Christmas in Apple Ridge by Cindy Woodsmall (a review)

During Christmas time, my personal preference for reading material is anything that is Christmas or holidays related. So I was quite excited to read Christmas in Apple Ridge by Cindy Woodsmall. I am a big fan of Miss Woodsmall's novels and knew that this would be a good read.
Christmas in Apple Ridge is actually comprised of 3 novellas...."The Sound of Sleigh Bells," "The Christmas Singing," and a new novella-  "The Dawn of Christmas."

From the back cover:
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?

My thoughts:

I was not disappointed. I read this book over the course of 3 nights. (one novella each night). I could not put the book down during each story.

"The Sound of Sleigh Bells" tugged at my heart strings the most and was a powerful story of love and how love can give you a second chance.

"The Christmas Singing" was probably the most simple of the three novellas in my opinion. It did not tug at my heart like the others, but was still a good read.

"The Dawn of Christmas" was intriguing to me in that it allowed me to think about my own relationships and how we perceive relationships. You really felt for Sadie and Levi in that they are each battling their own demons, while their families are trying to do things in their best interest and in the traditions of the Amish. It was a great read.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Amish fiction. These stories are sweet and endearing while at the same time being interesting and thought provoking.

Disclaimer: I was sent this book by Waterbrook Press Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.