The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis

I just finished reading The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis, I really loved it. I could not put it down, it only took me a day and a half to read it. Amelia Devries a concert Violinist from Ohio has been playing the violin since she can remember; Amelia is one of the warm up guest for a small country band as the fiddler over in Pennsylvania. If her father, agent, and boyfriend ever got wind of this they wouldn't be to thrilled; since Amelia's future is performing in concerts all over the world. There is just no room in her world for fiddling in some small town gigs when her agent, father, and boyfriend already have her life planned out for her. Amelia has dreams of her own, she wants a family, husband, lots of children, a house. she also wants to help under privilege children who can't afford to pay for music lessons and a violin. Amelia also enjoys playing the fiddle, it helps her relax. However, she knows that her father simply wouldn't understand; that is why she has kept it a secret, about wanting a family, helping others and especially playing the fiddle.

Michael Hostetler is from Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the people who live there are mostly Amish. They are commonly known as plain people live a simple lifestyle. They don't believe in higher education after the 8th grade, they aren't allow to drive cars, wear fancy clothes, play musical instruments, no telephones, computers, electricity, women are not permitted to wear makeup nor braid their hair. Their daughters live at home until they are married. Their sons and daughters must marry within the faith. Michael is not sure if he wants to be Amish or not since he likes all the modern things life as to offer him and doesn't want to give it up. Michael's dad told Michael that he had to leave their home. His dad wanted him to settle down and get married. In order to do that, he needed to be be baptized in the Amish church. It is one of their requirements for marriage. Michael got upset packed his bag and left for his Uncle's cabin out in the woods.

Amelia is driving home after talking to her agent who happened to show up where she was performing that night. He reminded her of the plans they all had for her and how hard she has work to get to where she's at. Her agent let her know that she doesn't have time to be wasting her time fiddling around with country music. Her agent has already set it up where Amelia will be taking the place of another performer who is ill. She will be performing all over Europe for almost 3 months. Her agent had already spoken to Amelia's father which he was all for it. Amelia didn't want to go to Europe, she felt pressured by her agent and Father. However, she didn't want to disappoint her father either. Amelia stops for gas, fills her car up then gets back on the road again except she went the wrong way instead of the freeway. It starts to rain and then the rain really comes down hard which makes it difficult for Amelia to see where she is going. Getting a flat tire didn't help matters either. She sees a cabin there is a light on, she is not sure if she should knock on the door. She walks up to the front porch, knocks on the door and sees a young man who could be Amish, she wasn't quite sure. Amelia told him what happened to her car and he said for her to come in. Michael introduced himself to her and Amelia told him her name was Amy Lee her stage name when she played the fiddle. Amelia and Michael felt really comfortable with each other, they talked into the night; they even told each other about themselves and what their parents expected of them. Amelia couldn't believe how relax she felt around Michael, she told him things she never told her boyfriend. The next day Michael changes her tire and invites her to Hickory Hollow for the day, he also wants to introduce a wise old woman Ella Mae who helped him with his decision if he should stay in Hickory Hollow and get baptized in the Amish church or live as the English do. Amelia agreed to stay for the day and meet Ella Mae, and also see how the Amish lived.

I really enjoyed reading Beverly Lewis novel. It is so wonderful to be able to read a romantic novel that doesn't have any f bombs or smut in it. I look forward to read more of Beverly Lewis novels.

Rebecca Adkins

I received a free copy of " The Fiddler" by Beverly Lewis from Bethany House so I can review. In no way am I made to give only good reviews.