Amish Secrets

River Haven #3

by Marta Perry

Rachel Hurst sacrificed the life she wanted to stay home and care for her father and siblings after her mother’s death. But now her father has decided to remarry, and there’s no room for Rachel. Desperate to find a job, she accepts the position of housekeeper for a wealthy elderly woman in her isolated mansion.

Jacob Beiler thought he had gotten over Rachel’s rejection, but when she arrives as the new housekeeper, he is battered by both joy and bitterness at seeing her again.

When odd near accidents threaten the elderly woman’s well-being, her relatives are quick to point fingers, but Rachel suspects someone is intent on harming her employer. When no one believes her, the only person she can turn to for help is Jacob. With danger deepening, Rachel faces a situation that could cost her life…and will certainly break her heart once again.

Genres: Amish, Mystery, Romance, Amish Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 29, 2020

About the author

Marta Perry is a Pennsylvania-based author of over 35 novels, many of them inspirational romances. She uses her rural Pennsylvania life and her Pennsylvania Dutch heritage in writing her books, especially in her Pleasant Valley Amish series for Berkley Books and her new Amish-set suspense series for HQN Books.

Marta and her husband live in a centuries-old farmhouse in a quiet central Pennsylvania valley. They have three grown children and six beautiful grandchildren, and when she's not busy writing her next book, she's usually trying to keep up with her gardening, baking for church events, or visiting those beautiful grandkids.

Reviews

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Hurst gave up her plans to marry Jacob Beiler after her mother died. It wasn't that she wanted to or had changed her mind about getting married. Her Father asked her to put her wedding plans aside so she could help him raise her two young brothers and keep house for the family. This didn't go over well with Jacob and he became bitter and upset with Rachel because she didn't go through with their wedding plans. She sacrificed her life for her family but then years later her Father found a new bride and kicked Rachel out of her home.
Needing to find living arrangements quickly Rachel took a job keeping house and giving companionship to an elderly rich lady. This job was a live in position and just what Rachel needed. On her first day who should she run into but her old flame, Jacob Beiler who had been hired on to do home repairs at the old mansion. Then as if that isn't bad enough accidents start happening to both Rachel and her elderly boss. Accidents of a suspicious nature! It's almost as though someone wants to harm both of them or even something worse. Could it be Geraldine Withers family who wanted her to go to a nursing home, before Rachel moved in? Could they be trying to get control of the estate and the family fortune? When someone breaks into the mansion one night Rachel finds herself turning to Jacob for help. What were the burglars looking for and who were they?
I found this book to be suspenseful which kept my interest peaked . I was quickly drawn into the story and found it to be a page turner. I enjoyed the characters and the parts they played in the story. The book was unpredictable and saved the best till the last few chapters of the novel. I thought the book was well written and I enjoyed reading it.
Readers of Amish Fiction and suspense books will not want to miss this story. It's part of the River Haven series but can be read as a standalone.
I borrowed a copy from the local Library. A review wasn't requested. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amish Secrets by Marta Perry is the third book in the River Haven series. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series or if you missed a book. I do wish that we could have seen or received updates on the characters from the previous two books. I thought Amish Secrets was well-written with developed characters. I liked the storyline that contained mystery, suspense, and romance. The characters were developed and realistic. I enjoyed the feisty Geraldine Withers. She needed to be to put up with her family. Holly, Geraldine’s great-niece, added lightness and humor to the story. I believe she will grow up to be like Geraldine. The mystery was interesting. There were a variety of suspects who could be behind the misdeeds. I did feel that there some unanswered questions at the end that I would have liked resolve, but I did enjoy reading Amish Secrets. I stayed up late to finish because I wanted to see if I correctly identified the evildoer. Amish Secrets has a good ending. Amish Secrets is an intriguing and suspenseful tale with irregular incidents, a troubled tween, an unfriendly family, missing memories, and romantic reflections.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marta Perry has always been a favorite author of mine and her latest novel, AMISH SECRETS is exactly why I am a huge fan. Rachel Hurst put her life on hold to stay at home and take care of her father and her siblings after her mother passed away. She was engaged to Jacob and sadly, she ended that as well.

Now that her father had remarried, there is no room for Rachel to stay at home. She decides that she will take a job away from home and she accepts the position of housekeeper for a wealthy elderly woman in her isolated mansion. It also happens to be where her ex Jacob is working, unbeknownst to Rachel. When Geraldine almost gets hurt, Jacob thinks something sinister is going on. Her relatives seem to be visiting more and more and not always seeing Geraldine. They are up to something and Jacob worries for Rachel’s safety. Hang on tight readers, it’s a crazy ride!

AMISH SECRETS is a mystery of who done it with the twists and turns of a great page turner that I just couldn’t put down. Marta Perry creates a suspenseful atmosphere, and leads the reader to a variety of conclusions before revealing the true identity behind the criminal activities. She had me convinced I knew “who dunit” a few times, before leading me in yet another direction. To me that is a sign of a good mystery novel! I always look forward to reading Marta Perry novels and AMISH SECRETS is exactly why.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read book if you like Amish romances.
“Children are a gift from God”
Amish Secrets is a heartwarming, wholesome romance with a beautiful outcome.
The characters are engaging and believable. I was drawn into each characters story as they matured during the story.
This book can be read as a stand alone though it is number 3 in the River Haven series.
I look forward to reading more books by Marta Perry.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was loving someone and building a family. Real love is much deeper-part affection, part friendship, part attraction, part caring. Not as exciting, but much more satisfying.

Rachel Hurst is starting over. Living Amish does not mean living independently but in community however, with her father's recent marriage and her break up with Jacob, she must find other means to support herself and heal. A housekeeper position is available in the house of an elderly woman by the name of Geraldine Withers. She had employed Rachel's mother many years ago when Rachel was a small child. Rachel has many memories of the family and Ms. Withers. Jacob is also employed by Ms. Withers restoring her home and is still hurt from Rachel's rejection. Their relationship is the underlying thread of this mystery. Together they become worried with their employer when break-ins happens. Ms. Wither's family members want her to move to assistant living, however, Ms. Withers is refusing to oblige. She finds purpose when her niece leaves her 12 year old daughter to find herself.

Rachel and Jacob work together to find out who is behind the mishaps while reflecting what had happened to their relationship that they both could not face.

Rachel and Jacob both have some emotional baggage but in helping Ms. Withers, their baggage becomes clear and they are able work thru their confused emotions. The secrets that kept Ms. Withers' family in chaos is another thread that left a surprising end.

A special thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amish Secrets is the third great mystery written by Marta Perry in her River Haven series. This story revolves around the third of three friends looking for their purpose in life. The characters are very likeable and really draws the reader into this story.

Rachel Hurst has sacrificed her own future to care for her widower father and young brothers. After years of caring for her family her father unexpectedly announces he is remarrying and Rachel needs to leave the family home. Now faced with where Rachel will go a promising live in job is extended to her. Things look promising for Rachel when accidents start occurring involving the elderly woman she is caring for and also herself. Jacob Beiler is also employed at this home which causes more stress for Rachel because of their broken engagement. When the two start piecing together who is behind the break ins and attacks will they also discover the mystery of a missing relative of their employer? This story is constantly revolving and involving more characters which keeps the reader trying to uncover the truth. This story has a shocking ending but also a heartwarming one as well.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. All opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.

Marta Perry has a very unique writing style which adds to her stories of mystery.

[Diane Chartrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

The entire time I never figured out the secret and was shocked to find out what it was about. I would recommend this book to everyone. Great mystery.

[Marilyn Schmidt-alvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books that pull you in right at the beginning. I kept changing who I thought was the culprit. I was surprised when I found out who it was. A very good book. No loose ends that keep you dangling.

[Sandy Larivee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad to see this series end but it had a nice ending and tied up all the loose ends.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the River Haven series and I enjoyed them all. They are all standalone stories, so you can read all or one, or you can read them in any order. In this story we meet Rachel Hurst. Rachel put her life on hold to stay at home and take care of her father and her siblings after her mother passed away. She was engaged to Jacob, but when she said she couldn't marry him at that time, their relationship ended. Years later, her father had remarries and there is no room for Rachel in the family home. She takes a job away from home, accepting the position of housekeeper for a wealthy elderly woman in her isolated mansion. It is the same woman that her mother worked for when Rachel was young and she had spent summer days on the grounds. Someone does not want Geraldine to stay in the house though, and she begins to have accidents. Coincidentally, Jacob, who never married, is also the handyman for Geraldine, forcing him and Rachel to face their past.

Amish Secrets is a mystery, a thriller and a romance all meshed together well. There is suspense as the reader tried to figure out who the target of the "accidents" really is. As we get to know Geraldine's family, I was sure I knew who was responsible, but then would change my mind. I was also sure of the motive behind the sabotage, but again, I was wrong. I liked the two main characters, Rachel and Jacob and enjoyed seeing them rekindle a relationship, first of friends then as more than that. Rachel is also dealing with her family and the sense of abandonment, so there was another plotline to deal with. Marta Perry creates a suspenseful atmosphere, which led this reader in several directions. I was very happy with the ending, the twists and surprises and how all the various storylines came together. An enjoyable story all around. The audiobook was narrated by Stina Nielsen. She has narrated many stories that I have listened to, especially Amish Fiction, and I always enjoy her performances. Using expression, tone and inflection she adds emotion to the story. I recommend this story to those who enjoy Amish Fiction, especially with mystery and twists involved.

[Becky Voegtlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice ending for the series

I enjoyed this book. It tied up the loose ends of the story for three friends. While I had figured out some of what had happened, the who part kept me guessing.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marta Perry will always be my go to Amish thrillers. She knows just how to keep her readers on the edge of their seats as they read about the many twists and turns that are happening in this story.
I'm a forever fan of hers!
Rachel's story is as exciting as they come. I held my breath waiting in some places. In others I found myself secretly rooting for Rachel and Holly.
I think that the way some parents treat their children is just terrible. Children are a gift from God. They are a blessing not a burden.
Towards the middle of the book I began to figure out who was behind it all but I kept reading because I wanted to know if I was right. I was.
I liked the cover of the book. It oozed mystery.
This was a great read and I highly recommend this for suspense lovers.
It will have you hooked immediately!
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marta Perry is my go to author for Amish romances. This book finishes her River Haven trilogy and I enjoyed it. However, I really wish she'd brought Joanna and Cathy in more from the previous two books- Cathy is only mentioned in passing, while I don't remember Joanna being mentioned at all. I think that would've added to the story. Overall, this was a good book and I look forward to reading more in the future.

I received an advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marta Perry is another Amish mystery writer I like. "Amish Secrets" is the third in the River Haven series. Rachel walked away from her upcoming marriage to Jacob when her mother died and remained at home taking care of her father and little brothers. It was expected of her and she did it, but her father never acted as if her sacrifice was important or even that she had done well.

Then her dad announces he is getting married--immediately--and to a woman she and her brothers have never met. He expected her to find another place to live; that this be accomplished by the time he brings his "bride" home.

Rachel takes a position as housekeeper (and she becomes a companion as well) to a rich older Englisher woman. A stubborn, 'no one is going to make me move out of my house' lady. A young man is redoing some of the woodwork in the house and, oh no -- it's Jacob!

Enter an 11-year-old girl whose mother is far more interested in finding another man than she is in raising her daughter. She shows up at her aunt's home and leaves the next morning. Naturally, the girl is upset and sullen.

So where's the mystery? Well, things are happening here and there in and around the house. Some scary, some dangerous. There's the elderly woman's family who are far more interested in getting her money and shoving her into a "home" than in her welfare. Fortunately, Rachel and Jacob are the people they are. Rachel had been at this home when her mother was cleaning and memories drift in and out. And then nightmares start and some cease being nightmares and become reality. Someone wants that stubborn but likable woman gone and doesn't seem to care who else might need to be eliminated.

"Amish Secrets" is an enjoyable read. Not a page-turner though, at least not for me. I should have figured out who the perpetrator was -- but didn't. Always nice with a mystery to *not* guess the ending.

Note this book is part of my personal Kindle library. It is not available on Kindle Unlimited.

[Sarah A · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in a series but my first so I’m giving it a little bit of a benefit of a doubt.
Rachel gave up her marriage and happy wedded life to stay with her widowed father and help raise her little brothers. Now her father has remarried and expects her to have left the house before he returns in with his wife.
Rachel finds a job for an English woman, housekeeper and cook and then babysitter as the English woman’s family rallies around against her, one talking endlessly about nursing homes, another trying to sell the land, another disappeared into the world, another left behind her daughter and went off to find casinos and a man.

The story is embracing, the characters warm and relatable with great descriptions.
There were several sudden twists and some were great but others felt plugged in to make the story more elaborate when it didn’t need to be. The last chapter felt rushed as if the author had reached her word limit but had to wrap everything up.

I enjoyed the characters and most of the story. Heart warming with challenges.

[Ann Boytim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Rachel Hurst is a young Amish woman who stayed home to run the house for her father and brothers after her mother passed away but now her father has remarried she has found herself a job and moved in with an elderly woman as her caretaker. This woman once hired Rachel's mother and it seems like Rachel is filling her mothers shoes. The elderly woman is financially secure but has relatives that believe her money should be theirs. Accidents seem to happen in the home and Rachel is determined to find our who the culprits are and protect her employer along with the help of another old friend who is busy doing repairs around the house.

[Lynnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel and Jacob plan to marry when they were teenagers, but when Rachel’s mother passed away they broke up. Rachel felt it was her duty to help her father and her younger brothers. Ten years later, to everyone’s surprise, Rachel’s father remarries! Rachel decides to start over by being the live in help for Ms. Withers. How will she handle it once she realizes that Jacob also works for Ms. Withers? What secrets will be relieved?

[Jeannine Graham Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOOD MYSTERY

I love a mystery and this was great. The outcome kept me going for most of the story. I highly recommend it as a fun read. Plus you'll learn a bit more about the Amish way of life and morals.

[Emma Cunningham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the mystery throughout, but I found the ending a bit weird - part of the big reveal came out of nowhere.

The romance evolved beautifully with the characters really delving into their characters and figuring out how to work together.

[Maureen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A suspenseful read that kept me interested. The ending was terrible and there were times when the romance aspect was annoying and unbelievable.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't my favorite Amish book,...but it was fun to read. Had a nice mystery and a sweet love story.

[Nick · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice little story, full of love, faith and hope.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio. Ok

[Thea Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Amish sweet read❣️

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have liked all of Marta Perry's books, but just couldn't get through this one; too dull. Thus, DNF.

[Louise King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good mystery. Good ending to the trilogy

[JoAnn McGowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book! Lots of secrets and a huge mystery! Great read

[Teri Pre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series.

[Elizabeth Eckmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful book on second chances, mystery, and crazy families. I highly recommend reading it.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just okay. I don't think I will read anymore books by Marta Perry.