1. A Simple Song
    Melody Carlson
    Revell / 2013 / Trade Paperback
    Our Price$12.99
    4.2 out of 5 stars for A Simple Song. View reviews of this product. 8 Reviews
    Availability: In Stock
    Stock No: WW722250
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  1. Blooming with Books
    Bloomer, WI
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    A Simple Song is a Story with an Enduring Truth
    June 15, 2013
    Blooming with Books
    Bloomer, WI
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    A Simple Song: A Novel

    By Melody Carlson

    When her father's painful injury, which keeps him from working, threatens to take away her family's livelihood Katrina is forced to make a decision that takes from her family, her friends, and her community. Can the voice that she has been given truly be a gift from God or is it from the devil so that she will seek vainglory and the English world?

    What 17 year old girl wouldn't be tempted by the thought of wealth and fame? There are some who wouldn't and Katrina Yoder is one of them. Katrina puts herself out of her comfort zone, but only to help her father and her family through a physically and emotionally difficult and trying time.

    I have to say I really dislike Aunt Fannie and her attitude towards her injured brother-in-law. But I'd also like to know why she feels like that towards that family, as she phrases it.

    I like Aunt Alma, but when Katrina wanted to stay true to her Amish beliefs in how she dressed I think Alma could have been more supportive and understanding. But I assume that Alma was just as overwhelmed by the situation as Katrina was. Sometimes ignorance and outside pressures can force us into uncomfortable situations and compromises, but that inner voice that makes us uncomfortable is speaking to us for a reason.

    I like the fact that Katrina was a Godly influence on her new friend Breezy by her helpful nature and her stand. We don't know how we will affect those around us by our behavior so we should always be true to our beliefs and faith in God. Katrina was an influence of goodness to those she befriended at the American Star competition and to those watching on television.

    But while she is away from her community Katrina learns about the woman who was her Mammi (grandmother) and how she spent her non-Amish years. Sometimes the discovery of another's pain or joy brings into focus what is truly important in our own lives and A Simple Song is just such a story.

    I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.

    Available June 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
  2. MaryAnn
    OR
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: Female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    An Amish girl in Hollywood?
    February 13, 2014
    MaryAnn
    OR
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: Female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 4
    Meets Expectations: 4
    In her second Amish novel, best-selling author Melody Carlson has crafted a unique story with true-to-life characters. Katrina Yoder, who has been blessed with a heavenly singing voice, was taught by her family not to draw attention to herself with her musical talent. That would be vainglory–something the Amish strive to avoid. Since she's in her rumspringa, or running-around teen years, her friend Bekka convinces her to try out for the TV program America Star. The only reason Katrina agrees is because her dad is in severe pain, unable to work, and needs surgery on his back. This could offer the means to win money to help her family.

    It seems a noble reason to sacrifice her way of life and venture into the "English" world in an attempt to ease her father's suffering. The premise, however, doesn't fit the Amish community because they will rally to pay for a member's medical needs so the family doesn't have to struggle financially. Despite the fact that this unlikely scenario would ever occur, the book is enjoyable and the journey Katrina undertakes is worth reading about. She faces challenges of faith and lifestyle and must decide whether to compromise or stand firm in what she truly believes.
  3. Rhonda Nash-hall
    Madison Heights VA
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    fun, light read
    June 19, 2013
    Rhonda Nash-hall
    Madison Heights VA
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    What a wonderful book! I love the connection to music as I also find great joy and stress-relief from singing! Amish do not encourage singing English songs or singing with instruments or even with "great joy and feeling". I can not imagine singing any other way and so I can see how it was so difficult for Katrina. This book was a fun, light read and gave me a good deal to smile about!

    I received a free copy of this book from Revell Publishing in a giveaway. Thank you so much!
  4. Happy
    Florence, MS
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    June 7, 2013
    Happy
    Florence, MS
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This book held my attention from the very beginning. It was such an interesting story and I admired Katrina for her devotion to her Dad to do what she felt she had/could do to help him, knowing that the consequences for her behavior could sever her from her family. I really enjoyed this book.
  5. Margot
    South Australia
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    4 Stars Out Of 5
    Great Story
    February 5, 2014
    Margot
    South Australia
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    Quality: 4
    Value: 4
    Meets Expectations: 4
    This review was written for Simple Song, A: A Novel - eBook.
    This is the sort of book they should make into a movie! It is the story of Katrina Yoder, an Amish girl with a gift for singing, who ventures into the English world to enter a TV talent contest to win enough money so her Dad can have surgery to relieve chronic debilitating back pain. I guess it could have been called 'predictable' or 'been done before,' but I found it interesting, most enjoyable, and an all-round feel good read. Katrina was a bit lost in the big wide world, and it was great to see it through her eyes. The contrast between Katrina and Englisch contestant Breezy was clear, although I was pleased to see Katrina's light changing the darkness around her, rather than the other way around, which so often happens. I especially loved Aunt Alma, who took modern life in her stride and even managed to get the mobile phone working! This is a lovely story, which I recommend to all.
Displaying items 1-5 of 8
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