The Hope of Refuge Book Review

Awhile ago I put a book on reserve at the library with a date that it would come off at the end of February and it appeared at the beginning of March for me to read.  I didn't remember anything about it except that I know that I have read the author before.  I was excited to start on a new series with The Hope of Refuge (Ada's House Series, Book 1) by Cindy Woodsmall.

Raised in foster care and now the widowed mother of a little girl, Cara Moore struggles against poverty, fear, and a relentless stalker. When a trail of memories leads Cara and Lori out of New York City toward an Amish community, she follows every lead, eager for answers and a fresh start. 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. But 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.

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. Ada envisions transforming an old house to make her own life to live separately from the soon to be married couple.  While Ephraim is trying 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?  You have to pick up the book to find out.

This book was amazing.  I was fascinated by the story for Cara and how she was working hard to support her daughter and have her raised to be the best woman that she can be even though they have little means to do so.  With the idea of coming to Amish country to find out why her mother thought that would be a good place for her to be safe.  The other characters in the book were also great and I loved how the story lines came together to work into an amazing story.  How the story ends is amazing and I know that you will enjoy this great Amish novel.  I hope that you pick up this great book and check it out for yourself.