When the Heart Cries (Sisters of the Quilt, Book 1) (Paperback)

by Cindy Woodsmall (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
In this debut inspirational novel, Woodsmall takes readers inside a contemporary Amish family where the eldest daughter, Hannah, has fallen in love with her neighbor Paul. The trouble is that he's a Mennonite, and if those two faiths look similar to outsiders, they don't to Hannah's father, who would never permit his daughter to marry outside the Amish community. Yes, this is a familiar setup, with shades of the movie Witness. But the star-crossed romance is only the backdrop to the central events of the novel: in the very first chapter, Hannah experiences a trauma, setting in motion a chain of events that sometimes seems incredible. Woodsmall's prose is undistinguished; she too often flatly describes emotions ("Disappointment and anger formed a knot in Luke's chest"), and the Pennsylvania Dutch sprinkled throughout the book can be distracting. Still, this novel shows potential. Most of the characters are likable, and Woodsmall depicts both the appeal and the potential myopia of secluded Amish life. An emotionally subtle subplot involving Hannah's younger sister's envy adds some depth. Better yet, the surprising conclusion sets Woodsmall up for a sequel—but she'll need some fine-tuning if she wants a truly lasting series. (Sept. 19)
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From Booklist
Woodsmall's Amish heroine is naive Hannah Lapp, who, as the novel begins, accepts the marriage proposal of her childhood friend, Paul Waddell. But Paul is a Mennonite--and, almost worse, a college man. He embraces such corrupt modernisms as gasoline engines and the Internet. To outsiders, the differences between Amish and Mennonites may seem subtle, but that's not the case for Hannah's Old Order father, and all hell breaks loose. Woodsmall's first novel, which will more than likely beget a series, seems a worthy successor--or companion--to Beverly Lewis' popular stories of the Pennsylvania Amish.

John Mort
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (September 19, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400072921
• ISBN-13: 978-1400072927
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (84 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #26,621 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sterling debut novel, November 30, 2006

By	Margo Carmichael (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Cindy Woodsmall's past and present ties to the Plain Mennonite and Amish community are evident throughout the novel. She presents a lifestyle beautiful and sweet in its simplicity, but sometimes legalistic to the point of lacking compassion. So when Hannah Lapp, a young Amish woman, falls in love with a young Mennonite man and the problems begin, I was convinced.

Hannah's youthful exuberance, impulsiveness and rebellion against the rather stifling lifestyle lead to a few innocent indiscretions. These cause further problems later, when "the unthinkable" happens, an event hardly mentionable for those that follow the Old Ways. Her parents love and support her, but they are too loyal to the traditions of men, to the letter of their law without the spirit.

They allow their daughter, a victim, to be villified.

With excellent prose and occasional Pennsylvania Dutch terms for flavor, Cindy Woodsmall has given us a charming and powerful coming-of-age novel filled with humor and pathos. After watching the heroine's loves and losses, we are left not with a happy, contrived ending, but a realistic one of hope for the future for the courageous young woman--and for an excellent sequel to this sterling debut novel.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful story, January 2, 2007

By	Ann M. Macpherson "passionate reader" (Newcastle, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Having grown up in neighboring Berks County in Pa, I was very familiar with the Amish and Mennonites. I enjoy reading stories about them and agree with other reviewers that this "new" author has done much research. She is very accurate with the traditions, the faith as well as Pa.Dutch which my family also spoke. It was an enjoyable story in spite of the trauma which happened to Hannah, the main character. I also look forward to the sequel and will be eager to read about Hannah's future (or not) with Paul and will enjoy watching her grow and mature in her new life.

This is a wonderful new author who definitely will be added to my list of "must read" authors. Her story is easy to read, keeps you interested throughout the entire book and makes you want more----all great elements in a good book. She's a contender-----and will be enjoyed in the future, I am sure.

I hope she write the sequel soon----------I'm ready to read it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars wow..., May 9, 2007

A Kid's Review

this was a really great book....it's the first time in awhile when I literly could not put it down...it took me about a day to read. Amazing book captiving until the very end and leaves you waiting and wanting more!! I highly suggest this book to anyone who is interested in romance and or the amish genre!!