A Simple Song by Melody Carlson

  This is a unique story about an Amish girl who decides to compete in a show like American Idol.  Her father is in a lot of pain after an injury and she finds out that just getting into the top eight would mean money for a surgery he needs.  Her friend Bekka talks her into it, along with one of her brothers and she heads to Hollywood to be on the show.  Will she be talented enough to last as long as she needs to?  Will she have to give up her Amish ways for the show and will she be able to go back home when it's all over?

The plot intrigued me and it was amusing to see am Amish girl try to navigate not only the big city, but also a competitive singing show.  I liked the different situations she had to deal with and the hint of romance.  I did get a little tired of the descriptions of rehearsals and performances, but I'm not that into watching shows like this.  I could see other people finding it interesting.  This is written for teens and it definitely felt like it, with more simplistic writing and depth.  I think women who like Amish stories and younger teens would probably enjoy this.

I received this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

Available June 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.