Secrets Secrets

It's not often that two Amish stories come up back to back in my TBR pile. It was serendipity that it did happen, and one thing I noticed about Amish fiction is that there is no standardization of Pennsylvania Deutsch spelling in these books. But if that's the worst I can say about it, then it's not so bad.

Jerry Eicher is new to my reading list, but I am glad I picked up his newest offering: Miriam's Secret. Miriam is a sweet Amish girl who helps out her large family any way she can. When she is hired to be a care-giver/companion to an elderly English gentleman, she is surprised at how generous a paycheck he writes for her. It comes in very handy for stretching the family budget, especially since there are soon to be eleven children. When he passes away, Miriam is surprised again by his overt generosity. She is at a loss as to what to do with the riches she's been afforded through her charge's will.

Then there's Shirley, Miriam's sister, who is taken in by a former Amish man with plenty of money to go around. She sneaks around to see him against her parents' better judgment and against their will.

Of course, we can't forget Ivan, the boy Miriam was sweet on who decided to go out with a newcomer to the community. When he finds out that Miriam has inherited a farm, free and clear of debt, he decides that maybe he chose the wrong woman, so he comes nosing around Miriam again.

Miriam chooses to go to her Aunt Fannie's in Oklahoma to avoid dealing with people coming around her just for her money. Aunt Fannie is expecting her first child and is over the moon with happiness, and Miriam believes she can be of help to Fannie and she also believes that removing Shirley from their community will also remove her from temptation.

I have to appreciate the way Jerry set up the plot for Miriam to be able to find the love she desired without divulging the amount of money she had received in addition to the farm. I also like the way he was able to move Miriam from her community in Indiana to Oklahoma, and yet keep her grounded in her home community.

Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a new baby to cuddle.

My thanks to Harvest House Publishers for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my review.