Review ~ The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall

Author Bio

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author whose connection with the Amish community has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal.

She is also a veteran homeschool mom who no longer holds that position. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.

You can read more about the author, Cindy Woodsmall, on her website.

About the Book

Three years ago, at Christmastime, Mattie Eash’s life was everything she could hope for. That is, until her childhood sweetheart, Gideon, betrayed her.

Heartbroken, Mattie retreated to her brother’s home in Ohio and poured her life into the dream of running her own cake shop. There, she found someone unlike Gideon. Someone safe.

But a devastating situation forces her back home…and right into the path of Gideon Beiler.

Will learning the truth behind his rejection restore her Christmas joy—or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?

This holiday season, Mattie’s best gift might just be the harmony of unexpected truth and reconciliation.

Spend Christmas with the Amish in this story of love, romance, heartache, and restoration in The Christmas Singing.

The Christmas Singing (Chapter 1 Excerpt)

My Review

After reading rave reviews from fellow bloggers and readers on Goodreads I decided to place my request for The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall. Boy, am I glad I did. I loved this novella. It made me smile, laugh, cry and wish for more!

Gideon and Mattie are captivating characters. They were once in love and going to marry but Gideon desires to protect Mattie from some devastating news and goes about it all wrong. Will he learn from the error of his way?

Mattie is an endearing young woman. She's so scatterbrained (I can relate to that characteristic) and brilliant at decorating cakes. Her family and friends look out for her and I found myself wanting to do the same thing! After having her heart broken she's under the misconception that she needs to feel “safe” in love now and is dating Sol. He's a sweet guy but there's just not the spark that was there with Gideon. What's a girl to do?

One of my favorite moments at the end of the book is a scene between Gideon and one of the bishops. Omar has made Gideon the lead carpenter on a mission home project and Gideon has this thought about himself: Never again would he be so foolish as to think he could control anyone or anything through false words. He'd speak truth always and pray for God's strength over those who might struggle under the weight of the truth. (page 188)

Gideon & Mattie's journey left me feeling satisfied while at the same time wanting to read “the rest of the story”. Don't get me wrong. It's by no means incomplete. I just want more! Here's hoping for a glimpse of them in the future if Cindy tells Sol's story.

Warning :) Cake baking scenes! Get ready to do some extra aerobic walking or working out at the gym because you're going to want to try out the recipes at the end of the book. I know I am!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. No other compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review, just my opinion.

Special offer from WaterBrook Multnomah! 30% off and free shipping on The Christmas Singing (and any other title) when you use promo code CHRISTMAS11 at checkout on WaterBrookMultnomah.com. The coupon code expires on December 20th, 2011.

The Christmas Singing also comes in ebook format!

I would really appreciate it if you would Rank My Review here!