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Sisters of the Quilt #3
When the Soul Mends
Returning to the home she fled in disgrace, will Hannah find healing for the wounds of the past?
After receiving a desperate and confusing call from her sister, Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community of her Pennsylvania childhood.
Having fled in disgrace more than two years earlier, she finally has settled into a satisfying role in the Englischer world. She also has found love and a new family with the wealthy Martin Palmer and the children she is helping him raise. But almost immediately after her arrival in Owl’s Perch, the disapproval of those who ostracized her, including her headstrong father, reopens old wounds.
As Hannah is thrown together with former fiancé Paul Waddell to work for her sister Sarah’s mental health, hidden truths surface about events during Hannah’s absence, and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the Plain Life–and perhaps to her first love?
When the Soul Mends is the third and final book in the Sisters of the Quilt series.
After receiving a desperate and confusing call from her sister, Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community of her Pennsylvania childhood.
Having fled in disgrace more than two years earlier, she finally has settled into a satisfying role in the Englischer world. She also has found love and a new family with the wealthy Martin Palmer and the children she is helping him raise. But almost immediately after her arrival in Owl’s Perch, the disapproval of those who ostracized her, including her headstrong father, reopens old wounds.
As Hannah is thrown together with former fiancé Paul Waddell to work for her sister Sarah’s mental health, hidden truths surface about events during Hannah’s absence, and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the Plain Life–and perhaps to her first love?
When the Soul Mends is the third and final book in the Sisters of the Quilt series.
354 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
114 people are currently reading
1508 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Woodsmall
68 books1,117 followersCINDY WOODSMALL is an award-winning, New York Times, and CBA best-selling author of twenty-five works of fiction and one nonfiction book. Coverage of Cindy’s Amish connections and her novels has been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal. She lives in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 344 reviews
June 5, 2021
A very satisfying conclusion to the Sisters of the Quilt trilogy. I enjoyed it so much and learned a lot about the Plain Amish and Mennonite communities at the same time.
September 28, 2017
Man! (I reserve this word for when I'm impressed. There you have it!)
I cannot think of a single book, other than maybe a non-fiction book by John Piper, Charles Stanley or Chuck Smith that had more quotables and lessons that grab your attention!
Four examples:
"You allowed your thoughts to twist the truth into lies just so you could blame someone." Oooo, so many times I want to do that... and have, I'm sure!
"Help me God, to focus on you Lord...not on what's been done, but what CAN be done to restore" See, this prayer causes someone to not wallow in self-pity, or foster a grudge. God's desire is restoration... either of a relationship with Him or others, or one's own heart for mending purposes.
Regarding a rape "I conceived a child because someone did not place his desires under God's authority, nevertheless God's power is stronger than that event." Speechless....
"It takes two things to survive on this fallen planet. One is forgiveness, because when we forgive we're saying what was done to us is not more powerful than God's ability to redeem us from it." She doesn't say what the second thing was, that I could see... but that one was good enough for me.
Oh, there are so many more about the hardship of getting to the point of forgiveness, which was a huge struggle for me about the time my father died. I wish I had had this book back then.
But beyond the words on forgiveness, this little book is PACKED with things to consider, mull over and take into your heart.
Man!!!
Okay, this is where I do a synopsis so I can look back in a few years to remind me what a book was about...But I'm guessing I won't soon forget this one.
There! Way too long, but worth it for me. It was a solid 5 until one of the characters got a personality transplant and began acting in ways he hadn't in the previous book, which I felt was not good for the story. Having him become more understanding and dealing with Hannah differently at the end would have been preferable. It would have achieved the same thing without the weird, uncharacteristic change in him. But the story needed to go in a certain direction, and this is the way the author chose to get it there.
So for me it was a 4.75. But that's pretty good because I rarely give out 5s and this was sooooo close.
I cannot think of a single book, other than maybe a non-fiction book by John Piper, Charles Stanley or Chuck Smith that had more quotables and lessons that grab your attention!
Four examples:
"You allowed your thoughts to twist the truth into lies just so you could blame someone." Oooo, so many times I want to do that... and have, I'm sure!
"Help me God, to focus on you Lord...not on what's been done, but what CAN be done to restore" See, this prayer causes someone to not wallow in self-pity, or foster a grudge. God's desire is restoration... either of a relationship with Him or others, or one's own heart for mending purposes.
Regarding a rape "I conceived a child because someone did not place his desires under God's authority, nevertheless God's power is stronger than that event." Speechless....
"It takes two things to survive on this fallen planet. One is forgiveness, because when we forgive we're saying what was done to us is not more powerful than God's ability to redeem us from it." She doesn't say what the second thing was, that I could see... but that one was good enough for me.
Oh, there are so many more about the hardship of getting to the point of forgiveness, which was a huge struggle for me about the time my father died. I wish I had had this book back then.
But beyond the words on forgiveness, this little book is PACKED with things to consider, mull over and take into your heart.
Man!!!
Okay, this is where I do a synopsis so I can look back in a few years to remind me what a book was about...But I'm guessing I won't soon forget this one.
There! Way too long, but worth it for me. It was a solid 5 until one of the characters got a personality transplant and began acting in ways he hadn't in the previous book, which I felt was not good for the story. Having him become more understanding and dealing with Hannah differently at the end would have been preferable. It would have achieved the same thing without the weird, uncharacteristic change in him. But the story needed to go in a certain direction, and this is the way the author chose to get it there.
So for me it was a 4.75. But that's pretty good because I rarely give out 5s and this was sooooo close.
December 1, 2008
I could repeat for the umpteenth time how shocked I was to enjoy this series, let alone read through all of it in a matter of days. (Two of these books alone I got through in a sitting, I just couldn't stop reading.)
Hannah's story is simple, and inspirational without being preachy, the way books that have a religious or spritual theme often are. While I consider myself a very spiritual person, and certainly a religious one, books that have a religious theme often feel very much as though they're trying to sell you something. It's what generally turns me away from the genre to begin with.
I was utterly satisfied with the conclusion of her story, (and stayed up till 3 a.m. just to find out if I was going to be right.)
I recommend Hannah's story to any woman looking for a sweet inspirational story with spiritual overtones. (While I typically refrain from recommending stories, even romance novels and such, to one sex or the other, I feel that this story might speak more poignantly to a woman than it would to a man. On second thought, who knows, I might give it to Brad and see how he feels about it. Lord knows, he's recommended enough supernatural romance to me for it to be worth a shot.)
:-P
Hannah's story is simple, and inspirational without being preachy, the way books that have a religious or spritual theme often are. While I consider myself a very spiritual person, and certainly a religious one, books that have a religious theme often feel very much as though they're trying to sell you something. It's what generally turns me away from the genre to begin with.
I was utterly satisfied with the conclusion of her story, (and stayed up till 3 a.m. just to find out if I was going to be right.)
I recommend Hannah's story to any woman looking for a sweet inspirational story with spiritual overtones. (While I typically refrain from recommending stories, even romance novels and such, to one sex or the other, I feel that this story might speak more poignantly to a woman than it would to a man. On second thought, who knows, I might give it to Brad and see how he feels about it. Lord knows, he's recommended enough supernatural romance to me for it to be worth a shot.)
:-P
September 16, 2013
What a great ending to these stories. I have really loved them and highly recommend them. They talked about one of the greatest trials of life I believe...the ability to forgive. When you are been hurt so deeply, it is SO hard to forgive. Again, great series of books. Excellent writing by Cindy Woodsmall.
January 9, 2023
This trilogy was definitely not one of your normal love triangles. It was such a heartwarming series to read. The author definitely did a good job of keeping you on your toes with how Hannah's life was going to turn out. I still can't believe how she ended this book! Not your usual ending and especially something I didn't expect to read when I grabbed this book.
September 24, 2011
I normally don't like a continuous series like this but there is no way Woodsmall could have done Hannah's story justice in just one book. I think she did a marvelous job of dividingIher journey between the three books.
When the Soul Mends had me on tenterhooks. I knew how I wanted it to end but I wasn't sure that it was possible. In fact, Woodsmall convinced me that that my hopes would pretty much be dashed until nearly the end of the book. It was agonizing to read and my emotions just kept building with every page.
Now that I've finished I'm bereft. I went into mourning because I realized I had to say goodbye to all these characters I'd grown to love. And, while everything had a resolution, not everything was resolved to my liking (so like life) so I wanted to hang around and make absolutely everything right for Hannah!
I have to add that though this series deals with the Amish faith, I found the situations and struggles the characters found themselves in could easily be applied to any believer in any congregation. Our Christian communities are made up of diverse people and struggles with judgment, gossip,jealousy and prejudice are just as much a part of our lives. And the profound message of
being one with your God, making sure you are secure in your relationship with him applies to everyone. As does standing strong in your faith. I revisited all these issues in my own life as I read the Sisters of the Quilt series.
As far as I'm concerned this series is a must read. Start with book one and read them one right
after the other...and have plenty of tissues handy...and lots of chocolate. It will be the only comfort you can rely on in places!
When the Soul Mends had me on tenterhooks. I knew how I wanted it to end but I wasn't sure that it was possible. In fact, Woodsmall convinced me that that my hopes would pretty much be dashed until nearly the end of the book. It was agonizing to read and my emotions just kept building with every page.
Now that I've finished I'm bereft. I went into mourning because I realized I had to say goodbye to all these characters I'd grown to love. And, while everything had a resolution, not everything was resolved to my liking (so like life) so I wanted to hang around and make absolutely everything right for Hannah!
I have to add that though this series deals with the Amish faith, I found the situations and struggles the characters found themselves in could easily be applied to any believer in any congregation. Our Christian communities are made up of diverse people and struggles with judgment, gossip,jealousy and prejudice are just as much a part of our lives. And the profound message of
being one with your God, making sure you are secure in your relationship with him applies to everyone. As does standing strong in your faith. I revisited all these issues in my own life as I read the Sisters of the Quilt series.
As far as I'm concerned this series is a must read. Start with book one and read them one right
after the other...and have plenty of tissues handy...and lots of chocolate. It will be the only comfort you can rely on in places!
October 4, 2017
I'm short on time today, so, I'll just say this: This was a fitting conclusion to an Amish literary trilogy, and very inspiring.
November 10, 2019
I enjoyed this series, finding the characters and situations more complex than in the other novels about Amish people that I've read. I'm glad I bought the 3-volume book . . . the first two books in the series had obvious cliff hangers (especially the second book), and when I buy a book I want a satisfying ending. Not necessarily that every loose end is tied up, because life always has many possibilities. But I do like to see major issues resolved and this didn't happen until the end of the third book. Had I bought just the first book to give the series a try, I probably would not have returned to read the rest of the story. For me, this trilogy would have been better as a single novel with 3 parts and editing out the repetitive stuff inherent in sequels.
October 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this series! I liked the characters and the author wrote in a way that made me feel like I was living in the story along with the characters. I enjoyed the little surprises along the way that kept me wanting to know more.
July 9, 2015
I love how Cindy Woodsmall's characters touch the very heart of my soul. This is a story that we all can relate to, no matter what your background. Everyone struggles about where we fit in this life we live, and what God's plan is for our lives. It's no different with Hannah and the community she has come from. Yes, they live a little differently, but the matters of the heart is what draw us together, and help us relate to one another. Here is a glimpse into one of the heart issues I'm talking about, "Your sister understood that love reaches out against all the odds and against all reasonable hope. I learned so much about freedom and hope and faith. Why can't you understand that people and circumstances aren't bound to what you can see in them today? If they were, there would be no need for faith." Wow!! Powerful stuff!
There were several times in this book I just had to laugh out loud. Cindy has a way of describing the simple things in life that touch your heart in unexpected ways and bring a smile to your face. I loved how each book starts where the last one ended. Since Cindy left us with cliff hangers for books one and two, I was glad she started exactly at the edge of the cliff where she left us hanging. I was also thankful that each book had a brief description of who was who. Since it was awhile between reading each book, this was helpful for me to remember who everyone was and where I had left off. Thanks Cindy!!
I also was intrigued with Cindy's ability to weave the lives of the Plain and the Englischers together, yet they were separate. It felt like this was a three dimensional book I was experiencing. Through Hannah, I was able to experience both worlds and see life from every side. I felt Hannah's heart breaking as she discovered things she never knew of her past and how all the pieces fit together. I could also feel for Paul and all his discoveries as well. Life just doesn't seem fair. God never said that it would be. Could I trust that God's power over my life is stronger than anything that happened to me? Something to think about! The author has a way of making me look at my own life through the events in these books and the lives and relationships I read about. Powerful stuff!!
Cindy Woodsmall takes on the topic of mental illness in this book, and does an amazing job of dealing with it from all sides. It's not easy to talk about for anyone – it's hard enough for the outside world to deal with -- but how the Amish/Mennonite people deal with this is one I never thought of. This story stayed with me long after I finished reading the last page. I felt like I had been included in the lives of Hannah, Paul, Martin and all the characters in between. If you have read the other two books you won't want to miss the conclusion to this series. If you haven't read this series it's definitely a must-read for everyone.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
There were several times in this book I just had to laugh out loud. Cindy has a way of describing the simple things in life that touch your heart in unexpected ways and bring a smile to your face. I loved how each book starts where the last one ended. Since Cindy left us with cliff hangers for books one and two, I was glad she started exactly at the edge of the cliff where she left us hanging. I was also thankful that each book had a brief description of who was who. Since it was awhile between reading each book, this was helpful for me to remember who everyone was and where I had left off. Thanks Cindy!!
I also was intrigued with Cindy's ability to weave the lives of the Plain and the Englischers together, yet they were separate. It felt like this was a three dimensional book I was experiencing. Through Hannah, I was able to experience both worlds and see life from every side. I felt Hannah's heart breaking as she discovered things she never knew of her past and how all the pieces fit together. I could also feel for Paul and all his discoveries as well. Life just doesn't seem fair. God never said that it would be. Could I trust that God's power over my life is stronger than anything that happened to me? Something to think about! The author has a way of making me look at my own life through the events in these books and the lives and relationships I read about. Powerful stuff!!
Cindy Woodsmall takes on the topic of mental illness in this book, and does an amazing job of dealing with it from all sides. It's not easy to talk about for anyone – it's hard enough for the outside world to deal with -- but how the Amish/Mennonite people deal with this is one I never thought of. This story stayed with me long after I finished reading the last page. I felt like I had been included in the lives of Hannah, Paul, Martin and all the characters in between. If you have read the other two books you won't want to miss the conclusion to this series. If you haven't read this series it's definitely a must-read for everyone.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
October 15, 2010
I just finished reading a book called When the Soul Mends. This book is written by Cindy Woodsmall. She does an excellent job at explaining about the Amish life and keeping you interested in the book. The way she writes is like you are right there with the characters, if they take a sip of hot chocolate you are with them watching them and it was like you could feel the warmth off the mugs, and when they cried I cried with them.
The book never had a dull moment, for me anyway. My favorite parts were when Hannah went home to her community and she saw Paul again, also I enjoyed it when Sara got help and she almost burnt down the barn, and Paul and Hannah worked really well together and rekindled their relationship. The worst part in the book was when Hannah went home the first time and almost everyone disowned her, and did not want anything to do with her. Another bad part was when Hannah got her heart broken a second time by Martin Palmer and when she found out her sister was the one that burnt down the barns in the community.
In When the Soul Mends Hannah is a 20 year old woman who has been through a lot in her past she has been raped, her community turned on her ( even her parents), has had a baby who died not long after birth named Rachel, and has found her aunt Zabeth who died just recently. On the up side she has fallen in love again and has forgiven her ex– fiance; who abandoned her after he found out she had been raped and was pregnant. Now Hannah needs to return home because her sister is going crazy and her best friends brother has just died in a fire, when the roof fell in on him; but know that shes back she starts wondering what life would be like if Paul was still hers, Hannah also does not know if she can forgive him for just leaving her. Does Hannah forgive and forget like God wants her to? Is the spark that she feels when she is around Paul something to forget about? Do her and Martin last? You will have to read to find this out.
When the Soul Mends is a book written by Cindy Woodsmall, she is a excellent writer and tells facts in a way everyone can understand and is interested. Cindy Woodsmall's writing is not like anyone’s I have read before. Most of the thing she says are true about the Amish, just the story is made up. With this said I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romance; and to find out things about the Amish.
This book is probably one of the best books I have read. Most of the time I would not choose a book like this because I am more into mysteries and action books; but Cindy makes this book easy to read and really enjoyable for all I think. Not only have I read it but my mom and dad have read it to and also enjoyed this book.
The book never had a dull moment, for me anyway. My favorite parts were when Hannah went home to her community and she saw Paul again, also I enjoyed it when Sara got help and she almost burnt down the barn, and Paul and Hannah worked really well together and rekindled their relationship. The worst part in the book was when Hannah went home the first time and almost everyone disowned her, and did not want anything to do with her. Another bad part was when Hannah got her heart broken a second time by Martin Palmer and when she found out her sister was the one that burnt down the barns in the community.
In When the Soul Mends Hannah is a 20 year old woman who has been through a lot in her past she has been raped, her community turned on her ( even her parents), has had a baby who died not long after birth named Rachel, and has found her aunt Zabeth who died just recently. On the up side she has fallen in love again and has forgiven her ex– fiance; who abandoned her after he found out she had been raped and was pregnant. Now Hannah needs to return home because her sister is going crazy and her best friends brother has just died in a fire, when the roof fell in on him; but know that shes back she starts wondering what life would be like if Paul was still hers, Hannah also does not know if she can forgive him for just leaving her. Does Hannah forgive and forget like God wants her to? Is the spark that she feels when she is around Paul something to forget about? Do her and Martin last? You will have to read to find this out.
When the Soul Mends is a book written by Cindy Woodsmall, she is a excellent writer and tells facts in a way everyone can understand and is interested. Cindy Woodsmall's writing is not like anyone’s I have read before. Most of the thing she says are true about the Amish, just the story is made up. With this said I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romance; and to find out things about the Amish.
This book is probably one of the best books I have read. Most of the time I would not choose a book like this because I am more into mysteries and action books; but Cindy makes this book easy to read and really enjoyable for all I think. Not only have I read it but my mom and dad have read it to and also enjoyed this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2014
Suggested Age: 18+
Genre:Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction
This book is the beautiful conclusion to the heart-touching, Sisters of the Quilt Trilogy.
I wish that I could put into words how much this series means to me. I’m sitting here trying to type this review and my heart wants to pour out all the wisdom that I learned from Hannah and yet my mind can’t form a sentence that does it justice. This is one of the best Amish Fiction stories you will ever read. You will cry, you will laugh, then you will cry some more.
Hannah’s story can be difficult to read in places. She has suffered things that no woman should ever have to suffer. Nevertheless…she finds peace in the Lord Jesus and she becomes this beautifully strong and vibrant woman who doesn’t let her past determine her future.
Beautifully written and very touching, this is a series that I will read again.
Hannah’s soul is mending and her life is going forward. She has a ready-made family in Martin. But, is it enough? Martin means well but Hannah struggles to fit into his fast-paced life.
Hannah also feels a need to help her trouble sister and Martin doesn’t have the same sense of family that she has. He’s a great guy, don’t get me wrong, but he and Hannah have quite a few differences that need to be worked out if they plan to have a successful relationship.
Further, Hannah has been thrown into a situation that puts her in close proximity of her old love, Paul. Of course, non-shocker, Paul is still in love with Hannah. She, however, still feels a lot of bitterness over his treatment of her when he had first discovered her pregnancy.
To further complicate things, Hannah discovers something about herself and her health that has the power to change everything in her future…again. Will Martin accept what Hannah has to tell him or will it be Paul that picks up the pieces?
Either way, you won’t be disappointed! I don’t want to spoil things but I think you’ll be pretty happy with the conclusion!
View all my reviews|Excerpt
April 13, 2011
Hannah Lapp thought she left the past behind her and intended to move on with her Englischer life. Then all things change when her sister Sarah calls her and begs her to come home again. Hannah can tell that Sarah is in desperate need of someone to talk to and she rushes home to deal with it. Hannah has to face her fears of seeing all the family and community that ridiculed her for so long and try to forgive the past and move forward. While she is there her soul does begin to mend and she finds some answers to her questions and begins forgiving herself and those that hurt her. She is now stuck between the new life she created with Martin and Amish community that she so dearly is drawn to!
What an amazing conclusion to such a powerful story! When the Soul Mends was just as consuming and enjoyable as the first two books in the series. I could not get enough! I don’t suggest reading this book as a stand-alone because there is just so much involved there with Hannah and her past that I feel it’s important to know all the other things she went through. The author did a great job with connecting the reader to the story. I felt like I was almost Hannah’s sister or best friend; I was feeling all the emotions that Hannah felt and my heart was torn in two with feelings that she was going through. There were times that I thought for sure I knew where the story would head and then I was surprised all over again, I never knew until the end who Hannah was going to end up with! I am so happy with the way the series ended, I couldn’t have imagined it to end any better than it did, Cindy did a great job!!
I loved the spiritual matter; it was mild but very affective! There was a lot in the book about forgiveness that just pulled on my heart strings. I talked about how forgiveness is a choice and that God takes it all very seriously and I was amazed with all the characters and their issues with forgiveness!
This is the kind of book that once you start reading the series you really didn’t want to stop. I had to wait weeks to read the last book and it about killed me. Once I picked up When the Soul Mends I couldn’t put it down! Even when it ended I did not want it to, I could have kept reading for another 200 pages! I highly recommend When the Soul Mends!
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
What an amazing conclusion to such a powerful story! When the Soul Mends was just as consuming and enjoyable as the first two books in the series. I could not get enough! I don’t suggest reading this book as a stand-alone because there is just so much involved there with Hannah and her past that I feel it’s important to know all the other things she went through. The author did a great job with connecting the reader to the story. I felt like I was almost Hannah’s sister or best friend; I was feeling all the emotions that Hannah felt and my heart was torn in two with feelings that she was going through. There were times that I thought for sure I knew where the story would head and then I was surprised all over again, I never knew until the end who Hannah was going to end up with! I am so happy with the way the series ended, I couldn’t have imagined it to end any better than it did, Cindy did a great job!!
I loved the spiritual matter; it was mild but very affective! There was a lot in the book about forgiveness that just pulled on my heart strings. I talked about how forgiveness is a choice and that God takes it all very seriously and I was amazed with all the characters and their issues with forgiveness!
This is the kind of book that once you start reading the series you really didn’t want to stop. I had to wait weeks to read the last book and it about killed me. Once I picked up When the Soul Mends I couldn’t put it down! Even when it ended I did not want it to, I could have kept reading for another 200 pages! I highly recommend When the Soul Mends!
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
October 1, 2008
ABOUT THE BOOK
Returning to the home she fled in disgrace, will Hannah find healing for the wounds of the past?
After receiving a desperate and confusing call from her sister, Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community of her Pennsylvania childhood.
Having fled in disgrace more than two years earlier, she finally has settled into a satisfying role in the Englischer world. She also has found love and a new family with the wealthy Martin Palmer and the children she is helping him raise. But almost immediately after her arrival in Owl's Perch, the disapproval of those who ostracized her, including her headstrong father, reopens old wounds.
As Hannah is thrown together with former fiancé Paul Waddell to work for her sister Sarah's mental health, hidden truths surface about events during Hannah's absence, and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the Plain Life-and perhaps to her first love?
My review:
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.
When the Soul Mends was published by Waterbrook and released in Sept 2008.
Returning to the home she fled in disgrace, will Hannah find healing for the wounds of the past?
After receiving a desperate and confusing call from her sister, Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community of her Pennsylvania childhood.
Having fled in disgrace more than two years earlier, she finally has settled into a satisfying role in the Englischer world. She also has found love and a new family with the wealthy Martin Palmer and the children she is helping him raise. But almost immediately after her arrival in Owl's Perch, the disapproval of those who ostracized her, including her headstrong father, reopens old wounds.
As Hannah is thrown together with former fiancé Paul Waddell to work for her sister Sarah's mental health, hidden truths surface about events during Hannah's absence, and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the Plain Life-and perhaps to her first love?
My review:
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.
When the Soul Mends was published by Waterbrook and released in Sept 2008.
October 17, 2018
When the Soul Mends by Cindy Woodsmall is the final book in Sisters of the Quilt series. Hannah Lapp receives a call from her sister, Sarah that Matthew Esh has been injured in a fire and his brother, David passed away when their business caught fire. Hannah arranges for time off and heads home to Owl’s Perch, Pennsylvania. Hannah left home two and a half years ago when she was seventeen. She works for Dr. Lehman and is taking classes to become a nurse. Hannah has found a family with Martin Palmer along with his niece and nephew. Hannah arrives at the funeral and is instantly met with disapproval which reopens old wounds. She notices that Sarah is behaving oddly, and that there are burns on her hands which Sarah cannot explain. Something is up with Sarah and Hannah wants to get her help before she returns to her life in the Englisch world. Paul Waddell, Hannah’s old boyfriend, works as a counselor at Better Path. With Paul’s assistance, the family can get Sarah the help she desperately needs. It also gives Hannah and Paul an opportunity to resolve the past. As issues become resolved, Hannah realizes her feeling for Paul are still there. Hannah will need to make a choice between her new life in the Englisch world or her old one in Owl’s Perch.
When the Soul Mends is not a standalone novel. You need to read the book in the Sisters of the Quilt series in order as each book builds upon the previous one. I thought When the Soul Mends contains good writing with well-developed and thoughtful characters. The story has a languid pace. I wish it had been a little peppier and edited for length (368 pages). While I enjoyed When the Soul Mends, I did find it predictable. A couple has a misunderstanding that takes them the book to resolve. I wanted the couple to have a real conversation. I like how the author handled Sarah’s mental health issues and how it added depth to the book. The theme of forgiveness is dominate in When the Soul Mends. Only when you truly forgive can you begin to heal. I appreciated the epilogue which wrapped up all the storylines. When the Soul Mends is a lovely conclusion to the Sisters of the Quilt series.
When the Soul Mends is not a standalone novel. You need to read the book in the Sisters of the Quilt series in order as each book builds upon the previous one. I thought When the Soul Mends contains good writing with well-developed and thoughtful characters. The story has a languid pace. I wish it had been a little peppier and edited for length (368 pages). While I enjoyed When the Soul Mends, I did find it predictable. A couple has a misunderstanding that takes them the book to resolve. I wanted the couple to have a real conversation. I like how the author handled Sarah’s mental health issues and how it added depth to the book. The theme of forgiveness is dominate in When the Soul Mends. Only when you truly forgive can you begin to heal. I appreciated the epilogue which wrapped up all the storylines. When the Soul Mends is a lovely conclusion to the Sisters of the Quilt series.
October 17, 2012
Wow. That is the main thought that I am left with after finishing this magnificent book. Cindy Woodsmall has done an amazing job with her debut series and I cannot wait to read more from this fabulous author. I enjoyed the first book and really was full of emotion for the characters. I cannot tell you how many times throughout the series I was brought to tears or screaming in anger when the characters would not for themselves.
When the Soul Mends is an incredible book about such depth with a vast amount of heart wrenching drama that is so real and so needed to be read. You could read this book alone, but I strongly suggest you start from the beginning, because only after going through When the Heart Cries to the When the Morning Comes can you really appreciate the beauty and fully healing affects of When the Soul Mends. Can you see how perfect these titles are?
I'm practically speechless, but I want to ramble about how great this book is. The characters are so real, as are their troubles and joys. Cindy really brings you into an Amish/Plain/Englisher world and shows the good, as well as the bad in all cases. After falling into their world in the first two novels and screaming for answers with the cliff hangers those two left me in, Cindy has answered everything in more depth and better than I ever could have imagined. I'm completely satisfied with this series and you can bet it is on my keeper shelf.
When the Soul Mends is an incredible book about such depth with a vast amount of heart wrenching drama that is so real and so needed to be read. You could read this book alone, but I strongly suggest you start from the beginning, because only after going through When the Heart Cries to the When the Morning Comes can you really appreciate the beauty and fully healing affects of When the Soul Mends. Can you see how perfect these titles are?
I'm practically speechless, but I want to ramble about how great this book is. The characters are so real, as are their troubles and joys. Cindy really brings you into an Amish/Plain/Englisher world and shows the good, as well as the bad in all cases. After falling into their world in the first two novels and screaming for answers with the cliff hangers those two left me in, Cindy has answered everything in more depth and better than I ever could have imagined. I'm completely satisfied with this series and you can bet it is on my keeper shelf.
February 6, 2012
I don’t want it to end. In this final book in the Sisters of the Quilt series we are once again transported back to the Old Order Amish community of Owl’s Perch as well as the Ohio home of Hannah Lapp. The tension in this book was palpable, the decisions that Hannah has to make both for her own good as well as others, is fraught with heartache and forgiveness.
I read this book in one day, because I just couldn’t put it down. I had to know what happened between Paul and Hannah and how she dealt with the issues that had long been brewing since before her leaving almost three years ago. This book picks up where the second left off, but honestly it could be read as a stand alone book and it will be just as enjoyable. Cindy Woodsmall did include a list of characters, which is great if you haven’t read the last couple or just need a basic refresher of the who’s in the story.
I found myself wanting more, it’s always hard to say good-bye to characters in a book that is well written, like this one. While I had figured out some of what the ending was going to be before I got there it was still a surprise and one that was worth waiting on. So if you’ve never read Cindy Woodsmall’s books before or need another Amish fiction book to read then look no further than When the Soul Mends.
**I was provided a copy of this book through Blogging For Books in exchange for my honest review, no other compensation was given.
I read this book in one day, because I just couldn’t put it down. I had to know what happened between Paul and Hannah and how she dealt with the issues that had long been brewing since before her leaving almost three years ago. This book picks up where the second left off, but honestly it could be read as a stand alone book and it will be just as enjoyable. Cindy Woodsmall did include a list of characters, which is great if you haven’t read the last couple or just need a basic refresher of the who’s in the story.
I found myself wanting more, it’s always hard to say good-bye to characters in a book that is well written, like this one. While I had figured out some of what the ending was going to be before I got there it was still a surprise and one that was worth waiting on. So if you’ve never read Cindy Woodsmall’s books before or need another Amish fiction book to read then look no further than When the Soul Mends.
**I was provided a copy of this book through Blogging For Books in exchange for my honest review, no other compensation was given.
Read
December 11, 2014When the Soul Mends by Cindy Woodsmall In the third book of the Sisters of the Quilt, Hannah Lapp returns to her childhood home after receiving a phone call from her sister. Her arrival back into the community is received with disapproval by many in the area. As her short visit to see a injured dear friend’s turns to dealing with her is younger sister’s struggle with mental issues. Hannah has to accept that she will be needing the assistance of her former fiancé, Paul Waddell to get her sister the help needed to get her well. Being around Paul opens some old wounds for her, making some decisions on what she wants to do in her life. At the same time, the hidden truths start coming to the surface, making Hannah take a second look at the life she has made for herself. will Hannah chose to continue living as a Englischer or heed her heart’s call to return to the Plain life and her first love. “I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.”
February 4, 2016
It took me way too long to get around to reading this series (I know, and I call myself an Amish fan?) but I'm so glad I made the time for it. I think I actually liked the last book the most! Although stories that span several books can be a pain as you have to remember what happened in the last volume, they do give space for LOTS of character growth. I think Hannah's journey is the best part about this book. It's so authentic! I really hurt for Hannah and got angry on her behalf and got completely sucked into her problems. I also love the way that Cindy deals with controversial issues like rape and mental illness. No sweeping them under the carpet here, and she isn't afraid to acknowledge that sometimes Amish communities aren't equipped to deal with certain situations. If you like your Amish fiction without rose-tinted glasses, definitely check out Cindy's books.
August 9, 2012
Ok, this is probably wrong but I hate Dorcas she is absolutely vile.
Having said that, this book is reasonably well written but again it is not a stand alone novel. Do not read it without having the rest of the the "books".
Also, if you have not had enough of the "big misunderstandings" that were so popular in eighties romances, you will be thrilled to see it here as a recurring theme in this novel and in book 2. I just wanted to scream at Paul and Hannah by the beginning of book three ONE REAL CONVERSATION would help them resolve their issues. At that point I honestly did not care how they resolved them.
Only pure masochism keeps me tied to this book. BAD BAD BAD
Hannah is the only bright spot in this novel. The three books are really just one.
Having said that, this book is reasonably well written but again it is not a stand alone novel. Do not read it without having the rest of the the "books".
Also, if you have not had enough of the "big misunderstandings" that were so popular in eighties romances, you will be thrilled to see it here as a recurring theme in this novel and in book 2. I just wanted to scream at Paul and Hannah by the beginning of book three ONE REAL CONVERSATION would help them resolve their issues. At that point I honestly did not care how they resolved them.
Only pure masochism keeps me tied to this book. BAD BAD BAD
Hannah is the only bright spot in this novel. The three books are really just one.
June 13, 2010
I got this in Shipshe because I figured, when else would I get a chance to buy an Amish book? Damn it, I was up until 12:30 last night because I couldn't put it down. Now where am I going to buy more from this author? RAGPAGS, let's plan another trip to Shipshe!
I think that Martin's character suffered a bit to raise Paul up, but other than that, I adored the characters and truly rooted for all of them. Paul was a wonderful character and frankly, so was Martin. He wasn't what Hannah needed, but he was almost always trying his hardest.
I think that Martin's character suffered a bit to raise Paul up, but other than that, I adored the characters and truly rooted for all of them. Paul was a wonderful character and frankly, so was Martin. He wasn't what Hannah needed, but he was almost always trying his hardest.
April 7, 2015
All 3 Books in the Series was Very Good. Sad to had seen it end.
November 23, 2015
One quote I'd like to share:
". . . love didn't have to be perfect when forgiveness was applied" (p. 334).
I loved the ending. Perfect.
". . . love didn't have to be perfect when forgiveness was applied" (p. 334).
I loved the ending. Perfect.
July 1, 2018
Hanah Lapp receives a desperate and confusing phone call from her little sister, Sarah, and reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community in Pennsylvania, where she was raised. More than two years ago, she fled from Owl’s Perch in disgrace, but now she’s found her place and settled into her new role in the Englisher world. She’s found love and a new family with the wealthy Martin Palmer and the two small children they’re raising together. She’s no longer the frightened teenager who first arrived in Ohio, but has come into her own. She’s more confident now. But, almost immediately after she enters Owl’s Perch, she finds herself facing the disapproval of the same people who ostracized her before, including her own father, and old wounds are reopened. She also quickly realizes that she’s the only person who will advocate for Sarah’s mental health. As Hannah is thrown together with her former fiancée, Paul Waddell, to take care of Sarah, they find out the truth about events during her absence and she faces an agonizing decision. She can choose her new life with Martin, Kevin, and Lissa, or she can return to the Plain life and her first love.
Wow! What a wonderful ending to a powerful series! Oh, Cindy Woodsmall, you sure know how to make me cry! I dearly loved this series and the amazing characters. In fact, I’m begging for more books set in Owl’s Perch! This story had such wonderful lessons about forgiveness and second chances. It shows how God can use even the most terrible incident we could face and use them for our good. Also, we can trust Him, even when we don’t understand why He’s leading us the way He is. His plans for us are always infinitely better than anything we could plan for ourselves. I was very happy with the way things turned out. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of Cindy’s books.
Wow! What a wonderful ending to a powerful series! Oh, Cindy Woodsmall, you sure know how to make me cry! I dearly loved this series and the amazing characters. In fact, I’m begging for more books set in Owl’s Perch! This story had such wonderful lessons about forgiveness and second chances. It shows how God can use even the most terrible incident we could face and use them for our good. Also, we can trust Him, even when we don’t understand why He’s leading us the way He is. His plans for us are always infinitely better than anything we could plan for ourselves. I was very happy with the way things turned out. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of Cindy’s books.
August 7, 2023
Returning to the home she fled in disgrace, will Hannah find healing for the wounds of the past?
After receiving a desperate and confusing call from her sister, Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community of her Pennsylvania childhood.
Having fled in disgrace more than two years earlier, she finally has settled into a satisfying role in the Englischer world. She also has found love and a new family with the wealthy Martin Palmer and the children she is helping him raise. But almost immediately after her arrival in Owl’s Perch, the disapproval of those who ostracized her, including her headstrong father, reopens old wounds.
As Hannah is thrown together with former fiancé Paul Waddell to work for her sister Sarah’s mental health, hidden truths surface about events during Hannah’s absence, and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the Plain Life–and perhaps to her first love?
When the Soul Mends is the third and final book in the Sisters of the Quilt series.
After receiving a desperate and confusing call from her sister, Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community of her Pennsylvania childhood.
Having fled in disgrace more than two years earlier, she finally has settled into a satisfying role in the Englischer world. She also has found love and a new family with the wealthy Martin Palmer and the children she is helping him raise. But almost immediately after her arrival in Owl’s Perch, the disapproval of those who ostracized her, including her headstrong father, reopens old wounds.
As Hannah is thrown together with former fiancé Paul Waddell to work for her sister Sarah’s mental health, hidden truths surface about events during Hannah’s absence, and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the Plain Life–and perhaps to her first love?
When the Soul Mends is the third and final book in the Sisters of the Quilt series.
August 12, 2025
I figured it would turn out the way it did, though at least the way it was done, it did it how it probably would have happened in reality, so I appreciated and accepted it.
I start the review out in such a way because in reading the boring second book, my heart had started to really be cheering on the situation that had been going on in that book, but I do think the third book was less boring and written much better.
This third installment is about Hannah having to go back home after not doing so for over two years. She would have to face her Daed, her sister Sarah, her best friend Mary, and even her old beau Paul. There was obviously some drama because of it.
I have to say, I still think the character of Martin was wonderful in these books, and I think he needs a little nod. He was a minor character in this book, but I feel he was a good man.
Just as in real life, there was one thing that was brought up in the first book that never really found a resolution, but it was brought up again in this book and the questions just were never found out to have a solution. That was okay for me. I don't think they would have been able to get those answers.
I start the review out in such a way because in reading the boring second book, my heart had started to really be cheering on the situation that had been going on in that book, but I do think the third book was less boring and written much better.
This third installment is about Hannah having to go back home after not doing so for over two years. She would have to face her Daed, her sister Sarah, her best friend Mary, and even her old beau Paul. There was obviously some drama because of it.
I have to say, I still think the character of Martin was wonderful in these books, and I think he needs a little nod. He was a minor character in this book, but I feel he was a good man.
Just as in real life, there was one thing that was brought up in the first book that never really found a resolution, but it was brought up again in this book and the questions just were never found out to have a solution. That was okay for me. I don't think they would have been able to get those answers.
October 26, 2017
Waiting to get my hands on this last book in the trilogy was torture, but I finally got it and raced through it at record speed and it did not disappoint. I liked that Woodsmall gave the characters plenty of time to interact and figure out what has been really going on with each other the entire time-- so when Hannah first talks with Paul again, she lashes out and is rather nasty to him, which he kind of deserved. But then later they talk again, and later again and again, and eventually they're able to work through things.
Like actual people with real relationships that are sometimes sticky and complicated and in need of a certain amount of forgiveness!
I would have liked for Martin to be a nicer guy throughout the novel, but now that I'm thinking about it, he wasn't exactly a nice guy in the second book, either, so I guess Woodsmall kept him fairly consistent (but still gave him room to grow and improve without turning him into a saint).
Everything ends fairly well for the main characters and I loved that. What a great series!
Like actual people with real relationships that are sometimes sticky and complicated and in need of a certain amount of forgiveness!
I would have liked for Martin to be a nicer guy throughout the novel, but now that I'm thinking about it, he wasn't exactly a nice guy in the second book, either, so I guess Woodsmall kept him fairly consistent (but still gave him room to grow and improve without turning him into a saint).
Everything ends fairly well for the main characters and I loved that. What a great series!
December 12, 2018
Book 3 picks up where book 2 ends. Hannah is studying for her nursing certificate, working in a clinic as well as an Amish birthing center, and helping her English boyfriend Martin to raise his niece and nephew. Her aunt has died, but she feels she has a new family and a new sense of purpose. Every Tuesday she meets with the area's Old Order Amish women to quilt and answer medical questions. All seems right with her world. Then she gets a phone call that her sister is not doing well, and she has to return home for the first time since she left over two years ago. She will have to face her fears, the trauma that started it all, new knowledge that she had made wrong assumptions, and the gossip that she fled from. Moving between her past and her present worlds leaves Hannah struggling to learn forgiveness so she can truly move on. But is the direction she wishes to move toward the right one? Or is her past more a part of her future than she wants to admit.
This is one of the best series I've read in quite some time. Excellent!
This is one of the best series I've read in quite some time. Excellent!
March 8, 2021
I liked how this trilogy ends. I liked how Hannah grew throughout the series. I liked that she questioned things and didn't just accept things as they were presented to her. She did a lot of soul searching and looking at herself while adjusting to life outside of the Amish community. I liked the growing relationship she had with Paul. I wasn't too thrilled with how things were between her and Martin. I liked him in book two and thought he was a good guy. I don't think he was a bad guy but he certainly wasn't the guy for her. I didn't like how he seemed to change and how their relationship evolved. I really enjoyed the secondary storylines as well. The author did a good job at giving us all the details about Hannah and adding plenty of details about her family and friends as well. I was very invested in most of the characters and their lives. I would love to read more by this author in the future. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy Amish Christian fiction.
March 15, 2018
Cindy Woodsmall has captured my heart with her writing. She has become one of my most favorite authors. She has a way with words. Her stories leave me with a book hangover. Once again she has told a beautiful story. Not one that’s free of trials and hardship, but one that has all the realities of life. She weaves themes of bitterness and deceit with forgiveness and love. Redemption is clearly depicted throughout the book. Her characters are real and like a friend you didn’t know you had. You want to cry with them and laugh with them and at the end of the day just really have them as a real life friend. I was worried about reading the 3rd book in a series without having read the previous books but it didn’t matter at all. You don’t want to miss this book. It’s excellent.
I received a digital copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I received a digital copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
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