myersjewels reviewed on 6/3/2012 + 58 more book reviews

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.

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