Simon the Fiddler

<p><strong>The critically acclaimed bestselling author of <em>News of the World</em> and <em>Enemy Women</em> returns to Texas in this atmospheric story set at the end of the Civil War about an itinerant fiddle player a ragtag band of musicians with whom he travels trying to make a living and the charming young Irish lass who steals his heart.</strong><br/></p><p><br/>In March 1865 the long and bitter War between the States is winding down. Till now twenty-three-year-old Simon Boudlin has evaded military duty thanks to his slight stature youthful appearance and utter lack of compunction about bending the truth. But following a barroom brawl in Victoria Texas Simon finds himself conscripted however belatedly into the Confederate Army. Luckily his talent with a fiddle gets him a comparatively easy position in a regimental band.</p><p>Weeks later on the eve of the Confederate surrender Simon and his bandmates are called to play for officers and their families from both sides of the conflict. There the quick-thinking audacious fiddler can't help but notice the lovely Doris Mary Dillon an indentured girl from Ireland who is governess to a Union colonel's daughter.</p><p>After the surrender Simon and Doris go their separate ways. He will travel around Texas seeking fame and fortune as a musician. She must accompany the colonel's family to finish her three years of service. But Simon cannot forget the fair Irish maiden and vows that someday he will find her again.</p><p>Incandescent in its beauty told in Paulette Jiles's trademark spare yet lilting style <em>Simon the Fiddler</em> is a captivating bittersweet tale of the chances a devoted man will take and the lengths he will go to fulfill his heart's yearning.</p><p><strong>Jiles' sparse but lyrical writing is a joy to read. . . . Lose yourself in this entertaining tale. </strong>-- <strong><em>Associated Press</em></strong></p>