This giveaway is closed – congratulations winner! 🙂
Over this past weekend Al and I were traveling to a nearby town and on the side of the road an Amish woman was selling items with her horse cart parked behind her. It was such a beautiful site and I wished I could stop and take a picture. It reminded me of the warm feeling I got when I read The Hope of Refuge. ~ Sheila
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.
Completely 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 push Mahlon away forever? 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?
I really enjoy reading about other cultures. In The Hope of Refuge, I get a chance to walk among the Amish and the way they do life. This book is really about two women – Cara, trying hard to find a safe life for herself and her daughter, and then Deborah who has waited a long time to be with the love of her life, finds he is changing and it is out of her power to bring him back…
An enjoyable read. I love the flow of the words and the writing around the Amish community. I felt from this book I had a good sense of what that community life was like for them. Wonderfully developed characters and I found myself really thinking about the message Ephram had believed he had received from God about Cara, “Be Me, to her.”
Author Bio:
Cindy Woodsmall is the author of When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and The New York Times Best-Seller When the Soul Mends. Her ability to authentically capture the heart of her characters comes from her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. A mother of three sons and two daughters-in-law, Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty-one years.
Cindy Woodsmall on NBC Nightline
I have not read Cindy Woodsmall before this book but I do look forward to reading her again.
I have a giveaway copy for this book! To enter:
1. Leave a comment with what you do to relieve stress or anxiety when put in a stressful situation
2. Blog or twitter this giveaway for a bonus entry -leave the link here on a separate comment
3. Comment on any other posting and receive an additional entry
USA only please and no po box numbers. be sure I have a way to connect with you if you are the winner. This giveaway will end September 1
You can still follow Cindy’s adventures on Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter. See you there!
I received this book and a giveaway copy from Liz Johnson of Random House
This book is rated PG
Book Journey 
Prayer helps.
gahome2mom/at/gmail/dot/com
I commented on Laure-Rain Snow’s interview. I mentioned to her on Book Blogs or somewhere that I almost named one of my daughters Laurel Snow. lol We were living in PA when she was born and the mountain up there were full of laurel and of course the snow in November.
Thanks.
When I am stressed-I try to think of the beach and let the memories work their magic-if that is not working-a workout is always a good way to great rid of stress.
I take it to the Lord in prayer and then do something relaxing like taking a walk or a bath if able.
When stressed, I try to think of something calming and not related to the issue, like the dog and how happy and simple life is when you get to take her for a walk.
I commented on your Donna Woolfolk Cross interview, which I will say again, was great! Check it out if you haven’t already!
When I am stressed out, I like to go for a walk to a nearby mall with outdoor tables, and I sit there with a good book; sometimes I just read and occasionally watch the people walking by. That calms me, for some reason.
Hi, Sheila…I blogged about your giveaway on my newest blog, Embrace the Whirlwind with Laurel-Rain Snow, here:
http://embracethewhirlwind.wordpress.com/contests/friends-contests/
Hi again….I just went over and commented on your “morning meandering” post.
I’ve wanted to read this. I enjoyed her Sisters of the Quilt series. For stress? In the heat of the moment, a quick prayer and a deep breath! LOL. Otherwise, a shower and time alone with a good book, and taking the time to breathe.
Terrific giveaway.
je2kids(at)yahoo(dot)com
I read a book!
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
When stressed, reading blogs helps keep my mind of things (and simultaneously alleviates the stress of a packed Google Reader!)
Please enter me!
nbmars AT yahoo DOT com
Stressed – I just light up the Bat-Signal
I thought your Bat light was broken?
We’ve posted about this at Winning Readings:
http://winningreadings.blogspot.com/2009/08/hope-of-refuge_12.html
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
When I’s stressed =- I smoke. I’ve tried to quit but no luck yet – also reading!
When I’m stressed, I try & slow down and count to ten. Deep breathing helps.
I relieve stress by deep breathing, resting in a quiet room, or by counting to 10.
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Tweet! Tweet!
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
I like to relieve stress by scrapbooking or looking at old pictures, it reminds me of good memories and makes me happy.
andie.v107(at)yahoo(dot)com
When I am stressed I like to have a cup of tea, curl up on the couch with a soft blanket, a book, and my four legged babies.
Great response…. I want to do that now.
Do sign me up please.
ps i forgot the rest-I make lists and accomplish stuff.
Reading or taking a nice long hot shower.
to relieve stress I pray to God to help me through whatever it is that is bothering me. I also like to take a long hot bath and read
When I am stressed I pray, cry and talk to my wonderful husband!