Book MYView: The Secret by Beverly Lewis

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 thoughts: When I was a child, we traveled through Dutch Pennsylvania on our way to a place I don’t remember anymore. However, I do recall traveling behind horse driven buggies wondering about the people in them and the reasons why they were against driving cars. I found it interesting then and still find it remarkable today that they live happily without the modern conveniences we enjoy today.

The Secret was a page-turner. Not only did I find the plot interesting, I found the story informative. Beverly Lewis seamlessly wove interesting tidbits about the Amish into the story. For instance, I found it startling to learn how (and where!) couples date before marriage, and it was an eye opener to find out diet fads sway them too. I don’t know why I assumed the Amish would be immune from fads. That’s why I enjoy reading about people who are different from me. I learn something while being entertained.

Oh and the Amish go through drama and gossip about it just like in every church. Still, I don’t know why I was so surprised because after all, they’re human too.

So Beverly Lewis, write quickly! You know I’m hanging off a cliff wanting to know what’s going to happen next.