#1: When the Heart Cries, Sisters of the Quilt Series

Raised in an Old Order Amish family, 17-year-old Hannah Lapp wants nothing more than to break with custom and experience the outside world---so when her longtime Mennonite boyfriend proposes, she joyfully accepts! But will her choice damage her family forever? And when tragedy jeopardizes her upcoming marriage, can she cope without her community? 323 pages, softcover from Waterbrook.

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

Average Rating:

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Reviewed by Barb (Georgia), November 22, 2009

This series could change your outlook toward hope, love, and romance!! The heroine is strong when faced with the weaker aspects of being Amish. This series has HEART--one that cries, then sees morning light, and then the soul mends. The books are aptly titled, and I, for one, will never be the same. Don't shy away because this isn't a "typical" romance as a couple of reviewers have pointed out. The romance is deeper and richer than any romance I've ever read, but it doesn't come easy for anyone involved. Hooray for realistic people with problems that don't solve easily, and for a God who shapes and molds until He has final say in their lives!!! Book two and three pick up within hours of when the previous book ended. I loved that!! All three books continue Hannah Lapp's life.

Reviewed by Meg (Texas), October 04, 2009

I could not wait to read this book but once i start i only read to chapter three. I was very disappointed in the subject matter it was a little to much for me to go from Hannah being so utterly happy about her relationship with Paul to then have something so horrific and unexpected to smack you in the face. Its not what i expected from this book at all and the way her family reacted it was all just to sad. Not the inspirational romantic story i thought it was going to be.

Reviewed by Jane Brown (Ozark, AL), June 05, 2009

This is the first of a well-written series of books that develop the main characters and keep the plot flowing. My problem was unexpected criticisms of the Amish faith.

Reviewed by Erin (Mt. Airy, Maryland), June 01, 2009

Our book club calls Cindy Woodsmall the "Karen Kingsbury of the Amish." Our only complaint is we're desperate for her next book before its out, but it's always worth waiting for. She had an ABC Nightline interview air recently (May 26, 2009), and it's really good. I'm not sure if CBD will allow the link to it, but I'll send it just in case: http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=7684044

Reviewed by Deborah (Reston, VA), March 23, 2009

This was probably one of the most difficult books I've ever read. I just dreaded reading about the horrible things that kept happening to Hannah and seeing how badly she was being treated by everyone especially her parents. Without spoiling the entire story, I was very disappointed at the way Hannah's situation was treated. I know that the Amish do not like to bring attention to themselves and are willing to forgive even the most heinous of crimes. However, that is no reason to blame your daughter for her getting raped! Then to top it off, the family doesn't press charges on the guy even though he might very well go and do the same thing to other women in the community! Rape is something in books that I feel justice must be served. I really hate it when I read about how the victim is blamed for the attack. It's one thing for the girl to blame herself from feelings of self guilt, but it's totally wrong when the PARENTS blame her for what happened. Hannah's whole life seems to be doomed from the beginning with Murphy's law just waiting for her at every corner. I will say though that if there's anyone in this story that is a positive influence to Hannah, it is her friend Mary. Even without knowing Hannah's problem and the fact that she's had a traumatic experience herself, Mary stays by Hannah's side throughout the book even to the point of defending her against the man she loves who happens to be Hannah's brother. It was interesting to learn more about the Amish lifestyle but as I said, the subject matter in this book made me uncomfortable and did not help to entice me to read the book. I just could not fathom being a parent, having your daughter be raped, blame her for it, refuse to do anything to help her, and then still call yourself a Christian. I do have the other two books in the series, and I know that things will eventually get better for Hannah. Hopefully it won't take me as long to finish those books.

Reviewed by Riva Goodwill (Shenandoah, IA), January 21, 2009

It was a very good book to read and made want to keep going .

Reviewed by Linda Flaugh (Winchester, IN), December 29, 2008

This book was very good. I would recommend it for readers who are interested in the Amish ways of living.

Reviewed by Sandra Haight (Adams Center, NY), November 04, 2008

Ths is a wonderful series. I have never read this author and will certainly read anything she publishes. She is right up there with Tracy peterson nd the like.

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