Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(49)
4 star:		(29)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

THE SOUND OF SLEIGH BELLS is Cindy Woodsmall's latest work, a story about a tentative friendship that begins between a talented young carpenter and a spirited-yet-distant Amish maiden. The possibility of courtship between the two is endangered by past traumas as well as a lie by a well-meaning relative. In this sweet and engaging Christmas story, a fragile courtship uncovers the quiet strength of the enduring (and largely hidden) culture of the Amish people.

Beth Hertzler is a 26-year-old Amish woman who works in her family's mercantile store, providing Amish products to Englischers (outsiders). Her position is a rare one within the community as she is the Amish middleman for Englischer stores. The loss of her fiancé the year before singles her out as well, an event that left her deeply scarred. The details of that accident Beth has long kept secret from everyone, and, since then, she has convinced herself that she bears some guilt for what happened. She has become withdrawn and disinterested in the idea of marriage, but her family is concerned about her and her diminishing prospects for the future.

For the Amish, a 26-year-old woman is quickly passing her prime years for marriage. At 38, Beth's Aunt Lizzy knows this all too well as she has been a spinster herself for years. She knows that Beth will soon be forced to separate herself from the town's singles, and she wants a better life for her niece than she has had. With this in mind, Lizzy continually pushes Beth to consider courtships, but Beth remains remote, closing herself off to the notion of marriage.

A young man named Jonah Kinsinger seems to change Beth's feelings one day while she is away on a business trip in a neighboring Pennsylvania town. On the streets, she encounters an intriguing young man, simply staring at him and not even asking his name. Before Jonah can really talk to her, Beth runs off, and the encounter is over. But upon her return, Lizzy sees a change in Beth and recognizes its significance. Lizzy sets off later to find the workshop of the young man Beth met, and when Lizzy speaks to him, she realizes instantly that he's the one Beth was interested in. With the girl's best interests at heart and knowing that Beth would never pursue him on her own, Lizzy concocts a plan to get the two together.

One lie by Lizzy starts the process of Jonah writing to Beth. The two correspond regularly at a distance and, in time, become quite close. The situation lasts until a day when Beth decides to use her business contacts as an excuse to meet Jonah in person. Under the misconception that she has never met him before, Beth soon discovers the truth, and her embarrassment shuts down any chance at courtship. The only possibility of a future relationship depends on both Beth and Jonah being willing and able to begin the healing process for their old wounds, but it may take an act of God to make that happen.

Before reading THE SOUND OF SLEIGH BELLS, I knew little about the Amish as a people, only that they are a reclusive Christian sect whose every way of life centers on their spirituality and preserving "the old ways." While those perceptions were proved true upon reading this book, I discovered numerous other subtleties to the Amish lifestyle. They are portrayed as an exceptionally creative, soft-hearted and well-disciplined people whose communications are so respectful and restrained that outsiders might miss their significance entirely. And while their isolationist conventions seem to be overly strict to outsiders, they appear vital to preserving their privacy and way of life. The Amish also look at family differently than do mainstream Americans, as their unique bonds are based upon a greater family unit. These are people who spend each and every day helping each other in any way they can, and their dedication to each other and to their own self-reliance is admirable.

Though the ways of the Amish do sometimes seem outdated and severe, I find their total lack of an expansionist philosophy to be absolutely extraordinary. While the delicate courtship that forms the subject of this novel is romantic in itself, I felt the way of life of the Amish people was equally engaging.

--- Reviewed by Melanie Smith

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.

When I first received this book, I figured I'd have my wife or daughter read it, write the review for me and simply post it. However, I was drawn in by Ann's comments about the book and also thought it might not be the most honest thing to do (not writing it myself).

I really enjoyed reading this book. Cindy Woodsmall does a wonderful job of creating her characters, building them up as very real, personable and believable. Beth ought to have been my favorite - she is the heroine of the story, after all. To see her develop throughout, to learn her secret which has caused so much pain to her (and to those closest to her) and to see the outcome, was a delight. Jonah, might have been a close second, as the "hero" of the story. I did, indeed, like him. He too, had a secret, but seems to have allowed God to deal with his past in a healthy manner. Can he help Beth see this come about in her life? Lizzy, Beth's co-worker and nearly "old maid" aunt, has such a deep love for Beth that she "meddles" a bit. This attempt proves to be one of the plot twists that play upon you as you read. However, I think my favorite character was actually one of the periphery members of the cast: Bishop Omar. As a pastor, I could identify readily with his desire to help Beth and the tension which his strong convictions create. His tenderness and compassion run deep, yet he is often viewed as a hard and stern man of God.

It was fun to read this story from a male point of view. Beth frustrated me to no end. I lost track of the number of times I wanted to shout into the pages, "Just stop it! Get over it and get on with your life!" Jonah doesn't do this and perhaps is the wiser man for it. Does it help him in the end? Will Beth's healing occur, even in time for one more Christmas? Get the book and find out. I highly recommend it. But, to use those words Levar Burton used so often on Reading Rainbow, "You don't have to take my word for it."

You can purchase this book at Random House

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.

After reading The Christmas Singing, I simply had to go back and read The Sound of Sleigh Bells! I was not disappointed! Cindy Woodsmall has cemented my affection for the residents of Apple Ridge. I adore strong female characters and felt that Cindy did a wonderful job of combining the simplicity of Amish life and the strength that comes from loving the Lord in both Beth and Aunt Lizzy's characters. She also did a wonderful job of giving the characters real problems and helping them to overcome them without seeming trite or simplistic. You don't want to miss out on either of these Christmas novellas!

Beth is living in a world of shame and grief which and she sides from it by wearing black. Everyone thinks she is still grieving the loss of her fiancé but she is dealing with much more. She works with her aunt Lizzy in her store and keeps herself so busy she does not let herself feel. Lizzy is her single aunt who worries about Beth never finding love and becoming an old maid. Lizzy finally talks Beth into going on one of her selling trips and on this trip Beth comes across a carving that stirs her heart. Will this carver bring Beth our of her mourning?

Jonah was in a accident when he was 15 and still deals with some physical issues because of it. He found that carving helped him heal all those years ago. His family has been trying to help him find the right girl but no one grabs his attention till he meets Beth. Jonah and Beth soon start to write letters to each other but with false pretenses. Will Jonah be able to break through Beth's shields and make her his or will the past keep true love at bay?

I loved this book!! It was great. The author did a great job of exploring both the main characters. I also felt the story line itself was believable. My heart broke for Beth as I learned her secret and why she had not moved on from the death of Henry her former beau. I found myself cheering for Jonah to get through to her and loved how his carvings helped tell the story. I will say that the connection these two seemed to have from their first meeting might have been a little unbelievable but it seemed to add to the magic of this book. I could not put it down. The side story of Beth's aunt and her finally finding love was also great. I wish we could have spent more time on that story but this was a novella not a full novel.

Over all I highly recommend this book. It's a great story.

Yes! It's that time of year!

It's time for CHRISTMAS NOVELS!!!!! And music!!!)

So, I'm starting with

The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall

I did something a little different and got the audio recording of this book. I drive a fair amount and wanted to listen to books while driving. But also, I wanted a book to listen to while doing chores.

You see, I have 3 fish tanks and an terrarium. : I have one tropical community tank with platys, ghost catfish, upside-down catfish, cory cats, guppies, balloon belly mollies, lyre tail mollies, a pleco, a peacock eel, otos and gouramies. I have another tropical tank with pea puffers. But since they are jerks they have to have their own tank or else the bite the tails off everyone else. The only thing they can live with are otos. And I have a third tank with African water frogs. They also share their home with a pleco. Then my terrarium has 2 White's Tree Frogs, Dwight & Daphne. They are super cute and have their own personalities. Dwight is a singer, he loves especially to sing to Star Trek, Coldplay and Kelly Clarkson (no idea why, but that's just his thing).

Anyway, my point is that because I have so many tanks I have a lot of tank maintenance. Each has to be cleaned weekly, and the fish tanks have to have part of their water emptied and changed. It takes probably an hour to go through all the tanks, maybe longer. So, I wanted to listen to my book while cleaning my tanks. :)

So, I listened to The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall while doing my weekly cleaning and other chores.

The Sound of Sleigh Bells is the story of Beth Hertzler whose fiancé died. Well past the proper mourning period, Beth is still wearing black all the time and has chosen to take herself out of the dating pool and live life as an old maid even though she is still in her twenties.

Beth is very close with her aunt, Lizzy, who has also never married. Lizzy, and many others, are very concerned about Beth, and Lizzy wants nothing more than to get Beth to open up and come out of her pit of grief.

But Beth enjoys her work: she helps to sell Amish craftwork or find other stores which will carry and sell Amish craftwork. On a trip to visit potential buyers and sellers, Beth comes across the most amazing carving of an Amish scene that she has ever seen. Beth is determined to help the mystery seller find someone to carry his amazing work! But her bishop will not let her sell them in Lizzy's store due to the fact that they are far too like graven images.

Lizzy makes a trip to go speak to the carver about other possibilities when she discovers he is a young man who was injured in an accident and who has also given up on love. Lizzy comes up with the idea of getting Jonah to correspond with Beth. Jonah thinks he's writing to Lizzy and Lizzy thinks that Jonah is an old man who has carved the amazing woodwork. For the first time, Beth begins to open up to someone else, and Lizzy sees a huge change in her.

But, when Jonah and Beth discover the deceit Lizzy has caused will it cause them to close down permanently and lose all the progress they made opening up to each other? Or will they begin to trust one another, as they actually are, and open their hearts during the Christmas season?

Read, The Sound of Sleigh Bells to find out!

What a great way to begin my foray into Christmas reading.

This is such a sweet novel. I loved the connection that Beth and Jonah made, and there were definitely twists and turns from their pasts that I never expected.

I think we all have felt the kind of heartbreak where we shut down and feel like we will never open up again. At least I have, so I totally understood Beth. While I didn't have a fiancé die, I have lost a fiancé due to a breakup and remember the utter despair and hopelessness that Beth is feeling.

I loved watching Beth open up again and begin to trust, but it was heartbreaking as the reader knowing that she was being deceived by Lizzy.

It was so easy to want Beth and Jonah to find one another as they truly were, but that kind of deceit when they both had decided to close their hearts down truly threatened everything.

I also loved the connection the two of them shared with the sleigh and how for Jonah a sleigh represented one thing: a scary past of hurt, but for Beth it represents something else: a past of hope and excitement and having her dreams fulfilled. And I love that something as simple as the sound of sleigh bells can be such a meaningful connection between them.

I highly recommend this book as a celebration as love and the true meaning of the holiday season.

4 out of 5 stars!