The Preacher's Daughter

September 12, 2005
One of Christian fiction's most beloved authors of the gentle read offers a new series called Annie's People, set in Paradise, Pa. It dishes up the same sort of faith-filled story line and Plain People characters Lewis's fans have come to expect. At age 20, Annie Zook is a budding artist, but her conservative Amish community forbids its members to draw or paint pictures. How will she choose between family and vocation? The disappearance of a small child years ago has left scars on various characters, and new developments in the case threaten to open old wounds. Annie's best friend in the community, Esther Hochstetler, finds that her marriage to an abusive man has become a nightmare, while Annie's pen pal, the wealthy Colorado "Englisher" Louisa Stratford (conveniently an art teacher) visits Annie in Paradise to heal from a broken engagement. Both women explore the possibilities of change. Romance, of course, is always waiting in the wings, especially in the character of handsome "Englisher" Ben Martin. Culinary details, glimpses into the workings of Amish life and strong character development help readers stay with the story's multiple changes of perspective. Plot hints in the final pages will keep Lewis's loyal fans eagerly anticipating the next installment. 300,000 first printing.

October 1, 2006
Lewis is an award-winning author of fiction dealing with the Pennsylvania Old Order Amish. She is able to bring the listener into the homes and families of the community so that one feels like a visitor in their lives. Here, Annie, the only daughter of Preacher Jesse Zook, is in her in between years, neither child nor adult. Twenty years old, she must decide shortly to be baptized and formally join the church. Annie, however, has a dark secret: she is an artist in a culture where art is considered a worldly sin. She also has a pen pal, Louisa, with whom she has corresponded for years. Added into the mix is a child's mysterious disappearance many years ago, which still influences the life of the Amish. The simple life proves to be anything but simple for Annie and others in the community. Stina Nielsen reads beautifully; her Amish characters have a subtle accent that differentiates them from the Englishers. Her characters come alive, and Louisa and Annie quickly become living, breathing young women with whom the listener can identify. Recommended for public and church library collections.Nancy Reed, Immanuel Baptist Church Lib., Paducah, KY

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