Her Brother's Keeper

Amish Secrets #1

by Beth Wiseman

Charlotte came to Amish country to find answers. What she never expected to find was peace.

Charlotte Dolinsky is not above playing dress-up and telling a few lies to find out what happened to her only brother. In fact, that is exactly what she’s come to Lancaster County to do. Now, calling herself Mary and slipping on a kapp, Charlotte will lie her way into the confidence of anyone who knows why Ethan had to die. Unless she gets found out first.

But when Charlotte befriends a quiet Amish man named Isaac Miller, she begins to rethink her motives. And with a little help from a friend back home, Charlotte might find out that love comes packaged in ways she couldn’t have foreseen.

Isaac’s been caring for his cancer-stricken father and sympathizing with his frustrated mother for three difficult years. And that means he hasn’t been dating. He believes Hannah King is the woman for him, but Hannah is still grieving the loss of her fiancé, and Isaac has all he can handle on the farm. When Hannah’s family plays host to a woman named Mary, their new cousin shakes things up for all of them.

As Charlotte digs deeper into the mystery of Ethan’s death, she finds more than she’d bargained for in the community he once called home. But will she ever learn the truth? And what will the community—and her new family—do if they learn the truth about her?

Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Amish Fiction, Christian, Audiobook

315 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2015

About the author

"I wish I had the time to review books and chat with you here, but my writing deadlines just don't allow it. Please like my Fans of Beth Wiseman Page on Facebook where I try to post any news and interact with readers."
Beth is the best-selling and award winning author of the Daughters of the Promise series - Plain Perfect, Plain Pursuit, Plain Promise, Plain Paradise, and Plain Proposal. She is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Her other series--the Land of Canaan Novels--begins with Seek Me With All Your Heart, then The Wonder of Your Love and now, His Love Endures Forever. Seek Me With All Your Heart is the first Amish fiction book selected as a Women of Faith novel in 2011. Beth has also written three contemporary Christian fiction novels, Need You Now published in 2012 and The House That Love Built in 2013. In The Promise, (2014) Beth jumps way outside the box. This story takes readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by a true story, Beth believes this is the book she’s been working toward for a long time. 2015 brings Beth back to the Pennsylvania Amish with her new series, Amish Secrets. She is currently working on book #2 following much success with book #1, Her Brother's Keeper.

You can also follow Beth on Twitter: @BethWiseman

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've traveled to Lancaster, PA more than once, and seen the Amish...but, as someone who grew up around modern conveniences, their way of life can be mystifying at times. Thankfully, there are many Christian novels that explain the lives and culture of the Plain people, and most of them are very good...including this one. As someone who has been a "fish out of water" multiple times, I understood Charlotte's struggle to fit in with the Amish; I also identified with her struggles with the Christian faith. Fans of Christian fiction will definitely enjoy this.

[Janet Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Brother's Keeper by Beth Wiseman is the first book in a new Amish series entitled Amish Secrets. This story allows the reader to struggle along with the characters over a very serious issue, and to understand how to apply these feelings to our own faith. There are deceit, forgiveness, and mental illness elements in addition to humor and friendship and a look into the home and customs of an Amish family. Yes, there is the romance you come to expect from this author, but the real value here is the exploration of feelings brought out over these edgier situations. This is Ms. Wiseman's best yet.

[Cheryl Baranski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The testing of Faith, Love & Trust. Her Brother’s Keeper (An Amish Secrets Novel Book 1), By: Beth Wiseman
Wow this was a truly amazing book! I felt as though I had falling into the story. It was as if I was in the room with the characters when a scene was unfolding. I could practically taste and smell the food especially the warm buttered bread. I was on the edge of my seat, I didn’t want to put this book down! Be prepared to laugh, cry. Make sure you grab your drink and some tissues while you enjoy getting swept away with the wonderful characters in this story of faith, hope, love, deception, acceptance and moving forward with life. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series.
Be sure to pre-order your copy of the book today. 5 stars!

[Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope] · Rating 4 out of 5]

☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️
Reread January 3, 2025

Charlotte goes undercover as an Amish woman to discover what happened to her brother and where he spent his last days including meeting his fiancée. I don’t like that she spends most of her time lying to them. I really did like Ryan. He’s such a good guy and my favorite character. I was so disappointed in Ethan when the truth came out. Hannah was such a sweetheart and so was Charlotte! This is a sad and yet beautiful book and that pulled on my heartstrings! Overall, I loved it! Perhaps, not as much as I did the first time, but I loved it just the same!

Note: there is a mention of praying for Ethan’s soul even though he’s already dead so that was weird.
☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️

[Diamond Jones-Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to this story! A young women travels to another state and pretend to be an Amish cousin, In hopes of getting answers on why her brother committed suicide. While there, she discovers new things about her life, her new found beliefs and Family.

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not your average Amish romance. I was surprised by the serious issues tackled by the author and appreciated that it was done in an authentic way without shying away from the difficult emotions and providing insight into various perspectives. At the beginning Charlotte almost seems like the villain since she is deceptive and has an agenda. What she doesn't expect is the journey her heart will go on as she uncovers the truth behind her brother's relationships with members of the Amish community and how her own struggles with her dysfunctional past will surface and have to be dealt with. I grew to love the King family as she did with their sweetness and way of looking at situations that differed from how she was raised. The connection to God that she felt in their presence and the stirrings of faith began her long progress toward healing. I just have to point out that the book description is a bit misleading when it comes to the romantic connections that are and are not made, and I felt like the book went much deeper than I anticipated, with less focus on romance and more on the struggles Charlotte and her "cousin" Hannah are facing. An outstanding start to a series that is perfect for fans of Amish fiction and women's fiction.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

[Rachel Brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte Dolinsky had a difficult childhood, but her relationship with her brother has provided some security over the years. She was skeptical when he wrote to tell her that he had fallen in love with an Amish woman, but her life is turned truly upside down when she receives word that her brother has unexpectly passed away. When her letters to her brother's girlfriend provide little in the way of answers, Charlotte sets off for Lancaster County determined to uncover the truth about her brother's death. Having done some research about the Amish and picked up some suitable second-hand clothing, she's convinced that she can fit into the community and do some digging without anyone discovering who she really is. Charlotte hasn't been in Lancaster more than a day before she learns that there's more to being Amish than putting on a bonnet and not using electricty. And, against all efforts to the contrary, she's finding that she actually likes her brother's girlfriend, Hannah. The more time she spends with Hannah's family, the more she understands why Ethan felt comfortable here. In fact, she's starting to think that it might not be so crazy to open her own heart up to God, especially when she begins seeing signs that remind of her Ethan and provide her with an overwhelming sense of peace. But this peace might not last so long if Hannah and her family uncover Charlotte's true identity. Even if the Amish are known for their spirit of forgiveness, will they understand why Charlotte chose to deceive them?

Back in 2011 a friend leant me Beth Wiseman's debut novel, Plain Perfect, and I fell in love. I sped through Beth's novels as quickly as I could, fitting them in around university deadlines and reviewing commitments. Perhaps it's because I read so many of them in quick succession, but it feels like it's been ages since Beth released a new Amish novel. A quick look at GoodReads informed me that it's actually only been two years, but it felt like forever! As much as I enjoy Beth's contemporary novels, I've missed her Amish ones. I love the way that she depicts her characters dealing with real life issues, devoid of romanticism or over-simplification. Her characters might ride in buggies and use propane refrigerators, but sometimes I can relate to them even more than characters in contemporary novels.

Have I built this book up too much? Are you going to be disappointed after all this hype? I hope not! Honestly, I was a little worried that I wouldn't enjoy this book as much as I did the Daughters of the Promise series. Several of those books are among my favourite Amish novels, and sadly it's often the case that an author's later books don't contain the same originality. Thankfully, this wasn't the case with Her Brother's Keeper. Beth didn't try to replicate her first series of books, and I'm grateful for that. I'm glad she chose to write about a different community, with an entirely new premise.

How believable is it that an English girl can trick her way into an Amish community? Well, as this book proves, it's not very realistic at all. I had my doubts about how Beth could pull this plot off, and I was glad to discover that a large part of the story focused on Charlotte discovering that she wasn't going to have an easy time of fooling Hannah's family into believeing that she was really Amish. From the moment she stepped into their home, the lies began trickling off her tongue. It was humorous and fascinating to watch Hannah attempt to assimilate herself into the family, and make excuses for the things she didn't understand. Some of the lies were a little more ridiculous than others, but I'll put their acceptance down to the Amish's naturally trusting nature.

As long-time fans of Beth will know, she doesn't shy away from sensitive subject matter. We learn early on that Charlotte and Ethan both experienced emotional abuse at the hands of their parents and foster carers, abuse that may have contributed to Ethan's mental health problems. There are even some difficult and poignant discussions about whether suicide is viewed as a sin, and if someone will go to Heaven if their mental health problems led to their death. While Beth doesn't offer any specific theological answers to the questions that are posed, I appreciated the sensitive way in which the characters discussed these issues, and the conclusions they eventually came to.

I really enjoyed watching Hannah and Charlotte's friendship develop, and witnessing them navigate the obstacles placed in the way of their relationship.Much like Charlotte, Hannah has trust issues, particularly when it comes to disclosing details of her relationship with Ethan, and her doubts and worries about why their relationship ended the way it did. Both girls were beautifully honest and flawed, and it was encouraging to have two protaginists so realistically portrayed. Bonnet or not, I'm sure most readers will be able to relate to one of the girls, or maybe even both of them.

I'm torn when it comes to the spiritual aspect of the novel. While I loved the idea of God speaking to Charlotte through an image in the clouds, the development of Charlotte's faith seemed rather sudden given that she didn't seem to have much of a spiritual background (aside from her friendship with Ryan). I kind of wished the development of Charlotte's faith had been more gradual, with more doubts. It seemed like it took a massive jump when she saw the picture in the sky, and I'm not sure how realistic this is for someone who previously had so little faith and refused to trust anyone.

While there is some romance in Her Brother's Keeper, it doesn't take centre stage, and I was thankful for this. As much as I love a good romance novel, I appreciated the opportunity to read about the relationship between Charlotte and her brother, and then Charlotte and Hannah. There are so many important relationships that aren't romantic, and the depiction of Charlotte and Hannah's budding friendship was particularly touching, especially as they helped each other overcome their personal burdens.

Honestly, I could probably think of even more things I loved about this book. Contrary to what the synopsis might suggest, this novel is not a contrived comedy of errors about an English woman pretending to be Amish. It's a touching, heart-breaking story of two women who loved a man in very different ways, and are struggling to come to terms with his untimely death. I highly recommend Her Brother's Keeper to readers who prefer their Amish fiction to be challenging yet encouraging, full of flawed characters, and completely unputdownable.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte came to Amish country to find answers. What she never expected to find was peace.
Charlotte Dolinsky is not above playing dress-up and telling a few lies to find out what happened to her only brother. In fact, that is exactly what she’s come to Lancaster County to do. Now, calling herself Mary and slipping on a kapp, Charlotte will lie her way into the confidence of anyone who knows why Ethan had to die. Unless she gets found out first.
But when Charlotte befriends a quiet Amish man named Isaac Miller, she begins to rethink her motives. And with a little help from a friend back home, Charlotte might find out that love comes packaged in ways she couldn’t have foreseen.
Isaac’s been caring for his cancer-stricken father and sympathizing with his frustrated mother for three difficult years. And that means he hasn’t been dating. He believes Hannah King is the woman for him, but Hannah is still grieving the loss of her fiancé, and Isaac has all he can handle on the farm. When Hannah’s family plays host to a woman named Mary, their new cousin shakes things up for all of them.
As Charlotte digs deeper into the mystery of Ethan’s death, she finds more than she’d bargained for in the community he once called home. But will she ever learn the truth? And what will the community—and her new family—do if they learn the truth about her?

My Thoughts:

This book was certainly NO surprise to me!! EVERY one of Beth's novels have been fabulous and this one is no exception!! The story is written with Beth's unique and talented voice. She claims that the characters talk to her in her head as she is writing a book!! There must have been some headaches and a lot of rebelling and knocking around while this creation was being written!! An Englischer lying about her faith??? The guilt that the main character, Charlotte, felt, made her easy with whom to identify. Have we not ALL felt guilty when telling something that wasn't exactly true?? Charlotte is so brave and gutsy yet kind and tenderhearted, all at the same time. The King family was described so realistically that you felt that you were living in their home, feeling ever so safe, but confused , angry . The Amish faith was exactly as it should be! Should they be angry when they discover the truth?? Of course, they are human with the same weaknesses as you and I! Can they forgive?? That is a very difficult thing in this particular situation, however, the path to forgiveness is one that any Christian has to deal with. It takes time. The Amish have struggles similar to our's. Beth's ability to deal with sensitive situations is present in this book as well as all of her other novels. Beth speaks from the heart and you feel this deeply as you read.

The plot advances quickly and is chock full of twists, turns and surprises. You have a romance, a mystery and learn a lesson in life as you advance through the pages. I became so engrossed in the plot that the world passed me by as I became part of this Amish community. I do believe my husband wondered if I would ever cook his dinners again!! My only big disappointment was that the story ended far to soon!! I wanted to read forever!! That is the reason that I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.

This novel is truly a magnificent masterpiece!! I know, I have said that every book is Beth's best!! BUT this one is equal to all of her others and (whispering), maybe even the best yet!!

A Five Star Book!! Don't miss it!!

This ebook was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review!!

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read all of Beth Wiseman’s other Amish books and they continue to be some of my favorites. That was not the case with this story. Don’t get me wrong, it was very well-written and a had a creative premise that intrigued me. I simply did not connect with the characters and was not very invested in the story. I was reading this book for review. Otherwise, I would have probably stopped reading fairly early on.

Charlotte (aka Mary) was not a likeable character to me. Her lies and behavior make complete sense in the story, and she learns and grows so much from beginning to end emotionally and spiritually. But, I couldn’t connect with her. I thought Isaac, Hannah, and even Ryan were great characters. I enjoyed the sections of the book that they were in.

The fact that Charlotte is undercover to discover the facts behind her brother’s death made the book a sad read for me. Fictional storylines that include death do not usually bother me, but it did in this case. It may be because the death in the book had similarities to a real life situation that still saddens me to this day.

Beth Wiseman has written many good books that I love and I will definitely be reading more of her stories.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Nadine Keels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte was so tired of lying. It took way more energy than telling the truth, and one tiny web of lies was turning into a thick nest of betrayal.

In Her Brother’s Keeper by author Beth Wiseman, Charlotte Dolinsky heads to Lancaster County under the guise of an Amish woman to find out why her brother Ethan, once Amish, committed suicide there. Charlotte is convinced that Ethan’s former fiancée, Hannah, must have had something to do with it.

This is only about the fourth novel I’ve read in this subgenre since it started flooding Christian Fiction years ago; the premise of this one sounded interesting. Even with the dark subject matter the novel deals with, the reading is light and easy for the most part, and Charlotte’s inward journey is nicely developed. My interest in the story increased toward the ending, though the flow of the ending seemed to be somewhat of an awkward fit with the flow of the rest of the novel, almost like the story was circling around something to delay the conclusion.

An enjoyable read overall, and I’ve little doubt that fans of Amish stories will enjoy this one as well.
_________________
BookLook Bloggers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peaceful, loving, faithful... boy, did I need this light read.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Fans of Amish fiction are going to love Beth Wiseman's newest release, Her Brother's Keeper. This first installment in the Amish Secrets series has a very unique and fascinating storyline but it is the characters that make it such an outstanding read.

Charlotte Dolinsky is determined to find answers about her brother Ethan's death in Lancaster County. Dissatisfied by answers she receives from his fiancée Hannah King, Charlotte devises a scheme to do little undercover sleuthing in the Amish community. Armed with a little knowledge of the Amish faith, she poses as a distant cousin of the Kings and they open their home (and eventually their hearts) to her. But Charlotte is woefully unprepared for Amish life and she quickly discovers there is much more to being Amish than donning a kapp and living without electricity. She grows increasingly uncomfortable with the lies she must tell to divert their suspicions but when she begins to care for Hannah and her family, Charlotte is torn between ending her deception or continuing to seek answers about her brother's death.

Charlotte and Ethan's abusive childhood left permanent scars on both of them. Charlotte finds it difficult to trust or get close to people while Ethan suffered from depression off and on over the years. Neither has much of a spiritual background so Charlotte found Ethan's newfound faith difficult to believe and she harbored serious reservations about his engagement to an Amish woman. Learning of his suicide devastated Charlotte and she is desperate to understand why someone on the verge of marriage would suddenly and inexplicably take his own life.

Charlotte's crash course in Amish living provides the basics (i.e. dress, common dialogue, etc) but as she quickly discovers, there is much she does not know. She quickly realizes how unrealistic her scheme is but she comes up with very plausible explanations for her mistakes. While she comes to appreciate some of the Amish lifestyle, she is very uneasy with the spiritual aspects she encounters.

Charlotte is surprised by how much she likes Hannah and she cleverly works discussions about Ethan into their conversations. Hannah's answers to her probing questions are not completely satisfying but their surprisingly in depth exchanges about faith begin to resonate with Charlotte. Discussions with Ethan's best friend Ryan also aid Charlotte on her spiritual awakening but this journey has just begun when her deception is uncovered. Although the Amish are quick to forgive, will this prove to be the case for the King family and the other members of their community?

There is also a slight romantic element to Her Brother's Keeper, but these relationships are not the focus of the novel. Charlotte and Ethan's friend Isaac go on a few dates but it is soon apparent that their relationship is strictly platonic. Isaac is really interested in Hannah but he is afraid it is too soon to ask her out since she appears to be still mourning Ethan's death. Hannah is caught off guard by her jealousy when Isaac and Charlotte begin dating and she becomes quite introspective as she tries to overcome her unexpected feelings. This contemplation is surprisingly useful and helps her move through the grieving process.

Her Brother's Keeper is a heartfelt and poignant novel and Beth Wiseman tackles some very difficult subjects with a great deal of sensitivity. The faith portion of the storyline is realistic and it is absolutely delightful watching Charlotte begin her spiritual journey. There is also a bit of a suspense aspect to the novel as Charlotte tries to uncover the truth about the circumstances leading up to Ethan's death. All in all, it is an absolutely incredible beginning to the Amish Secrets series that will leave readers impatiently awaiting the next installment.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
Charlotte Dolinsky is not above playing dress-up and telling a few lies to find out what happened to her only brother. In fact, that is exactly what she's come to Lancaster County to do. Now, calling herself Mary and slipping on a kapp, Charlotte will lie her way into the confidence of anyone who knows why Ethan had to die. Unless she gets found out first.

But when Charlotte befriends a quiet Amish man named Isaac Miller, she begins to rethink her motives. And with a little help from a friend back home, Charlotte might find out that love comes packaged in ways she couldn't have foreseen.

Isaac's been caring for his cancer-stricken father and sympathizing with his frustrated mother for three difficult years. And that means he hasn't been dating. He believes Hannah King is the woman for him, but Hannah is still grieving the loss of her fiancee, and Isaac has all he can handle on the farm. When Hannah's family plays host to a woman named Mary, their new cousin shakes things up for all of them.

As Charlotte digs deeper into the mystery of Ethan's death, she finds more than she'd bargained for in the community he once called home. But will she ever learn the truth? And what will the community--and her new family--do if they learn the truth about her?


MY REVIEW
It has been several months since I've read one of Beth's books so needless to say I really enjoyed this book. I like her writing style and with this book she threw in a little humor, heartache, love and last but not least, faith! Beth did a good job to keep my interest and curiosity with this story. I highly recommend yet another Beth Wiseman book to the Amish loving readers as well as anyone who has not tried an Amish story!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

Charlotte has been devastated by her brother's death. He went to live with the Amish and fell in love with a young woman. They were to marry , but shortly before the wedding , he did the unthinkable. What prompted him to take his own life? Charlotte knows that there must be more to his death and she is determined to find the truth.

She decides that she will go live with Ethan's grieving ex fiancée Hannah. She tells the family her name is Mary and is a distant cousin. They welcome her into the home. Charlotte believes that Hannah knows more about Ethan's death and she is willing to do whatever it takes to find the answers she came for. Did his friend, Isaac notice the sudden change that had taken over Ethan and seemed to draw him into a depression that he couldn't fight off ?

Charlotte remembers the horrible upbringing her and Ethan had endured and knows how desperate Ethan wanted be loved and feel accepted by others. Could his childhood hold the answers Charlotte is seeking, or will she continue to deceive the people in the Amish community ?

The story is filled with wonderful characters that Beth has so masterfully written with grace and writes about how depression can cause a person to fall into a darkness from which they feel they can't escape. As Charlotte continues to deceive those who she has started to care for, she begins to realize that soon the truth will be found out about who she really is.

This book has been one of the most powerful books I have read about forgiveness , acceptance, unconditional love and a journey of finding faith . I cried and laughed throughout the book and was reminded of a saying,
"Oh what a tangled web we weave.... When first we practice to deceive ."

Thank you Beth for a book that not only shows us how deceit and unforgiveness can destroy lives , but how the gift of mercy and grace will mend a broken heart. I loved this from the book, " I think it's when we are at our most broken that we are able to hear God the loudest if we really listen."

[Tina Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been sometime since I have read an Amish fiction novel by Beth Wiseman!
I was excited when I first found out that Beth Wiseman was going to have a new Amish book in a new Amish series.

I must say, that when I first started reading "Her Brother's Keeper", I wasn't sure where Beth was going with her story-line. The more I kept reading and following the story, Beth's story-line started to pull at my heartstrings. I loved this book.

I sure do hope the next book in the series picks up kinda where we left off with "Her Brother's Keeper" or at least hints as to what happens with Mrs. King. I look forward to more book by Beth Wiseman in the future.



I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. No money was exchanged. This is my honest review in my own words.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entirely different type of Amish story, and a real page-turner, one you won’t be able to put down, and a serious story, but I had several chuckles! I wondered from the first page how someone could pull off pretending to be Amish, and get away with it. The web of deceit is sure strong here, and do you think that they didn’t realize. Of course Charlotte/Mary seems to have an answer for everything, and yet the reason she is here is to find answers.
When her brother commits suicide Charlotte decides there has to be more to the story, and she wants to know who was responsible for driving him over the edge. She seems to have made up her mind that Hannah, his intended, was responsible. So she decided to do the impossible, and seems to pull it off, but put you in her shoes, and as I try it is rather funny, no way could I pull it off. I joined the faith late in my life, so I never learned Deutch? Yeah right!
Come along and watch Charlotte as she bumbles along, and how her walls come tumbling down, in more ways than one. She does find a bit of romance, but will she remain Amish? Will she find the answers she seeks? God sure seems to have his hands on her, and you will love how everyone desires to fix her astray prayer cap. Enjoy this delightful read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Pam Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a while since Beth Wiseman has started a new Amish series, but she certainly hasn't lost her touch. Her new Amish Secrets series is off to a great start with Her Brother's Keeper.

This is a story with lots of layers and deals with some very difficult subjects -- like depression, mental illness and suicide. Although those dark topics play prominent roles in the main plot, they are handled sensitively and balanced out with family, friendship, faith, and a healthy sprinkling of humor.

The characters that Beth so skillfully crafted definitely drive the story. Charlotte/Mary and Hannah are two young ladies from very different backgrounds who are bound by a tragedy that neither of them understands and both want answers for. Their relationship evolves through several stages throughout the story, as they each learn important lessons about themselves and about each other.

I highly recommend Her Brother's Keeper for fans of great Amish fiction. For those who have not yet discovered the genre, this book -- with its mixture of Amish and Englisch worlds -- would be a great place to start. I look forward to seeing what other secrets Beth Wiseman has to share in the rest of this series.

Thanks to Booklook Bloggers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things aren't always as they seem and when Charlotte Dolinsky searches for the truth about her brother's death she soon finds this to be true. Charlotte goes "undercover" as Mary Troyer to the Amish community of Paradise, PA to find out what really happened to her brother but what she finds there is what she least expected.

Beth Wiseman did a wonderful job in writing this story that has so much substance but remains entertaining. This book deals with some serious subjects like depression, but the tone is kept light with Charlotte's, or Mary's, attempt at being Amish. Charlotte and the rest of the cast are likable characters and I felt an instant connection to them.

The flow of this story is perfect and the pace is fast. I was quite surprised when I realized I had read half the book in one sitting. Once I started reading I was so interested in the story and people I just couldn't quit. I had to know what happened.

If you have never read a Beth Wiseman book this would be the perfect one to start with. If you have already read one (or more) or her books and enjoyed them this one will be no different. Grab a copy of this book and settle in for a great read!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was one of the worst Amish fictions I've ever read. While I like most of Wiseman's work, this one was tooooo simplistic, and misrepresented so many things that are near and dear to my own heart. First, the Amish themselves are represented as gullible, deceptive, unforgiving, and cheating in their dating relationships. Next, every single foster family represented was abusive to the point of physically scarring the child. While there are bad foster settings out there, fostering is a high calling, and should be represented at least accurately, if not in a purely positive light. Next, "finding God" was represented as a warm, fuzzy feeling resulting mostly from being in the presence of other church-goers. Depression, too, was oversimplified and not dealt with in an accurate way.
I was appalled at Wiseman's willingness to place this Englisher into a setting in which she would have been found out immediately (the author never tells what she did all day, but no one would have been accepted who couldn't milk a cow, speak at least a bit of Deutsch, or sew a quilt stitch! Seriously!!!) and use that as the basic setting of the story. There is so much great Amish fiction out there. This is not it. Don't waste your time!!! I regret having finished the book.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads)]

This review is also posted on Book by Book.

Beth Wiseman sets up her newest novel, Her Brother’s Keeper, with an interesting premise: in order to discover the truth behind her brother’s death, Charlotte Dolinsky visits Lancaster County, pretending to be Amish. Yet, in the process of hiding her identity, she discovers faith, family and friendship that will leave her changed. With the addition of intriguing mystery and sweet, believable romance to these encouraging discoveries, Her Brother’s Keeper offers a great read for fans of Amish fiction. I certainly enjoyed it and now look forward to Wiseman’s next book in her Amish Secrets series.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of Her Brother’s Keeper and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte travels to Pennsylvania from Texas looking for answers as to what happened to her brother. What she did not expect to find was a new found faith in God,friendship and family. Beth Wiseman has done it again! A beautiful story of friendship, love, trials and faith. Preorder your copy today. http://www.amazon.com/Brothers-Keeper...

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars A woman posing as Amish, and just not ever getting even the simplest of things like ya and nee, just didn't endear me in any way. This was disappointing because I normally eat up anything by Beth Wiseman.

[Megan Garza · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I hadn't been out of town and out of books, I would have closed it after the first chapter.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a goodreads win and I really enjoyed it. It was about a woman "infiltrating" the Amish world in search of answers. She found some spiritually and perhaps some of what she was looking for. I always love a good Amish read and this one did not disappoint.

[Patina Malinalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting with some intriguing plots and twists! I really enjoyed it. However, having read a book written by someone who actually spent time living with the Amish, the truth about the Plain life is stretched a bit. The plot was high quality though.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! Great story!! Can't wait to read the next book in the series!! Love this author's books!!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down! What a great book about forgiveness and about what a loving God we serve!

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Brother’s Keeper (An Amish Secrets Novel) by Beth Wiseman is set in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Charlotte Dolinsky wants to find out what happened to her brother. Ethan Dolinsky went to Pennsylvania to work on a roofing job. He ended up staying and was converting to the Amish faith. Ethan was also engaged to be married to Hannah King. Then Ethan hung himself. Charlotte was not able to get answers to her letters or phone calls from Hannah (Hannah was grieving and upset over Charlotte’s insistence that Ethan’s body be sent home to Texas for burial). Charlotte came up with the idea to go to Lancaster County and impersonate an Amish person (a cousin to the King’s) to get her answers. Ryan Hanemann, Ethan’s best friend when they were growing up, does not think it is a good idea, but he is unable to discourage Charlotte.

Charlotte’s research involved talking to people at the market in Beeville, Texas and looking at some sites online (she would have been better off reading some books or even watching the Amish reality show). Charlotte picked up her clothing at a secondhand Amish clothing store. Charlotte arrives in Lancaster County and introduces herself as Mary. Charlotte is welcomed into the family. Lena King, Hannah’s mother, is hoping that Mary will get Hannah out of her grief. Hannah has withdrawn from life since the death of Ethan (she is just going through the motions). Hannah can tell there is something different about Charlotte. She does not under their language, she never helps with the cooking, cleaning up, lousy at gardening, and she sleeps very late. Lena says it could be the difference in their districts. When Hannah finally asks Charlotte about not understanding their language, Charlotte explains that she did not come to the Amish faith until she was nineteen (more lies).

As Charlotte and Hannah get to know each other, they become quite close (like sisters). Charlotte is starting to get some answers to her questions, but she is feeling guilty about her lies (Ryan got Charlotte to start exploring religion). Will Charlotte get the answers she is seeking about Ethan? Is she prepared to accept the truth about her brother? What will happen when the King family finds out about Charlotte’s deception? Hannah is starting to get over Ethan and is interested in Isaac Miller (a neighbor who has been taking care of his parents for several years). Is Hannah ready to move on with her life? Will the answers Charlotte finds about Ethan upset Hannah?

I give Her Brother’s Keeper 4 out of 5 stars. It is a charming story that is well-written. I liked most of the characters in the story. Charlotte was my least favorite character in the beginning of the book. I did not understand why she did not just come to King’s as herself. They would have welcomed her with open arms since she was Ethan’s sister. I like the way the suicide was handled and the way the answers were revealed (about Ethan and his life). Reading Her Brother’s Keeper is an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.

I received a complimentary copy of Her Brother’s Keeper from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.


http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...

[Aileen Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever taken a moment to watch a butterfly dance across the sky, and marveled anew at the beauty displayed by such a delicate creature? Did you know that the lifespan of a typical butterfly is usually less than a week? Such a short time, yet still a beautiful message of the power of transformation. A life that begins as a monotone creature crawling slowly along a path, through hard work and the passage of time, emerges as a winged creature no longer bound to this earth, but dancing about on the wind and sporting colors to rival the most beautiful of paintings.
Beth Wiseman uses this wonderful illustration to share a difficult story in her recent novel “Her Brother’s Keeper”. Wiseman dares to step into the heartache and pain of suicide in the form of a young woman, Charlotte, who leaves her life behind to go in search of answers to the age-old question of “Why?” her brother took his own life. In her journey, she adopts a new persona of Mary, an Amish woman from Texas, coming to meet some distant cousins of hers. While Charlotte (as Mary) spins her own web of lies, the truth she is seeking winds up to be far different from what she first set out to find.
“Her Brother’s Keeper” follows the transformation of human hearts as they open to new beginnings, while still fearing the vulnerability of letting go of the past. When emotions run high, and pain takes center stage, will the redemptive power of forgiveness be enough to soothe such a painful past? Is there an unforgivable sin? Once broken, will a young heart be willing to heal, and seek love again? The answers may be found in the moments they are least expected, woven together beautifully by the Heart of the Creator Himself.
To learn more, search between the pages of “Her Brother’s Keeper” by Beth Wiseman. And the next time you see a butterfly? Stop and think for a moment about all it has gone through to be able to fly.

[Heather 123 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not quite a romance novel....I suppose it's more of an Amish mystery novel although it doesn't have the suspense that most mystery novels have.

This story is about a young woman who is on a mission to find out why her brother ended his own life less than a year before. Her brother had fell in love with an Amish woman and was planning on marrying her. He had begun living within their community and was well liked by the community. In order to find out what really happen, "Mary" decides to become Amish for a month and stays with the family of her brother's fiance.

Mary isn't very good at being Amish; she doesn't pray, hasn't believed in God in ages and doesn't understand the dialect. Despite all of this the community welcomes her and she begins to see why her brother fell in love with this life.

It's not until the end of the book when the truth is learned. The truth about what Mary's brother was really doing in the Amish community and just as important who Mary truly is. She betrays the family that she began to love when they learn of her identify. While the Amish community practices forgiveness, it takes time for everyone to forgive Mary for the lies she told.

This story also follows Mary's journey to find God and her brother's fiance's life after losing the man she loved.

I've read several Amish books by this author and I have yet to be disappointed by any of her books! She has a way of writing that allows the writer to picture exactly where the story is taking place and what each of the characters are feeling.

** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **