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.

Aimee Lilly narrates this new series with soft Dutch-Amish accents as she describes an Amish community and Annie Zook, only daughter of an Old Order Amish preacher. Many mistake the Amish people as old-fashioned, but Lilly disabuses the listener of that idea as she shares Annie's heartaches, friendships, courtships, and secrets. Unable to develop her artistic talent because it's against Amish custom, Annie is portrayed with a sweet spirit in gentle tones. When her pen pal, Louisa, comes to visit after abruptly canceling her marriage, Louisa is slowly influenced by Annie's quiet confidence in God. Lewis excels in this type of gentle story, as does Lilly in her narration. G.D.W. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine