Rachel’s Secret

I am fascinated by the Amish way of life. Although I wouldn’t ever want to live that way all the time, sometimes the thought of living a calmer, more basic life is appealing, and I admire the Amish community for their commitment to the simple life.

Rachel’s Secret, by BJ Hoff, is the story of Rachel Brenneman, a young Amish widow. One night, Rachel is startled by a knock at the door. She finds a wounded riverboat captain, desperately in need of medical attention. As the unwelcome outsider recuperates in her home, Rachel must deal with her own emotions and the conflict that the stranger’s presence brings to the community.

As interesting as the Amish culture is, BJ Hoff adds a historical dimension to the novel as well. The story is set in the 1850s, and the riverboat captain is part of the Underground Railroad. If you are interested in the Amish culture or historical fiction, Rachel’s Secret is an enjoyable read.

I felt that the end of the story left a few questions unanswered, but Rachel’s Secret is the first in The Riverhaven Years series. I am sure some of my questions will be answered in books two and three!

Lauren is a wife, a mother of two, and an avid reader. She blogs at Baseballs and Bows.