Review of "Caroline's Secret"

Review of Caroline's Secret

Some Secrets, Book #1

by Amy Lillard

In Amy Lillard's poignant introduction to Wells Landing, a small Amish community is home to two brave souls hoping to forget their painful pasts and rebuild their faith in the future. . .Caroline Hostetler arrived in Oklahoma determined to forge a new life for herself and her daughter, Emma. As a single mother, she values the warmth and safety she's found in close-knit Wells Landing. She's even caught the eye of a handsome newcomer--a man who just may be the partner she longs for and the father Emma deserves. But the arrival of an Englisher threatens to lay bare the secrets she's worked so hard to leave behind. . .

After losing his life-long sweetheart, Andrew Fitch moved to Wells Landing to work in his uncle's furniture business and nurse his broken heart. Finding love again seems all but impossible--until he meets Caroline and Emma. But his plans to join their lives together may be shattered when the truth of Caroline's past comes to light--unless, together, they can learn the true meaning of sacrifice and forgiveness. . .

MY REVIEW:  "The ever-cheerful sweetly plump widow turned her attention to the dark-haired delivery man.  It was better by far for Caroline to think of him in those terms rather than as the most attractive man she had seen in a long time.  Or ever.  Those were the thoughts of a carefree teenager, and she was neither a teenager nor carefree any longer."

***** Wow, I would love to give this book more than 5 stars!   This is a fresh, new way to approach Amish fiction from Amy Lillard.   Caroline and Andrew captured my heart immediately and little Emma stole it!   It is so cute how they are matchmaking for elderly widow, Esther, and Andrew's uncle Abe, and Esther is hoping to get the two of them together.   This book is a precious story of second chances and forgiveness.   I think readers will find it as fresh and exciting as I did.   I couldn't wait to finish chores around the house to get back to reading this one!   You will even get some of the delicious recipes for foods the characters create in their bakery.  Cowboy cookies, which were Andrew's favorite, sound especially yummy and the recipe does not look terribly complicated.  Come to Wells Landing and fall in love.   Now I am just awaiting book two in the series!   

I received a free kindle version of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.  

About the Author:

from Goodreads.com's author bio:
I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas.  Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son--a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, shoes, and romance novels--not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I adore romances. 

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.