The Amish way of life is unusual and unique to non-Amish people. Non-Amish wonder about the Amish way of life and language. Many writers have done research and have written stories about this fascinating group of people. One such author is Cindy Woodsmall. Her series "Sisters of the Quilt" concludes with the book When the Soul Mends.
Plot
Hannah Lapp has been living with a non-Amish family and studying nursing. She returns to Owl's Perch and her family in the face of a tragedy. While home she finds that her sister, Sarah, has gone slightly crazy searching for the baby that she thinks Hannah has given birth to.
Hannah returns to her non-Amish family and fiance. She is quickly drawn back to Owl's Perch to assist her sister Sarah in getting better. She is also drawn by her friend, Mary's problem pregnancy. Hannah has been studying midwifery and thinks she can assist Mary.
Forced eventually to select her non-Amish family and those of the Amish and Mennonite faiths in her past, Hannah has many adventures on both sides of the coin in this book.
Pennsylvania Dutch to English Glossary
As with the previous two books in the series, when the Amish are speaking to each other they speak in Pennsylvania Dutch, the tongue of the Old Order Amish. Often these conversations are accompanied by a general thought of what the discussion is. Sometimes, however, the reader feels a direct translation would be better. When this occurs the reader can consult the glossary at the back of the book for a direct translation.
The dialogue in this book is excellent. Whether occuring in Pennsylvania Dutch or in English, the conversations not only move the story along, but also add insight into the lives and character of the people in the story. The dialogue is well written and believeable.
The characters are believeable and seen genuinely caring about each other. The love that Hannah feels for both the men in her life makes the reader hope for both men to win Hannah at different points in the book. The love that finally is resolved in her family in this book makes it a fine finale to this excellent series.
This is book that can either be read on the beach or by the pool in the summer or in front of a roaring fire in the winter. It is a fast read and very enjoyable. This book can stand alone or be read following its two companion novels: When the Heart Cries and When the Morning Comes.
When the Soul Mends by Cindy Woodsmall
Waterbrook Press, 2008
ISBN: 978-1-4000-7294-1
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