When the Heart Cries (#01 in Sisters Of The Quilt Series)

What happened to Hannah Lapp on her walk home was terrible. What her family and community did to her in the days and months to follow was inconceivably horrible. How can a family do that to a daughter, a sister? Her friends Mary and Matthew are her only source of comfort. I felt like cheering every time Matthew came on the scene. He showed true unconditional love that Hannah should have been able to rely on from her family and the church elders, rather than the judgement and rejection she received. It was hard to read, but enough high points and heroes to keep me reading, and leave me looking forward to the rest to the story in the next book in the series.

Having read many typical Amish fiction stories in the past, I was sure this was similar. But i had yet to read any Cindy Woodsmall books, and thought this would be a good start. Hannah is a young amish woman in love with a mennonite man, keeping her secret from family and friends. When a tragedy occurs and the community begin to isolate her, she faces many struggles towards a new life for herself. \\r\\nThis seems on the surface like a typical novel, but it is not. It holds many lessons about not judging others, or holding grudges, and learning that each morning God's mercies are new for us. I wont give any spoilers away, but i thoroughly enjoyed this story, and am about to read the next book in the series. \\r\\nFans of Amish novels with more depth to them will appreciate this series :)