Great book. I can't wait to see what happens next with the multiple story lines going on and of course multiple secrets. I did, however, guess the secret at the end of the book before I reached the end. So predictable, maybe. But no character line is resolved in this book, but rather leaves you to guess what the next book is going to reveal.
Helpful Score: 3
I have to agree with some of the other reviewers that this is not typical Lewis style. I ended this booking feeling like I had not gained anything.. I felt like the author talked in circles a lot and I felt very little, if any, connection with the characters. I'm planning to read the next book in the series and am hoping it will get better.
Helpful Score: 3
I really liked this one. I am not sure I am going to be able to wait for the next book! I did not guess the secret as some other reviewers said they did (but maybe I am slower about it or really didn't want to guess it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I recommend it to all Beverly Lewis fans.
Helpful Score: 2
A little slower at the start than some of Beverly Lewis's other stories, but it picks up more depth & intrigue near the end. She's very good at exploring the many nuances of interpersonal relationships. I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment!!
Helpful Score: 2
Excellent book. Can't wait for second book to hit the shelf.
Helpful Score: 2
This book is more modern than Beverly Lewis other books. It is a bout a young girl about to enter womanhood, at time when she needs her mother, but her mother leaves because she has demons she must face.
The book moves at a good pace and keeps you interested.
The book moves at a good pace and keeps you interested.
Christy J. (southernsassygirl) reviewed The Secret (Seasons of Grace, Bk 1) on + 180 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
While this book in no way is as good as some of Ms. Lewis' earlier works, I have to say that it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. In fact, I quite enjoyed it. I've read several reviews that practically bashed it, saying that it's too depressing, that there are too many characters to follow, that there are loose ends not resolved, etc. I have a few things to say about each one of those points.
First of all, yes, the book is slightly depressing, but I don't think she meant for this particular series to start off as happy. Yes, the mother leaves her husband and her children, and none of them understand why. They are the ones left to pick up the shreds of their dignity among their community. None of that is pleasant, but that's the story Ms. Lewis chose to write. If you really want to see Amish fiction that's depressing, look into the Sisters of Holmes County series by Wanda Brunstetter....hands down the worst Amish series I have read to date, and I've read several.
Secondly, the characters. I didn't think there were too many to follow; it seemed to be an adequate amount to keep it interesting, but not too many to keep up with. With that said, the only complaint that I have were a few characters that had names that were too similar. Martin (Puckett) and Marian (Reihl) look very similar when you're only reading their first name, as do Adam and Andy, two other secondary characters. I think a little bit more creativity could've been used when deciding on the names.
Lastly, yes, there are loose ends at the end of the book, but that's the author's preference. Not every author is going to have a complete resolution at the end of every one of their books. There are several storylines that are going on, and they can't all be covered in one book. Otherwise, there would be complaints that the story was too rushed. I guess you can't please everybody all of the time, much less part of the time. Personally, I didn't mind that the story ended the way it did. The actual "secret" of the book was revealed, but how it will play out will have to wait until books 2 & 3.
I am quite excited to read the rest of the series, mainly because the storyline is outside the norm for Amish fiction. Women just do not walk out on their families in the Amish world. I'm not expecting happy resolutions all around when it's all said and done, but I do think it will be some great reading....I'm really looking forward to it.
First of all, yes, the book is slightly depressing, but I don't think she meant for this particular series to start off as happy. Yes, the mother leaves her husband and her children, and none of them understand why. They are the ones left to pick up the shreds of their dignity among their community. None of that is pleasant, but that's the story Ms. Lewis chose to write. If you really want to see Amish fiction that's depressing, look into the Sisters of Holmes County series by Wanda Brunstetter....hands down the worst Amish series I have read to date, and I've read several.
Secondly, the characters. I didn't think there were too many to follow; it seemed to be an adequate amount to keep it interesting, but not too many to keep up with. With that said, the only complaint that I have were a few characters that had names that were too similar. Martin (Puckett) and Marian (Reihl) look very similar when you're only reading their first name, as do Adam and Andy, two other secondary characters. I think a little bit more creativity could've been used when deciding on the names.
Lastly, yes, there are loose ends at the end of the book, but that's the author's preference. Not every author is going to have a complete resolution at the end of every one of their books. There are several storylines that are going on, and they can't all be covered in one book. Otherwise, there would be complaints that the story was too rushed. I guess you can't please everybody all of the time, much less part of the time. Personally, I didn't mind that the story ended the way it did. The actual "secret" of the book was revealed, but how it will play out will have to wait until books 2 & 3.
I am quite excited to read the rest of the series, mainly because the storyline is outside the norm for Amish fiction. Women just do not walk out on their families in the Amish world. I'm not expecting happy resolutions all around when it's all said and done, but I do think it will be some great reading....I'm really looking forward to it.
Helpful Score: 1
I liked this series. If you intend to read it make sure you have all three books they are very connected. I liked the author's descriptions of the Amish lifestyle and beliefs. The first book introduces you to the cast of characters and lays the foundation of the storyline. There's no resolution at the end you need to continue on and read the entire series for some things to make sense.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Margaret C. (cherryblossommj) reviewed The Secret (Seasons of Grace, Bk 1) on + 157 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I am taking out the book mark at page 265. I just cannot continue. Nothing pleasant has happened so far in the entire more than two hundred and fifty pages minus one paragraph. Many things are going on, yet every single one is depressing with no reprieve. I have read a handful of reviews so far that love the story and the presentation of the Amish lives through the novel. This book for me just is not happening.
In the past, I have read several titles by Beverly Lewis and loved them. This one is just dull and bland and I cannot continue it. There are too many dozens of books to be read. I spent three days and more pages and effort than I should have. Some already have, and some will love this book, but I do not and I do not recommend it. It could turn around, but you need some relief in the hours of depression and pain and this so far has not had it.
In the past, I have read several titles by Beverly Lewis and loved them. This one is just dull and bland and I cannot continue it. There are too many dozens of books to be read. I spent three days and more pages and effort than I should have. Some already have, and some will love this book, but I do not and I do not recommend it. It could turn around, but you need some relief in the hours of depression and pain and this so far has not had it.
Helpful Score: 1
After reading Abram's Daughters, and not being able to hardly put them down, I looked so forward to reading this series. I am on the second book and it is a lot like the first one, just drags on and on. I think both books and probably the third one could all be written in one book. If this is your first Beverly Lewis book...DO NOT READ IT. Get another book of hers to read first. As you will be very dissapointed in this series.
Helpful Score: 1
this book as others have said is very very hard to get into at first i never put down a book and i almost did on this one the last one hundred pages felt much more like the lewis we are all used to. I also like to judge books individually as well as a set so for now it gets 2 stars but I am hoping the next two will be more in par of what we are used to seeing from mrs lewis
You'll want to have the next 2 books on hand. Book 1 has left the story hanging.
Seasons of Grace
1. The Secret (2009)
2. The Missing (2009)
3. The Telling (2010)
Seasons of Grace, Vols. 1-3 (omnibus) (2010)
Seasons of Grace
1. The Secret (2009)
2. The Missing (2009)
3. The Telling (2010)
Seasons of Grace, Vols. 1-3 (omnibus) (2010)
This is the first book by Beverly Lewis I have read. I have the other two books in this series and plan to get as many more of her books as I can. I could not put it down. It was very good.
Teresa S. (christianfiction4me) -
The Seasons of Grace series had some surprising turns of events.
Bev Lewis continues to write REAL stories.She keeps a person wanting more! Anxious for the next. She has a way of sharing true life in an Amish community and do it in a way that one respects them. This one was not an easy read in that the Mother leaves her family but it gives us a glimpse of another way of life. Showing us how fortunate we are to have freedom to do as we want. And still we make mistakes. I thourghly enjoyed this book and am anxious for the next. That is why she "leaves us hanging".
Not as intriguing as her other books, but still a good read that leaves you waiting for the next book.
This is my first read by Beverly Lewis. I really like this book and "thought" it had an ending! I didn't realize it was a sequel. I am looking forward to "The Missing".
Loved it!! Can't wait for book 3!
I really have to agree with another reviewer.....I was really disapointed in this book. I have really enjoyed other books by Beverly Lewis, and this one just for me went everywhere but nowhere. I felt cheated after spending that much time reading and for no feeling of resolve on any issue.
