A Distant Music
by B.J. Hoff
Published by Harvest House
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Reviewed by Marty Medley
How do I begin to describe a book that touched me in the deepest parts of my heart? I laughed. I cried. I despaired. I regained hope. A Distant Music inspires me to live life well no matter what my circumstances.
The story is about twelve-year-old Maggie MacAuley and her struggles with friendship, loyalty and hope. Living in a small Kentucky mining community during 1892, there is no money and little to dream of for the future. Families are stuck in the cycle of poverty--children grow up and follow their parents' footsteps. Maggie's story is to be no different. Regardless of the circumstances, love and hope run deeper still. Many people influence Maggie's life:
-- Summer, her best friend who is sickly yet gives of herself beyond all expectations,
-- Jonathan Stuart, town teacher and mentor, who teaches her about faith in God
-- Matthew MacAuley, her father who learns how to show love
-- Kenny Tallman, son of the owner of the town mine, Maggie's protector and classmate.
In the face of poverty, sickness, death, threats from two town bullies, and the theft of her teacher's prized flute, Maggie learns to have faith and hope in God regardless of circumstances.
Armchair Interviews says: In A Distance Music, miracles do happen but in unexpected ways.