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Ada's House #1
The Hope of Refuge
The first book in the Ada's House series, The Hope of Refuge is a moving story of love, hope, and new beginnings from New York Times bestselling author Cindy Woodsmall. The widowed mother of a little girl, Cara Moore is struggling against poverty, fear, and a relentless stalker. When her stalker ransacks her home, Cara and her daughter, Lori, flee New York City for an Amish community, eager for a fresh start. But she discovers that long-held secrets about her family history ripple beneath the surface of Dry Lake, Pennsylvania, and it’s no place for an outsider. One Amish man, Ephraim Mast, dares to fulfill the command he believes that he received from God—“Be me to her”—despite how it threatens his way of life. While Ephraim tries to do what he believes is right, will he be shunned and lose everything, including the guarded single mother who simply longs for a better life? A complete opposite of the hard, untrusting Cara, Ephraim’s sister Deborah also finds her dreams crumbling when the man she has pledged to build a life with begins withdrawing from Deborah and his community, including his mother, Ada Stoltzfus. Can the run-down house that Ada envisions transforming unite them toward a common purpose—or will it push Mahlon away forever?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2009
220 people are currently reading
2442 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Woodsmall
68 books1,118 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 197 reviews
July 20, 2009
This book, in which a young widowed single mother who had been raised in foster care, ran to Amish country following a clue left in her mother's diary, trying to escape a stalker. Surprisingly enough, when this stranger enters their community dressed in immodest clothes and camps out in a barn, she isn't welcomed with open arms by all. However Ephraim remembers a young girl who visited their community years ago, and yes, Cara is that girl, and yes, he is still carrying a torch for her. I rather doubt anyone starting this book would be surprised at the resolution but I'd say this is one of the better-written Amish novels I've read.
I'll admit to having little more than a cursory knowledge of the Amish, their beliefs and lifestyles. I do know that as a Catholic I often find things in Christian fiction written by Protestants about Catholics that are either just plain wrong or are misunderstood. With that in mind, I don't consider a novel like this to necessarily be completely correct about the Amish(though I don't know enough to point out any errors, if there are any), but I have read novels in which the Amish, all of them except perhaps a "bad guy" come off as saints (loving, patient, praying, forgiving)and I've read others where it is obvious that the author's sympathy is with the Amish who maintain the family ties and lifestyle but adopt personal religious beliefs more in line with evangelical Protestantism than with the Amish faith. Neither is true of this book. Most of these Amish are very human. They react out of fear, pride, jealousy and love. They care for each other, but aren't good at reaching out to outsiders in need. This book presents the rules that seem so unreasonable to us in a sympathetic manner and explains some of the "why".
I'll admit to having little more than a cursory knowledge of the Amish, their beliefs and lifestyles. I do know that as a Catholic I often find things in Christian fiction written by Protestants about Catholics that are either just plain wrong or are misunderstood. With that in mind, I don't consider a novel like this to necessarily be completely correct about the Amish(though I don't know enough to point out any errors, if there are any), but I have read novels in which the Amish, all of them except perhaps a "bad guy" come off as saints (loving, patient, praying, forgiving)and I've read others where it is obvious that the author's sympathy is with the Amish who maintain the family ties and lifestyle but adopt personal religious beliefs more in line with evangelical Protestantism than with the Amish faith. Neither is true of this book. Most of these Amish are very human. They react out of fear, pride, jealousy and love. They care for each other, but aren't good at reaching out to outsiders in need. This book presents the rules that seem so unreasonable to us in a sympathetic manner and explains some of the "why".
September 2, 2019
I have really mixed feelings on this book. I not only didn't like the female main character, at times I actually hated her. She was mean, selfish, rude, not able to look at life from anyone else's perspective, even to the point of destroying the lives of other people, a liar and a thief, etc. And she blamed it all on the way she grew up: abandoned, placed in foster care, a teen runaway with a stalker. The thing that frustrated me the most is that she refused to take any responsibility for her bad choices. Everything was blamed on her background. Her behavior was even excused by others because of her background. Well, we make choices. We cannot always choose our circumstances, but we can always choose our attitude, our response to our circumstances. The same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg, as the saying goes. Many have grown up in foster care and turned out just fine. Not everyone who is abandoned turns into a bitter shrew. Perhaps the author wanted to show how bad Cara was in order to show how important her transformation was. But I just couldn't feel any sympathy for the woman, and definitely couldn't see what in the world the main male character Ephraim saw in her. Did he allow her physical beauty to blind him to her character?
I also found it difficult to believe how many sad, sick, secrets were at work in this Amish community. Yes, everyone has problems, but it seemed that every family in the community had some really negative stuff going on, and it finally got tiring to hear about all their problems.
Also, there were so many stories intertwined in this book, I found it a little difficult to keep them all straight, and they weren't all resolved in this book, so the author obviously intended this as a series. I did go ahead and begin the sequel, and I am liking it somewhat better. I listened to this as an audiobook.
I also found it difficult to believe how many sad, sick, secrets were at work in this Amish community. Yes, everyone has problems, but it seemed that every family in the community had some really negative stuff going on, and it finally got tiring to hear about all their problems.
Also, there were so many stories intertwined in this book, I found it a little difficult to keep them all straight, and they weren't all resolved in this book, so the author obviously intended this as a series. I did go ahead and begin the sequel, and I am liking it somewhat better. I listened to this as an audiobook.
Read
January 18, 2024I happened to simultaneously read two books about women who grew up in foster care and who were trying to help a child (or two) to be safe and have a better life. It was really fascinating reading this book with the story taking place largely in an Amish community. It left me thinking a lot about perseverance, personal revelation, judging others, adhering to cultural and religious practices, and following your gut when others don't agree with you. Reading this provided me with a good chance to evaluate where I'm at in my personal tendencies toward judging situations vs people and responding in Christlike or un-Christlike ways. I wasn't as convinced by the romance in this story, but overall it was definitely a thought-provoking read!
August 16, 2019
Understanding the Amish
This book is about making judgements from the way something appears rather than weighing all the facts. I liked this book and recommend it to anyone who likes Amish books.
This book is about making judgements from the way something appears rather than weighing all the facts. I liked this book and recommend it to anyone who likes Amish books.
August 16, 2011
Cindy Woodsmall is one amazing author that leaves you thinking about the characters in her stories days after you finish the books. The Hope of Refuge was wonderful!! A young widow named Cara who has no family besides her daughter Lori is being harassed by a stalker and when things get dangerously scary she takes her daughter and makes a run for it. They end up at a bus or train station trying to decide where to hide from stalker Mike when she discovers an old address in her mother's journal. It is an address in Dry Lake Pennsylvania, an Amish community, and she decides right then and there that is the best place for Lori and her to hide from Mike.
When they finally arrive in Dry Lake they are wet, cold and homeless. They end up hiding out in a barn on someone's land. The owner of the barn turns out to be handsome young Amish man Ephraim and he isn't too thrilled to find Cara and Lori hiding out on his property especially when Cara is accused of being a drunken thief. Despite his struggles with the rumors he is hearing about her Ephraim is feeling called by God to help her and be Jesus to her! His community is not supportive of this idea and thus begins his struggle with trying to do what's right in Gods eyes and in the eyes of his Amish community.
I LOVE Cindy Woodsmall's writing!! The first Amish book I ever read was a book by Cindy and since then I've tried other Amish authors but have never enjoyed any of them. There is just something about the way Cindy writes that keeps you interested.
Her stories are full of engaging and dynamic characters. I always love the way the characters pull at my heart strings and that was no exception with The Hope of Refuge. I especially enjoyed the two main characters Cara and Ephraim. Cara has such a passion and love to take care of her daughter in a safe environment and to find the roots of her mother. Ephraim is amazing also. I love the way that he chooses to follow the call God has placed on his heart despite the troubles he encounters! I'm not sure that I could have done what Ephraim did if it meant the kind of problems he faced. That fact alone made him admirable and I was rooting for things to work out with him the whole way through the story!
Another point that makes Cindy Woodsmall an amazing author is her ability to keep a story flowing without any dull and dragging moments. I never once felt like it was a good time to stop reading the book and go to bed. I was engaged from chapter one and couldn't read it fast enough! I've found this to be true with all of Cindy's writing that I've read so far! Her books are entertaining, thought-provoking and emotional!! I am anxiously awaiting the second book in the Ada's House Series and will be devouring that book as fast as I can also! Thank you Cindy Woodsmall for your delightful Amish books!!
When they finally arrive in Dry Lake they are wet, cold and homeless. They end up hiding out in a barn on someone's land. The owner of the barn turns out to be handsome young Amish man Ephraim and he isn't too thrilled to find Cara and Lori hiding out on his property especially when Cara is accused of being a drunken thief. Despite his struggles with the rumors he is hearing about her Ephraim is feeling called by God to help her and be Jesus to her! His community is not supportive of this idea and thus begins his struggle with trying to do what's right in Gods eyes and in the eyes of his Amish community.
I LOVE Cindy Woodsmall's writing!! The first Amish book I ever read was a book by Cindy and since then I've tried other Amish authors but have never enjoyed any of them. There is just something about the way Cindy writes that keeps you interested.
Her stories are full of engaging and dynamic characters. I always love the way the characters pull at my heart strings and that was no exception with The Hope of Refuge. I especially enjoyed the two main characters Cara and Ephraim. Cara has such a passion and love to take care of her daughter in a safe environment and to find the roots of her mother. Ephraim is amazing also. I love the way that he chooses to follow the call God has placed on his heart despite the troubles he encounters! I'm not sure that I could have done what Ephraim did if it meant the kind of problems he faced. That fact alone made him admirable and I was rooting for things to work out with him the whole way through the story!
Another point that makes Cindy Woodsmall an amazing author is her ability to keep a story flowing without any dull and dragging moments. I never once felt like it was a good time to stop reading the book and go to bed. I was engaged from chapter one and couldn't read it fast enough! I've found this to be true with all of Cindy's writing that I've read so far! Her books are entertaining, thought-provoking and emotional!! I am anxiously awaiting the second book in the Ada's House Series and will be devouring that book as fast as I can also! Thank you Cindy Woodsmall for your delightful Amish books!!
July 9, 2015
Cindy Woodsmall has the unique ability to quickly grab your attention, emotions, and curiosity to whisk you into a wondrous world of her making. This is not your typical Amish story. Her main character Cara is a hard working waitress, a single mom who addicted to cigarettes and always looking over her shoulder to flee from a violent stalker. Cara does her best to survive in New York and care for her young daughter Lori, who is her world.
What I love about Cindy’s books is the fact that she talks about universal truths and lies some believe— things that we all struggle with from time to time—such as feeling abandoned, or a desperate need to be loved and be a part of a community so we can live our life to the fullest. Cara wants answers about her past so that she can figure out which path to take in the future.
Cindy has an uncanny way of letting you feel like you’re a fly on the wall and sensing that nothings being altered because you’re hanging around! She allows you to capture every detail of the drama unfolding in her story, up-close and personal. Ada, an Amish woman, says to Cara (who can’t figure out why anyone would want to be Amish), “We all submit to something. Athletes submit to the rules of their game. Lawyers and judges submit to the laws. The highest court in the land submits to the Constitution….The Amish choose to submit to the Ordnung in order to be strong against desires that want no boundaries.”
Cindy lifts the veil and allows you to peak into the Amish way of life. The Hope of Refuge is the beginning of an amazing tale, with believable characters you’d like to meet. I can’t wait to sit down to read Cindy’s next book, and find out where these special characters end up. The author leaves you with a satisfying ending and a desire to know what happens next. Thanks, Cindy for taking us on another exciting adventure in and out of the Amish community.
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
What I love about Cindy’s books is the fact that she talks about universal truths and lies some believe— things that we all struggle with from time to time—such as feeling abandoned, or a desperate need to be loved and be a part of a community so we can live our life to the fullest. Cara wants answers about her past so that she can figure out which path to take in the future.
Cindy has an uncanny way of letting you feel like you’re a fly on the wall and sensing that nothings being altered because you’re hanging around! She allows you to capture every detail of the drama unfolding in her story, up-close and personal. Ada, an Amish woman, says to Cara (who can’t figure out why anyone would want to be Amish), “We all submit to something. Athletes submit to the rules of their game. Lawyers and judges submit to the laws. The highest court in the land submits to the Constitution….The Amish choose to submit to the Ordnung in order to be strong against desires that want no boundaries.”
Cindy lifts the veil and allows you to peak into the Amish way of life. The Hope of Refuge is the beginning of an amazing tale, with believable characters you’d like to meet. I can’t wait to sit down to read Cindy’s next book, and find out where these special characters end up. The author leaves you with a satisfying ending and a desire to know what happens next. Thanks, Cindy for taking us on another exciting adventure in and out of the Amish community.
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
August 7, 2009
The Hope of Refuge by Author Cindy Woodsmall is an endearing story of hope, redemption and renewal and fans of Woodsmall will not be disappointed. I myself had recently given up on reading anymore books that were Amish related, because they seem to all have the same storyline (Amish girl meets sinful Englisher, who steals her heart, is shunned yada, yada, yada), but not so with The Hope of Refuge.
The main character of Cara Moore is a widowed single parent, raised in foster care and trying to escape the clutches of a stalker. An old diary of her mother's reveals an address in Dry Lake Pennyslvania, so she hops a bus with her daughter, Lori and when she gets there, she has no idea what to do. Fortunately, she meets Ephraim Mast who recognizes her from when she was a child. Unfortunately, his father calls Social Services when he sees Cara stealing. Ephraim risks getting shunned by moving Cara and her daughter into his house, so that social services won't separate them. All the while he believes that God is telling him to help her to - 'Be Me to her' - leading to a story that is filled with hope and forgiveness.
The Hope of Refuge is one book you will want to have on your shelf!
The main character of Cara Moore is a widowed single parent, raised in foster care and trying to escape the clutches of a stalker. An old diary of her mother's reveals an address in Dry Lake Pennyslvania, so she hops a bus with her daughter, Lori and when she gets there, she has no idea what to do. Fortunately, she meets Ephraim Mast who recognizes her from when she was a child. Unfortunately, his father calls Social Services when he sees Cara stealing. Ephraim risks getting shunned by moving Cara and her daughter into his house, so that social services won't separate them. All the while he believes that God is telling him to help her to - 'Be Me to her' - leading to a story that is filled with hope and forgiveness.
The Hope of Refuge is one book you will want to have on your shelf!
July 29, 2016
The author is definitely a skilled writer, as seen in dialogue, characterization, etc. However, I had some significant problems with what she chose to do with the storyline. Cara is a single mom who wants nothing to do with God and thinks nothing of stealing to provide for herself and her daughter. There never seems to be any remorse for this, and it's justified by her need. The main male character seems to overlook entirely too much in her behavior and the fact that she wants nothing to do with God. And the ending is just totally unbelievable to me.
September 27, 2022
Although there were a few times when I had to suspend belief to buy into the plot, for the most part, I really liked this story. I appreciated the thought-provoking issues that were dealt with as well as some of the solid Christian wisdom that was brought forth in the book. There were enough plot twists and character development to keep it interesting right to the end. And, speaking of the end, once in a while it's nice to read a novel with a happily-resolved ending.
Clean Readers: yes, this one is clean in every way. I really appreciate that!
Clean Readers: yes, this one is clean in every way. I really appreciate that!
December 1, 2011
Half buried memories from childhood surface as a panicked single mother flees to find a safe place for herself and her young child. And what secrets will finally be uncovered by her journey into the past in a Amish community? Will those who help her be forgiven or shunned and can she redeem her long-dead mother’s reputation? In the first novel in the “Ada’s House” series, author Cindy Woodsmall begins a fascinating tale of love and desire and of wrong-doing and forgiveness.
November 7, 2016
Very good, informative story. Gives insight into Amish way of life as it connects with modern day. Still shows that even if we are Christian, we can sometimes do the wrong things with the best of intentions......like treating someone based on their parents actions, not getting the whole , straight story, and instead of witnessing to someone, turning them away in order to keep yourself from going astray! Even Jesus talked and ate with sinners! Some characters stood up for what is right.
December 30, 2018
This was an enjoyable book that kept me distracted during an I-don't-feel-well time. I was very grateful to have an audio to listen to the past couple of weeks, when concentrating on printed words was tough. The characters, plot, and events were unique and entertaining. I would be happy to try another Cindy Woodsmall book.
Content: alcohol, tobacco, skimpy/tight clothing, brief crudity at times.
Content: alcohol, tobacco, skimpy/tight clothing, brief crudity at times.
October 18, 2009
I'm sorry but I just can't do it.
There were more single mother and Amish stereotypes in the first 50 pages than I've encountered in all the books I've read this year. Combine that with cheesy foreshadowing and awful writing, and, well, I just gave up.
This is the first book I've won in a giveaway that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. Bummer.
There were more single mother and Amish stereotypes in the first 50 pages than I've encountered in all the books I've read this year. Combine that with cheesy foreshadowing and awful writing, and, well, I just gave up.
This is the first book I've won in a giveaway that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. Bummer.
September 13, 2010
This was actually much better than I had expected it to be and I enjoyed it. Of course any book that can make me cry is right up there and while there were some minor little issues (for me) overall this was a very emotional, thought provoking book. For a Christian reader, it really makes you stop and think.
August 9, 2013
I enjoy a good Amish novel the way I enjoy Wodehouse stories-- a welcome diversion at the end of a complicated day. When it comes to Amish fiction, no one compares to Beverly Lewis. But Cindy Woodsmall writes a good story. The characters are authentic, the situations are real. This is the first in a series entitled "Ada's House". I want to read the rest of them.
October 11, 2013
My mother in law gave me this book to read. I felt pressure to read it. It's another amish book.
Not my favorite. I didn't care for the main character. Her personality bugged me
throughout the entire book.
Not my favorite. I didn't care for the main character. Her personality bugged me
throughout the entire book.
March 12, 2023
"When he rose, meer inches separated them. Regardless of the Amish stance against electrical energy, it ran unrestricted between them." That was the probably the most sensual this romance novel got, and that was when less than quarter of the book remained. So when I tell you this is a slowburn romance novel, you better believe it.
The Hope for Refuge is a weird romance novel. And that's because it's like 25% romance and 75% Amish romanticism propaganda. It also feels so confused on how it wants me, the reader, to feel about the Amish community.
There's some solid writing and most of the characters are well defined and believable. I have a hard time believing Lori is real, the main character's daughter. She doesn't talk like a real kid. She talks like those kids in bad Hallmark movies.
But yeah it's very unsexy and there's really no real romantic tension until the midway point. That's also when the story also decides to ramp any action for any character or arc. So the first half is pretty slow and then second half super fast paced and a lot happens.
But I think this books biggest offense is Ada. This book is part of a series called Ada's House. We meet Ada early on in the novel and then she pretty much disappears until she reappears in the last quarter of the book and solves like everyone's issues with no problem. And the book really tells us all we need to know about her in the last 1/4th. Like why didn't we get to know more about her earlier? If this series is so dependent on her existence but didn't I know her sooner?
Anyways this book is very super Christian and super Amish romanticism, and the romance aspects of the novel suffer because of it.
The Hope for Refuge is a weird romance novel. And that's because it's like 25% romance and 75% Amish romanticism propaganda. It also feels so confused on how it wants me, the reader, to feel about the Amish community.
There's some solid writing and most of the characters are well defined and believable. I have a hard time believing Lori is real, the main character's daughter. She doesn't talk like a real kid. She talks like those kids in bad Hallmark movies.
But yeah it's very unsexy and there's really no real romantic tension until the midway point. That's also when the story also decides to ramp any action for any character or arc. So the first half is pretty slow and then second half super fast paced and a lot happens.
But I think this books biggest offense is Ada. This book is part of a series called Ada's House. We meet Ada early on in the novel and then she pretty much disappears until she reappears in the last quarter of the book and solves like everyone's issues with no problem. And the book really tells us all we need to know about her in the last 1/4th. Like why didn't we get to know more about her earlier? If this series is so dependent on her existence but didn't I know her sooner?
Anyways this book is very super Christian and super Amish romanticism, and the romance aspects of the novel suffer because of it.
June 22, 2024
this book was very good
August 29, 2017
I loved it!
October 5, 2011
I read this book a while ago. I had read something else by this author and wanted to read more.
I was so disgusted with the main character, Cara, that I could not really analyze the book as a whole.
I am still incredibly bothered by Cara. She had issues that I could identify with and sympathize with however, she broke into people's home and stole things from them. Her viewpoint was that they were "rich" and she was poor, so they should not really mind her behavior. It troubles me that even after having a conversion experience later in the novel, at no point is she ever remorseful for being a thief. She even states that given the same set of circumstances she would steal again. For a secular novel maybe this kind of thinking is okay but to justify theft due to need is just wrong from a person trying to live a more moral life. If need is the standard, then any of person could justify stealing from someone that we percieve as having more than us.
I also was troubled by the fact that Cara felt completely comfortable casting Epharaim as a "man with no heart" because he did not want someone that he knew to be a thief around his family or property. I wouldn't. I understand that Cara was pushed to her limit with all of her troubles but her total lack of moral is not something that I could dismiss as I read this book. She did come back and leave money for some of the items she stole but does that make it right? It also bothered me that everyone, at one time or another, seems to apologize to her for misjudging her??? What? I had to go back and reread passages. Other than thinking that she was an alcoholic, which she wasn't, every other thing they thought was true. She was a thief, who felt her needs justified her crimes. It bothered me that the author seemed to agree with Cara's thought process and defended her at every opportunity.
Having said that, this book caused me to have such strong feelings about at least some of the characters, I cannot say that it was not pretty well written.
I was frustrated that there is so much backstory that one needs to have just to fully understand parts of what is happening in the novel. I also wanted to read the next int he series, completely shocking to me, as the first time I read this book I NEVER intended to read anything else by this author at all. However, I hoped to see good things happend for Deborah and Ada.
I cannot like or enjoy Cara but I don't hate this book as much I as originally did. I just think if there is any true message of Christianiy or discipleship to be found in this novel, it is watered down tremendously by conversion experience that do not include confession of sin or repentance. Cara is fine with being a thief, as long as it gets her what she needs.
Disappointing.
I was so disgusted with the main character, Cara, that I could not really analyze the book as a whole.
I am still incredibly bothered by Cara. She had issues that I could identify with and sympathize with however, she broke into people's home and stole things from them. Her viewpoint was that they were "rich" and she was poor, so they should not really mind her behavior. It troubles me that even after having a conversion experience later in the novel, at no point is she ever remorseful for being a thief. She even states that given the same set of circumstances she would steal again. For a secular novel maybe this kind of thinking is okay but to justify theft due to need is just wrong from a person trying to live a more moral life. If need is the standard, then any of person could justify stealing from someone that we percieve as having more than us.
I also was troubled by the fact that Cara felt completely comfortable casting Epharaim as a "man with no heart" because he did not want someone that he knew to be a thief around his family or property. I wouldn't. I understand that Cara was pushed to her limit with all of her troubles but her total lack of moral is not something that I could dismiss as I read this book. She did come back and leave money for some of the items she stole but does that make it right? It also bothered me that everyone, at one time or another, seems to apologize to her for misjudging her??? What? I had to go back and reread passages. Other than thinking that she was an alcoholic, which she wasn't, every other thing they thought was true. She was a thief, who felt her needs justified her crimes. It bothered me that the author seemed to agree with Cara's thought process and defended her at every opportunity.
Having said that, this book caused me to have such strong feelings about at least some of the characters, I cannot say that it was not pretty well written.
I was frustrated that there is so much backstory that one needs to have just to fully understand parts of what is happening in the novel. I also wanted to read the next int he series, completely shocking to me, as the first time I read this book I NEVER intended to read anything else by this author at all. However, I hoped to see good things happend for Deborah and Ada.
I cannot like or enjoy Cara but I don't hate this book as much I as originally did. I just think if there is any true message of Christianiy or discipleship to be found in this novel, it is watered down tremendously by conversion experience that do not include confession of sin or repentance. Cara is fine with being a thief, as long as it gets her what she needs.
Disappointing.
September 15, 2017
The Hope of Refuge by Cindy Woodsmall is the first book of a three book series: Ada's House. This trilogy reminded me how much I enjoy books by this author. Ms. Woodsmall creates tales with emotional dynamics that pulls me in, keeps me reading intently without wanting to put down the book, and connect with the well-developed characters so that I feel I have a vested interest in the outcome.
Two of the main characters are Cara and Ephraim. Cara had been running since she was 15. She found respite once she married Johnny. The best thing that ever happened to her was their daughter Lori. But Johnny had cancer. And now she is on the run again, with Lori in tow. The one thing she has from her past that has brought her peace and direction is her diary from her mother. In it, she recently found a clue to past memories that were fleeting now. Acting on those clues, she left the city she grew up in and found herself without cash, out in the country, with Amish all around her.
Ephraim found the mother and child in his old rickety barn. His first impulse was to chase them away. But eventually he learned that Cara had a reason for being in his barn. It had to do with memories from twenty years before. They couldn't stay in the barn, and no one else seemed to want to help the two. So he took a risk, and did something that was dangerous to his standing in the Old Order Amish community. He let them stay in his house while Cara worked to get enough to set out on her own.
This isn't a simple Amish tale. The author includes some truly heart-wrenching details, with twists and turns I didn't anticipate. In spite of Cara's rough background, and desperation at facing so many wrong turns, I had to admire her for her desire to care for her daughter and keep her safe; and what Ephraim had to do to protect this mother and daughter may also take you by surprise. I absolutely loved this book. It was so well written, I had difficulty finding a place to stop reading just to do normal every day tasks. Their story resolves nicely at the end. Be sure you have a box of tissues on hand toward the final chapters; you may need them!
Looking ahead to the second book, the subplot in this book involving Ephraim's sister, Deborah, and one of his good friends, Mahlon, becomes one of the main plots of the next book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House (a division of Baker Publishing). 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, Part255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Two of the main characters are Cara and Ephraim. Cara had been running since she was 15. She found respite once she married Johnny. The best thing that ever happened to her was their daughter Lori. But Johnny had cancer. And now she is on the run again, with Lori in tow. The one thing she has from her past that has brought her peace and direction is her diary from her mother. In it, she recently found a clue to past memories that were fleeting now. Acting on those clues, she left the city she grew up in and found herself without cash, out in the country, with Amish all around her.
Ephraim found the mother and child in his old rickety barn. His first impulse was to chase them away. But eventually he learned that Cara had a reason for being in his barn. It had to do with memories from twenty years before. They couldn't stay in the barn, and no one else seemed to want to help the two. So he took a risk, and did something that was dangerous to his standing in the Old Order Amish community. He let them stay in his house while Cara worked to get enough to set out on her own.
This isn't a simple Amish tale. The author includes some truly heart-wrenching details, with twists and turns I didn't anticipate. In spite of Cara's rough background, and desperation at facing so many wrong turns, I had to admire her for her desire to care for her daughter and keep her safe; and what Ephraim had to do to protect this mother and daughter may also take you by surprise. I absolutely loved this book. It was so well written, I had difficulty finding a place to stop reading just to do normal every day tasks. Their story resolves nicely at the end. Be sure you have a box of tissues on hand toward the final chapters; you may need them!
Looking ahead to the second book, the subplot in this book involving Ephraim's sister, Deborah, and one of his good friends, Mahlon, becomes one of the main plots of the next book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House (a division of Baker Publishing). 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, Part255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
August 17, 2010
Cara Moore had a rough upbringing in the foster care system and life didn't treat her well after she ran away at age 15. Now on the run from an abusive stalker, Cara finds herself grasping for one small hint to her past which she found hidden in her mother's journal. When she arrives in Dry Lake, PA, homeless and exhausted, the Amish community doesn't quite know what to think about her. It turns out they know a lot more about where Cara came from than she knows herself! Yet only one steps up to show Christ's love to Cara and her daughter Lori... and it may end up turning the community upside down.
I was a fan of Amish fiction before it became hugely popular and now try to only stick with old favorites because some of what is being written just does not jive with the actual Amish I was privileged to live near and know during my teenage years. Woodsmall is an excellent author, although with this story I felt we got to the end and bam-bam-bam things wrapped up a little too nicely for the sequel coming up soon, unless the sequel is going to focus on a different set of characters. I was also amused that the title character for the series is only briefly introduced before stepping fully onto the scene 2/3rds of the way through the book. That clued me in that Cara might not be main focus, although she certainly was in this first installment. As far as how this stacked up with the Amish I knew, parts of their interaction was opposite what I was familiar with -- but that also could be with the different location and unique backstory to these fictional Dry Lake folks. Will definitely check out Book 2 when I have the opportunity!
I was a fan of Amish fiction before it became hugely popular and now try to only stick with old favorites because some of what is being written just does not jive with the actual Amish I was privileged to live near and know during my teenage years. Woodsmall is an excellent author, although with this story I felt we got to the end and bam-bam-bam things wrapped up a little too nicely for the sequel coming up soon, unless the sequel is going to focus on a different set of characters. I was also amused that the title character for the series is only briefly introduced before stepping fully onto the scene 2/3rds of the way through the book. That clued me in that Cara might not be main focus, although she certainly was in this first installment. As far as how this stacked up with the Amish I knew, parts of their interaction was opposite what I was familiar with -- but that also could be with the different location and unique backstory to these fictional Dry Lake folks. Will definitely check out Book 2 when I have the opportunity!
August 7, 2009
The Hope of Refuge by Cindy Woodsmall is the first book in the Ada's House series about the Amish community of Dry Lake, Pennsylvania. Cara Moore is on the run with her daughter Lori from New York City and the stalker who has haunted her life for years. With fragments of a memory from her childhood and an address in her mother's diary, she makes her way to an Amish community hoping that she will find safety and a chance to start over with her little girl. Instead she stumbles into secrets and wounds forty years old with only Ephraim Mast willing to stand up for her at the expense of his position within the community and his family. I thoroughly enjoyed this Amish lit novel because it refuses to be cliched. The Amish, well-known for their forgiveness, are not portrayed as flawless, but as real humans struggling with the consequences of living in a strictly structured society. While much of the story revolves around Cara and Ephraim, Deborah,Mahlon , and Ada are also introduced adding rich texture to this novel and building a foundation for future books in the series. I will definitely be looking forward to the next book!
May 19, 2013
I fell in love with Cindy Woodsmall when I read the Sisters of the Quilt series. I have always been fascinated by the Amish, but got tired of reading information from those who were disenchanted with the faith. Although Woodsmall is not Amish, she is close friends with people in a nearby Amish community. Her books are kind towards the Amish and show the complexity of their religion, complete with the joys and the heartaches.
In "The Hope of Refuge," Woodsmall follows a young woman who has been raised in foster care and has had to take care of herself since she was eight years old. The woman finds her way back to the Amish community that her mother was raised in. She has to learn to overcome her insecurities and to let down many of the walls she has raised to protect herself. As she finds love and acceptance in a completely new world, she struggles with her past and with what she wants in her future.
This book is a great, innocent love story. It focuses on true love rather than on the lust that most romance novels focus on. Woodsmall also gives us another wonderful glimpse into Amish life.
In "The Hope of Refuge," Woodsmall follows a young woman who has been raised in foster care and has had to take care of herself since she was eight years old. The woman finds her way back to the Amish community that her mother was raised in. She has to learn to overcome her insecurities and to let down many of the walls she has raised to protect herself. As she finds love and acceptance in a completely new world, she struggles with her past and with what she wants in her future.
This book is a great, innocent love story. It focuses on true love rather than on the lust that most romance novels focus on. Woodsmall also gives us another wonderful glimpse into Amish life.
January 6, 2010
Cara Moore and her daughter Lori have been running from a dangerous ex-boyfriend for most of Cara's adult life. They're running out of places to hide. Their last chance could be an Amish community that Cara remembers her mother taking her to when she was young. Not knowing anyone there, Cara and Lori hide in a barn and steal clothes and food from a nearby Amish family's house. What happens next could change their lives forever.
I couldn't get into the first chapter. The girl-runs-away-from-problems-and-joins-the-Amish story has been told often (like "Sanctuary," by Beverly and David Lewis). But as I got past the first chapter there were differences, and I became more drawn into the story and the details of the community they were touching. For example, if an unmarried male Amish man lets an outsider woman live in his house or barn, he could be shunned by the community. I did not know that kind of contact with outsiders was forbidden.
I have always found the Amish to be an interesting community. And even if Amish fiction romanticizes the culture, they are still fun to read.
I couldn't get into the first chapter. The girl-runs-away-from-problems-and-joins-the-Amish story has been told often (like "Sanctuary," by Beverly and David Lewis). But as I got past the first chapter there were differences, and I became more drawn into the story and the details of the community they were touching. For example, if an unmarried male Amish man lets an outsider woman live in his house or barn, he could be shunned by the community. I did not know that kind of contact with outsiders was forbidden.
I have always found the Amish to be an interesting community. And even if Amish fiction romanticizes the culture, they are still fun to read.
December 16, 2018
Cara Moore has had a very difficult life. At the age of 8, her mother died and her father abandoned her. Raised in the foster care system, she struggled just to survive. Now, a widow, raising a young daughter, she is constantly running from a man who has been stalking her for years. When the stalker threatens her daughter, she and her daughter flee New York with just the clothes on their backs. The only possession Cara takes is her mother's journal. While waiting for a bus, Cara discovers a secret entry in her mother's journal that brings back a faded memory from her own childhood, before her mother died. In search of what that memory - and her mother's entry - means, she and her daughter Lori travel to an Amish community in Dry Lake, Pennsylvania. While there, secrets of her mother's past come to light, and Cara finds herself at odds with the Amish community her mother was raised in - until one man risks everything to represent God to Cara.
This is an excellent story about God's love and mercy overcoming human judgment and fear.
This is an excellent story about God's love and mercy overcoming human judgment and fear.
October 2, 2009
I won this book in a Giveaway here on Goodreads. It is the first time I have won and I am really excited about this book. I have read two of Woodsmall's Sisters of the Quilt series and they were excellent.
Cara, the protagonist, is constantly moving and running with her young daughter from a stalker from her childhood. Cara finds a hidden message from her long dead mother and goes to Dry Lake Pennsylvania, an Amish community. She has to steal to survive and is almost separated from her daughter when she is caught. An Amish man steps in to assist her and is put under the ban for his efforts.
This book has a subtitle "An Ada's House Novel" indicating that it is the first in a series. I hope it is as the characters are very interesting and could be developed further. Some of the situations regarding Cara are a little hard to believe but overall it is a goodread. I would recommend this book to all and especially if you like reading about other religions/lifestyles.
Cara, the protagonist, is constantly moving and running with her young daughter from a stalker from her childhood. Cara finds a hidden message from her long dead mother and goes to Dry Lake Pennsylvania, an Amish community. She has to steal to survive and is almost separated from her daughter when she is caught. An Amish man steps in to assist her and is put under the ban for his efforts.
This book has a subtitle "An Ada's House Novel" indicating that it is the first in a series. I hope it is as the characters are very interesting and could be developed further. Some of the situations regarding Cara are a little hard to believe but overall it is a goodread. I would recommend this book to all and especially if you like reading about other religions/lifestyles.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2014
The Hope of Refuge: Cindy Woodsmall is one of my favorite authors and I was thrilled to be able to read the complete Ada's House trilogy. This is the first book of the trilogy. I really felt how terrible life had been for Cara Moore and her little daughter, Lori. But Ephraim, or 'From, as Lori calls him, is the best thing to ever happen to Cara in my opinion. As Cara runs from the past literally, memories of days spent in a strange world where the women wear bonnets and plain dresses and life is simple keep popping into her mind. Her mother's journal leads the way in a most unexpected way. To think of being abandoned and betrayed by those who Cara should be able to trust the most is heartbreaking and I felt my heart wishing for her to know love, peace, safety, and joy. Readers will love finding out if and how these dreams are realized for Cara in this first book of the trilogy. I rate this book 5 stars and highly recommend it to readers.
November 10, 2015
I really enjoyed read The Hope of Refuge.
The first couple chapters were sad, hearing about her past, but I knew things would get better, so hope overrode the sadness (good title).
My husband asked about it as I was reading it, and I said it was a warm read - nobody dies. You wonder about the past, and what will happen in the future, but you're certainly not going to have nightmares about it.
I liked that the characters weren't unbelievably all good, or all bad - just human like the rest of us. You'd want to dislike someone, and then think, well, he's just a guy trying to figure things out. The Amish wanted to be good and fair, but were human.
I also liked reading something unafraid to mention God, but not preachy. People wrestled with discerning God's will, and doing the right thing, like we do in real life. I also liked that the romance angle/thread was handled in a Christian manner.
The first couple chapters were sad, hearing about her past, but I knew things would get better, so hope overrode the sadness (good title).
My husband asked about it as I was reading it, and I said it was a warm read - nobody dies. You wonder about the past, and what will happen in the future, but you're certainly not going to have nightmares about it.
I liked that the characters weren't unbelievably all good, or all bad - just human like the rest of us. You'd want to dislike someone, and then think, well, he's just a guy trying to figure things out. The Amish wanted to be good and fair, but were human.
I also liked reading something unafraid to mention God, but not preachy. People wrestled with discerning God's will, and doing the right thing, like we do in real life. I also liked that the romance angle/thread was handled in a Christian manner.
December 31, 2012
This is my last book for 2012, I have reached my goodreads reading goal this year and read past it. It's a good feeling to have. This was a great book to end the year on because it's one of those books you want to come back to, when your away you think about the charectors at hope crossing and can't wait to get back. A lot of the Amish fiction reads like all the rest but this book stands out because it shows the community that is not perfect and the willingness of them to face that they too make mistakes and need to be humble enough to ask for forgiveness. This book is focused on an outsider with Amush roots and how easy it is for one person to get lost. There is a happy ever after Ali g with deep sadness as in real life. This book let's you step out of your reality but no so far it's unbelievable.
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