The Secret Keeper by Beverly Lewis

I really enjoyed Secret Keeper by Beverly Lewis and read it in just a few days!  This is the first of Beverly Lewis's books that I have read mainly because I live in the heart of Amish Country, Ohio and was not interested in reading about their daily lives in story form since I see them on nearly a daily basis.  However, this book intrigued me when I read that it was about an English girl who longed to become Amish.  I have often wondered if it were even possible for an English man or woman to join the Amish Community and whether or not they would ever be accepted if they were able to join.  That is precisely what this book is about.  Jenny Burns lives in Connecticut and has always been interested in the Plain People.  However, her family always made light of it until one day when Jenny tells them she is leaving and has sold all of her belongings...but doesn't tell them where she is going until a couple of weeks later.  Through a newfound Amish friend, Marnie, who she met at a Farmer's Market a few years ago, Jenny was given the opportunity to live with an Amish family and learn their ways.  She can get a first-hand look into Amish life and decide whether or not it is something she would like to pursue.  During those first few weeks she knows without a doubt that Hickory Hollow is the place for her!  Her family of course things she's crazy, and sometimes she wonders herself if she is, but it feels like home to her. 

Her hosts, Samuel and Rebecca Lapp, are gracious hosts and wonderful teachers, but Rebecca Lapp has a secret.  Jenny catches Rebecca doing something that is not accepted in the Community and she asks Jenny to keep it a secret from the bishop.  But later the bishop inquires as to whether she knows anything regarding it and Jenny is forced to decide.  Should she tell the bishop and ruin Rebecca or should she keep the secret and risk not being found worthy at The Proving, where the bishop decides if she possesses enough qualities to become Amish?  Jenny has a hard decision to make, but all the while she leans on God to help her through and to know what is best for her. 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for this honest review.

Angels In The Fire by Dann Stadler

Dann and Tracey Stadler left Tracey's parent's house ready to celebrate their fourth anniversary.  Little did they know that on their way home their lives would be forever changed.  They were hit head-on by a drunk drive who was traveling the wrong way on I-95.  The wreck was tragic but that exactly when the miracles began. And an angel appeared to help free Tracey from the wreckage when no one else could and the car was engulfed in flames.  Tracey saw him and so did bystanders who were assisting with the rescue.  There was no denying he was there and had saved Tracey's life. 

Although Dann & Tracey were unsure of what their future would look like following their injuries, one thing they knew for sure; everything would be OK.  God had saved them and had a plan for them. 

Angels In The Fire chronicles The Stadler's life and the miracles that continued to take place long after that tragic day.  It is an encouraging story to someone who may be doubtful that God exists.  I really enjoyed this book!

*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.

Jennifer by Dee Henderson

Jennifer O'Malley is a pediatrician practicing in Texas.  She is not looking for love, however love finds her through another physician named Tom.  They quickly develop a comfortable friendship, but along the way they both start to feel something more for each other.  Tom also encourages Jennifer to come to his church, which starts the beginning of her spiritual walk, where she finds God and eventually get baptized.  Once they both acknowledge their love for each other they start talking about marriage.  Then something happens that changes it all and leaves Jennifer wondering if God really loves her at all. 

I was really excited to review this book!  I knew of Dee Henderson and have only heard good things about her books so I was stoked to get my hands on Jennifer.  (Not to mention I happen to like the title...)  When I opened up the padded envelope fresh out of the mailbox, I was surprised at how small the book was.  It is the same size as those little "gift" books.  I don't know about you, but that was a let down.  I was ready to dig into a nice big (or at least normal-sized) novel.  The book is 154 small pages long.  Despite my disappointment I started reading it anyhow, and enjoyed the story.  In my opinion the only downfall was the size of the book/length of the story, which did not allow for much detail to be put into the story itself which makes it seem sort of rushed.  The story ends on a bit of a cliff hanger which I guess continues on into the original O'Malley series, which I hope to start reading soon!


*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for this honest review.