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Friday, May 2, 2014

Review: Christmas in Apple Ridge (Three-in-One Collection) by Cindy Woodsmall


About the book:
Experience the holidays with the Plain folk of Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania, in these touching novellas centered around love, romance, heartache, and restoration from best-selling author Cindy Woodsmall.

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 rating:
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My thoughts:

~The Sound of Sleigh Bells~

The first novella, The Sound of Sleigh Bells, was a good Amish read. It took a while for me to get into the story; but, once I did, I really enjoyed it. I loved the message of the book and the story of forgiveness. The role "sleigh bells" played in this novella was cute, too. :)

~The Christmas Singing~

I really enjoyed this novella. I loved how Mattie was a baker/cake decorator and owned her own store. I also really liked how Gideon loved Mattie so much he was willing to sacrifie his happiness for what he thought was her better good. Great characters and interesting story.

~The Dawn of Christmas~

I think this one is my favorite of the three novellas. I liked how it started out in the past, and we got to see firsthand what had happened to cause Sadie's breakup, then jumped to the present story. There were a couple scenes with a lot of danger/intense elements, which was great.

~Overall~

This was a great collection of novellas. I don't read a lot of Amish books, but I enjoyed these. I loved how each of the couples from the previous novellas were in the next ones, as I always enjoy finding out what's going on in past characters' lives.  If you like this genre, I recommend Christmas In Apple Ridge - it's a good read.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

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Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ~ Philippians 4:8