The Hope of Refuge (Ada's House Series, Book 1)

I grew up surrounded by Amish people--we shared a town, a flea market, a weekly auction, and I regularly drove past and around their buggies on the road; however, I can't say that I ever paused much to think about what defined them beyond their rituals and outwardly appearance. As an adult who no longer lives anywhere near the Amish, I find myself regretful of not taking the time to learn and understand more about their community and ways of life. The Hope of Refuge provided what I was hoping for - a view into the Amish culture. The bonus was the narrative about Cara who has been on the run with her daughter for years in an effort to stay safe from a stalker. This book kept me up for several late nights as I couldn't put it down. Cara's latest attempt to flee her stalker takes her to an Amish community in Dry Lake, Pennsylvania, where she embarks upon a life-altering experience in which she both fills in major gaps from her childhood and develops a broadened view of how she understands the world. Shortly upon arriving, she meets a young Amish man, Ephraim, who helps her in her effort to put the pieces of her past together. He pays a high price for disrespecting the rules of his faith because of his relationship with her. The author allows the reader to enter the Amish community and understand the gifts that this way of life has to offer. While there are many rules to obey and wordly sacrifices to be made, there is a strong sense of community and, also, a type of freedom that does not exist in a world driven by the quest for more.

This is an awesome book! I love all her books. Keeps my interest and I don't want to put it down.

Cindy is the BEST!! I read all of the Hannah series and this one beats it all!! I had a hard time putting it down. I was reading another book when this one came out so I put that one aside to read Cindy's. It doesn't matter what book I am reading when Cindy comes out with a new book all others are put aside. Keep up the good work Cindy!! Love You!!

The Hope of Refuge is the first book in a new series by Cindy Woodsmall. I loved her Sisters of the Quilt series for its depth of characters, accurate protrayal of the Amish, and of course, for the wonderful love story between Paul and Hannah. I have been looking forward to this new series and I am so pleased to report that this new book is wonderful! Woodsmall brings us new characters to love with the introduction of Cara and Ephraim in The Hope of Refuge. The story is an absolute page turner with each new chapter delivering characters that not only bring you into the world of the Amish, but connect deeply with your heart. I highly recommend The Hope of Refuge and now am anxiously awaiting the next book.

Cindy Woodsmall has done it again! She's got a knack for writing a good Amish story that is different from anything else available on Christian bookstore shelves. Just like all of her other books, she has written a great story in The Hope of Refuge that will stay with me for days. This book has probably one of the most believable storylines for Amish fiction that I've read in a long time. Cindy has created convincing characters with real flaws and real reactions to the circumstances that surround them. She also has great skill in being able to draw you into the lives of these characters, and it's like you are right there with them through the good and the bad. What Ephraim did for Cara by taking her into his home took a lot of guts considering his commitment to the Amish lifestyle. He had to face some harsh treatment from his family and friends for obeying God's command for him to "be Me to her." I felt that the author hit the nail on the head by adding that small statement to this book, and it made me wonder how much we apply that to our daily lives. Trust me, you will not be sorry if you get the opportunity to read this great book. As I said before, it's a book that will stay with you and have you thinking for days. I am already looking forward to the next one that Cindy has coming out...thankfully, I only have a couple of months to wait!