The Fiddler

Beverly Lewis takes a refreshing look at the community of the Amish as it interacts with the English world. In this first book of a new series, conflicts arise as the characters from both communities are trying to discover where God really intends them to be. The rules of the ordnung do not come from God but from the community. Is it wrong in God’s eyes not to follow them? And when a talented violinist finally realizes her dreams are different from her parents’ dreams for her, what path should she take? And why, if her musical talent is a God-given gift, do the Amish feel it is wrong to play? These are only some of the conflicts that arise in this beautifully written tale of love and heartache, of hope and belief. The well-developed show more characters and pastoral setting are only part of the charm of this book. The real interest lies in the blending of music into the storyline. Ms. Lewis does a superb job in capturing the feelings of the young concert master as well as nailing the musical aspects of the story. A wonderful read that will have you wishing for the next installment in this inspirational series. show less

Very good book. Amelia is rescued from the rainstorm and a flat tire by Michael. He is staying in a cabin, basically hiding out from his Amish life, trying to decide if he wants to leave it. Amelia is a concert violinist, also trying to decide her future. Amelia and Michael connect right away, each recognizing a fellow lost soul. He invites her to come to Hickory Hollow for a few days to relax. I loved the way that Amelia and Michael are able to relate to each other despite their very different backgrounds. Each is able to listen to the other without judging, thereby giving them a chance to explore options. Michael really wants to leave the Amish community, but is afraid of disappointing his family and friends. He is caught between two show more worlds - his Amish life, helping his father, and his English life, working as an architect and enjoying all the outside world has to offer. Amelia is tired of touring but doesn't know how to tell her father and the others who expect a great future from her. When she visits Hickory Hollow she is drawn to the simpler life she experiences there. I really liked the way she was able to help Michael with his niece, and the way she became such good friends with Joanna. When it is time for her to leave, she and Michael stay in touch for a long while, learning more about each other and expanding their friendship. They lose touch with each other for awhile due to a misunderstanding, but find their way together again after each has found their way to the lives they were meant to lead. I loved seeing the personal growth in both Michael and Amelia. Neither one came to their decisions easily, but the process was completely believable. I enjoyed seeing some characters from previous books. The conclusion to this story was beautifully done. show less

The Fiddler is a wonderful book - it moves fast, is well written, all the i's & t's are dotted & crossed and I connected with the hero & heroine of this story. Amelia is a believable musician (child prodigy & top level violinist) who is struggling with a big decision and afraid of hurting those who love her if she doesn't make the right one.

This verse beautifully describes the theme of the book and both Amelia & Michael take refuge in it:

"Delight thyself also in the Lord and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Ps 37:4

One of the best things I liked about the book is the level of faith sharing that Beverly Lewis imparts. Through the verses given and message of faith both Amelia and Michael are gently encouraged to seek God in show more prayer and listen to what God is teaching or leading them to do. I loved how it was done without preaching. Both Christians and non-Christians should enjoy this book & it would be a great title for mother daughter reading - the only thing missing is a list of questions for discussion. show less

I have to say that Beverly Lewis is one of my favorite authors of Amish fiction. She has crafted a wonderful story where the characters are very believable. Their problems are such that no matter what your background you can relate to them. All of us have parents who have had dreams for their children. We don’t want to disappoint our parents. In this book Amelia’s father has a dream of her becoming a concert violinist. Amelia loves playing the violin. However, she really loves fiddling. Her father would think this is beneath her talents. The other main character is Michael. He loves his father dearly but would love to become an architect. That would mean not joining the church and entering college. Neither want to disappoint their show more parents. Yet, their dreams, if they followed them and their hearts would do just that. They must each face and make hard choices. There is a small romance in the story. Want to find out if either one of them follows their own path? Then I suggest you go out and get this first book in the series. You won’t be disappointed. show less

I received this copy of "The Fiddler" by Beverly Lewis, from the Early Release giveaway and enjoyed it very much. The author did an excellant job of making the characters in the book one's you could relate to. It leaves you with the age-old question of "When two people who just meet, fall in love is that an accident or is it fate"? Is it just pure accident when a wrong turn leads Amelia Devries down the very road where a young Amishman by the name of Michael Hostetler lives? Or could it be fate? Amelia a young Englisher whose career as a concert violinist holds more promise than she could ever dream, begins searching for something different. In secret she starts playing a fiddle in out of the way places known only as Amy. After one of show more her shows during a heavy rainstorm she looses her way and winds up in front of Michael's house where that something different starts to take a deep hold on her very being. Michael, who has left the Order but still keeps some of the Amish traditions falls hard for Amelia. The differences in the way they live makes a possible relationship not something within their grasp or so it seems. The way that the author pulls the souls of each character into a common place makes love between two people who couldnt be more different become a love that welds so beautifully into one. show less

I really enjoyed this book. I could hardly put it down to face the reality of a working day. It wasn't so much that I couldn't wait to see what happened next but that I felt comfortable with the characters. Lewis' writing made me feel as if I was in Hickory Hollow, participating in the lives of the Amish families and struggling with their problems. I found myself feeling what Amelia must have experienced as she enjoyed the peacefulness of the small community. I can't wait for book two.

I was excited when I learned I would get another Amish Fiction book for an Early Review and this book didn't disappoint. At first I couldn't see how this would be an Amish story since "The Fiddler," wasn't Amish and Michael was on the verge of leaving. I learned a lot about violin playing and found that Beverly Lewis is a violinist herself. I enjoyed all the characters and hope that she continues with more stories about Hickory Hollow.