When the Soul Mends: Book 3 in the Sisters of the Quilt Amish Series

From the beginning of the first book to the end of the last book, this Sisters of the Quilt series is the BEST Amish series I've ever read, and I've read plenty!! Cindy's writing is amazing. Her story is both realistic and unique, and it will keep you turning pages into the wee hours of the morning. I could NOT put these books down! And yes, you'll shed some tears but, like most readers, I felt a personal connection to the characters and can't begin to share what all insights I gained about myself and life. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

I read the first two books by Cindy Woodsmall in this series and highly recommend that before reading this book. I waited and waited until I could afford this book and glad I finally got it. I like the way the book deals with family, relationships and how circumstances can change what we expected out of life. Hannah never would have gone off into the Englisher Community had it not been for circumstances beyond her own control. Family sometimes does not understand but all those things worked to make her a stronger person. Yet when her sister makes a frantic call to her needing help, she listens and responds. That plea brings about another change that Hannah is not expecting. She comes back to the Amish Community where she has experienced so much hurt and little by little God moves in and begins to bring healing. If Hannah had not gone out to the Englisher Community and learned a trade, she could not have helped her friend, her sister, or the guy she onced love and pledged to marry. Amish or Englisher you can find healing and learn forgiveness toward others. You can see how God moves sometimes in what we would term hard circumstances to bring about something good. Does she marry the Englisher or the Amish guy she once pledged to marry? I would not give that away as you need to read the book. I liked how Cindy wove instances all through the book that worked hard feelings, forgiveness, overcoming problems, and moving forward. One never knew what to expect. Another great read. I have not read any of Cindy's books that have not been a blessing to me.

What a fabulous conclusion to a strong series. When the Soul Mends is as deep an compulsively readable as the rest of the series. You could try reading it as a stand-alone but I think it's much more effective if it's read within the series. The author did a great job in regards to drawing me in. I was as confused as Hannah was about who I wanted her to end up with. But the author made such as great case for each situation that I changed my mind several times over the course of the series. I am ecstatic with how it ended, too. It seemed impossible, but Cindy pulled it off. I loved the spiritual thread, which was subtle, yet effective. The part about forgiveness was very well done and portrayed the way life really is. It's one thing to say you should forgive someone and an entirely different thing to follow through with your intenstions. I also really enjoyed the roles the minor characters played in the story. It gave it a richer quality. I just wish the series didn't have to end. This is the kind of story that makes you want to pick up the phone when you turn the last page and talk to someone about it. I highly recommend When the Soul Mends.

Rarely is the third book in a series better than the two previous ones, especially when the others are bestsellers. But Cindy Woodsmall has outdone herself. When the Soul Mends is an amazing finale to this series. Woodsmall does more than weave a great story; she can change your mind without you realizing she's done it. I had firmly sworn my allegiance to certain characters, and I don't change my mind easily. I've been known to throw a book across the room halfway through if it doesn't go the way I want it to. With the finesse of a master word weaver, Woodsmall makes the characters' changes subtle and incremental. In other words--real life. When the Soul Mends is filled with conflict from beginning to end as Hannah battles not only obstinate family members, but the desires of her own heart. I couldn't put it down and finished it in one spell-binding sitting. Not often does a series settle into my soul like the Sisters of the Quilt series has, and When the Soul Mends gets Novel Reviews and my highest recommendation. It's a 5-star read.

Two and half years ago, then seventeen year old Hannah Lapp left in disgrace the Old Order Amish community and her family home in Owl's Perch, Pennsylvania. Her equally shunned Aunt Zabeth Bender took her teenage niece into her home in Winding Creek, Ohio. Hannah vowed never to return although she misses her family, even though her father who's shunning of her means to him she is dead. Hannah has found contentment with her beloved Martin Palmer and the children they raise. However, when her troubled sister Sarah frantically calls her, Hannah, in spite of her sibling spreading the rumors that led to her exile, rushes home to help her. She quickly realizes the community loathes her for her choices; her father demands she leave. With the help of her former fiancé Paul Waddell, Hannah tries to help Sarah with mental health issues while she also wonders if she made a mistake when she left her home. The third Sisters of the Quilt tale (see WHEN THE HEART CRIES and WHEN THE HEART CRIES) is a terrific ending to the Hannah Lapp saga as readers obtain a deep understanding of the faith Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. However what makes the story line engaging and inspiring is Sarah, a unique person in terms of the Amish or for that matter inspirational fiction in general as she suffers with mental issues. Readers will appreciate this excellent entry in the Lapp saga as Hannah returns home to help her sister while her parents and siblings struggle with shunning and welcoming. Harriet Klausner