Their love of forbidden music brings them together, but it could be what tears them apart. Musical prodigy Levi Shetler hasn’t touched a piano since he secretly played one many 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 … 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.
“Beth Wiseman has penned a poignant story of friendship, faith, and love that is sure to touch readers’ hearts.” –Kathleen Fuller, author of The Middlefield Family novels
“Beth Wiseman’s Hearts in Harmony is a lyrical hymn. Mary and Levi are heartwarming, lovable characters who instantly feel like dear friends. Once readers open this book, they won’t put it down until they’ve reached the last page.” –Amy Clipston, bestselling author of A Seat by the Hearth
- Full length contemporary Amish romance
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs
- Part of the Amish Journey series
- Book One: Hearts in Harmony
- Book Two: Listening to Love
- Book Three: A Beautiful Arrangement
more
This is the beginning of a new series by Beth Wiseman, and if this book is any indication, it’s going to be a wonderful series. It was refreshing to read a book in which the younger generation sacrificed their time and resources to honor a member of the older generation. Mary, Natalie, and Levi came together to help Adeline, a senior citizen who desperately needed their help. A strong bond of friendship develops among the four. There’s also a budding romance between Mary and Levi, which only adds to the sweetness of this story. Mary and Levi are Amish; Natalie is an Englisher; and this sets up a nice theme of working together and truly respecting their different lifestyles. There’s also another theme of following God as He leads, even though it might not be in a direction that was hoped.
There’s some struggles in this story, too. There’s economic differences between Mary and Levi’s families, as well differences in lifestyle in their Amish communities. The author did a great job of handling all these differences in a gentle way which made this book all the more appealing. Not all the loose ends are tied up at the end of this book, and I’m looking forward to following this series to see what happens with some of the main characters.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I loved this book and the events that intertwine the lives of the four main characters. Unusual friendships, age and religious differences, family issues, and illness all woven together flawlessly into a beautiful story that will have you reaching for a tissue. This is one you won’t want to put down until you turn the last page and then you will be wondering when the next one in this series comes out. Hearts that join in their love of music that is forbidden by the Amish meet again and take you on a journey that will melt your heart and leave you in a puddle of emotions. This is one you will want to keep and read again. You don’t have to love Amish Fiction to read this as it has a message for everyone.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.