A New Book & A Giveaway

As delighted as I am when a favorite author releases a new book, I find myself becoming just a little sad after reading it because I know I'll now have to wait 6 months to a year for another one! So I was especially happy to learn that Cindy Woodsmall, whose novel, The Hope of Refuge, just came out in August (I reviewed it here), has another new book now available.

In The Sound of Sleigh Bells (WaterBrook Press), Beth Hertzler, an Amish young woman, is still wearing black more than a year after her fiance's tragic death. But rather than working through her grief, she is hiding behind her mourning clothes, overcome with guilt and convinced she does not deserve love. On a trip as a buyer for her Aunt Lizzy's shop, she is captivated by a wooden carving and seeks to find a market for the artisan's beautiful renderings. Once Lizzy meets the crafstman, she is convinced Jonah is the one who will be able to bring Beth out of her self-imposed exile. But as Lizzy manipulates circumstances, will Beth open her heart or retreat further inside the shell she has built?

I enjoyed this book, although I wanted to clobber Aunt Lizzy a time or two for meddling! This is a quick read and perfect for the busy holiday season or to give as a gift. In fact, one of you have the chance to win a copy at the end of this post!

BOOK SUMMARY
Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of her fiancé. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.

Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cindy Woodsmall is the author of When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and The New York Times Best-Seller When the Soul Mends. Her ability to authentically capture the heart of her characters comes from her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. A mother of three sons and two daughters-in-law, Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty-one years.



GIVEAWAY!
The publisher has graciously provided an additional copy of this hard-bound book for me to give to one of you. For a chance to win, just leave a comment on this post by this Thursday (10/15/09) at 8:00 pm CDT. US Residents only, please.

Be sure to visit the publisher's website, where you can purchase this book directly, find other online and local sellers, and even get hooked on the first chapter browse the book!

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