Monday, October 14, 2013

The Secret Keeper

GIVEAWAY

LEWIS, BEVERLY
THE SECRET KEEPER

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:

I found this a fascinating read on some many levels. First, getting to follow a "Seeker" as she explores the notion of living an Amish lifestyle with the goal of actually converting. I think most Amish readers have harbored at least a smidgen of that kind of yearning and being able to read about Jenny's progress was a bit like living a dream.

Another attention grabber is that Jenny isn't the only seeker. Yes, she's the only Englischer bent on converting to the Amish faith, but that doesn't mean that other characters around her aren't seeking in their own way. There are wonderful faith-wrestling questions in the pages of this book that challenged me to think.

And Jenny isn't the only one harboring secrets. This is a story that explores the impact secrets can have on a life and a community. More fascinating stuff to ponder.

Then there's the sweet romance that's really just icing on the cake. It finishes off an exquisite read in a most satisfying way. There's a reason Beverly Lewis is considered #1 in Amish fiction.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Secret Keeper please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday October 20 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

24 comments:

  1. This is a real twist, usually it is the Amish person deciding whether or not to stay. I am interested in the others going through religious struggles too. Also I have never have read a Beverly Lewis book and I would love to.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Ooooooohhhhhhhhhh --- you need to read a Beverly Lewis book, Carol. The Hickory Hollow series is a great one to start. I love her characters! Good luck in the draw!

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  2. What an interesting storyline! I am very intrigued. Thank you for offering a copy of this new book by Beverly Lewis.
    may_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  3. I love Beverly Lewis books! I've often wondered what it would be like to live an Amish life. Love to read this!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. Then this book is definitely for you rubynreba! Good luck!

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  4. Kav, I love Beverly Lewis and all of her books. Got her first book at my Library and been her fan ever since. Her stories are so good. Please add my name in the give-away.
    Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. She certainly has a talent for storytelling. Good luck, Maxie!

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  5. thanks for the chance to read this novel, kav

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  6. Very interesting concept to start a story with. Not very common I would think...

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. I know -- and it isn't common in the Amish community for sure. But Jenny is soooo determined. Good luck Patty!

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  7. I love Beverly Lewis. She is one of my favorite authors. I'm a fan of Amish fiction, because I read a Beverly Lewis novel. There's no doubt this book is fantastic. Thank you for the chance of this giveaway.
    Barbara Thompson
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. She's a great introduction to Amish fiction, isn't she? Good luck, Barbara!

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  8. Beverly Lewis and I go back a long long time .... love her stories so sign me in, rrwalter34ATgmailDOTcom

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  9. I started reading Beverly Lewis' books when she first started writing them, and I have never tired of them. I don't have a copy of her latest book, yet and would love to be entered in your contest. Thanks for a wonderful review!
    quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  10. Beverly Lewis was the author of the first Amish book I ever read. And since reading this book, I have become the avid reader I was as a young girl in grade school. This book sounds wonderful and I would love to be in this give-away! Sonja.nishimoto (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. She certainly knows how to spin a tale, doesn't she Sonja? Good luck!

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  11. I would love to win this. I think books are the best gifts! gabrielamariavlad(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I agree with you on that score. Good luck!

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  12. I love Amish fiction and this story is interesting about someone trying to convert to being Amish. I know when I read books like these I wonder how the simple life would really be.
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com

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    1. Sigh -- there is something so tempting about a simple life, isn't there Maryann? Good luck!

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