Search - The Fiddler (Home to Hickory Hollow, Bk 1)

I have read many of Beverly Lewis’ works: the Abram’s Daughters series, The Heritage of Lancaster County series, Annie’s People series, and The Courtship of Nellie Fischer series to name a few. So it was with great anticipation that I looked forward to her latest novel—The Fiddler.

When I received my review copy in the mail I was immediately captivated by the cover. It was bright and cheery and captured my interest immediately. The artwork is good, which is important to me. I quickly set aside time to read and started in on this book with enthusiasm. This book took me by surprise and was nothing like the other Amish reads from Mrs. Lewis. It was a completely different take on the Amish community and their mix with the modern world in a decidedly refreshing way. We meet several new characters as well as old friends from the Hickory Hollow setting of The Shunning and feel a kinship with them from the beginning for that reason. The author’s writing was as good as any of her other works and flowed smoothly throughout the story. I finished the book in record time and was satisfied with the ending.

But as I reflected back on it, I cannot say that I was as drawn into this newest book as I have been with Lewis’ past novels. The story just did not stick with me as the other novels I mentioned earlier have done. I did not feel as closely connected with the characters as I have done in the past and the love story was a little flat for me after reading her other books. There was really nothing wrong with the story –I just did not connect as deeply with it as with most of her other writings. Thinking back I realize that I felt the same way when I began reading The Thorn from The Rose Trilogy and did not bother to read the other books in that particular series.

Upon further analysis maybe I have simply read too many Amish books and they are all beginning to sound alike to me. After all, with all of the Amish fiction that is flooding the market today, you can find them everywhere. But no matter how many of them I read, the first sets of books written by Beverly Lewis are just simply the best out there. I have re- read those several times and they always speak to me. While I understand her need for new topics to explore, these newer books do not hold the magic I found in the first works. Therefore, I give The Fiddler four stars instead of the five I have given all the others.

I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers for this review. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.

Oh my goodness I can not even begin to tell you just how excited I was when I saw this came in the mail yesterday! I've been really needing a Beverly Lewis fix lately and I sure got it! I devoured this book in just a few short hours while exercising and making dinner because I just couldn't put it down.

The Fiddler is book one in Lewis' new series Home to Hickory Hollow. The two main characters are Amelia Devries and Michael Hostelter. It was fate- or providence as Michael called it- that brought the concert violinist/fiddler and the Amish man together. Both had some serious decisions to make in their lives; Michael who was wanting to leave his Amish ways but not God and Amelia who wanted to draw closer to God and be able to choose what she wanted for her life and not what others wanted for her.


I liked how the book started off with Michael and his thoughts. I cant remember if Lewis has done that with the guy's characters in the past in her other books, but it was nice to see his thoughts and feelings. I also liked all the characters but am a little sad on how it ended. Maybe that is just because The Courtship of Nellie Fisher series delves deeply into the characters lives over a three book period and with this series I have a feeling we wont see much more of Amelia or Michael. The next book in this series is titled The Bridesmaid and its focus is on Amelia's new Amish friend, Joanna. Which is great, Joanna was a great character. I just want more on Amelia and Michael instead of them just being around town in the background. For that I give it a 4 out of 5.

OK. Here's the details on the giveaway! Just "follow" my blog
nikki-jeremiah2911.blogspot.com/2012/05/fiddler-review-and-giveaway.html
and then comment on that post with your name and email address. A winner will be chosen at random. Make sure to get your entry in by June 4th at midnight, as the drawing will take place on June 5th.


***I received this book for free from Bethany House in exchange for a honest review***

A sweet, unlikely romance between an Amish man and a “worldly” English woman, these two people have struggles aplenty in their lives. Told in a gentle, soothing style the novel tells the story of an unlikely romance that just might turn into a very good possibility.

I was actually surprised to find I wasn’t *as* enamored with this novel as I have by previous titles. The plot lagged a bit for me and since the book was basically about Michael and Amelia with very minor subplots, I wasn’t as driven to bury myself in the story.
But I will say I got started on Amish fiction with titles “The Shunning” and its sequels, so to spot names I recognized in “Hickory Hollow” was like coming home just a bit. I smiled and loved catching up with that these famous characters have been up too. Perhaps they will be spotted more in coming novels for this series?

I liked that Amelia was a fiddler and Michael an older Amish young man who still hadn’t joined the church, both struggling to find their way. It’s a different spin on the usual Amish plot line.

While it wasn’t my personal favorite, I really don’t have a doubt that readers will fall in love with these two main characters. They are certainly endearing.

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through CFBA for my copy to review.