I Met Cindy Woodsmall Today!

Y'all...today was a dream come true!  Never in a million years would I have ever believed I would've gotten to meet this sweet woman, who also happens to be an extremely talented author.  And the big bonus?  It was release day for her newest book, The Harvest of Grace!  I cannot wait to crack this book open and discover her latest story.  :o)

But about meeting her...  *silly grin*

She is the most down-to-earth, genuine person that I've had the pleasure to meet in a very long time.  When I walked in the store, she immediately cracked an joke (with the help of some friends), and I knew right away that I was in great company.  :o)

We talked about books (hers, of course, as well as several others), and about her kids (as well as the grandbaby that she's expecting soon...exciting!).  But seriously, we mostly talked about books.  I couldn't help but gush just a little about how I discovered her books through a friend, how she is my favorite author of Amish fiction, and that I've loaned my copies of her books to my dad...and he's loved them just as much as I did.  :o)  And somehow, we got to talking about some other new releases, and I asked her if she had ever read anything by Sandra Byrd.  She thought she had, and I asked if she had gotten to read her newest book yet.  When she said no, I quickly went to the store shelf (where there were 5 lovely copies), and brought one back to her.  She. Bought. The. Book.  WOW!  Talk about instant gratification for someone who reads and reviews books all the time!  :o)

But I've saved the best news for last...

She's coming here for a visit!  Well, *here* here...like to this blog...like in a couple of months.  Squeeeee!!!!!  She's got a new Christmas book (The Christmas Singing) releasing in October, so y'all be on the lookout for that.  She'll be giving away a copy of it here, too, as part of a Southern-Style Meet & Greet, so be sure to check the schedule up top to see when we've got a firm date set.  :o)

So what about you, my friends?  Have you gotten to meet an author in person?  What was your experience like?

Cindy Woodsmall is Comin' Down South! Yippee!!!

Y'all just have no idea how giddy I am right now!!! I am about to burst with excitement that THE Cindy Woodsmall is coming to MY area of the world for a book signing!  Seriously, it just does not get any better than that.  Book signings in this area are hard to come by, and I think I stay pretty well on top of that kind of stuff (considering I've only ever been to one in the past 3-4 years since I've been blogging).  And no joke...I've been telling everyone I know, which means now it's time to tell y'all,  too.  :o)

Here's the complete list of Cindy's appearances in our little corner of the world down South a'ways....

Tuesday, August 9 (Release day!), 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Memphis East LifeWay Christian Store

The Commons

8025 Giacosa Place

Memphis, TN 38133

Phone: 901-373-4900

~

Wednesday, August 10, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Christian Book Outlet

670 Elsinger Blvd.

Conway, AR 72032

Phone: 501-513-2226

~

Wednesday, August 10, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Barnes & Noble

11500 Financial Center Pkwy.

Little Rock, AR 72211

Phone: 501-954-7646

~

Thursday, August 11, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Mardel

9725 E. 71st St.

Tulsa, OK 74133

Phone: 918-254-1571

~

Friday, August 12, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Mardel

4848 NW Expressway

Oklahoma City, OK 73132

Phone: 405-773-1717

~

Saturday, August 13, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Topeka LifeWay Christian Store

2121 SW Fairlawn Plaza Drive

Topeka, KS 66614

Phone: 785-228-2858

~

Sunday, August 14, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Barnes & Noble

420 W 47th Street

Kansas City, MO 64112

Phone: 816-753-1313

~

Monday, August 15, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Barnes & Noble

113 West County Center

Des Peres, MO 63131

Phone: 314-835-9980

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Tuesday, August 16, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Springfield LifeWay Christian Store

Primrose Marketplace

3362 South Glenstone Avenue

Springfield, MO 65804

Phone: 417-886-0911

~

Wednesday, August 17, 11:00 a.m. to noon

Christian Gift Outlet

300 Tanger Blvd, Suite 101B

Branson, MO 65616

Phone: 417-348-0841

~

Wednesday, August 17, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Christian Book Outlet

1428C Hwy 62-65 N

Harrison, AR 72601

Phone: 870-741-2600

~

Thursday, August 18, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Christian Book Outlet

4505 W. Walnut, Suite 1

Rogers, AR 72756

Phone: 479-936-7777

~

Friday, August 19, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

LifeWay

Turtle Creek

3009 East Highland Dr., Suite D

Jonesboro, AR 72401

Phone: 870-972-0606

I cannot wait to get myself in line, buy this book, get it signed, get a picture, have a chat, go out for a sweet tea (well, she probably won't have time for that...*grin*)...anyway, you get the picture.  Be watching for a post some time next week with all the juicy details because I know I'm gonna have the most wonderful time!

Book Review: The Bridge of Peace by Cindy Woodsmall/4.5 Stars

About the book:

Love alone isn’t enough to overcome the obstacles between a man and a woman.

Lena Kauffman is a young Old Order Amish schoolteacher who has dealt all her life with attention raised by a noticeable birthmark on her cheek. Having learned to move past the stares and whispers, Lena channels her zest for living into her love of teaching. But tensions mount as she is challenged to work with a rebellious young man and deal with several crises at the schoolhouse that threaten her other students. Her lack of submission and the use of ideas that don’t line up with the Old Ways strengthen the school board’s case as they begin to believe that Lena is behind all the trouble.

One member of the school board, Grey Graber, feels trapped by his own stifling circumstances. His wife Elsie has shut him out of her life, and he doesn’t know how long he can continue to live as if nothing is wrong. As the two finally come to a place of working toward a better marriage, tragedy befalls their family.

Lena and Grey have been life-long friends but their relationship begins to crumble amidst unsettling deceptions, propelling each of them to finally face their own secrets. Can they both find a way past their losses and discover the strength to build a new bridge?

My thoughts:

There are a handful of authors that are my true favorites.  Whenever they release a new book, I'm literally beside myself until I can get my hands on it.  Such is the case with anything by Cindy Woodsmall.  I discovered her books after she had written her first series called Sisters of the Quilt.  I devoured those books in no time flat, and then, began the patient wait for her next series book, The Hope of Refuge.  Since that book, I have read every single book she's written, and now, I can hardly stand the wait between each release!

The Bridge of Peace was a little different from some of Cindy's previous books.  All of her books have a thread of emotional drama running through them, but this one seemed to be even more dramatic.  Deborah was a returning character from book one who was still lamenting the departure of Mahlon.  Frankly, I wasn't a fan of Mahlon in the first book, and I was thankful much of this story didn't dwell on him.  Deborah also had the added worry of making a success of the new bakery she set up with Ada, Mahlon's mother.  That alone took some skill, right there.  How many of us could work with the woman we thought was going to be our future mother-in-law without maligning her son and his adventurous ways?  Tough stuff, for sure.

There were a couple of new characters introduced, which of course, brought some drama of their own.  Gray was a local man married to Elsie, and their marriage was awful.  I mean, *way* awful.  Separate bedrooms, stilted conversation, but with one bright spot...their son, Ivan.  Ivan was such a sweet child, and his brief appearances always brought a smile to my face.  He was born with part of his arm missing, but he did not let that stop him from being a typical, rambunctious 5-year-old.

Another new character was Lena, the local schoolteacher, and I confess that I liked her more than I expected.  She was a very opinionated, passionate individual who cared so much for her students, but suffered a quiet pain because of a facial birthmark.  Her self-worth was so tied in with her birthmark that she almost didn't recognize when love came her way. 

Between Ivan's handicap and Lena's birthmark, the biggest lesson I learned from this book was that we should never judge someone by their outward appearance.  Our thoughts and words toward those people can, at times, be so cruel.  Instead, we should love them for who they are, and realize that they were fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator of all mankind.

Cindy's books are some of the best that Amish fiction has to offer, and I cannot recommend her highly enough.  There is always something in her stories that has me coming back for more, and I've been known to burn the midnight oil to finish one.  :o)  While The Bridge of Peace was not my favorite of all her novels, it was still a very good read, and necessary to continue the series.  My rating is 4.5 Stars.

Southern?  No
Sass?  Yes...Lena  :o)

**Many thanks to Waterbrook for providing a copy for review.

**It would make my day if you would take a moment to rank my review.  Don't worry...it's okay to un-check the box so you don't receive updates, but you'll still need to type in an email addy for your ranking to count.  Thanks in advance!  :o)

Book Review: Plain Wisdom by Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud/5 Stars

About the book:

Two friends from different worlds—one Old Order Amish, one Englischer—share the truths that bring them together.

Best-selling novelist Cindy Woodsmall might seem to have little in common with Miriam Flaud, a woman immersed in the culture of Old Order Amish. But with nine children and almost 60 years of marriage between them, Cindy and Miriam both have found the secrets to facing life with strength and grace. Whether enduring financial setbacks, celebrating new babies and times of prosperity, grieving the crushing losses in the deaths of family and friends, or facing disappointments with their respective communities—through it all they find guidance for each day by looking to God.
With poignant recollections, unexpected insights, and humorous tales, the two women welcome you into their unique friendship. You’ll also gain a rare glimpse into the traditions and ways of the Amish as Miriam recalls special occasions and shares family recipes throughout the book.

Plain Wisdom is a heartwarming celebration of God, womanhood, and the search for beauty that unites us all. So grab your cup and your quilt and settle in for a soul-comforting read with Plain Wisdom.

My thoughts:

Let me just say that I enjoyed this book way more than I ever expected to!  When I first started reading it, I would read a couple of pages here, a couple there, and I didn't invest a lot of time with it in the very beginning.  I finally decided to pick it up again a couple of days ago, and really allowed myself to enjoy it fully. 

Well....the rest was history!  In no time flat, it became nearly impossible to put down!  I soaked up each chapter, and the wisdom contained within.  Some chapters spoke to me more than others, and some had morsels of wisdom that I would go back and read again. 

Even though Miriam and Cindy are from two completely different worlds, they share how similar they really are.  Whether it was the daily tasks of being a mother, their commitments to their husbands, or their devotion to their friends, their goals were the same.  They've trusted God to lead and direct their lives, and let Him shine through them to bless others.

I think that anyone that reads this book will have something that speaks to them.  My moment came almost at the very end in the chapter called "Opportunity for the Taking."  Now, I have been a procrastinator all my life, and no, it's not something that I'm proud of.  I've missed deadlines, had to eat some crow on a few occasions where I didn't step up to the plate like I should have, and missed opportunities for all sorts of things that I would've enjoyed being a part of, whether it was a benefit to me or a benefit to someone else.  Well, this one little statement that Miriam made in this chapter brought it all into perspective for me--"One little deed done in time is worth more than a thousand good intentions."  I had to stop right there and say a little prayer that God would help me take action quicker on the things that are important, and to focus my time on things that are meaningful.

This book was such a blessing to me, and I have no doubt that it will be to so many people.  For folks that are fans of Amish fiction (like me), this book provides a handful of insights into the daily routines of the Amish.  It's a very quick read with short chapters, and there's even a few tasty recipes scattered throughout.  I hope you'll take the time to read Plain Wisdom, and I pray it will be a blessing to you as it was to me.

5 Stars

Southern? No
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah for providing a copy for review through their Blogging for Books Program.  If you enjoyed my review, please visit this link to rate it (I'd really appreciate it!).

CFBA Blog Tour: The Bridge of Peace by Cindy Woodsmall

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


The Bridge of Peace WaterBrook Press; Original edition (August 31, 2010) by Cindy Woodsmall

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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 was also a homeschool mom. 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.

Her first novel released in 2006 to much acclaim and became a best seller. Cindy was a 2007 ECPA award finalist, along with Karen Kingsbury, Angela Hunt, and Charles Martin.

Her second book, When the Morning Comes, hit numerous best-sellers lists across the US, including edging into the extended list of the New York Times, coming in at number thirty-four.

Her third book, When the Soul Mends, hit the New York Times best-sellers list, coming in at number thirteen, as well as making the USA Today’s best-sellers list.

Cindy continues to write and release best-selling works of fiction, and she’s also written a nonfiction work with an Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud. The book is titled Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. It will release March 11, 2011.

Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity.

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.

Cindy, her husband, their three sons and two daughters-in-law reside in Georgia.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Love alone isn’t enough to overcome some obstacles.

Lena Kauffman is a young Old Order Amish schoolteacher who has dealt all her life with attention raised by a noticeable birthmark on her cheek. Having learned to move past the stares and whispers, Lena channels her zest for living into her love of teaching. But tensions mount as she is challenged to work with a rebellious young man and deal with several crises at the schoolhouse that threaten her other students. Her lack of submission and use of ideas that don’t line up with the Old Ways strengthen the school board’s case as they begin to believe that Lena is behind all the trouble.


One member of the school board, Grey Graber, feels trapped by his own stifling circumstances. His wife, Elsie, has shut him out of her life, and he doesn’t know how long he can continue to live as if nothing is wrong. As the two finally come to a place of working toward a better marriage, tragedy befalls their family.

Lena and Grey have been life-long friends, but their relationship begins to crumble amidst unsettling deceptions, propelling each of them to finally face their own secrets. Can they both find a way past their losses and discover the strength to build a new bridge?

Win a "Trip To Amish Country"...contest opens August 31st -December 31st...go HERE to enter!

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Bridge of Peace, go HERE.

Book Review: The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall

About the book:

Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of her fiancé. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.

Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?

My thoughts:

I had no idea that I would ever like an author's books this much. Ever since I read her first series (Sisters of the Quilt) earlier this year, I literally cannot wait to get my hands on her newest offering. Cindy's books have a way of touching me like few authors can. The characters she creates are so real and believable that I feel like I know them, and the circumstances those characters face provide lessons for everyone, even if you're not Amish.

While this was a much shorter story than her normal books, it was fascinating to read more about the business lifestyle of the Amish. Quite honestly, I was very surprised that two women were allowed to run a dry goods store in their local community, as well as Beth traveling to other small towns to do business. I also enjoyed that most of the storyline played out in the letters that were sent back and forth between Beth and Jonah. Even though this book could have just been a "sweet" story because it is so short, Cindy found a way to add depth to the story and give the reader something to think about.

Trust me, if you haven't hopped on the Amish bandwagon yet, you cannot go wrong if you start reading Cindy's books first. I've read several Amish stories by other authors, and Cindy Woodsmall is by far the best. Her books will keep you turning the pages well into the night, and you won't be able to stop reading until the book ends. For me now, it's just a matter of waiting for her next book....I am just not a patient person!

Many thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah for sending me a copy of The Sound of Sleigh Bells to review!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It allows bloggers to feature pre-publication books that they are eagerly anticipating!

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall--scheduled to release on 10/06/09

Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of her fiancé. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.

Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?

Book Review: The Hope of Refuge by Cindy Woodsmall/5 Stars

About the book:

Raised in foster care and now the widowed mother of a little girl, Cara Moore struggles against poverty, fear, and a relentless stalker. When a trail of memories leads Cara and Lori out of New York City toward an Amish community, she follows every lead, eager for answers and a fresh start. She discovers that long-held secrets about her family history ripple beneath the surface of Dry Lake , Pennsylvania , and it’s no place for an outsider. But one Amish man, Ephraim Mast, dares to fulfill the command he believes that he received from God–“Be me to her”– despite how it threatens his way of life.

Completely opposite of the hard, untrusting Cara, Ephraim’s sister Deborah also finds her dreams crumbling when the man she has pledged to build a life with begins withdrawing from Deborah and his community, including his mother, Ada Stoltzfus. Can the run-down house that Ada envisions transforming unite them toward a common purpose–or push Mahlon away forever? While Ephraim is trying to do what he believes is right, will he be shunned and lose everything–including the guarded single mother who simply longs for a better life?

My thoughts:

Cindy Woodsmall has done it again! She's got a knack for writing a good Amish story that is different from anything else available on Christian bookstore shelves. Just like all of her other books, she has written a great story in The Hope of Refuge that will stay with me for days.

This book has probably one of the most believable storylines for Amish fiction that I've read in a long time. Cindy has created convincing characters with real flaws and real reactions to the circumstances that surround them. She also has great skill in being able to draw you into the lives of these characters, and it's like you are right there with them through the good and the bad.

What Ephraim did for Cara by taking her into his home took a lot of guts considering his commitment to the Amish lifestyle. He had to face some harsh treatment from his family and friends for obeying God's command for him to "be Me to her." I felt that the author hit the nail on the head by adding that small statement to this book, and it made me wonder how much we apply that to our daily lives.

Trust me, you will not be sorry if you get the opportunity to read this great book. As I said before, it's a book that will stay with you and have you thinking for days. I am already looking forward to the next one that Cindy has coming out...thankfully, I only have a couple of months to wait!

5 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No
___________________________________

Some other info for ya...

New York Times bestselling author Cindy Woodsmall is on tour, and she may be coming to a city near you! Don’t miss your opportunity to meet Cindy and have her sign her newest title The Hope of Refuge at one of the following events.

Tuesday, August 11 7 – 8:30pm

Barnes & Noble

5141 Peachtree Parkway, The Forum
Norcross , Georgia 30092
(770) 209-4244

Wednesday, August 12 7 – 8pm

Barnes & Noble Opry Mills

515 Opry Mills Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37214
(615) 514-5000

Thursday, August 13 6 – 8pm

Barnes & Noble

2540 Futura Pkwy. #135
Plainfield , Indiana 46168
(317) 838-7941

Friday, August 14 6 – 8pm

Barnes & Noble

1550 West 75th
Downers Grove , Illinois 60516
(630) 663-0181

Saturday, August 15 1 – 3pm

Baker Books

2768 East Paris Ave SE
Grand Rapids , Michigan 49546-6139
(616) 957-3110

Sunday, August 16 2 – 4pm

Barnes & Noble Booksellers

3700 Rivertown Parkway Ste. 2058
Grandville, Michigan 49418
(616) 531-1825

Monday, August 17 7 – 8:00pm

Barnes & Noble Booksellers

1739 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 298-9516

Tuesday, August 18 7– 8:30pm

Joseph Beth Booksellers

2705 E. Carson Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15203
(412) 381-3600

Wednesday, August 19 6 – 8pm

Hackman’s Bible Book Store

1341 Mickley Road
Whitehall, Pennsylvania 18052-4610
(610) 264-8600

Thursday, August 20 1 – 3pm

Rachel’s Country Store (Amish dry goods store)

6352 McClays Mill Road
Newburg, Pennsylvania 17240
(717) 530-9452

Can’t make the tour? You can still follow Cindy’s adventures on Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter. See you there!

One more thing....

Cindy was recently covered on ABC Nightline. If you'd like to see the video from that interview, go here.

Amish Love

What’s all the hubbub about Amish fiction? Major media outlets like Time and ABC Nightline are covering it, and authors like Cindy Woodsmall are making the New York Times bestseller list regularly. What makes these books so interesting?

Check out the recent ABC Nightline piece here (http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=7676659&page=1) about Cindy and her titles When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and When the Soul Mends. It’s an intriguing look at Amish culture and the time Cindy has spent with Amish friends.
And don’t forget that Cindy’s new book The Hope of Refuge hits store shelves August 11, and is available for preorder now.

______________________________________

P.S. If you have not read Cindy's first series of books, let me encourage you to pick them up at your local bookstore or order them online. In my opinion, she is handsdown the BEST author of Amish stories in the marketplace today. Each one of these books will just grab you from the first page, and will not let go. You will not be disappointed, I guarantee it! :o)