“The Secret” by: Beverly Lewis
This is the first book in the Seasons of Grace series by: Beverly Lewis.
Recommended Age: 17+
364 pages
Description: The loving hand of God is at work in even the most unsettling circumstances . . .
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.
My Rating: 4/5
This book was interesting. It had me loving it, and yelling at it, sometimes with my jaw on the ground in surprise. There is definitely much appeal to continue reading this series (only to find out what happens). Unless the second book is absolutely spectacular, though, I would likely not reread this series.
I was not a fan of the moving back and forth between different characters and their stories. It made me feel quite lost sometimes (especially at the beginning). I felt it stunted my desire to really get to know a few characters intimately. This likely contributes to my lack of great enthusiasm concerning this book. Also, I was confused as to how one character’s story relates to the others’ (maybe it is meant to be revealed later?). (-1 star)
Things to be aware of in “The Secret”
Language:
- 1 “idiot” (in a thought)
- 1 “shut the People up”
Romantic Content:
- An unmarried couple is unattended in a room by themselves but the door is left “slightly open.”
- 1 kiss on the cheek (unmarried couple)
- 1 hand kiss
- A mention of “passion” producing children (in reference to a married couple)
- SPOILER! A married female character visits her first beau (who is recently widowed). During the visit, she describes her heart beating, and how she loves hearing his voice. I was very uncomfortable throughout this part. She is a MARRIED woman! END OF SPOILER!
- SPOILER! An unmarried woman is impregnated at a young age and then forced to give her child (“the sinful result of forbidden love”) up for adoption. Later, the father admits he “took advantage” of her. END OF SPOILER!
Spiritual Content:
- A character is convinced she is “consigned to hell” (in reference to her circumstances).
Additional Notes:
- Two girls are described as “chubby;” a character’s face is described as “plump.”
- Discussion about a “male dominated society”
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