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?
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"I liked this book. I have never read anything by this author and know little about the Amish way of life. The story is about Beth who's in mourning after the death of her fiance and is harboring a secret related to his death. Beth has kept everyone at a distance until she discovers a piece of artwork created by an Amish craftsman that touches her deeply. Beth believes the craftsman is an old bachelor. The craftsman thinks Beth is her aunt who encourages him to write. They fall in love through their coorespondance, but the trickery is soon discovered. The rest of the book elaborates on the confessions and forgiveness of everyone involved. If you need a feel good story fo the holiday season this may be it."
— Rebecca (4 out of 5 stars)
" I enjoyed a look into a different culture, the Amish. It was also a wonderful Christmas based love story and story of self realization and forgiveness. I will look for other books by Cindy Woodsmall. "
— Nancy, 2/20/2014" This was a really sweet book. It lacked a little in the end but over all I liked it. It was a fairly easy read too. I finished it in a week, which is hard for me to do with any book! ;) I will say this I am hungry for more Amish books. I lived in Amish country as a girl and this sparked my interest in them. I am on the hunt for the next good book to read about Amish. "
— Meaghan, 2/9/2014" A sweet story on forgiveness, trust, and learning to move on with life after tragedy. "
— Heather, 2/2/2014" I loved this book, it was such a heartwarming story! It also was a good tool to remind me that God's grace and forgiveness IS enough. "
— Shari, 1/28/2014" On hold at the library. 3rd in line. "
— KyleeJ, 1/28/2014" Touched my heart :) "
— Kali, 1/15/2014" Books about the Amish are so interesting. Sometimes makes me yearn for their simpler life. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. "
— Martha, 11/15/2013" An Amish story set during Christmas. Okay, not great but not too bad. "
— Vince, 11/15/2013" I loved this book. A sweet book. Full of Joy,hope,love,forgivess. A page turner to to tug at your heartstrings. "
— Rebecca, 10/11/2013" Cute, very light and fluffy book. Had a sweet message. Not as "Christmasy" as I was hoping. "
— Kris, 8/10/2013" A predictable but enjoyable book. "
— Cheryl-Lynn, 7/1/2012" Great book about forgiveness and love. "
— Nicole, 3/1/2012" This was a good quick read. "
— Shannon, 8/7/2011" #132of2012 "
— Cindi, 6/3/2011" This is a light read, one read when time is short and the mind feels heavy. Cindy Woodsmall does not write great literature, but her understanding of Amish ways makes her books palpable and restful. "
— Elaine, 1/11/2011" A book about learning to trust. "
— Kel, 12/23/2010" The best book I have ever read and the best i might ever read. <br/>But I should "never say never"!!!!!! "
— Danielle, 12/20/2010" Just picked this up at library because it looked interesting. It was interesting to read a bit about the Old Amish culture. Cute little Christmas story... "
— Alyssa, 12/10/2010" Wonderful book--by an absolutely wonderful author. I love her books! Just the title alone totally captured me, and the book lived up to every promise made by the charming title! "
— Roxanne, 11/21/2010" Very predictable Amish fiction. Not as good as some other authors, but a quick read. "
— Marianne, 5/4/2010" What a very sweet story. I loved how it looked inside the characters. I appreciated how the faith of the characters informed their actions (and I say this as a non-religious person). "
— Laura, 4/10/2010Cindy Woodsmall is the Christian Booksellers Association bestselling author of eighteen works of fiction and one nonfiction book. Her writing has been featured on ABC‘s Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal
Cassandra Campbell has won multiple Audie Awards, Earphones Awards, and the prestigious Odyssey Award for narration. She was been named a “Best Voice” by AudioFile magazine and in 2018 was inducted in Audible’s inaugural Narrator Hall of Fame.