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)

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.

Not my favorite Amish/Lewis story

Reader had strong articulation, but her little girl voice distracted throughout. Slow story line. It felt like she was drawing it out to have enough for a series. Overall, pleasant...but I wouldn't buy again if I had it to do over.

Book is only a teaser--Do no fall for it.

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I purchase a book to finish at least part of the story--this was like a soap with NO answers.Just a teaser to buy more books....I will not be purchasing her books again. $60 to read one story and get it finished.

What was most disappointing about Beverly Lewis’s story?

Did not fill in one blank. Not one story line was completed! I feel she was looking to make lots of money and just devided one book into thirds.

What about Rachel Botchan’s performance did you like?

She did a nice job and I found her voice easy to listen to.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

NONE

Any additional comments?

These three should be sold as one....that is how I feel I have been cheated. I have read other series that move on to different stories, but they finish the first leg of the story and then move on. She opened 3 stories and did not finish even one.

good story

Beverly Lewis' books start out slower than Cindy Woodsmall's but once they get going she spins a good sory. The Secret could be written in any setting but this author writes with Amish ones. You learn about Amish life and realize they have hopes, dreams, and lives just like everybody else. This book answers what the secret is but it leaves enough mystery hanging that you know you are going too read book two to experience what happens. Sometimes I'm not sure why I enjoy these books but I do.

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.

Needs improvement

Terrible ending. The Story Leaves you wanting answers. Voices need improvement too! I’m very disappointed.

The disappearance

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

I love Beverly Lewis

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

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.

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.