The Telling

Seasons of Grace #3

by Beverly Lewis

Grace Byler leaves Bird-in-Hand in a fancy car to search for her mother in Ohio. But what if Lettie Byler doesn't wish to be found? Meanwhile, Lettie continues her private quest to find the missing piece of her life. As clues take her from state to state, she is increasingly torn between the family she has left behind and the yearning for her long-lost child.
Struggling to come to terms with a grave medical diagnosis, Heather Nelson is determined to forgo traditional medicine--to her father's chagrin--in hopes of finding answers and healing in Amish country. But first, she offers to drive her Amish friend, Grace Byler, to Ohio.
Will mother and daughter, and one seriously ill graduate student, find the answers they long for? Or will "the telling" cause them all further pain?

Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Amish Fiction, Romance, Adult

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

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

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

.
This final book in the Seasons of Grace series delivers an in-depth view of the journey these two girls traveled, to overcome the sadness plaguing their lives. Will they find what they're looking for...or something much more?” Will these hidden issues finally be brought to light and aptly addressed?

I've never seen the issues addressed in this series discussed in an Amish tale. I'm always relieved and grateful for my own life, after experiencing some of the trials and tribulations offered in fiction.

My preference for clean and wholesome are met wholeheartedly with this tale. However, as you might find in many Amish series books, there is a bit of a cliffhanger. You really need to read the books in order to understand the breadth of the dynamics involved in this series.

Beverly Lewis is an excellent author in the genre of the Amish people. She describes their lifestyle so clearly that you feel you are within a heartbeat of the action. The characters are developed so fully, that they are entirely believable. You meet them and almost become instant friends.

Things happen the way they are supposed to and this book walks you through twists and turns that elicited deep emotions, as most of Beverly's Amish tales do. The character development and the plot are mesmerizing.

My preference for clean and wholesome are met wholeheartedly with this tale. However, as you might find in many Amish series books, there is a bit of a cliffhanger. Readers really need to read the books in order to understand the breadth of the dynamics involved in this series.

I whole-heartedly recommend this series to readers who enjoy this genre.

[MAP · Rating 2 out of 5]

Here are the things that SHOULD have happened in this book:

1. Heather's naturopathic treatment is not only ineffective, it's harmful, and now she's having to do massive chemo and is super sick because she spent 6 weeks weakening her body by NOT EATING.

2. Lettie's daughter is a totally random person who we never meet and never find out much about because she never filed for information on her birth parents.

3. Jim "Wannalive" turns out to be a creepy rapist stalker.

Cause THAT'S real life, folks. Not this book.

On a more serious note, it was incredibly irresponsible and downright unethical for Beverly Lewis to write about naturopathic medicine in this way. The fact is, VERY little research has been done on the efficacy of naturopathic medicine, and barring a few exceptions (naturopathic medicine for uncomplicated ear pain in children, IIRC) what HAS been researched has shown to be either ineffective or even potentially harmful. Who knows how many people will avoid or delay effective treatment because of this book? And you may say I'm not giving people enough credit, but my advisor always says "nobody cares about the data." That is, people make decisions based on emotion and what an authority tells them, not evidence.

Also, the whole Jim romance subplot (and the Dad/LaVyrle one, come to think of it) were completely unnecessary and seemed to be in there simply because this is a Christian Book and dammit, everyone HAS to be paired up by the end because, of course, no one can be truly happy unless they're married.

*wretch*

These Beverly Lewis books are my crack. They're bad for me, I feel soiled afterward, but I keep coming back for the drama I get. I suppose I have no one to blame but myself.

PS: One more thing -- the Kindle version has a lot of typos and issues, including duplicated words, italics where they aren't meant to be, and pieces of sentences left out as you move from page to page. Just a warning.

[Andrea Guy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is truly groan worthy. The only reason I suffered through it, is because I read the first two in this trilogy.

I love Amish fiction, and I think that's why I'm drawn to Lewis' books. She's the Danielle Steel of that genre. And like Steel, too many books has taken away the "goodness" in her stories.

Everything is too formulated now. Perhaps that's the fault of a publisher that wants to make money off trilogies, when Lewis' stories would better be told in one longer volume.

That's the problem with the Seasons Of Grace trilogy. Book one sets up the story with a cliff hanger, book 2 meanders along, and book 3 wraps everything up in a nice bow. By the end of book 1 you knew exactly what was going to happen in book three and you knew who Lettie's first born was. Anyone reading could make that guess. It made the trilogy rather disappointing.

Then there was the story surrounding Heather, who is diagnosed with advance Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, a disease she shared with her adoptive mother. I couldn't quite believe that naturopathic treatment alone would bring her to a cancer free state.

This whole trilogy didn't work well for me, plus it put Grace's relationship with Yonnie on the back burner. I would have liked a little more romance in this book. It needed something, anything to make it worth finishing. After 4 days I managed to eek through 331 very painful pages. It will be a long while before I pick up another Beverly Lewis book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book of a 3 book series. I wasn’t a huge fan of the first book but the series got better and better. This book was a fantastic ending.

[Beverly Telfer · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story was very predictable. As soon as I read that Heather was adopted, I knew what was going to happen, but the worst thing about this book is Beverly Lewis implying that a special diet will cure cancer. I think that is VERY irresponsible of her. Hopefully no one will be influenced by this book to bypass medical treatment and treat cancer with some kind of diet!!

[Kaitlyn Huff · Rating 3 out of 5]

The way the characters all connected in the end—good.
Adam and Priscilla still being together—bad. He deserves better.
Grace ending up with Yonnie-meh. I don’t see the sparks or romance.
Spiritual applications throughout-good.
Heather’s health and whether or not she’ll live being a mystery and not resolved by the end—bad.
Lettie and Judah’s restores marriage-good.
Lettie taking three whole freaking books to tell her husband and kids her secret—very bad.

Sooo yeah not my favorite Beverly Lewis series, however I still love her and her writing style!! Anddd now I want to go visit the Amish 😅

However I loved this quote from the book, had to write down and share:

“She had to reject the temptation to fret. Instead, she would box up her fears and hand them over to her all-wise and all-knowing Heavenly Father, whose love encompassed them all.” 🫶🏻

[Hope Willingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I read throughout this series. The more I enjoyed it. By book two. I knew how it would end. I just couldn't stop reading. I connected with each character of the series. I couldn't wait each day to read a little more. I actually cried at the end of the story. I can't wait to read more from Beverly Lewis. I believe all her books are Amish based. The Annie's People series is on the dresser waiting to be cracked open. Can't wait!

[Rachelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

See review for the first book in this series, 'The Secret". Nothing new here for book 3.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the perfect end to the series. It was kind of predictable but oh so good. I love Beverly Lewis.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: THE TELLING
Author: Beverly Lewis
Publisher: Bethany House
May 2010
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0573-6
Genre: Inspirational/Amish

Grace Byler and her English friend, Heather, have left Grace’s Amish community to seek for Grace’s run-away mother. The brethren are discussing shunning Lettie Byler if she isn’t home within a week. Grace and Heather do a lot of talking on the long car trip, getting to know each other better, but the arrival in Ohio doesn’t help them find Lettie at all. Instead, they discover she’s left, gone to an undisclosed location.

Lettie is continuing her private search, looking for information about the daughter she’s given up twenty-four years ago. But the search doesn’t seem to be panning out. Finally she finds the doctor who handed the adoption, and he helps her fill out the paperwork to access court records.

Heather is facing a time in a clinic designed to help cancer patients find a healthier, more natural way of living. But she also has a thesis to write. In the mean time, she enjoys getting to know more about Grace and the Amish community she temporarily lives in.

THE TELLING is the third book in Ms. Lewis’ Seasons of Grace series. I recommend reading the other books in this series first as this book does not stand alone. I couldn’t wait to read this book and was so excited to get this book from Bethany House to review. I just love Ms. Lewis’ books, no one can write Amish fiction like she does.

Grace, Lettie, Heather, and all the other main point of view characters in this book are all realistically developed, and almost real. I couldn’t wait to see where Grace’s friendship with Amish boy Yonnie would lead, to see Lettie’s relationship with Judah restored, and to find Heather healthy… The book ended the way that I pretty much figured it would, no surprises there, but it was an excellent read. I hate to see this series come to an end. But I am looking forward to Ms. Lewis’ new series coming in September! Don’t miss THE TELLING. This is a great read. $14.99. 334 pages.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Telling is part 3 in the Seasons of Grace trilogy by Beverly Lewis and it is absolutely the best out of the three. I bawled through half of the story because it was just so beautiful!

In this book, Grace and her new friend Heather take off to Ohio in search of Grace's mother who has left her family under mysterious circumstances. They arrive, only to find out that Lettie has already left and Grace is forced to return home without her. She returns home with a heavy heart as the brethren are discussing the shunning of Lettie.

Lettie continues her search for the baby she had out of wedlock and was forced to give up. After hitting many roadblocks she eventually returns home to ask for forgiveness from her family and her community. She confesses her past sins finds peace and forgiveness from the Lord--but will her family be able to offer the same forgiveness?

Heather continues her battle against cancer and finally earns the support of her dad and finds new love. And speaking of love...Grace finally has some success in that department as well! I was very pleased with how things turned out for her!

This book was a fantastic tale of forgiveness and finding freedom of the guilt of past indiscretions. I had to have cried like a baby through most of this last book. I was so pleased with how it turned out!

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few years ago I mistakenly picked up the second book in this series instead of the first. When I first checked out the ebook versions from the library I briefly considered checking out the second one as well so that I could reread it after the first, prevent any gaps in the narrative.
Ultimately I decided against that, a good decision that means a poor review for the third book in the series.
In my opinion, when the second book in a trilogy is not required to fully understand the third, there is something eminently disposable about the book and the series for that matter. I remembered nothing about the second book but my understanding of the third book suffered in no way from jumping straight from the first to the third.
I thought rather little of this book so I will not waste too many more words on it.
I predicted the outcome of this book halfway through the first. I would much rather be challenged and have meat to chew on.
I do not recommend this book.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing brings a smile to my face like knowing that I'm about to read another Amish novel by Beverly Lewis. I love how my world seems to slow down and I really appreciate my life around me. Even though the mystery in her books is always easy to figure out, I still get excited when I get to venture into the Plain world. In this series, I thought Lewis did a great job of melding the Englisher and Amish lifestyles, showing that the two worlds can live in peace together. I found the idea of two Amish teenagers having a child out of wedlock and then the Amish woman looking for that child later in life, knowing that she could suffer being shunned by the church and her very own family, very intriguing. I eagerly look forward to her new book, The Thorn, due out in September.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the last book in the trilogy. I like her books, but you can't expect them to move along at a rapid pace. The slow pace is one of the things that are enjoyable about her books, but i found this series to be a little too slow. The story could have been told in 2 books and it would have been satisfying. I figured out the secret long before I started this book, so it felt a little like strained. I just wanted to get to the happy ending. But I'm still a Lewis fan.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this on the Kindle

This was a great book & a great series you do need to read the 3 book series in order

It tells of a mother who leaves her home she has a secret then it goes to tell a story of how the family are missing her & her struggles the last book which is the Telling you learn what the secret is & if all comes right

[Bekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good conclusion to this series by Beverly Lewis. Grace was such a wonderful main character. While it was a good while between me reading the first two books and this third book, I was quickly caught up on the happenings with Grace and her family. In the first two books, I remember being really frustrated with Lettie, Grace's mother, for her selfishness, but I felt more compassionate towards her in this book and came to really like her. I also really liked Heather.

Lewis is such a wonderful writer. She weaves a good story that it's just all around enjoyable to read/listen to.

The only thing I really disliked in this book was when Lettie confessed before the Amish church. I do not believe that whole scenario is doctrinally correct. It felt so...Roman Catholic-ish--confessing before the whole congregation and having to confess to your deacon/pastor above confessing and submitting to your husband (or father if you're single). I'm not against open confession, but the way it was done I don't agree with and it made me cringe. And the Bible is clear about accepting someone who has repented back into the fold. We are commanded to receive someone back into good fellowship without question if they are repentent. But I understand this must be tradition in Amish churches if this is indeed accurate. But of course, I don't agree with a lot of Amish doctrine, but I do appreciate reading a good, clean story after having to DNF a couple books in a row by a couple different authors.

I really did enjoy this series and this book was a very good conclusion. It was very satisfactory.

[Teresa Biggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

THis is book #3 of a series and I have not read books one or two.
I think it did pretty good as a stand a lone... I am thinking the earlier books focused on other characters. This book focused on 3... Grace, an young amish woman, Heather, an american young woman who was just diagnosed with cancer and Lettie, Grace's mother.

Lettie, leaves her family in PA and travels to OH without any explanation.. she is searching, we find out later for her daughter that she gave up for adoption 24 years ago that no one knows about. Grace and Heather meet in a store where Grace works and Heather offers to drive her new friend to Ohio to search for her mother. We get thoughts on Grace's interest in young man, and find out that Heather used to be engaged and her dad is moving to PA to build a house amongst the Amish.
Lettie does not find her daughter and comes home and has to confess her sins to her family and her children are worried how this will affect their own standing within the community and if anyone will date them. Heather moves into a wellness lodge to see if that will heal her cancer and Grace visits her everyday...they seem to do more talking there then during the car ride.
Lettie decides she has to confess it all to her church in a public confession and deal with what the congregation decides her punishment will be. Her husband supports her and her parents are a little concerned about their own sins of hiding the pregnancy all those years ago.

and they all live happily ever after.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find Amish life amazing. For example - Lettie's sins had to be confessed to the congregation and then she was voted by the people whether she could remain a member or be banned. That takes a lot of strength to do. I understand how you need to ask forgiveness of God to be free from the burden of past sins. But to unveil them to the church membership would be so hard. I guessed from near the beginning of this book that Heather would be the lost child so that wasn't a surprise. Lettie's indiscretion and her leaving without telling Judah did in the end make their relationship much better. Amish people have a hard line to walk, but they also have a strong bond among their community and are always happy to come to each other's aide.

[Kara Kuehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book was my favorite in the series. I still think the trilogy was unnecessary (it could have been just one book … maybe two -0.5 stars). Nevertheless, the culmination of the overarching storyline was really sweet! I will admit, this book was very predictable (which unfortunately lost some of the overall excitement -0.5 stars) but the story was cute nonetheless.

Things to be aware of in “The Telling”

Additional Notes:
- “‘Ach, you girls are as fit as all get-out.’ [the character] tilted her head comically. ‘Please say you ain’t tryin’ to lose weight - neither of ya?’”
- A few women are described as “plump”


Read my full review here: https://kbook-reviews.blogspot.com/20...

[Sarah Nannette Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series were very intriguing to read! I was very interested in knowing what the secret was and for the search and identity of that secret! Loved the characters and I loved the happy ending! Wish there was another book after this one , to see what happened more to the lives of these characters and sweet family! Even tho I watched three moves based off of three of Beverly Lewis’s books , this is the first series , the first 3 books I have read from hers. She did use Scripture and prayer to God through her characters in this series which is what I love!

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't write a review for the other two books in this trilogy but thought I would write my overall thoughts.

Beverly Lewis does such an amazing job writing accuracy about the Amish. I truly appreciate that.

I really enjoyed the characters Heather and Grace in this story.

I found it very interesting to learn about naturopathy. I wish more authors would write about this topic.

The overall story was very clean in my opinion. It is a very slow trilogy but the ending is truly satisfying.

[Margaret Fraleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace goes with Heather to Ohio to try and bring her mother home.
However she had already left.

Heather dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Rather than chemo/radiation she wants to
do try natural course of action through a naturopath.

Grace's mother returns home, but the church leaders and deciding what will happen
to Nettie.

Yonnie was helping Grace's father, but has decided to start working at Yonnie's father's shop.

There are so many questions - will they be answered. Miracles do happen.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this entire series in about 3 weeks, and this final book took me maybe three days. I was so engaged with the characters that I didn't want to put the book down. This is a very compelling story line on several different levels, and not your "typical" Amish theme. Fractured families, complicated pasts and health issues can plague any culture and there were some unusual paths used for restoration. I loved how the author brings all of these things together in a story that's full of grace and forgiveness. Isn't that what every single one of us needs at some point in each of our lives?

[Tess Mertens-Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amish Grace and her new friend Heather take off to Ohio in search of Grace's mother who has left her family under mysterious circumstances. Lettie had a child out of wedlock and set off to find her. To come back in the good graces of her church, Lettie would need to be shunned and petition to be publicly forgiven. Not until she started looking, did she tell her husband about the child. Heathr is also dealing with cancer and her father’s new love.
This is a story forgiveness and finding freedom of the guilt of past indiscretions.

[Danielle Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heartwarming end to the three book journey. Beverly Lewis has your heart invested in each of the characters and empathizing with their family tragedies and victories. Highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a wholesome, quick read. I will definitely be reading her numerous other series and novels!

[Loralyn Rowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets it to light.

This book was written with such love for the characters. Their human qualities and need for loving relationships are clearly revealed. Especially the need for our heavenly father and Jesus in our lives.
I enjoyed reading this series and find comfort in Beverly Lewis ' books.

[Barbara Wanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn,t put them down and read all three in 24 hours.

I was so impressed with Sister Lewis,s ability to create the characters personalities. She made them come alive and kept their interchange in the dialog true to their beliefs. She wove the the story lines and kept my interest moving forward.

[Kareen Samuels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the conclusion of this series! I didn't read the 2nd book but I was still able to follow. The characters demonstrate that blood will always be guided to and by blood. Themes of bravery, loyalty, love and family. I love the author's use of dramatic and situational irony also her use of pathetic fallacy.

[Diane Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Telling even though the plot was predictable. The characters draw you in and I am just wanting to have a piece of pie at Lettie's table and talk. Amish country is taking a walk back in time and this book actually this series did that to me. The plot of the series was a little unexpected and I enjoyed that. Will recommend the series to others.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too predictable describes this whole series. I normally love all of Beverly’s work but this one seemed to stray away from what I have loved about her in the past.

It appears there’s still a chance of another book in this series telling the story of Grace and Yonnie. This is one I would be interested in reading but overall the first three books were pretty average.