Reviewed by Alice H. for Readers' Favorite

What a beautiful story of soul-searchng love and commitment! In Cincy Woodsmall's latest story "The Scent of Cherry Blossoms", Annie Martin, an Old Order Mennonite woman, and Aden Zook, an Old Order Amish man, reunite when Annie is sent to live with her grandfather in Apple Ridge because Annie and her mother are somewhat at odds. Aden is strapped with having to support the family by working at the diner when his brother and father are permanently injured. Annie steps right in to help and she steps right into old feelings of love and respect for Aden.

The promise of romance is forbidden between an Old Mennonite and an Old Amish, both of whom have already taken vows within their respective churches. But what is young love to do when faced with itself? Both Annie and Aden must consider what their potential courting might mean for both families. For Aden, it will mean the family will be ostracized and will lose their means of support. For Annie, it means she will be shunned and forced to leave those she loves.

The family support and gut-wrenching decisions of the young people are a real joy to the reader. Feelings are discussed out in the open, in the raw form in which they are presented. There is no self-sacrifice and yet, no yielding to the love which ties together these two young people. The wonderful character development pulls in the reader and forces a bonding which will carry through to the last page of the book.