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.
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"By far my favorite Amish trilogy. I have read tons of them and love them all, but this trilogy added more complex deeper problems that I feel more people of today experience. It had twists and turns. I found myself loving and even disliking some characters unlike other Amish books. It was a GREAT read!"
— Becky (5 out of 5 stars)
“A moving and meaningful first novel.”
— Liz Curtis Higgs, New York Times bestselling author of Mine is the Night“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, author of Rekindled“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“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" Amazing book,I had doubts when I started reading, however the authors writing, us clear, concise and keeps you wanting more. Defiately recommend!! "
— Kiley, 2/16/2014" This book really captured my attention. It's been a long time since I read a book within a week "
— Rebecca, 2/9/2014" This series is SO great. Easy to read! I just happened to grab it because I liked the way the book looked and felt. Was glad to read it! Thoroughly enjoyed them all! "
— Nikki, 2/5/2014" This was my first introdution to books on the Amish lifestyle. I truly loved this book and her struggle to survive. Even though her parents made her an outcast, she really never gave up. Great book. "
— Pam, 2/3/2014" The best book I ever read! "
— Hannah, 1/31/2014" I have never read a series of books from one author one right after another. I just keep wanting the next book of this author. "
— Kate, 1/13/2014" An emotional, heart-rending read. I found my self reading well into the the night ot find out what would happen next. This book is truly one of Ms. Woodsmall's best. Now I'm off to finish up the rest of the series! "
— Faye, 1/11/2014" Liked it so much that I've put a hold on the next book in the series. "
— Janelle, 1/5/2014" It certainly leaves you hanging. I'll have to read the next book in the series! "
— Cathy, 12/19/2013" Cindy Woodsmall will definitely be added to my list of favorite authors. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her characters. Hannah, you were by far my favorite Amish girl yet. "
— Robin, 12/17/2013" Loved it, I read it in 1 night and could hardly wait for the rest of the series to come in at my library! "
— Jennifer, 10/5/2013" This book was awesome, couldn't wait to see what happened next! "
— Janie, 8/4/2013" This book showed how strong a faith can be when faced with so many hardships. I really enjoyed this book. "
— Gina, 5/10/2013" Very nice storie and am lookingforward to the next book. "
— Marty, 12/31/2012" I like books like this Amish and problems they have but they all seem to run together and get really similar. I will probably find the rest of this series someday to read. "
— Jenny, 12/27/2012" Powerful story. The characters hold fast to you and you just can't put the book down. Heart wrenching story. Can't wait for more of the author's books to read. "
— Bette, 10/8/2012" Had to read the whole series! Hannah is shunned and has to leave her family. Will she ever put her life back together again? "
— Gwhitworth, 7/30/2012" interesting insights into the Amish life style. I am going to read the rest of the series. "
— Alycia, 6/27/2012" Couldn't put it down. This book made my heart ache. "
— Bub, 2/12/2012" Really enjoyed it. Great story that kept my interest and didnt want to put it down. Going to library tomorrow to get the next one in the series. "
— Karen, 1/20/2012" I actually couldn't put this book down. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen to Hannah. "
— Camilla, 8/26/2011" This book was great! Who knew the Amish were so Lifetime Movie worthy? I thought it was cute & quirky- all that Amish stuff- but also had a modern reader feel to it. I want to finish this series. "
— Athena, 7/29/2011" This was a very well written book. You will find yourself gasping at one point. I am reading the second one now.... "
— Angi, 7/3/2011" Great series! Books 2 and 3 were even better! Couldn't put it down! "
— Karen, 6/30/2011" Loved this book. I was so impressed with Hannah and her strength. It was also an interesting look into the "Plain" life. I would highly recommend this series. "
— Stephanie, 6/7/2011" Woodsmall is an amazing writer and kept me hooked from the first page. I loved the glimpse into the Amish life (and feel no small connection to them), and I look forward to the second installment. "
— Shauna, 5/12/2011" Hannah Lapp finds herself falling in love with Paul Waddell who is a Mennonite. Because Hannah is Amish, she realizes that a relationship with Paul is probably impossible. When Hannah's life is brutally interrupted she doesn't know where to turn to. "
— Cheri, 4/13/2011" Loved it...Read it in 2 days! Couldn't wait to get to the next book. "
— Katie, 4/5/2011" A little frustrating because of the stubbornness of some characters but a very good read. "
— Laura, 3/29/2011" Super fun read. Amish soap opera, warning....this trilogy is hard to put down!Reading these books consumed a week of my life. "
— Jen, 3/23/2011" this series of books is a must read.. excellent right up there with beverly lewis and debbie macomber "
— Meg, 3/2/2011" I loved all the background you get in this book about an Old Order Amish girl who is raped and pregnant. You just get so caught up in all the injustice done to her. "
— Heather, 2/9/2011Cindy Woodsmall is the Christian Booksellers Association bestselling author of eighteen works of fiction and one nonfiction book. Her writing has been featured on ABC‘s Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal
Jill Shellabarger’s thirty year career in Chicago has spanned stage, film, television, and commercial and educational voice-over. A frequent Oasis Audio narrator, she also plays Mary Morrison in the radio series Down Gilead Lane. She and her husband live in Evanston, Illinois.