The Secret Keeper is the fourth book in Beverly Lewis's "Home to Hickory Hollow" series. However, these books are only somewhat tied together and in my opinion can each be read without reading any of the others. I have only read the third and fourth books in the series (find the review of the third book, The Guardian, here.
Jenny Burns has always felt out of place in the modern American world. From a well-to-do family, she has always found it hard to be happy living the lifestyle that most of us take for granted. Instead, she longs for a simpler way of living and closer communion with God. So in a move that shocks her family, and the Amish community, she decides to leave her life behind and join the Amish.
Thus begins her time of testing to see if she is truly sincere and should be allowed to join the Amish and receive baptism into their church. Things quickly become far more complicated that she expected. Her Amish penpal and many other young Amish men and women are considering leaving the Amish. Her heart begins to grow fonder toward a handsome young Amishman. The attitude, language, and daily life of the Amish is challenging. And worst of all, she learns a secret that threatens either to tear apart the lives of some people she holds very dear or force her to give up her quest to become Amish. And suddenly Jenny is faced with some of the most difficult decisions she has ever had to make.
I have always been curious about the Amish. I spent a lot of childhood vacations in Pennsylvania Amish country, owned several Amish dolls, and loved to imagine myself in their world that was so different than mine. So I really connected with Jenny and her desire to be Amish. As an adult, I no longer want to join the Amish, but their simple life, close-knit communities, and dedication to God still inspire me in the way I live my own life. This is another fabulous book for all lovers of Amish fiction like me, and an excellent introduction to the genre for those eager to try it out.
I received this book free from Bethany House publishers as part of their
blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive
review. The opinions expressed are my own.
