Casey reviewed Christmas in Apple Ridge: The Sound of Sleigh Bells / The Christmas Singing / The Dawn of Christmas on + 154 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Im a big-time collector of all Cindy Woodsmalls books. So even though Id already owed and read the first two novellas in this collection (you can read a previous review here: http://enjoyingthewritingcraft.blogspot.com/2011/11/deserves-more-than-one-read-christmas.html), with the addition of The Dawn of Christmas I had to read this latest sweet story.
And a sweet one it was. Novellas are not known for their depth of content as the word count just isnt there to fully play with characterization. But what was included within these less-than-two-hundred-pages was a story of forgiveness and growth that left a sweet sigh in my heart when I read that last page.
Sadi and Levi have much working against their relationship due to personal issues in their past, but when life continues to throw them together, as a reader, I had the great fun of watching them fall in love and come together.
The Amish world is one that seems to hold no end of fascination for many readers. I thought this latest novella showed a different side of that world with a more welcoming touch to the outside electronic offers than in previous Orders.
A sweet story told in just a few pages, weaving in characters from the previous two novellas, making a lovely well-rounded collection. Perfect to curl up with on a cold winters day!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
And a sweet one it was. Novellas are not known for their depth of content as the word count just isnt there to fully play with characterization. But what was included within these less-than-two-hundred-pages was a story of forgiveness and growth that left a sweet sigh in my heart when I read that last page.
Sadi and Levi have much working against their relationship due to personal issues in their past, but when life continues to throw them together, as a reader, I had the great fun of watching them fall in love and come together.
The Amish world is one that seems to hold no end of fascination for many readers. I thought this latest novella showed a different side of that world with a more welcoming touch to the outside electronic offers than in previous Orders.
A sweet story told in just a few pages, weaving in characters from the previous two novellas, making a lovely well-rounded collection. Perfect to curl up with on a cold winters day!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
Lee P. (copiousreader) reviewed Christmas in Apple Ridge: The Sound of Sleigh Bells / The Christmas Singing / The Dawn of Christmas on
THE SOUND OF SLEIGH BELLS
Beth Hetzler 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, Beth, 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?
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. 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 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 his brother's heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling, Sadie and Levi devise a plan - but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together? [my favorite, although I enjoyed all 3 stories]
There are recipes at the end of two of the novellas, and they sound very good!
Beth Hetzler 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, Beth, 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?
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. 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 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 his brother's heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling, Sadie and Levi devise a plan - but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together? [my favorite, although I enjoyed all 3 stories]
There are recipes at the end of two of the novellas, and they sound very good!
