Marianne S. (sfc95) -
Helpful Score: 4
This was a very quick, predictable story about an amish girl. This is the first of this authors that I have read, in my opinion there are better Amish fiction books out there, the predictability in this one was a little much.
Allison Clark (alliekitty85) -
Helpful Score: 4
This is the first book I have read by Cindy Woodsmall. I loved it! At one point I had tears welling up in my eyes. It's a great Christmas story and the imagery from the author's words is amazing. I recommend this to anyone who likes Amish fiction.
Margaret C. (cherryblossommj) reviewed The Sound of Sleigh Bells (Apple Ridge, Bk 1) on + 157 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
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.
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.
Leola C. (swamponkeymom) reviewed The Sound of Sleigh Bells (Apple Ridge, Bk 1) on + 353 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book as I have her other books. The caracters become a part of you. I didn't read it at Christmas time, and thought that might take away from it a little, but no. She really can portray characters in a way that you feel their feelings as you read. A wonderful read.
Jacquelyn D. (mofarmgirl) -
Helpful Score: 1
What an excellent read! I was really caught up in this story - very touching, heartwarming, and believeable. I will pass this book along in the system for others to enjoy at this time, but you can guarantee that I will reorder it when it is not in such demand (to keep on my bookshelf for reading again). Absolutely loved it!
Helpful Score: 1
Beautiful story, I read it straight through without stopping. Loved it.
Yvonne G. (yrgniew) -
A bit predictable - but the charm of the story far outweighs the predictability.
Barbara H. (GrannyMama) reviewed The Sound of Sleigh Bells (Apple Ridge, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Love Cindy Woodsmall books.
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. I personally could hear the sleigh bells and children's giggles while reading the story.
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. I personally could hear the sleigh bells and children's giggles while reading the story.
Becky G. (dollmama1) reviewed The Sound of Sleigh Bells (Apple Ridge, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Another example of Ms. Woodsmalls excellent writing. The story not only tells of Amish life but shares the love and struggles of human people. She also captures the message of God. Her gift for writing will keep you captivated thru each page. Hard to lay it down once you begin reading. Excellent chice.
This is a beautiful gift book.
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 peoples 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 Beths soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his workincluding Lizzys dry goods store. But she doesnt 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 its not that simplewill Lizzys elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride shes always dreamed of and a second chance at real loveor just more heartbreak?
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 peoples 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 Beths soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his workincluding Lizzys dry goods store. But she doesnt 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 its not that simplewill Lizzys elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride shes always dreamed of and a second chance at real loveor just more heartbreak?
Nadine (23dollars) -
This was a simple story about learning to forgive yourself and others. Very predictable, and heavy-handed on the religious messages, yet Christmas didn't really feel like one of them. C+
Very good reading
