The Hope of Refuge

The Hope of Refuge
By Cindy Woodsmall
Published at WaterBrook Press

About the book
Raised in foster care and now the widowed mother of a little girl, Cara Moore struggles against poverty, fear, and a relentless stalker. When a trail of memories leads Cara and Lori out of New York City toward an Amish community, she follows every lead, eager for answers and a fresh start. She discovers that long-held secrets about her family history ripple beneath the surface of Dry Lake, Pennsylvania, and it’s no place for an outsider. But one Amish man, Ephraim Mast, dares to fulfill the command he believes that he received from God–“Be me to her”– despite how it threatens his way of life.

Completely opposite of the hard, untrusting Cara, Ephraim’s sister Deborah also finds her dreams crumbling when the man she has pledged to build a life with begins withdrawing from Deborah and his community, including his mother, Ada Stoltzfus. Can the run-down house that Ada envisions transforming unite them toward a common purpose–or push Mahlon away forever? While Ephraim is trying to do what he believes is right, will he be shunned and lose everything–including the guarded single mother who simply longs for a better life?

Who is Cindy Woodsmall?
Cindy Woodsmall is the author of When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and The New York Times Best-Seller When the Soul Mends. Her ability to authentically capture the heart of her characters comes from her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. A mother of three sons and two daughters-in-law, Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty-one years. Cindy's website is http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/ .

Cindy was recently covered on ABC Nightline.


My Thoughts
Somehow I am attracted to Amish novels. Don’t ask me why though. I wouldn’t be able to tell you the reasons. But I like them and every time I discover a new author writing about Amish life I am always pleased.

This time again, I discover another author who writes Amish stories and I am quite enjoying the story. The main character is an “Englisher” who is trying to get away from a stalker. Bits and pieces of memory bring her in an Amish community who unfortunately she is mistaken for a druken woman with a child in tow.

Fortunately for her, someone on her path offers help – at his own risk of being rejected by the community. Many mysteries surround Cara and slowly she uncovers the truth. Her daughter enjoys the Amish life and eventually Cara realizes that she will be happy with this life as well. I won’t give you all the details of the events surrounding her ordeal and her realization that she needs to adapt herself to live with these people but I can tell you one thing – the story is worth reading.

From the beginning until the end of the book you will be hooked with the characters and the story. You will not want to put the book down a minute. And when you will arrive to the end, the author makes you wanting for more. I sense that there will be other books in the Ada’s House series. I would particularly know what is in store for Cara and her daughter Lori (even though I know some events that will occurs in the future for them). Will the stalker follow her to Dry Lake? How about her dad – is he still alive somewhere? And Deborah – will she find love eventually? Will Ada’s business continue to expand? Will she remarry? Where did Mahlon go?
As you can see, lots of questions remain unanswered. I look forward to see if Cindy will continue to write about these characters.

The Hope of Refuge is available everywhere, even on amazon.ca and indigo.ca.