"The Fiddler" by Beverly Lewis: My Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

Come home to Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania--the beloved setting where Beverly Lewis' celebrated Amish novels began--with new characters and new stories of drama, romance, and the ties that draw people together.

A wrong turn in a rainstorm leads Englisher Amelia Devries to Michael Hostetler--and the young Amishman's charming Old Order community of Hickory Hollow. Despite their very different backgrounds, Amelia and Michael both feel hemmed in by the expectations of others and struggle with how to find room for their own hopes. And what first seems to be a chance encounter might just change their lives forever.

MY REVIEW

Beverly Lewis' latest addition to the world of Amish fiction features beautifully developed characters who struggle with very real dilemmas like many of us face - such as how to reconcile our own hopes and dreams with what others seem to expect of us. I loved the unique background of Amelia, who is an extremely talented musician who has spent her life fulfilling her father's dreams of her becoming a world-renowned classical violin player, while feeling a call to a simpler life and the lure of fiddling. As a music lover myself, I really felt an affinity with Amelia and her love for music, and found the scenes centred around her music to be very enjoyable. Also, the development of the feelings between Amelia and Michael make for a sweet story set against the backdrop of the joys and struggles of being Amish. I have to say, however, that I found that the story did not hold my interest like prior novels from Beverly Lewis have, and I kept waiting for more action in the plot line. Despite that, I appreciated the wisdom sown through-out the story, especially from the "wise woman" Ella Mae. I appreciated her words to Amelia when she reminds her "There's only one person ya need to think about ever pleasin'....the Lord God above". These are words to take to heart, when we can become consumed with what others think of us. Freedom comes from knowing that it's only God we must please...and he loves us no matter what.

Fans of Amish fiction will no doubt enjoy returning to Hickory Hollow under the hand of Beverly Lewis. For myself, I mildly recommend this book and give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is The New York Times bestselling author of more than eighty books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has inspired Beverly to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with The Shunning, which has sold more than one million copies and was recently made into an Original Hallmark Channel movie. In 2007 The Brethren was honored with a Christy Award. She has been interviewed by both national and international media, including Time magazine, the Associated Press, and the BBC. Beverly lives with her husband, David, in Colorado. Visit her Web site at http://www.beverlylewis.com/ for more information.

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