mary's book basket ~ "a simple song" by melody carlson

"Simple Song" by Melody Carlson was a really fun read. This YA novel is I"American Idol" meets Amish World. Katrina Yoder has the voice of an angel and is in great need of funds so her father can have surgery. Enter her best friend Bekkah and "American Star" television show. I couldn't put this one down and read it in one day. I was drawn in by the characters and just had to know what happened.

From the Back Cover:
From Amish country to Hollywood, Katrina Yoder is in for the ride of her life!

Katrina Yoder loves to sing, but her strict Amish parents view her singing as vain. Still, Katrina's best friend, Bekka, is convinced Katrina is good enough to try out for American Star, a televised singing competition that Bekka has been secretly watching. Katrina has a good voice, but really--try out for a TV show? Her parents would probably disown her! 

But when her family faces a crisis, it seems to Katrina that the competition might be the way to get the money needed to cover the emergency expenses. 

How will Katrina handle herself as an Amish teenager out in the world? Is she truly good enough to win? Will her parents ever forgive her? And will she be accepted back into her community when it's all over?

I enjoyed this read so much. Ms. Carlson is known for her great storytelling and she doesn't disappoint with this novel. There is drama and conflict as well as a sweet love story. I wasn't sure about the plot knowing that the Amish don't allow themselves to be photographed. However, Carlson make sit believable using the Amish right of passage rumspringa as the plot device. Brilliant if you ask me. It's a lighthearted and fun read.

I give this book:

3 cupcakes - I enjoyed the book and learned something and you might like it too! 

This book is available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Christinabook. I receive a free copy of this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for this review. My opinions are my own.