The Fiddler

As much as I love to read, I really haven't had much time this summer. However, I was finally able to get started on "The Fiddler" by Beverly Lewis, one of my favorite authors. Once I got started, it was a quick read. I didn't want to put it down!

As always with Ms. Lewis' books, this book is set in Amish country. However, the main character isn't female, nor is she Amish. Amelia Devries, an Englisher who is also a classical violinist feels pressured by her parents, especially her father, also a renowned violinist, and her agent to continue growing her fame as a touring violinist. However, she feels like something is missing, and has been moonlighting as a fiddling champion under the name Amy Lee. On her way home from a fiddling performance, Amelia is caught in a rainstorm, gets turned around and lost in Amish country, specifically near a remote cabin close to Hickory Hollow, where a young Amish man, Michael Hostetler is also searching for his path in life. He escaped to the cabin to sort out his feelings and decide whether or not to follow in his father's and ancestors’ footsteps and join the Amish church. Amelia is invited to spend a weekend with a friend of Michael's, and Ms. Lewis weaves a story of soul-searching, family, and budding romance. The book takes some unexpected turns before revealing Amelia and Michael's decisions on what path they want to follow in life.

Overall, "The Fiddler" was an enjoyable read, taking me to Pennsylvania Amish country and once again, giving the reader a peak into Amish culture, this time from the viewpoint of an Englisher looking in and an Amish man looking out. So many of Ms. Lewis' books are from a young Amish girl's perspective, making this change was quite delightful.

I was provided with a copy of this book in order to review for the publisher, Bethany House Publishing, but was not required to give a favorable review.