans are offering.

We also continue following Quill, the former Amishman who helps families who want to leave the Amish community. Having facilitated Ariana and Skyler reuniting with their biological families, he is the last person Ariana wants to reach out to, but he is also the only one who can help her make sense of all she is thinking and feeling.

I greatly enjoyed the second book in The Amish of Summer Grove series. Cindy Woodsmall has a way of drawing you in with characters you can't help but cheer for.

I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.

Continuing the absorbing, heart wrenching story from Book 1, Ariana Brenneman's Amish life disappeared in a blink of an eye when it was discovered that she was not the biological daughter of Lovina and Isaac. Now the parents of Skylar Nash have asked that she spend a year with them.

Absorbed into an Englischer world with a dad keen to expand her views, especially questioning her deep faith, Ariana is alone. Well, almost. Quill Schlabach is a childhood friend who lives an Englisch life but past betrayals make Ariana wonder whether she can trust him. Yet in a new world with so many expectations thrown at her – learn to drive (a car), listen to music, watch movies – is she able to get through the next 12 months without some guidance from him?

Skylar’s choice is either rehab or staying with the large Brenneman family. A choice she feels that isn’t one. The prospect of living without her phone and modern comforts is one thing but she’s more hurt by the fact that her parents, especially her mother, seemed to have ‘dropped’ her off with zeal. Having the pure and perfect Ariana is an opportunity to start over. The bigger problem, perhaps, for the young woman is her addiction to prescription drugs and the fear that perhaps she doesn’t belong in either family.

As the days roll into months, they are both learning how to adjust to their new lives. With one woman having little regard for God and the other with unwavering faith, will they be able to adjust to what is expected of them? For Ariana it's overwhelming but she knows she belongs back in Summer Grove. Skylar is wary of the devotion her new family show to her. But as she works in Ariana’s café she feels her attitude softening towards the hardworking family.

Very much a set up for the next in the series this story is still filled with deep, meaningful characters, descriptions and words. Woodsmall’s ability to create a fictional world where the reader is instantly interested in their lives is outstanding. Whilst the author hasn’t delved deeply into addiction and the stress of going clean, it’s still paramount that Skylar is suffering.

Questioning faith and questioning the merits of materialism is the main theme in the next chapter of this series and whilst I found the Nicholas (Skylar's dad) overbearing in his quest to 'modernize' his real daughter, it was obvious he had little knowledge of being in an Amish community and didn't seem to want to understand it. In turn, will Isaac appreciate that his daughter may have her own opinions?

A thoroughly enjoyable addition to the Summer Grove series. With a few subplots weaved in, this story will not disappoint. A highly recommended read especially fans of Amish and/or Christian Fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Blogging for Books program. The opinions expressed here are my own and I am not required to give a positive review.

Fraying at the Edge is the second book written by Cindy Woodsmall in her The Amish of Summer Grove series. This book captured my interest from the first page. The author quickly takes her readers on a summary of the first book and then proceeds to the story that is being shared in this book.

The characters in this book are well described not only in appearance but personality as well. This gave me the ability to know how each character would speaking they were really talking out loud. The two main characters are as different as night and day, one Amish the other Englisha and their families as well.

When the two young ladies were switched for a years time it brings on alot of heartache. How will each of the girls adjust to their new surroundings? Can Arianna leave her Amish roots to try and understand the ways of the Englisha? I think the hardest was for Skylar to fit into her Amish Family. She has to give up all modern conveniences and try to live without all that she took for granted. Will they both adjust or will one of them break? How does this switch change both families? This story has alot of twist but thru hard work, love, and faith things just might work out.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book for review. The opinions and statements are strictly my own. I have rated this book with five stars and I will be watching for the next book to be released to see what happens next.

Congratulations to Cindy Woodsmall for a wonderful addition to her series. I enjoyed the book immensely.

Published by: Waterbrook
Written by: Cindy Woodsmall

I have never been too interested in Amish fiction, but I thought that the story of Fraying at the Edge sounded like something that would be interesting. And I was right.

In this book, two young women have to switch lives as it has been found out that they were switched at birth. One girl must move from living with the Amish to living a life completely different from the one that she has known, and the other must move in with the Amish.

What I liked:

The story in this book is very interesting and different.

The characters are all either likable or fun to read about.

The story has some very touching moments.

I enjoyed reading a more realistic take on the Amish life, one that did not glamorize it as much as some books do.

What I didn’t like:

The whole story is a little bit far-fetched, but I still enjoyed it.

The author seems to find the Amish belief that families should be as large as God wants them to be to be the biggest fault with their faith, and I, on the other hand, find that to be one thing that they believe that is truly good.

My conclusion:

Overall, I found this book enjoyable to read.

I give Fraying at the Edge 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Blogging for Books. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

This book picks up where the first, Ties that Bind, ends. The chaos Ariana is thrown into felt very real: parents arguing, strange technology like using an electric stove and disarming an alarm system, driving, and a father demanding she change her worldview 180 degrees almost immediately. I like how Brandi, her biological mother, tries to gently help Ariana adjust and doesn't make any demands on her. I like how Ariana finally stands up to Nicholas, her biological dad, and how he finally backs off some, but still pushing Ariana way beyond her comfort zone. This "pushing" starts her seeing the world not as only black and white, but with a lot of greys in between.
Skylar irritated me some. She doesn't want to even try to help out or get to know her biological family. The Brennemans are very patient with Skylar, trying to love her from afar, even though their efforts are often rebuffed. I like how she finally finds her niche at the coffee shop. I would have liked to have seen more happen with Skylar in regards to changes and her time with them, but I was pleased with how the character has developed.
The ending was a bit of a surprise, setting up the third book in this series. I can't wait to see the journey Skylar and Ariana take and where God (and the author) leads them.
This is a wonderful book and series. You must read Ties that Bind first as it sets the foundation and first floor for the second book.

This book was provided by Waterbrook Multnomah and Blogging for Books for review without compensation.

The plot in Fraying at the Edge somewhat reminds me of "The Heritage of Lancaster County" by Beverly Lewis, where both the main characters learn that the life they have been living has been a lie; though this story is about two young woman who were switched at birth.

In the novel, Ariana (who was raised as Amish), is blackmailed (yes, she is forced to leave her home) into leaving the Amish country and ventures into the Englischer world to live with her biological parents; which is not a great way to start a relationship with your newfound parents.

The other main character is Skylar Nash, who is left with no other choice, but to live with her biological Amish parents. However, the girl gets the shock of her life when she learns that there are no cell phones, computers, or any other technology in the Amish country. On top of that, she is still dealing with her drug addiction.

Without reading the previous novel, it took me several chapters to get to know the characters and grasp a feel for the storylines. Similar to other Cindy Woodsmall's works, the novel is well-written with detailed descriptions, developed characters, and lively dialogue. Overall, minus a few predictable moments here and there, I enjoyed reading Fraying at the Edge.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for my honest review and they are 100% my own opinions. I received no other compensation for this review and I am not required to give a positive review. I am also not associated with the publisher or author in any way.

The second book of the series. These are among the best Amish books I have ever read, thoroughly enjoyable. ...We find the two girls who were switched at birth.....one is sweet and gentle and loves her Amish family and their way of life......The other is worldly, rebellious and addicted to drugs.....Can you imagine each being dropped into the other's life from which they were totally unaccustomed?  What a cultural shock...one thrown in the upheaval of  parents that were never wed to each other with other spouses and children......a modern world she has never knew of and being demanded to partake.   The other thrown back a century in time and cannot conceive that people live like the dark ages. Such an adjustment and both hating where they are.  What could ever be the outcome for these families?.....I must warned you, the ending is not what you think......        I was gifted this book to leave an honest review and I am happy to do so.                

Can you imagine finding out that you were switched at birth and having to learn to live a new life? That's exactly what has happened to Ariana Brenneman. Ariana, raised with an Amish family, loves her life but if forced to give it up when it was realized she was switched at birth twenty years ago. The life she knew was torn away in an instance, and now she is an Englischer with an atheist father. Ariana's childhood friend, Quill Schlabach, who is living Englisch, can be the one to steady the ground between her two worlds.

Skylar Nash is forced to choose rehab or spend several months with her new relatives, the large Brenneman family. No electricity, no fun, and no technology. The one thing Skylar can't leave behind is her addiction to prescription pain drugs as well as a since of emptiness that she doesn't belong with either family.

Will they be able to live their new lives? Will they be able to follow where God is leading them?
Fraying at the Edge is by far one of Cindy's best novels. I absolutely love Amish Fiction and reading about their way of life. They encounter everything as we do. I definitely recommend this book to all. It will be one you will not forget.

"I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own."

Cindy Woodsmall is an author I have happily read for a handful of years. The Sisters of the Quilt trilogy got me hooked on her writing. Fraying at the Edge is part of Cindy's three book series, The Amish of Summer Grove. I have read and enjoyed book one Ties That Bind.

Forgiveness is the theme conveyed throughout Fraying at the Edge. I had trouble initially getting into this book but the storyline picked up for me and then I didn't want to stop reading. The minor characters made the story more enjoyable. There is some resolution with certain characters surprisingly but the next book is needed to reveal the decisions at the end of this novel. Neither of the books I read in this series are stand-alone novels, which I expected since they are part of a trilogy. I look forward to reading Gathering the Threads, book three and discovering how Ariana and Skylar react now that they have lived in both the Amish and English worlds. I was provided a complimentary review copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

"Family, community, faith, and love. These "quilt blocks" sewn together made Ariana's beautiful life. When they are pulled to pieces, will anything familiar remain? The Old Order Amish life Ariana Brenneman loved vanished virtually overnight with the discovery that she was switched at birth twenty years ago. Now she's immersed in the Englischer world, getting to know her mother, and under the authority of her biological father, an atheist intellectual with resolute plans to expand Ariana's worldview. Only Quill Schlabach, a childhood friend living Englisch, can help steady Ariana's tilting ground between the two worlds, but can she trust him after so many betrayals? At the same time, Skylar Nash is forced to choose rehab or spend several months with her true relatives, the large Brenneman family and their seemingly backward life--no electricity, no technology, no fun. What the young woman can't leave behind is her addiction to illegal prescription drugs and deep emptiness from the belief that she doesn't belong in either family. New ties are binding Ariana and Skylar to the lives they were meant to have. Can they pray for the wisdom and strength they'll need to follow God's threads into unexpected futures? Fraying at the Edge is the second novel in The Amish of Summer Grove series"

I just finished reading Fraying at the Edge, by Cindy Woodsmall. This book kept my attention from front to back and was hard to put down! As with the first book in the Amish of Summer Grove series, Woodsmall leaves the reader in suspense at the conclusion. Unfortunately, book 3 hasn't been released yet but I will definitely be looking forward to reading it!

This series is about 2 girls who were accidentally switched at birth 20 years previously. Ariana Brenneman was raised Old Order Amish while the true daughter, Skylar Nash, grew up in the "Englischer World." When the discovery of the mistake became known, Ariana's biological father forces the girls to switch places for a year. As an atheist, he is appalled to learn his daughter has been raised in such a rigid, closed minded, religious society. The man creates a bucket list for his daughter in hopes of broadening her perspective of life. Skylar faces culture shock as well. Every modern convenience is stripped from Skylar and she must deal with her drug addiction and deep loneliness.

Fraying at the Edge deals with difficult subjects such as adultery, drug addiction, family expectations, blended families, and legalism verses love. Woodsmall is to be commended for her skillful handling of these topics while weaving a thought provoking story worth reading.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

This book was really good!! BUT....you need to read the first book(ties that bind first) I mean I guess you can just read the little catch up part before the actual story but I highly recommend starting at the first book.

Definitely get ready to not want to put this book down, between sticking with Ariana and seeing how she's adapting to the english world and Skylar getting used to the Amish, this book is a bit of  wild ride you won't want to get off of. Luckily as soon as you finish this tory there a third one to pick up.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for my honest review

Fraying at the Edge is a compelling story! Cindy Woodsmall skillfully intertwines the Amish life with the Englisch as Ariana’s and Skylar’s world unravels. “New ties are binding Ariana and Skylar to the lives they were meant to have. Can they pray for the wisdom and strength they'll need to follow God's threads into unexpected futures?”

This second book in the Amish of Summer Grove series continues the story that began in Book 1, Ties That Bind. While these books can stand alone, I recommend reading them in order for a greater understanding of the characters and their stories. I have really enjoyed the emotional and spiritual journeys that are shared in this unique series and look forward to its next installment!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

I loved this book. What a wonderful story full of heartache and confusion. This is the second book and you could read this one without reading the first but honestly, reading the first gives this book so much more depth.
My heart just broke throughout this book. I can’t even imagine all you know being ripped from you. I loved when Ariana went off on her step-sister! That was priceless and unexpected.
Skylar needs a wake up call and I kept hoping she would get one and embrace this family that wants to love her.
All of it was so confusing for the hearts of those involved in this story. But it is masterfully written and I so enjoyed picking up with these characters again and seeing what happened to them.

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

"Fraying the "Edge". #2 The Amish of Summer Grove"
I enjoyed the second part to this trilogy even more than the first book. It took the two girls, who were switched at birth, and put them with their biological families. How they adjusted and their experiences in their new worlds were detailed and emotional. I really felt connected to Arianne and Skylar. The side stories of both sides and their interactions with family members made the stories move fast. The ending with the girls returning to their original families left them confused with their beliefs and feelings. I can't wait to read the third book to see which life they choose. I love how the culture and faith of the Amish is included.

Being the second book in a series, this review is bound to have spoilers for the first book so read with caution if you tend to dislike spoilers like I do.

The third and last book in this series comes out next month so this is the best time to get and read the first two books both of which I highly recommend.

Fraying at the Edge continues the story started in the previous book beginning right as Ariana and Skylar are learning about the lives they were meant to have been a part of. Switched at birth, Ariana grew up Amish when she was supposed to have grown up in an American broken household, while the vice versa is true of Skylar. Ariana experiences going to movies and malls, cutting her hair, wearing colorful clothing, driving a car, and going on a cultural road trip all for the first time while coping with whether she is going against the very literal faith she grew up learning in the Amish community. She also has to learn to love her birth father who is an atheist constantly trying to prove her faith wrong. Meanwhile, Skylar is coping with her drug addiction and losing faith in living life as the Amish lifestyle gently shows her another side to life.

The part that stuck out the most to me was the character development. Through Woodsmall's relaxed and simple writing style, the story played out dramatically in the minds of her characters. Ariana learns how to reconcile her faith with the positive and negative truths she finds in the real world, which is something powerful that we go through everyday as Christians. Skylar starts to find unconditional love in an unlikely place, while her Amish twin, Abram, finds friendship even amidst his rejection from the first book. I look forward to seeing the end result of their journey as it concludes in Gathering the Threads.

Additionally, as Ariana explores the normal world, I love the references to pop culture such as the Disney movies she watched. It makes the series feel more like it is really happening here in our time and part of the world especially for those who have not seen Amish Country or horse and buggy firsthand.

by Tim's Wife

I read Fraying at the Edge before Christmas. I loved this book. Cindy Woodsmall does a great job weaving the story lines of her characters. This was the second book in the series, even though I have never read the first book, I was still able to follow along. I want to go back and read the first and third books!

The book is about two babies, one Amish and one of the "Englisch", who were switched at birth. The book talks about the trials and emotions that these two girls went through after being "switched" back at twenty years of age. I don't want to tell too much because I might give it away!

Fraying at the Edge
CINDY WOODSMALL

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Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times, CBA, ECPA, and USA Today best-selling author who has written seventeen (and counting!) works of fiction and one of nonfiction. She and her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud, coauthored the nonfiction, Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. Cindy has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal,and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life. In June of 2013, the Wall Street Journal listed Cindy as the one of the top three most popular authors of Amish fiction

Pennyslvania. Lovina Brenneman is Amish and has a nonbiological daughter Ariana who was accidentally switched at birth with her real daugher Skylar who grew up in an English home. Now that they discovered the switch Ariana is leaving to spend a year with her biological parents who are atheists. Skylar has ongoing drug abuse problems. She takes pills that have been stolen from other people by her boyfriend. Ariana's four brothers live in the English world but are still finding ways to visit and look after their aging mother. Lovina's family must find a way to run Ariana's restaurant while she is away. Ariana got a few inches of her hair cut. She also got 4 new English style dresses as well as her drivers license. Her dad has a bucket list of things for her to do over the next year. Skylar is working at the cafe and has given them ideas like menu changes and buying a new expresso machine. Ariana is living with her dad and is getting to know both her real parents better.
Will Ariana go back to living the Amish way of life and return to her fiance? Will Skylar give up her drug
abuse habits to live with the Amish or will she return to the English world?
A very interesting book. It raises a lot of life questions in one book.

Fraying at the Edge is the much anticipated second book in The Amish of Summer Grove series. If you haven't read the first book in the series, Ties that Bind, I highly recommend it, as Fraying at the Edge is not a stand alone book.

We find Ariana and Skylar arriving to their "new" homes...after being switched at birth 20 years ago, they've found their lives uprooted. Ariana, who is firmly Amish; and Skylar, who is a drug addict, both find life as they've always known it spiraling in confusion and angst.

I'm a huge Cindy Woodsmall fan and I enjoyed this book, but I have to say that I found parts of it unbelievable. Ariana's Amish family let her go far too easily. The thought that Ariana's birth father would sue the Amish midwife just didn't come across as strong enough to me as the argument for Ariana's year-long leave.

Also, the author seemed to have forgotten that Ariana was Amish when she was writing the dialogue between Ari and Nicholas. Yes, Ari's theological arguments were there, but her Amish speech and speech patterns were not. She spoke like a seasoned "Englisher" which took away from the book for me.
I thought Skylar's character was well written. Her experiences seemed more true to life than Ari's.
Overall, it was a good book. Not what I anticipated in the sense that it didn't have an Amish feel to it, but I will look for book 3 to finish up the story line.

I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest opinion.

I have really enjoyed this series. It has family warmth and the love of God but also a disturbing mystery in the middle of it. That it Involves the switching at birth of an English and Amish child mAkes it even more interesting.