What do you think?
Rate this book
Seasons of Grace #1
The Secret
In the seemingly ordinary Amish home of Grace Byler, secrets abound. Why does her mother weep in the night? Why does her father refuse to admit something is dreadfully wrong? Then, in one startling moment, everything Grace assumed she knew is shattered. Her mother's disappearance leaves Grace reeling and unable to keep her betrothal promise to her long-time beau. Left to pick up the pieces of her life, Grace questions all she has been taught about love, family, and commitment.
Heather Nelson is an English grad student, stunned by a doctor's diagnosis. Surely fate would not allow her father to lose his only daughter after the death of his wife a few years before. In denial and telling no one she is terminally ill, Heather travels to Lancaster County--the last place she and her mother had visited together. Will Heather find healing for body and spirit?
As the lives of four wounded souls begin to weave together like an Amish patchwork quilt, they each discover missing pieces of their life puzzles--and glimpse the merciful and loving hand of God.
Heather Nelson is an English grad student, stunned by a doctor's diagnosis. Surely fate would not allow her father to lose his only daughter after the death of his wife a few years before. In denial and telling no one she is terminally ill, Heather travels to Lancaster County--the last place she and her mother had visited together. Will Heather find healing for body and spirit?
As the lives of four wounded souls begin to weave together like an Amish patchwork quilt, they each discover missing pieces of their life puzzles--and glimpse the merciful and loving hand of God.
364 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2009
861 people are currently reading
3940 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Lewis
259 books3,014 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."
Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 513 reviews
March 11, 2019
.
This is the introductory book for the Seasons of Grace Series, authored by Beverly Lewis. There were issues at bay that are not normally discussed in an Amish tale. Two young women cross paths, each from different worlds, yet are drawn toward one another inexplicably. It focuses on the intermingling of these two young women, each from different worlds, but each filled with sadness due to circumstances beyond their control. Yet, together they work together to solve their problems. Will they find what they're looking for...or something much more?”
Beverly Lewis is an excellent author in the genre of the Amish people. She describes their lifestyle so clearly that you feel you are within a heartbeat of the action. The characters are developed so fully, that they are entirely believable. You meet them and almost become instant friends.
Things happen the way they are supposed to and this book walks you through twists and turns that elicited deep emotions, as most of Beverly's Amish tales do. The character development and the plot are mesmerizing.
My preference for clean and wholesome are met wholeheartedly with this tale. However, as you might find in many Amish series books, there is a bit of a cliffhanger. You really need to read the books in order to understand the breadth of the dynamics involved in this series.
This is the introductory book for the Seasons of Grace Series, authored by Beverly Lewis. There were issues at bay that are not normally discussed in an Amish tale. Two young women cross paths, each from different worlds, yet are drawn toward one another inexplicably. It focuses on the intermingling of these two young women, each from different worlds, but each filled with sadness due to circumstances beyond their control. Yet, together they work together to solve their problems. Will they find what they're looking for...or something much more?”
Beverly Lewis is an excellent author in the genre of the Amish people. She describes their lifestyle so clearly that you feel you are within a heartbeat of the action. The characters are developed so fully, that they are entirely believable. You meet them and almost become instant friends.
Things happen the way they are supposed to and this book walks you through twists and turns that elicited deep emotions, as most of Beverly's Amish tales do. The character development and the plot are mesmerizing.
My preference for clean and wholesome are met wholeheartedly with this tale. However, as you might find in many Amish series books, there is a bit of a cliffhanger. You really need to read the books in order to understand the breadth of the dynamics involved in this series.
January 1, 2015
SUMMARY: In the seemingly ordinary Amish home of Grace Byler, secrets abound. Why does her mother weep in the night? Why does her father refuse to admit something is dreadfully wrong? Then, in one startling moment, everything Grace assumed she knew is shattered. Her mother's disappearance leaves Grace reeling and unable to keep her betrothal promise to her longtime beau. Left to pick up the pieces of her life, Grace questions all she has been taught about love, family, and commitment. Heather Nelson is an English grad student, stunned by a doctor's diagnosis. Surely fate would not allow her father to lose his only daughter after the death of his wife a few years before. In denial and telling no one she is terminally ill, Heather travels to Lancaster County the last place she and her mother had visited together. Will Heather find healing for body and spirit? As the lives of four wounded souls begin to weave together like an Amish patchwork quilt, they each discover missing pieces of their life puzzles and glimpse the merciful and loving hand of God.
REVIEW: I read so many Amish books when I first started reading Christian fiction and became bored with them because they were so formulaic. I have to say this takes me back to my boredom. I finished the book this morning and asked myself: how did I manage to finish this as it moved at an "Amish buggy pace" and the characters certainly didn't capture my attention. Also as the first book in the series it didn't finish any of the storylines so again wondered why I read it. Beverly Lewis has some outstanding books but didn't find this one at the same level.
REVIEW: I read so many Amish books when I first started reading Christian fiction and became bored with them because they were so formulaic. I have to say this takes me back to my boredom. I finished the book this morning and asked myself: how did I manage to finish this as it moved at an "Amish buggy pace" and the characters certainly didn't capture my attention. Also as the first book in the series it didn't finish any of the storylines so again wondered why I read it. Beverly Lewis has some outstanding books but didn't find this one at the same level.
April 9, 2009
Reading a Beverly Lewis book is like being welcomed back home with open arms from all of your loved ones. Her writing is simple but beautiful. She depicts the Amish and Mennonite community in a very favorable light, but she also shows us that they too, are human and have their flaws. She makes me savor those times in my life when I actually slow down and listen to the world around me. This morning I was sitting on my back steps, reading a book, and just enjoying the sun on my face. While doing that I closed my eyes and really tried to concentrate on the sounds around me. Did you know that there must be hundreds of different bird tweets? That is what reading one of her books will do for you...make you stop, listen, and savor the sweet, simple things in life. Of all of her books, this one is my favorite to date. I love that the story this time around is centered around the mother, Grace and her secret that she's hiding from her family. Having a secret in an Amish community is so much different than in the English world, believe me. Do we have to worry about being shunned? Nope. For the first time ever, I actually feel compassion for the father figure in the Amish family. In the past I've always felt that they were too controlling, and too rigid, but I feel Lewis has concentrated on showing us that Amish men can be vulnerable and can love with all of their hearts. If you haven't read a Beverly Lewis book because you think they may be preachy or such, please disregard that and just try one. Try this book and read it with an open heart and mind. I'm sure if you do, you'll be back for the second and third. And not only that, you too may find yourself closing your eyes and savoring all the beauty that our world has to offer.
Before I sign off I want to leave you with a passage that made me feel such empathy for Judah, the husband.
Judah stood at the footboard and stared at Lettie's side of the bed, his eyes lingering on her pillow. How long had it been since they'd held each other? Turning, he reached for the Good Book, bearing its weight to his chair near the bureau. He sat with a groan. Opening to the Proverbs, he read: "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."
p. 278
Before I sign off I want to leave you with a passage that made me feel such empathy for Judah, the husband.
Judah stood at the footboard and stared at Lettie's side of the bed, his eyes lingering on her pillow. How long had it been since they'd held each other? Turning, he reached for the Good Book, bearing its weight to his chair near the bureau. He sat with a groan. Opening to the Proverbs, he read: "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."
p. 278
July 7, 2014
While this genre was definitely a new experience for me, it reminded me a lot of my mother's old teenage books about young women in the first half of the 20th century: religious lives in remote villages, houses without electricity, household chores filling up most of the day.
It felt like a warm bath of donkey milk, even though donkeys were about the only farm animals that weren't mentioned in the book. I loved reading it before going to bed, because of the simplistic coziness that Amish life apparently has to offer. Fantasizing about making my own quilt and going to sleep under it during a harsh winter.
I'm not a very religious person, so those aspects didn't really appeal that much to me, yet I have to say I DID feel morally virtuous while reading it. Lord knows (no pun intended)!
Now as for the story in itself, 300 pages of waiting for a secret to be revealed and then it turns out to be something meh. Like, come on, I was expecting a bloodsucking goat cult-something, but maybe that says more about what I'm generally reading about than anything else. Either way, the ending sucked. Big time. You focus the entire story on this thing and then at first, you get a dull explanation, followed by...the Acknowledgements. Wait, WHAT?! It's a thrilogy?! With the biggest mystery being of equal excitement as my dog's farts?!
I really hoped to give this one at least 3 stars, because:
1. The previously mentioned feeling of coziness
2. The writing style, which was very catchy and kept me going even though nothing happened
3. The abundancy of food references: I think pretty much 98% of the total number of pages has some sort of homemade delicacy involved, which just made me go YUM! Eating chocolate waffles under my homemade quilt!
Sadly, the ending, but also the last quarter of the book where I ALMOST started skimming my way through to some actiony bits, made me unable to give it more than an 'OK'. Still, if you like reading about the Amish lifestyle or want something in which absolutely nothing happens, so you can read it before going to bed, this is the book for you.
EDIT 7/7/2014:
I realised I was being too harsh last night on the part of 'nothing happens'. Even though it wasn't very eventful, stuff did happen and I noticed this morning that I was wondering where the Heather-storyline would take us in the next book. And who Grace is going to end up with. So who knows, maybe I'm going to read part 2 some day when I'm out of other books to read.
It felt like a warm bath of donkey milk, even though donkeys were about the only farm animals that weren't mentioned in the book. I loved reading it before going to bed, because of the simplistic coziness that Amish life apparently has to offer. Fantasizing about making my own quilt and going to sleep under it during a harsh winter.
I'm not a very religious person, so those aspects didn't really appeal that much to me, yet I have to say I DID feel morally virtuous while reading it. Lord knows (no pun intended)!
Now as for the story in itself, 300 pages of waiting for a secret to be revealed and then it turns out to be something meh. Like, come on, I was expecting a bloodsucking goat cult-something, but maybe that says more about what I'm generally reading about than anything else. Either way, the ending sucked. Big time. You focus the entire story on this thing and then at first, you get a dull explanation, followed by...the Acknowledgements. Wait, WHAT?! It's a thrilogy?! With the biggest mystery being of equal excitement as my dog's farts?!
I really hoped to give this one at least 3 stars, because:
1. The previously mentioned feeling of coziness
2. The writing style, which was very catchy and kept me going even though nothing happened
3. The abundancy of food references: I think pretty much 98% of the total number of pages has some sort of homemade delicacy involved, which just made me go YUM! Eating chocolate waffles under my homemade quilt!
Sadly, the ending, but also the last quarter of the book where I ALMOST started skimming my way through to some actiony bits, made me unable to give it more than an 'OK'. Still, if you like reading about the Amish lifestyle or want something in which absolutely nothing happens, so you can read it before going to bed, this is the book for you.
EDIT 7/7/2014:
I realised I was being too harsh last night on the part of 'nothing happens'. Even though it wasn't very eventful, stuff did happen and I noticed this morning that I was wondering where the Heather-storyline would take us in the next book. And who Grace is going to end up with. So who knows, maybe I'm going to read part 2 some day when I'm out of other books to read.
January 16, 2010
Okay so I am an Amish nut, I just love the simplicity and the pensyvania dutch they speak. Now that I live in Germany sounding out the words in the book is so much easier and I reconize a few and that makes it fun to relate to. This story was unlike any other I have read of Beverly Lewis, the secrets of a mother leave her family lost and abandoned as she searches for a child she gave up for adoption. This is a story of how love is not a feeling but a choice and you can choose to be happy where God has put you even if the feelings of love never come. I needed message in my heart and I needed to face some questions the mother in this book faces like, could I really leave my family in search of who I am? I can't wait to read the second book I am sure it answers all the questions left opened.
April 10, 2016
I like Beverly Lewis. I have never been disappointed by her. I liked the characters in this book and the plots. I was surprised, (happily), by her portrayal of the men in the community. The book doesn't really "wrap up" as it is a series book so be prepared for that. The pace was a bit slow but for me that worked. I tend to read this genre after reading zombie books and I need the slow pace. haha. I like the values that are in the book and the way they hold up in today's world. Being a good person is something most people want to be. I do like how the author takes problems that can be viewed as society issues of the modern world and places them in the Amish community. I think sometimes we forget that those issues can be found in their community too. No one is perfect and these stories bring that to light. The author does an excellent job with keeping the values of that community in mind when solving the issues. I really like how she tends to show that we can each learn from the other and that neither world is horrible or perfect. I would recommend the book as a relaxing read.
January 25, 2018
For me, more of a 2.5 - I was interested in the Amish part of the book- Being a huge fan ofLinda Castillo who writes the Kate Burkholder series - which by the way -that series is FANTASTIC - I highly recommend you picking up that series starting with book number 1 , Sworn to Silence . This series, for me, not that great- I do have the second book in this series here- I might pick it up to see if it gets any better.
September 7, 2013
A Quickie Review
It's no question that Amish stories are the most popular genre of Christian fiction. Beverly Lewis, who has written countless volumes about the Plains people, does well once again with The Secret, which is the start of yet another series. Fans of Amish fiction will find plenty to like about this one.
Score: 4/5
It's no question that Amish stories are the most popular genre of Christian fiction. Beverly Lewis, who has written countless volumes about the Plains people, does well once again with The Secret, which is the start of yet another series. Fans of Amish fiction will find plenty to like about this one.
Score: 4/5
April 5, 2016
About this book:
“In the seemingly ordinary Amish home of Grace Byler, secrets abound. Why does her mother weep in the night? Why does her father refuse to admit something is dreadfully wrong? Then, in one startling moment, everything Grace assumed she knew is shattered. Her mother's disappearance leaves Grace reeling and unable to keep her betrothal promise to her long-time beau. Left to pick up the pieces of her life, Grace questions all she has been taught about love, family, and commitment.
Heather Nelson is an English grad student, stunned by a doctor's diagnosis. Surely fate would not allow her father to lose his only daughter after the death of his wife a few years before. In denial and telling no one she is terminally ill, Heather travels to Lancaster County--the last place she and her mother had visited together. Will Heather find healing for body and spirit?
As the lives of four wounded souls begin to weave together like an Amish patchwork quilt, they each discover missing pieces of their life puzzles--and glimpse the merciful and loving hand of God.”
Series: “Seasons of Grace” book #1
Spiritual Content- Psalm 42:8; Other Scriptures are quoted; Prayers are said & Blessings over food are said; Talks about God and His Will.
Negative Content- N/A
Sexual Content- A baby was/is born out of wedlock; Judah says Lettie and his love brought four kids.
-Grace Byler
-Heather Nelson
P.O.V. switches between them, Lettie, Judah, Jakob, Adah & Martin
362 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It took me about half the book just to really get into the story, that’s the only thing I didn’t like out of this story. All throughout “The Secret” I kept trying to figure out who was who and who was married to who. But I got it. :)
Come back Monday for our countdown to see another review!
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“In the seemingly ordinary Amish home of Grace Byler, secrets abound. Why does her mother weep in the night? Why does her father refuse to admit something is dreadfully wrong? Then, in one startling moment, everything Grace assumed she knew is shattered. Her mother's disappearance leaves Grace reeling and unable to keep her betrothal promise to her long-time beau. Left to pick up the pieces of her life, Grace questions all she has been taught about love, family, and commitment.
Heather Nelson is an English grad student, stunned by a doctor's diagnosis. Surely fate would not allow her father to lose his only daughter after the death of his wife a few years before. In denial and telling no one she is terminally ill, Heather travels to Lancaster County--the last place she and her mother had visited together. Will Heather find healing for body and spirit?
As the lives of four wounded souls begin to weave together like an Amish patchwork quilt, they each discover missing pieces of their life puzzles--and glimpse the merciful and loving hand of God.”
Series: “Seasons of Grace” book #1
Spiritual Content- Psalm 42:8; Other Scriptures are quoted; Prayers are said & Blessings over food are said; Talks about God and His Will.
Negative Content- N/A
Sexual Content- A baby was/is born out of wedlock; Judah says Lettie and his love brought four kids.
-Grace Byler
-Heather Nelson
P.O.V. switches between them, Lettie, Judah, Jakob, Adah & Martin
362 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It took me about half the book just to really get into the story, that’s the only thing I didn’t like out of this story. All throughout “The Secret” I kept trying to figure out who was who and who was married to who. But I got it. :)
Come back Monday for our countdown to see another review!
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
January 23, 2013
It was hard to get into this story. As a fan of Beverly Lewis I have to admit this is not her best book series. It has all the great Amish lifestyles that I am used to, with a few changes, like gas ranges, living within walking distance of the Englishers, telephones are not hard to find, though they are not in every home, one is in a shanty and a few businesses have them.
The story is about a young girl, Grace, who notices her mom acting strange, living the home in the middle of the night. The strange behavior culminates to a pivotal moment, night of Grace's 20th birthday, after everyone is asleep, Grace's mom Lettie, calls for a cab and leaves!
The story revolves around the painful aftermath of Lettie leaving, the scandal rocks the little Amish community. So many things happen, from Grace breaking her engagement to her Father Judah collapsing from exhaustion. Rumors about another man start floating around and the family must deal with this as well as the pain of missing Lettie, especially Grace, who now has to take over as "mom" in several ways, mostly the cooking and cleaning, but that is on top of her chores.
Also there is a English girl, Heather, who decides to spend 3 months in Amish country after finding out she has cancer. Will her search for a natural cure be found there?
Lettie travels to Ohio in search of her first love Samuel, she has something she needs to tell him and she walked away from her family to do so. It's a secret that leaves the reader stunned.
Lettie misses her family and doubts her reasons for leaving, even though she feels the need to make this journey. She comes of as someone very pained, but also very selfish, she is thinking of her pain, not the pain she left to her 4 children and her husband, who refuses to go find her because he wants her to come back on her own, because she loves him..
I am looking forward to seeing how this plays out in book two of the series
The story is about a young girl, Grace, who notices her mom acting strange, living the home in the middle of the night. The strange behavior culminates to a pivotal moment, night of Grace's 20th birthday, after everyone is asleep, Grace's mom Lettie, calls for a cab and leaves!
The story revolves around the painful aftermath of Lettie leaving, the scandal rocks the little Amish community. So many things happen, from Grace breaking her engagement to her Father Judah collapsing from exhaustion. Rumors about another man start floating around and the family must deal with this as well as the pain of missing Lettie, especially Grace, who now has to take over as "mom" in several ways, mostly the cooking and cleaning, but that is on top of her chores.
Also there is a English girl, Heather, who decides to spend 3 months in Amish country after finding out she has cancer. Will her search for a natural cure be found there?
Lettie travels to Ohio in search of her first love Samuel, she has something she needs to tell him and she walked away from her family to do so. It's a secret that leaves the reader stunned.
Lettie misses her family and doubts her reasons for leaving, even though she feels the need to make this journey. She comes of as someone very pained, but also very selfish, she is thinking of her pain, not the pain she left to her 4 children and her husband, who refuses to go find her because he wants her to come back on her own, because she loves him..
I am looking forward to seeing how this plays out in book two of the series
September 28, 2014
Having just finished a triology by Beverly Lewis prior to starting this book, I was ready for the end that isn't an ending. If I did not have the next two books, I would most unhappy to have to WAIT to find out what is going to happen.
As usual, I enjoy her writing. You don't find "typos", misused works, poor grammar, etc. in Beverly Lewis' books.
This story has multiple major characters. But since it takes three full books to fully tell the story, we as readers are given lots of opportunities to learn each character. Do we know of anyone close to us that NEVER really says much? Never says "I love you" or "thank you"? If you do, does it ever feel like that if you disappeared it wouldn't matter much? That's our "father" character. Turns out he feels deeply -- but no one would ever know it. Including his wife.
Now it wasn't much or a stretch for me to IMAGINE why Lettie takes off with no warning and only a note to her daughter. She leaves during lambing season -- and their income is from sheep. I hope to find out if I'm right in Book 2, "The Telling". (Later edited... "The Telling" is #3.
Then there's the daughter -- a nice Amish woman who is 21 or is just turning 21. That's almost "old maid". She steps up to taking care of the family & the home when mom takes off. I do wish I liked her a bit better.
Then there is an English woman named Heather who sees a doctor and does not get good news. She is still reeling from her mother's death & now...
Heather ends up in Amish country. She of course will have interactions with Lettie's family.
I dare not say much because I do not want to post any spoilers. Thus far I'm enjoying this series. As long as you understand you will not be reading one book but three to get the entire story -- it's quite a good book.
As usual, I enjoy her writing. You don't find "typos", misused works, poor grammar, etc. in Beverly Lewis' books.
This story has multiple major characters. But since it takes three full books to fully tell the story, we as readers are given lots of opportunities to learn each character. Do we know of anyone close to us that NEVER really says much? Never says "I love you" or "thank you"? If you do, does it ever feel like that if you disappeared it wouldn't matter much? That's our "father" character. Turns out he feels deeply -- but no one would ever know it. Including his wife.
Now it wasn't much or a stretch for me to IMAGINE why Lettie takes off with no warning and only a note to her daughter. She leaves during lambing season -- and their income is from sheep. I hope to find out if I'm right in Book 2, "The Telling". (Later edited... "The Telling" is #3.
Then there's the daughter -- a nice Amish woman who is 21 or is just turning 21. That's almost "old maid". She steps up to taking care of the family & the home when mom takes off. I do wish I liked her a bit better.
Then there is an English woman named Heather who sees a doctor and does not get good news. She is still reeling from her mother's death & now...
Heather ends up in Amish country. She of course will have interactions with Lettie's family.
I dare not say much because I do not want to post any spoilers. Thus far I'm enjoying this series. As long as you understand you will not be reading one book but three to get the entire story -- it's quite a good book.
September 16, 2015
Very good. Took me longer to read than I would have liked. I have been lazy about reading this summer. The story was very well written and certainly held my attention, when I took the time to read it. The characters were endearing and I felt for them in their grief and troubles.
Favorite quote...
"I'm here, Lord, because I'm weary of my bitterness. And I want to ask forgiveness." She paused. " No that ain't quite right..."
She struggled against every bit of frustration pent up inside her. "I want to forgive my Mamma," she said, lifting her eyes. In her mind, she saw again her mother hustling away from her with the bulky suitcase, filled with nearly every bit of clothing she owned. "I'm askin' you to carry away my anger, Lord. And the resentment I feel every time I think of that awful moment."
She was weeping now, unable to stop. "I'm sorry for the ugly feelings I've kept inside me, nurturin' them." Stopping her prayer, she went to lean against the sheep fence. "Oh, Mamma, I don't understand why you had to go. But with God's help, I won't tend this bitter root in me any longer." (pg 325)
I understand the bitterness. I have some in my heart and God has slowly been using his word and recent books I have read to let me know how I can let go of that bitterness and trust him with it. I pray some day soon it will be totally gone as I learn anew to forgive those who deeply hurt me.
Favorite quote...
"I'm here, Lord, because I'm weary of my bitterness. And I want to ask forgiveness." She paused. " No that ain't quite right..."
She struggled against every bit of frustration pent up inside her. "I want to forgive my Mamma," she said, lifting her eyes. In her mind, she saw again her mother hustling away from her with the bulky suitcase, filled with nearly every bit of clothing she owned. "I'm askin' you to carry away my anger, Lord. And the resentment I feel every time I think of that awful moment."
She was weeping now, unable to stop. "I'm sorry for the ugly feelings I've kept inside me, nurturin' them." Stopping her prayer, she went to lean against the sheep fence. "Oh, Mamma, I don't understand why you had to go. But with God's help, I won't tend this bitter root in me any longer." (pg 325)
I understand the bitterness. I have some in my heart and God has slowly been using his word and recent books I have read to let me know how I can let go of that bitterness and trust him with it. I pray some day soon it will be totally gone as I learn anew to forgive those who deeply hurt me.
June 7, 2018
This is a genre I have never read before (apart from a Jodi Picoult novel, Plain Truth). It pulled me in from the beginning but the pay-off was anti-climatic. I had a lot of unanswered question, but I suppose I will just have to read the rest of the story!
September 17, 2013
I have read this in book form some years ago but have just re-read it on the Kindle
It is a really good book but you do need to read the series & in order to follow the story
Would recommend this book
Hugs Janice
It is a really good book but you do need to read the series & in order to follow the story
Would recommend this book
Hugs Janice
February 2, 2019
I always enjoy Beverly Lewis' books about the simple way of life. This one was a bit different from the ordinary, the story left me hanging and wanting to know what happened. I would suggest having the other books in this series ready to read before reading this one.
May 17, 2009
I didn't like the "voice" the author uses. I really hate how the author throws in words in the Amish dialect.
July 12, 2024
Libby: My mom got me a bunch of Amish books in junior high for some reason. And this was the first one I ever read! Lol. It does not hold up in adulthood and also after just finishing Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult. This one just dragged on forever.
Spoilers: The mom abandons the family (husband and four nearly grown children that live at home) on a secret trip to find her first love to tell him that she had their baby in secret and let him/her be adopted based on pressure from her mother. The 24yo other MC in this book is clearly the adopted daughter (who doesn't know she was adopted). I'm sure it comes to light in another of this series, but these secrets dragged on so long.
Read by Aimee Lilly. #booksin24
Spoilers: The mom abandons the family (husband and four nearly grown children that live at home) on a secret trip to find her first love to tell him that she had their baby in secret and let him/her be adopted based on pressure from her mother. The 24yo other MC in this book is clearly the adopted daughter (who doesn't know she was adopted). I'm sure it comes to light in another of this series, but these secrets dragged on so long.
Read by Aimee Lilly. #booksin24
August 13, 2021
Rating: 5 Stars!! (Wish i could rate it 10 Stars!!)
Review:
This was my 2nd time reading this book/series by my Favorite Amish Fiction Author and i still loved this book and storyline so much!!
The Characters are so interesting to read about especially Lettie who left me laughing at times since she's a very unique character.
The Setting was my favorite since ive been to Lancaster County PA many times and it's exactly as Beverly describes it.
Overall still a phenomenal read and i can't wait to re-read more in this series this month!!
Review:
This was my 2nd time reading this book/series by my Favorite Amish Fiction Author and i still loved this book and storyline so much!!
The Characters are so interesting to read about especially Lettie who left me laughing at times since she's a very unique character.
The Setting was my favorite since ive been to Lancaster County PA many times and it's exactly as Beverly describes it.
Overall still a phenomenal read and i can't wait to re-read more in this series this month!!
February 24, 2018
This book is the first of a trilogy. I accidentally read the 1st and 3rd books and skipped the 2nd and I did't miss a thing. Really. The plot is very slow moving and definitely could have been done in one book instead of 3. That being said, the slow pace kind of makes one feel like they are right there in the Amish community sitting on the porch, taking slow walks or making jam with your neighbors. Cozy, gentle, soothing and a bit boring.
January 19, 2023
I always enjoy the tone of Beverly Lewis novels, but this plot felt a little dragged out. Since it’s the beginning of a series, I think tighter writing could have made it one more compelling book. Not sure if I’ll read the next two.
June 22, 2025
I didn’t think I would like this and I was right.
August 27, 2013
Although Beverly Lewis was one of the first Amish authors I read, back in 2009, I haven't been terribly impressed with her latest books (The Fiddler & The Bridesmaid) and was a little unsure about reading this one. Until I started reading, I wasn't sure if Beverly's standards were slipping, or if I just no longer enjoyed her style of writing.
Thankfully, The Secret was more well well-written and compelling than some of Beverly's more recent novels. It bore all the trademarks of her earlier works--secrets hidden for decades, dysfunctional families, unrequited love, interfering ministers. The best way I can think to describe this book is that it's "typical Beverly Lewis", which was encouraging after my last two disappointing reads from her.
That said, I didn't love this book. While it was a quick and easy read that sucked me in and made me wonder what the hidden secret was, it didn't have that extra factor that pushed it into the "loved it" category. It was well-written, with a little bit of suspense and plenty of intriguing characters, and I definitely enjoyed this book and will be moving on to the next instalment in the series soon. But I just didn't love it. I'm not sure if it was missing anything, or if my taste has just changed enough that Beverly Lewis is no longer one of my favourite authors.
If you're looking for a typical Beverly Lewis novel, this one will definitely satisfy. It definitely kept my attention and made for an intriguing, compelling read. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next in the series. 3.5*
Thankfully, The Secret was more well well-written and compelling than some of Beverly's more recent novels. It bore all the trademarks of her earlier works--secrets hidden for decades, dysfunctional families, unrequited love, interfering ministers. The best way I can think to describe this book is that it's "typical Beverly Lewis", which was encouraging after my last two disappointing reads from her.
That said, I didn't love this book. While it was a quick and easy read that sucked me in and made me wonder what the hidden secret was, it didn't have that extra factor that pushed it into the "loved it" category. It was well-written, with a little bit of suspense and plenty of intriguing characters, and I definitely enjoyed this book and will be moving on to the next instalment in the series soon. But I just didn't love it. I'm not sure if it was missing anything, or if my taste has just changed enough that Beverly Lewis is no longer one of my favourite authors.
If you're looking for a typical Beverly Lewis novel, this one will definitely satisfy. It definitely kept my attention and made for an intriguing, compelling read. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next in the series. 3.5*
March 29, 2012
Beverly Lewis writes dramatic Amish fiction. Her books aren't about young Amish people courting and falling in love. There is always some drama with the church or with the family that will take 3 books to resolve.
In this book the drama surrounds Gracie Byler's mom, who leaves her husband and children behind. This is something that is simply not done in the Amish community. Lewis lets us see a little of Lettie's struggle within herself without giving away her secret. It is easy to feel sorry for this woman. She has something that she wants to share with her husband and her family, yet her husband is quiet and reserved and she never seems to be able to communicate with him.
There's also a young woman who comes to Lancaster after receiving a bad diagnosis from her doctor. Heather Nelson is obviously going to figure into this story at some point, more than just as a random Englischer. I have a feeling I already know who she is, but I want to read the other 2 books anyway.
The problem I have with Heather is her disbelief in modern medicine. Her mother died of cancer. At 24 she's received a similar diagnosis. We aren't sure though, because Lewis doesn't tell us. She just gives us this stubborn young woman that refuses to believe she's sick. Truthfully, I wanted to smack her senseful.
Gracie and her family are much more likable and they are faced with their own crisis. Their mother leaves and they are left with the aftermath and gossip. Gracie holds up well and she comes across as a loyal, loving daughter. I think she's probably one of my favorite Lewis heroines.
I do have one bone to pick with Beverly Lewis. She grew up in PA. How is it that Pittsburgh is spelled incorrectly twice in this book? That really irked me. Still, it is a good read for fans of Lewis and Amish fiction.
In this book the drama surrounds Gracie Byler's mom, who leaves her husband and children behind. This is something that is simply not done in the Amish community. Lewis lets us see a little of Lettie's struggle within herself without giving away her secret. It is easy to feel sorry for this woman. She has something that she wants to share with her husband and her family, yet her husband is quiet and reserved and she never seems to be able to communicate with him.
There's also a young woman who comes to Lancaster after receiving a bad diagnosis from her doctor. Heather Nelson is obviously going to figure into this story at some point, more than just as a random Englischer. I have a feeling I already know who she is, but I want to read the other 2 books anyway.
The problem I have with Heather is her disbelief in modern medicine. Her mother died of cancer. At 24 she's received a similar diagnosis. We aren't sure though, because Lewis doesn't tell us. She just gives us this stubborn young woman that refuses to believe she's sick. Truthfully, I wanted to smack her senseful.
Gracie and her family are much more likable and they are faced with their own crisis. Their mother leaves and they are left with the aftermath and gossip. Gracie holds up well and she comes across as a loyal, loving daughter. I think she's probably one of my favorite Lewis heroines.
I do have one bone to pick with Beverly Lewis. She grew up in PA. How is it that Pittsburgh is spelled incorrectly twice in this book? That really irked me. Still, it is a good read for fans of Lewis and Amish fiction.
January 26, 2019
I have always greatly enjoyed Beverly Lewis's books and this was by no means an exception.
What I Liked: It has been quite a while sine I've read a book by this author, so when I picked up this book I was excited to see what I thought on this book. I really liked the main character, Grace. All of the emotions and turmoil she went through in this book seemed so realistic and I found myself feeling what she was.
The story was a pleasant read. It definitely kept my interest, but the pace of it was nice. I didn't feel like it was speeding through everything and I didn't get bored with it.
What I Didn't Like: I don't think that there was anything that I really disliked.
I give this book 4/5 stars for an enjoyable story.
What I Liked: It has been quite a while sine I've read a book by this author, so when I picked up this book I was excited to see what I thought on this book. I really liked the main character, Grace. All of the emotions and turmoil she went through in this book seemed so realistic and I found myself feeling what she was.
The story was a pleasant read. It definitely kept my interest, but the pace of it was nice. I didn't feel like it was speeding through everything and I didn't get bored with it.
What I Didn't Like: I don't think that there was anything that I really disliked.
I give this book 4/5 stars for an enjoyable story.
May 27, 2009
The first book in the Seasons of Grace series. I loved Beverly Lewis' Daughters of Abram series. So, I had high hopes for this one, and while I didn't hate it, I didn't love it. Like the title states, this is a novel full of secrets and questions.
The story revolves around the Byler family. Mother Lettie is haunted by secrets from her past, father Judah struggles with his wife's discontent and is unable to do anything about it, daughter Grace worries for her family and wishes for her own marriage. A young Englisher, Heather, comes to Amish country to get away from her own terminal diagnosis.
Lettie's depression and regret cause her to leave her family behind as she searches for answers. Grace tries to pick up the pieces and keep her family together as they move through their own anger and frustration at Lettie's abandonment. Grace is recently betrothed, but finds herself doubting her decision to marry Henry. Here as in most Lewis novels, we learn about the ways and beliefs of the Amish people. The brethren of this novel were much more compassionate than those in some of her others.
This book started out slowly and, at one point, I was tempted to simply start skimming so I could review it and move on to other books. However, I am glad I read the whole thing: the characters are fairly well developed and, for the most part, likable. I am curious as to how Heather's story will play out, because she seemed to be dropped into the book with no point or purpose. I do want to read the rest of the series.
I wish I could give it 2 1/2 stars.
The story revolves around the Byler family. Mother Lettie is haunted by secrets from her past, father Judah struggles with his wife's discontent and is unable to do anything about it, daughter Grace worries for her family and wishes for her own marriage. A young Englisher, Heather, comes to Amish country to get away from her own terminal diagnosis.
Lettie's depression and regret cause her to leave her family behind as she searches for answers. Grace tries to pick up the pieces and keep her family together as they move through their own anger and frustration at Lettie's abandonment. Grace is recently betrothed, but finds herself doubting her decision to marry Henry. Here as in most Lewis novels, we learn about the ways and beliefs of the Amish people. The brethren of this novel were much more compassionate than those in some of her others.
This book started out slowly and, at one point, I was tempted to simply start skimming so I could review it and move on to other books. However, I am glad I read the whole thing: the characters are fairly well developed and, for the most part, likable. I am curious as to how Heather's story will play out, because she seemed to be dropped into the book with no point or purpose. I do want to read the rest of the series.
I wish I could give it 2 1/2 stars.
April 4, 2011
To call this book artless would be both the kindest and the truest thing you could say about it. The author doesn't seem to understand that merely withholding information is not enough to create interest or intrigue. It would be like me inviting you to dinner next week and refusing to say what we're going to eat, and making a big deal out of the mystery, and then it turns out to be pizza. Ho hum. The transitions from one thought to the next were jagged and unnatural. As for the dialogue, I can't comment on whether it's authentic, but it seemed like an odd mishmash of countrified yokel plus a little bit of Amish-style German with smatterings of a southern or maybe Scottish accent. All of the characters' thoughts are blameless; even the character here who seems to be doing wrong focuses on feeling guilty rather than on what she's doing. This whole world feels spiritually airbrushed.
I'd heard of this author as a writer of Amish romance novels pitched at Evangelical Christians, so when I saw this pop up for free on the Sony bookstore, I thought, why not--after all, I read Left Behind and survived. I can see the appeal of the Plain theme, I suppose. Not only do the Amish not have cars or electricity, they also don't have a women's movement or cable news. The Amish were central to my own Laura-Ingalls fantasies when I was growing up in Pennsylvania. But much like Left Behind, this book has negligible literary value if you're not invested in its religious viewpoint.
I'd heard of this author as a writer of Amish romance novels pitched at Evangelical Christians, so when I saw this pop up for free on the Sony bookstore, I thought, why not--after all, I read Left Behind and survived. I can see the appeal of the Plain theme, I suppose. Not only do the Amish not have cars or electricity, they also don't have a women's movement or cable news. The Amish were central to my own Laura-Ingalls fantasies when I was growing up in Pennsylvania. But much like Left Behind, this book has negligible literary value if you're not invested in its religious viewpoint.
September 9, 2023
I liked it better than I thought I would. Still, I would have rated it it 2.5. Getting desperate and my pile of books dwindles
Book set in Pennsylvania.
Some inaccuracies, tho. Page 37 he's working thru his mating plans for his sheep, "the plans for the year's breeding pairs". Sheep aren't kept as 'pairs' The rams would 'steal' from the other rams and fight constantly to maintain their 'leader' status. Unless you have a large amount of ewes, one usually has just one or two rams, and perhaps 30 to 50 ewes. The rams would each be kept separate from each other and the ewes for a good portion of the year. At least that's how it's done in my area of Ohio.
The book also mentions a 'flock' of horses.
Tuesdays chores were mending and 'darning of socks' I can't help but wonder how many socks are worn out and need darning each week, perhaps they should use a heavier yarn.
On page 194, Lettie, sitting in her room at the boarding house, looked out the window and decided that "The sky was the color of the sea" that sentence seemed quite out of place to me.
On page 203, "Adah stood at the sink and ran cold water over her wrists, hoping to slow her pulse" I can't imagine that being effective.
At one point "The table was adored with a red- and white checked oilcloth, that stretched for yards down the center of the large room" Just fluff and not integral to the story.
Book set in Pennsylvania.
Some inaccuracies, tho. Page 37 he's working thru his mating plans for his sheep, "the plans for the year's breeding pairs". Sheep aren't kept as 'pairs' The rams would 'steal' from the other rams and fight constantly to maintain their 'leader' status. Unless you have a large amount of ewes, one usually has just one or two rams, and perhaps 30 to 50 ewes. The rams would each be kept separate from each other and the ewes for a good portion of the year. At least that's how it's done in my area of Ohio.
The book also mentions a 'flock' of horses.
Tuesdays chores were mending and 'darning of socks' I can't help but wonder how many socks are worn out and need darning each week, perhaps they should use a heavier yarn.
On page 194, Lettie, sitting in her room at the boarding house, looked out the window and decided that "The sky was the color of the sea" that sentence seemed quite out of place to me.
On page 203, "Adah stood at the sink and ran cold water over her wrists, hoping to slow her pulse" I can't imagine that being effective.
At one point "The table was adored with a red- and white checked oilcloth, that stretched for yards down the center of the large room" Just fluff and not integral to the story.
October 29, 2018
This book was interesting at first, but became annoying halfway through it.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of, with only a small bit of backstory on two of the multiple characters (Grace and Heather). Even then, those two are incredibly two dimensional without any personality or quirks to either one.
The worst part for me was the addition of a natural cure/treatment for cancer in the storyline. While I don't have cancer thankfully, I am chronically ill with a disease that can kill me at any moment. The natural "cures" out there drive me insane. It's just healthy people taking advantage of and giving false hope to those of us who are actually sick without any medical data to back any of their claims up. Believe me, I have tried everything from raw foods and fasting to spirulina and supplements, nothing is a cure. In fact, I ended up sicker than before and hospitalized for a time due to these "natural cures".
For an author to promote these alternative treatments is beyond awful. Honestly, I have lost all respect for her due to this "nature cures all/don't go to the doctor" filth. Disgusting.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of, with only a small bit of backstory on two of the multiple characters (Grace and Heather). Even then, those two are incredibly two dimensional without any personality or quirks to either one.
The worst part for me was the addition of a natural cure/treatment for cancer in the storyline. While I don't have cancer thankfully, I am chronically ill with a disease that can kill me at any moment. The natural "cures" out there drive me insane. It's just healthy people taking advantage of and giving false hope to those of us who are actually sick without any medical data to back any of their claims up. Believe me, I have tried everything from raw foods and fasting to spirulina and supplements, nothing is a cure. In fact, I ended up sicker than before and hospitalized for a time due to these "natural cures".
For an author to promote these alternative treatments is beyond awful. Honestly, I have lost all respect for her due to this "nature cures all/don't go to the doctor" filth. Disgusting.
November 29, 2023
From a lover of Beverly Lewis books this one didn't didn't let me down.
Grace Byler lives in what seems like your ordinary Amish home, except that her mother Lettie walks the area surrounding their home at night crying. Her father Judah knows his wife is unhappy and trying to tell him her thoughts but he's unable to bring himself to listen.
Grace's standoffish beau finally proposes marriage and she happily agrees. She wants only to share this wonderful news with her mother Lettie. As Grace looks out her window she sees her mother hurrying down the road with her luggage in her hand.....why is her mother leaving she needs to know as Grace runs down the road to catch her mother and beg her to stay. As she calls out to her mother Lettie gets in a car and leaves her husband, 2 daughters and 2 sons behind.
What is the secret that caused Lettie to run from her home and family. What is she trying to set to rights after so many years. And who knows Lettie's secret and how many lives will the coming to light of this secret will be changed or possibly destroyed along the way.
Grace Byler lives in what seems like your ordinary Amish home, except that her mother Lettie walks the area surrounding their home at night crying. Her father Judah knows his wife is unhappy and trying to tell him her thoughts but he's unable to bring himself to listen.
Grace's standoffish beau finally proposes marriage and she happily agrees. She wants only to share this wonderful news with her mother Lettie. As Grace looks out her window she sees her mother hurrying down the road with her luggage in her hand.....why is her mother leaving she needs to know as Grace runs down the road to catch her mother and beg her to stay. As she calls out to her mother Lettie gets in a car and leaves her husband, 2 daughters and 2 sons behind.
What is the secret that caused Lettie to run from her home and family. What is she trying to set to rights after so many years. And who knows Lettie's secret and how many lives will the coming to light of this secret will be changed or possibly destroyed along the way.
March 14, 2011
The Secret by Beverly Lewis is the first Amish fiction book I've read. I've been interested in the Amish lifestyle since I was a kid and it was interesting to get a glimpse of day-to-day life in Lancaster County by reading this book.
Since I read for pleasure, I tend to enjoy books that give me a happy feeling inside. This book deals with a mother abandoning her family (temporarily?) because of a secret she's kept from even her closest friends, two broken engagements and a young girl receiving a cancer diagnoses less than two years after her mother passed away from the same disease. I held out for a happy ending but I was disappointed to learn I would have to read the next two books for any glimpse of happiness. It wasn't quite the pick-me-up I looking for and it's not worth the $20-ish dollars it would cost to purchase the next two books to see what happens next.
This book is free on the Amazon Kindle as of the date of this review.
Since I read for pleasure, I tend to enjoy books that give me a happy feeling inside. This book deals with a mother abandoning her family (temporarily?) because of a secret she's kept from even her closest friends, two broken engagements and a young girl receiving a cancer diagnoses less than two years after her mother passed away from the same disease. I held out for a happy ending but I was disappointed to learn I would have to read the next two books for any glimpse of happiness. It wasn't quite the pick-me-up I looking for and it's not worth the $20-ish dollars it would cost to purchase the next two books to see what happens next.
This book is free on the Amazon Kindle as of the date of this review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 513 reviews