Contest and Finding Hannah
For those who receive my newsletter, you had the article ”Finding Hannah” enter into your inbox in September’s issue of Plain News. As part of an invitation to those who don’t receive the newsletter, I’ve posted that article below.
Whenever I have the opportunity to mingle with readers, I’m surprised by the number of people who are unaware of the newsletter. So I’m giving it a plug on my blog 
The newsletter, Plain News, receives great reviews. If you enjoy insights into the Amish life, I encourage you to join the newsletter. It only goes out four times per year, so you’ll look forward to it each time it enters your inbox. It’s FREE. This is my way of connecting with readers between book releases.
Things the newsletter has:
A welcome letter
Sneak peeks into upcoming novel releases
An itinerary (when appropriate)
Articles I’ve written on the Amish or some part of my writing life
Contests
Various tidbits about daily life for an Old Order Amish person
A few words from a guest author
And some good reads shared by my editor Shannon [Hill] Marchese
To sign up, go to: Plain News
Congratulations to all five winners of The Shape of Mercy blog contest: Kayren, Theta, SN, Susan, and Laura. They each won a copy of The Shape of Mercy and When the Soul Mends.
For a chance to win an autographed copy of all three books, just leave a comment below. I’ll draw two winners the last of November, and the books should arrive to the winner’s home in time for Christmas. If you own copies of the books already, you can give this set as a Christmas gift.
The contest is open to those in the Continental United States.
WARNING: IF YOU HAVE NOT READ WHEN THE HEART CRIES OR WHEN THE MORNING COMES, THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE “FINDING HANNAH” HAS PLOT SPOILERS. And if the formatting comes across wrong, I apologize. I’ve followed every rule to make the correct formatting post live and it seems it just won’t . . . so the blogging goes on.
Finding Hannah
While writing When the Heart Cries, I took a midnight Amtrak ride with my youngest son. We traveled for eighteen hours, going from my home state of Georgia to Pennsylvania, where we stayed for a few days with an Old Order Amish family. My aim was for taking the train was to enhance the scene I wrote at the end of that book, in which Hannah boards a train heading for Alliance, Ohio.
When the time came to write the next book in the series, When the Morning Comes, I expected my earlier traveling experience to be sufficient research for when Hannah stepped off that train. But when I tried writing the opening, it didn’t sound or feel the way I wanted it to. I’d write five chapters and delete five chapters, over and over again. I longed to feel and hear the events as Hannah would. It soon became clear that I needed to see and feel what she would when she stepped off that train.
I try to experience life as my characters would whenever possible. While writing When the Heart Cries, I spent a couple of days in a neonatal intensive care unit to get a feel for the frailty of a preemie. I went to Hershey Medical Center and spent time on the same floors my characters did when they were injured. I washed dishes by kerosene lamp, drove a horse and buggy, and used a wringer washer to do laundry alongside my Amish friends. Those experiences helped me to write scenes that would hopefully come alive in the minds and hearts of my readers.
But as I struggled to write the opening of When the Morning Comes, it dawned on me that although I’d experienced riding the rails, I needed to see the Alliance, Ohio, depot in person. So I made plans to board the Amtrak in Gainesville, Georgia, and change trains as needed until I landed in Alliance. I checked online to see how long the ride was and discovered that the train would arrive in Alliance around two in the morning. I could deal with that.
But as I attempted to finalize my itinerary, I kept hitting dead ends. I called Amtrak several times and spoke with different people as I tried to locate a cab company or bus line so I could get to a motel after arriving. No one was able to help me locate the needed information. I couldn’t chance landing in Ohio at two in the morning without a solid plan.
I told my husband something was amiss and we needed to drive there. Being the agreeable man I married thirty years ago, he took my word for it and made arrangements to take time off from work.
A few weeks later we pulled into the Alliance train depot. The night sky swirled with snow, but the thin white blanket couldn’t hide the eeriness of the rundown, abandoned building. A white-and-blue sign near the tracks indicated a pay phone. I climbed out of the car. Snow and gravel crunched under my feet as I walked toward the phone sign. The wind whipped through my coat as if it wasn’t there.
I reached the sign, but did not find a phone.
As I stood at that bleak, abandoned depot, Hannah’s life unfolded before my eyes.
By the end of our week’s stay in Alliance, I knew more than how a traumatized teenage Amish girl managed to survive away from her home, family, and community. I also knew who she became and why.
I found Hannah.
While I conducted my on-site research, Hannah’s world became clearer each day. I went to the hotel she stayed in during her second night in Alliance. The place truly is as I described it in the book, and I wasn’t brave enough to spend a night there.
Before my husband and I returned to Georgia, we drove from Alliance to “Owl’s Perch.” Owl’s Perch is the fictitious name of a real place in Perry County, Pennsylvania. I knew Hannah would drive there from Ohio several times in book three, When the Soul Mends, and I needed to take the route myself—with its toll roads, service plazas, and mountain tunnels. Although the roads themselves are not described in much detail in the third novel, Hannah’s feelings while she’s on those roads are an important part of who she is.
In When the Soul Mends, Hannah finds herself traveling from one world to another. Like most people, I find more than one world affecting my life. Whenever I spend time in the homes of Amish families, I can hear echoes from my own childhood, when the conflicting messages of acceptance and prejudice worked to separate my Amish-Mennonite friend and me.
These messages have been explored in the Sisters of the Quilt series, as readers journey with the Amish, Mennonite, and Englischer characters who are dealing with their hopes, desires, and faith as well as hidden prejudices and fears. Some of those characters find that God’s redeeming love is the one thread that has the strength to unite regardless of all else.
Whatever world Hannah found herself in throughout these three books, she had moments of understanding aspects of God, and those moments gave her strength and hope. In book one she discovered the concept of nevertheless—that if everything ended with God, then those who are in Him have a good ending eventually. In book two she realized that He is more powerful than any injustice in her life—past or future. And when she forgives herself or others, she’s trusting that nothing bad is more powerful than God’s ability to overcome it. In book three her journey leads her to realize that love is never perfect—not in her, nor in others—but love doesn’t have to be perfect when forgiveness is there to pick up the pieces.
Throughout this series, all three worlds—Amish, Mennonite, and Englischer—form the woman Hannah is becoming. It is my hope that you’ll take each part of this journey with me, and that you’ll be encouraged by the One who has forgiveness and wisdom for each of us, no matter what world we’ve entered.
Em Gott Sei Friede, (God’s peace),
Cindy
October 21st, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Awesome, I just loved it. You have such a wonderful imagination and insight into human emotions and feelings! You truly are a gifted person. Thanks again.
October 22nd, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I could not hardly wait for book 3 to come out…I have to say I was not disappointed. It was just as wonderfully written as the other two. I have enjoyed taking Hannah’s journey. Thanks for the hard work you put into creating these wonderful books. They all have had great spiritual truths to grasp hold of.
October 22nd, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Thanks for the amazing contest! Love to be entered~
October 22nd, 2008 at 10:13 pm
I loved the first book When the Heart Cries and definitely cant wait to read the other books in the series!! Would love to entered for a chance to win them all! Books definitely for the Keeper Shelf.
Thanks so much!
Stephanie
October 23rd, 2008 at 9:04 pm
I haven’t had the pleasure of reading your books yet….but have heard such wonderful things about your writing, so I will definitely be reading them! ~ ~ Please enter me in your contest. Thank you!
Blessings, Patti Jo
October 24th, 2008 at 5:45 am
My son tells me I am obsessed with the Amish. I think he may be on to something.I love your books and have enjoyed every one! They are like candy to me without calories! Keep the great work up I admire the amount of time and energy you put into each one, thanks for giving it your all! They are very much enjoyed.
Christy
October 24th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Your books are so excellent! I couldn’t wait for When the Soul Mends. Your books about the Amish and your writing is so captivating! I learned a lot about God’s forgiveness in Sisters of the Quilt and God’s sovereignty! Thanks for the encouragement and keep writing!
Carolyn
October 24th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Your books are amazing! I can not wait for the next one to be released!
October 24th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Love your books. Please enter me in the contest.
Neva
October 25th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Your books are completely mesmerizing i stay so interested i can hardly put them down. It’s so hard to wait till the next book comes out. I have found the amish to be very interesting through your books at times you seel like your right there with the character feeling every thing she does *Michelle*
October 25th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
My mother was raised Mennonite, so I have many relatives who belong to that faith. I fell in love with your first 2 books and couldn’t wait for the 3rd. book to come out. In fact, I am reading your 3rd. book for the 2nd. time. You are definitely a gifted writer. I can’t wait for more books written by you.
Claire
October 27th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
I love your books. I am a librarian and highly recommend your novels to all my patrons. Thanks for the great reads. Looking forward to the next set!
October 27th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Cindy…this is a new e-mail address from last year.
My wife and I traveled many of Hannah’s highways and country roads this summer in Pennsylvania when visiting her oldest sister. We made a point of visiting Lancaster and surrounding towns to gather personal insights so I could further relate to the first two books. As I told my wife, book three is coming in September.
I just finished it late yesterday, Sunday, after worship service and preaching.
My wife Jean is a nurse by education, so I often ask for clarification of a word or sentence.
One stop in Lancaster was the Mennonite Historical Society and the bookstore. That costs me money for two books. One on making scrapple, which few people in Iowa have tried.
The latest book in your series brought tears to my eyes, some choking in the throat as I pondered the dilemma of Hannah and Paul’s relationship.
As always, thank you for making me enjoy fictional books with their needed sense of factual information.
One side note. We stopped in a bulk store in the Amish community northeast of us a few weeks ago. I exchanged conversation with the owner, Mr. Miller, as kidded him about working on Friday in the store. He had told me during an earlier visit months ago that his daughters wanted some relief from the store which is why is was working. “They are cleaning the house.” I said,”Why don’t you clean the house and let them work in the store today,” he laughed and replied, “I don’t do that kind of work. Shelving material and meeting customers suits me better.”
Later we discussed that should I one day retire, I could work for Mr Miller, I told my wife. “I could work in the store couldn’t I,” I asked. He replied, “No, you could shovel manure in the barn. I have three loads yet to fill and deliver to the fields.” Then smiled.
Knowing something about his children, I asked where his help was. The grandchildren are helping their parents.
“How many grandchildren do you have?,” I asked.
“Fifty-four,” was the proud answer. (Not sure is proud the best word to describe his feelings, but you would understand, Cindy.
I learned his oldest son had left the Amish faith and was a policeman in a nearby town.
“Do you see him much, since he is likely shunned,” I said.
He said “from time-to-time.”
Again your experiences relate well to what I have learned over the years.
John M. Butler_
October 28th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I WAS SO HAPPY WHEN THE THIRD BOOK CAME OUT. I COULDN’T PUT IT DOWN I HAVE READ IT 3 TIMES NOW TO MAKE SURE THAT I DIDN’T MISS ANY THING. JUST LOVE ALL THREE BOOKS. CAN’T WAIT UNTIL YOU PUBLISH
SOME OTHER BOOKSS. I WILL SURELY GET THEM TO READ.
TERI FYVIE
October 28th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
I have just discovered your books through my book club and am looking forward to reading them.
October 28th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
I live near several Amish communities but since they are very private people we don’t get much insight into their home life. Your books are so detailed and after reading your comments here I know why. Experiencing it yourself first gives you credibility for your stories. Thank you for your contest. I would love to have my own copies!
October 29th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Hello, all!
Thanks for the great comments!
It’s great to check the blog throughout the writing workday and to have heard from people who’ve read the books and enjoyed them as well as those who are discovering my books and are looking forward to reading them.
Denki, (Thank you,)
Cindy Woodsmall
October 29th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Dear Cindy, My mother, sister and I all read the Sisters of the Quilt series, and I must say that in my opinion, your books are so real, that you almost feel a part of them. Many times I said out loud, “Come on Hannah, realize that you need to return to Paul, he loves you so…” I have enjoyed these books like no others….and I love reading about the Amish life of you characters….Thanks so much, and I am waiting for, The Hope of Refuge…I read the small portion in the last book, and am counting the months till I can get it…You are truly a gifted writer. Keep up the wonderful work…
October 31st, 2008 at 9:39 am
I just heard about you as an Amish Fiction author from a friend about a month or 2 ago and I finally went to the library and checked out the first books in the “Sisters of the Quilt” series….I seriously finished them in 2 days (one each day!) I could not stop reading. I have 2 small girls (3 and 4 mos) and I would sit in bed at night while nursing my baby, reading the books with my cell phone light because I could not put them down. I am so excited to read #3, I have been dreaming about how it will all turn out! Ha, I know this sounds silly but I get so into my stories, especially the ‘Amish’ ones. I am drawn to their lifestyle so much. My husband is from PA, so we have visited in Lancaster before. Actually, there is a Mennonite farm near where we currently live in Georgia, too! I love their ‘plain’ ways
Thank you for giving glory to God, and keep writing please
!!!
October 31st, 2008 at 11:07 pm
My sister passed your first two books on to me after she read them. I was hooked and now can’t wait to find out how the story ends in When the Soul Mends.
November 1st, 2008 at 8:35 am
I just finished reading When the Soul Mends. A page-turner if there ever was one! I love how your books are realistic in tone – not sappy, but dealing with issues of faith as well as real life. And after the bit included at the end of the book, I am eagerly anticipating The Hope of Refuge.
November 1st, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Cindy, you certainly accomplished bringing us into Hannah’s life and made her so real I couldn’t turn pages fast enough to find out what happened next. And the way you bring it all together, positive for everyone. Wonderful. My Aunt, Mother-in-Law and I are all reading the books and have all loved each of them.
November 1st, 2008 at 7:07 pm
I thoroughly enjoyed Hannah’s story with all its twists and turns. Thank you so much for sharing your gift for writing these stories.
November 1st, 2008 at 11:08 pm
You have mastered the art of capturing your reader’s attention and not letting it go. I failed miserably in getting my other work done due to the fact I couldn’t put your last book down. I read it in 1 day. I have read all 3 of your books and they are all 3 equally superb. Each chapter ends with the reader wanting to know more. Bravo!
November 2nd, 2008 at 5:34 pm
My wife Wanda and I live in the Amish and Mennonite country of Ohio. We have a lot of respect for these people. We loved all three of your books about Hannah. They were beautifully written. Thank you so much for writing them. Sure wish that there was another one in the Quilt Sisters series. We always go to the Amish Store to buy food. The Amish are hard working honest people. Just wish that people wouldn’t make fun of them and look at them like they are something out of a freak show. Again thanks for writing the books.
November 3rd, 2008 at 9:46 am
Just started reading the third book in the series and already hooked. I have enjoyed reading the Sisters of the Quilt series. They are beautifully written. My daughter can’t wait for me to finish, so she can read it.
November 3rd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
I’ve read all three books and loved every one of them. I’ve passed them on to my friends who’ve also enjoyed them. I’ll continue to pass them on for all of my friends to enjoy. Thanks for the wonderful journey.
November 3rd, 2008 at 7:44 pm
I have just finished When the Soul Mends and as with the first two books of the series, I did not want it to end. The stories are beautifully told and now I understand why. After reading of your extensive research, it shows in the stories. I thank the Lord for you as you share your talents with us all and you are blessed to have the husband that supports you as he does. I know what it is to have such a husband. Looking forward to The Hope of Refuge.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Dear Cindy,
I am so impressed with the gift for writing and making the pages come alive that God has given you. Praise His Holy Name. I enjoyed your books so much and so do my mom and sisters. We discuss them over the phone after reading them.
I pray you continue to write many more and may our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, continue to bless every word and your life in a special way.
November 7th, 2008 at 11:50 am
I only have the one I just won, so I’d love to have the others. I read books in order in a series, so I’m going to see if I’m lucky enough to win (again!) before I go purchase the first two in the set. Thanks for the awesome giveaways you offer to your readers.
November 7th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Cindy – I discovered your books while perusing a book rack at Yoder’s Meat and Cheese shop in Shipshewana, IN. I read the first two in several weeks, and am going out today to look for the third. I Love your characters and am already looking forward to your next series!
November 7th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Just finished the first book, it was so good. It would be hard to go through all of things she did in such a short time, but I’m sure many have. It is only through God’s grace that we can let go of all the hurts and not justify our actions and blame others. It is so good to know that he can bring us through, if we allow him.
We are from the Lancaster County area, where I was raised, we recently moved to Arkansas. Over the years we have met many Christians who left the Amish.
Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
November 9th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
I loved the first two Sisters of the Quilt books. I can’t wait to read the third and look forward to all of your future stories as well. Thank you!
November 9th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
I have read all three of these wonderful books. My goodness what a great writer you are. To be honest, I am a huge Karen Kingsbury fan, have read 29 of her books, but I put you right up there friend. I am sharing my books with others but like myself, they all want their own copy after they read mine.
God has blessed you with a talent, thank you for blessing others other with it. I loved book three, the way you showed such healing in relationships and individuals. They truly were healed in body, mind, and spirit.
I look so forward to your next book. Do we have to wait so long?
May God continue to bless you,
Beverly
November 10th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Hello, again!
Just wanted to pop in and remind you that you continue to bless me with your comments.
THANK YOU so much! I deeply appreciate each of you who spread the word about my books. And I’m so grateful to be the slightest hint of encouragement and stirring of hope and faith in your lives.
As you go about your life, remember–you are the salt of the earth, meant to give good flavor to that which already exists.
Be blessed and a blessing,
Cindy
November 10th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Dear Cindy,
I have had your first 2 books in the Hannah series in my closet waiting to be read for almost a year now. I finally picked up “When The Heart Cries” and couldn’t put it down. I just finished “When The Morning Comes” and it was just as wonderfully written as the first. I have shed tears and laughter with Hannah and I have just sent my hubby to the store to pick up the 3rd book in the series. Your endings keep me wanting more and I can’t wait to catch up with Hannah. I have not accomplish anything around the house because I haven’t been able to put her/your stories down…lol. Thank you for giving us some insight into the Amish community. I have always been fascinated with their culture and I love their quilts and your writing sheds some light.
November 10th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
I loved the books. I was grateful I was able to experience them one after another. I read all three in 2 days. My favorite subject to read about is the Amish. I have read numerous books on this subject, but yours were my favorite. What a talented writer and I look forward to many more novels to come from you.
November 11th, 2008 at 4:35 am
I was truly amazed by your books and couldn’t wait for the next two to come out. I own the third book, but would love all three for my collection. I look forward to any further novels you write, you are truly gifted and inspiring.
November 11th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
A friend of mine gave me your first book. I loved it and bought the second book. I couldn’t put them down until the end. I was so into what was going to happen to Hannah and her family. I couldn’t wait until the third book came out and once it did I was in to it quickly. When I finished with the books I took them to our church library for others to read. One of the men in our congregation reads these also and really enjoys your writings. Thank you for you talent that you have to put these thoughts into words for us. You are a gifted writer.
November 13th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Oh my goodness…. I was and am so in love with these books. I have introduce them to several people. These are books I could read over and over again. I could not keep my nose out of them. I have finally read all three. My sisters and I were talking. We were thinking about if you made a movie, and who would play the characters. I really wish you would consider putting this great story on a DVD. Its just a thought I figured I would throw out there. You are a very very talented writer. The books are so real. Its as though you are watching everything take place. I love how detailed you were. Thank you for all of your hard work you put into the books. They are very touching to one’s heart and soul. Well I hope and pray you consider a movie. It will be a five star movie, I am sure of it. Good luck on whatever you are working on now.
November 13th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Cindy – I LOVED the third book. You are such an amazing person and I feel so blessed to know you and your wonderful family. Keep on Writing!!
November 14th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Hi Cindy,
The books that I won have arrived. Thank you so very much. Just yesterday my dear friend, Sally, and I were discussing Hannah’s story over coffee. I mentioned that one of the things that touched me so much was that Hannah’s father took care of her baby’s grave. What a glimpse into the soft heart of a rigid man. I also ran to the Christian bookstore to get two more books to send as thank you gifts to friends and am off to the post office in just a moment to send them on their way.
I am wondering, do you miss your characters once the storyline has been completed?
God bless!
November 14th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
thanks so much for the chance to win these wonderful books…….please include my name……
November 15th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Please enter me.
November 16th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I haven’t read any of the books, but they sound as if they would be interesting to me. As to corn detasseling, I am old enough to remember when it was a reasonable summer job for small town teenagers–I also do not know what changes have been made by the machinery, but do know that it wasn’t all fun and games to do!
November 16th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
enter me
November 16th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
wow, this looks so interesting, would love to read
November 16th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
wow, this looks so interesting, would love to read
November 16th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
I love to read and these books sound amazing!
November 17th, 2008 at 11:24 am
I have just finished your series about sisters of the quilt and loved it! My sister-in-law gave me the first book for Christmas last year. She, my cousin, and a couple of friends have finished the first two and are anxiously awaiting this last one. Since we have been to Amish country, we are curious about all the things you share! You are truly a gifted writer so keep those books coming!
November 17th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Cindy Woodsmall’s “Sisters of the Quilt” series is awesome. I enjoyed every moment of reading the first two books and spent months in suspense reading the final book of the series. Reading the final book was a suspenseful experience in itself. [Two sentences that contain a plot spoiler have been removed
] Cindy couldn’t have done a better job with naming her character Dorcas. Oh what a dork she was to keep interfering in God’s plan and the lives of Paul and Hannah. I look forward to reading more books by Cindy Woodsmall.
November 17th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
I’d love to read your books.
November 17th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Nov 17, 2008
Our Sprinmgfield, Nebraska Public Library has the first 2 of your books. I am on the board and am asking the librarian to order When the Soul Mends. Because we have a very limited budget she can order only a few books at a time. Your books were so popular that there was a waiting list.
If I won those 3 books that you offered, I would donate them to the library. There are many people who love to read about the Amish.
November 18th, 2008 at 12:41 am
Please enter me. The books look very interesting.
November 18th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I love your books
November 18th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Dear Mrs. Woodsmall,
I have been praying for you these days. My prayer is that God will help you to write faster. I read the your three books. I have your book plates. My heart misses Hanna, Paul and all of their loved ones. I felt so sad when the books ended. I want my new friends back. So I will read the books again. They feel so real to me. I need them. So I’m off to my quite space to love my new friends again. May God Bless You and Help You to Write Faster.
Love, Debby
November 19th, 2008 at 12:46 am
I have read the first two books in this series and am waiting for the third to arrive. I love your writting and the way you draw a person into the story. I really hope that When a Soul Mends is not the last book in this series. If it ends the way the first two did I know I will be looking for the next book.
November 19th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Hello :0)
I LOVE your books. I finished the first one in like 2 and a half days! I then wrote a book review for it for my church library. I am glad to see that there is another book coming fall of ‘09. I would love to be entered into this contest but I also want to thank you for writing such wonderful books. I like that your stories are real to life. It has opened my eyes to different aspects of being Amish that I did not know before and I read a lot of amish books. I very much look forward to more!
Katherine
November 20th, 2008 at 12:55 am
I just love your books. My friend and I bought all three of the “Hannah” books together and we have been sharing them with our friends. Three of our friends have borrowed them and now my sister has them. I finished the second book months before the last one came out and it was horrible waiting to see what would happen next. Can’t wait to read more of your work!!
November 20th, 2008 at 2:00 am
Hi Cindy,
I have just finished the second book and I could not put it down. I knew it was a series but did not wait for the library to get in the first one. Now, I can’t wait for it and the third book. I loved Hannah and it was not difficult reading the second one before the first story. You definately have a gift for writing and I thank you for using your gift to bless myself and others. Keep being led by our Lord and let your light shine as He leads you. Thank you for writing stories that bring Him glory. I can’t wait to get the other books and find out what happens in Hannah’s life. Thanks so much! Landa
November 20th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
This is a great series! i am going to send to my Mother to read! Thank you for having great books to share with my Mother and many sisters.
November 22nd, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Mrs. Woodsmall, I just finished When the Heart Mends and I have to say I think it is the best of the trilogy. I enjoyed the entire story so much and appreciate the work you put into it. Blessings, Patsy
November 26th, 2008 at 1:36 am
Just started reading When the Heart Cries and really enjoying it.I look forward to reading the other two as well.Really reading about the Amish.God Bless,Pam
November 26th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
After reading the blog I really want to read these books, hope I’m the winner.
November 26th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
these sound great.
November 26th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
I haven’t read any of these, but they look very good. Please enter me!
November 27th, 2008 at 12:52 am
I havne’t read any of these books, but they look great.
November 27th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
I would love for there to be another book to this series. The story is amazing and I just can’t get enough! Please publish another!!
November 27th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
I haven’t read your books yet, but I will be looking for them. I know that I would enjoy reading these, then passing them along to my mom.
November 29th, 2008 at 2:30 am
These sounnd very good, please enter me.
November 29th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Your books are wonderful!!! I can’t wait to read the third one!!
November 30th, 2008 at 1:48 am
I would love to read these books,they sound
wonderful.Please enter me and thanks
November 30th, 2008 at 8:21 am
I just finished the third book in your Hannah series and read it around the clock because it was so engaging. Having lived in Pennsylvania near a Mennonite community and taking their course in dispute management, I have come to admire these gentle folks. Later, I taught at Kutztown University which is in Mennonite country and even car pooled with one Mennonite who was also studying with me to be a family counselor. I think that is why I am drawn to understand Amish and Mennonite people. Thank you for these wonderful books.
November 30th, 2008 at 9:38 am
I haven’t read WHEN THE HEART CRIES or WHEN THE MORNING COMES so I didn’t read the “spoiler,” but I am tempted!
November 30th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Please enter me.
December 4th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
I picked up a copy of “When the Heart Cries” yesterday at the local library and was immediately hooked! Today, I made a trip to another town to pick up a copy of “When the Morning Comes” and I’ve just finished it, too.
Unfortunately, I live in a small town and our library does not own a copy of your newest book “When the Soul Mends”. It is, however, available in a town about 45 minutes drive away and, therefore, tomorrow I will make the drive!
I love your writing style. I’ve always been fascinated by the Amish and your plots and sub-plots unfold in a realistic and believable way which captured me, completely. I couldn’t tear myself away from the books and have spent the most enjoyable two days imaginable, immersed in Hannah’s life.
I can’t wait to lose myself in “When the Soul Mends”.
I’ve also signed up for the newsletter “Plain News” and I’m anxious to read my first copy.
I’ll be waiting patiently for your next release.
December 19th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Dear Cindy,
I have just today finished the 3 books in Sisters of the Quilt, and I was enthralled. When I got Book 3 from my church library I read the back pages first- I just had to know if Hannah “got the right man”.I knew that the twists and turns, the growing and maturing would still be wonderful reading.It was absolutely riveting. I am looking forward to your new book.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:01 am
I’ve read all three books in the Sisters of the Quilt series, and I enjoyed them so much I hope someday there will be a forth! I passed these books along to both my daughters with their promise they would return them to me. I cherish these books and proudly display them in my collection of best reads ever.
February 5th, 2009 at 9:24 am
Your Sisters of the Quilt Series, books 1-3, are a favorite in our Bed & Breakfast rooms! My husband and I opened our upstate NY sheep farm for guests in 1991 and have Christian books throughout our rooms. Can’t wait for book #4 in the series! May God continue to fill you with words to write that will honor Him. Carol
February 6th, 2009 at 3:02 am
Dear Cindy,
I just discovered your name and your books recently. They are very good. My husband and I enjoy books about the Amish and Mennonites. It is wonderful when people get saved! Our friend is working on our website HOLYness BIBLEs for the blind. We help people get Braille, large print, cassette, CD Bibles, etc. We have over 200 sermons on cassette to distribute and duplicate for those who need them for a small freewill donation. We are a gospel singing group and have an album out. God bless you as you continue to write beautiful fiction stories!
Love in Christ,
Rev. Ken & Ruth Wolfgang
February 12th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Hi Cindy,
I have read When The Heart Cries series and absolutely loved each of the books in that series. At times I was so connected to the characters and their struggles I didn’t want to put the book down.
They are awesome!! I have used this series to witness to my unsaved friends. One of my pre-christian friends read one of my books and she loved it so much she ordered the other two in your series. That was a God-thing! I’m trying to get my hands on the newest of your books, so I can pass these ones on too. God bless you Cindy, keep the books coming!!
In Jesus,
Renee Matsen
March 11th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
My daughter bought When the Heart Cries. After she read it, she gave it to me and said mom you have to read this, I cried it is so good. I read it and also cried. Then I gave it to my sister to read. I went on Amazon and got the next two books.
When the Heart Cries is the best book I have ever read. I loved the other books also. I was so happy when I received them. Thank-you so much. Look forward to your next book.