Book Review and Giveaway: When the Morning Comes by Cindy Woodsmall

This is another emotional story with engaging life journey.

When the Morning Comes, Sisters of the Quilt Series #2
by Cindy Woodsmall

Amazon Link
File Size: 1628 KB
Print Length: 338 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook (May 20, 2008)
ASIN: B0019O6J2O
Genre: Amish, Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Product Description
Her relationship with fiance Paul Waddell in tatters, Hannah Lapp has fled her secluded Old Order Amish community in hopes of finding a new home in Ohio with her shunned aunt. Hampered by limited education and hiding her true identity, Hannah struggles to navigate the confusing world of the Englischers. When the Morning Comes is a continuation of the lives of dearly loved characters from the best-selling novel and 2007 ECPA Finalist When the Heart Cries.

Review:
Hannah was facing rumors and ostracism by her Amish community. Dismayed by the refusal of her parents and friends to support her, Hannah left home seeking support and refuge with her shunned aunt in Ohio.

Hannah is a brave young woman to face a new town alone. She is blessed to find a friendly man to help her hunt for her Aunt. She is also looking for work but soon learns that having only an 8th grade education limits her options. A traumatic event leads to a serendipitous result.

Back home Paul continues to hope that Hannah will return in time. He decides to carry on with his studies and work opportunity while waiting. Also at home, Hannah’s sister Sarah is still struggling with what happened to Hannah and her leaving. Several neighbors find Sarah wondering in strange places but her father won’t acknowledge that she is having trouble.

This second story follows issues at home with Hannah’s brother, Luke, and his intended, Mary. Hannah’s good friend Matthew, who helped her get away is also having difficulties with his love interest.

Hannah is a lovely character and I am enjoying her growth journey There are several new characters who add to the tension and romantic entanglements. There is a bit more faith discussion in this book, which is fine by me. I recommend reading the books in order. I am looking forward to reading the final book in the trilogy.

Source: Chirstianabook.com 2016 for Ladies Book Club. This qualifies for 2018 TBR and March Take Control Challenges.

My Review of Book 1: When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall; rating 4.5 (Giveaway ends 5/17.)

GIVEAWAY:

One winner.

Paperback Book (US Only)

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review

or

(b) comment on the author's website

* This contest is open to US only for the paperback book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) March 24, 2018.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Book Review and Giveaway: When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall

This has good characters and an engaging story.

When the Heart Cries, Sisters of the Quilt Series #1
by Cindy Woodsmall

Amazon Link
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook (September 19, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400072921
Genre: Amish, Romance
My Rating: 4.5 0f 5.0

Hannah Lapp was raised in an Old Order Amish Family. Now seventeen, she is ready to get out and experience the world. She is thrilled to accept the proposal from her Mennonite boyfriend. If she were forced to live outside the community on her own, could she handle it? Will she turn to God for answers?

Review:
Hannah Lapp is a sweet, helpful young Amish woman who cares for her family and her community. Even so, she has developed a love for a young man of the Mennonite faith who works during the summers at a neighboring farm. They have been meeting secretly for the past three summers as their friendship grew. The day Paul is leaving to return to college she accepts his proposal of marriage. But as she is walking home her world is shattered. Her family chooses to minimize and hide the event and she is left to struggle with her trauma alone.

Hannah and Paul miss each other but have no way to communicate. Hannah has drawn into herself and rouses only when her brother and his hoped to be intended are severely injured in a buggy crash. Hannah devotes herself to caring for Mary at the hospital and at home she helps Mary rehabilitate making a past and future quilt for Mary's marriage. Meanwhile, Hannah’s younger sister becomes increasingly resentful and jealous of Hannah. She convinces herself she is doing the right thing to tell the Bishop of what she believes is wrongful behavior by Hannah.

Months go by and Hannah’s family relations continue to be strained and torn. Hannah suffers more tragedy with the community against her and a misunderstanding that makes her believe that Paul has abandoned her. Physically and mentally exhausted Hannah decides she must get away. She takes the train to a secret destination hoping to find help.

Can Hannah find peace away from her community? Will she look to God for healing and direction? The story continues in book two.

Ms. Woodsmall has created well developed characters and an engrossing storyline that tugs the heart strings. As much as I generally think fondly of the Amish faith, this story raises serious failings that result from the strictness, seclusion and limitations within this community. It was heart wrenching to follow Hannah’s trauma and suffering with no support, even – or especially – from her family. Just as in non-Amish communities some parents care more about their own reputations than the harm suffered by their child. The rules of law are more prevalent than the love of God.

Although our ladies’ book club did not get to discuss this fully, the feedback I got back from several who had finished it was very favorable. They were ready to follow Hannah’s journey in book two so I was glad I had that on hand to pass out. One member even asked me for book three after finishing the first two in two days!

I am a third of the way in book two and still fully engaged. I recommend this emotional and engaging story to readers who like Amish situations and personal growth.

Source: Chirstianabook.com 2016; purchased on sale for Ladies Book Club. This qualifies for 2018TBR and Alphabet Challenge. .

GIVEAWAY:

TWO WINNERS!

Paperback Book (US Only)

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review

or

(b) comment on the author's website

* This contest is open to US only for the paperback book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) March 17, 2018.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Sound of Sleigh Bells: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country by Cindy Woodsmall

This is a delightful story -- good plot, strong characters and well written.
The Sound of Sleigh Bells: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country

by Cindy Woodsmall

Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook; First Edition edition (October 6, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0307446530
AUDIBLE LINK
Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
Length: 5 hrs and 20 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-06-09
Publisher: Random House Audio
Genre: Amish, Inspirational
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.
Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?

Review:
Beth Hertzler has tried to freeze her emotions since the unexpected, accidental death of her fiancé. She is beyond the time to set aside for mourning but she can’t move on. Her friends and especially her Aunt Lizzy struggle to pull her into social circles again.

Beth works as a sort of sales liaison between Amish Craftsmen and Englishcers. She discovers a beautiful carving and is determined to help the unknown artist find an outsource. Beth’s bishop is not inclined to give approval as he views such carvings as “idols”.

Aunt Lizzy takes it upon herself to find the artist, Jonah. Jonah is a mature young man who learned the carving skills from his grandfather. Jonah has suffered his own traumas as a youth and, although he is happy his siblings have found strong mates, he doesn’t see himself finding someone of his own.

Lizzy secretly nudges the two into a writing exchange where they begin to share their hurts and dreams with each other. Beth believes she is writing to an old grandfather. Jonah at first thinks he is writing to Lizzy, a woman older than himself. When he discovers the truth, he knows that they must reveal the deception but he doesn’t want to lose Beth when she learns the truth.

This is a charming story of the harm of secrets and forgiveness. It is also a well told plot revealing the need to trust – first in God and then in those who love us. The letter exchange is quite beautiful and the author does a wonderful job of developing the characters and their relationship through this connection. I really like both characters who have strength and vulnerability. The supporting characters add to the story too. The story moves at a nice pace and is a quick read.

All my friends in Ladies Book agreed that this was a well written, engaging and wonderful story. We plan to seek more titles from Ms. Woodsmall. We highly recommend this to readers who enjoy Amish stories, and/or clean romance with well-developed characters.

Audio Notes: Although I had this in print, I picked up the Audible to read (listen) quicker.
Cassandra Campbell does a lovely job with the narration. Her voice is soft and fits the tone of the story. Although the male voices are precisely male, Ms. Campbell manages to portray their rougher strength. She also captures the soft gentleness and loneliness of Beth as well as the quiet strength and tenderness of Jonah. I can recommend the print or audio version.

I won this book a number of years ago and picked it up for our Ladies Book Club. This qualifies for Mount TBR and 2016 Audio Challenge.

GIVEAWAY:

One (gently read) PRINT COPY

US or Canada Only

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!
I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)
For 3 Extra Bonus entries
(a) comment on the review, OR
(b) Visit the Author's website and tell me something you learned or like there.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) January 21, 2017. Winner will be announced in the Sunday Post on 1/22/17.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.