The Sound of Sleigh Bells: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country

I always read a new book at Christmas. I choose something short and sweet and uplifting when I can find it. Cindy Woodsmall has become one of my favorite Amish storytellers. I read this in one afternoon while my husband was in surgery. Of course, there is a sadness in the story, it's Amish, but the power of Christmas and the healing power of the season triumph over the sadness, and I could just hear those sleigh bells off in the distance.

From the moment I started this the storyline had pulled me in. This winter themed novella is not just about forgiveness of others but learning to forgive ourselves, which often is much more difficult. This book, like all of Ms. Woodsmall's writings, is well written and a page turner. This will be a great gift item this year.

The only thing I didn't like about this book is that it is too short! I enjoy tales of the Amish and Mennonites, and this one was different enough from the rest that it renewed my interest. I received this book free in exchange for reviewing it on my blog. Tragedy in Beth Hertzler's past is keeping her from truly enjoying the present and looking to a fulfilling future. She stubbornly refuses to seek counsel or to trust others with her inner fears, and she stunts her life's growth hiding behind sadness and apprehension. When the time comes for Beth to receive new hope and allow happiness into her life again, she is anything but ready to embrace it! Beth's job gives her purpose in life, but it also gives her a place to hide so that she doesn't enter into any risky real-life situations. She is good at her job and is sincere in her interest in doing it well when she stumbles upon a possible answer to healing from the tragedy in her past. The question is whether she will wait too long to receive help and, if she does, will she receive a reward that is worth the risk? This book was well-written and very enjoyable. Even the (short) descriptive scenes were done so well that I wasn't tempted to skip over them like I have been with some other books. I am looking forward to reading more books by Cindy Woodsmall!

The Sound of Sleigh Bells is another wonderful story about a group of Amish by Cindy Woodsmall. This story is about Beth Hertzler and a past tragedy that seems to haunt her daily. To her friends and family, she seems to still be in mourning, but instead she holds on to guilt related to the loss of her fiancée. Beth works with her Aunt Lizzy and is a very good businesswoman. When she is out trying to find stores to sell the Amish goods, she comes across a beautiful carving that touches something deep in her heart. Can she move past the hurts and pain of what's behind her to find healing and hope in the future? With a little push from her Aunt Lizzy and understanding from an Amish carver... she just might! Cindy Woodsmall has painted another lovely tale about the hurts we feel, whether self-inflicted or not, that we sometimes can't seem to get past. With a little encouragement and guidance from the ones that love us and a lot of love from above, there is hope. If you enjoy books about the Amish, this is another good one!!

In Cindy Woodsmall's book, "The Sound of Sleigh Bells," the main character, Beth Hertzler struggles with balancing her grief over a love lost, with learning to trust the possibility of love found in another man. Beth (Elizabeth) lives comfortably in an Amish community, and runs a general dry goods store with her Aunt Lizzy (also Elizabeth). The story begins with lighthearted reading describing the store, and the quiet consistency of living a small town life. Lizzy, her Aunt, Fannie and Susie, Stephen, and Daed all worry that Beth is carrying her grief over the death of her fiancé Henry on too long. Beth mourns Henry as if he died the day before, and Lizzy feels she should bring Beth back to the land of the living before Beth's heart closes itself to the idea of love forever. Beth's word is changed forever, on a chance road trip with Gloria to another general store. A wooden carving of an Amish wintery scene catches more than just her eye, and she later meets Jonah, the son of the artist who captured her heart with his expressive woodwork. She surprises herself with the new desire she begins to feel for Jonah, and she finds an awakening in herself, as their relationship blossoms through lettered correspondence between the two of them. The writing in the book is easy to read, and the themes presented would be acceptable for a junior high, high school or adult reader. Woodsmall follows the tenuous journey of love for Beth and Jonah, but there is a twist. Would Beth survive hearing the truth of betrayal and calculated deception regarding Jonah, or will she shrink back to her world of mourning and mistrust hugging her idea of the past with Henry, being forever faithful to his memory? Readers of this book may be surprised by how it all turns out. I suggest that you read the book for yourself. You will not be disappointed in the results.