By Beth Wiseman
Synopsis:
They both love music. Will God deny what brings them such joy?
Musical prodigy Levi Shetler hasn’t touched a piano since he secretly played one years ago. His strict Amish community forbids instruments or the singing of any music not in their approved songbook. Levi asks God often why music tempts him when playing an instrument isn’t allowed in his world.
One person knows Levi’s talents: Mary Hershberger, the girl who promised years ago to keep his secret. Mary comes from a more liberal district than Levi, but she’s facing family troubles of her own. The mutual care for an aging Englischer, Adeline, reunites Mary and Levi as young adults. They realize that, despite their differences, they have a shared love of music—and a shared confusion about whether their talents are God-given gifts or temptations luring them into the Englisch world.
The couple realizes they must compromise or part ways, but a tragic accident shakes their decision. Both Mary and Levi will need to reconcile what they love with what their hearts say is right—because even as their passion for music brings them together, it could be what tears them apart.
The first novel in the new Amish Journeys series by bestselling author Beth Wiseman, Hearts in Harmony explores how far the heart will travel for the melody of love.
My Thoughts:
Beth Wiseman, who just happens to top my list of favorite authors, has once again written an amazing, heart warming novel, a fabulous start to a new series entitled "Amish Journeys". I always approach a new series with some trepidation.... will this new creation meet my high expectations?! After all, every one of Beth's books has been a winner in my opinion, so how can another possibly be as powerful and interesting as her last? NO WORRIES! "Hearts in Harmony" was NO disappointment. After reading the first page, I was on my way travelling to Amish country in Indiana and walking alongside the lovable characters as they took their roller coaster ride through life.
It is known that the Plain People have just as many trials and obstacles as we do, however, this story brings to light some particular problems that I myself have never really thought about. How many of us have thought about the music that plays a very large part of our church service? Music is very much discouraged and forbidden in this Plain life. Yes, the Amish do sing, but do not have musical instruments, nor is an individual encouraged to ever play one. That would be much too worldly and prideful. Beth tackles this subject in a unique, respectful manner.
Make sure to have a box of tissues nearby as you will have need of them from the first chapter to the last. The two main characters are brought together in an unusual way, both sensitive, caring individuals who are faced with some difficult decisions, should they do what they love even though it is deeply frowned upon in their faith? All of the characters in this novel are so easy to love. The reader is so caught up in their quests to be happy in the darkest hour that you feel very deep emotions and thoughts.
The setting was perfect, far from the close knit Amish community. This added more confusion to do what was right , would anyone know if rules were broken? The relationships that developed amongst the many characters was highly emotional and touching. There are underlying messages that are intricately woven into this story of faith, forgiveness, and loving self and others regardless of the circumstances.
The plot was intense, full of unexpected twists and turns, making it very difficult for the reader to put down. Just when you think the characters have found a sense of completeness and peace, a boulder is put in the path! One that seems impossible to get past.
If you are tired of the usual Amish fiction genre, this is the perfect book to grab your attention. Beth Wiseman does a superior job of bringing some humour into the highly emotional, intense moments. This book will remain with you long after you have finished reading it.
Definitely worthy of five stars. Now, the biggest problem is waiting for Book Two in this series!!!
This book was provided by the author and NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own. A positive review was not required.
About the Author:
Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Having sold two million books, her novels have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) Bestseller List and the CBA (Christian Book Association) Bestseller List. She was the recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013. She is a three-time winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and an INSPY Award winner. In 2013 she took home the coveted Holt Medallion. Her first book in the Land of Canaan series--Seek Me With All Your Heart--was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing into the year 2018, and she has published thirteen novels and thirteen novellas to date.
As a former newspaper reporter, Beth was honored by her peers with eleven journalism awards, including first place news writing for The Texas Press Association. She has been a humor columnist for The 1960 Sun in Houston and published articles in various publications. However, writing novels is where her heart is. She left her job as a journalist in 2008 to write novels fulltime.
Beth has a deep affection for the Amish and their simpler way of life, and while she plans to continue writing Amish love stories, she is also branching out into other areas. Her first non-Amish, contemporary--Need You Now--released in April 2012 and landed on the CBA Bestseller List. She enjoyed writing the story based in a town near where she lives, and she chose another small Texas town for her next non-Amish contemporary--The House that Love Built--which is based in Smithville, the same quaint town where movies such as Hope Floats and Tree of Life were filmed. Beth continued to spread her wings when she released The Promise in October 2014. Inspired by actual events, The Promise follows Beth's characters all the way to Pakistan. Beth was involved in the real-life rescue when her friend was held captive in Pakistan. Beth is currently working on book #2 in her new Amish Secrets series, tentatively titled Jacob's Ladder. Book #1--Her Brother's Keeper--recently released and was chosen as a Top Pick by RT Reviews Magazine.
Beth and her husband are empty nesters enjoying the country life in Texas. When she's not writing, she loves to travel, paint, and enjoy time with friends and family. You can find Beth at Fans of Beth Wiseman on Facebook where she interacts with readers and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bethwiseman.
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