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

Apple Ridge #1

by Cindy Woodsmall

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?

Genres: Amish, Christmas, Christian Fiction, Romance, Amish Fiction, Fiction, Christian

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

CINDY WOODSMALL is an award-winning, New York Times, and CBA best-selling author of twenty-five works of fiction and one nonfiction book. Coverage of Cindy’s Amish connections and her novels has been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal. She lives in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains.

Reviews

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been rereading this book every Christmas for the last 7-8 years, but it wasn’t until 5 Christmases ago that the message met me where I was. And has continued to do so ever since. 💛

In Beth, I see myself. In her story, I see my own. It is heartbreaking & heart healing. Pain and sadness doesn’t heal overnight. Scars and suffering come in all forms—physical, emotional, mental—but they are all valid. They all need healing. Loss is a real thing—even a crippling thing—and love often feels so far from reach.

Yet every year this story reminds me that there is hope, even in the very darkest of shadows. Healing is a process, and like Beth, I want to truly live again.

Plus, I absolutely adore Jonah & his gentleness with Beth while he also challenges her!
.
.
.
.
“Under the weight of the last few years, I had forgotten things you have caused me to remember. I’m not sure how, but sadness and guilt have a way of changing a person.”

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amish customs are fascinating. There is a time for every season. Their customs allow for a structured time of grieving. For example the person in mourning is to wear black for the grieving period of time. This signals everyone to be respectful of that persons feelings and time of sadness.

Beth Hertzler is a young energetic, hard working woman who should have been done with the grieving process months ago but she can’t seem to get on with life emotionally. Life has hit her with a blow, too great to tell anyone - a secret that couldn’t be shared.

One day, Beth saw a piece of artwork on a shelf—it moves her to the core of her being. The artist's name is Jonah. He’s suffered some significant blows from life too. He says, “...some things in life are just that way. They demand more of you than you have, and even knowing you’ll lose, you have to attempt it anyway. Everyone is damaged one way or another...some people's scars you can see because they are on the outside of their body, others you can’t see because they are hidden within!! In the middle of this gripping, fun Christmas story are jewels like this that make your think—I liked it.

This is not only a beautiful love story but it’s a story of healing, family and unconditional love. It’s definitely a feel good book that gets you in the spirit of Christmas. Thanks to Water Brooke Press for the review copy of this book, I was so glad to be able to read this heart warming story.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful Amish theme, love story. The Sound of Sleigh Bells is a quick, enjoyable read. Very nice to read a romantic love story that doesn't need the usual sex scene that most romantic stories have. I really am enjoying these Amish theme books too. So interesting to get a look into the Amish culture, customs, and lifestyle.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I selected this book because I wanted to read a Christmas story. It was not as I had expected! It's Christian literature, and the story is very G-rated and nice. It gave me a glimpse into the Amish community. The Christmas theme did not enter into the story until the very end. Still, it is a very easy read and I enjoyed it although it is very different from the usual Christmas books that I read.

[SweetAileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mindless read. Getting ready for Christmas😏 🎄 🎅🏻☕️

[Kassie Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and sweet story ❤️

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I read an Amish fiction novel, I am surely more and more pulled into it becoming one of my favorite genres. I have yet to find a piece of work that I have not thoroughly enjoyed. It is often surprising to me as I am a lover of mystery, suspense and quite frankly...horror. I once thought that Amish fiction and Christian fiction for that matter, could not possibly hold my attention. Boy was I happily wrong!

Cindy Woodsmall weaves a story that reads so quickly that I had to force myself to put the book down so as to not finish it too soon. I could have easily finished The Sound of Sleigh Bells in one sitting, but that would have deprived me of an escape into the lives of Beth, Lilly, and Jonah, and that would have been a shame. This book was a vacation into a place so very real, warm and inviting! I loved each and every character and wished these were people I knew. Who would have thought I wished I could have grown up in a home such as this?

It seems that Jonah and Beth have family members who want absolutely the best for them. They want them both to find happiness in all forms that it can bring. A partner for life is definitely on the top of the list! Beth and Jonah have both seen a side of life that is not easy to traverse through unscathed. Surviving and being comfortable may be just about all either can wish for, but maybe a second chance at joy can happen for both.

My favorite part of this book: When I say that I felt I was on a vacation while reading this book, I speak the absolute truth. The Sound of Sleigh Bells quite literally pulled me away from a very stressful couple of weeks. The descriptions were so vivid and literally created a place in my mind. The family interaction was also fun to read.

I totally would recommend this to anyone who enjoys good fiction. It is a story of healing and a story of removing the clutter of the past. I cannot wait to read more of Cindy Woodsmall's work. I am definitely a new fan!

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth Hertzler and Jonah Kinsinger were destined to meet that day at Pete's antique shop. But really what are the odds of it happening, since Jonah lived in a out of the way town tucked into the back roads of Ohio, while Beth lived in Pennsylvania. Beth, an Amish businesses lady and Jonah a part time wood carver and full time worker at his family's lumber yard.
Beth notices a piece of Jonah's carving at Pete's shop and is strangely attracted to it. She wants to help the artist by offering his carvings to her customers. Jonah hasn't carved for a while because he hasn't felt inspired in that direction. Other than the chance meeting at the antique shop Jonah and Beth are total strangers.
I confess that years ago I read The Sound of Sleigh Bells. I decided to pull it out of my book case and read it again. I thought that I'd forgotten the story but found once I started reading it that I hadn't. I will say that I enjoyed it more this time than when I first read it.
It's a story about two people who have been deeply hurt in their past. Can they work their way through these hurts to find peace and true happiness in their lives.
If you haven't read this it would be a good Christmas book for you to consider reading. I'm glad I decided to read it again and truth be told I will likely read it again a few years down the road. It's definitely a keeper.

[Hope]

A friend of mine, he who shall not be named, got me this book for Christmas. He knows my love of all things Amish, especially clothing, so he clearly could not resist this book when he was shopping for his usual monthly romance read. After flying through this book in one night, I can now say that I am more aware of the Amish lifestyle than I ever was before. I cannot wait for the day I get picked up and whisked away in a sleigh. Oh to hear the sound of sleigh bells!

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice story with a happy ending. I usually enjoy stories involving pen friends and/or Christmas. That was true for this story. I was glad that the main character finally let go of her past and started to move on. It was nice that her aunt got her to have a happy ending too.

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sounds of the Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall
194-page Hardback
Apple Ridge #1

Genre: Holiday > Christmas; Christian Fiction > Amish Fiction; Romance > Christian Romance; Inspirational

Featuring: Secret Identity Penpal Trope, Secrets, Burdens, Mourning, Advertisement - Sisters of the Quilt series

Rating as a movie: PG

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️¾🎄

My thoughts: 📖 Page 43 of 194 Ch. 6 - I'm not sure this is right. They keep using Denki, at first I thought it was an alternative Danke but when I looked it up it says it translates to Think, which makes no sense with the context in which it's used.
📖 71 Ch. 9 - So I went down the Amish language rabbit hole. Denki does mean think in modern German but it's also an alternative thank you in Amish. Interesting danke was used in the last book I read by this author as complained it was the only German she used and I couldn't tell her Amish characters from the Englichers, now I'm just going to accept it as dialect, there are no formal Amish spellings, and move on. This plot is interesting, but it seems a bit unrealistic. I appreciate 2 different fonts for each character's letters.

There are some plotholes and moral issues, including deception, but overall it was a nice story.

Recommend to others?: Maybe. It's one of those stories that can go either way depending on your mood.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sound of Sleigh Bells is a heartwarming tale by the end, even though Beth and Jonah both are still dealing with painful experiences. Their unexpected meeting at Pete’s Antique store stirred something within them. Will they be able to open their hearts to new beginnings when they realize they had been trick?

This book had been sitting on my shelf for a while till now. I’m glad I took the time to read it as Woodsmall’s writing always has plenty of twists and turns. I was under no obligation to write a review but have shared my own opinion.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this short and sweet Christmas story!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Amish book that I've read, as well as the first book I've read by this author. It's not really my "style," but I did enjoy it. It was a nice change of pace coming from the types of stories I'm used to reading. All in all, this book was very sweet. It was short enough to be read in a day, also part of the reason I did like it because I'm used to reading books around the 400 page marker where this one had just short of 200. I loved how she described the way the characters interacted with one another, both physically and emotionally, but I thought there could have been more description in the scenery/sights/sounds... but then the book would have been 400 pages, so...

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very sweet story. I liked the parallels that were drawn between having physical injuries from an accident, and emotional injuries from a trauma, and how both situations deserved the appropriate treatments. I most often identify with the women protagonists in novels, but Jonah's perspective and kindness make him one of my favourite Amish book 'heroes'.
3.5 stars

[Cynthia Fitts]

a sweet amish story that i read from cover to cover in one day. i really enjoyed this book. i am glad i found a new author that i liked so much.

[Roxanne Rustand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book--by an absolutely wonderful author. I love her books! Just the title alone totally captured me, and the book lived up to every promise made by the charming title!

[Lori Henrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story just seems out of character for an Amish story. It just felt so off for me.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the last book, and the best, in a box of books that I'd gotten from my aunt through my mom, and I had saved it to read at Christmastime.

I and some of my friends have become tired of some of the Amish clichés, and over-repeated plots, but I found this plot to be so good that I am rating it a 5. A 4 is that I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'd recommend it, but a 5 is that I'd re-read it. I might not pass this one along, as I do most of my books, but keep it. I'm not alone in that, as another reviewer also referred to it as "a keeper."

A different reviewer said, "It never ceases to amaze me at the different storylines the author can imagine!", so maybe that's why it didn't feel so cliché as some Amish books did. I haven't read as many Cindy Woodsmall books (to my knowledge, this is the first), but I'll keep that in mind if I ever run out of things to read and want to search for more.

I'm not sure what to write about the book. I enjoyed all of it - Lizzy's embarrassing deceit, Jonah's depth, the bishop's character and humility, and Beth's learning to unfold her life and trust again.

When I tried to describe the plot to one of my kids, that child compared the plot to the old Jimmy Stewart classic movie, "The Shop Around the Corner," but there were some notable differences. In the Jimmy Stewart movie, the characters wrote letters to people they knew - but didn't know that they knew - which added to the comedy. These letters in "The Sound of Sleigh Bells" were written more blindly than that, in that, due to the deceit, they completely misunderstood the recipients. The Jimmy Stewart movie wasn't about the Amish, either. Both works were well done romances in different ways. The Jimmy Stewart movie was funnier, and this book had more depth of character. I'd recommend both. People who like one may want to see the other and vice versa.

"The Sound of Sleigh Bells" made me shiver; I don't think I could've driven the sleigh after something like that.

I like stories about correspondence because I feel that can reveal more of the writers' hearts than can come from just watching their actions. It can also give a deeper, more genuine feel to their introspection as they think through what to write. I know that some of my friends feel that plots with letter-writing can be over-done... Personal preference, I suppose.

Favorite quotes:

"All parents must learn that a child's path must be his or hers to choose, not Mamm's or Daed's to manipulate."

"How long will you punish yourself?"
"I don't know. I can't see ever getting past it, really."
"Then why did Christ die?"
"I've asked Him to forgive me."
"With a tender spirit like yours, I'm sure that part came naturally. But if you continue to carry the guilt, it's like what He did is not sufficient. As if you're telling God that His gift of mercy is not powerful enough to help you forgive you... Sinned? Blew it? Made a stupid mistake? Did something you can't undo? It's all covered."

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend passed this book on to me after she'd read it. I don't think I've read anything else by this author but I'd be willing to search out other books by her if this one is an example of her writing.

The only real negative I have is that there was a bit too much plot-teasing about the incidents that both Jonah and Beth suffered prior to the author revealing the details.

I liked the advice Jonah had about healing and even wrote some of it in my journal to remember.

I liked Lizzy's idea of having a barbecue/sleigh ride for singles--even if in the end she thinks she did it for the wrong reasons. I'm also glad she found love.

I do wonder how Jonah and Beth will arrange their life in Pennsylvania. He's already got his woodshop and a house in Ohio and it seems like her work might be more easily transferred. There's also the issue of Omar (as bishop) not approving Jonah's carvings as sellable in his district--I can't imagine how Jonah's going to continue that business if he moves to Ohio and Beth's district. But I can see why they'd not want to be on his family's land with his family used to just walking in and out of his house--I don't see why that behavior couldn't be changed but. . . it was a bit like O'Henry's "The Gift of the Magi" in that both are willing to give up something dear to them for the other.

[Victoria (TheMennomilistReads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will say, in the first fifty pages, I was confused by two of the lead characters, as they both had the same name, plus one of them was leading on another person using the other one's name. They didn't set them apart enough for me. A bunch of names were thrown around in those pages to make it more confusing. As I got through more of the book, I could finally distinguish people as their own characters.

The story goes, a man carved something beautiful. A woman loves the pieces of carvings. The two write letters to one another but they think they are not the person they are (physically they imagine someone else on the other side of the letters). Both of these people have pasts with pain that needs healing. They build a friendship that leads to comfort and understanding. That is until they meet and find out they are writing to someone completely unlike they believed.

Although I did think this was a cute story, I found too many flaws and even a lot of problems in the editing (including a big misspelling). The story felt rushed and other times it felt too slow. There was not flow to it. There was another Cindy Woodsmall book I read a few years ago that flowed so beautifully, that I was hoping this was written to give me that same experience.

[Rosemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful novella (first in a 3 part series) that explores the power of grief and guilt (albeit misplaced). Beth Hertzler is mourning the death of her fiance far longer than required. Because of a secret she harbors, she has resigned herself to a life alone. The black dress of mourning that she wears every day reflects her heavy heart, and her family is very concerned for her. However, on a buying trip for the store she and her aunt Lizzy run, Beth discovers a wood carving that speaks to her soul. She buys it and is determined to discover the Amish artist who carved it. Through a bit of deception from her Aunt Lizzy, Beth begins writing to the carver. Thinking he's an old man, she begins to open up for the first time about the guilt she carries - and finds that this carver has the ability to see into her soul like no other, bringing the healing she desperately needs.

Wonderful story!

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as part of the Christmas in Apple Ridge Collection. In The Sound of Sleigh Bells, Beth refuses to open herself up to hurt again because she, like the other women in the Christmas in Apple Ridge Collection, suffered betrayal. Because of this, it was hard to love again. As you read the collection, you’ll see how God works in their lives and helps them to love again. There are subplots going on in the stories that involved characters from Cindy Woodsmall’s books that take place in Apple Ridge. It was fun to see what was going on in their lives and catching up with them. Cindy Woodsmall got me involved in the lives of the characters. I couldn’t help but root for everyone to find happiness and true love. I received a free copy of this book from The Christian Manifesto and Multnomah/Waterbook Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing like a holiday full of Amish romance. What a niche genre. At any rate, I enjoy reading these occasionally as they are not very stressful, usually involve a quilt of some kind, and are easy reads. This one fit all buckets but the quilt, but still overall was average in terms of the romance department.

Let's just start off with, this is a convoluted storyline. We have Amish businesswomen (excellent, love it), relationships gone awry, deception, and a whole bunch of other things packed into this book. The problem is, I just never go the chemistry/understanding of the relationship itself.

It's a cute book, although it does carry some heavy themes. Definitely a good one if you're looking for a light read.

Review by M. Reynard 2023

[Carrie Daws · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tender romance. The conflict in the main character felt real, and the struggle to release false guilt and shame believable. I loved the aunt who intervened, and her internal battle of conscious for misleading someone she loved. And I enjoyed the hero, his backstory, and how his family united to help them all through the difficult season of his healing. I don't know that this will become a favorite that I'll want to read every Christmas, but it is a good story of faith and healing with the gentle reminder that God never wants us to get stuck in the hard moments of life.

[Charmaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is sort of like a Hallmark Christmas Movie in book form. You pretty much know how it's going to go right from the start. This author does manage to throw in a few interesting twists and turns and there's always some good biblical lessons in the story. But there's also a lot of the frustration from all the misunderstandings between the characters (Come on, people! Really???). In the end, I'm usually glad that I've stuck with a Cindy Woodsmall story. This one is no different.

Clean Readers: Yes, 100% clean. I really appreciate that about this author!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading a series of 20+ books but for the Christmas season, I always like to read Christmas set stories. I really enjoy stories around the Amish. I grew up just outside of Lancaster County. I've always seem them during trips to the area, but never knew much about their way of life. This is not the first Amish Fiction book I've read but boy does it hit the soul. I love how their two lives interwine and they felt drawn to each other from the beginning. Excellent read and very well written.

[Megan E · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, short Amish love story between two mid-20’s Amish singletons that’s set in rural Apple Ridge, Ohio. Beth’s mourning of her fiancé’s death well beyond the traditional mourning period has her family worried - especially her Aunt Lizzie.

When Lizzie discovers that Beth’s become intrigued by a unique carving and its maker, Lizzie contrives to connect Beth with Jonah. But Lizzie’s matchmaking backfires. Jonah figured out the misrepresentation earlier than Lizzie expected and Beth starts to shut down again.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful Amish love story. I enjoyed this book as the characters were each well written and I felt like I was getting to know them personally. This is a book about a man and a woman that went through some very painful times in their lives and just thought they were not to be married. They opened their hearts and worked hard to communicate and it showed worth it. Enjoyable book, also loved their families and small town people. Recommend this book.

[Palos Heights Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by the New York Times Best Selling Author of When the Soul Mends, is about Beth and Jonah overcoming some things in their past that have kept them from moving on with their lives. I liked the fact that the family and friends help them with their problems so that at the end they can be together.

I would recommend this book to someone who likes books that show how families and friends can help each other.

-Reviewed by Karen D.