The Secret

Seasons of Grace, Book 1

By: Beverly Lewis

Narrated by: Rachel Botchan

Length: 10 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

The Secret by New York Times best-selling author Beverly Lewis, is a compelling portrait of an Amish family's struggle to overcome the effects of a baffling secret.

Soon-to-be-engaged Grace Byler is perplexed by her mom's nocturnal weeping and wandering - and her dad's refusal to discuss what's wrong. But when her mom runs off, Grace puts her own life on hold to pick up the pieces her mother left behind.

©2009 Beverly M. Lewis (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Two young women, Amish Grace Byler and graduate student Heather Nelson, stand as counterpoints in parallel plots involving two secrets. Grace's mother is troubled; Heather, whose mother has died of cancer, tells no one in her circle of her own diagnosis of terminal illness, which drives her to Pennsylvania Amish country in search of healing. Grace's mother makes a decision that painfully complicates the action and drives it forward. Grace, her family and friends and the Amish milieu are drawn with characteristically ample detail, right down to jars of preserves set out on the tables at many bountiful Amish meals. Lots of powerful emotions go characteristically unspoken in this reticent culture, though the reader won't miss them." ( Publishers Weekly)
"No one does Amish-based inspirationals better than Lewis." ( Booklist)

Good storyline, terrible narration

Loved the story, hated the narration!!! It’s an interesting read but goes way too slow. Things get dragged out therefore making it boring. The story was great. I love the stories about Amish, but I had a terrible time getting in to the story for the narration. Feels like a child is narrating. Like you’re listening to a children’s book. Her voice is so childlike and she has a hard time changing in to other characters. There are many pauses as well.

great start!

What made the experience of listening to The Secret the most enjoyable?

I love beverly lewis & i can relate to her characters

Who was your favorite character and why?

mama she stood her ground for doing what she felt was righr

What does Rachel Botchan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

i actually prefer other narrators but prefer to listen as i spend so much time on rd.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no im a health care provider & cant sit long unless in my car!

Any additional comments?

I was raised in a strict christian home parents make decisions they feel are best for their children beverly lewis writes alot of memories similar to my childhood even though not amish. Great stories!

The storyline was ok!

The book was ok. The storyline wasnt anything exciting. I expected more of a peak for the climax where I didnt really find a climax in the story. The Narrator was good.

I love Beverly Lewis

every single book I've read it first has never left me disappointed always wanted more

Very intriguing

Love Beverly Lewis's stories. They always hold your attention from start to finish and this one is no exception. Great start to the series....can't wait to start book 2.

I Love Beverly Lewis!!

This is awesome - just like Book #2 and I can hardly wait for #3.

Hated the Narrater and miss the reads of real Amish.

I miss the days of good old old order Amish days. This one was way too modernized for me.
It was hard to fall the story because the narrator had a very hard time changing her voice. I started listening to Beverly Lewis‘s books with the shunning. Her books just keep getting more and more modern and I’m finding it disappointing.
Her stories used to have me hooked. Lately they become totally predictable and drag on!
The story line was okay. I usually love sequels, and since I have already bought the next book, I’ll be listening to it. But I’m not very excited about it.

Fantastic Amish series

Beverly Lewis is the best known amish story teller. I really like book series, in triology sets. I use a creative zen to download my audibles and listen to them at night before bed, and while exercising.

The disappearance

How sad a mother carried this burden all alone for so many years without sharing

Enjoy all of Beverly's books

I enjoy all the books that Beverly Lewis has written. I am intrigued with the Amish stories. This series is one that you must listen to all three books to find out the ending. If you want a wholesome, clean series, this is the one for you. Take time to share these with the young people in your home.