The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall

As an avid reader, I love a book that offers a strong literary challenge, but as a homeschooling mother of three young children, I love the chance to pick up a good book that I can read quickly and in short spurts.

A few months ago I was introduced to author Cindy Woodsmall when I reviewed her bookThe Hope of Refuge for WaterBrook Multnomah. It was just what I needed – a well-written but easy read with captivating characters. When I received an email informing me that Woodsmall's newest book was available for review, I was thrilled!

Beth Hertzler is a single young Amish woman with a dark secret confined deep within her heart. Having lost her fiance to a terrible accident, Beth has determined to never re-enter Amish society as an eligible young woman. Instead she immerses herself in the business of her aunt's store, vowing to wear the black of mourning for the rest of her days.

An “old maid” herself, Beth's aunt Lizzy is determined to see that her beloved niece breaks out of her depression-induced shell and chooses to move on with her life. The more she pushes, however, the more determined Beth becomes to never reveal her secret to her family or her community. She is resolute in the choices she has made for her life.

It is almost expected that such a heroine would not remain in her shroud of black forever, so it is no spoiler to say that Beth does, indeed, find freedom from the darkness that has surrounded her heart and soul. What grabbed me, however, was the discovery of the identify of the dark secret that held her bound so tightly. Her own perceptions of personal responsibility for past experiences are perceptions held by many young women in their relationships. They are perceptions from which they, too, need freedom. Those of us who walk in the freedom already can hardly imagine the bonds of grief, responsibility, and helplessness experienced by these young women. A miracle is required to grant them freedom.

For Beth, the miracle begins with the discovery of a beautiful carving that grabs her soul. As she exchanges letters with the carver, the bonds begin to loosen, leading her to her ultimate freedom from her past.

The Sound of Sleigh Bellsis a wonderful book for the season. Whether you have a several hours to curl up under a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate and read from cover to cover or, like me, you just have a few minutes to steal away here and there for a quick chapter, this is a sweet book of redemption, healing, and romance.

And the best news of all – I have a copy ofThe Sound of Sleigh Bellsfor one fortunate reader! Leave a comment before midnight, Wednesday, October 21 to enter the drawing for this book. The winner will be announced Thursday, October 22. And, if you're not the lucky winner, clicking on the picture above will take you to Random House where you can pick up a copy for yourself.

As always, if you are interested in reviewing books, click here to go to WaterBrook Multnomah's site to sign up.I received this book for free in exchange for posting this review, and you can do the same!