The Duet
by Robert Elmer
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Book Reviews of The Duet
Book Review: Dubbel Zout anyone?
Summary: 5 Stars
A retired dairy farmer and a college professor ... the most unlikely couple you could find.
But not in THE DUET. Here you will find not only Gerrit Appledoorn and Joan Horton, but also a charmingly written novel that will have you smiling from cover to cover.
Gerrit Appledoorn is the retired dairy farmer, struggling with too much time on his hands, a computer that won't co-operate, and a family crisis.
Joan Horton is the college professor on a year's sabbatical. She arrives in rural Van Dalen to be closer to her pregnant daughter and immediately takes up as the new piano teacher.
Gerrit's granddaughter, Mallory, is a student of Joan's, but as time goes by, Gerrit is also drawn to the music, leaving room for a sweet story of romance in the senior years. But Joan has a secret from the past, one that is about to catch up with her and possibly destroy any happiness on the horizon.
Weave into this the subplot of different denomination acceptance and you have a beautifully layered story that will keep you enthralled.
THE DUET is a wonderful witty novel full of lovable and memorable characters. At first I was a little dubious. Robert Elmer wasn't an author I associated with adult romantic fiction. After all, my six-year-old daughter loves his AstroKid's series. How does a children's writer cross over to adult fiction? Remarkably well, if Mr Elmer is anything to go by. He now has two fans in our house.
What's a Dubbel Zout, you ask? Hey, go read the book! You'll find out.
Book Review: beautiful inspirational melody
Summary: 5 Stars
Widow Joan Marie Horton takes a leave of absence from teaching at New York's Gaylord School of Music to spend time with her pregnant daughter Alison and son-in-law Jim in Van Dalen, Washington. To earn money, Joan Marie fills in for piano teacher Linda Klopstra, who is in Romania for a year, teaching students.Elderly Gerrit Appeldoom still mourns the loss of his beloved long time spouse Miriam and almost as much the loss of his family's dairy farm. His beliefs shattered and with nothing to occupy him, he feels empty.
Gerrit accompanies his granddaughter Mallory for her piano lessons. When he hears Joan Marie playing, Gerrit finds his old appreciation for music beyond Johnny Cash has resurfaced. He is even ready to dance to the music and decides he wants lessons from Joan Marie. Through Joan Marie, Gerrit also rediscovers the Lord. Though concerned how their loved ones will react, they fall in love; now both know that Jesus will guide them and their families into doing the right thing.
This is an engaging inspirational character study focusing on the relationships between two older individuals to one another, their children and grandchildren, and the Lord. The story avoids being to maudlin because Joan Marie and Gerrit are real people wanting to do the best for others, but now have a second chance to do something for themselves. Although there is little action, readers who appreciate a powerful insightful look into the souls of protagonists will want to accompany the DUET as they play a beautiful melody.
Harriet Klausner
Book Review: Kudos for Robert Elmer's first "grown-up" novel!
Summary: 5 Stars
I really was not sure what to expect from this novel. I've read many of his juvenile and youth books, and all are exciting, with twists and turns that keep the reader hooked. Well, I can tell you right now, Robert Elmer's first novel written for those over fifteen years old is wonderful!The setting, that of a tiny, close-knit farming community in the Northwest, was admittedly foreign to me since I've lived in the midsouth since I was small. Like the New York-raised piano teacher in the book, it took me a while to understand and warm up to these Dutch-heritage farmers. But the more I read, the more I liked. By the middle of the book, I was absolutely hooked, both on the people, and what was happening.
Although it's a romance, it's not your usual fare. The two main characters, worlds apart in their cultural backgrounds, are up in years, and have seen a lot of life...and death. But this aspect of the story makes it all the sweeter and more satisfying to this baby-boomer.
Congratulations to Robert Elmer. Your first novel is a winner! I hope we hear more from you!
Book Review: CHARMING!!! WARMS THE HEART!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Thank you, Robert Elmer, for a charming book. It warmed my heart as I followed the storytelling.......and loved each character.
I could almost hear the music from the old Steinway. As a child I remember practicing the piano.....wished I'd stayed with it!!
Thank you for weaving two people together who had been alone since the loss of their mates. Tenderly done!!
The sounds and fragrances of the paragraphs were exciting. Wanted to pull up a chair at Gerrit's kitchen table knowing ahead of time that there would be good conversation.
And, thank you for the fellowship of believers throughout the book.....it makes God real.
Looking forward to your next book in the spring.
C.Gale
friendwife@aol.com
Book Review: The Duet - Robert Elmer graces Christian adult literature!
Summary: 5 Stars
With a warmth like "Mitford", yet a unique style, amusing humor, and pleasant charm all its own, The Duet by Robert Elmer captured my heart. I found myself rolling with laughter one moment and misty-eyed the next as I journeyed with characters, Gerrit and Joan through their grief, joys, prayers and hopes. The Duet is about two widowed adults from opposite spectrums of life who find that they really have quite a lot in common. Whether you are young or old, musical or not, you will find that you can relate to Gerrit, Joan and their families and be inspired to find answers to life's problems in Jesus Christ.
I trust that this is only the beginning of many more delightful Christian adult novels by Robert Elmer!