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When Hannah dares to love across the boundaries of tradition, will she lose everything?

Despite being raised in a traditional Old Order Amish family, seventeen-year-old Hannah Lapp desires to break with custom, forgo baptism into the faith, and marry outside the cloistered community. She’s been in love with Mennonite Paul Waddell for three years, and before returning to college for his senior year, Paul asks Hannah to be his wife. Hannah accepts, aware that her marriage will change her relationship with her family forever.

On the evening of their engagement, tragedy strikes and in one unwelcome encounter, all that Hannah has known and believed is destroyed. As she finds herself entangled in questions that the Old Ways of her people cannot answer, Hannah faces the possibility of losing her place in her family, in her community– and in the heart of the man she loves.

When the Heart Cries is book one in the Sisters of the Quilt series.


From the Trade Paperback edition.

When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall is an excellent book about facing unexpected challenges and dealing with what life brings, no matter how unfair it may seem. Hannah Lapp has grown up living in an Old Order Amish community, but the rules don’t always match up with what Hannah feels in her heart is right. Should she obey the bishop and other leaders of the community and follow their rules, or should she follow her heart?

Seventeen-year-old Hannah is secretly in love with her neighbor’s grandson, Mennonite Paul Waddell. Before returning to college for his final year, he asks Hannah to marry him. She accepts, even though doing so goes against the beliefs of her family and community. If anyone finds out about her relationship with Paul, Hannah’s fellowship with her friends and family will be ruined, and her life will never be the same. The very night Paul proposes, an unimaginable tragedy happens to Hannah, and her life begins a downward spiral as she endures even more horrifying trials. A resentful older brother, a jealous younger sister, and a community blinded by its own rules only make matters worse as Hannah’s heart begins to shatter. Will she be able to stand up for herself and convince others of the truth, or will misunderstandings and rumors forever separate her from the community, her family, and the man she loves?

The story is very well written, and the fact that it is Woodsmall’s first novel is surprising and difficult to believe. The interaction between the characters is captivating and realistic. The pain and heartache that Hannah suffers is felt by the reader as well, so much so that there are times it is a struggle not to cry. Most of the book takes place through the perspective of Hannah Lapp, but the reader also gets to see the story unfold through the eyes of Hannah’s older brother, Luke, her fiancé, Paul, and her younger sister, Sarah. This structure allows the reader to know and understand the thoughts and emotions of Hannah, as well as other significant characters. When the Heart Cries is the first book of the Sisters of the Quilt series. Although it ends well, some questions are left unanswered. It may be better to wait to read the novel until the next book in the series is for sale. Nevertheless, I highly recommend reading.

When the Heart Cries sooner or later. Christian women, especially those who have endured or experienced unfair and unexpected tragedies, will love this novel. – Andrea Burns, Christian Book Previews.com

Praise for When the Heart Cries

"As a native of Lancaster County, born and raised among Amish and Mennonite neighbors, I began reading When the Heart Cries with some trepidation. My concerns were quickly put aside: Cindy Woodsmall’s research is thorough, and Hannah Lapp’s Amish voice rings true. Her story is both touching and tragic, yet hope shines through every page-turning chapter. A moving and meaningful first novel."
–Liz Curtis Higgs, best-selling author of Grace in Thine Eyes


"Reaching deep into the heart of the reader, Cindy Woodsmall pens a beautifully lyrical story in her debut novel When the Heart Cries. She paints a vivid backdrop of Amish and Mennonite cultures with fascinating detail and memorable clarity. Fans of this genre will be thrilled to discover this new author, and I look forward to the next book in the Sisters of the Quilt series."
–Tamera Alexander, bestselling author of Rekindled


"What a vibrant, strong, emotional story! When the Heart Cries will grip you and not let go, I promise. Highly recommended!"
–Gayle Roper, author of Allah’s Fire and the Seaside Seasons series


"When the Heart Cries is a story of tragedy and strength when an Amish girl’s life is struck with the horror of reality. A powerful first novel."
–DiAnn Mills, author of Leather and Lace and When the Lion Roars


"When the Heart Cries is a compelling and moving beginning to what promises to be a great new series. Cindy Woodsmall’s characters wrapped themselves around my heart and wouldn’t let go."
–Deborah Raney, author of A Vow to Cherish and Remember to Forget


Praise for the Sisters of the Quilt Series

"Woodsmall’s fantastic second book in the Sisters of the Quilt series continues the story of Hannah Lapp. Keep the tissues nearby — Hannah’s tale will tug hard at the heartstrings. Readers will find themselves cheering Hannah on through her ordeals and hating to put the book down."
–Romatic Times

"Cindy Woodsmall writes real--real people, real conflicts, real emotions. When you open her book, you enter her world and live the story with the characters."
–Kim Vogel Sawyer, author of Where Willows Grow and Waiting for Summer’s Return

"When Morning Comes is a fine rendering of struggle and joy that resonates long after the last words are read." 
–Jane Kirkpatrick, award-winning author of the Change and Cherish Series, including A Tendering in the Storm

"Reaching deep into the heart of the reader, Cindy Woodsmall pens a beautifully lyrical story in her debut novel When the Heart Cries."
–Tamera Alexander, bestselling author of Rekindled

"What a vibrant, strong, emotional story! When the Heart Cries will grip you and not let go, I promise. Highly recommended!"
–Gayle Roper, author of Allah’s Fire and the Seaside Seasons series



From the Trade Paperback edition.

http://www.christianbook.com/heart-cries-novel-ebook-sisters-quilt/cindy-woodsmall/9780307446275/pd/12390EB

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