A Touch of Amish & a contest
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On August 5, two winners were drawn from those who’d left comments below. The winners are Sheryl, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and Grace of Jamestown, New York. Congratulations Sheryl and Grace! This contest is now closed. I’ll begin a new contest a week or so after I’m home from my book tour.
In the July issue of my newsletter, Plain News, I wrote about my latest trip to Pennsylvania and spending some of that time with Amish friends. For those of you who don’t receive my newsletter, I’m posting an excerpt below.
But first! It’s time to have another blog contest. The winner of the last blog contest, Nancy Capps, won an Amish-made wall hanging. Congratulations, Nancy! The contest this time is for an autographed copy of The Hope of Refuge. I’m very excited about my upcoming release, and if you read the excerpt from my newsletter, you’ll begin to see why.
New Yorker Cara Moore has nothing and is on the run. Young Amish woman Deborah Mast has everything and is on her way to the wedding altar. When their lives collide, neither one will be the same. Can the humility and faith of Ada save either of them?
For a chance to win an autographed copy of The Hope of Refuge, just leave a comment below.
Amish Connection
From the yard of my closest Old Order Amish friend, I sipped a cup of coffee as I watched sunlight peek over the mountains and fill the valley. Along the creek banks of a nearby pasture, bands of mist rose like dancing trees and then disappeared into nothingness six or so feet from the ground. I’d never seen mist do such a jig. Sunlight sparkled off the dewy grass. The creek had overflowed its usual bounds because of abundant spring rains and ran wildly through the meadow. The steady clop of horses’ hoofs against the asphalt softened as the rigs pulled onto the gravel driveway.
It was a day I’d looked forward to for a year. The annual Amish school sale. It’s a bustling auction with at least four auctioneers selling various goods at different stations, two makeshift kitchens set up on the property, and several commercial-size grills filled with chicken.
The sales from this auction support Amish schools in the surrounding community. So on that beautiful spring day, many districts of Amish people attended the school sale, along with hundreds of English folk (also known as Englischers or non-Amish). A district has between eighteen to twenty-eight families. When the population grows to around twenty-five families, the Amish church leaders start looking into ways to divide that district—which involves several things, one of which is renovating a current structure or building a new one-room Amish schoolhouse.
On the day of this auction, there were probably a thousand people inside the warehouse-type building owned by an Amish family for the purpose of timber framing. This school sale is held each year on the day before Mother’s Day, which lends itself to a great gift-buying opportunity for Amish and English alike.
Most of my family was there, eating and drinking the homemade goods and bidding on things from hand–sewn, faceless dolls to wall hangings to king-size quilts.
I love these auctions!
When I finally tore myself away from my Amish friends a week later, I brought with me a beautiful Amish quilt for the quilt contest. The quilt was sewn by at least a dozen Amish women from that area. It’s gorgeous! So if you haven’t entered the Amish quilt contest yet, I encourage you to do so this time.
After the crowds had gone home, the cleanup began. The sun sank behind the mountains, and about the time dark settled over the land, everything was in order enough for supper to begin. About nine o’clock that night, amid soft conversations and bursts of laughter, my husband, youngest son, and I sat at the familiar old oak table and shared a meal with a group of very weary and content Amish folk. It was another great year of earning money to pay the schoolteachers from several districts in the area, and they were pleased.
The aromas, sights, and sounds of an Amish school sale are only one piece of the authentic Amish culture captured in my new book, The Hope of Refuge.
Excerpt from “Plain News July 2009.” The newsletter is free and is sent four times per year. To sign up to receive this free newsletter, go to: Plain News
July 8th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
I have just discovered the “Sisters of the Quilt” series you wrote. Unfortunately, my library only has the first book, so I am anxiously awaiting the inter-library loan to arrive with the next two books. Thanks for solid writing that deals with difficult topics in a gentle manner.
July 8th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Hi Cindy: Just wanted to tell you that I just finished your three book series and did not want them to end. I do enjoy a good book and all three of these were special. Thanks for being such a great author and keep ‘em coming.
Blessings to you and yours
July 8th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
hi my name is mary i love reading your books i have every book you have wrote on my book shelf plus many other books i love to read books about the amish they are very amazing people the way they live and help each other and there way of religion i would love to have a book signed by you well take care and god bless stay safe
July 8th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
I’m new to your work and I think I’m really going to enjoy it!
July 9th, 2009 at 8:27 am
I hope I can win the book, I really enjoy reading and enjoy books.I read every night and play with the computer during the day.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Cindy…you are amazing. What an awesome talent God has given you. I am always amazed at how alive the characters are in your books. You
are so lucky to have so many Amish in your live.
I wait patiently for your next book. Please keep writing!
July 9th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Cindy, I just wanted to tell you how much I love your books. I have read the first two in the “Sisters of the Quilt” series and am working on the third book. I am very excited for your new book to come out in August.
July 11th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
I have enjoyed reading your books and am looking forward to the next one. Thank you for the great fiction you write. I so enjoy reading about the Amish… Blessings
July 11th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Cindy…since your debut novel, I have been impressed by your ability to weave a story, develop characters, and captivate your readers’ imaginations. I would read and recommend any novel with your name on it! Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us.
July 11th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
Hi Cindy -
I’m really looking forward to reading your new book and having you visit with us in September. Told the girls about it at our meeting last month. They are excited and looking forward to seeing you again.
Look forward to talking with you soon.
Sheryl
July 11th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
HI Cindy,
Just wanted to say that I am so thrilled that you have a new book comnig out. And to also tell you it was so great to have you come to our book club in Toccoa at EBC. It was really great to meet you and talk to you and find out how God uses you to touch other lives. Can’t wait to read “The Hope of Refuge”. Ready for August to get here
thanks again for all you do pray for you daily
Lisa Ramsey
July 13th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Cindy,
I love your books. I started with the first and waited patiently for the next two. When the third was published I was in school(Nursing) so had not been able to complete it. Funny how my new career and the book fall together. I am now reading the third to catch up so I am ready to read and enjoy the two to be out this year. I am going to do my best to be in Norcross for the book signing. I can’t wait! Have a Blessed tour I know it will be great!!
July 13th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
hi im 17 years old wat can i say I LOVED YOUR BOOKS they had me hooked i could not put them down i read the all twice cant wait 4 your other ones
July 14th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Hey Cindy,
I was at our pastor’s house the other night and i noticed she had your books there. I had never heard of you but i had read many christian authors books before. she said you have to read cindy woodsmall’s books. she gave me loaned me your 3-book set and i have just finished them and all i can say is wow. i can’t stop talking about them. I couldn’t put them down. When I got to the end of the 3rd book i started reading slower because i didn’t want it to end. I have now find my new favorite author. Thanks. I look foward to many hours of enjoying your books in the future.
Thanks,
Dana Ashmore
July 14th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Cindy,
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Can’t wait for your next one.
I picked up your first 2 books in the Sisters of the Quilt series at my library for our summer beach trip…….needless to say as soon as I got home I had to go back and get the thrid. That series has left such an impression on me. I was born in York, Pa and moved to the South when I was 4 for my Dad to go to Bible college so I have been familiar with the Amish my whole life but never really thought that much about them…..but your books really sparked such an interest in their way of life. (I just got back from a visit to see my sister who lives in Va and had to make a day trip to Lancaster County just to see things in real life.) But not only did your books spark an interest in the Amish lifestyle the Lord used your books to speak to my heart and help me to get over some hurt that I’ve been dealing with for about 3 years. “Nevertheless” spoke more to me than you could ever imagine. It’s my new favorite word.
Sarah Peavy
July 14th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Good evening Cindy,
My name is Amber and I live in New York. I just wanted to tell you how captivated I was by your “Sisters of the Quilt” series. I will admit to putting aside my house cleaning and laundry for the evening to become completely engrossed in WHEN THE SOUL MENDS.
Thank you for sharing your gift of writing with your readers. Your series really got down deep into my soul and the characters were as real as could be. I would feel honored to win a piece of your work that is signed by you.
God bless,
Amber Russo
July 15th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Hello, Ladies!
What wonderful encouraging words you’ve shared! Thank you.
I’m so honored to hear your stories of how you connected with my books. Denki for taking the time to let me know and being willing to post it “out loud” on the net.
You, and others like you, are the best! And I appreciate you.
Cindy
July 15th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
A friend passed along your “Sisters of the Quilt” books and I have since purchased my own set. The stories are warm, full of the contrasts we find in humanity and in each other, and bring me joy. I grew up in Philadelphia, and weekends were spent in Lancaster, PA….and I was fascinated by the surrounding community and wanted to “be” one of those in traditional garb, forsaking modern conveniences, and feeling the power of close knit community. I have since – many years – moved away, but my appreciation remains, and I think back 35 years to when I was 10 – and wanted to be part of this wonderful world. You make joining the world possible. Thank you. And now…I have kindled my craving for shoo-fly pie.
July 15th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Hi, My name is Aletha and I love all of your books!!! I can’t wait on your next two to come out. I love reading about the Amish and your books are wonderfully written. Keep up the wonderful work! God Bless!!!!
July 16th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
I would love to win a copy of your new book.
I will let everyone on Twitter know it comes out Aug.11!!!
July 16th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Dear Cindy:
I just read your interview in “Storytellers’ Journal” and am excited to start reading your books! I have added your titles to my “To Be Read” list and hope to get to them soon. The contest sounds wonderful! P.S. I review every book I read at Epinions.com and Gather.com.
July 16th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
The Hope of Refuge sounds wonderful. Please enter me in the giveaway. Thank you.
July 17th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
I have read your first series and LOVED it, can’t wait for the next two books. They are already on my wishlist! I would love to win your giveaway!
July 17th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
I just love your books.I’m looking forward to reading more,can’t wait.May God bless you
July 18th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Having read some books by another author on the Amish, I was eager to read more. One of the librarians at our library handed me a slip of paper they had prepared with all the authors of Amish books, and I immediately checked out several by Cindy Woodsmall. I’ve just finished the second and can’t wait to get more to find out who Hannah picks! I want to hear what happens with Zeb, if he ever changes, and if Sarah gets better. Cindy has managed to make these characters real, and once you pick one up, you just have to read more!
July 18th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Hi Cindy, I love your books. Can’t wait to read this new one when it is published.
July 18th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
I am new to your work and look forward to completing my first of your books. Your newsletter really created a picture of your time with your Amish friends. I have a lot of company and want to create a real haven for my friends to come find refreshment from the world. I would love to win your drawing.
July 20th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Dear Cindy,
I am a stay-at-home mom of two young children as well as the youth director at our small country church. Needless to say, I don’t get much time to myself. I have read your “Sisters of the Quilt” series and loved it! I have always been fascinated with the Amish lifestyle, and your books transport me to another place even though I don’t have the opportunity to get away often! Thank you for giving me that gift. I am looking forward to my next “trip.”
July 21st, 2009 at 9:30 pm
I just finished “When the Heart Cries”, my first of your books. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have made a list of several of your other books to look for soon. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.
July 21st, 2009 at 9:52 pm
I can’t believe I’m just now finding your blog and newsletter! I have LOVED your books ever since the first one came out in 2006. I just finished The Hope of Refuge to review on my blog the first week of August. All I can say is WOW. I could not put it down. I finally made myself go to bed last night with a few chapters left! I don’t know if you’ve already done the drawing but I would love a chance to win, and then I’ll give mine away on my blog!
July 21st, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Dear Cindy,
I am always on the look out for new books to read. I go to the library once a week and am constantly putting books on hold. I was so excited about finding your books because I adore books about the Amish lifestyle. Ever since I once visited Lancaster County I read almost any book I can get a hold of about the Amish. Thank you for such wonderful books. I can’t wait t read your next one.
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:26 pm
I can’t wait for the new book to come out. I enjoy books about the Amish.
July 22nd, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Cindy,
Thanks again for all of your hard work!
Thank you for sharing the talent God has blessed you! I have read all of your books and anxiously await for more. There is nothing like sitting down with a warm cup of tea, a cozy blanket and relaxing with one of your books! The problem is I never want to put it down!
May God bless you,
Toni
July 22nd, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Ms. Woodsmall: I am brand-new to your writing. My aunt introduced me to your website when she discovered that I thouroughly enjoyed the Wanda E. Brunstetter book series (also about the Amish) she lent me. I am looking forward to reading all your books, and maybe I’ll win this contest too!
~Janine
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:51 am
I recently read The Hope of Refuge, then immediately went out searching for the previous 3 books you wrote, Sisters Of The Quilt series. I am engrossed by your books, they are hard to put down.
Thank you.
Annette
July 23rd, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Dear Cindy,
My name is Patti and I work in a Christian Bookstore in Southern Indiana. I found your books years ago when you wrote “When Cries the Heart” I have a huge group of ladies that have also read your books and I can’t wait till the next one comes out. You are one of my favorites.
Something that really touched me in the last book…one of your characters had Lyme …Cindy…I’ve had Lyme now for 17 years and have been fighting the disease with everything I have…..I loved the way you handled it in the book…..I want to thank you for that…you gave those of us that have Lyme a voice for the first time in many years. I cried when I read that….it’s the first time ever I have heard anyone mention it.
I will look forward to your next book and I will recommend it to everyone….!!! Keep writing Cindy…we are all waiting!!
July 23rd, 2009 at 4:12 pm
A few days ago I finished reading a pre-released copy of “The Hope of Refuge” for the Random House blog tour. I loved it. Like most everyone else, I find the Amish and Mennonite devotion to God and each other facinating. Thank you for writing this book. I can’t wait to read some of your other works.
July 25th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
July 25, 2009
Cindy ~ I am on the third book in the Sisters of the Quilt Series, I have enjoyed them very much. I feel like I am right there in the story with them. Thank you or writing such beautiful stories. I look forward to the next series.
July 27th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
A friend gave me “When the Heart Cries” and I fell in love with it! My heart went out to Hannah. I can’t wait to read the next book and many more from you! Thank you so much!
July 28th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Cindy – I found your 3 book series and could NOT put them down. I have Amish in my ancestry. In fact, my Mother (who died recently) was raised there. I was amazed at how you wrote that story. It was written so REAL … that is really how the Amish react. I felt so sorry for Hannah. It made me wonder if something like this has ever happened before. YOU have an amazing gift. I am Karen Kingsbury Fan, but I would have to say YOU are my favorite! A copy of A Hope of Refuge is being held for me at our local Bookstore! I can’t wait! I got my oldest sister to read your books. The only books Lydia ever read were recipe books … needless to say, Lydia could NOT put your books down. She read all 3 in ONE week! I was so proud of her! Keep them coming, Cindy! You are amazing!
July 28th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Hi Cindy, I enjoyed The Sisters of the Quilt series and am anxiously waiting for The Hope of Refuge. Looking forward to many more books to come.
Neva
July 30th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Hi Cindy,
I haven’t read a book in months, until I heard about your books from nightline TV. The local church bought them and put them in their library, I was the first to read the series. They were wonderful. Loved every minute of them. I can’t wait to read your next book. Thank you Gayle
July 30th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Cindy, I love to read your books. My mom and I pass them back and forth and we are always waiting on the other to get the book read so we can read it. Thanks for your books.
July 31st, 2009 at 11:55 am
I have just finished your series, Sisters of the Quilt, and really enjoyed them. My only problem is that I read too fast. I am happy that I found you have written more books and I am looking forward to reading them. It is refreshing to find clean, Christian books to read. I too live in Georgia and wonder what part of the state you live in. I was born and raised in Atlanta and never thought I would end up in Milledgeville but you go where the work is. Thank you for your books and I hope I win an autographed copy.
July 31st, 2009 at 6:03 pm
I have enjoyed all your books on the Amish. Can’t wait till the next series is out. I enjoy your writing and wish God’s Blessings upon you. I would like to be entered in your contest, the new book Hope of Refuge signed copy.
August 1st, 2009 at 10:46 am
I love your Sisters of The Quilt books. I can’t wait to get your other two, Hope of Refuge and Sound of Sleigh Bells.
God bless you.
Doris Reedy
August 1st, 2009 at 9:21 pm
I love reading about the Amish. I hope you will continue to write
August 3rd, 2009 at 12:39 pm
I just finished reading The Hope of Refuge, and I did not want it to end! I hope to soon be able to read the Sisters of the Quilt books now that I have discovered your delightful novels! Thank you for sharing a glimpse of the Amish community and for letting us get to meet new “friends.”
August 4th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I have trouble finding your book and now that I found your website (thru facebook) I will look for more of your work.
August 19th, 2009 at 10:14 am
My mother handed me When the Heart Cries and told me that it was a fabulous book. I took one look at the girl on the cover and told her to forget about it! I had never read a book about the Amish before. She absolutely insisted that I read it, and by the next morning, after I had completed the book, I asked how she had read it a year ago and still hadn’t purchased the other two. Within the week, I completed all three books and then passe them on to her. Eagerly, I waited for the newest one to come out and I’m very excited about more to come! Thanks for a wonderful (and clean) read.