
Helpful Score: 8
If you enjoy reading about the Amish, you won't want to miss this awesome book that starts Cindy Woodsmall's Sisters of the Quilt trilogy. The story of Hannah Lapp, a seventeen year old from the Old Order Amish is a moving, touching, emotional, tragic and powerful tale. From the time that she secretly accepts not only the marriage proposal of a Mennonite man but all the changes that will entail with the disapproval and detachment of her family and the Old Order Amish, her story enfolds. She knew it would not be easy but one brutal act will set off a chain of events that would change her life forever.
This story is a riveting page turner from beginning to end as she faces one challenge after another. Yet through it all the thread of hope also prevails. You will definitely want to have the second book in the series. WHEN THE MORNING COMES, close at hand when you finish this one so you can continue Hannah's intriging story right away. The detail of Amish life, the cast of believable characters, the plot and her wonderful writing makes it truly amazing that this is her first novel! Great job!
This story is a riveting page turner from beginning to end as she faces one challenge after another. Yet through it all the thread of hope also prevails. You will definitely want to have the second book in the series. WHEN THE MORNING COMES, close at hand when you finish this one so you can continue Hannah's intriging story right away. The detail of Amish life, the cast of believable characters, the plot and her wonderful writing makes it truly amazing that this is her first novel! Great job!

Helpful Score: 6
A very good book with a excellent setting. It gives a lot of insight to the Amish and they way they think about things. Warning though, this book is a cliffhanger! I am still waiting for book three to come out.
A modern day, well sorta, of Romeo and Juliet in the setting of an Amish settlement.
A modern day, well sorta, of Romeo and Juliet in the setting of an Amish settlement.

Helpful Score: 5
I loved this book. I read it in one day..not because it's a short book but because I could not put it down. I can't wait to read the others. I love the main person Hannah, she is so sweet and misunderstood. I really liked reading about Amish beliefs and traditions also. You will not be disapointed, a lot happens in this book!
Madge C. (dmconn1) reviewed When the Heart Cries (Sisters of the Quilt, Bk 1) on + 234 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Very interesting novel. Cindy Woodsmall writes a captivating story about an innocent young lady who is basically punished for a crime committed to her. I am anxious to read the 2nd novel in the series. We will see a lot more of this new author in the Christian circuit. If you haven't had an opportunity to read her work, this is a great piece to start with.
Laura H. (lollipops) reviewed When the Heart Cries (Sisters of the Quilt, Bk 1) on + 109 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Seventeen year old Hannah Lapp is in live with Paul Waddella Mennonite that her Old Order Amish family has forbidden her to see. Paul is getting ready to return to college for his senior year, but before he goes, he asks Hannah to be his wife. Hannah accepts, knowing full well what that choice means.
But on the way home that evening, Hannah is brutally attacked, and in one swoop all that Hannah has known and believed is destroyed. Now Hannahs reputation is in ruins and Hannah might lose her family, her community, and Paul.
WHEN THE HEART CRIES is the first book in the Sisters of the Quilt series. It is said that fans of Beverly Lewis will love Cindy Woodsmalls books. Ive read both, and Cindys voice is totally different than Beverlys. I think Cindy will find her own, well-deserved fan base.
Hannah is a realistic heroine, and she totally had my sympathies even as her life crashed down around her feet. Written in several different points of view, the reader is able to understand different characters opinions, even if they couldnt be farther from the truth. I read this book in one day, unable to put it down. I cant wait for the next book in this series, When the Morning Comes, available in September of 2007. Way too long to wait between books. Readers will not want to miss WHEN THE HEART CRIES. Its a fantastic read. A glossary of Amish terms are included at the end, in case the reader is unfamiliar.
But on the way home that evening, Hannah is brutally attacked, and in one swoop all that Hannah has known and believed is destroyed. Now Hannahs reputation is in ruins and Hannah might lose her family, her community, and Paul.
WHEN THE HEART CRIES is the first book in the Sisters of the Quilt series. It is said that fans of Beverly Lewis will love Cindy Woodsmalls books. Ive read both, and Cindys voice is totally different than Beverlys. I think Cindy will find her own, well-deserved fan base.
Hannah is a realistic heroine, and she totally had my sympathies even as her life crashed down around her feet. Written in several different points of view, the reader is able to understand different characters opinions, even if they couldnt be farther from the truth. I read this book in one day, unable to put it down. I cant wait for the next book in this series, When the Morning Comes, available in September of 2007. Way too long to wait between books. Readers will not want to miss WHEN THE HEART CRIES. Its a fantastic read. A glossary of Amish terms are included at the end, in case the reader is unfamiliar.