Great book for Christmas

The Christmas Singing: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country (Ada's House Series)

I read this book in one sitting. I could not put it down until I found out the ending. Cindy Woodsmall became a favorite of mine with the first series I read, Sisters of the Quilt. She is well-schooled in the traditions of the Old World Amish as can be proven by her non-fiction book Plain Wisdom.

The title The Christmas Singing drew my attention, since I knew Amish couples usually pair up for courting at their singings. Mattie is the main character runs her own bakery named “Mattie Cakes.” Yum! Two of cake recipes are included at the end of the book. She moved away from home after her childhood sweetheart, Gideon, breaks her heart. The drama of the story kept me flipping the pages or in this case scrolling through the e-book. Loved it, loved it! This book was given to me by Multnomah Books for review.

Good family values and faith in God makes this a wonderful book for Christian readers who are tired of vampires and paranormal romances.

File Size: 2047 KB

Print Length: 208 pages

Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0307446549

Publisher: WaterBrook Press (October 4, 2011)

When the Heart Cries Sisters of the Quilt

The last page of Cindy Woodsmall's When the Heart Cries immediately sent me searching for the second book in the Sisters of the Quilt series. When a dreadful catastrophe disrupts the life of young Hannah Lapp, Mamm and Daed convince her that the unmentionable must be concealed from everyone.  From the beginning, the reader is deeply sympathetic to the seventeen-year-old main character. At times I was so exasperated with the Ordnung, unwritten rules of the Old Order Amish, I wanted to reach out and comfort the teenager.  Compounding the agony of the situation, her Mennonite boyfriend, Paul, must return to the university to complete his final year. Their unsanctioned courtship must be kept hidden and lack of communication was difficult for the youngsters. Sometimes Hannah was careless in her action and actually provoked the discipline of the bishop.  Secrecy and rumors added to the frustration and heartache she and Paul must endure.  Woodsmall has a unique connection with women of the Amish community and her writing is authentic.
I received this book free for review from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group. 

What a Ride-Miracle of Mercy Land

After page 102 I could not but this book down, literally I carried it from room to room and ate with the book propped before me. Author River Jordan was not familiar to me. The main character, Mercy Land, and the community of Bittersweet in southern gulf waters of Alabama was unrealistic to me. My favorite character was Doc, the owner, publisher, and editor of Bay City's local newspaper the banner. He was faithful  to the memory of his beloved wife Opal and constant companion to  his dog Harriet. Doc Phillips was hardworking and ink surely ran through his veins. He could sniff out the truth while other were heading down the wrong trail. The night a mysterious book appeared on Doc's desk their lives would never be the same. His protection of Mercy and his will to correct the wrong he had done in his past made this novel a treasure. The battle of good and evil is taught without being preachy. So glad I didn't quit this book; it is worth sharing.
Ann Sanger

~I received this book free for review from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Cindy Woodsmall-Bridge of Peace a winner

The Bridge of Peace (Ada's House, Book 2) (Paperback)

My favorite character was Lena Kauffmann, a twenty-three year old unmarried school teacher in the Amish community of Dry Creek. Lena has a prominent birthmark on her cheek, and she feels this physical imperfection has kept the Amish men from calling on her. Her greatest fear is she will never know the love of a spouse and will be an Alt Maedel, old maid. Lennie has lived with whispers all her life. Now one of her older students, Peter, is not only disruptive, but makes cruel remarks about her face. Through the hurt and frustration, she is tenacious to her teaching and sincere in her love of her students. Lena chooses to see the good in every student, even the obstinate ones.  Her independence and knowledge of the outside world, however, sometimes pushes the limits of the Old Order Amish.  There were three romances going on in the story. I can't wait to read the sequel. Reading the previous book in the series will help readers learn more about the connections between the families in this Amish community. The characters are believable and deal with issues of acceptance and forgiveness. The analogy of building a bridge to peace was truly something all Christians can use to repair and strengthen relationships. Woodsmall passes along her knowledge of Old World Amish. The glossary of terms and Pennsylvania Dutch phrases used in this book, as well as the list of main characters, helps readers connect the families in the community.

~I received this book free for review from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group.