The Tinderbox

The Tinderbox is different from other Amish novels. It addresses unique issues. Sylvia is eighteen years old and has been courting Titus Kauffman, the preacher’s son. She is sure that he will propose soon. Sylvia has always been close to her father, but she does not understand why he is reluctant to discuss his past. When Sylvia gets the opportunity to look inside her father’s tinderbox, she cannot resist. Little did she know that her snooping would unleash a host of problems. In The Tinderbox we see what happens when an old secret is revealed and its repercussions. There is quite a bit going on in the story. Besides the secret, we have Sylvia’s relationship with Titus, Rhoda’s sister has suffered a miscarriage, and Preacher Mahlon Zook is dying. Mahlon Zook has cancer and he is the man who welcomed Earnest into the community. They have always been close, and his death is upsetting to Earnest. He needs to be there for the Zook family while dealing with his own problems. Titus is one individual I was not fond of in the story. As the story progresses, Titus’s disposition is revealed (I do not want to give anything away). The Tinderbox is well-written (as are all of Beverly Lewis’s novels) and the story progresses at a gentle pace (a little slow for my taste). The characters are developed and realistic. What I call Christian elements (prayer, faith, Scripture) are an intrinsic part of the story and the characters’ lives. We see how this secret causes issues of trust and creates a division. Is it possible to forgive and move forward? I like this phrase from The Tinderbox that addresses this issue “forgiveness is one of the greatest forms of love”. My favorite phrase from the book is “Remember, we’re connected to our heavenly Father by threads of love we can’t always see.” The ending will astonish readers and have you eager to read The Timepiece. The Tinderbox is a moving and intriguing Amish story.

The Tinderbox By Beverly Lewis Sylvia Miller has always been fascinated by her father's tinderbox. A box that has always been locked and put up out of her reach. But when she discovers it unlocked her curiosity gets the better of her and she looks inside to see what treasures from the past Dat has hidden away. But when she sees everything that there is to see she instantly regrets it especially when she fears that her father is hiding a secret that he shouldn't. Ernest Miller came to Hickory Hollow as a young man and with a broken heart was more than willing to embrace the life that the Old Order Amish community offered. He thought he could leave the past behind him but recently his past decisions and mistakes have begun to weigh on him. Meanwhile, Sylvia and her boyfriend Titus are soon to make a commitment to the church and possibly a future with one another. But when the truth about her father's past comes to light even her plans for the future begin to weigh on her. But with helpful advice from Ella Mae, aka the Wise Woman, Sylvia is given much to think about at the key period of her life - a time for decisions that will affect her future. The Tinderbox is not a book complete in itself so be on the lookout this fall for the continuation with The Timepiece. That is no way means you can't enjoy this latest Beverly Lewis offering which does conclude the main focus of the book the tinderbox and the secrets it has held for more than 20 years. Those who are familiar with Hickory Hollow will enjoy visiting with the Miller family and getting glimpses of those who they are familiar with. This is a story of family and forgiveness. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

I would like to now if tomorrow and timepiece go together as book one book two which one do you read first.