When The Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall

This was not your usual Amish fiction story...it was an edge-of-your-seat, heart pounding story set among the Amish.  I was drawn into this book right from the start and it was a "sit down, hang on tight, roller coaster ride" through the book.  I just couldn't get enough!  Most books, even when in a series, kind of try to wrap things up nice and tidy, while a secondary character may come more to the forefront for the next installment...but not with this book!  I was so sorry to see this book end...and it left me on the train with Hannah Lapp, so curious as to what will cross her path in the next book of the series.

I really don't want to give too much away with this story, but it's definitely a HIGHLY recommended book.  Cindy Woodsmall is one of the best storytellers of Amish fiction I've come across!  She doesn't just focus on her main characters, but her secondary characters are so well rounded and fit into the story in ways that sure don't keep them in the shadows.

My emotions throughout this book went from the happiness of Hannah's love with Paul, to stark horror at the tragedy that befell her on her walk home, to anger with her sister (I'd like to grab her sister by the collar and shake her up, while giving her 'what for'), to sorrow at the way Hannah is treated by many of her other family members and her community, to understanding her reason for getting on that train.  I was touched by the undying friendship of Mary & Matthew, while at the same time appalled at the actions of Hannah's brother, Luke and her sister, Sarah.  This was an incredible start to this series and I can't wait to get into the next book to see what happens. 

Bravo, Cindy Woodsmall!

Thanks to the wonderful folks at WaterBrook-Multnomah, through their Blogging for Books program for the complimentary copy of this book for my review.