Dee W. (dwolters) reviewed on 6/13/2012 + 61 more book reviews

"The Fiddler" by Beverly Lewis- Home to Hickory Hollow series- book review

Beverly Lewis has done it again, taken us into the lives of an Amish community and the clash with the English people near by. This time the theme is instrumental music, which is excluded from the Old Order Amish, but is the livelihood of professional violin player, Amelia Devries.

Amelia meets Michael Hostetler, an Amish young man, during a rain storm following a fiddle competition. Through out their weekend together, the two explore their current lives, goals, family expectations and responsibilities. Each has to also deal with the traditions of their religion and how that impacts their decisions.

Following their brief visit, both return to their jobs and families but continue to remember the decisions they made while in Hickory Hollow, and how they could be friends.

This book, more than others I have read about Amish/ English conflicts, seemed to show the negative aspects of the Amish traditions of being removed from all things modern: most notably- use of electricity, cars, music, computers, etc. And the consequences of the Amish for using these "off-limits" items, namely banning- completely cut off from family and friends, forever.

The book would make a great summer road trip take-along. It is easy to read and I was quickly engaged in the story line. I will look forward to reading the next installment in the series "The Bridesmaid" to be available Sept, 2012.

Disclaimer: This book was provided to me from the publisher, Bethany House. All opinions expressed are my own.

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