The Secret

Seasons of Grace, Book 1

By: Beverly Lewis

Narrated by: Rachel Botchan

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.