Hello! The original post (found below) went live on September 10. Today is October 6, and I’m popping in to let you know that although I’m running late for pulling contest winners, I’ll pick FIVE winners tomorrow to help make up for it. I’ll contact the winners and then post a new blog entry as soon as I’ve heard from each one. Until then I’m busy writing, writing, writing on book two of the Ada’s House series.
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While on my book tour, a journalist from the Wall Street Journal, Alexandra Alter accompanied me during a visit with my Amish friends. Some of you may remember that in the last blog post I wrote a little about Alexandra joining us.
I was thrilled to see that her article – and a sketch of Hannah’s face – were featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal yesterday! The piece ran in the newsprint, but you can find the online version here.
The only small correction I have is that my books have actually sold over half-a-million rather than the 134,000 that the Nielsen BookScan reported.
In preparation for the October 6 release of The Sound of Sleigh Bells, I am offering a chance to win an autographed copy! Simply comment on this post to be entered. Click here to read more about The Sound of Sleigh Bells. The first chapter will be available online in a short time, so check back soon!
I also wanted to share a piece from my upcoming newsletter, Plain News. It features the visit to Daniel and Miriam’s house, which Alexandra mentions in her Wall Street Journal article.
Excerpt from “Plain News September 2009.” The newsletter is free and is sent four times per year. To sign up to receive this free newsletter, go to: Plain News
Amish Connection
On the last day of my book-signing tour, my husband, my editor, a journalist, and I pulled into the driveway of one of my Amish friends. Miriam and Daniel and their two youngest children came out of their farmhouse to greet us. Feeling Miriam’s arms around me for the first time since May, I did not want to let go. After hugs and warm welcomes, we introduced them to my editor and the journalist.
Daniel invited us into their home, where Miriam’s kitchen island was covered with goodies. The aromas of fruits, cheeses, and homemade desserts filled our senses. We put some of the delectables on our plates, took cups of coffee, and moved outside to sit under a shade tree. After more than a week of changing hotels every night and pushing to get to each event on time, it was relaxing and pleasant to enjoy these treats with such great company!
After our midmorning refreshments, we went to the barn to hitch the horse to the buggy for a short ride. Although I’ve written books with characters hitching a horse to a buggy, I needed greater detail about it for my next novel. The smell of hay and horse feed filled my nostrils. In another part of the barn, calves added their young voices to the sounds of the horses.
I watched carefully, asked a lot of questions, and took notes as Daniel showed me the blacksmith’s tools, explaining what each one was used for, and then hitched the horse to a two-person carriage. Once Daniel had the rig hitched, he gave each of us a ride. August’s temps bore down on the black asphalt and shadeless road, so we took short rides in order to spare the horse. I find buggies rather difficult to climb in and out of, but well worth the effort. Alexandra (the journalist) had never traveled to Amish country before, so it was fun to see her enjoying the farm and the ride.
After the buggy rides, Shannon (my editor) and I visited my friend’s craft room, which is located above the carriage house. The room smelled of old wood, reminding me of attics and of my writing room at home. It had a lot of items that Shannon had seen on my Web site and in my newsletter, including decorative hames, which are wall hangings made using a quilt patch between two old wooden pieces of a harness, the part that goes around the horse’s neck. The craft room also had various sizes of baskets lined with sewn fabric and topped with hand-painted lids, frames with paintings, antique foot-pedal sewing machines with scenes painted on them, and cute birdhouses made from old boots. When I visit, I always enjoy seeing the new crafts Miriam has created.
When we returned to the house, all the refreshments had been removed and dinner was being set out. My friend’s teenage daughter had been hard at work as the adults were busy visiting and riding in the buggy! The aromas were delicious, but the food tasted even better than it smelled. We had roast beef and lots of fresh seasonal vegetables from the family’s garden. The small potatoes had been boiled in a tasty mix of seasonings, the home-grown green beans were perfectly crisp, and the ice-cold water did wonders to quench our thirst after being outside in the heat.
Time seemed to drift away as we continued to chat while enjoying our dessert of pumpkin roll and ice cream. In fact, we were enjoying our visit so much that when I glanced at the clock, I gasped. We had very little time to get to our next signing! Everyone jumped up and rushed about, only taking enough time to put the leftovers in the refrigerator so they wouldn’t spoil.
The book signing at Rachel’s Country Store was very busy. During the signing, Daniel and my husband took my editor to the train station in Harrisburg. She had a flight to catch in Philadelphia. Since our vehicle was in Harrisburg, and we hadn’t come in a horse and buggy, the journalist waited for me to finish and then took us back to Miriam’s home before she left for New York.
Within minutes, Miriam and I were reclining under the shade tree again as if there were no dishes to be washed. She said we couldn’t use valuable chat time doing work—not during such a short visit. I promised to be useful during our next stay. When the men returned, they joined us, and the conversation flowed nonstop until my husband and I had to leave.
While on our way to our van, rain began sprinkling the farm while the sun shone brightly. I turned to my friends and said, “We’re about to see a rainbow.” As we hugged good-bye, we marveled at the gorgeous rainbow, commenting that it felt like a promise that even though our trip had been short, we’d have more visits in the future.
My husband and I visited my dad, stepmom, and brother while in Pennsylvania, and by the time we arrived home, we’d traveled more than three thousand miles. But Home Sweet Home greeted us at the end of our trip…as did bills, yard work, and a teen who’d successfully weathered most of the first two weeks of school without Mom or Dad.
Excerpt from “Plain News September 2009.” The newsletter is free and is sent four times per year. To sign up to receive this free newsletter, see link above this article. I tried to post that same link here, entered the same URL, and took all the right “techie” steps, but the link kept leading to weird places. Sorry.
To enter to win a copy of The Sound of Sleigh Bells, comment on this post!
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I enjoyed reading this blog, Cindy. A few weeks ago I heard you speak on Creatively Speaking on the Temple Univ. radio station here in Philadelphia. I spent my childhood in Lancaster County living very near the Amish and today my hubby and I travel there for a day out in this beautiful county in PA. Thank you for this opportunity to enter to win an autographed copy of your latest.
I have enjoyed everything you have written on your blog. Educating people about the Amish people is helpful to all. I have enjoyed reading your books and have given them to my daughter because we share the interest in the Amish family and home life.
Thank you for the opportunity to enter the contest with a chance to win a book.
Please continue writing!
I never knew much about the Amish but after reading your books I would love to visit. I love all your books. Keep writing. I would love to win your new book.
Thank you for the oppurtunity to learn about the Amish.
I discovered your book recently when shopping at Wal-Mart in Maryville, Tn. I love the amish books and just had to buy it. Then, I went to our local discount book store and found book # 2 in the Sisters of the Quilt series. I hope to find many more of your books as it was a very heartfelt story. If I win the book, ok, if not, I will just have to buy it!
I just started The Hope of Refuge and the charaters our wrapping themselves around my heart.
Looking forward to your new book.
Blessings
Looking forward to your new book!!!
I love your books I found them by accident when I went to library. I could not wait to read them until I finished the Hannah books. My library currently doesn’t carry your newest book so I’m going to buy it as soon as possible. I realized you had a new book out when I saw it at the store now I have to go back and get it. Love your writing it is beautiful.
I love your books. Waiting to get The Sound of Sleigh Bells. Please enter me. Blessings
I read the “The Sound of Sleigh of Bells” this past weekend, and found it hard to put down. I enjoyed it so much and was sad when I finished, I wanted it to go on and on. Thank you!
I’ve read all of your books and loved them. I just finished The Hope of Refuge yesterday and have been rereading bits and pieces of it and can’t wait for the next one.
I read all three of the books about Hannah and Paul in one week. I absolutely could not put them down. Thank you so much for the wonderful stories you write! Sincerely, Kathy Lewis
I have read all your books and I think they are AWESOME! It is wonderful to read Christian books with bits and pieces of the Love of GOD! The Amish are so interesting to read about and the love they have for family. I have just finished reading “Hope and Refuge” and I am so looking forward to “The Sound of Sleigh Bells”. Winning this book would be a Great Christmas Present for ME! Prayers and blessings to you and your family!
Love In Christ
~~Kandy~~
Hello,
I so enjoyed your article and the description of all your travels and visits with the people have have come to know as by friends, through your books.
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your last book “Hope and Refuge”. It is a wonderful tool to help me witness. The way your characters response to Christian questions are so on target. The way you described the Trinity is beautiful and so easy to understand for a new Christian or a new light for an older one.
Thank you so much for your ministry.
Sincerely,
Sue Rowe
I would love to win The Sound of Sleigh Bells. I have never read one of your books I have not been blessed. I’m so stressed right now I need some uplift. I am reading a good book and hope it does something for me. Every one of your books I get people stand in line to get a chance to read.
I have also got people to buy your books because they couldn’t wait for someone else to finish the book. God Bless.
I just heard about you from my sister in law and love that she told me about When the Heart Cries. What a great book!! I’m eager to get my hands on When Morning Comes and see what happens next!
I have read a lot of Amish type books. My husband and I even purchased an Amish buggy with the hopes of having a horse to pull it someday. This past Sunday our dream came true! We have experienced a ride in the buggy and our oldest son is going to use it to drive away from church at his wedding this weekend!! I love your books, and cant wait for your new one to come out in Oct.! Because whether I win it or not, I will be reading it! Keep up the great work! It’s very enjoyable!
I’ve enjoyed reading your books and am glad to see them doing so well. Look forward to more!
Lancaster is one of my favorit places in the world. We are from York and made plenty of trips to the Amish country. I am reading “When the Heart Cries” and it is terrific!!! I can’t wait to start #2. I often said that I wouldn’t mind living the simpler life like the Amish do. Thanks for your wonderful books. You are a blessing to many people. Tammi Weigel
I am about to begin reading The Hope of Refuge…..love the Amish stories. I would love to win Sound of Sleigh Bells. Thanks for the opportunity.
Loved your blog about your visit with Miriam and Daniel, wish I could have been one of the guests that day! I often yearn for a simpler life and often wonder if I could actually do it! Your books bring an oft sought after reprieve from a busy life. Thanks for sharing your talents.
I am always interested in reading books about the Amish. Before moving to Tennessee, my husband & I lived in & around an Amish settlement in St. Joseph Co., Michigan. I love to visit with them & they are awesome cooks. I have read your Sisters of the Quilt Series and loved every minute of the books and can’t wait to read The Hope of Refuge & Sound of Sleigh Bells. Keep up the good work. You are a great writer.
I love Amish books. I am reading The Hope of Rufuge right now and I’m loving it as I have the rest of your books. I’d love to win and start this book next.
I have not read a book in about 20 years. I was walking through Walmart and came across When the Heart Cries. It looked so interesting I decided to buy it and give it a try. I was totally hooked. I could hardly wait to get When the Morning Comes. I finished it and went on to the 3rd one When the Soul Mends. These are truly wonderful books. I hated that I had finished the series, with no more to read. I just got The Hope of Refuge and have only read 5 chapters but so far I can tell it is going to be another great book. Thanks for writing these wonderful books and please continue them.
I just finished The Hope of Refuge and am anxiously awaiting the next book in the Ada’s House series!! I really enjoy reading about the Amish and had the privilege of briefly visiting Lancaster County and seeing Amish country a few years ago. Would love to get back there to spend some more time. Thank you for sharing your writing gift with all of us!
Dear Cindy, I read the Sisters Of The Quilt series and really enjoyed the stories…but,THE HOPE OF REFUGE blew me away!! On page 146 when Ephraim heard the words “Be Me to her” while worrying about his father and the troubling in his soul brought tears to me…then when Cara truly knows that God is real took my breath away, literally…WOW, what an awesome story, not only of Ephraim’s faith, but the way he lived it in spite of such opposition. Thank you so much!!!
I absolutely LOVE your books! I feel like I get started and then before I know it, I’ve read the entire book! I love that I feel like I really get to know the characters and I WANT to know what happens next with them. Thank you for sharing your gift of writing for the rest of the world to enjoy! I know that I have enjoyed it.
The Sound of Sleigh Bells sounds wonderful.I like reading your stories. Please enter me in the giveaway.Thank you.
After a break over the summer, the book club I belong to met last night. Our assigned book was The Hope of Refuge, and it took me six hours of straight reading to finish it. It is a truly wonderful book, and it made me think of things in my own life a bit differently. Thank you for listening to the Lord, and writing that book. Again, it was simply wonderful. Striving to be Him to them–Helen
I will have to come back later and read the rest, but how exciting to have Hannah on the front of such a promiment magazine! I love your books, I still think about Hannah and Paul. I can’t wait to read your new releases and would love to win this book!
I just finished reading “The Hope of Refuge”. It was wonderful. I hope this is a series. Your books bless and encourage me. Thank you
I just finished reading “The Hope of Refuge”. I enjoyed it so much. I read every Amish book I can find by various authors. I am so facinated by their peaceful way of living. I want my life to be centered around God, and find that the Amish way of life is so appealing even though I would find it difficult to submit to their ways. I strive for that “simplicity” though in my life. You have quickly moved to the top of my list for favorite authors. ” When the Heart Cries” series is by far my favorite’s of all my Amish book series. I would be thrilled to win an autographed copy of your new upcoming book!
Cindy,
I sure would love the opportunity to win a copy of your new book. I am currently reading The Hope of Refuge and am really enjoying it. I especially find it interesting since I live in Shippensburg, PA. I have read all of your books and have thoroughly enjoyed them. God has given you a tremendous gift.
Blessings,
Jodie Wolfe
I love reading your stories, you’re an excellent writer. Thank you!
I love reading about the Amish. You have an incredible gift of making the characters come to life. They remain a part of me long after the novel ends. I just picked up The Hope of Refuge and am looking forward to getting started on it soon.
Neva
i love amish country….when i read the books…i can see and feel where she is writing….i feel i am apart of the book. cindy has such a feel for the amish and because of that….i feel i do to. i am so glad i discovered cindy woodsmall!
LIVING IN LANCASTER COUNTY I LOVE TO SEE THE AMISH , BUT I LOVE TO READ ABOUT THEM ALSO.
THIS NEW BOOK LOOKS SO GOOD !! CAN’T WAIT UNTIL IT COMES OUT !!
OUTSTANDING!!!! Wish I could have been with you when you went to see Miriam and Daniel. Great posting…..keep them coming!!!
It was a pleasure meeting you when you came to Columbus, Ohio! As I said then, you are truly talented and I really enjoy your novels! I would love to win a copy of your new book!
As an African American woman living in Philadelphia, PA, I’ve had a surprising amount of contact with the Amish thanks to frequent visits to Lancaster County. I stumbled across ‘When the Soul Mends’ and ‘When Morning Comes’ recently and have just begun reading ‘When the Heart Cries.’ They’re excellent reads, and I’ve had a great time introducing them to skeptical friends who are won over within the first chapter!
I love reading the Amish books. They are written so well it is like you are right there. My daughter reads them then passes them on to me and when I am finished with them I pass them on to a friend. I would be honored to win an autographed copy of your book.
Would love to win this!
Sounds so good! I wish I could also get upclose with the Amish. I feel a strong connection to them. Thanks to you for the effort you put in to bring us closer and remind us of the simple things in life that bring us immense joy!
I am wondering if there is a chance that you might come to Minnesota some time.. I love your books and would be honored to meet you. Teri
I have read many many Amish books. I have always enjoyed them. My husband knew that they were my favorites. Not until “When the Heart Cries” kept me up reading all night did he decide to check out my enthusiasm. HE could not wait for the next two. WE are now reading the new book. Great Great. Keep them coming. What a wonderful clean read!
It was an interesting article, although as a librarian, the popularity of Amish romances is not a surprise! They’ve been hugely popular at our library for years. I know our patrons look forward to your books!