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READER REVIEW: "I just finished reading the last of the three books in this collection by Cindy Woodsmall. Since all of the books are centered around Christmas it can start to put you in the mood for the true reason of that season. These books center their activity in Apple Ridge, PA. However they also travel outside this town to bring others into the love of that Amish community. They are stories about men and women whose lives become entangled into a time of love and understanding when they need it the most. Difficult circumstances are dealt with and all the emotions that go with them. ...I laughed out loud, so many times, to the point of tears. My sister would just look at me and shake her head. The author has a great way of incorporating humor is such serious situations. I loved it...Read the books. You won't be sorry."  --Carol A. Ford

Price: ebook for $9.99 
& paperback for $10.98

Rating: 4.7 stars




                                                        THE BOOK


Experience the holidays with the Plain folk of Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania, in these touching novellas centered around love, romance, heartache, and restoration from best-selling author Cindy Woodsmall. 

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?



THE AUTHOR

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Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author who has written seven novels, four novellas, and Plain Wisdom, a work of nonfiction coauthored with her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud. Cindy has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life.

She's 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.

She's won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer's Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest, as well as one of Crossings' Best Books of the Year. She's been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards.

Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity. Though she didn't realize it at the time, seeds were sown years ago that began preparing Cindy to write these books. At the age of ten, while living in the dairy country of Maryland, she became best friends with Luann, a Plain Mennonite girl. Luann, like all the females in her family, wore the prayer Kapp and cape dresses. Her parents didn't allow television or radios, and many other modern conveniences were frowned upon. During the numerous times Luann came to Cindy's house to spend the night, her rules came with her and the two were careful to obey them--afraid that if they didn't, the adults would end their friendship. Although the rules were much easier to keep when they spent the night at Luann's because her family didn't own any of the forbidden items, both sets of parents were uncomfortable with the relationship and a small infraction of any kind would have been enough reason for the parents to end the relationship. While navigating around the adults' disapproval and the obstacles in each other's lifestyle, the two girls bonded in true friendship that lasted into their teen years, until Cindy's family moved to another region of the US.

As an adult, Cindy became friends with a wonderful Old Order Amish family who opened their home to her. Although the two women, Miriam and Cindy, live seven hundred miles apart geographically, and a century apart by customs, when they come together they never lack for commonality, laughter, and dreams of what only God can accomplish through His children. Over the years Cindy has continued to make wonderful friendships with those inside the Amish and Mennonite communities--from the most conservative ones to the most liberal.

Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband, three sons, two daughters-in-law, and a new granddaughter.

 
 
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READER REVIEW:  "I completely enjoyed this book. I read Texas Roads first by this author, and A Path Less Travelled is the second book in her series. Cathey Bryant is an excellent writer. She tells a wonderfully detailed story about "real" people, their towns, their histories, etc. I did not find this book to have typos, which was just wonderful! This one is not preachy at all, although it is not as subtle as the first book. It simply reminds us to not lean on our own understanding when making decisions but to step back, pray, be quiet and still, and the answer will come to us. I cannot wait to read the third book due out in September!!"  --Lisa


Price: ebook for $3.99 
& paperback for $11.48

Rating: 4.5 stars




                                                  THE BOOK


Trish James is tired of being rescued. When a spooked horse claims her husband's life, she’s determined to blaze a path for herself and her traumatized son without outside help. But will that mean leaving the place etched on her heart?

Andy Tyler has had to struggle for everything, and starting a new law practice in Miller's Creek, Texas is no different. Though prepared for business challenges, he's not prepared for falling in love--especially with yet another woman who will probably abandon him for her career.

Will Andy and Trish be able to see past their limited human understanding to take a path less traveled?

The Author

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Cathy Bryant is a former public school teacher who handed in her chalk for a writing career. Her passion is to write heart-stirring stories that show God's life-changing grace. Her debut novel, Texas Roads (a 2009 ACFW Genesis finalist) released in 2009. A Path Less Traveled, the second book in the Miller's Creek novels, was launched in the fall of 2010. The Way of Grace (book three in the series) was published in 2012. 

Cathy is the owner and editor of the popular blog, WordVessel, and has written devotions for The Upper Room devotional magazine, and for two devotional books, Spirit & Heart: A 30-Day Devotional Journey and Faith & Finance: In God We Trust. She's the wife of a music minister, the mother of two grown sons and a beautiful daughter-in-love, and the Nana of Harrisen. A Texas transplant to Arkansas, Cathy now makes her home in the beautiful Ozark mountains with her husband of thirty years.

Visit her website at www.CatBryant.com.

 

Texas Roads

10/26/2012

 
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READER REVIEW: "I have been enchanted by Cathy Bryant's "Texas Roads". From the first few pages, the reader is introduced to a lovely little town and a way of life that seems completely lost in our fast food, instant gratification world..."  --Stacey



Price: ebook for $3.99 & paperback for $10.96
Rating: 4.5 stars






                        THE BOOK


City gal Dani Davis just wants a place to call home. With quirky residents, quaint country charm, and loads of business potential, Miller's Creek Texas seems like the perfect place to start over . . . except for the cowboy who gives her a ride into town. Dani secretly finances renovations to downtown Miller’s Creek, but malicious rumors force her to choose between keeping her involvement a secret and the home for which she’s always longed. Then a devastating discovery propels her down a road she never expected to travel.

Steve Miller is determined to rescue his dying hometown. When vandals jeopardize the renovation, he can’t help but suspect Dani, whose strange behavior has become fodder for local gossips. Can Steve and Dani call a truce for a higher cause, and in the process help Dani recognize the true meaning of home?



THE AUTHOR

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Cathy’s desire is to write heart-stirring stories about God’s life-changing grace. Her first novel,Texas Roads, was a 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers’ Genesis finalist. Her second novel,A Path Less Traveled, was published in 2010.The Way of Grace, the third book in the Miller’s Creek novels was released in 2012. A native Texan, Cathy currently resides in the beautiful Ozark mountains of northwest Arkansas with her husband of thirty years, and near the world’s cutest grandson. You can find out more about Cathy’s books under the Miller’s Creek Novels tab.

To contact Cathy, click the Contact tab at the top of the page or in the side bar. You can also connect with her via Facebook and Twitter.