Oct. 12, 2009 - The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall
About the book:
Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of her fiancé. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.
Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?
Author Bio:
Cindy Woodsmallis 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.
My thoughts:
Once again, Cindy Woodsmall has done it again - a suberb story! I was drawn into Beth's and Jonah's life and could feel the excitement as their friendship grows and becomes love. Set in both Pennslyvania and Ohio Amish country - the book pulls both of the communities together in a way that feels so real. I could picture the beautiful scenery in the carvings and in the natural beauty of winter time
I enjoy reading Cindy Woodsmall's books as I feel truly transported into the lives of the characters. The characters were well developed, which is quite a feat in such a short and easy book as The Sound of Sleigh Bells is. A well done, Christian fiction book that is enjoyable to read especially as we head into the holiday season - so grab a cup of hot chocolate and a blanket and curl up with a fantastic book!
The book is available at Random House.
**I've recieved this book as part of Waterbrook's Blogging for Books program in exchange for a review.
Comments
Oct. 12, 2009 - Great book review
Posted by Lightbearer
Sarah,
Sounds like a lovely read! May I borrow the book sometime? Sounds great for the holidays (and those nights when I just don't feel like doing much!).
Blessings,
Nikki
Oct. 12, 2009 - Great book review
Posted by Lightbearer
Sarah,
Sounds like a lovely read! May I borrow the book sometime? Sounds great for the holidays (and those nights when I just don't feel like doing much!).
Blessings,
Nikki
