In, "The Secret", we meet, Grace Byler. Grace lives at home with her Amish family. They hold a deep love for one another, but there is something mysterious going on with Grace's mother, Lettie. This mother is holding a deep hurt. A hurt so strong she can't let go. This hurt is not only bringing, Lettie, to a place of pain, but her entire family. We watch this family fall apart as one secret comes between them. If only, Lettie, could share. If only truth could be found, peace would reach them all. We too meet, Heather Nelson. Heather is an Englisher from the city who would come to the countryside with her mother to find solace. Heather is diagnosed with cancer and avoiding the truth herself.
These are such rich characters that you simply fall in love with. You find a place in your heart to understand all of them. In Book 2, "The Missing", the story is continued as Grace goes on a search for her mother. We see the pain of this family deepen and only widen as they search for the grace of God.
In Book 3, "The Telling", Grace finds her mother and Lettie begins to share the truth. Oh, what a story of compassion, forgiveness and Grace. I think the main character's name is poignant here. Grace is what they are in need of and it is grace that they find.
I loved this series. If you love Amish stories this is one you will love. If you have never read Amish fiction before, this is a great place to begin. You will find faith, hope and love all intertwined within this series.
This series was a gift from Bethany House for it's review.
Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is The New York Times bestselling author of more than eighty books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has inspired Beverly to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with The Shunning, which has sold more than one million copies and was recently made into an Original Hallmark Channel movie. In 2007 The Brethren was honored with a Christy Award. She has been interviewed by both national and international media, including Time magazine, the Associated Press, and the BBC. Beverly lives with her husband, David, in Colorado. Visit her Web site at www.beverlylewis.com for more information.
