The Sound of Sleigh Bells

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?
My Review: I was so excited to have the opportunity to read and review The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall. She has a way of seamlessly combining the lifestyle of the Amish with a story with depth and meaning. It was interesting to read how Amish bishops have different ways of interpreting rules about graven images; I guess shades of gray are common in many denominations. I enjoyed the way the author used letters between Beth and Jonah to tell the story especially in relationship to their pasts. I enjoyed this latest book as much as I did The Hope of Refuge and will continue to read more books by Cindy Woodsmall.
Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah for providing me with the opportunity to read and review The Sound of Sleigh Bells.