• The Hope of Refuge

  • Book 1 in the Ada's House Amish Romance Series
  • By: Cindy Woodsmall
  • Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
  • Length: 11 hrs and 48 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (187 ratings)

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The Hope of Refuge  By  cover art

The Hope of Refuge

By: Cindy Woodsmall
Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
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Publisher's summary

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 best-selling 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?

©2009 Cindy Woodsmall (P)2009 Random House

What listeners say about The Hope of Refuge

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Cindy Woodsmall is more thoughtful than any others

I have had an interest in Amish culture since I wrote a paper about this religious sect in college. I think many are drawn to a simpler lifestyle, and I am no exception.

Many books in the genre are superficial and a bit too syrupy. I also don't think the research is that good. Yet, after reading the three quilt titles by Woodsmall, I was interested in reading another series. I spent an extra credit on this, and it was worth it. Woodsmall writes of a young woman who is doing all she can to raise her daughter alone after the death of her husband out in the Englisher world. She knows nothing of her connection to the Amish, but for an address in her mother's journal. She flees there to escape a violent stalker.

The closed Amish community ostracizes her, except for one young man. He initially tells her to believe, but after seeing her more closely, remembers this same young woman as a child. He gradually brings the community around, while all the sad and sordid past is brought to the fore.

This is a book about betrayal, loss and redemption. It is not sappy or corny. Rather, it appears that Cindy Woodsmall has a real heart for the outcast who suffers. The Amish are often fearful of an outsider, and with good reason. There is a need to keep those adults who join the church close to the fold. Right or wrong, most who choose baptism stay happily in the faith. Yet, Woodsmall challenges the sect to be more forgiving, and not to rush to conclusions too soon.

The narrator was quite good; I think she liked the book. I am not certain, but do think some of her pronunciation was not correct. This bugged me only a bit. She had a pleasant voice, and read with compassion without being maudlin.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

this author is amazing

I listened to this book to see if the author could re-create the magic of the Hannah Lapp trilogy. I really, really enjoyed this book, Cindy Woodsmall knows how to write a story that at least I'll enjoy. I look forward to more from her.

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3 people found this helpful

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  • LP
  • 04-08-17

Wonderful book, first of a great series!

I absolutely fell in love with this entire series. This is book one of a three book series. They just get better and better. Cara is the main character in this wonderful first book of the Ada's House Novels. Since I've listened to all three, I won't spoil this, but I highly suggest after you listen to this one, get the next two books. I'm hoping Cindy Woodsmall continues adding books to the Ada's House Novel's! Cassandra Campbell does a great job narrating, as usual.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

one of my firsts love this story and series

i first bought the paperback before i discovered audio now i have the whole series in audio this is still a favorite the discovery of secrets is always fun

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The Hope Refuge

I enjoy the simplicity and complexity of this book. It was relaxing to listen and work.

The narrator, C. Campbell gave distinctive differences between the different characters in the book.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Awesome Read

Knowing absolutely nothing about the Amish culture. I thoroghly enjoyed this book! I felt every emotion from laughter to tears. I bought the second book half way through this one!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Cindy Woodsmall is a gifted writer.

I’ve read several of her books including this one and they are all great reads.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great suspense!

A wonderful story of finding God In difficult times. Gives you hope for family that’s not Amish. A sad story that had a hopeful ending.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story and narrator

This was a great story, we'll written. Good characters, a wide range of emotions, a bit of mystery, and a clean romance.

The narrator acts the parts well and does good voices. Sometimes there's a bit of a groan to her tone, but not annoyingly so. I do wish narrators for Amish stories would use an Amish, Pennsylvania Dutch accent. This narrator has the cabability, as she was able to do the Penn Dutch parts well.

Overall, great!

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together

this grabbed you and gives you something to think about long after you finished. we're all in this together.

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