The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis~~A Bethany House Book Review

My Review:

The Bridesmaid is the second novel in the Hickory Hollow series by Beverly Lewis. I have read most every book written by Beverly Lewis and so far have not yet been disappointed.

The Bridesmaid revisits Joanna Kurtz, the kind young woman who befriended Amelia Devries in The Fiddler, which is the first book of this series. I enjoyed reading Joanna's story, as well as getting caught up with some of the other   characters who I've previously met in other books that have been set in Hickory Hollow. It feels like you are visiting old friends.

Joanna, despite the trials that had come her way, is an inspiring character who displays a lot of faith. I enjoyed watching her as she put her trust is GOD in spite of her circumstances.

I would have enjoyed seeing Eben and Joanna get together in person more. But I did see growth in the characters that might not have happened otherwise. Overall, I enjoyed my time in Hickory Hollow and look forward to the next book in the series.

You do not need to read the first first book to read this one. It stands on it's own just like all of Beverly Lewis' books do.

 

 

About the Book:

Come home to Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania--the beloved setting where Beverly Lewis's celebrated Amish novels began--with new characters and new stories of drama, romance, and the ties that draw people together.

Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The young Amishwoman is a closet writer whose stories aren't her only secret.

Eben Troyer hopes to make Joanna his bride--if he can ever leave his parents' farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yet Eben's hopes to build a life with Joanna hinge on his brother's return from the English world....

The Trailer:

 

Meet Beverly Lewis:

 

Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is The New York Times bestselling author of more than ninety books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has inspired Beverly to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with The Shunning, which has sold more than one million copies and was recently made into an Original Hallmark Channel movie. In 2007 The Brethren was honored with a Christy Award. She has been interviewed by both national and international media, including Time magazine, the Associated Press, and the BBC. Beverly lives with her husband, David, in Colorado. Visit her Web site at www.beverlylewis.com for more information. Learn more about Beverly Lewis by visiting her website.

**The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis was provided for me free by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

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Wishing you a Merry Christmas,

The Fiddler (Book 1 in the Home to Hickory Hollow series) by Beverly Lewis~~A Bethany House Book Review

My Review:
I never tire of reading books by Beverly Lewis, in fact, I have a whole shelf dedicated to her books. Her ability to draw me into the story, placing me right into the scene with the characters is amazing.
Michael Hostetler is a 25 year old Amish man, who has not joined the Amish church, and who wants to leave the Amish community to pursue a career as a draftsman. Amelia Devries is an acclaimed violinist, who has toured with world famous orchestras, but feels trapped in a world where others place their expectations on her and expects her to tow their line. They both want to please their families, but have dreams of their own.
As a way to counter the pressure she feels, Amelia invented an alias for herself, Amy Lee.  Amy Lee has won first place in a fiddling contest, and at the opening of the story is opening for a country music group at the Mann in Philadelphia. Her manager, who has found out about her secret life, tells Amelia that she will not continue playing this style of music. He also informs her of an upcoming European tour that her father and he himself would like to see her take.
On her way home to Ohio, Amelia gets lost in a rain storm, and finds herself on a lonely back road. When her tire goes flat, she manages to pull off the road, but without a cell phone signal she must wait out the storm in the car. Seeing a light through the trees, Amelia is lead to Michael's door…
I loved the fact that Mrs. Lewis updated the reader, me, on the lives of the characters from previous books, and I also enjoyed meeting new ones. I really enjoyed the musical aspect of of the book, and liked reading Mrs. Lewis relationship to music in the Author’s Note, at the back of the book.
I look forward to reading the next book in the Home to Hickory Hollow series.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

About the Book:
Come home to Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania--the beloved setting where Beverly Lewis' celebrated Amish novels began--with new characters and new stories of drama, romance, and the ties that draw people together.
A wrong turn in a rainstorm leads Englisher Amelia Devries to Michael Hostetler--and the young Amishman's charming Old Order community of Hickory Hollow. Despite their very different backgrounds, Amelia and Michael both feel hemmed in by the expectations of others and struggle with how to find room for their own hopes. And what first seems to be a chance encounter might just change their lives forever.
About the Author:
Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is The New York Times bestselling author of more than ninety books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has inspired Beverly to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with The Shunning, which has sold more than one million copies and was recently made into an Original Hallmark Channel movie. In 2007 The Brethren was honored with a Christy Award. She has been interviewed by both national and international media, including Time magazine, the Associated Press, and the BBC. Beverly lives with her husband, David, in Colorado. Visit her Web site at www.beverlylewis.com for more information.
An Excerpt: The Fiddler
 
  
Blessings,

**The Fiddler (Book 1 in the Home to Hickory Hollow series) by Beverly Lewis was provided for me free by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.