The Bridge of Peace by Cindy Woodsmall - Review

The Bridge of Peace (Ada's House - Book 2)  by Cindy Woodsmall

Lena Kauffman is a young Old Order Amish schoolteacher who has dealt all her life with attention raised by a noticeable birthmark on her cheek. Having learned to move past the stares and whispers, Lena channels her zest for living into her love of teaching. But tensions mount as she is challenged to work with a rebellious young man and deal with several crises at the schoolhouse that threaten her other students. Her lack of submission and use of ideas that don’t line up with the Old Ways strengthen the school board’s case as they begin to believe that Lena is behind all the trouble.

One member of the school board, Grey Graber, feels trapped by his own stifling circumstances. His wife, Elsie, has shut him out of her life, and he doesn’t know how long he can continue to live as if nothing is wrong. As the two finally come to a place of working toward a better marriage, tragedy befalls their family.

Lena and Grey have been life-long friends, but their relationship begins to crumble amidst unsettling deceptions, propelling each of them to finally face their own secrets. Can they both find a way past their losses and discover the strength to build a new bridge? 

I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved this book, it's one of those that you pick up and can't put down.  I found myself reading in between moments, in the kitchen while cooking dinner, while waiting for the children to do their schoolwork, in the car while hubby drove us to errands and even out back when I was gardening.  I just literally could NOT put this book down.

I've always been curious and interested in the Amish way of life, I find it so inspiring and I love that they are such a simple people and do things simply and without the need of all the modern technology.  I want to learn more about them and I try to watch any documentary or movie that I can.

Cindy Woodsmall has always been one of favorite authors and I've enjoyed her books so very much.  When I was sent this one to review I was thrilled though a little apprehensive because it IS book #2 of the Ada House Series and I have yet to read the first, but I don't think that I missed out on anything, I think it's a pretty good stand alone novel.

Lena Kauffman was the perfect character for me, her vulnerability and her struggle to live with the birthmark on her face that has caused her to be the center of ridicule and mocking at times, was written so beautifully.  This is a stunning young woman who doesn't see herself as such, she tends to think that all anyone can see is that blemish on her face so when love comes around, she has a hard time believing that it's true and not just someone feeling sorry for her.

Then we have Grey the main male character and I just fell in love with this man.  Struggling with a marriage that is falling apart and still trying to live within the rules and regulations set forth by the Amish Elders.

The way that these two characters find their way to each other is just so sweet, but I won't say anymore because you really do need to read it for yourself.

Oh and I can't forget Ada and Deborah and Cara and Ephraim and Jonathan.  All a big part of the story too.  All in all it's a book well written and a story well told and it just left me wanting more.

Thank you Waterbrook Multnomah for providing me with a copy for review.  All opinions and thoughts are my own.