The Sound Of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)

Cindy Woodsmall writes an Amish love story… a story of heartbreak and restoration… written in a way that touched my heart as well. ~  Sheila

soundsThe Sound of Sleigh Bells

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?

My Thoughts:

I read Cindy Woodsmall earlier this year when I had the opportunity to review Hope For Refuge.  Once again I find myself in an Amish setting as I relaxed into a book of a world so different than my own. Beth is a single woman in the Amish country who does not know where she fits.  She feels she is too old to sit with the young single girls, but does not fit with the married groups either.  She lives her days in a state of mourning a loss that has gone on too long, and her family is worried about her future.

In this book I was surprised at the reaction to Beth’s time of mourning being a concern t o those around her.   It seemed that the Amish had a strong feel for the importance of being married.  At first I was thinking that was the Amish way, but as I read more, I know it was more the family not wanting Beth to drown in her grief, and certainly to not live her life alone.  That I would think would be the case for any of us.

A book on grieving and loss hits home for me.  I felt Beth’s need to mourn in her own way in her own time.   I know first had that you can not put a time limit on grief and I think that is where I became sort of stuck in this book.  This book reminds me of forgiveness in yourself… and caused me to take pause, take a deep breath and read on.  When Jonah steps into the book, you are given a romantic interest for Beth and a connection of hearts.   A quick light Christian read with a pleasant flow.

Cindy Woodsmall is a veteran homeschool mom. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working Cindy Woodsmallthrough reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.

Her first novel released in 2006 to much acclaim and became a Christian Book Association best seller. Cindy was a 2007 ECPA Christian Book Award finalist, along with Karen Kingsbury, Angela Hunt, and Charles Martin.

I received this book for review from Liz Johnson Publicist
Multnomah Books, a division of Random House

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