Comments on: The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall

By: Jeanne

Jeanne — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:35:14 +0000

I’ve recently been trying to figure out the appeal of these books, too (since I reviewed one a few weeks ago, A Merry Heart). I agree that some people must like the over-simplified image of a simpler life. The escapist ones are a growing offshoot of the romance genre; I think they appeal to women who fantasize about a world in which all they’d have to do is cook and have babies. The book usually ends with pregnancy, so all of the reality you ever get is cute nieces and nephews. Plus the food is always plentiful and the women always have fathers and brothers to bring it in the house for them.

By: wordlily

wordlily — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:54:32 +0000

Amy: I agree, it doesn’t necessarily make like simpler. But I think people in our reality may think it would.

By: wordlily

wordlily — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:51:50 +0000

Thanks for sharing, Margot!

By: Amy @ My Friend Amy

Amy @ My Friend Amy — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 04:28:48 +0000

I don’t think the life is that much simpler. They are often forced to make impossible choices between say, reading and their community. I think it depends on which Amish books you read though…some do seem to just portray the Amish lifestyle as simple and sweet. I highly highly recommend Levi’s Will by Dale Cramer for what I think of as a realistic look at the Amish in fiction.

By: Margot at Joyfully Retired

Margot at Joyfully Retired — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:53:13 +0000

I’ve read several Amish style books and I’ve enjoyed them. I’ll have confess the draw for me is a form of snoopiness. I’m curious about how people in this day and age live a life devoid of modern technology. I know it’s fiction but the stories seem real to me and so they satisfy my snoppy self. This one looks so-so.