Woodsmall has written a very good concluding third book in her Sisters of the Quilt trilogy. I think she pretty well tied up all loose ends, and I enjoyed knowing how the series concluded. I will even miss the main character, Hannah Lapp Lawson, as she was very admirable. The only quibble I have with this book is the style of the quotations. It gets pretty hard at times to tell which of characters has made a remark. Otherwise, it's a very worthwhile read, especially if you like Amish books. ( )

This was the third in a series by Cindy Woodsmall and I absolutely loved everyone of them. I found the first two and read them before I read this book. It was apparent that Ms Woodsall did a lot of research on her subject and, while I don't know a lot about the Amish folks, she explained things so well that I fully understood what she was writing about. She developed the characters well and let us know and understand them all. I hope she writes more books. She's a fine author. ( )

I didn't realize I had the 3rd book in the series, so found the first 2 from my local library and read them first. I really did enjoy this book and the series. The author really develops the characters well and I looked forward to reading the next book in the series.
I felt the book gave very good insight into the Amish way of life. I would recommend this to others. ( )

Home is where the heart is, so your real home’s in your chest. - Captain Hammer

I do realize that opening a review about an Amish romance with a quote from Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog is just a little odd. But this quote best summarizes the major theme of When the Soul Mends, Cindy Woodsmall’s conclusion to her Sisters of the Quilt trilogy.
After fleeing her childhood home in Owl’s Perch two and a half years ago, Hannah is returning to help her mentally disturbed sister, Sarah. When she arrives, however, it quickly becomes clear that Sarah needs professional help; although Hannah has been going to school to get a degree in nursing, she can’t heal Sarah’s pain alone. There is someone who can help, but that man is Hannah’s ex-fiancé Paul, the one who abandoned her after learning she’d been raped. However, there is no one else her parents will trust to treat Sarah, so Hannah must put aside the bitterness of the years. As they spend time together, Hannah and Paul work through their tangled emotions and clear up old misunderstandings …and old flames begin to spark anew. But back in Ohio, in her life away from the Amish, Hannah’s in love with a man named Martin and raising his children with him. They are a happy family, full of love and joy. As she shuttles between the two towns, Hannah doesn’t feel comfortable in either place. Where is she meant to be? Where is her heart’s true home?
(See? The quote applies. Captain Hammer’s a secret genius.) When the Soul Mends has several characters searching for their place in the world. Matthew, one of Hannah’s best friends, had his world destroyed at the end of the previous book. His business burned down and his brother was killed in the fire. An old girlfriend encourages him to give Baltimore a try, but Matthew has always been content in his Amish ways. Meanwhile, Paul wants to break free from his love for Hannah, but the girl who wants to replace her just doesn’t appeal.
There’s also a strong emphasis on integrating modern medicine to such a conservative group. Hannah’s sister needs psychiatric help, unheard of in Amish society, while her best friend Mary refuses to see an Englischer doctor because of how poorly she was treated in the past, but her troubled pregnancy demands attention. In the story, Amish recognize the need they have for a doctor; never once is it suggested they are too ignorant or backward to understand this. For them it is a matter of trust: trust that the doctor can understand the community and won’t take advantage of them.
This is definitely a book series that you have to read in order; without knowing the history in the first two books you will hopelessly confused. But it’s definitely worth it. ( )

Cindy Woodsmall
WaterBrook Press
ISBN: 1400072948
Reviewed by Rita Goatley for ReviewYourBook.com, 11/08
5 Stars
Christian Romance…
This is book three of the Sisters of the Quilt.
Hannah takes refuge with her Aunt who was shunned by the Amish community because of her love of music. Tragic events have driven Hannah from the Amish community and her family. She finds love and a family with Martin, his niece, and nephew. She also gets her education to become a nurse. When her sister Sarah calls her home for an emergency, she is reunited with her former fiancé, Paul. He is in the position to help Sarah with her mental health problems. Hannah has to decide which to choose Martin and the English way of life or Paul and the Amish way of life. She has never truly been able to let go of the Amish way. Her faith is tested and so is her patience. Bravely she must face the community that ostracized her, including her father.
This series has given readers a peak into the Amish way of life and their faith. This is the third book in the series and wraps up the Hannah saga. Cindy Woodsmall is a talented author, and I eagerly await her next book. ( )