Giveaway and Review: The Sound of Sleigh Bells

Author: Cindy Woodsmall
Title: The Sound of Sleigh Bells

Publication: October 6, 2009

Publisher: WaterBrook Press

Genre: Amish, Romance

Pages: 208

Audience: 18 and up

Rating: 4 out of 5

Source: Purchased

Synopsis (from the cover): Beth Hertzler wourks alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store and serves as a contact between Amish craftsman and Englischer retailers. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart every day, and she still wears dark dresses to indicate her mourning of her fiance'. When she discovers a large intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow in an Englischer store, something deep inside Beth's soul responds, and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work.
Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth show her the woodworking, and after meeting Jonah, the artist, she is determined that Beth come to know this man whose hands create healing art. But it's not that simple- Beth has cut herself off from any possibility of romance. Will Lizzy's elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth new hope and a s second chance at real love- or just more heartbreak?

My thoughts:

 First of all, I just want to say, it is not my plan to offend anyone by reading and reviewing this religious romance novel. For a class assignment, we had to sign up for booktalks. Someone mentioned the Amish romance because they did not know why they were so popular, and other people agreed. I decided to take this genre on.

The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Smallwood is a great way to dip your toe into the genre of Amish Romance. However, this book is not just about romance, it is about healing from physical and emotional wounds. I really enjoyed the wealth of knowledge each character shared on the process of healing.
After surpassing the typical amount time of mourning, Beth is still mourning the tragic death of her fiance', Henry. She has built a wall around her heart to let no one in. She has even pushed the people who truly love and care about her, her family. Beth helps her Aunt Lizzy run an Amish dry goods store that helps support their Amish community. Beth finally decides to go on a business trip that will change her life. Also, Beth is not so bitter that you can't stand her. She is a bit annoying, but she has a human quality and you can sympathize with how she acts the way she does.
Jonah has physical wounds from a horrible accident that happened early in his youth. He was angry, but learned there was no reason to be angry for his situation. Since he has healed emotionally, Beth's Aunt Lizzy sees a way for Jonah to help Beth melt the ice around her heart. Jonah may not be in the ideal shape that he would want to be in at 28, but he has a handsome ruggedness about him. He is wise beyond his years and is extremely patient. He is just a loveable character.
The book is really great. The romance is not sexual, it is more about pure, true love and the power of healing and letting go of the past. I never thought I could enjoy an Amish romance, but I did. I believe Cindy Woodsmall is a great author to try the genre out with.


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