Leola C. (swamponkeymom) reviewed The Fiddler (Home to Hickory Hollow, Bk 1) on + 353 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I have not read a lot of Beverley Lewis books. Only the shunning series. I enjoyed this read but had thoughts of my own of the ending. I was wrong. Just a sweet story of two people finding their place in Gods plan for thier lives.
Helpful Score: 1
I have read many of Beverly Lewis works: the Abrams Daughters series, The Heritage of Lancaster County series, Annies 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 novelThe 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 authors 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.
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 authors 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.
"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.
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.
This was another good book by Beverly Lewis, my favorite "Amish author". It is a sweet story filled with musical talent and forbidden love between an Amish man, Michael, and beautiful violinist/fiddler Amelia. Highly recommended!
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***
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***
"The Fiddler" by Beverly Lewis is the story of Amelia Devries and Michael Hostetler and the providential turn of events that led them to one another. Amelia is a professional violinist who is growing steadily discontented with her life path. Michael is a young Amishman who has yet to fully commit to the Amish way of life. He yearns for the "fancy" life, yet is held back by love for his family. Their mutual discontent draws them together as they begin to process how to redesign their life paths. Faith is integral in all aspects of this story. Michael has a deep faith and Amelia rediscovers her faith through her conversations with Michael and an impromptu visit to his hometown of Hickory Hollow. That faith allows them to eventually make the right choices for themselves while still showing love and honor to their family members.
The main characters in this story were believable and thoughtful. The potential for a love story between them existed right from the beginning, but it was so sweetly portrayed that the ending brought real satisfaction. The secondary characters were also well-done, particularly the charming Amish characters.
Lewis is a master at Amish fiction. She skillfully weaves together the pros and cons of Amish living. I was left with a greater appreciation for a simpler lifestyle and the ability that gives to really do some soul searching. This book was definitely well-done and does not disappoint!
(Ive received this complimentary book from Bethany House Publishers through the Book Blogger program in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)
The main characters in this story were believable and thoughtful. The potential for a love story between them existed right from the beginning, but it was so sweetly portrayed that the ending brought real satisfaction. The secondary characters were also well-done, particularly the charming Amish characters.
Lewis is a master at Amish fiction. She skillfully weaves together the pros and cons of Amish living. I was left with a greater appreciation for a simpler lifestyle and the ability that gives to really do some soul searching. This book was definitely well-done and does not disappoint!
(Ive received this complimentary book from Bethany House Publishers through the Book Blogger program in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)
While I enjoy a few hours of reading pleasure from Beverly Lewis, I find her books getting predictable.
This book lost me at half way, and I skipped to the end.
I can't believe the premise for the story, involving the Amish and Englishers. I just can't. Read it on the beach, or at the doctor's office, but don't plan on it being one Beverly's best books.
This book lost me at half way, and I skipped to the end.
I can't believe the premise for the story, involving the Amish and Englishers. I just can't. Read it on the beach, or at the doctor's office, but don't plan on it being one Beverly's best books.
This is a great and fun book about faith, hope and love.Amelia is a concert violinist but is looking for more in life.Michael is a young Amish-man who wants to be English but too many things stand in it's way.The two meet and fall in love but it takes a while until they both realize what a perfect match they are. I could not put this book down until i finished it.
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 wasnt *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 wasnt 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 hadnt joined the church, both struggling to find their way. Its a different spin on the usual Amish plot line.
While it wasnt my personal favorite, I really dont 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.
I was actually surprised to find I wasnt *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 wasnt 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 hadnt joined the church, both struggling to find their way. Its a different spin on the usual Amish plot line.
While it wasnt my personal favorite, I really dont 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.
