When the Heart Cries - (Sisters of the Quilt) by Cindy Woodsmall (Paperback)

About the Book

The first book in the Sisters of the Quilt series finds 17-year-old Hanna Lapp faced with questions neither family, nor fianc, nor even faith can easily answer after life among her Amish community is brutally interrupted.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

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

About the Author

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author of numerous works of fiction and one of nonfiction. Her connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media. She lives in the Foothills of the North Georgia Mountains with her family.