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Home to Hickory Hollow #4
The Secret Keeper
Readers Eagerly Await the Latest from Beverly Lewis, the #1 Name in Amish Fiction
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?
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?
467 pages, Hardcover
First published March 8, 2011
531 people are currently reading
2166 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Lewis
259 books3,014 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."
Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 317 reviews
November 21, 2013
This is really good. It's my favorite book in the series so far. It's good enough that I might say that it's my favorite book I've read by this author. I cannot wait for the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
January 7, 2022
Have you ever picked up a book and it happens to be the book you need to read in that season of life. This book was for me.
Next to, The First Love by Beverly Lewis, this must be one of my favorite books by her.
I didn't know if I would like the ending. The closer I got to it. But I fell in love with it. It made my heart sigh with joy!
I think the reason I love this book so much is because I connected immediately with the main character Jennifer Burns. She basically has felt out of place her whole life and has been drawn to the Amish culture.
Second favorite character has to be Andrew Lapp. He is so kind and gentle. The way he respected Jenny was truly wonderful.
I really enjoyed reading Rebecca's and Marnie's POV. Normally, I don't connect with all the different point of views in Mrs. Lewis's book. I did for this one.
A couple of my favorite quotes:
"Sometimes the Lord leads us to make amends in situations." Tears sprang to Rebecca's eyes. "In His own time...and way." (338)
Andew says our love is all wrapped up in a firm and precious faith-"our foundation's gut," he likes to say. (342)
What Katie once told me is true: A person grows best spiritually when exploring God's Word, letting it get rooted and planted in the soil of the heart. (343)
Loved the last sentence of the book:
I do know that when the Lord puts a desire in your heart, you'll know it. . . and if you allow Him to nurture it, that yearning will blossom into a brechdiech Gaarda-magnificent garden-of blessing and grace. (343)
Next to, The First Love by Beverly Lewis, this must be one of my favorite books by her.
I didn't know if I would like the ending. The closer I got to it. But I fell in love with it. It made my heart sigh with joy!
I think the reason I love this book so much is because I connected immediately with the main character Jennifer Burns. She basically has felt out of place her whole life and has been drawn to the Amish culture.
Second favorite character has to be Andrew Lapp. He is so kind and gentle. The way he respected Jenny was truly wonderful.
I really enjoyed reading Rebecca's and Marnie's POV. Normally, I don't connect with all the different point of views in Mrs. Lewis's book. I did for this one.
A couple of my favorite quotes:
"Sometimes the Lord leads us to make amends in situations." Tears sprang to Rebecca's eyes. "In His own time...and way." (338)
Andew says our love is all wrapped up in a firm and precious faith-"our foundation's gut," he likes to say. (342)
What Katie once told me is true: A person grows best spiritually when exploring God's Word, letting it get rooted and planted in the soil of the heart. (343)
Loved the last sentence of the book:
I do know that when the Lord puts a desire in your heart, you'll know it. . . and if you allow Him to nurture it, that yearning will blossom into a brechdiech Gaarda-magnificent garden-of blessing and grace. (343)
November 3, 2016
Wasn't sure I'd like an "Amish fiction" book but it was really good! Plan to read more of her books.
September 12, 2023
Several years ago, a friend enlightened me to the world of Author Beverly Lewis, the queen of Amish fiction. Lewis' most popular book series, “The Heritage of Lancaster County" were made into movies and they were GOOD. The intriguing thing about this book is that a modern young woman decides she wants to be Amish, walks away from her life, and moves right in with an Amish family.
You may not admit it, but I think most of us have dreamed about a similar notion at least for a moment... escaping to a tight-knit, set apart, labor-intensive, but peaceful life.
Before we get into the nitty gritty, here's the highlight reel...
*Christian Fiction
*Contemporary time period
*Amish & Mennonite Fiction
*Clean Romance (one kiss)
*Family secrets
*343 pages
*In a series, but also a standalone
MY SUMMARY
Jenny Burns has always been an old soul. After meeting a friend on a summer vacation near Amish country, Jenny and Amish-born Marnie exchange letters for years. Jenny continues to lead her life like any other modern girl until her 25th birthday. She shocks her family, friends, and co-workers by telling them she's moving to "Hickory Hollow" to become an Old Order Amish woman.
Although moving in with a strict, ultra-conservative Amish couple is wonderful, and one handsome, young man has caught her eye, this Amish community is not as perfect as Jenny thought.
Although this book is a decade old, it didn't feel dated. Beverly Lewis is an outstanding author that pulls you right into the story from the start. Not only does Lewis begin the story at a quick pace, which I highly appreciate, it continues so until about Chapter 20 where it slows for about four chapters. However, the pace picks back up with secrets and turmoil (yay).
I liked the characters but felt like there were a few too many to keep up with. I wish that more time could have been spent with Ella Mae, who was called the wise woman. She was an interesting character.
I feel as if I was there among the simple, old-fashioned days in this storyline - WISHING to escape there in a way. This book is very realistic and comforting
FAVORITE QUOTE
"They're happy in their new church community. God is their King, not the bishop."
This book gets into the nitty gritty of the Old Order Amish faith. SO interesting to me.
All in all, this book kept my attention and it was a sweet story. I gave it a 3 star rating instead of 4 because it was a tad slow at times and there was a lot of "people history" to keep up with.
For a book to receive a 4 or 5 star, I must be upset that the story is over. I loved how the book wrapped up in the end and was satisfied, but not sad to say goodbye.
When I am again seeking to switch up my typical TBR of classics, nonfiction, and clean historical fiction, I will definitely reach for one of Lewis' newest releases.
You may not admit it, but I think most of us have dreamed about a similar notion at least for a moment... escaping to a tight-knit, set apart, labor-intensive, but peaceful life.
Before we get into the nitty gritty, here's the highlight reel...
*Christian Fiction
*Contemporary time period
*Amish & Mennonite Fiction
*Clean Romance (one kiss)
*Family secrets
*343 pages
*In a series, but also a standalone
MY SUMMARY
Jenny Burns has always been an old soul. After meeting a friend on a summer vacation near Amish country, Jenny and Amish-born Marnie exchange letters for years. Jenny continues to lead her life like any other modern girl until her 25th birthday. She shocks her family, friends, and co-workers by telling them she's moving to "Hickory Hollow" to become an Old Order Amish woman.
Although moving in with a strict, ultra-conservative Amish couple is wonderful, and one handsome, young man has caught her eye, this Amish community is not as perfect as Jenny thought.
Although this book is a decade old, it didn't feel dated. Beverly Lewis is an outstanding author that pulls you right into the story from the start. Not only does Lewis begin the story at a quick pace, which I highly appreciate, it continues so until about Chapter 20 where it slows for about four chapters. However, the pace picks back up with secrets and turmoil (yay).
I liked the characters but felt like there were a few too many to keep up with. I wish that more time could have been spent with Ella Mae, who was called the wise woman. She was an interesting character.
I feel as if I was there among the simple, old-fashioned days in this storyline - WISHING to escape there in a way. This book is very realistic and comforting
FAVORITE QUOTE
"They're happy in their new church community. God is their King, not the bishop."
This book gets into the nitty gritty of the Old Order Amish faith. SO interesting to me.
All in all, this book kept my attention and it was a sweet story. I gave it a 3 star rating instead of 4 because it was a tad slow at times and there was a lot of "people history" to keep up with.
For a book to receive a 4 or 5 star, I must be upset that the story is over. I loved how the book wrapped up in the end and was satisfied, but not sad to say goodbye.
When I am again seeking to switch up my typical TBR of classics, nonfiction, and clean historical fiction, I will definitely reach for one of Lewis' newest releases.
January 7, 2014
This is a wunderbar gut book! Beverly Lewis writes with amazing detail and clarity, drawing the reader into the lives of her characters as if they are real people; our friends, family, loved ones.
When I requested this book for review, I didn't realize it was the fourth book in the Home to Hickory Hollow series, so going back there was a treat for me. I enjoyed the glimpse into what’s been happening the last few years since Katie’s shunning.
I think this book brings a good comparison to those who think they want to become Amish and those who want to leave the community. Jenny wants to convert to the Amish lifestyle, something she has dreamed of for years. Staying with the Lapp’s is an experience beyond what she imagined. Secrets abound and she is drawn into a big one. I believe she put the Amish on a pedestal, thinking they could do no wrong, or live such morally upright lives that they don’t have faults, but she is sadly disillusioned. It will be interesting to see what happens next.
Then there are those who attend the Bible study at Katie and Daniel’s, seeking to claim publicly their faith in Christ and risk being censured or shunned. One of the best parts of these books is the faith element. Many would say Old Order Amish are Christians but adhering to rules and regulations in a church doesn't make one so, no matter what denomination you belong to. It’s the heart that matters and only the Lord knows one’s heart. Although, I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to live in a community that doesn't allow you to express your assurance in salvation through faith in Christ alone, when the Bible so clearly teaches it.
As always, this was a page turner for me. Any fan of Amish fiction will enjoy this story. It’s a keeper :)
I appreciate Bethany House providing me a copy for review purposes. No monetary compensation has been received, only my honest opinion of the book.
When I requested this book for review, I didn't realize it was the fourth book in the Home to Hickory Hollow series, so going back there was a treat for me. I enjoyed the glimpse into what’s been happening the last few years since Katie’s shunning.
I think this book brings a good comparison to those who think they want to become Amish and those who want to leave the community. Jenny wants to convert to the Amish lifestyle, something she has dreamed of for years. Staying with the Lapp’s is an experience beyond what she imagined. Secrets abound and she is drawn into a big one. I believe she put the Amish on a pedestal, thinking they could do no wrong, or live such morally upright lives that they don’t have faults, but she is sadly disillusioned. It will be interesting to see what happens next.
Then there are those who attend the Bible study at Katie and Daniel’s, seeking to claim publicly their faith in Christ and risk being censured or shunned. One of the best parts of these books is the faith element. Many would say Old Order Amish are Christians but adhering to rules and regulations in a church doesn't make one so, no matter what denomination you belong to. It’s the heart that matters and only the Lord knows one’s heart. Although, I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to live in a community that doesn't allow you to express your assurance in salvation through faith in Christ alone, when the Bible so clearly teaches it.
As always, this was a page turner for me. Any fan of Amish fiction will enjoy this story. It’s a keeper :)
I appreciate Bethany House providing me a copy for review purposes. No monetary compensation has been received, only my honest opinion of the book.
August 29, 2018
The best thing about being part of a book club or a book reading program is that it forces you to read books that are out of your normal realm of interest. So many that I’ve read this year have been amazing and eye opening, and I’m grateful to have been “forced” to read them.
This book is not one of those.
I’m sure some readers who like Amish fiction, or enjoy a quick beach reads, this might be a really good book. For me, it was just a slightly painful drag.
Pros: This is a clean read. Sometimes it’s hard to find a book you could really just recommend to anybody including your grandma or your minister and not worry about offending them with content or language. The author seems to have done good research into representing Amish life, although I know very little about Amish life. It’s a quick, easy read. It speaks about important subjects such as family love, loyalty, finding yourself, and personal beliefs.
Cons: The story is overly saccharine and cliche. Perhaps the most interesting and meaningful moments are packed into one chapter toward the end when two of the main characters are able to explore some important, complicated relationships they have with people. One chapter that is mostly glossed over. Then suddenly everything falls into place and is all nicely tied up with a ribbon. Everybody has a happy ending, the end. Since the author had written many books about the Amish, there are many random characters just quickly thrown in there, sometimes it’s hard to keep them all straight. It’s hinted at their back stories, but unless you read her 50 other Amish books, you will never know their back stories. Again, nothing deeply explored and everything glossed over.
This book is not one of those.
I’m sure some readers who like Amish fiction, or enjoy a quick beach reads, this might be a really good book. For me, it was just a slightly painful drag.
Pros: This is a clean read. Sometimes it’s hard to find a book you could really just recommend to anybody including your grandma or your minister and not worry about offending them with content or language. The author seems to have done good research into representing Amish life, although I know very little about Amish life. It’s a quick, easy read. It speaks about important subjects such as family love, loyalty, finding yourself, and personal beliefs.
Cons: The story is overly saccharine and cliche. Perhaps the most interesting and meaningful moments are packed into one chapter toward the end when two of the main characters are able to explore some important, complicated relationships they have with people. One chapter that is mostly glossed over. Then suddenly everything falls into place and is all nicely tied up with a ribbon. Everybody has a happy ending, the end. Since the author had written many books about the Amish, there are many random characters just quickly thrown in there, sometimes it’s hard to keep them all straight. It’s hinted at their back stories, but unless you read her 50 other Amish books, you will never know their back stories. Again, nothing deeply explored and everything glossed over.
August 6, 2013
Think it would be wonderful to join the Amish and get away from all the troubles of life? Jenny thinks so too, and you can join her in her "Proving" time to get a feel for the fantasy. Everything is NOT perfect and simple for Jenny though.
What happens when "the seeker" falls in love with an Amishman and he returns the feelings? Will the Amish community accept them as a couple? what about his annoying sister, Emmalynn, who seems determined to ruin things for Jenny at every turn? Who will teach Jenny to bake a perfect loaf of bread? You might be surprised at the answers!
I have often fantasized about "running away from life and becoming Amish" and this book allowed me to get a glimpse into the dream. We often are guilty of thinking "the grass is greener on the other side" but it is not. I have learned that I must be happy where I am, with my own internal feelings. We can not hide from our hearts, can we? We may wish to give it a try though. I do love air-conditioning and my dishwasher though. I don't know how easy it would be to give up my cellphone and computer with internet access either. Running to a phone shed to call my daughters would not be my idea of a good day!
I have loved the entire Home to Hickory Hollow series and readers will want to pre-order this book now!
I received a free pdf copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
What happens when "the seeker" falls in love with an Amishman and he returns the feelings? Will the Amish community accept them as a couple? what about his annoying sister, Emmalynn, who seems determined to ruin things for Jenny at every turn? Who will teach Jenny to bake a perfect loaf of bread? You might be surprised at the answers!
I have often fantasized about "running away from life and becoming Amish" and this book allowed me to get a glimpse into the dream. We often are guilty of thinking "the grass is greener on the other side" but it is not. I have learned that I must be happy where I am, with my own internal feelings. We can not hide from our hearts, can we? We may wish to give it a try though. I do love air-conditioning and my dishwasher though. I don't know how easy it would be to give up my cellphone and computer with internet access either. Running to a phone shed to call my daughters would not be my idea of a good day!
I have loved the entire Home to Hickory Hollow series and readers will want to pre-order this book now!
I received a free pdf copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 23, 2015
This book put me through an emotional and spiritual wringer! It made me stop and consider my own relationship with God, as it spoke of a young woman trying to make her way into the Amish Faith and how she was supposed to uphold its tenants when asked to keep a secret that would be harmful to her hostess' standing in the community. The romance in it was very subtle, only supporting the quest of the main heroine, Jenny, and not overshadowing it. It was a unique story line, but where I was liking it somewhat, quickly soured when I realized that this book was a direct continuation of the author's Heritage of Lancaster County series, which I have not read. While the characters involved were not main characters, I found it distracting to have those characters so integral to this story when I hadn't read what happened before that. All things considered, it was an okay installment in a series that I'm not enjoying that well and would not recommend as good Amish reading.
February 4, 2018
The problem with Beverly Lewis' books is that I always feel like they are always trying to be interconnected, and they mention random people who I don't know and don't really care about. This was an okay read. Not great, not terrible. It wasn't one of my favorites. I found Jenny to be kind of annoying because every other page she's like "I will pass my Proving!" and then two lines later she would be like "I'll never make it!" even though she'd only been there a few days or weeks. These things take time, yo.
I don't really recommend this one.
I don't really recommend this one.
September 8, 2013
I have read this on the kindle
This is the 4th book in the Hickory Hollow series & it was a great one
You have Jenny who is i guess you could say a old fashion girl who wants nothing more than to live Amish
She had been writing to her Amish Friend for years & finally decides to go Amish
She feels the odd one out in her family & she don't tell them what she is doing but let them believe she going away for a long vacantion
She Struggles with trying to Prove herself & it a story of if she makes it or not she learns of a secret that can stop her dream so does she keep the secret & give up on her dream or does she tell & risk hurting someone
This is a great story of an English attempting to go Amish i wonder how any of us would do
This is the 4th book in the Hickory Hollow series & it was a great one
You have Jenny who is i guess you could say a old fashion girl who wants nothing more than to live Amish
She had been writing to her Amish Friend for years & finally decides to go Amish
She feels the odd one out in her family & she don't tell them what she is doing but let them believe she going away for a long vacantion
She Struggles with trying to Prove herself & it a story of if she makes it or not she learns of a secret that can stop her dream so does she keep the secret & give up on her dream or does she tell & risk hurting someone
This is a great story of an English attempting to go Amish i wonder how any of us would do
September 7, 2017
Beverly Lewis is an excellent author in the genre of the Amish people. She describes their lifestyle so clearly that you feel you are within a heartbeat of the action. The characters are developed so fully, that they are entirely believable. You meet them and almost become instant friends.
This book walks you through twists and turns that elicited deep emotions.
My preference for clean and wholesome are met wholeheartedly with this tale.
This book walks you through twists and turns that elicited deep emotions.
My preference for clean and wholesome are met wholeheartedly with this tale.
read-partially
August 3, 2018Added 8/3/18.
Published 2013 by Bethany House Publishers
Narrated by: Christina Moore, Suzy Jackson (PER AUDIBLE)
I read (or listened to) most of this book (77% of it) around July 2018. It had a promising beginning but...
TOO MANY CHARACTERS - TOO MUCH TALK ABOUT FOOD - LOST TRACK AFTER A WHILE - I got bored.
Am still wondering if Jenny stays with the Amish people and becomes a real Amish person.
Published 2013 by Bethany House Publishers
Narrated by: Christina Moore, Suzy Jackson (PER AUDIBLE)
I read (or listened to) most of this book (77% of it) around July 2018. It had a promising beginning but...
TOO MANY CHARACTERS - TOO MUCH TALK ABOUT FOOD - LOST TRACK AFTER A WHILE - I got bored.
Am still wondering if Jenny stays with the Amish people and becomes a real Amish person.
March 19, 2024
4.5 ⭐️!
This was my favorite in the series so far. The relationships were so sweet- not just the romantic relationships, but also the almost familial relationships between the other characters Jenny encountered. I was so worried towards the end, but it had such a beautiful ending! And I highlighted A LOT- there were so many good words and phrases! Ah, Beverly Lewis just makes my heart happy! I love happy endings!
This was my favorite in the series so far. The relationships were so sweet- not just the romantic relationships, but also the almost familial relationships between the other characters Jenny encountered. I was so worried towards the end, but it had such a beautiful ending! And I highlighted A LOT- there were so many good words and phrases! Ah, Beverly Lewis just makes my heart happy! I love happy endings!
December 18, 2025
So good. Easily my favorite Beverly Lewis book! :)
December 28, 2025
This book was pretty good! It was an interesting story. But parts of it were boring and it didn’t really keep me interested.
July 2, 2024
Loved it truly.
August 18, 2019
THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY
**
Do WE think it would be wonderful to join the Amish and get away from all the troubles of life? Jenny thinks so too, and you can join her in her "Proving" time to get a feel for the fantasy. Everything is NOT perfect and simple for Jenny though.
What happens when "the seeker" falls in love with an Amishman and he returns the feelings? Will the Amish community accept them as a couple? what about his annoying sister, Emmalynn, who seems determined to ruin things for Jenny at every turn? Who will teach Jenny to bake a perfect loaf of bread? You might be surprised at the answers!
**
Jennifer Burns is an unusual girl: she loves everything to do with the past. Her fascination leads her to renounce her home and the modern life to live in the Amish community of Hickory Hollow. Once there, she must adapt to a simpler but harder way of life. While she wants to belong, she also struggles with the concept of shunning and the heartbreak that the Lapp family goes through. She left behind a puzzled boyfriend and a family who doesn't understand her, and now an Amish man has taken an interest in courting her. Jennifer must do some deep soul searching before she can make the decisions that will affect the rest of her life.
I enjoyed this story. Beverly Lewis showed the struggles that the Amish people experience as they choose to live a different way of life, and also the courage it takes to follow one's heart instead of what everyone expects or demands.
**
This is the 4th book in the Hickory Hollow series & it was a great one
You have Jenny who is i guess you could say a old fashion girl who wants nothing more than to live Amish
She had been writing to her Amish Friend for years & finally decides to go Amish
She feels the odd one out in her family & she don't tell them what she is doing but let them believe she going away for a long vacation
She Struggles with trying to Prove herself & it a story of if she makes it or not she learns of a secret that can stop her dream so does she keep the secret & give up on her dream or does she tell & risk hurting someone
This is a great story of an English attempting to go Amish i wonder how any of us would do .
**
I think this book brings a good comparison to those who think they want to become Amish and those who want to leave the community. Jenny wants to convert to the Amish lifestyle, something she has dreamed of for years. Staying with the Lapp’s is an experience beyond what she imagined. Secrets abound and she is drawn into a big one. I believe she put the Amish on a pedestal, thinking they could do no wrong, or live such morally upright lives that they don’t have faults, but she is sadly disillusioned. It will be interesting to see what happens next.
Then there are those who attend the Bible study at Katie and Daniel’s, seeking to claim publicly their faith in Christ and risk being censured or shunned. One of the best parts of these books is the faith element. Many would say Old Order Amish are Christians but adhering to rules and regulations in a church doesn't make one so, no matter what denomination you belong to.
**
This is the 4th book in the Home to Hickory Hollow series (5th book to be released next month). In this book, we meet Jenny Burns, an Englischer who has always longed for a simpler, plain life. She decides to sell her car, home & most of her "worldly" posessions in favor of moving to Hickory Hollow. While there, Jenny is known as a Seeker, someone who is desiring to become Amish. She goes through her "Proving" time. When faced with secrets, will she be able to keep them or will it ruin everything for her?
This book really gives the reader a wonderful look into what goes into a "fancy" person wanting to convert to Amish.
**
**
Do WE think it would be wonderful to join the Amish and get away from all the troubles of life? Jenny thinks so too, and you can join her in her "Proving" time to get a feel for the fantasy. Everything is NOT perfect and simple for Jenny though.
What happens when "the seeker" falls in love with an Amishman and he returns the feelings? Will the Amish community accept them as a couple? what about his annoying sister, Emmalynn, who seems determined to ruin things for Jenny at every turn? Who will teach Jenny to bake a perfect loaf of bread? You might be surprised at the answers!
**
Jennifer Burns is an unusual girl: she loves everything to do with the past. Her fascination leads her to renounce her home and the modern life to live in the Amish community of Hickory Hollow. Once there, she must adapt to a simpler but harder way of life. While she wants to belong, she also struggles with the concept of shunning and the heartbreak that the Lapp family goes through. She left behind a puzzled boyfriend and a family who doesn't understand her, and now an Amish man has taken an interest in courting her. Jennifer must do some deep soul searching before she can make the decisions that will affect the rest of her life.
I enjoyed this story. Beverly Lewis showed the struggles that the Amish people experience as they choose to live a different way of life, and also the courage it takes to follow one's heart instead of what everyone expects or demands.
**
This is the 4th book in the Hickory Hollow series & it was a great one
You have Jenny who is i guess you could say a old fashion girl who wants nothing more than to live Amish
She had been writing to her Amish Friend for years & finally decides to go Amish
She feels the odd one out in her family & she don't tell them what she is doing but let them believe she going away for a long vacation
She Struggles with trying to Prove herself & it a story of if she makes it or not she learns of a secret that can stop her dream so does she keep the secret & give up on her dream or does she tell & risk hurting someone
This is a great story of an English attempting to go Amish i wonder how any of us would do .
**
I think this book brings a good comparison to those who think they want to become Amish and those who want to leave the community. Jenny wants to convert to the Amish lifestyle, something she has dreamed of for years. Staying with the Lapp’s is an experience beyond what she imagined. Secrets abound and she is drawn into a big one. I believe she put the Amish on a pedestal, thinking they could do no wrong, or live such morally upright lives that they don’t have faults, but she is sadly disillusioned. It will be interesting to see what happens next.
Then there are those who attend the Bible study at Katie and Daniel’s, seeking to claim publicly their faith in Christ and risk being censured or shunned. One of the best parts of these books is the faith element. Many would say Old Order Amish are Christians but adhering to rules and regulations in a church doesn't make one so, no matter what denomination you belong to.
**
This is the 4th book in the Home to Hickory Hollow series (5th book to be released next month). In this book, we meet Jenny Burns, an Englischer who has always longed for a simpler, plain life. She decides to sell her car, home & most of her "worldly" posessions in favor of moving to Hickory Hollow. While there, Jenny is known as a Seeker, someone who is desiring to become Amish. She goes through her "Proving" time. When faced with secrets, will she be able to keep them or will it ruin everything for her?
This book really gives the reader a wonderful look into what goes into a "fancy" person wanting to convert to Amish.
**
January 22, 2015
I recently received a complimentary copy of The Secret Keeper by Beverly Lewis from Bethany House. As always, with any Beverly Lewis book, I loved it. Beverly Lewis has such an insight with the Amish culture. I find the Amish lifestyle fascinating. Even though a lot of Beverly's books are about the Amish, they each have a new approach, so you don't feel like you're reading the same story, just with new characters. This is the fourth book in the Home to Hickory Hollow series. I've only read two of the books in this series so far, but I have enjoyed both. (The review for The Guardian can be found here.) These books, though part of a series, can be read independently and you won't feel as if you've missed anything.
The Secret Keeper is a story about Jennifer Burns, an Englisher (not part of the Amish community). Jennifer has never felt comfortable in the English world and has been looking for a place to fit in. After writing letters back and forth with an Amish girl, Jennifer decides to leave her modern life to join the Amish community as a seeker. Samuel and Rebecca Lapp open up their home to Jennifer and try to teach her the Amish way of life. The brethren (the leaders of the Amish community) set a Proving time (testing period to see if she will be invited to join the community) for Jennifer. She faces many challenges as she must learn how to live without the modern conveniences of life and learn many new talents, such as: cooking, sewing, tending to farm animals, etc.
The Secret Keeper is a story about Jennifer Burns, an Englisher (not part of the Amish community). Jennifer has never felt comfortable in the English world and has been looking for a place to fit in. After writing letters back and forth with an Amish girl, Jennifer decides to leave her modern life to join the Amish community as a seeker. Samuel and Rebecca Lapp open up their home to Jennifer and try to teach her the Amish way of life. The brethren (the leaders of the Amish community) set a Proving time (testing period to see if she will be invited to join the community) for Jennifer. She faces many challenges as she must learn how to live without the modern conveniences of life and learn many new talents, such as: cooking, sewing, tending to farm animals, etc.
October 18, 2013
Jennifer Burns is an unusual girl: she loves everything to do with the past. Her fascination leads her to renounce her home and the modern life to live in the Amish community of Hickory Hollow. Once there, she must adapt to a simpler but harder way of life. While she wants to belong, she also struggles with the concept of shunning and the heartbreak that the Lapp family goes through. She left behind a puzzled boyfriend and a family who doesn't understand her, and now an Amish man has taken an interest in courting her. Jennifer must do some deep soul searching before she can make the decisions that will affect the rest of her life.
I enjoyed this story. Beverly Lewis showed the struggles that the Amish people experience as they choose to live a different way of life, and also the courage it takes to follow one's heart instead of what everyone expects or demands.
I enjoyed this story. Beverly Lewis showed the struggles that the Amish people experience as they choose to live a different way of life, and also the courage it takes to follow one's heart instead of what everyone expects or demands.
March 25, 2014
Absolutely loved this!! This is the 4th book in the Home to Hickory Hollow series (5th book to be released next month). In this book, we meet Jenny Burns, an Englischer who has always longed for a simpler, plain life. She decides to sell her car, home & most of her "worldly" posessions in favor of moving to Hickory Hollow. While there, Jenny is known as a Seeker, someone who is desiring to become Amish. She goes through her "Proving" time. When faced with secrets, will she be able to keep them or will it ruin everything for her?
This book really gives the reader a wonderful look into what goes into a "fancy" person wanting to convert to Amish. I've always been fascinated with all things Amish and I just can't praise this book enough!
This book really gives the reader a wonderful look into what goes into a "fancy" person wanting to convert to Amish. I've always been fascinated with all things Amish and I just can't praise this book enough!
October 18, 2013
They just keep getting better!
Jenny burns grew up feeling the need to live a simple life. After meeting Marnie, an Amish girl, she starts making plans to become Amish herself. Upon arriving in Hickory Hollow, One of the first people she meets is Marnie's cousin Andrew who takes to her almost immediately. But there are so many secrets and they get in the way. How can she prove herself when any of those secrets on its own could prove her failure?
I really liked how the whole story went. Each part was a necessity for the whole of the story. I'm not sure if there are more stories to come in the series or not, but if there are, I'd be more than happy to read them.
Jenny burns grew up feeling the need to live a simple life. After meeting Marnie, an Amish girl, she starts making plans to become Amish herself. Upon arriving in Hickory Hollow, One of the first people she meets is Marnie's cousin Andrew who takes to her almost immediately. But there are so many secrets and they get in the way. How can she prove herself when any of those secrets on its own could prove her failure?
I really liked how the whole story went. Each part was a necessity for the whole of the story. I'm not sure if there are more stories to come in the series or not, but if there are, I'd be more than happy to read them.
May 1, 2019
When Jennifer Burns leaves her privileged modern life to follow her dream of finding peace for her soul in Old Order Amish society, she knew the adjustment would not be easy. When she sees some of the imperfections of the Amish community and is asked to keep secret certain things she learns, Jennifer is torn between loyalty to these new friends and the strict regulations of the new faith that she so desperately wants to join.
January 24, 2014
Well-written with interesting characters by an author who has an Amish heritage. Several of the characters in this novel are the family of Katie Lapp, who was the main character of the author's famous book "The Shunning". It is interesting to see the tables turn as an "Englischer" comes to live with them in hopes of becoming Amish.
March 25, 2018
I've grown to like this hickory hollow series. the first one will always be my favorite. this story was special, Jenny wanted to become Amish and nothing was going to stop her. I loved Andrew and I also appreciated the "conclusion" to the shunning of Katie lapp. her storyline vets a close. But I almost felt that it overshadowed the main story.
January 15, 2021
This book started out quite interesting. Then pieces started to fall into place that were too perfect of a fit and obvious. A little drama stirred up, and then everything ended up happy. I wanted to see so much more depth and direction with this book. It was cheesy though and I lost interest about half way through.
April 22, 2018
Mistakenly read this instead of a book of the same title written by Kate Morton.
Obviously, I’m disappointed as it wasn’t what I was expecting.
Either way, it seemed to drag and I was bored. I only finished because I thought it would get more interesting and pick up.
Obviously, I’m disappointed as it wasn’t what I was expecting.
Either way, it seemed to drag and I was bored. I only finished because I thought it would get more interesting and pick up.
Read
November 21, 2013I usually like Beverly Lewis books...this one was not one of her better ones, imo.
June 5, 2023
a complete waste of time. A very predictable Amish story.
Do NOT read this author again.
Do NOT read this author again.
June 15, 2021
"The Secret Keeper" by Beverly Lewis is the only one of her novels that I have read to date, but it was an excellent story that shed needed light on the everyday lives of the Amish. Whether or not this is what Lewis intended, I came away from reading this novel wondering if perhaps the Amish lifestyle is a bit over-idealized. Individual Amish people can be as generous, loving, welcoming, understanding, or as selfish, self-centered, mistrusting, and snooty, as any other group of people. There is nothing magical about being old-fashioned that turns a person into being a different kind of personality.
Jenny Burns is an "Englischer" (a term that the Amish apparently apply to anyone not them, regardless of ethnicity) who wants to become Amish because, well, she doesn't seem to realize--at least initially--that the Amish have no monopoly on the "simple life". Jenny starts her "Proving time" by living with an Amish family, Samuel and Rebecca Lapp, whose job it is to demonstrate the Amish lifestyle to Jenny so that she can learn what will be expected of her once she is baptized as an Amishwoman. Jenny faces a lot of skepticism, particularly from Samuel Lapp, who seems downright hostile to Jenny at first. But the big problem is, the strict nature of the Amish "bann" on anyone who starts off life Amish and then later decides, for whatever reason--such as falling in love with an "Englischer"--that they no longer want to be Amish. Rebecca Lapp's daughter, Katie, is one such individual. No matter that the young man she has married is a Mennonite--close religious relatives of the Amish--the Amish bishop has still forbidden anyone who is Amish--anyone who is Amish, I said--from visiting Katie. That doesn't stop Rebecca from sneaking out at night to pay secret visits to Katie and her husband Dan and her grandson. When Jenny finds out that Rebecca is disobeying the Amish bishop's orders, what's a wanna-be Amish person to do? If Jenny doesn't report what she knows to the bishop, she will fail her Proving time and not be allowed baptism into the Amish faith. I will say--this novel ends the way it should. That said, I came away from reading this novel simply thinking that maybe, for people born into the modern world and not born Amish, it might be a lot easier, maybe for one evening a week, to just turn off the TV, turn off the internet, turn off the smart phones, haul out some 1960s-style board games to play with the spouse and kids, maybe read a chapter of the Bible before bedtime, and you've basically got the Amish lifestyle, sans the need to do without cars, without central home heating and air conditioning, without important news and weather information, without instant communication, without trips to anyplace not reachable by horse-and-buggy, etc. etc. I also wondered about that Currier-and-Ives-type horse-and-buggy ride during summer and autumn, if that would have been equally as quaint a ride during bitter cold winter weather. I suspect this novel, and others by Beverly Lewis, is a time-out, nostalgic mental trip into a simpler, less-complicated, less-busy time for many people who wish they could, but know they can't.
Jenny Burns is an "Englischer" (a term that the Amish apparently apply to anyone not them, regardless of ethnicity) who wants to become Amish because, well, she doesn't seem to realize--at least initially--that the Amish have no monopoly on the "simple life". Jenny starts her "Proving time" by living with an Amish family, Samuel and Rebecca Lapp, whose job it is to demonstrate the Amish lifestyle to Jenny so that she can learn what will be expected of her once she is baptized as an Amishwoman. Jenny faces a lot of skepticism, particularly from Samuel Lapp, who seems downright hostile to Jenny at first. But the big problem is, the strict nature of the Amish "bann" on anyone who starts off life Amish and then later decides, for whatever reason--such as falling in love with an "Englischer"--that they no longer want to be Amish. Rebecca Lapp's daughter, Katie, is one such individual. No matter that the young man she has married is a Mennonite--close religious relatives of the Amish--the Amish bishop has still forbidden anyone who is Amish--anyone who is Amish, I said--from visiting Katie. That doesn't stop Rebecca from sneaking out at night to pay secret visits to Katie and her husband Dan and her grandson. When Jenny finds out that Rebecca is disobeying the Amish bishop's orders, what's a wanna-be Amish person to do? If Jenny doesn't report what she knows to the bishop, she will fail her Proving time and not be allowed baptism into the Amish faith. I will say--this novel ends the way it should. That said, I came away from reading this novel simply thinking that maybe, for people born into the modern world and not born Amish, it might be a lot easier, maybe for one evening a week, to just turn off the TV, turn off the internet, turn off the smart phones, haul out some 1960s-style board games to play with the spouse and kids, maybe read a chapter of the Bible before bedtime, and you've basically got the Amish lifestyle, sans the need to do without cars, without central home heating and air conditioning, without important news and weather information, without instant communication, without trips to anyplace not reachable by horse-and-buggy, etc. etc. I also wondered about that Currier-and-Ives-type horse-and-buggy ride during summer and autumn, if that would have been equally as quaint a ride during bitter cold winter weather. I suspect this novel, and others by Beverly Lewis, is a time-out, nostalgic mental trip into a simpler, less-complicated, less-busy time for many people who wish they could, but know they can't.
May 10, 2023
SInteresting story of a young woman who has always felt out of place until she learned about the Amish life. She craved a simpler lifestyle and met a young woman named Marnie with whom she wrote letters for several years. They met once a year at the farmer's market.
Finally Jenny sold her car and got rid of her possessions. She left her family without explaining what she was doing. The Amish community were wary of her motives because fancy people, although curious about the life, rarely wanted to live it.
I appreciated how as Jenny began to cultivate Amish friends, they revealed that no one was perfect. The Bishop even made questionable decisions, such as shunning her host Rebecca's daughter Katie for becoming a Mennonite. Rebecca was secretly visiting her, which was forbidden. Some of the young people were thinking of attending bible classes at the shunned couple's home, which was disturbing to the Bishop.
I found shunning to be an unpleasant procedure. It seems like a cult activity. I really don't understand why electricity is ungodly. The women's work was so much harder without it. And the concept of a wife being completely submissive to her husband without questioning, is difficult to accept because husbands can abuse that.
There are many attractive things about living a simple life close to the earth and being self sufficient within their community. My goodness, it seemed like they were constantly eating! So many sweets. Sometimes the women would go from house to house visiting and they ate each time. They work hard all of the time, so that has to be why they don't seem to be overweight. But it doesn't seem very healthy to me.
Another observation is how the Amish use writing letters for communication since they don't have phones. There was a phone box for the community, but the courting couples wrote letters to each other. This is almost a lost art since email and texting. It gives one an opportunity to be more thoughtful and introspective.
Finally Jenny sold her car and got rid of her possessions. She left her family without explaining what she was doing. The Amish community were wary of her motives because fancy people, although curious about the life, rarely wanted to live it.
I appreciated how as Jenny began to cultivate Amish friends, they revealed that no one was perfect. The Bishop even made questionable decisions, such as shunning her host Rebecca's daughter Katie for becoming a Mennonite. Rebecca was secretly visiting her, which was forbidden. Some of the young people were thinking of attending bible classes at the shunned couple's home, which was disturbing to the Bishop.
I found shunning to be an unpleasant procedure. It seems like a cult activity. I really don't understand why electricity is ungodly. The women's work was so much harder without it. And the concept of a wife being completely submissive to her husband without questioning, is difficult to accept because husbands can abuse that.
There are many attractive things about living a simple life close to the earth and being self sufficient within their community. My goodness, it seemed like they were constantly eating! So many sweets. Sometimes the women would go from house to house visiting and they ate each time. They work hard all of the time, so that has to be why they don't seem to be overweight. But it doesn't seem very healthy to me.
Another observation is how the Amish use writing letters for communication since they don't have phones. There was a phone box for the community, but the courting couples wrote letters to each other. This is almost a lost art since email and texting. It gives one an opportunity to be more thoughtful and introspective.
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