Book Review: Sisters of the Quilt Books 1&2

Sisters of the Quilt: The Complete Trilogy by Cindy Woodsmall

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I read books 1 and 2 from the trilogy in my personal collection and read the full edition of book 3 (reviewed separately) that I received from Waterbrook Multnomah for the purpose of review.

This trilogy is the story of an Amish Girl named Hannah Lapp. Hannah faces a series of traumatic and life changing events in her life. After the first horrific event, Hannah turns to her parents for help. At first, they recognize the horror of the situation and do everything they can to protect their daughter. When the Elders become involved, their view changes and even Hannah's friends cannot help her. Over the next several months more and more comes to light and Hannah is left feeling all alone. In one final attempt to save her sanity, Hannah runs away to a long lost Aunt. Her aunt helps her overcome the trauma of the last year and helps her find herself outside of the Amish faith and Order.

Hannah's story is one of triumph over tragedy. It's heartwarming and encouraging to those who have faced trials in their life. The only issue I had with this series is that it's like so many other Amish stories that I read. They girls grow up and live to "escape" the faith. I would have liked to have seen some fresh views and storylines. Even so, it was a nice read with a solid storyline.

Love and Blessings!

Margaret



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Book Review: When the Soul Mends (A Novel)

When the Soul Mends: A Novel by Cindy Woodsmall

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the book:
The capstone novel in Cindy Woodsmall's Sisters of the Quilt trilogy places Hannah Lapp at the most difficult crossroads in an Amish woman's life. She must choose between her new love and contented life in the Englischer community or the renewal of ties with her Old Order suitor, Paul. Called back to the congregation that ostracized her, she struggles to find her heart's desire as she attempts to ease her conscience. A romantic novel woven deep with strands of faith.

My review:
I actually started reading this book first but realized I was lost without reading the other two books and getting the history.  This is a series where a terrible tragedy occurs to an young Amish girl.  Instead of embracing her, her parents and community turn their backs on her.  Throughout the series, Hannah is able to overcome her setbacks and move on to a happy and fruitful life. While she ends up leaving her faith, she finds a path that brings out her true calling of helping others. In this book she has to choose between returning to those who rejected her and staying with those who freely accepted her regardless of her "past."

I rated this book high because I love these type of stories.  While I enjoyed the storyline, I cannot honestly say there was a lot of depth.  Once you get past the tragedy in the first book, the story loses it's steam.  However, if you are looking for a book with and easy to follow story line and a happy ending, then this is the perfect book for you!

Love and Blessings! 

Margaret


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