Disclosure: I received this book to review; this post contains affiliate links. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.
So you know the Grinch’s heart grows three sizes by the end of Christmas Day? With each story in Christmas In Apple Ridge, my heart grew bigger and bigger, too.
This book is stuffed to the brim with Amish romance and sprinkled with a good dose of humor, suspense, and Christmas spirit. Author Cindy Woodsmall has a way with words. She expertly diverted the story just in time when it seemed to get a little too serious. Because this book contains three complete stories that share common characters, this was almost like reading a mini-series. Getting Christmas In Apple Ridge for only $7.99 (the Kindle Edition) is a bargain!
It seems that the first two novellas were previously published; the third is a new addition. If you’ve already read The Sound of Sleigh Bells and The Christmas Singing, you’re probably dying to know what happens in The Dawn of Christmas. No spoilers here! I do want to say that from the first page of this book, I liked it better than the typical Amish stories I have read. I haven’t ready any of Woodsmall’s other books yet, but I plan to do so. Her stories have more depth than most Amish romances. The characters are strong, creative people who feel a deep commitment to their community. The messages of love, forgiveness, and grace float like snowflakes through the book’s pages. Some of the best one-liners are delivered by the sideline characters. For example, in the first story, Beth’s hired driver (and friend) Gloria takes the time to listen to Beth’s heartache. When Beth reveals that she harbors guilt, Gloria wisely asks, “Then why did Christ die?” My heart absolutely clutched at that question. SO TRUE!!! I know that’s a sentiment I’ll say to myself again in the future when I’m having trouble with forgiving myself. The second and third stories were even better. Even those who don’t typically like Amish novels would enjoy this collection. Oh, my friends, if you have any interest at all in reading an uplifting and stirring book, just do yourself a favor and lose yourself in Christmas In Apple Ridge . It’s a wonderful gift to share with those you love, too.
Visit the author’s website and look at the other books she has penned! You can also read chapter one of Christmas in Apple Ridge. I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.
I enjoy Amish fiction so this looks like one I’d certainly like to read. Thanks
I love books like this. I need to add it to my list!
Sounds like an interesting book. Perhaps I’ll give it as a holiday gift. Thanks for sharing.
Sounds really interesting! I love book recommendations, so I’ll definitely check this out Thanks!
I enjoy amish stories this looks & sounds like a good one.
Love reading Amish themed books. I haven’t picked up a good book in a while.
I have never read anything that was Amish fiction. Sounds interesting!
I like books with good clean romance sentiments, this sounds like a great series for the Winter!
I always like it when you can find a series that you enjoy. Love the clean romance and religion twisted together too!
I love Amish fiction and I’ve read other books by Cindy Woodsmall and really enjoyed them. This review was great and I’m looking forward to reading this book.
It’s nice to see a Christmas story about the real story!
What a lovely book for the holidays!
I have read The Dawn of Christmas but I would love to read this book as it includes the other two stories. I love Amish fiction. Cindy is a great author.
I love Amish fiction. Thanks for sharing this review.