Review of Summer of Secrets by Charlotte Hubbard

Product Details:

•  Title: Summer of Secrets
• Author: Charlotte Hubbard
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Zebra; Original edition (February 1, 2012)
• Genre:Christian Romance/Amish
• Series: Seasons of the Heart
• ISBN-10: 1420121693
• ISBN-13: 978-1420121698

Book Description:

Welcome to Willow Ridge, Missouri! In this cosy Amish town along the banks of the river, the Old Ways are celebrated at the Sweet Seasons Bakery Cafe, and love is a gift God gives with grace. As summer arrives, Rachel Lantz is looking forward to a whole new season in her life - marriage to strapping carpenter Micah Brenneman, her childhood sweetheart. When a strange Englisher arrives in the cafe claiming to be the long-lost sister of Rachel and her twin Rhoda, Rachel feels the sturdy foundation of her future crumbling - including Micah's steadfast love. As the days heat up and tempers flare, Rachel and Micah will learn that even when God's plan isn't clear, it will always lead them back to each other.

My Review: 

I was very excited to read Summer of Secrets. I have always been a huge fan of Beverly Lewis who has written many Amish Romances. I wondered if there was someone who could write one of these stories just as well. I am happy to report, that yes, Charlotte Hubbard does a fantastic job! I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to get into the story. The characters are so likable and you want things to work out for all of them. 

Though the book description talks a lot of about Rachel and Micah's romance, the story also focuses a lot on Rachel's Mother, Miriam. This character became my favorite one. You are pulled into her story as you read about how she lost one of her children in a rushing river, and then her beloved husband passed away leaving her to fend for her family on her own. Miriam is a strong character, and this brings the Amish Bishop down on her and him saying she needs to be humbled. Bishop Hiram Knepp is a powerful man in the Amish community, but he is also not one of my favorite characters. There is a lot of drama as Miriam's long lost, "English" daughter comes back into her life. 

Summer of Secrets is a story of hope and miracles. It is a lesson in forgiveness and letting go of the past. This story warms the heart and gives you something/someone to cheer for. This well written book, is a fast read, that you will not want to put down. If you enjoy reading about the Amish people, you will love Summer of Secrets. I will definitely read the second book in the "Seasons of the Heart" series called, Autumn Winds. It will continue on with Miriam's story and possibly finding love in her life. I can't wait!!

About the Author:(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!
~Charlotte

To read more about Charlotte, go to her website at http://www.charlottehubbard.com/

***I received a review copy of Summer of Secrets. In no way did this influence the honest review that was given.***