Summer of Secrets by Charlotte HubbardMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have not read a lot of Amish fiction, but every time I do, I can just about guarantee that it will be good. And this new book did not disappoint. It was what one would expect from an Amish fiction story with a couple little twists that may not be expected.
Since it was Amish, it had the elements one would expect: strong family, good morals, and solid faith. These are central to the story. Also, of course, no profanity. These elements make this book quite refreshing. It is also quite nice to see the characters relying on God and his guidance throughout the book. The Christian message does not slap you in the face nor feel contrived. It is integral to the story, and it is woven masterfully into the story.
What distinguishes this from a lot of Amish fiction (I think) is that there are some very strong women in this book. When I think of the Amish people, I think about women that do not stand up for themselves and are almost "doormat" submissive to the men. I was pleasantly surprised to see this book filled with strong women who were either widowed or not married yet. They stood up to the male leaders in the community when needed, and I always appreciate that in books. More so in an Amish book. In fact, I was glad to see the people questioning and challenging some of the beliefs that were held dear in Amish communities. I don't want to give away the story, so I'll let you read it for yourself. It was also interesting to see one of the male leaders acting with hypocrisy. I wouldn't have expected that, and I was glad to see people stand up to him.
The only reason I did not give this five stars is that I found some of the parts of the book a little slow at times. I was intrigued with the story--there are quite some plot twists at times. I could not complain about the style of writing--it was fantastic. But I sometimes found my interest wane. This was mainly in the first third of the book. Once I got past that portion, I found myself more and more interested in the characters and the story. I definitely would love to read the sequel to this when it is out later this year!
One other portion I really enjoyed were the recipes at the back of the book! I may just have to try some of those!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated in any way, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
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About the Author:
from her website
(in her own words)
Many moons ago—like 1983 while I was still a school librarian—I sold my first story to True Story. This launched me into writing about seventy of those “true confessions” stories over the years, and I’ve been a slave to my overactive imagination ever since.
The next big step was selling my first historical romance in 1990, a Zebra Heartfire called COLORADO CAPTIVE. Then came GAMBLER’S TEMPTING KISSES, COLORADO MOONFIRE, MISSOURI MAGIC,SAHARA SPLENDOR, and OUTLAW MOON. They’re all out of print now, but available from used book stores or on Amazon.com.
After a long dry spell that entailed major changes in the publishing industry and an agent who fritzed out on cocaine, I resurfaced in a new genre, with a new publisher, editor, and agent who were so excited about my Angels of Mercy books! And now, with the first book of my series, The Love Secret, I move into new territory once again—and once again the setting is a place I love to spend time: the Oregon Coast.
Me, I’m really pleased to know where my next stories are coming from! Being an author is great fun when you’re selling, but it’s best to have a hide like a rhinoceros and a spouse who gets a regular paycheck!
Patience, persistence and just flat-out luck have given me this opportunity to reinvent myself yet again. Those angels I write about keep pulling me through, and are often my friends and family—but I owe a lot to the heavenly beings who bear me up on their wings, as well!
My stories invariably take on a life of their own, different from the way I’ve proposed them: I love it when unforeseen characters and plot twists come along, because they keep me guessing right along with my readers!
I often speak to my RWA chapter in St. Louis, and at conferences. I also belong to Novelists, Inc..
I love touring historic homes, trying new recipes, crocheting, and playing with Ramona—although it’s humbling, having a dog smarter than I am! I’m an ordained Presbyterian deacon, and I devote a lot of time to singing and chiming in my church choirs, as well as hostessing a monthly potluck group and cooking our Adult Fellowship lunches. I’m celebrating thirty-five years with my husband, who—bless him—has never once suggested I get a real job!
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For more about Summer of Secrets and to purchase a copy, click here.
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