Summer of Secrets (Seasons of the Heart #1)

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Summer of Secrets (Seasons of the Heart #1)

4.05 of 5 stars 4.05 · rating details · 117 ratings · 38 reviews

In the bestselling tradition of Beverly Lewis and Jan Karon, Hubbard presents a beautifully drawn new series, which follows the charming residents of Willow Ridge and the conflicts involving the old Amish ways in a modern world, and the temptations of leaving this plain heritage behind. Original.

Paperback, 320 pages

Published February 1st 2012 by Zebra

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Apr 30, 2012 Eleanor rated it 5 of 5 stars

***Though the publisher provides the free book, I offer the opinion.***

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Widow Miriam Lantz, her twin daughters, and family friend Naomi Brenneman operate Sweet Seasons Bakery Cafe but their world is about to falter, faith will get a test, and sweethearts come undone.

When Rachel Lantz meets a ghoulish girl, she introduces Sweet Seasons and prepares to take down the food order, until this Englisher's eyes call to mind her twin sister, Rhoda. Shocked, Rachel runs into the kitchen and her mo...more

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Mar 25, 2012 Brenda Casto rated it 5 of 5 stars

Amish fiction is one of my favorite genres to read, so I always become excited whenever I can find a new to me Amish storyteller who puts a fresh spin on Amish fiction and that's just what I found with Charlotte Hubbard.
"Summer of Secrets" a contemporary Amish fiction novel easily transported me to Willow Ridge Missouri. Rachel Lantz spends her days working in the Sweet Season's Cafe with her twin sister and her mother. She has been dating her childhood sweetheart Micah Brenneman and it seems i...more Amish fiction is one of my favorite genres to read, so I always become excited whenever I can find a new to me Amish storyteller who puts a fresh spin on Amish fiction and that's just what I found with Charlotte Hubbard.
"Summer of Secrets" a contemporary Amish fiction novel easily transported me to Willow Ridge Missouri. Rachel Lantz spends her days working in the Sweet Season's Cafe with her twin sister and her mother. She has been dating her childhood sweetheart Micah Brenneman and it seems if marriage might be in the near future. While waiting on tables one afternoon she meets an Englisher customer named Tiffany that could easily pass for her twin sister Rhoda. What she learns about this girl will certainly change their lives forever. Not only that Rachel's beau Micah was in the cafe when Tiffany was there and now she seems to be the only thing he wants to talk about. How will things work out for Rachel and Micah?

I must admit it took me a couple of chapters to get into this novel because there were so many characters to learn, but the interesting story line drew me in immediately. The author provided a few twists that really kept me reading. I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters and while I was quite interested in reading about the relationship between Rachel and Micah the secondary stories were just as appealing. I also loved that the women in this story were portrayed as strong. Another thing that I found quite appealing was the dialect used in the book, it was a bit twangy and fit right in to the feel of the story.

Amish fiction fans are going to love this story, but anyone looking for a good story with easy to connect to characters, an interesting plot, a sweet clean romance along with a family based drama will certainly enjoy this story as well. Since this story is revolves around a bakery/cafe there is plenty of mouth watering descriptions of food mentioned, and the author even includes some of the recipes for the food at the end of the book which is a great bonus! I am totally hooked on this series and will certainly be watching for the next book in the series titled "Autumn Winds" due out in Sept.(less)

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Mar 18, 2012 Kathleen (Kat) Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: amish-historical-romance-fiction, chick-literature, christian-fiction, christian-historical-fiction, christian-teen-fiction, contemporary-fiction, romance-fiction, young-adult-fiction

Sometimes you could live your whole life thinking things are just the way they are, until one day someone shows up from your past to remind you life isn't what had thought after all.

In the novel, Summer of Secrets by Charlotte Hubbard, we are immediately introduced into the engagement of Rachel Lantz and Micah Breeneman, a young Amish couple that have yet to announce their formal engagement as is customary among the Amish. So for now, they are happily enjoying the time just being together and ri...more Sometimes you could live your whole life thinking things are just the way they are, until one day someone shows up from your past to remind you life isn't what had thought after all.

In the novel, Summer of Secrets by Charlotte Hubbard, we are immediately introduced into the engagement of Rachel Lantz and Micah Breeneman, a young Amish couple that have yet to announce their formal engagement as is customary among the Amish. So for now, they are happily enjoying the time just being together and riding in Micah's courting buggy. Rachel works with her mother, Miriam and sister, Rhoda at Sweet Season's, their bakery cafe in the heart of Willow Ridge, Missouri.

Just as the lunch rush is getting started, they notice an English girl dressed in Gothic attire and with multiple piercings and tattoos. What they didn't expect that day was to learn that her name is Tiffany, who used to be referred to by the name Rebecca who was lost in a river at the age of three. She is the missing sister of Rachel and Rhoda and Miriam's missing daughter who they all believed to be dead.

Yet Tiffany herself is having a difficult time accepting what her father had told her, being adopted at a young age and had to travel to Willow Ridge to meet her supposed mother, Miriam. She wasn't expecting them to be Amish and leaves before Miriam can have a change to speak with her. Rachel on the other hand is more than happy to see her leave. She believes no good can come of trying to make amends with Tiffany, especially since Micah has seemed to taken notice of her.

The Summer of Secrets is a timeless Amish novel that will educate readers of the Amish lifestyle while immersing the reader in the struggle to find a way to mend the rift between the family. Miriam has long believed that she alone was ultimately responsible for what she believed was the death of Rebecca/Tiffany thanks to her husband Jessie, who has now passed away. Will Miriam find a way to reach out to Tiffany and find a way to heal their relationship or will their differences in lifestyle be too much to heal the brokenness in both their lives?

I received Summer of Secrets compliments of Pump Up Your Book Tours and Charlotte Hubbard, herself for my honest review. Being a huge fan of the Amish fiction, this one is just another perfect companion to my growing collection. It's easy to relate to Miriam who just wants to welcome Rebecca back into the family, especially now that Rachel is getting married. This is a heart-warming story that I know my readers will love and I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars. The best part too, are the recipes that follow at the end that I know you will love to try! This is the first book in the Seasons of The Heart series and I can't wait to follow this one to the very end. (less)

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Mar 03, 2012 Book Him Danno rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, books-sent-by-author-publisher-for

This is a quick read about an Amish family that faces a tragedy and then a miracle. The characters are heartwarming and real, I think I could be friends with a few of them. I liked the way that Miriam was determined to do what God wanted her to do even as she prayed for his guidance and help in her life. She wanted to stay with her faith and yet also with her livelihood. Micah is a man I could really get behind; he cares about the women his life and shows it in his actions. The rest of the littl...more

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Apr 11, 2012 Judy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Summer of Secrets – I Loved It!!

Willow Ridge, Missouri is the setting for this great read. This story is centered around the Sweet Seasons Bakery Cafe’ owned and operated by Miriam Lantz with the help of her daughters Rachel and Rhoda and also her best friend Naomi Brenneman. Miriam opened the cafe’ after her husband Jesse died. This is her main income for her and her daughters. The cafe’ is a popular spot and Miriam has a good steady income from it.

Rachel Lantz hopes to marry Micah Brenneman so...more Summer of Secrets – I Loved It!!

Willow Ridge, Missouri is the setting for this great read. This story is centered around the Sweet Seasons Bakery Cafe’ owned and operated by Miriam Lantz with the help of her daughters Rachel and Rhoda and also her best friend Naomi Brenneman. Miriam opened the cafe’ after her husband Jesse died. This is her main income for her and her daughters. The cafe’ is a popular spot and Miriam has a good steady income from it.

Rachel Lantz hopes to marry Micah Brenneman some day. Will this union be compromised when a mysterious Englischer enters the café one day, claiming to be the lost daughter of Miriam’s, who was washed down the Missouri River in the 93 flood? Rachel is shocked by the girl’s appearance. She is all decked out in black with spiked hair, black rimmed eyes, a piercing in her eyebrow and two tattoos on her back. On top of that she is rude. Rachel can’t imagine the likes of her being her sister. Plus, it seems Micah is paying too much attention to her in the way he is staring at her.

There are other characters in this book that I came to love and one character in particular that I didn’t care for at all. I know once you read this book you will know the character that I speak of!

There are many secrets inside the pages of this book and one by one they are revealed.

This is the first book that I have read from this author. Her characters came to life for me. I really got wrapped up in this story line and hated when I had to put the book aside to do other things.

One of the things I liked about this book was it is God centered. It is based on Faith, Trust, Forgiveness and Hope for a bright future.

I must not forget to mention the yummy recipes that the author has included in the back of this book. This is a wonderful bonus in my opinion. I plan on copying them down so I can wow my family and friends.

I am looking forward to reading “Autumn Winds”, the next Sweet Seasons novel. I wish to thank you Charlotte Hubbard for a delightful read. I am truly a fan of yours!

I want to thank Kensington Publishing for sending me a copy of Summer of Secrets to read and review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
(less)

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May 07, 2012 Mayda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: amish, christian, romance

With the aspect of inheritance versus environment faintly present in the background of this tale, Charlotte Hubbard explores what might happen to an Amish-born girl who is raised from a very young age by an English couple. Now a grown woman, she is told of her Amish heritage and returns to her home town and her former family to explore her roots. Needless to say, the appearance of this stranger in Goth makeup and dress, claiming to be the long-missing child and sister of a Plain family attracts...more

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Feb 21, 2012 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction

I know very little about the Amish lifestyle, though there is a similar community near where I live. This book was a good introduction to their beliefs and practices without the details getting in the way of the plot. Tidbits of the Dutch language are also interspersed throughout the dialogue to make it more realistic. Food plays a prominent role in the plot, with several of the main characters running a restaurant together called "Sweet Season." Many of the recipes featured in the back of the b...more

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Dec 28, 2011 Krystal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc

Rachel is the main character of this novel and very easy to like. She is sweet, kind, and caring. She also lives in an Amish community and carries out their values. Rachel married her childhood sweetheart, Micah, at a young age and used to feel secure in her marriage. When a stranger comes to her community, the stranger interrupts everything Rachel knew about her life and past.

When the stranger doesn't leave, Rachel has many decisions to make. Those decisions lead to strife in her marriage life...more

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Nov 27, 2012 Debbie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Summer of Secrets" by Charlotte Hubbard gets 5 stars from me. The main setting is a restaurant and a bakery. Eighteen years ago Rebecca /Tiffany (one of the triplets) is swept downstream in a flood and is thought dead! But then she comes in the Sweet Season cafe and she hasn't been raised Amish so that causes trouble with the Bishop who wants Miriam( the girls mother) to marry her. This story is just a really good story that will have you cheering for Miriam and Rachel and Micah and Rebecca/Tiff...more

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Mar 22, 2012 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: amish, christian-fiction

Sweet Seasons Cafe is full of delicious baked good and the author shares several of these recipes with the readers in a section at the back of the book! Love when an author goes the extra distance like that to draw the readers into the story! Lots of baking and cooking scenes that will make your mouth water.

I get super excited to find new Amish fiction writers as Charlotte Hubbard was to me. Firstly triplets in an Amish setting, that was entirely a new concept and to have one of them washed awa...more

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Feb 19, 2012 Krazybooklady rated it 4 of 5 stars

Rachel and Rhoda Lantz grew up in traditional Amish culture. They are enjoying helping their mother in the cafe she was allowed to own as a way to support her family after the death of her husband, and Rachel and Micah are getting ready to let their community know that they are planning to get married. When their long lost sister suddenly shows up and the twins find out they were actually born as triplets, their world is turned upside down. Now Rachel questions if she will still be getting marri...more

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Jan 29, 2012 Ruth Hill rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have not read a lot of Amish fiction, but every time I do, I can just about guarantee that it will be good. And this new book did not disappoint. It was what one would expect from an Amish fiction story with a couple little twists that may not be expected.

Since it was Amish, it had the elements one would expect: strong family, good morals, and solid faith. These are central to the story. Also, of course, no profanity. These elements make this book quite refreshing. It is also quite nice to see...more I have not read a lot of Amish fiction, but every time I do, I can just about guarantee that it will be good. And this new book did not disappoint. It was what one would expect from an Amish fiction story with a couple little twists that may not be expected.

Since it was Amish, it had the elements one would expect: strong family, good morals, and solid faith. These are central to the story. Also, of course, no profanity. These elements make this book quite refreshing. It is also quite nice to see the characters relying on God and his guidance throughout the book. The Christian message does not slap you in the face nor feel contrived. It is integral to the story, and it is woven masterfully into the story.

What distinguishes this from a lot of Amish fiction (I think) is that there are some very strong women in this book. When I think of the Amish people, I think about women that do not stand up for themselves and are almost "doormat" submissive to the men. I was pleasantly surprised to see this book filled with strong women who were either widowed or not married yet. They stood up to the male leaders in the community when needed, and I always appreciate that in books. More so in an Amish book. In fact, I was glad to see the people questioning and challenging some of the beliefs that were held dear in Amish communities. I don't want to give away the story, so I'll let you read it for yourself. It was also interesting to see one of the male leaders acting with hypocrisy. I wouldn't have expected that, and I was glad to see people stand up to him.

The only reason I did not give this five stars is that I found some of the parts of the book a little slow at times. I was intrigued with the story--there are quite some plot twists at times. I could not complain about the style of writing--it was fantastic. But I sometimes found my interest wane. This was mainly in the first third of the book. Once I got past that portion, I found myself more and more interested in the characters and the story. I definitely would love to read the sequel to this when it is out later this year!

One other portion I really enjoyed were the recipes at the back of the book! I may just have to try some of those!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated in any way, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.(less)

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Mar 03, 2012 Cupoftea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Charlotte Hubbard's Summer of Secrets did not disappoint. I do like to read stories about the Amish and have read Beverly Lewis and Wanda Brunstetler. There is much to admire and emulate in their culture and beliefs. This is a story about a lost child who found her way back after many years. Rachel the main character is challenged by this new development in the lives of her mother and sister. The bishop could use a few lessons in Christian ways as he is really just out for himself in the long ru...more

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Mar 23, 2012 Sheila rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was very excited to read Summer of Secrets. I have always been a huge fan of Beverly Lewis who has written many Amish Romances. I wondered if there was someone who could write one of these stories just as well. I am happy to report, that yes, Charlotte Hubbard does a fantastic job! I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to get into the story. The characters are so likable and you want things to work out for all of them.

To read the rest of my review go to my blog at:

http://whynotbecause ...more

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May 12, 2012 Carol rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, amish-fiction

Set in Willow Ridge, Missouri, Summer of Secrets puts Charlotte Hubbard up with the best of Amish Fiction writers. The characters are easy to relate to. The mother, Miriam is a widow who isn’t ready to shed her mourning clothes. Her daughter Rachel is getting ready to marry a handsome carpenter, Micah Brenneman. Her daughter, Rachel is not quite ready to choose yet. All of them including Miriam’s Naomi, Micah’s mother work at Sweet Seasons. This book will bring the smells and sights of Lemon Ice...more

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Feb 26, 2012 Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: childrens-picture-books, received-to-review, 2012

Rachel and Rhoda are twins who help their mother in her bakery. They are Amish living a simple life. Rachel has plans to marry Micah and begin her happily ever after.

Her plans are seriously interrupted when a troubled goth young woman comes into the cafe part of the bakery and turns her world upside down. Rachel and Rhoda are not just twins. They are triplets. Their sister Rebecca was swept downstream in a storm. She was assumed dead, but here she is in the cafe. looking out of place in Amish so...more

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Mar 30, 2012 Morwa Pal rated it 5 of 5 stars

In the cozy Amish town of Willow Ridge, Rachel Lantz and her family is looking forward to a summer of courting and pie making. Rachel's mother's restaurant is a roaring success, allowing the widow to provide for her family while she sorts out her grief over her husband's passing. Rachel's longtime beau, Micah, is finally secure in his woodworking business and the pair are beginning to plan for their future together.

Then Rachel's long-lost sister, wearing the gothic black of a wild Midwestern you...more

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Feb 11, 2012 Cheryl Krupp rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read a lot of Amish Fiction and I found this book to be thoroughly enjoyable. I felt this book also gave a new outlook into the Amish way of life. Many Amish Fiction authors show the better side of the Amish and this author chose to show how even though Amish are Christians, not everyone is perfect, even the Bishop. It gave me the reality part of the Amish, rather than the "everything is always perfect"! I would recommend this book to everyone!

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Apr 17, 2012 Mary rated it 5 of 5 stars

Fairly new to the Amish Romance genre, Charlotte Hubbard is a great author! Interesting twist on the prodigal daughter - Tiffany (Rebecca). Awesome book ... can't wait for the sequel, "Sweet Seasons", to come out in September! Love that the author included some of the recipes from the Sweet Seasons Cafe run by Rachel's mom @ the back of the book! Also love that she included an excerpt from the sequel @ the back of the book.

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Dec 18, 2012 Kristen rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun romance to read. I enjoyed the characters and felt I knew the family and their culture very well by the end of the book. There were scenes where the author had me close to tears and other times she had me cheering for the characters. And Charlotte sure knows how to create a bad guy! The antagonist in this story made me snarl! All great aspects for a fun book to read!

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May 08, 2012 Elizabeth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, faith, giveaways, romance, books-we-own

This book was amazing! I'm not a huge fan of Amish fiction generally, as it is too easy to be preachy and/or over-the-top-sappy, but this book is neither. This is a warm, down-to-earth story with real characters, and while it never preaches at me, faith is still very important within the story. In this story, an Amish family encounters their long-lost, English-raised sister, and the story that unfolds is so intriguing, so real, that one cannot help but be mesmerized. This is a tale of honesty, d...more

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May 28, 2012 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

A very sweet story of a little girl lost and presumed dead, only to surprise her Amish family many years later as she searched for the truth about who she really is. Having grown up outside of the Amish community with a family who miraculously found her in an unusual way, she is quite shocked to find she was Amish. This story demonstrates the courage people find to go against their Amish faith, to bring back a long lost child into their family, even if it means losing what they have. I thought t...more

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Apr 05, 2013 Gail Mchugh rated it 5 of 5 stars

What a quick and easy, great read!! A little predictable but who cares. I loved all the characters with the exception of the Bishop Mr. Knepp, of course. I certainly hope he gets his large share of humble pie.

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Dec 31, 2011 Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Christian fiction readers

Shelves: christian-fiction, arc, adc-reviews, owned-copy, read-the-season-geimhreadh, the-lost-heir, women-s-fiction-territory, family, amish-or-special-sect

I wasn't very enthusiastic about this book initially, because it's more women's fictiony than I like. Nothing wrong with the genre, I just don't personally care for it. I actually enjoyed the Christian elements and the scriptures. It felt natural to me, because Christians do approach life in the way represented in the book, relying on God's promises and their relationship with Him. This book grew on me, and I found I liked it quite a bit. The food descriptions were mouthwatering, and I was jazze...more

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Jul 31, 2012 Emily (Heinlen) Davis rated it 1 of 5 stars

I felt like the book was trying to hard to be realistic, which made it seem less realistic in my mind. I guess this just wasn't my type of book.

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May 08, 2012 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Susan by: Mary Ford

Shelves: christian

Very nice book. This is the first book by Charlotte Hubbard that I have read and I was very impressed with her writing. I will consciously look for other books written by her.

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Mar 24, 2012 Sherri Meinke rated it 4 of 5 stars

Must read this book is by Naomi King writing as Charlotte Hubbard. Read her other book Abby finds her calling.

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Mar 18, 2013 Peggy Clayton rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a great read and I couldn't put it down so glad the weather was snowing so I curled up and just read.

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Jan 07, 2013 Fay Risner rated it 5 of 5 stars

Very good book for Amish readers. Puts you in Amish country among Plain people

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Sep 07, 2012 Jeanine is currently reading it

The word to describe this book so far is "cheesy". I hope it gets better.

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About Charlotte Hubbard

Drawing upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi, longtime Missourian Charlotte Hubbard (a.k.a. Naomi King) writes of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle in her new Seasons of the Heart series. Like her heroine, Miriam Lantz, Charlotte considers it her personal mission to feed people—to share hearth and home. Faith and family, farming a...more

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