The Christmas Singing: A Romance From The Heart Of Amish Country (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
With Christmas on the way, I am all about Christmas stories. I had read "The Sound of Sleigh Bells: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country" by Cindy Woodsmall several years ago and absolutely adored it. I loved it so much, I shared it with everyone who was interested.Because of the love of that book, I had to pick up "The Christmas Singing: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country" also by Cindy Woodsmall when I saw it available via my library and the Overdrive app. Because I have a lot of housework to do, I chose to listen to the book rather than read it. Because I listened rather than read, I have a second part of this review that is simply based on production.There are few reads that delight me more than a look into the lives of the Amish. I have embraced this genre, and I have continually been delighted by each book I have read. The Christmas Singing has many of the elements that I enjoy from Cindy Woodsmall. The view into Amish life is painted so clearly I feel like I can see each detail. I was delighted with the descriptions as usual and wished I could drop into Mattie Cakes myself. I wish the shop and the village that Mattie lived in was explored more deeply before she went back to Ridge. I really enjoyed the descriptions and friends there. I hope to see more in a future work. I was also pleased to get the opportunity to catch up with other characters from Cindy's previous book in this series. It was like revisiting old friends. The tone of the story itself was a bit somber which I would as with it dealt with some negative events. It would have worked better for me (and this is purely personal) if it actually had not been a Christmas novella. I don't expect everything to be happy, but in a Christmas themed story, I expect it more than I would with other themes. Still the story itself was well written and I hope that my distraction with the tone doesn't lead you to think it was not. As for the characters, I would love to see what happens to Saul. He seems to have some deep levels there, and I hope the author will continue to explore them. Mattie herself kind of bugged me. She was hot and cold when it came to Gideon. I couldn't even grasp the momentary joviality that would be followed by resentment. I understood the reasoning, but to be honest, if I had been involved with someone who I truly believed betrayed me, I probably wouldn't be anything more than lukewarm around him. Polite out of necessity. Mattie's reactions often seemed very self centered and off kilter. Gideon and all he had been through simply broke my heart. All in all, I enjoyed the story and the look back at old friends. The ending for the main characters was satisfying, and I hope that it opens doors for others that I am also falling in like with. It was the perfect little getaway into Amish Country and I hope to go there again soon. I did listen to this book rather than read it, and because of this I do want to comment on that. I felt that the reader had a lovely tone to her voice but it was rather soft. Because of this, I had to turn my volume all the way up on both my Kindle and my computer. This is the first time I have had to do this with an audio book. Also because I was listening and not reading one name kept grating on me: Mattie Lane (Mattie's nickname). I am sure if I was reading it wouldn't have been so distracting, but it seemed to come up way too often as I listened. This story was wonderfully done! I wasn’t too happy with Gideon throwing away the wonderful relationship he had with Mattie to get involved with an English girl until I learned the real reason behind his ridiculous actions.Is it behind your ear, Mattie Lane?And his cute little special pet name for her… Mattie Lane! This is way too cute for words.The fact that Mattie continued to use the special binder full of sketches, pictures, recipes, plus her day planner, said a lot about how her feelings for Gideon are still strong.When I began this second story from the Christmas in Apple Ridge series, I was disappointed at first, since it took place away from Apple Ridge, with different characters. I quickly found that many of the people from the first story were continuing their story in this book.I heartily recommend this novel. If you enjoy Amish stories and sequels, you’ll love the Apple Ridge series
What do You think about The Christmas Singing: A Romance From The Heart Of Amish Country (2011)?
Quick short and mostly predictable but still a good book.
—Taytayy
Although warm-hearted, very predictable for Amish fiction
—mirandaR
