How Sweet the Sound: The Power and Promise of 30 Beloved Hymns

by Laura L. Smith

If you love singing and listening to hymns, this book is for you! Hymns are a special kind of music, packed with truth, redemption, and joy, no matter how the times or culture change. How Sweet the Sound focuses on 30 beloved hymns that still speak to us today. Each chapter includes the lyrics to a favorite hymn, an interesting modern-day story of how that hymn continues to impact lives, and questions for contemplation. You'll enjoy hearing the stories of how hymns have affected other people's lives as you remember how the hymns you treasure have affected yours.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Devotional, Inspirational

264 pages, Paperback

Published August 4, 2020

About the author

Laura L. Smith lis a best-selling author and speaker. She loves Jesus, her husband, her four kiddos, music,books, coffee, France, and chocolate. Smith lives in the college town of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

Reviews

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In August they have a free sing at our church. It is what I call the classics, the ones not in the new hymnal. There is one lady there that every week requests "In the Garden". I make it the first couple of lines, and then I am basically a gonner. Like the author, this hymn was sung at my great-grandma and grandma's funerals. So I think that it just set me back to sitting in that pew amongst my family, sitting there listening to my mom's bestfriend since high school sing that song. It is a beautiful song no doubt, it just sends be back to those memories of them and that time. The other than undoes me is How Great Thou Art. My grandpa and his brothers sang at church functions, funerals, and during church and that was the one they sang the most. Every time I hear it, I see and hear them all standing at the front of the church, even now that they are all gone. Sweet memories.

This was a book about hymns, most I have heard and sung (yes along as I was reading in the book), some I have not heard before (that I know of). I thought going in it would be about the history of the song and how it came about, but I was wrong. It actually put a personal touch to each song, how it is interpreted into life today, and some of how it came about. It gave me a different perspective of each song and a little bit more perspective on how to live life according to what they are rejoicing.

In all I enjoyed this book, it was a fairly quick read. Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Emma | meadowroselibrary · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, so I don't think I've ever given a book a one star rating, and it's not that this is necessarily a bad book... To be honest, it's just written horribly. I feel like it has a good story in there, a good message, but it was not written well to fully grasp that.

I must admit, I did skim over most of it. I really wanted to try to like it, but I have never in my life read such a dry book.
The author obviously really put a lot of effort and time in this, for all the different hymns, I just personally think it could have been written a little better, more meaningful to get readers to truly fall in love with all of these beautiful hymns.

*I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley; I was not required to post a positive review.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What if all of us ‘creatures here below’ focused on praising God above everything else, above our personal habits and styles and traditions?”

If I had to tell you what I would want in a book that focuses on 30 beloved hymns, How Sweet The Sound is exactly it. But I wouldn’t have been able to define it so specifically until after reading through this new release by Laura L. Smith.

There are plenty of books that have crossed my path over the years that tell the stories behind the hymns, with the theory that if we know what prompted the words we’ll better take them to heart. And while that probably does help to some extent (though the only one that’s stuck with me is It Is Well With My Soul), Smith’s approach takes this a step further and is much more to my preference. Instead, she dives into the meaning behind the words and how that should change not only the way we worship but also the way we live.

I loved the selection of hymns & only one was unfamiliar to me, easily solved by pulling it up on Amazon Music or Spotify. It turned my reading into a time of personal worship, as I was able to sing the hymns to God before I read the thoughts that follow each one, positioning my heart in a better place to hear Smith’s spiritual applications. There were also some new-to-me verses (and not just the 3rd verse that we inevitably never sang in the Southern Baptist churches I attended growing up haha), and I loved getting to pause and really reflect on each hymn. Smith’s writing after each hymn met me where I’m at in day to day life and challenged me to apply these beloved lyrics in ways I may not have picked up on before.

Probably the example of this that stood out to me the most was Be Thou My Vision – which Smith talks about in a chapter entitled “How Hymns Help Us Fight Our Battles”. This hymn was our class song at Asbury College (now University) back in the late 90s & I chose it as the processional at our wedding. Over the years the words have come to mean so much to me in various ways, but I couldn’t figure out how she got “helping us fight our battles” from it. And then I glanced at the lyrics that I’d mistakenly thought I certainly didn’t need to read for this one… and sure enough, there’s a verse that everyone always skips on the rare occasion that it’s sung in public worship – a verse I’d never read until that day. I won’t spoil it for you but I will say that I NEEDED that chapter and I won’t ever sing this hymn the same way.

Bottom Line: How Sweet the Sound is a must-read for anyone who grew up singing hymns or for people who are only familiar with the more modernized versions. Reading this book feels like sitting down with a dear friend for a chat, so refreshing and open is Smith’s writing style. We can readily identify with her personal stories, and the unity in worship that hymns bring is something we need more than ever. Easily accessible and sincere spiritual application further elevates this to one of the best books on hymns that I’ve ever read. Highly recommended!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first appeared on Reading Is My SuperPower

[Beth | Faithfully Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the description states that this book is for readers who love singing and listening to hymns, I would argue that every believer would benefit from this encouraging book. Hymns are largely underrated in many of today’s church services and that’s a crying shame. I’m delighted to see these powerful and timeless songs championed.

Believers from a variety of denominations and musical preferences are sure to glean nuggets of wisdom from the author’s encouragement and the meaningful lyrics of the featured hymns. Personally, I’d love to sit down and chat with other ladies about this book and the hymns that have most influenced each of us!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Betsy Amant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a unique and much needed book for today. In a culture that thrives on “newer bigger better”, it can be so refreshing to stop, remember the songs and hymns of our Christian ancestors, and still our hearts to have God bring us joy and comfort and peace in fresh ways for our weary souls. Laura takes well-known and beloved hymns of old and provides not only the lyrics but a relatable personal story, devo style, to pair with each. This is a book you could easily sit down and read in one parched sitting, or spread out over time as you slowly drink reminders of God’s faithfulness and goodness. You’ll want a copy to keep and one to give away!

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! I read it as a 30 day devotional rather than all at one sitting. I treated each chapter like a little treat to start my day. If you grew up with hymns, as soon as you read the words of the songs, the melodies will start flooding your brain. I appreciate how Laura Smith tied these hymns to real lives today and always points us back to Jesus..His love and His truth. Glad I read it. Hope you will too!

[Amy Bell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I was hoping for more history behind the songs and less about the author's personal views on the songs. It was just an okay book for me.
Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when Laura Smith asked me to be part of her book launch. She’s a great author and this is a fun topic. “How Sweet The Sound” is a one of a kind book. Part devotional, part memoir, part music lyrics. Each chapter is based on a classic hymn where Laura expounds on how it has touched her life as well as how we can apply the lyrics to our life.

I enjoyed this book because hymns have become more special to me to me in the past year or so. The lyrics can easily feel trite and old fashioned but when I stop and think about what the words mean, even with all the thees and thous, there is a lot of wisdom to ponder. Seeing how others have connected to them brings a new level of depth as well.

If you love hymns or are just looking for thoughts to ponder, you’ll love this book.

[Carleene Hibbs Reeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional is so good. I love the old hymns and how they speak truth and encourage us. For anyone who loves music and is touched deeply by it, this is the book for you. It has 30 hymns and devotionals so it can last all month long. Unless, you are like me and one is never enough. I will return to this again and again.

[Mary Pauline M · Rating 5 out of 5]

( received pre-published e-copy in exchange for review )

There was much activity for me with this title, besides ' just ' reading! Very much enjoyed my time reading, singing, reflecting and being inspired! Really enjoyed my time with this title!

[Amanda (A.NovelAdventure) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Book Review✨

📚 I loved slowing down each evening and reading a hymn and reflecting on the connection to my life. This book was the perfect end to each day, bringing inspiration and gratitude to the forefront of my mind - allowing me to reflect on my day and my life. The chapters were the perfect length.

🌟 If you’re looking for a daily devotional of sorts that is uplifting and light, then this could be for you!

More about: How Sweet the Sound: The Power and Promise of 30 Beloved Hymns - Laura. L. Smith

📖 Laura takes the reader through 30 hymns - providing the lyrics and her personal reflection and connection to each. Her stories then welcome you to question how these hymns can still be applicable in everyday life, your everyday life.


|| Nonfiction, Christian, Inspirational, Book Review, Book Recommendation

[Talia Crumb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am pleasantly surprised by this devotional. I usually don’t connect with devotionals. I find them long,dragged out ,irrelevant or sometimes with too broad or general of a focus (regardless if it’s based on a concept or a verse) just for the purpose of filling pages. Although some of the chapters did drag a little long for me, overall I appreciated the message and the author’s clear focus on pointing to God! Personal stories are used to showcase God’s handiwork. And the fact that chapters are based on some of my favorite, classic hymns just made it that much more enjoyable.

I’m not sure how often I will return to this book but I will definitely keep it on the shelf to share with others or simply to enjoy one chapter at a time myself as the moment calls for it.

[The Film Director's Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this read and definitely could see it being a valuable resource to worship leaders or those who love hymns.

I liked the selection of a variety of hymns, including a few I was unfamiliar with even growing up in church and coming from a background of a family of singers and being a singer myself. It is always fun to "discover" new music, so I appreciated that.

The author did a beautiful job sharing each hymn with a personal story and scripture to go with it, making this ideal to share in a group type setting.

***Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book. All views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.***

[Cheryl Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful resource for reflecting on some of the hymns many have known from childhood. I love how the author included all the verses of each hymn. The thing I most enjoyed about this book was singing each hymn as I began each new chapter and thinking about the words and messages as if for the first time. The author's reflection on each one then helped bring the messages alive even more. A book sure to refresh your spirit.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure why I stopped reading this. It was a great book to read! Loved the hymns and how to apply them to our lives! :)

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Music has the power to change a life and this book is a great commentary on this phenomenon. I have always loved hymns for their ability to speak directly to my heart. I can remember always wondering about the backstories and how authors were inspired to pen words that would shine light and infuse hope, joy, and peace into the recesses of my soul. This book looks at 30 popular hymns and provides the lyrics, an insightful message and thoughts for contemplation. A great resource for all lovers of hymns.
I received a complimentary copy and all opinions expressed are my own and freely given.

[Emily Vreken · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous book! I loved all the hymns that Laura Smith chose to include. They were very familiar, solid hymns. I love how she related a scripture to each hymn. She also told anecdotes from her life as well as from the hymn writers themselves. In addition, she quoted other authors from time to time, including one of my favorite authors, Annie Downs. I would highly recommend this book to any one who loves the great hymns of the faith.

[Conrade Yap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Music has a strange power to move us. It helps us remember thoughts and words written way back in the past. It also brings back memories of our experiences of old. It also creates new experiences as the music connects our being with words that reflect how we feel. Hymns are one of the most visible and audible signs of a Christian community. Regardless of the traditional vs contemporary worship wars, most of us would recognize the unique place of hymns. We may not sing them as often in some modern churches, but we do appreciate how they have impacted Christian communities but also society at large. Hymns such as "Amazing Grace," "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," and "Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee" have been used even in secular places and situations such as funerals and weddings. If you want to know the stories behind these popular hymns, how the hymn speaks to people then and to us now, and the reasons why the hymns are considered "beloved," this book answers all of that curiosity. The "Doxology" is a hymn of unity. Praises help us express gratitude. Hymns are infused with Scripture to point us back to God through the Word. Singing hymns enable us to declare our hope and security in Christ. They stir us to action. They give us words and music to express our emotions. They bring us peace and joy; hope and humility; assurance; and many more.

Author Laura Smith have chosen 30 beloved hymns from the public domain. For Christians who have been attending church services for years, many of the hymns would look familiar. Each of the thirty hymns comes forth with a central theme where Smith would guide us through the lyrics to explain how the hymn connects Scripture with our emotions. She gives readers some questions to contemplate as well.

My Thoughts
==============
If you are a worship leader, this book should be one of the top resources to use to help us connect our music with the words. We don't have to be of the older generation just to appreciate the hymns. Many contemporary musicians have used and updated the older hymns with modern music. Worship leaders can creatively do the same or to adapt their music with the words of truth. Leading worship can be an educational experience as well. We don't have to abandon the old just to make room for the new. We can adapt the powerful truths of old and teach it to our younger generation. There is something quaint and touching with regard to the background and powerful effects of these 30 hymns. Dismiss them at your peril.

If you are a Bible study leader or group facilitator, this book provides us a way toward singing acapella together with the people. Sometimes, there are situations in which there are no musicians to provide background music. When that happens, it is always possible to lead with our vocals alone. After all, the most powerful musical instrument is our voice. Plus, the hymn chapters in this book can be a study or discussion guide in itself! Perhaps, once in a while, squeeze in a chapter or two from this book to supplement one's regular Bible study sessions.

Finally, for the layperson, this book helps us appreciate the hymns and songs more in the hope that it will deepen our worship experience. The different hymns collected in this book cover a wide range of emotional needs. At the same time, they all point us to the same God of the Word. They stir our hearts to sing together with the rest of the congregation. May God help us worship better with this helpful resource.

Laura L. Smith is a best-selling author and speaker. She loves Jesus, her husband, her four kiddos, music, books, coffee, France, and chocolate. Smith lives in the college town of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Our Daily Bread Publishing and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I recently shared with author Laura Smith, I was surprised and deeply blessed by the number of times one of the classic songs she features in her hymn collection spoke directly to me. For example, in unpacking George Bennard’s “The Old Rugged Cross,” Laura’s central theme was all the achievements that we collect in life that will never totally or permanently satisfy us. Those are the “trophies,” the “worldly achievements,” Laura challenges the reader to trade “for what they actually are---presents or gifts to be grateful for,” rather than view them as “something we earned.” Laura’s chapter was a powerful reminder to me of all the personal trophies in my own life I need to lay at Jesus’ feet.

With worship bands in most contemporary worship services pushing pianos, organs and choirs off the platform, most of the song titles Laura lists here are rarely played or sung in your average mega church today. For those of us who grew up with these timeless treasures, just bringing them back in a collection like this by itself is a refreshing memory. In this more than two dozen hymn package, you will find tunes from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, the early twentieth century, from the psalmist, King David, from Jesus’ model prayer for His disciples, Sunday school choruses, as well as African American spirituals.

I was also surprised at how easily Laura was able to recall scenes and events from her own life that illustrate the messages behind these classic hymns. Throughout these 250 plus pages, Laura reminds us how hymns can unite us, fill us with gratitude, free us, point us back to what matters, calm our storms, help us fight our battles, cleanse, comfort, protect, center, renew us, as well as help us pray, help us love, even transform us. After all, isn’t that what a devotional is supposed to do? Another extremely likeable feature here: By way of personal contemplation and application, Laura Smith’s inclusion of scripture references repeated a second time, questions for self-reflection and action steps to take placed at the end of each chapter. Spending the next month, daily exploring these familiar lyrics, you will be energized by the power and promise of these sweet-sounding musical memories.

A couple final words of caution: In a daily devotional of this type that relies so heavily on the spiritual truths behind hymn lyrics, there is a danger of putting those lyrics ahead of actual scripture. In other words, the real tendency to give the same or even more weight to the song lyrics than to scripture itself. God’s inspired Word then takes second place to the lyric writer, in other words. I’m not sure Laura Smith has done that in this case. To her credit, she does include related scriptural references for each hymn. The other danger is to celebrate contemporary music sources such as Hillsong, Bethel Music, Vertical Worship, Elevation Worship, and others who may modernize classic hymns, but, at the same time, as ministries, in some cases, can represent some extremely heretical doctrines and teachings. While those music producers may be applauded for updating the presentation of historical church music, one cannot be too careful to avoid some of the contemporary lyrics those same producers release that contain dangerous, false doctrine.

[Kidron Tirey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book compels a Christian to appreciate the rich history and treasure that is finding the precise hymn for all manner of life experience in divine worship. Hymnology is missed by so many in 2020; this book is an invitation to a spiritual moment that is anything but rote, though the words of many classic hymns have remain unchanged for a hundred or more years. Those who cleave to the notion that hymns are dried-up and dated will not be disappointed when this book changes their mind.

Smith provides discussion and reflection prompts that can stir greater moments of involvement with her book, the Bible and God in prayer. The amount of scripture that this book affords the reader is lauded, especially since Smith situates Biblical verses with appropriate context.

The personal stories and examples Smith brings to bear from her own life are relatable and relevant. The easy to follow language is effectual in humility, warmth and respect. She doesn't drift into narcissistic territory unlike many other female Christian writers obsessed in telling a self-conflating story. Through her unassuming tone, Smith communicates that she is just one of many Christians seeking to worship God in spirit and truth.

The reason this book has 4 stars instead of 5 is because I do not endorse Bethel, Elevation, and other seeker-friendly worship bands that are mentioned in this book. Smith, of course, is telling the story of the benefit she gained from the study of hymns written a long time ago and in that light, makes a sincere connection to the present day and other worship experiences that may be shared with the reader. I am in the evangelical minority in not supporting these charismatic bands, and my convictions [for the error of these ministries] are copious but not necessary to bring forth in this review. Aside from this one disclaimer, the book is outstanding.

[Natalie Alane · Rating 4 out of 5]

****Thank you to the publishers for providing me with a copy through NetGalley!
I grew up on old hymns so they’ve always had a special place in my heart, which is why I decided to read How Sweet the Sound. I’ve also been trying to get back into devotional and Christian non-fiction, but most the ones I’ve read this year I didn’t like that much. How Sweet the Sound is one of the better ones. It still seems to be on the simple side, but it did make me think more deeply about what I sing, their meaning, and their message or impact on my spiritual life. I really liked the “Contemplate” questions at the end of each chapter for this reason, and that the author included Spotify playlists of the hymns and her favorite worship songs at the end of the book. I will say, though, that you can tell it’s written by a middle-aged, middle to upper class, white woman and mom, and kind of geared towards those demographics as well, from the writing style and tone and things the writer mentions, and thr writing is sometimes a bit cheesy. Other than a few notable places of vulnerability, I felt like when it came to taking comfort in hymns during struggles (which comes up often in the book), it glossed over the really difficult things. Additionally, Smith frequently used the Message version of the Bible, which I’ve never liked, but in this particular case it felt unnecessary; most of the passages she quoted were already straightforward enough that they didn’t need to be simplified, modernized, or made more casual in order to be understood by the devotional’ readers. However, compared to other religious books I’ve read in the best, I enjoyed this one, felt like it truly added to my life, and will be recommending it to my mom. High 3/4 l (rounded up to 4 for actual star ratings, because that’s how we do math in this house, and support authors!)

[Linda Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like some other reviewers, I read a hymn a day to add to my daily read devotions. I was very familiar with most of the hymns included and am very much missing singing them in church services, as my church did away with hymnals and seldom include them in worship. When you just see the first lines of a hymn and can sing the words from memory due to singing them over and over in church services for years, they are a part of you memory, heart and soul. Laura L. Smith includes all the words and author of each hymn and what they mean to her. I would have like to have seen much more information on the author(s) and the circumstances providing the inspiration for each hymn.

[Kasey Giard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of Laura L. Smith’s books for years, especially her YA stories. When I heard that she was writing a new book, to be honest, I didn’t even care what it was about– I knew I wanted to review it!

This book, though. HOW SWEET THE SOUND manages to be at once informative, giving some background about the hymn writers or context for when it was written, and also invites readers to peel back the layers of their own hearts and examine how these words impact us our core.

Reading the chapters is like sitting down to listen to music with a friend. It’s easy to get lost in the lyrics of the songs. I found myself humming along with some of the ones I was more familiar with. Then as the author begins to discuss her experience with these songs, she explains things in such a real, raw, open and vulnerable way. Seriously, I don’t know how else to explain it but that it felt like sitting in the living room with her, the way you would with a dear friend.

Her words are encouraging and always full of love. This isn’t a judgey book in any way. It’s definitely a faith-filled story about how God uses hymns to change hearts and lives and draw us closer to Him. I’m so glad I read this book, and I definitely recommend it to anyone who needs an encouraging boost to their faith right now.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I'm not familiar with every hymn listed in the book, the one's I'm familiar with that I grew up singing I enjoyed the author's perspective of the hymns. I also enjoyed the perspective of the one's I didn't know. Not only were the words of the hymn included, but some history of that particular hymn, a personal story from the author as well as biblical scripture accompanied every single one. Sometimes it's good to step away from a lot of modern things and go back to what helped our ancestors endure trying times. I really enjoyed this book.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began reading this inspirational book thinking I would be done in one or two sittings. BUT no, that’s not what happened! As I read Laura Smith’s introduction and then her first entry, I realized I wanted to savor her thoughts, the words of the Doxology, and hum this oh so familiar tune. The book became my daily devotional reading. My favorite entries were “I Love to Tell the Story” and “In the Garden” where I surely do know God is walking and talking to me. What will your favorite entry be?

[Debbie Carlson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was actually expecting a book that told the story of how each song was written and a little about those who wrote them. Instead, the author writes about her first world problems and accomplishments which blend into a lesson about what each song is about. I agree with what she says as it is all biblical, however I had a hard time relating to the author's stories. Considering the high rating from other readers, I'm in the minority.

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the hymns, even if I did not know some of them and the information about them. Very informative and I think this book will be a wonderful gift for people that enjoy hymns. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on this review.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the background to 30 Hymns. Some are more well known than others. Each chapter has the hymn lyrics and a story that applies to life in today's world. It's fun and encouraging to read about hymns I grew up with and think about them as an adult in today's time frame. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone has hymns they know and love. This book tells the story of 30 beloved hymns that we are all familiar with and how they can impact our lives today. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone that loves hymns.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book for an honest opinion.

[Margaret Fraleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about the Power and Promisee of 30 Beloved Hymns.

Laura shares how each hymn has touched her life, can touch each of our lives.
We just have to listen to the words.

I really enjoyed reading this book. After each chapter (or hymn) Laura asks
questions that cause you to really think about the hymn and its words.