Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Christmas in Apple Ridge by Cindy Woodsmall

Book Description:  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?

My Thoughts:  Wow!  I was so surprised when I received this book because it is a Three-In-One Amish novella read! 
The Sound of Sleigh Bells is a mainly about Beth and Jonah.  Lizzy is great about helping Beth to overcome the past.  Lizzy and Beth seem to have a Ruth and Naomi type of relationship.  
Both Jonah and Beth have "secrets" from their pasts and they both find it hard to open up to "new" love.  
The Christmas Singing was my favorite of the three novellas.  It's all about a cakes and decorating cakes.  And there are two recipes at the end of this novella for 3 Layer Strawberries-And-Cream Cake and Orange Coconut Cake.  My.Oh.My!
Gideon's rejection of Mattie three years ago still haunts her.  She and Gideon were going to marry but he broke it off with explanation.   A brokenhearted Mattie runs away and pursues her dream of being a cake decorator.  When she comes back she meets Gideon again.  And old feelings resurface.  
Gideon has a secret and he must tell Mattie so that she understands why he broke up with her three years ago. 
A sweet love story!
The Dawn of Christmas brings us Sadie.  Sadie has quite a bit of spunk and has been on the mission field in Peru.  But now, her Old Order family feels that Sadie must come home and marry!  
This was a fun story.  Sadie and Levi had me laughing at times.  Two very stubborn but loving individuals.
*This book was provided by Waterbrook/Multnomah*
  • Paperback: 576 pages
  • Publisher: WaterBrook Press; d edition (October 9, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0307730999
  • ISBN-13: 978-0307730992


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