The Sound of Sleigh Bells

I thought it was very appropriate to read The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall this week as it was snowing outside my home. Unfortunately it is October and I am not quite ready to get out my Christmas decorations. . .

This is the first book that I have read by Cindy Woodsmall. Here is a summary of the 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 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?

I enjoyed reading this story as the characters developed throughout the plot. It is a love story formed out of heartbreak and loss. After finishing it my first thought was that it would be a great gift book for Christmas for anyone that loves to read.

Here is a little info about the Author: 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.

You can get more info about this book here.

Happy Reading!