My Review of The Fiddler

Click HERE to read the book description and learn more about the author!

MY RATING

Spring

MY REVIEW

The Fiddler is the kind of story that makes you wish you could hear the music of Amelia Devries/Amy Lee, play chess while discussing life with Michael Hostetler, or take a walk down Hickory Lane on a sunny afternoon. It's a gentle tale of two young people trying to find their own way in the world while still honoring their parents - and it all begins one "dark and stormy night"...

After having her agent discover her country music-loving alter ego (Amy Lee), classical music star Amelia Devries is in no hurry to get home. She has a lot to sort out in her mind about her future, her dreams, her obligations, and her relationships. So when she ends up taking a wrong turn during a storm and finds her car stuck near an out-of-the-way cabin, she takes it all in stride. Especially when unabashed singing reaches her ears and a kind young man offers her a warm, safe place to rest for a while.

Michael Hostetler is enchanted by his house guest and has no desire for her to just disappear from his life as quickly as she appeared. Thus begins an amiable give-and-take between cultures (the Amish and the English), and between new friends with similar troubles and uncertainties.

A good part of the book has a slow and relaxing pace as Amelia and Michael open their hearts and seek perspective. The ending seems a bit rushed in comparison, as time and space both seem to zip along to bring about the sweet conclusion. But if you're a fan of Hickory Hollow (either from Lewis' earlier series or the movie version of The Shunning), The Fiddler is an enjoyable excursion with dear friends that shows the importance of taking the time to relax, ponder life, and make new friends.

*With thanks to Bethany House Publishers through CFBA for providing me with an ARC/galley of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*