"The Sound of Sleigh Bells" by Cindy Woodsmall

I walked away from this book with a smile on my face and a happy heart.  Though the story is not void of trouble and turmoil, the result is one that will leave you uplifted.

Cindy Woodsmall has written a beautiful love story in the midst of brokenness and suffering.  The Amish culture makes a beautiful background to this story that will grab your attention from the beginning.  Beth is an Amish girl who is getting "too old" to be single, yet holds on to a secret that keeps her from getting close to any males in her community.  Jonah is a talented craftsman who is holding out for the "right person" to make his wife.  Lizzy, Beth's single aunt, gets in the middle and stirs things up.  Heartache, pain, and healing come from the connection.

Here's a summary from the publisher:

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?

This is an easy and quick read (took me less than 2 hours to devour it).  I enjoy reading about the Amish culture and people, and Cindy Woodsmall did not disappoint me with her attention to detail and knowledge of the culture. 

Thanks to WaterBrook Press for sending me a book to read and review.  Grab your copy at your local bookseller!