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Hearts in Harmony
Hearts in Harmony
Hearts in Harmony
Audiobook7 hours

Hearts in Harmony

Written by Beth Wiseman

Narrated by Lauren Berst

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5/5

()

About this audiobook

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 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
LanguageEnglish
PublisherZondervan
Release dateApr 30, 2019
ISBN9780310360629
Hearts in Harmony
Author

Beth Wiseman

Bestselling and award-winning author Beth Wiseman has sold over two million books. She is the recipient of the coveted Holt Medallion, is a two-time Carol Award winner, and has won the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award three times. Her books have been on various bestseller lists, including CBA, ECPA, Christianbook, and Publishers Weekly. Beth and her husband are empty nesters enjoying country life in south-central Texas. Visit her online at BethWiseman.com; Facebook: @AuthorBethWiseman; Twitter: @BethWiseman; Instagram: @bethwisemanauthor

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Reviews for Hearts in Harmony

Rating: 4.4423076923076925 out of 5 stars
4.5/5

26 ratings7 reviews

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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Beth Wiseman has long been one of my favorite Amish fiction authors, and after reading the first book in the Amish Journeys series, I know that I have discovered a wonderful collection of new-to-me stories. Hearts in Harmony was an endearing novel about caring for others, even if they’re outside our normal circle.

    There were multiple characters in this first story which is standard fare with large Amish families. While not explained in too many details, there is a noticeable difference between Mary and Levi’s districts which affects how their families live and work. I felt bad for both of them when they didn’t want the other person to meet their families. Levi is ashamed of how primitive his family lives, while Mary is embarrassed about a situation that involves her sister.

    In spite of their differences, they (along with another character named Natalie) are able to come together to care for an aging English woman, Adeline. I loved this part of the story so much because too often, the elderly don’t get as much of our time and attention as they should until it’s too late. We often take them for granted. In the case of Adeline’s character, she begins to have obvious issues with her speech, memory, and general health. It takes all three of them to make sure she gets the care she needs.

    This tenderhearted story has the happy and the sad in equal measures, and I won’t lie by saying you might shed a tear or two before it’s all said and done. I love that there is some exploration into music and what is/isn’t acceptable in the Amish culture, but that isn’t the primary focus of the book. Amish fiction can easily become a stale backdrop for any story, but this author consistently writes fresh and unique stories for her readers. I’m excited to read the next book in the series to see what unfolds for Natalie.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is probably between 3.5 stars and 4 stars for me. Since it's closer to a 4 than to a 3, on sites that only have full star ratings, it will show as a 4. The book covers quite a bit of area: why is music outside of a proscribed area prohibited by the Ordnung?; helping those in need; family (both biological and created); unplanned pregnancy; Amish life vs. English life (life outside the Amish community); romance--just to name a few. Yes, there is romance (between Levi and Mary) but it isn't the main focus of the book. I think the main focus of the book is how Adeline brings everyone together and how their lives change because of it. I think Mary and Levi both went into it without wanting much in return. Natalie--I don't think she personally wanted anything from Adeline but her mother was hoping to get something.Both Levi and Mary haven't joined church yet. Levi feels a pull toward the piano, but instruments of any kind are prohibited in his district. Mary has a personal radio that she uses to listen to inspirational songs--not totally prohibited for non-church members in her district. Both question why their Ordnungs only allow certain songs (and no instruments). Personally, I don't think either one gets a very good answer--though Levi's bishop does try. Eventually, they both decide to give up their respective music. I liked the family atmosphere that developed between the 4. I also liked that the families donate items that Adeline needs. I suspected that Adeline was going to change her will before it was revealed. I didn't guess correctly how she changed it though--and I didn't guess what Mary and Levi planned to do for Natalie. I do wonder what will happen between Levi's brother Lucas (Amish) and Natalie (not Amish). I know some Amish districts do allow higher education if it will benefit the whole community (Veterinarians, Doctors, Nurses, etc.) so it is possible that Natalie would be allowed to continue with her vet studies even if she became Amish or that she could become Amish after schooling and still be allowed to practice her career. It's also possible that Lucas could leave his stricter district for one more permissive or leave the Amish community altogether. I'm also not sure I approve of how Lydia's and Samuel's unplanned pregnancy was handled. I do hope that they figure out a way to love each other and that Lydia doesn't hold a grudge against him for being "forced" to marry him by her family. I do think that it is important to have people recognize the consequences for their actions, but I do wonder if it might have been better to have the two counseled a bit before the marriage took place or at least have a married woman/mother talk to Lydia (I'd say her own mother but given the tension, perhaps she wouldn't have listened to her own mother.)
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This was such a refreshing book to read! I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I did not want to put it down! I loved all of the characters. Beth Wiseman did such a wonderful job portraying the characters that I felt as if they were part of my family. I would love to have been a part of the friendship between Levi, Mary, Natalie, and Adeline. She put a lot of research into the Amish communities and how they differ from district to district and how they differ from the English. I love how she uses Amish words throughout the book and she also gives us a translation guide in the beginning of the book. This story shows how God orders our steps and He has a plan for all of us. This book made me smile, but it also made me shed a tear at the end. It was so nice to read a beautiful story with a great ending.I highly recommend this book to those who want an uplifting story. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for this opportunity.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Title: Hearts in Harmony (An Amish Journey #1)Author: Beth WisemanPages: 320Year: 2019Publisher: ZondervanMy rating: 5 out of 5 stars.The novel brings to the forefront how God can use even the worst moments of our lives to provide rays of hope, faith and love. Within the page’s, readers will discover how one older woman’s journey in her twilight years brings together three unlikely people. Together these young people discover a life well lived and loved, as well as how God may be bringing them the greatest of gifts.The ending was somewhat hard to read having lost a loved one to cancer, so in that respect I didn’t enjoy it. It makes me wonder why other diagnoses aren’t used when desired in a story in climatic moments. This is not the first book I have read where this same disease is used to remove a character or brings climax to a plot.Other than that, the story is a quick and enjoyable read. The tale ends with hope and new beginnings, plus the cover of the second book in the series was shown and is titled Listening to Love. I think readers will want to read the first book in order to really appreciate what is about to happen in the second installment. I love how the author showed God’s faithfulness and eventually filling up the holes broken dreams can leave behind.The book will also be a good way to have people remember to love on the previous generation whether related by blood or not. This was the first full length novel of Beth Wiseman’s that I have read and plan on reading her future ones that have such faith filled themes.Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The newest book from the author is a like a sweet melody with words. Her characters blend well together and capture a story of friendship and love.The Amish have very different beliefs than most and I found it amazing that they weren’t allowed to play an instrument. Levi has secretly played piano since he was a child. His hands sweep across the keys with compassion, but he starts to wonder if he is going against what the bishop has said. It would be so hard to have a gift but not be able to use it. I liked how Levi continually asked a God to show him if he was to play or walk away from it in order to be obedient.Mary is a wonderful young woman who has known Levi since they were children. I liked how Levi and Mary reconnected after years apart. They have come back together to help out sweet Adeline. Oh how I loved this elderly woman. She was my favorite character because she had so much love to give. She has been lonely for awhile and when these young people show up to help her, it made my heart fill with joy.Natalie is a little more complicated and I struggled at times trying to like her. She is sent by her mother to spend time with Adeline, who is related to them. It doesn’t hurt that she begins a friendship with Mary and Levi as they get together on Saturdays to do chores for Adeline. As she started to spend quality time with Adeline I could feel her heart soften .The ending of the story is filled with emotion and shows how valuable it is to reach out to others in their time of need. Adeline not only brings three young people together but gains a family in the process. Her heart is happy as they bond and become like her children. I won’t spoil anything but I will say this is the best book I’ve read by the author. Her heart and soul went into this story and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    A chance meeting of two Amish children at a funeral 8 years prior are reunited when they offer to help the elderly widow. They along with a distant cousin of the widow’s husband, bring joy and family that she had been lacking.The Amish live 40 miles apart, but when you compare their lives it seems like 100 years, the districts are so different, one progressive and the other, well! This being said, one of the funniest parts of this book happens at the home of the less modern, Levi! Laugh out loud moment.I loved how these three-showed compassion to their fellow man, and decided to do one of the hardest things, care giving.We see that these three all live differently, but the family dynamics are not all that dissimilar.A story full of love, tears, and a few good laughs.I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Hearts in Harmony is the first book in An Amish Journey series. Adeline lives in Shoals, Indiana where she has been having financial troubles since the passing of her beloved husband, Percy. Adeline is a sweet Christian woman who has become isolated in the last eight years. Her health is declining, and she can no longer drive. Mary and Levi enter Adeline’s life which is answer to Adeline’s prayers. She is thankful for their company. Adeline is further blessed when Natalie, a cousin from Percy’s side of the family, begins visiting. Adeline is not the only person to benefit from the arrangement. These four individuals were brought together for a reason as we see in Hearts in Harmony. I liked that the younger people were willing to help Adeline. They were kind, caring and helpful. They were never impatient with her and they genuinely cared for Adeline (a shame we do not see more of this in our world). Adeline was such a sweet, wholesome woman. She is a character that you cannot help but love and root for. It was interesting to see the differences between Mary and Levi’s districts. One district was more lenient than the other because of the bishop in charge. There was also a financial disparity between Mary and Levi’s families. Perceptions, kindness, friendships, music and faith are some of issues addressed in Hearts in Harmony. I liked that Levi and Mary asked those in authority about why they are not allowed to play instruments or sing. Individualism is not allowed (which I find odd since we are all unique individuals). Christian elements are woven into the story. I did feel there was a lack of character development and descriptions of the area. I wish the author had taken the time in the beginning to establish the characters. I found the pacing of the story to be slow (it needed a little pep in its step). Hearts in Harmony could have used some judicious editing. It was too long and needed to be tightened up (would have made it a stronger story). Hearts in Harmon is an amiable story with a delightful ending.