Prior to that, she made up lyrics to the “little fingers” piano pieces she learned, at the age of five. At the tender age of nine, she began writing short stories and poetry. “I’m learning that it’s not what comes our way that matters so much as it is how we react.”īeverly Marie Jones (Lewis) was born in the heart of Amish country-Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This book may have been fiction, however, there is a lot of truth in both books that I think many people could benefit from. Both novels taught me to slow down before reacting quickly (go for a walk), to seek wise counsel and pray. Some of the words of wisdom (mostly from Ella Zook’s insight) and the reactions of Sylvia and her mom to their sudden shocking news helped me to face my trials and reconsider my own actions. Whenever I began to read The Tinderbox I was dealing with a huge curveball of my own. Both of these pieces from Lewis were very timely in my life. That is how life is though, you face one challenge only to have one pop up right around the corner. Throughout both novels, the Miller family faced one curveball after another.

We learn from our experiences in life, ain’t so?” (Ella Mae Zook, The Timpiece) But that doesn’t mean that your time with Titus didn’t teach ya a thing or two about what gut relationship should look like. “Could be that neither of ya really stopped to listen to God’s answer-sometimes our hearts try to go before our heads ‘specially when it comes to romance. “Ella Mae looked at her kindly o over he dainty rosebud teacup. We all need an Ella in our life or better yet, be Ella’s in our community, to our friends and our family. It sounded as if the women of the community also benefited from their visits with Ella, as she gave them encouragement, wise counsel, and made time to listen to each one. I could see myself going to visit Ella from time-to-time and sipping some hot mint tea with her. After reading both stories I personally was drawn to the Wise Woman of Hickory Hollow, Ella Mae Zook. You’re not looking from the outside in but, rather you are sitting beside her watching the story unfold page by page. Her attention to detail pulls you right into the story. Beverly Lewis has such a special way of making you feel like you are right beside each character she introduces. The Timepiece is a sequel of the Tinderbox which was just as fantastic as the Timepiece. Adeline wishes she could help Sylvia, but she’s not sure that either she or Sylvia is ready for that in their relationship.Ĭan God make something good come out of the mistakes of the past? Or does Adeline’sĪrrival mark one too many surprises for the Millers and their Amish community? Reviewīeverly Lewis is one of my favorite Amish fiction authors and she has outdone herself once again with this beautifully written story. Sylvia is trying to rebuild her trust in her father, but now she is also uncertain what to make of her once-promising engagement to Titus Kauffman, who hasn’t pursued her since she confronted him. And with Sylvia and her mother still struggling to come to terms with that news, this is a challenging time to welcome this Englisher into their midst.ĭespite the Millers’ unexpected hospitality, Adeline is well aware that she’s treading on Sylvia’s turf, and she feels guilty about doing so when Sylvia is grappling with issues of her own. It isn’t that Adeline means to be a threat, but her very existence is a reminder of the painful secret in the Miller household.

Sylvia Miller of The Tinderboxhas always held a special place in her Old Order family being the only daughter, one Adeline Pelham jeopardizes when she shows up at the Millers’ Hickory Hollow farm.

The timepiece by beverly lewis