Review: Guest Janet Morris Grimes Shares Thoughts on A Summer's Secret

A Summer's Secret

By Kathleen Fuller


Three and 1/2 Stars.












Thankful for the opportunity to read a Young Adult fiction book on any topic other than vampires and wizards, I appreciated the respite offered by this simple but intriguing story. It centers on thirteen year old Amish girl, Mary Beth Mullett. An easy read for those from ages 8 – 12, it provides an introduction to the culture, their slight language variance and an explanation of common practices of the Amish. But more than this, it centers on the similarities between Mary Beth and any other girl her age.

She seeks a frequent escape from the harassment of her three brothers. She writes out her private thoughts, assuming no one would ever understand. Though she readily intends to fulfill her responsibilities and keep her parents’ trust in her, she also longs to help a mysterious teen aged boy who has no where else to turn. This struggle eventually causes her to overstep her bounds.

I recommend this book as it provides a great escape from the pressures of the high tech world. To read about those who choose do without electricity in the home, and how that affects their daily habits, it allows the reader to consider the benefits of such a simple lifestyle. I found it entertaining and enjoyed meeting these characters. The few drawbacks I saw were that there was actually no mystery to be solved, and that some teens may get bored with how long it takes for the story to fully develop. Still, I do look forward to reading other stories from this series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.


Janet Morris Grimes
Writing for the Pursuit of Sappiness www.janetmorrisgrimes.com
Join my Facebook Fan Page www.facebook.com/janetmorrisgrimesfanpage.



Any day spent writing is the best day of my life...

Review: Guest Blogger Janet Morris Grimes Shares on Young Reader Book...

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A Summer Secret

by Kathleen Fuller



A Summer Secret: The first in The Mysteries of Middlefield Series



Three and 1/2 Stars.












Thankful for the opportunity to read a Young Adult fiction book on any topic other than vampires and wizards, I appreciated the respite offered by this simple but intriguing story. It centers on thirteen year old Amish girl, Mary Beth Mullett. An easy read for those from ages 8 – 12, it provides an introduction to the culture, their slight language variance and an explanation of common practices of the Amish. But more than this, it centers on the similarities between Mary Beth and any other girl her age.

She seeks a frequent escape from the harassment of her three brothers. She writes out her private thoughts, assuming no one would ever understand. Though she readily intends to fulfill her responsibilities and keep her parents’ trust in her, she also longs to help a mysterious teen-aged boy who has no where else to turn. This struggle eventually causes her to overstep her bounds.

I recommend this book as it provides a great escape from the pressures of the high tech world. To read about those who choose to do without electricity in the home, and how that affects their daily habits, it allows the reader to consider the benefits of such a simple lifestyle. I found it entertaining and enjoyed meeting these characters. The few drawbacks I saw were that there was actually no mystery to be solved, and that some teens may get bored with how long it takes for the story to fully develop. Still, I do look forward to reading other stories from this series.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

--

Janet Morris Grimes

Writing for the Pursuit of Sappiness
www.janetmorrisgrimes.com

Join my Facebook Fan Page
http://www.facebook.com/janetmorrisgrimesfanpage.



Any day spent writing is the best day of my life...

Review: Romance Novel Set in Amish Country Shares God's Role!

A Man of His Word
By Kathleen Fuller
Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 9781595548122
292 Pages


Kathleen Fuller’s A Man of His Word is a touching, heartwarming story of love in Amish country in Middlefield, Ohio. Although it includes much about the Amish Old-Order Community, anyone who loves the romance genre will be caught up in the lives of those looking to find a perfect love.

Moriah Byler thought she had found that love. She had known Levi and his brother Gabriel all of her life; however, Levi’s teasing personality had won her heart and they had started to date and finally married. On their fourth anniversary, Moriah planned a special dinner to celebrate and to share the news that they were going to have a baby.

But instead of having that celebration, Moriah received a note from Levi that he was leaving her, the church and the community!

When Gabriel went to visit the horse farm on which Levi had been working, he discovered the reason—Levi had become involved with the owner’s daughter and she was also going to have a baby!

In the Amish community where divorce was forbidden, Moriah was left to salvage her life. Returning to her parents’ home, she attempted to fit in again, but it was difficult. Gabriel had never shared what he had learned about the other woman, but he tried to be there for Moriah and emphasize that he and his father would still be part of the baby’s family, if she would allow it.

Gabriel also had never told Moriah that he had always loved her, but had withdrawn when Levi and her started dating. Gabriel was a good and honorable man and now he wanted to be there for Moriah...

Another romantic drama runs parallel to this story. It is the story of Moriah’s brother Tobias and his love-hate relationship with Rachel. This somewhat funny tale adds balance to the heartbreaking story of Moriah, while Tobias matures through seeing the distress and unhappiness of Moriah and is able to identify how he really feels about Rachel.

Perhaps you are wondering how God fits into the book? Well, He knew the actual plan for their lives, if they were only willing to follow Him. Feelings of anger, hurt, frustration, hate are all faced and rejected based upon the faith of the main characters. Much can be learned about how we, too, might face similar situations.

A Man Of His Word by Kathleen Fuller provides a learning experience for those of us not within the Amish community. But, for whoever reads the book...it is a wonderful novel that highlights placing our faith in God as the primary source as we look toward a mate. Highly recommended.

G. A. Bixler