The Duet

by Robert Elmer

Book Overview

Four Hands. Two Hearts. One Song. When widower Gerrit Appeldoorn takes his granddaughter to piano lessons one day, he finds himself drawn to her music teacher: a woman unlike any he has known. It's an... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1578567408
• ISBN13: 9781578567409
• Release Date: February 2004
• Publisher: Waterbrook Press
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.2" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

beautiful inspirational melody

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

Witty and Thought Provoking

The Duet was a fun book to read. It included the kind of writing I enjoy; real and coversational. All through the book, I felt like I had known these people for years and were talking to them in my own living room. It was great reading and I would recommend it to anyone needing a light novel.

Kudos for Robert Elmer's first "grown-up" novel!

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!

The Duet

From page one to The End, this book captured my senses, my thoughts and my heart. Robert Elmer has written with such clarity and *reality* that I not only enjoyed every word, but believed them--*felt* them. One of the longest-lasting gifts he delivers is the tenderness with which he communicates the concrete struggles and happy hopes of our own lives. Grit, music and circumstance center the story; faith and unrelenting love bring it home. Honestly, I cannot look at the cover now without wanting to say, "Oh, thank you and well DONE, Mr. Elmer!"

The Duet - Robert Elmer graces Christian adult literature!

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!