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 fianci. 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?
Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(4.5 out of 5 stars)
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4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by AJH (Modesto, CA), November 17, 2009
Really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read and I finished it very quickly, but the story was great and kept you wanting to know what secrets were held and what would happen. Definitely purchase this one!
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by MJ @ Creative Madness (Arlington, Tennessee), November 12, 2009
The sound of sleigh bells is something that brings great joy into the life of Beth Hertzler, yet the same sound brings pain to Jonah Kinsinger. This is a great Christmas or anytime read of growth, strength, forgiveness, moving forward, and romance with true love. Straight from the beginning even with the mystery of what really holds Beth back from looking for love brings a reader in to care for her with a slight of intrigue. Each chapter causes one to wish for her to open up to love. In a different manner, our other protagonist has his own set of dark past issues that hold him back from moving forward with life. It is one of those things were romantic or not, God put them together to learn something. It is the opening and shutting of doors in the future both good and bad for our characters that keeps those pages turning to see what happens next. The side story of true love unseen is fabulous and even though not a main picture in the book, so appropriate and good.
This is one of those books that has a good plot and so many little facets that keep it interesting and different from other stories. A reader may assume they know what is to come next, but they do not see the whole picture until the end. Family is a theme, Christmas spirit is through out, and each chapter brings one deeper into the lives of very interesting characters. Cindy Woodsmall did well with her other series with the Sisters of the Quilt, and even though this is a stand alone Christmas book the quality of the story is right on key. I highly recommend her books to anyone looking for a short-ish story at right about two hundred pages for the winter time. I personally could hear the sleigh bells and children's giggles while reading her words of text.
I look forward to reading her other new series coming soon starting with The Hope of Refuge.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Sherry Puccio (Monongah, WV), November 07, 2009
This was an excellent book. I really enjoyed it and passed it along to some other friends and they felt the same way. It was just a story that made you feel good after reading it.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Cheryl Darling (North Grosvenordale, CT), November 06, 2009
I enjoyed reading The Sound of Sleigh Bells. It was interesting from page one to the end. I love reading about the Amish and their way of life. I like how it deals with people and how they deal with their problems.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Tammie Charles (Westland, MI), November 06, 2009
I love reading about a more simplier life. I have loved Cindy Woodsmall's books from the beginning. She captured me with her first series. Great book, just to short.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Julie Wendt (Waukesha, WI), November 06, 2009
Very enjoyable read. Perfect for Christmastime. The lessons taught are timeless! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Amish fiction as well as anybody looking for encouragement.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by sheila (Beallsville oh), November 01, 2009
I have loved all of Cindy's books. I could not put this one down until I had read the last word. I love the way the characters have real problems and find a way to overcome their pain, It gives us all hope for healing. I live near several Amish families and know that their life is often difficult and that certain behaviors are not talked about, I think even the Amish women I know would applaud this book.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Carole Morrow (Mechanicsburg, PA), October 30, 2009
This is the first book I have read by this author. I liked it very much. The characters are so real and make you feel as if you know them. I will buy more of her books in the future. I highly recommend it.
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