The Thorn by Beverly Lewis

This week, CFBA is introducing Beverly Lewis' newest book, The Thorn.

My mailbox is overflowing with books this month! My copy of The Thorn just showed up today. Unfortunately for you, I'm not that fast of a reader and don't have it reviewed...yet. I'll update when I post my review.

However, Beverly Lewis is my top favorite authors of the Amish genre, and, although the setting appears to be my least favorite - modern day, I'm sure she won't disappoint in her newest book!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lancaster County, with its rolling meadows and secret byways, may seem idyllic, but it is not without its thorns. THE ROSE TRILOGY is the stirring saga of two Amish sisters on the fringes of the church, and the unforeseen discoveries that change their lives.

Rose Kauffman, a spirited young woman, has a close friendship with the bishop's foster son. Nick dresses Plain and works hard but stirs up plenty of trouble too. Rose's sister cautions her against becoming too involved, but Rose is being courted by a good, Amish fellow, so dismisses the warnings.

Meanwhile, Rose keeps house for an English widower but is startled when he forbids her to ever go upstairs. What is the man hiding? Rose's older sister, Hen, knows more than she should about falling for the wrong man. Unable to abandon her Amish ways, Hen is soon separated from her very modern husband.

Mattie, their young daughter, must visit her father regularly, but Hen demands she wear Amish attire--and speak Pennsylvania Dutch, despite her husband's wishes. Will Hen be able to reestablish her place among the People she abandoned? And will she be able to convince Rose to steer clear of rogue neighbor Nick?

AND FOR YOU, a peek into the book:

The Thorn

Thank you, Beverly and Bethany House, through CFBA, for sending me a review copy of The Thorn!

Recommend: YES


**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family. Post *may* contain affiliate links. If you click on them and decide to make a purchase, I receive a (very!) small commission. Hey, every little bit helps! So, I thank you! :-)**
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The Secret by Beverly Lewis

I’m not sure exactly what I think about this book! The Secret, Beverly Lewis’ newest book on the shelf, seems a bit different than most of her others.

Some of Beverly’s books are written in a more contemporary setting, but because the characters are mostly Amish, it’s hard to tell what time period they are in. The occasional mention of a neighbor picking them up in a car, or the use of a phone, is about the only reference to the modern world.

The Secret seems to have a dual main character – Grace Byler, a young Amishwoman and Heather Nelson, an Englischer. Because an Englischer seems to be an integral part of the story, the book is peppered with references to Twitter, iPods, email, and texting – not something that appeals to me when reading.

However, that being said, Beverly still knows how to write a story that draws you in. I had to keep reading “just one more chapter” to find out the secret!

Grace's Mamm is acting strange. No one understands what is wrong and Grace is becoming concerned. One day, Mamm just leaves. No one knows where she is; no one hears from her. Grace feels her Daed knows something, but won't reveal any secrets. Where could Mamm be?? What could be so awful in her life that she would leave her family so suddenly?

Heather Nelson has just lost her mom to cancer. She herself has just been told that she now has the awful disease and must begin treatment. Heather refuses to admit something is wrong or go through treatments that only left her mom more sick and weak. Determined to find a more natural way and some peace, Heather arrives in Lancaster.

By the end of the book, you will know the secret, but, if you’re like me, you’re going to feel like the whole secret wasn’t told!

I have my suspicions, but I have to wait until book 2 is released! The Missing won’t be available until September. Not too much longer to wait!

If you enjoy Beverly’s books, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed in The Secret. I just generally prefer books pre-WWII, so the setting was the only thing I didn’t really like. Even though I know The Missing will very likely be filled with more modern references, because of the characters, I am still anxious to see the rest of the secret revealed!

352 pages by Bethany House.

Recommend: YES




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Tags: Beverly Lewis The Secret Christian fiction Amish fiction book reviews Seasons of Grace Bethany House Publishers