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Title: THE SOUND OF SLEIGH BELLS
Author: Cindy Woodsmall
Publisher: WaterBrook Press
October 2009
ISBN: 978-0-307-44653-4
Genre: Inspirational/Amish

Beth Hertzler is unable to let go of a past tragedy. Worse yet, she blames herself for it, and to punish herself she vows never to participate in an single events for the Amish community. She’s wearing all black, like a widow, and has even refused to go on buying trips for her business, a store that services both Englischers and Amish.

When Beth’s family starts pushing, she agrees to plan a business trip, and has brochures made. While one the trip, she discovers a quaint little store with a carving hidden it it – a carving that calls to Beth. She wants to find the carver and help him sell his goods, but unfortunately, her bishop refuses to even consider letting her sell them since the Bible says no graven images. When Beth discovers that the carvings are made by an Amish man, she hopes her bishop will change his mind.

Beth’s aunt, Lizzie, goes on the trip to meet with the Amish carver, Jonah, hoping to see what has her niece so captivated. When she discovers that the carver is a young, handsome, single Amish man, Lizzie decides to encourage Beth and Jonah to form a penpal relationship, hoping they will fall in love. But is Beth even capable of letting go of the past?

THE SOUND OF SLEIGH BELLS is a wonderfully written Christmas story with a different twist. Beth is a realistic heroine, but stubborn beyond belief. She refuses to share what has bothered her and caused her to withdraw to the point where her family is concerned she might take her life. Jonah has also suffered a tragedy, but unlike Beth, he has mostly let it go. There is one area h he’s holding on to. Kind and gentle, he is the stuff dreams are made of.

I loved reading this Amish book. I literally couldn’t put it down. Cindy’s voice is different than other Amish authors, but that doesn’t make the stories any less wonderful. Beth and Jonah are both characters that are real, and will help warm your heart this holiday season. This is one Christmas-themed story you don’t want to miss. $14.99 hardcover. 194 pages.



Summary:

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 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.


I received this book from the publicist for the purpose of this review. No money was exchanged.