Curiosity killed the cat, the saying goes. Sylvia Miller’s curiosity might just destroy her family. When she peeks in her dad’s tinderbox, she unlocks a secret he has harbored for twenty years. The Tinderbox, by Beverly Lewis, returns readers to Lancaster county and the tightknit Amish community of Hickory Hollow.

Sylivia is the only daughter in the Miller family and holds a special place in her dad’s heart. When she discovers the contents of the tinderbox, however, that relationship is strained. As Sylvia watches her parents wrestle with the secret her dad has been keeping, she begins to wonder what her own beau is keeping from her.

The Tinderbox starts out slow, the secret taking a seemingly long time to emerge. However, once it does, consequences begin to snowball and pages turn more quickly. Will the Miller family find forgiveness? Will Sylvia’s father be permenantly removed from the Amish community? Will Sylvia’s relationship with Titus survive the turmoil?

Prefering more suspenseful genres, I have not read much Amish Fiction. However, knowing Beverly Lewis is a master at writing it, I was excited for the chance to read her latest novel. Even more thrilled when I had the chance to attend one of her book signings since her book tour came through my town. It was an honor to meet her and made me look forward to reading The Tinderbox that much more.

Even if you haven’t made the trip to Hickory Hollow in one of Beverly Lewis’ previous books, The Tinderbox is a great place to start. If you’re a fan of her work, you’ll see old friends again, like Ella Mae Zook, one of my favorite characters. Perhaps you’ll discover new friends, too.

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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”