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  1. debwilson
    Summerfield, FL
    Age: 18-24
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    December 25, 2013
    debwilson
    Summerfield, FL
    Age: 18-24
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for The Secret Keeper, Hickory Hollow Series #4.
    With her love for all things old-fashioned, Jennifer Burns has often been told she's an "old soul," but no one is prepared for the young woman's decision to set aside her modern life in favor of the Old Order Amish world. Yet Jenny does exactly that, adopting Plain dress and settling in with Samuel and Rebecca Lapp while she works as a mother's helper for the bishop's wife--a far cry from her former job as an x-ray technician.

    The people of Hickory Hollow are curious about the beautiful young seeker among them, one handsome Amishman in particular. But he is not the only man vying for Jenny's affections, and Jenny faces many challenges in the Proving time the brethren have set for her...challenges of the heart, as well as the spirit.

    Will Jenny's secrets keep her from the peace she longs for? Or will they lead the way home?

    My Review:

    As a fan of Beverly Lewis's Amish fiction since it's inception (I was an impressionable eight year old) I was very excited when Samuel and Rebecca Lapp showed up in this novel. I really related to Jenny's yearning for a quiet, simple life; one that is free from the trappings of our fast paced modern world. Her family has no idea where she is, and when it becomes difficult for her during her Proving time, she has no home to go back to.

    I came into this book fully expecting a stellar read and fantastic insight into the transition into Amish life through the eyes of an Englisher. I was not disappointed. Lewis brings to life (as only she can!) what it means to live an uncomplicated life, and what it truly costs to come from the outside world and try to become one of them. While I felt that the romance between Jenny and Andrew could have gotten more attention, that was secondary to Jenny's experiences as she tries to bridge the gap between her world and theirs. A recommended book for any fan of Amish fiction!

    This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
  2. debwilson
    Summerfield, FL
    Age: 18-24
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    December 25, 2013
    debwilson
    Summerfield, FL
    Age: 18-24
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    With her love for all things old-fashioned, Jennifer Burns has often been told she's an "old soul," but no one is prepared for the young woman's decision to set aside her modern life in favor of the Old Order Amish world. Yet Jenny does exactly that, adopting Plain dress and settling in with Samuel and Rebecca Lapp while she works as a mother's helper for the bishop's wife--a far cry from her former job as an x-ray technician.

    The people of Hickory Hollow are curious about the beautiful young seeker among them, one handsome Amishman in particular. But he is not the only man vying for Jenny's affections, and Jenny faces many challenges in the Proving time the brethren have set for her...challenges of the heart, as well as the spirit.

    Will Jenny's secrets keep her from the peace she longs for? Or will they lead the way home?

    My Review:

    As a fan of Beverly Lewis's Amish fiction since it's inception (I was an impressionable eight year old) I was very excited when Samuel and Rebecca Lapp showed up in this novel. I really related to Jenny's yearning for a quiet, simple life; one that is free from the trappings of our fast paced modern world. Her family has no idea where she is, and when it becomes difficult for her during her Proving time, she has no home to go back to.

    I came into this book fully expecting a stellar read and fantastic insight into the transition into Amish life through the eyes of an Englisher. I was not disappointed. Lewis brings to life (as only she can!) what it means to live an uncomplicated life, and what it truly costs to come from the outside world and try to become one of them. While I felt that the romance between Jenny and Andrew could have gotten more attention, that was secondary to Jenny's experiences as she tries to bridge the gap between her world and theirs. A recommended book for any fan of Amish fiction!

    This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
  3. Daisies
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    A Wonderful Story of Healing and Reconciliation!
    November 11, 2013
    Daisies
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    ** {I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for writing a review}

    Okay, on to the review:

    Beverly Lewis is my all time favorite author, so I expected to like this book. But there's never a guarantee, and I actually didn't love one of her books (out of many), not sure why. But, let me tell you, this story was like magic for me! We get to revisit Hickory Hollow and Katie Lapp and her family, which we haven't done since October Song a while ago. And it was so wonderful and heartwarming, especially the healing that this community (as well as outside it) needs and receives.

    I love the relationship between Rebecca and Jenny, Mary and Jenny and of course Andrew and Jenny. Andrew has become one of my favorite male leading men in Lewis' books! I just adore him and his sweet patience with Jenny! He is such a strong, loving and patient guy any girl would be blessed to have in her life. And Ella Mae is always the best! There's a reason they call her "The Wise Woman!" Her sweet relationship with Jenny is just as heartwarming as her relationship with Katie was.

    The best part of this book? Coming full circle with Katie, Dan, Mary and Bishop John's characters. I think I've waited 14 years for this book and resolutions that come for them. And the ABSOLUTE best part? The gospel is crystal clear! It's one of the reasons Beverly is my favorite author, she makes the gospel message clear in each one of her books, that it isn't about how good we can be, our works, but what Christ did for us to save us from our sin

    Ella Mae — "Because sometimes when you tell the truth, you can start a fire."

    "Jenny remained in a contrite position, asking for forgiveness, knowing she must trust in divine wisdom and not 'unto her own understanding'."

    I also loved hearing about Wycliff Bible Translators Deitch Bible. I didn't even know they were working on it, and the entire Bible is now finished! I appreciate the need to get every people a Bible in their own language, that they may better be able to see their need for God and to receive His wisdom!

    I could go on and on, but I may have already given away too much, so I'll leave it here. I HIGHLY recommend this book to you as a great read, but more importantly, a God honoring read! Jenny Burns is a loveable, relatable, genuine character we can all see a bit of ourselves in. And this story of reconciliation and reconnection is a message for us all!
  4. Rhonda Nash-hall
    Madison Heights VA
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Get a feel for joining the Amish
    August 6, 2013
    Rhonda Nash-hall
    Madison Heights VA
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Think it would be wonderful to join the Amish and get away from all the troubles of life? Jenny thinks so too, and you can join her in her "Proving" time to get a feel for the fantasy. Everything is NOT perfect and simple for Jenny though.

    What happens when "the seeker" falls in love with an Amishman and he returns the feelings? Will the Amish community accept them as a couple? what about his annoying sister, Emmalynn, who seems determined to ruin things for Jenny at every turn? Who will teach Jenny to bake a perfect loaf of bread? You might be surprised at the answers!

    I have often fantasized about "running away from life and becoming Amish" and this book allowed me to get a glimpse into the dream. We often are guilty of thinking "the grass is greener on the other side" but it is not. I have learned that I must be happy where I am, with my own internal feelings. We can not hide from our hearts, can we? We may wish to give it a try though. I do love air-conditioning and my dishwasher though. I don't know how easy it would be to give up my cellphone and computer with internet access either. Running to a phone shed to call my daughters would not be my idea of a good day!

    I have loved the entire Home to Hickory Hollow series and readers will want to pre-order this book now!

    I received a free pdf copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
  5. Wilani
    Franklin, NC
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Wonderful Book
    May 26, 2014
    Wilani
    Franklin, NC
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Wow this book was so enjoyable. It was wonderful to visit again Samuel and Rebecca Lapp and Katie. This isn't just another typical Amish book with the typical plots. It is a unique approach with someone from the English world desiring to become Amish and their struggle to learn the Amish way. This is a book I will want to read again
Displaying items 1-5 of 49
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