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Apr 17, 2013
Elements of Sarah Addison Allen's gentle magical realism meet the Bonnet Ripper craze in this opener to Cindy Woodsmall's latest series, Amish Vines and Orchards. After her sister's death, intuitive Rhoda is distrusted by Plain Folk and Englischer alike. Rhoda finds solace in her garden, but even that upsets the locals who believe her herbs are used for witchcraft. Responsible older brother Samuel and the prodigal Jacob are working to keep their family orchard in the black. When spider mites attack the back tierce, they reach out to Rhoda in hopes of saving more than this year's apples.