4.8 Stars Out Of 5
4.8 out of 5
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  1. Margot
    South Australia
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Not so Amish amish
    January 29, 2015
    Margot
    South Australia
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This was a great collection of short novels/long novellas (about 200 pages each) focusing on a different couple in each novel, but always based in Apple Ridge, so that we can revisit the focus couples throughout the entire collection. This is the first time I've read Cindy Woddsmall's work and it wont be the last. Her stories are easy to read and the focus is not so much on the Amishness of the characters, but on the events, which are far more than just romantic happenings. Her characters are facing deep issues, adjusting their relationship with God and significant others, growing in faith and coming away stronger, better people for not shying away from interpersonal challenges. It was easy to read and keep up with who's who, and I recommend them to you highly.
  2. Shannah
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    I loved this Christmas Collection!
    January 2, 2014
    Shannah
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    All I can say is this collection was such a blessing to read! I have never read an Amish book that was so captivating and enthralling from beginning to end. I wasn't sure what to expect since I don't read a lot of books in the Amish category, but I was pleasantly surprised!

    The Sound of Sleigh Bells features Beth and Jonah. Beth is a very no-nonsense, business-like woman who was deeply wounded in the past and determined not to let it happen again. Jonah is a damaged soul who learned that God is good no matter what. Can he teach Beth that despite her past, she can open up to love? I loved the message of the book. If you don't let go of your past, you aren't letting in all that God has for you.

    The Christmas Singing features Mattie and Gideon. Mattie was heartbroken when Gideon broke up with her on Christmas Eve and has worked hard to hide her heart from anyone who tries to take it. Gideon has lived with a secret illness and brokenness since his break-up with Mattie. Can they get along enough to figure out they still love each other? The message in this book was to trust God with everything. You can't protect everyone, only God can do that.

    The Dawn of Christmas was my favorite! Sadie and Levi suffer from the same affliction - aversion to marraige and the other sex. They have both seen or been hurt by someone and are determined never to let it happen again. So, when Sadie finds Levi injured in a field, neither expects anything to happen. Reading their story was amusing. I figured out long before the characters did that they were meant for each other. Can they open their hearts to let in what God has planned for them, or will they turn away out of fear? The message in this story is to not let fear rule your lives.

    Overall, this was the most enjoyable Christmas book I've ever read. I would recommend it to anyone who loves reading about the magic of Christmas and the blessings it can bring.

    **I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.**
  3. Mo
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Christmas in Apple Ridge
    October 14, 2015
    Mo
    Quality: 0
    Value: 0
    Meets Expectations: 0
    Cant wait to receive this. i have read many books from other authors with the Amish people and have always been very intrigued. i know these will be awesome as well.
  4. VicsMediaRoom
    Irvine, CA
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: male
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Return To Apple Ridge For Three Wonderful Visits
    November 20, 2012
    VicsMediaRoom
    Irvine, CA
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: male
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Cindy Woodsmall in her new book, "Christmas in Apple Ridge" published by WaterBrook Press brings us a Three-in-One Collection: The Sound of Sleigh Bells, The Christmas Singing, NEW! The Dawn of Christmas.

    From the back cover: 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 authorCindy 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?

    I like Apple Ridge. I wish that all cities and towns could be like Apple Ridge because the people of this town know each other and pull together in times of hardship. These three stories all center around Christmas time so if you are not in the mood for Christmas yet you will be by the time you finish reading. Yes, there is trouble in each story but trouble helps the characters grow stronger and to each other. And there is romance. Why else read these stories if it were not for the romance? Spending time in Apple Ridge is time well spent. If you don't already have the first two stories then you will enjoy reading them for the first time. If you already do then the third story is brand new and you probably will enjoy reading the first two again. Either way it is great to visit in Apple Ridge and I look forward to more return visits.

    Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Press for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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."
  5. AngelLinda
    PA
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Heartwarming Christmas novellas
    November 8, 2012
    AngelLinda
    PA
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Christmas In Apple Ridge is a collection of three Cindy Woodsmall Christmas novellas wrapped in one. They are sure to warm your heart this Christmas season.

    The Sound of Sleigh Bells

    While unable to let go of a past tragedy, Beth, finds a remarkable, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow. She is touched by this carving and can't understand why. Beth's aunt becomes determined to find and have her niece, Beth, meet this talented artist. After tracking him down, Beth finds that this artist isn't just gifted with carving. Jonah, after much struggle of his own with his past, decides to restore the sleigh in his barn. Beth and Jonah learn much about healing through the sound of sleigh bells.

    The Christmas Singing

    Mattie loves her new life in Ohio. She's trying her best to put Gideon behind her and start her life over. Gideon was Mattie's first true love....and heartbreak. She still questions what it was that caused Gideon to find interest in someone else...an Englisher, of all people. But Gideon holds a secret. He believes he's done Mattie a favor setting her free. But is this a decision he ends up regretting? After Mattie's bakery burns down and leaves Mattie injured, Gideon rushes to Mattie's side but his secret still surrounds the walls of his heart. Sol, Mattie's new love, is confused as to Gideon's return after breaking Mattie's heart. Mattie goes back home to Pennsylvania to visit Mamm and Daed for the holidays, while recovering from her injuries. Being closer to Gideon, brings about more heart wounds than she bargained for. Mattie needs to decide where she'll spend her favorite night of the year, Christmas Eve...her birthday...in order to enjoy The Christmas Singing.

    The Dawn of Christmas

    In the newest story in the collection, we meet Sadie, who on the eve of her wedding finds her beloved husband-to-be in a compromising position with her cousin. Sadie's heart is broken, as well as her trust in men. She goes to the mission field, with the blessing of her family, as a way to help heal the wounds of her heart. After four years away, her family believes it's time for her to come home and begin to settle down, but Sadie longs for the mission field of Peru. Sadie returns briefly to her family in hopes that they will allow her to continue her mission work, but one night changes everything for Sadie...and Levi. Levi has lived with his brother, helping to raise his brother's young son, after Levi's sister-in-law walked out on the marriage and being a mom. Levi now distrusts love and women. While out riding late at night, the Fourth of July fireworks spook the horse he's riding and he's thrown, laying injured in a field. Sadie, who also decides to go our for a late night horseback ride, comes across the injured Levi. As Levi recovers from his injuries, he and Sadie develop a friendship. They decide to "keep the peace" of both their families and make it appear they are dating. While deception is never a good thing - Levi and Sadie fall into their own trap and fall in love.

    These touching stories will warm your holidays. So grab some hot chocolate, kick back and give yourself a gift of enjoying a Christmas in Apple Ridge!

    I'd like to extend my thanks to Blogging For Books for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.
Displaying items 1-5 of 42
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