I do believe that this is Suzanne's best novel so far! The Lancaster County Secrets series has always had a good dose of drama, and of course, secrets, but without a doubt, this book was my favorite of all three.

Whenever I see a character with the name Bertha, I always picture a large, perhaps bulky, woman that speaks her mind and someone that won't stand for any backtalk. Well, that was Bertha to a T in this book! There were time when she had me howling with laughter with her funny way of talking, and especially, when she tried to sound smart by using big words that she didn't remotely know what they meant. So, be forewarned...you're in for a treat with this book if only just for Bertha.

Bertha didn't steal the whole show, though. Lainey was another character that really stood out in the story. Without making things too complicated, Lainey was a relation of Bertha, and because of a car breakdown, she found herself in Stoney Ridge. At first for Lainey, it was a temporary situation that over time, became a permanent one. Throughout her life, she's held on to her own batch of secrets, and little does she or Bertha know, these secrets are about to change their lives.

Before Lainey could move forward in her life, though, she had to do a little housekeeping...namely in the form of forgiveness to a stepfather that was quite cruel to her. This forgiveness didn't come easily since Simon, her stepfather, had not changed much from the man she knew him to be when she was a child. One comment that her character made in the book stuck with me right through to the end--

"...a few years ago, I went to a church service and the pastor happened to be preaching on the difference between divine forgiveness and human forgiveness. I knew I couldn't forgive others without God's help. He said that we fail in the work of grace and love when there is too much of us and not enough of God. One I understood that and asked for God's help, I was able to forgive Simon and stop condemning him."

Wow...'nuff said.

In case you're still wondering whether or not you should give this book a chance, let me end the guessing game for you--YES!!! Go get a copy!! You will be so glad that you did, I can promise you that. :o)

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This book was definitely my favourite of the series...a favourite in a favourite series. Loved the characterizations and the insights granted the characters. Really enjoyable read.

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I don't usually read books about the Amish but this series by Suzanne Woods Fisher was excellent and I couldn't wait to read the next book. I really enjoyed her character development, her humor, and her handling of some difficult true to life situations. Suzanne Woods Fisher is a very good author.

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I enjoyed this book. It finally had a connection with the book before it.

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Suzanne Woods Fisher has done it again. Wow, what a neat book. A story that I couldn't put down; a tale of coming home, forgiveness, redemption and finding love in an unexpected place. I started reading "The Search" and couldn't stop reading, I wanted to know what was on each "next page". Loved the ending. Can't wait for her next book.

The character, Bertha, was so funny with her spoonerisms. And when she wanted to use the phone, she simply borrowed the sheriff's car and only drove one block so he would arrest her and then she would be allowed "one phone call"

The multiple stories adds a deeper dimension to this book.

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Bertha Reihl is determined to get her son home, one way or another. He hasn't been home since his wife died in a carriage accident; taking his new baby girl with him to live in Ohio. She writes a letter to Jonas explaining that she recently had female surgery and needs Bess to come stay with her while she recuperates.

Upon Bess's arrival, she is surprised to see her Grandma looking very well. Once Bertha explained her surgery was to her teeth, she put Bess to work right away helping her with her prize winning roses. She made her living selling them and making jam, and the extra hands were helpful. Bess didn't like it much until she met Billy Lapp, Bertha's helper. But even though Bess, young at fifteen, has her first crush, Billy is in love with another.

Lainey O'Toole used to live in Stoney Ridge until she was taken into foster care when her mother died. Her step father was a drunk and eventually shunned, but on her way to culinary school, her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge. God has something else in store for Lainey.

Lainey and Bess become quick friends, but Lainey is afraid that Bertha may tell Jonas a secret she has harbored for fifteen years, a secret that will affect many lives. When Jonas comes to town to bail his mother and daughter out of jail (I won't tell you why, I don't want to ruin the surprise) he runs into Lainey and is instantly smitten. But Lainey is an English girl and Jonas is looking for an Amish wife.

Two romances, a family of secrets, the strong love of God and faith lead the path of a poignant and heart-warming novel. I read it in one sitting, I couldn't stop turning the pages to see how the lives of these charming characters developed. Absolutely captivating and heart-warming.

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