4.7 Stars Out Of 5
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4.6 out Of 5
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4.4 out Of 5
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  1. Christy Janes
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    March 26, 2011
    Christy Janes
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    This review was written for The Hope of Refuge, Ada's House Series #1.
    Cindy Woodsmall has done it again! She's got a knack for writing a good Amish story that is different from anything else available on Christian bookstore shelves. Just like all of her other books, she has written a great story in The Hope of Refuge that will stay with me for days.

    This book has probably one of the most believable storylines for Amish fiction that I've read in a long time. Cindy has created convincing characters with real flaws and real reactions to the circumstances that surround them. She also has great skill in being able to draw you into the lives of these characters, and it's like you are right there with them through the good and the bad.

    What Ephraim did for Cara by taking her into his home took a lot of guts considering his commitment to the Amish lifestyle. He had to face some harsh treatment from his family and friends for obeying God's command for him to "be Me to her." I felt that the author hit the nail on the head by adding that small statement to this book, and it made me wonder how much we apply that to our daily lives.

    Trust me, you will not be sorry if you get the opportunity to read this great book. As I said before, it's a book that will stay with you and have you thinking for days. I am already looking forward to the next one that Cindy has coming out!

    5 Stars
  2. Gazpacho
    Harrison, MI
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: Female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    A Great beginning for this trilogy; unusual plot twist
    October 4, 2017
    Gazpacho
    Harrison, MI
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: Female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for The Hope of Refuge, Ada's House Series #1.
    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 review, positive or otherwise. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
  3. Its About Time Mamaw
    Cleveland, Texas
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Abandonment and the Lack of Trust
    October 4, 2011
    Its About Time Mamaw
    Cleveland, Texas
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for The Hope of Refuge, Ada's House Series #1.
    This book is one of three from the Ada's House Series about an Amish community.

    Cara was abandoned as a child after the death of her mother and ended up in foster care. She never stopped searching for answers to her past. She blamed God as so many people do when her prayers are not answered according to her wishes. God has a plan and it is sometimes hard to reason with the path He chooses for us. When Cara was a little girl she decided there must not be a God because He didn't seem to here her prayers.

    Cara is a young widow with a little girl named Lori. Cara has had to jumped from one place to another to get away from a stalker from her youth. She is forced by fear to find a safe place for her child and takes off, with nothing but the clothes on their backs and a backpack, to search for her a place she only remembers bits and pieces of. It is a happy safe place from her early childhood memories and of playing with a sweet young boy. She tends to wonder if it isn't just a figment of her imagination. She finds this place which is an Amish community in Pennsylvania and she is not welcome there. One person, Ephraim, stands up for her and helps her to find her answers only to jeopardize his standing in the Amish community.

    This touched my heart reading about this pour young woman trying to find a safe place for her and her child. If you believe in God's will for your life and following the path He sets before us you will enjoy this book.

    I give this book a 5 out of 5. I would recommend this book to my closest family and friends.

    I purchased this book for my personal reading pleasure and this review is my own honest opinion.
  4. Brenda A
    Guntersville, AL
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Great book
    August 15, 2011
    Brenda A
    Guntersville, AL
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    From the beginning I felt I knew this young lady. This book was written in such a manner that I didn't want to put it down until it was finished. I knew something good was going to happen very soon. I read the series and now I look forward to reading more by this author.
  5. Karen
    Honey Brook, PA
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Just started reading.
    August 5, 2011
    Karen
    Honey Brook, PA
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Just started reading the book but so far it has been great. I'm not a big reader so when a book draws me in I stay interested.
Displaying items 1-5 of 45
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