Book Review: A Mother's Secret

In all my years reading Christian fiction, would you believe that I'd never read an Amish novel? I've always had the notion that Amish fiction was dull and boring, and not the kind of fast paced action novels I usually enjoy.

I decided to give Amish fiction a chance with Amy Clipston's novel, A Mother's Secret. The book is the second in the Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series, and follows Carolyn Lapp, a 31-year old woman with a 15 year old son, as she tries to rise above the people judging her for the mistake she made as a teenager and her quest to find true love. 

Early in the novel, Carolyn meets Joshua Glick, a horse breeder, at a local horse auction. Carolyn's son Benjamin was mistakenly accused of injuring one of Joshua's horses, and Joshua brings him on to work at his farm until the vet bill is paid off. Carolyn goes from being angry at Joshua, to wondering if this is the man God has for her. One problem remains...Carolyn has never told Joshua that Benjamin is her son. He assumes Ben is Carolyn's nephew.

Meanwhile, Carolyn's brother Amos, ashamed of his sister being a single mother, decides to take matters into his own hands, and arranges for a courtship between Carolyn and local cabinet maker Saul. Saul is a widower and is willing to marry Carolyn despite her past indiscretions to provide a mother for his daughter. Now Carolyn has to decide whether to pursue the marriage of convenience where the truth of Ben is acknowledged, or a marriage of love, knowing that the secret she holds could damage her relationship with Joshua.

This book was a very quick read. It was simple and refreshing, light and comfortable, although a little corny at times. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, and am looking forward to the next book in this series to be released this Fall.

Bottom Line: 7.5*/10*

I received a copy of A Mother's Secret for review purposes from BookLook Bloggers. All opinions are my own, and have not been influenced.