Shadows Beyond the Gate

Summerhill Secrets #10

by Beverly Lewis

When the wounds from an old tragedy reopen, Merry gradually learns that storms don't last forever and that with God's help she can face the future without her twin sister.

Genres: Christian, Amish, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Fiction, Young Adult, Amish Fiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2000

About the author

Librarian 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."

Reviews

[Rose | Adventurous Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series was a favorite of mine when I was in middle school. Although it is not currently a favorite, I still highly recommend it for girls ages 12-14.

Content: remembering sibling loss

4 Stars

[Arjaye-Rose Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story about the lamb. I also liked how the grief of merry sister was bought back up because things like that people can feel they have dealt with and then something comes up and they realise the haven’t. It would be a huge loss to loose a sibling. I loved the love story and while I wish it had been different it was still really beautiful.

A great end to a series.

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this story. I liked the lamb storyline, and I like the way that part of the story ended. I didn't like the way the romance ended. I wanted her to be with the other guy. Also, I didn't like that she revisited the loss of her sister. That was dealt with in the first story.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the first time I have disagreed with how Lewis has ended a series, probably won't be the last. Let me explain first that Beverly Lewis always writes about characters in a way that we grow to care about them.
I don't feel like who Merry ends up in the end was right for her.
Things with the mom, were left unresolved for me, her mom needs counseling.

PAST THIS POINT, SPOILER ALERT








*Spoiler* Why were all of Merry's friends and mom against her dating Levi, if she wasn't going to end up with him and prove them all wrong?

Why did she end up with Jon, when he wants to change her and Levi accepted her as she was, makes no sense?

[Virginia Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt coming-of-age story that followed a Merry as she navigated faith, friendship, hardship and identity. I loved how Lewis beautifully weaved faith and scripture into the story!

Tender and emotionally grounded, the novel explored how confronting past tragedy and leaning on community can lead to healing, growth, and a deeper understanding of God’s purpose.

“Like a tree that has shed its leaves in Autumn, I still felt bare without her. Something would always be missing for me.”

“I will not leave you comfortless.” -John 14:18

“In thee, Oh Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion . . . For thou art my hope, Oh Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth.” -Psalm 71: 1-5 💌

[Alyssa DeLeon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last book of the series and the first book to mention how the Amish do not believe the whole word of God. Funny because the other books tend to suggest that the Amish are doing just fine religiously. I appreciated that and also that Merry finally grows up a little and connects with people instead of hurting them. A good wrap up.

[Megan Rang · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice end to the series.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish the series would have ended better.....more in the future so we knew what happened with all the characters in the stories!

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings:

Death of a sibling

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice series and the narrator did a great job!

[Karina (Karina's Christian Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Number of pages: 100

Genre: Amish fiction

Series: Summerhill Secrets #10 (Should be read in order)

Age recommendation: 13/14+

Summary: Merry is still struggling with the loss of her sister many years ago. With the help of an orphaned baby lamb, will Merry be able to move beyond the past and learn to enjoy the present?

My thoughts: “Without them [the shadows], I probably wouldn’t appreciate the sunshine.” I was actually thinking along these lines the other day, completely unrelated to this book. We, as people, tend to just look at the negative side of things: in the book: shadows – what I was thinking about: pain. Good can come out of bad (God works all things together for good), and bad things can help us appreciate the good in our lives. For example, I wouldn’t appreciate light so much if I didn’t know darkness.
I don’t know why, but I love sad books and stories. This one isn’t the saddest I’ve ever read, but it returns to Merry’s difficulty in dealing with her sister’s death. That pain translates to her compassion and action to help others. I love Merry’s honest and loving personality, and I totally understand her ‘fix it’ attitude. Neither Merry nor myself like to watch people suffer, we want to go and make it better for them.
I’m a little upset with the way the romance worked out, though I’m actually happy for Levi and I think what happens with him is fine. It makes sense, and it will work out well for him (yes, I do know that he’s a fictitious character so his life can work out however the author wants it to). I’m not sure I’m happy with how Jon’s romance works out though. I’m conflicted about whether his relationship will work out well. I think if I read it again, I would be happy with how the story ended. (I’m trying so hard not to spoil anything right now!) Rachel’s romance works out really well though.

My personal rating: 4/5 stars. I really like this series!

Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really really good book last one in a series of ten!!
I read it over and over again ") welll sorta

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

[Carla Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good way to end the series!
Way to go Merry!