Another Christmas book reviewed...

I've reviewed several of Cindy Woodsmall's books in the past. Each one has blessed me in a unique way and Christmas in Apple Ridge is no different. It is a three-in-one collection, which includes The Sound of Sleigh Bells, The Christmas Singing--both of which I've read before--and The Dawn of Christmas. There are many books that I would not wish to read a second time, but I enjoyed both the first and second stories as much this time as I did when I read them originally. The third story was new and I devoured it in just a few short hours.

Oh, by the way, don't stop at the recipes (if you get the e-version) like I did after The Sound of Sleigh Bells. I felt so silly when I realized I had missed the second and third portions of the book.

If you are an Amish romance fan, you will enjoy reading Christmas in Apple Ridge.

About the stories:

The Sound of Sleigh Bells Beth Hertzler is unable to let go of a past tragedy, but when she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds. Determined that her niece meet the gifted artist, her aunt tracks him down, but it’s not that simple – will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love? 

The Christmas Singing Mattie thought her childhood sweetheart adored her until he abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas Eve. Brokenhearted, Mattie moves away and pursues her longtime dream of becoming a cake decorator, and even finds a new beau. But when Mattie is forced to return home three years later, will learning the truth behind Gideon’s rejection restore her Christmas joy – or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?   

The Dawn of Christmas Sadie enjoys her freedom away from home and her mission trips to Peru, but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it’s time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan—but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together?

Rating: 4 stars

Blessings,
Ginger

More reviews

I'm almost caught up...here are the last two that I've read and need to be reviewed.  Enjoy.

A Season for Tending by Cindy Woodsmall

This one is a little out of my usual preferred genre-romance. Though there is a touch of romance, it is not at the core of the book. I enjoyed the story despite this "flaw" (LOL).

As with all of Cindy's books, the characters are well thought-out. Her writing makes you look past the obvious and see into a person's hurts, fears, and insecurities.

I look forward to book 2 The Winnowing Season (schedule for Spring 2013). I need to find out what happens to Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob, which was left open-ended in this story.

Back cover:

Old Order Amish Rhoda Byler’s unusual gift and her remarkable abilities to grow herbs and berries have caused many to think her odd. As rumors mount that Rhoda’s “gift” is a detriment to the community, she chooses isolation, spending her time in her fruit garden and on her thriving canning business.   

Miles away in Harvest Mills, Samuel King struggles to keep his family’s apple orchard profitable. As the eldest son, Samuel farms with his brothers, the irrepressible Jacob and brash Eli, while his longtime girlfriend Catherine remains hopeful that Samuel will marry her when he feels financially stable.   

Meanwhile, Samuel’s younger sister Leah is testing all the boundaries during her rumschpringe, and finds herself far from home in Rhoda’s garden after a night of partying gone badly. But Leah’s poor choices serve as a bridge between Rhoda and the King family when a tragic mistake in the orchard leaves Samuel searching for solutions. Rhoda’s expertise in canning could be the answer, but she struggles with guilt over the tragic death of her sister and doesn’t trust herself outside her garden walls. As the lines between business, love, and family begin to blur, can Rhoda finally open up to a new life? And what effect will this odd, amazing woman have on the entire King family?

Rating: 4 stars

Threads of Faith by Andrea Boeshaar

I LOVED this book. A strong heroine who takes control over her life only to lose it again. 

I did not read book one, so I don't know what I missed (though I think I will have to go back and read it because I enjoyed this one so much).

I highly recommend this book.

Back cover:

Can Julianna and Daniel start a new life in a new country?Julianna Wayland is running for her life! She hides in a crate on London’s dock, only to be loaded onto a ship bound for America. During the voyage she meets Captain Daniel Sundberg, and by the time they reach New York’s harbor, she is certain she’s in love with him. The only problem is, Daniel has plans for himself—plans that don’t include her.

As Julianna struggles to find her way in a new world, will trouble from her past derail the life she is looking for?

Rating: 5 stars


Available at Amazon:

A Season for Tending
Threads of Faith 

Blessings,
Ginger

Review: "The Scent of Cherry Blossoms" by Cindy Woodsmall

Forbidden love. Insurmountable obstacles. God's provision.

The Scent of Cherry Blossoms, a novella by Cindy Woodsmall, is a beautiful story about a long-standing friendship blossoming into deep abiding love, and the willingness to surrender that love for the good of the other.

I enjoyed this book immensely and highly recommend it to any reader who loves romance and/or Amish fiction.

Blurb:

Annie Martin loves the Plain ways of her Old Order Mennonite people, like those revered by her beloved grandfather. Retreating from a contentious relationship with her mother, Annie goes to live with her Daadi Moses in Apple Ridge.

But as spring moves into Pennsylvania and Annie spends time amongst the cherry trees with the handsome Aden Zook, she wishes she could forget how deeply the lines between the Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite are drawn.

Can Annie and Aden find a place for their love to bloom in the midst of the brewing storm? To read more, go here>>


Blessings,
Ginger

Review: "Sisters of the Quilt" - Cindy Woodsmall

I love series books, but only when I can read them all together. "Sisters of the Quilt" by Cindy Woodsmall is the best of both-the complete trilogy in one book. Though I've read the complete series before, I enjoyed it just as well this time AND I didn't have to search for the next book.

"When the Heart Cries"
Rejection. The sad thing is these unfortunate circumstances happen every day in our world. A tragedy strikes and the people we love the most don't know how to deal with it and turn away. Nevertheless, God prevails, even when don't see or understand how he's working.

"When the Morning Comes"
Hope. A member leaves because of things said and not said, actions and inactions. The community realizes their wrong, but are helpless to correct it. Nevertheless, God prevails, and brings hope to the community and to the one who was rejected.

"When the Soul Mends"
Redemption. Hearts, and souls reunited. Wrongs forgiven. Love reignited.

It's the story of our Lord. He was rejected by the people. His death and resurrection brought hope and redemption.

Thank you Cindy Woodsmall for forcing me to see past the obvious, and into the heart of the matter.

If you're interested in purchasing this book, please click here and help support this blog.

Blessings,
Ginger

"A Christmas Singing" by Cindy Woodsmall

Heartwarming. Inspiring. A story of true, self-sacrificing love that breaks your heart and mends it again. I took a few moments from my day to read this story, but those few moments ended up being the few hours needed to complete it. It drew me in and I didn't want to put it down. 

Mattie's life is turned upside down when Gideon breaks her heart. She finds stability with Sol and loves running her own cake shop, but then her world is turned upside down again and she struggles to find her cherished stability. Ms. Woodsmall inspires us to feel what Mattie feels, to go through her pain, and heartache, but she also takes us through her anticipation and joy.

You can also read the first chapter here.

If you are interested in purchasing this book, Multnomah is offering 30% off with free shipping. Use the promo code CHRISTMAS11 at their site. This coupon expires December 20th, 2011, so hurry.

Enjoy.

"The Harvest of Grace" by Cindy Woodsmall

What to say, what to say, what to say. Other than I'll never receive an award for the best book review, here are my thoughts on The Harvest of Grace by Cindy Woodsmall.

Having read books one and two in the Ada's House series (The Hope of Refuge, and The Bridge of Peace), which I highly recommend, I was ready for book three. A short note was included about these two works, in case you haven't had the pleasure, in the beginning of this book. It was so very helpful for reminding me what had happened - as it had been some time since I read them.

Love conquers all, if we let it. Through various trials, three couples work out their love. Cara and Ephraim struggle with Cara's past, her father's reappearance, her fight to forgive and learn German and Pennsylvania Dutch. A year of mourning keeps Lena and Grey from revealing their burgeoning love. And Aaron and Sylvia struggle with heartbreak and addictions - physical, and emotional. Ms. Woodsmall takes us through these struggles, and more, as we watch each couple fight to win and overcome. We see their pain, feel their desperation, and rejoice when they triumph as love holds them fast.

I would highly recommend all three books in this series. Ms. Woodsmall grabs your attention and keeps it page after page. Enjoy!

You can find The Harvest of Grace here.

As always, under HIS wings,
Ginger

PS. I was sent this book free by the publisher for the purpose of review. However, the above opinion is mine and mine alone.