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Amish Inn Mysteries #1
Secrets of the Amish Diary
The people of Pleasant Creek are delighted to welcome Liz Eckardt to their picturesque country town as she reopens the Olde Mansion Inn bed and breakfast. But a new start and a simpler life aren't the only reasons Liz is setting down roots in the heart of Indiana's Amish community. She is quietly embarking on a quest to find answers about her late mother's secret life growing up Amish.
Becoming the town's new innkeeper helps Liz ingrain herself among the townsfolk while searching for the truth about her Amish relatives. That is until she finds herself in the middle of the mysterious murder of one of the inn's guests. Is there a connection between the death of her troublesome lodger and the truth about her long-lost family?
Becoming the town's new innkeeper helps Liz ingrain herself among the townsfolk while searching for the truth about her Amish relatives. That is until she finds herself in the middle of the mysterious murder of one of the inn's guests. Is there a connection between the death of her troublesome lodger and the truth about her long-lost family?
221 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2016
20 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
Rachael O. Phillips
31 books38 followersRachael Phillips, a church music director, began her unplanned writing career when the church secretary demanded newsletter articles, or else. She has written more than 400 articles, newspaper columns, devotions, and stories along with several books. Rachael enjoys speaking at women’s meetings and conducts writing workshops. She and Steve, her high school sweetheart and husband of thirty-eight years, live in Upland, Indiana. They have three grown children and five grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
January 19, 2022
This is a cozy mystery, and this is the first book in the Amish Inn Mysteries series.
Review 2020 (Second time I read the book): This is the first book in the Amish Inn Mysteries series which is a cozy mystery series. The series is about Liz Eckardt move to the peaceful town Pleasant Creek, Indiana to open back up Olde Mansion Inn, but the real reason she move to Pleasant Creek is to find her Amish family. Of course there is a murder that Liz helps solve. I love this cozy mystery series. The characters are well done, and I really love the Material girls characters.
Review 2019 (First Time I read the book): This is a short Amish Mystery book. It was really good and made me not want to put it down. The Characters in the book was so fun to follow through out the book, and I love the writing style.
Review 2020 (Second time I read the book): This is the first book in the Amish Inn Mysteries series which is a cozy mystery series. The series is about Liz Eckardt move to the peaceful town Pleasant Creek, Indiana to open back up Olde Mansion Inn, but the real reason she move to Pleasant Creek is to find her Amish family. Of course there is a murder that Liz helps solve. I love this cozy mystery series. The characters are well done, and I really love the Material girls characters.
Review 2019 (First Time I read the book): This is a short Amish Mystery book. It was really good and made me not want to put it down. The Characters in the book was so fun to follow through out the book, and I love the writing style.
March 24, 2021
A cute Amish mystery with an inn theme. Liz Eckardt is a Boston lawyer who moved to Pleasant Creek, Indiana - her late mother's hometown. She invested in the Olde Mansion Inn and making new friends in this Amish community. Her reason for the move is to find her family's past. Will her mother's diary provide enough clues for Liz's reunion? There's family history and quilt mystery. A great start to a series!
December 17, 2020
Great mystery set on Amish Country. The mystery was very interesting to keep you reading with great Amish characters involved. I truly enjoyed the story and plan to read more in this series.
February 10, 2020
It was great to see main character, Liz Eckardt, welcomed into the small Indiana community where she decided to settle and open a bed and breakfast. She begins to make friends before a murder drives a wedge into the community. The son of one of her new friends is arrested, and Liz decides to help prove him innocent. At the same time, she is quietly searching for her own history after the shocking news she reads in her late mother's diary of growing up Amish in this Indiana community.
Liz was a great main character, and there was a host of wonderful secondary ones. I enjoyed the setting of the small Indiana Amish community, as well as the mystery storyline. I'm very much looking forward to reading the next book.
Liz was a great main character, and there was a host of wonderful secondary ones. I enjoyed the setting of the small Indiana Amish community, as well as the mystery storyline. I'm very much looking forward to reading the next book.
January 31, 2017
This story takes place in an Amish community in Indiana. The main character, Liz, a lawyer leaves Boston to search her deceased mother's Amish family. She bought an inn where a murder takes place. She does not believe the young man who was arrested is the murderer.
There are some humorous moments, and some unexpected drama in the story. I found the brief descriptions of Amish life interesting, and it was an easy to enjoy book.
There are some humorous moments, and some unexpected drama in the story. I found the brief descriptions of Amish life interesting, and it was an easy to enjoy book.
June 9, 2018
This was a cute little mystery. I was gifted this book by my best friend to read and I really enjoyed it. Molly knows that I love Amish books and I needed a getaway so I want to share this book with others who want a light fun read. 4 stars and I can't wait to read another book by Phillips.
August 2, 2024
4.5 ✨ I loved this SO much.
August 6, 2023
A surprisingly multi-layered story, this mystery did a great job of showing a realistic look at the Amish--not all perfect, not all evil. Normal people just living out their faith in authentic and not-so-authentic ways. Sound familiar?
As I read it, I enjoyed watching the pieces come together and figuring out why the person I thought it was had killed the person, and that was good. It was.
But really, the strength of this story is in characterization. There is definite growth, definite flaws and virtues, and delightful chemistry between friends. I love quirky characters, and this book is chock full of them. Phillips has created a true small town with its busybodies, its motherly types, its "found family" appeal.
The police weren't heavy-handed or incompetent. A nice balance. All in all, if the rest of the Amish Inn series includes this cast, I'm going to have to grab them!
My ONLY complaint about the book, and it's minor, is that sometimes it felt like certain sections were trimmed a bit too much to fit into a determined word count. Maybe I was just enjoying everyone so much that I wanted more and more... but I really think it had a lot going on (which made it such a rich story) but the author either couldn't make it work well OR was limited in how much she had to work with. I suspect the latter.
As I read it, I enjoyed watching the pieces come together and figuring out why the person I thought it was had killed the person, and that was good. It was.
But really, the strength of this story is in characterization. There is definite growth, definite flaws and virtues, and delightful chemistry between friends. I love quirky characters, and this book is chock full of them. Phillips has created a true small town with its busybodies, its motherly types, its "found family" appeal.
The police weren't heavy-handed or incompetent. A nice balance. All in all, if the rest of the Amish Inn series includes this cast, I'm going to have to grab them!
My ONLY complaint about the book, and it's minor, is that sometimes it felt like certain sections were trimmed a bit too much to fit into a determined word count. Maybe I was just enjoying everyone so much that I wanted more and more... but I really think it had a lot going on (which made it such a rich story) but the author either couldn't make it work well OR was limited in how much she had to work with. I suspect the latter.
June 18, 2023
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
This was the first time ive read a book in this series by Rachael so i wasnt sure what to expect but since it's a Cozy Mystery i had a good feeling id love this one since i have good luck with Cozy Mysteries and this one was no different.
The Characters were fun and interesting to read about. Most of them were my favorites except for Kiera who came off as annoying with all her questions.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in the book while reading especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Good Book 1 in this Cozy Mystery Amish Series!! Can't wait to read more in this series and by Rachael in the future!!
Review:
This was the first time ive read a book in this series by Rachael so i wasnt sure what to expect but since it's a Cozy Mystery i had a good feeling id love this one since i have good luck with Cozy Mysteries and this one was no different.
The Characters were fun and interesting to read about. Most of them were my favorites except for Kiera who came off as annoying with all her questions.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in the book while reading especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Good Book 1 in this Cozy Mystery Amish Series!! Can't wait to read more in this series and by Rachael in the future!!
January 8, 2025
"Secrets of the Amish Diary (Amish Inn Mysteries #1)" by Rachael O. Phillips follows Liz Eckardt as she moves to Indiana after the passing of her mother. The mother who left behind a diary talking about how she had grown up Amish and her transition to the English world. Liz buys an old inn in the town she believes her mother's family might still be.
While getting the inn ready for guests a couple of women start moving their fabric store into a couple of her first floor rooms. Eventually she gets it out of them and her employee that they've always run their fabric and quilting store from inside her inn. She decides she's fine with it and quickly makes friends with them and their gang of ladies. The Material Girls.
Once Liz opens her inn to guests she gets some fairly nice ones right away and one really unpleasant one. Luckily, and unluckily, they only have to put up with him for less than 24 hours. He's found in the nearby lake. An Amish man is seen leaving the area quickly. Unfortunately he's the son of one of Liz's new friends. Liz doesn't think it could be him and looks into it.
While getting the inn ready for guests a couple of women start moving their fabric store into a couple of her first floor rooms. Eventually she gets it out of them and her employee that they've always run their fabric and quilting store from inside her inn. She decides she's fine with it and quickly makes friends with them and their gang of ladies. The Material Girls.
Once Liz opens her inn to guests she gets some fairly nice ones right away and one really unpleasant one. Luckily, and unluckily, they only have to put up with him for less than 24 hours. He's found in the nearby lake. An Amish man is seen leaving the area quickly. Unfortunately he's the son of one of Liz's new friends. Liz doesn't think it could be him and looks into it.
August 20, 2020
After her mother’s death, Liz finds a diary her mother had kept, indicating she was raised Amish. A much surprised Liz gives up her her career as a lawyer to go back to Indiana and open an inn, but with the intent to track down her Amish relatives. Unfortunately, before she has a chance, she gets involved with a murder. Wanting to clear a young Amish man she feels is innocent of the murder, she puts herself in danger of being the next victim. This premier book of the Amish Inn Mysteries sets up the characters and has an intriguing mystery to boot. Liz is a delightful character, and the “material girls” quilting group promises to be a source of fun as well as support for Liz when she finds herself in trouble. This series is written by a number of authors, a somewhat uncommon aspect as series go, and should keep the series fresh and exciting.
May 6, 2020
Welcome to Pleasant Creek, Indiana and the first in a new lovable cozy mystery series.
Liz Eckhart's mother has passed and leaves a diary with mysterious entries alluding to her past. Liz is determined to learn the secrets of her mother's diary and find the family she has never met. She purchases the Olde Mansion Inn, housed in Pleasant Creek, where her mother lived.
During the course of business, one of her visitors is murdered and a local Amish boy (Issac) is arrested for the crime. Town talk suggests that Issac couldn't be responsible and there must be some other explanation.
Join Liz, and a rambunctious group of women she has befriended (the Material Girls) as they decipher details over quilting sessions, solve the mystery of the murder, and shed light on Liz' diary.
Liz Eckhart's mother has passed and leaves a diary with mysterious entries alluding to her past. Liz is determined to learn the secrets of her mother's diary and find the family she has never met. She purchases the Olde Mansion Inn, housed in Pleasant Creek, where her mother lived.
During the course of business, one of her visitors is murdered and a local Amish boy (Issac) is arrested for the crime. Town talk suggests that Issac couldn't be responsible and there must be some other explanation.
Join Liz, and a rambunctious group of women she has befriended (the Material Girls) as they decipher details over quilting sessions, solve the mystery of the murder, and shed light on Liz' diary.
April 7, 2019
It is a story about a woman who moves to a amish town after her mother’s death to find out who she really is, then there is a murder committed and she feels the young man accused of it is innocent. So it is the story of her finding the real killer.
June 12, 2018
An awesome book. A must read for Amish book lovers
July 24, 2018
Liz solves a murder and finds her mother's Amish family in the peaceful town of Pleasant Creek, Indiana!
March 20, 2024
Pleasant Amish Cozy. 4/B
April 19, 2021
Secrets of the Amish Diary is the first book written in the Amish Inn Mysteries series. There are several books in this series written by several authors. This story is written by Rachel Phillips. She has done an amazing job giving great details to the readers about the characters and the town of Pleasant Creek, Indiana. This small town appears to have a lot to offer not only to their residents but the tourist as well. This story centers around the new proprietor of the Olde Mansion Inn Liz Eckhart. Liz has recently moved from Boston to live a simpler life and try to uncover the mystery of her Amish family. But before she can start that quest a dead body is found in the pond on her property which turns out to be a guest at her inn. Using her lawyer background Liz with the help of new friends set out to find the killer. What she uncovers could cost her a relationship with her Amish family members.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to those who love a good clean mystery. This story is filled with love, friendship, family, and forgiveness. All opinions are my own.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to those who love a good clean mystery. This story is filled with love, friendship, family, and forgiveness. All opinions are my own.
April 11, 2020
I typically don't read mysteries, however, I was intrigued by the series which is from AnniesFiction.com.
There are quite a few titles in this series; this book is the first one. The heroine, Liz Eckardt, buys the Olde Mansion Inn in a peaceful community called Pleasant Creek, Indiana close to an Amish settlement. Liz has recently broken it off with her irritating boy friend from the big city and left her job as a high powered attorney.
Six months ago, her mother passed leaving her a diary from her Mom's secret past. Liz is now on a quest to find her Amish relatives, solve a murder, make new friends and get her business established. She meets a group of eccentric quilters, inherits a lazy bulldog named BEANS, and a possible new relationship with the town's young muscular mayor.
Loads of fun. Take a trip to Indiana and join the chaos! I will continue with the series I have at my disposal. :-)
There are quite a few titles in this series; this book is the first one. The heroine, Liz Eckardt, buys the Olde Mansion Inn in a peaceful community called Pleasant Creek, Indiana close to an Amish settlement. Liz has recently broken it off with her irritating boy friend from the big city and left her job as a high powered attorney.
Six months ago, her mother passed leaving her a diary from her Mom's secret past. Liz is now on a quest to find her Amish relatives, solve a murder, make new friends and get her business established. She meets a group of eccentric quilters, inherits a lazy bulldog named BEANS, and a possible new relationship with the town's young muscular mayor.
Loads of fun. Take a trip to Indiana and join the chaos! I will continue with the series I have at my disposal. :-)
December 15, 2021
3-1/2 stars actually. This one surprised me. I found it in our neighborhood book share shelf. I read a lot of cozies, and— true confessions— I generally enjoy even the corny ones. This was better than many of the genre— much better written than I expected from the cute dog on the cover, grin. I liked the characters and the glimpse into the Amish culture, as well as the interaction of two cultures coexisting.
January 14, 2025
Well this was just adorable! I throughly enjoyed this book. I was not expecting to want to keep reading well into the night. I love the story. Reminds me of another series about a baker who helps solves murders. I’ll definitely keep on reading the rest of the series!
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April 1, 2022I loved the story line an plot about this book though it took me four months to read it was good
May 1, 2019
I had the happenstance opportunity to meet this author at a women's luncheon and hear her speak. As she described some of her work, "Secrets of the Amish Diary" intrigued me! It wasn't available on Amazon in digital format, so I bought the hardbound book directly from the author. I was preconceived in my thinking on what this story would be or how it would go, but I was so narrow minded. That's why I'm NOT an author! There was so much more to this story! Lots of laughter, heartache and true to life description about the Indiana Amish people and their lives.
The author's description of "Pleasant Creek" made me want to take a day trip and go visit. It sounded so inviting, relaxing, and crafty!
The story had great characters with depth! Although "mystery" is not my usual genre, this book had me engrossed! So thankful for the invite to a luncheon that I had no affiliation with, only to learn of an amazing Indiana author and this fun book!
The author's description of "Pleasant Creek" made me want to take a day trip and go visit. It sounded so inviting, relaxing, and crafty!
The story had great characters with depth! Although "mystery" is not my usual genre, this book had me engrossed! So thankful for the invite to a luncheon that I had no affiliation with, only to learn of an amazing Indiana author and this fun book!
February 16, 2023
Such a cute and wholesome read! I loved Liz and the material girls. All of the characters were so lovely and their backgrounds were weaved with perfection! I loved the fact that God was a main topic. I have no complaints!
March 2, 2021
Cute, though I didn't realize the series was by different authors until I went to get the second book of the series!
August 25, 2017
Liz Eckhardt, a Boston lawyer, moves to Amish country in Ohio to try and locate her Amish family; she found out about them through her mother's diary. She wants to solve the mystery of her mother and of the diary. Liz buys an old Victorian house and turns it into a bed-and-breakfast. One of her guests gets murdered and she is wondering if anyone can figure who did it and why. Also, two women start another business in the bed-and-breakfast and say they will pay her rent like they did with the previous owner.
If you like mysteries, chick books, serials and books written by Christians you should enjoy this book.
This book can be read by anyone.
If you like mysteries, chick books, serials and books written by Christians you should enjoy this book.
This book can be read by anyone.
June 28, 2023
I am not sure when Amish towns towns became the hot bed of murder for cozy murders, but apparently it was a trend that several publishers jumped on. I have to admit this book was better than I thought. I enjoy reading Annie's Attic by this publisher so when I found these books at an AAUW book sale, I thought why not? This first did not disappoint me. The story starts of with a hint of an old mystery and soon murder and mayhem follow. It was a perfect read for a rainy day. I don't like to give out story lines, I want you to read the book.
I will have to start the second one soon!
I will have to start the second one soon!
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September 18, 2022Liz has moved to Pleasant Creek to open a bed and breakfast following finding her mom's diary that shows she rein away from this town when she was a child. When one of Liz's first guests is found murdered Liz wants to prove the Amish boy arrested is innocent of the crime. This book has a lot of kooky characters that you will grow to love.
This is a good start to the series and i can't wait to learn more about Liz's history with the town. Would highly recommend.
This is a good start to the series and i can't wait to learn more about Liz's history with the town. Would highly recommend.
September 17, 2023
I was immediately pulled into this story and enjoyed the unfolding mystery that kept me turning pages. It was a light read sprinkled with interesting and quirky characters.
I appreciated the faith woven into the story with flawed people. No one was perfect we meet and see those who are good but have their own imperfections and those bent on evil. The faith is revealed naturally in the character’s lives never in a preachy tone.
I appreciated the faith woven into the story with flawed people. No one was perfect we meet and see those who are good but have their own imperfections and those bent on evil. The faith is revealed naturally in the character’s lives never in a preachy tone.
March 27, 2024
Amish stories can be interesting, and this one had enough mysterious storylines going on that it really kept my interest. After purchasing an old Amish Inn, Liz’s journey of ownership certainly does not begin as she envisions it will. The book has both tense and funny parts. It is not a deep story, but the plot involves family relationships, murder, deceit, greed, kidnapping, and even a bulldog named Beans. A light, enjoyable cozy mystery.
May 8, 2017
Avery easy read. I find the Amish community very strong. Liz and her Material Girls were a strong unit. They worked together and was always there o help each other. Should be that way in all communities. It took a while to solve the murder, and I didn't want it to be any Amish. Now to read the next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews