Realms, Oct. 2015
Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~5 stars~
(No spoilers!)It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!
In Secret Sister, author Sarah Price has written a heartwarming Amish yuletide tale of bewildering secrets and love lost—set amongst the fragrant scent of pine, the soft glow of candles, and crystalline snowflakes ushering in the Christmas season.
Feeling so very alone and heartbroken from recently losing Menno – the love of her life – not to mention her children growing up and moving into different communities, Grace Beiler is truly suffering in silence. It is the Amish way to accept God's will in all things and not to question or complain about one's lot in life. Although her Amish community is kind to her, Grace feels like a fifth wheel when they offer to give her rides or invite her places with their families. Soon strange events begin to take place when Grace starts receiving notes and gifts that cause her to reflect on meaningful incidents in her past—when she and Menno were young and courting, and their subsequent life with their children. Apparently Grace has a "secret sister" who is seeking to encourage her, but who is she?...and how is she aware of these things that are only significant to Grace? As she attends her favorite event of the year which happens to be the Christmas program, Grace receives another gift—one that will change the course of her life forever.
In Secret Sister masterful storyteller, Sarah Price, has written an exquisite novel destined to become a Christmas classic! What an intricate, unpredictable plot! In one evening I literally read half of this book trying to figure out who the "secret sister" was and I never did. Being an empty nester myself, I could truly identify with Grace's inability to know just where she belonged after devoting her whole life to raising her children. I didn't just have tears in my eyes at the wonderful conclusion—they were literally streaming down my cheeks—I was that moved. For those of you who don't want to read a story about a more "mature" woman (lol)...have no fear. The book goes back and forth between past and present and there is plenty of blushing romance and drama, too! Highly recommended read for any time of the year!
Feeling so very alone and heartbroken from recently losing Menno – the love of her life – not to mention her children growing up and moving into different communities, Grace Beiler is truly suffering in silence. It is the Amish way to accept God's will in all things and not to question or complain about one's lot in life. Although her Amish community is kind to her, Grace feels like a fifth wheel when they offer to give her rides or invite her places with their families. Soon strange events begin to take place when Grace starts receiving notes and gifts that cause her to reflect on meaningful incidents in her past—when she and Menno were young and courting, and their subsequent life with their children. Apparently Grace has a "secret sister" who is seeking to encourage her, but who is she?...and how is she aware of these things that are only significant to Grace? As she attends her favorite event of the year which happens to be the Christmas program, Grace receives another gift—one that will change the course of her life forever.
In Secret Sister masterful storyteller, Sarah Price, has written an exquisite novel destined to become a Christmas classic! What an intricate, unpredictable plot! In one evening I literally read half of this book trying to figure out who the "secret sister" was and I never did. Being an empty nester myself, I could truly identify with Grace's inability to know just where she belonged after devoting her whole life to raising her children. I didn't just have tears in my eyes at the wonderful conclusion—they were literally streaming down my cheeks—I was that moved. For those of you who don't want to read a story about a more "mature" woman (lol)...have no fear. The book goes back and forth between past and present and there is plenty of blushing romance and drama, too! Highly recommended read for any time of the year!
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GIVEAWAY: Sarah Price has generously offered a copy of Secret Sister to one blessed commenter. To be eligible, please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to prevent yourself from spammers.
This books sounds wonderful! I know I'd love it. I have read many, many Amish books, but not one by Sarah Price. Sounds like just he book for ME!
ReplyDeletesusanlulu(at)yahoo(dot)come
SUSAN, good morning! Sarah has lived amongst the Amish so she has an insight to their lifestyle that many don't have. This lends a realism to her books that I love!
DeleteOoooo, I hope you do read one of my books and I'd love to hear what you think... :D
DeleteSarah has a way about drawing you into her stories. I always long to be right there <3 I can't wait to read this book. Thank you for an opportunity to win a copy.
ReplyDeletejodyr444(at)comcast(dot)net
Indeed she does, JODY! I truly got lost in this one -- so much so that I cried real tears! lol
DeleteI love love love Sarah's books and this one will be no different I assume. She brings you into her stories and makes you feel like you are part of the story. I would love to win a paperback copy of this book.
ReplyDeleteTONDA, welcome! Isn't Sarah the best?! I totally agree with you about feeling as though you are part of the story. Sarah lets you get inside of the characters' heads and you feel as though you really get to know them!
DeleteThank you, Tonda. That's my goal and I'm so glad that you feel that way about my books. If you can be there...in the story...I have succeeded!!!! :D
DeleteDiana, thank you for that beautiful review of Secret Sister: An Amish Tale.... It feels like you've captured the mystery, love, and Christmas magic of this story perfectly!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, NOELA! I tried! I love Christmas stories -- it kind of puts me in the mood. lol
DeleteWow! This sounds wonderful. Christmas books are already getting me in the spirit and it's still a couple months away.lol Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
eppersonkatrina(at)yahoo(dot)com
Me too, KATRINA! But it's a bit hot here to get too serious about it. lol!
DeleteI am a big fan of Sarah Price. This sounds like another winner. Would love to add this book to my collection. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMy email address is meashy@verizon.net. Sorry :)
DeleteThanks so much, MARY ELLEN! This is definitely another winner for Sarah! :)
DeleteSounds awesome. I would love to win this book.
ReplyDeletespotts06 at comcast dot net
It is a cool book, STELLA! Thanks so much and good luck!
DeleteThis book sounds wonderful. Thanks for the review and for the giveaway! justcommonly(at)gmail(dot)com.
ReplyDeleteHi, JUST COMMONLY! You're so welcome - tossing your name in the hat!
DeleteI really want to read this book . Thanks for the opportunity. linda(dot)1945(at)att(dot)net
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome, LINDA! I hope you get the chance ASAP!
DeleteAww, what a sweet, touching book full of emotions this must be - thank you for a beautiful review, Diana. I can't wait to read 'Secret Sister' - and the cover is so beautiful and comforting to me also, I'm wondering if the story may be based on fact. I love the Amish and touring their communities, but have never been a huge reader of fiction books about the Amish. That being said - Sarah's story lines are always some of the most original and compelling, of the Amish, that have come to my attention. I will purchase this as a Christmas gift to myself - it will be fun to read a story about a more mature lady, especially since I'm a very mature one also, LOL.
ReplyDeleteHugs to Sarah - she has been in my prayers - I pray her health has improved, and she is well on her way to recovery. I'm inspired that she has continued to write during her health issues.
Thx so much, BONNIE! Got the mature lady from my Dr. who knows better than to call me an older one! Not only is Sarah writing, but she is also ballroom dancing, and if I have my info right she and hubby bought a horse ranch. Or farm? Is there such a thing as a horse farm? lol Well, I'll let her tell you all about if she is able to stop by.
DeleteYes, we call them horse farms - here in the land of bluegrass and the Ky. Derby. I'm glad to hear she is having so much fun, I'm sure her daughter is thrilled about the horse farm - as is she.
DeleteThank you Bonnie! My health is better and yes, I'm writing and dancing and helping my husband sort out our 120 acre horse property. It's in NJ, though...just left KY after a conference and, wow, such a beautiful country!!!!!
DeleteBeautiful review, Diana. This one has been on my radar and you've completely sold me. I haven't read any of Sarah Price's books yet. Had trouble getting them up here but just discovered that Book Depository carries them. So, what book do you recommend I start with? Do you have other favourites along with this one?
ReplyDeleteThx so much, KAV! I really love her Amish series which is based on Jane Austen's classics. As a matter of fact you may see someone you know on the back of one of them endorsing it. (ahem) I will soon be reading the advanced reader's copy of Sense and Sensibility by Sarah Price. I loved that Jane Austen movie!! I totally enjoyed First Impressions: An Amish Tale of Pride and Prejudice...so you might start there.
DeleteHm, sounds like something I would enjoy. :) Great review, mdh!
ReplyDeleteTY, it was a book chock-full of surprises, MB!
DeleteCongratulations on your book Sarah! Enjoyed your review Diana.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Tina
tfrice(at)comcast(dot)net
Thanks so much, TINA! Good luck to you, my friend!
DeleteIt would be awesome to win a copy of Secret Sister An Amish Christmas Tale. I've got a spot saved on my bookshelf for it.
ReplyDeleteHi, MT! Please come back and leave an email addy so perhaps that spot on your bookshelf might also include this one. :) I need to be able to contact you if you're our lucky winner! Bless you!
DeleteI LOVE Amish fiction and Christmas so this is the perfect combo! rachelATbledsoeDOTnet
ReplyDeleteOh, I so agree with you, RACHEL! I just bought another one with that combo and can't wait to read it all snuggled up by the fireplace during those cold winter months!
DeleteI am ready for winter -- a winter story that is :-) Thank you for the giveaway. cmcfaithingod at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteThank you for clarifying that, CHRISTINE! lol Although some people love cold weather this girl ain't one of them! :) Right now in SC the weather is perfect!
DeleteThis book is my kind of book, thank you for the chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeletewfnren at aol dot com
You're so welcome, WENDY! The luck of the Irish to you, my friend!
DeleteO wow I like this sound of this book ! Must be because I love to read Amish books . Thanks for the chance to win .Blessings ,DanaGirl jashbk(at)earthlink(dot)net
ReplyDeleteAmish and Christmas, DANAGIRL! Doesn't get too much better than that. Lol
DeleteThis book sounds really wonderful... I love reading Amish books.
ReplyDeleteWonderful people Thank you for a chance to win this wonderful books
Blessings to you.
dian429(at)yahoo(dot)come
I love them, too, DIAN429! But then there isn't too much I don't love as far as books go, except sci-fi and horror.
DeleteYou had me at "Amish Yuletide tale".
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
MARY, I could write reviews so much quicker if I wrote them just for you! Lol Blessings!
Deleteha ha ha. That's cute, Mary. Amish Yuletide is a great title for a book, not that I think of it.... <3
DeleteThis book sounds great! Thanks for a chance to win. Have a blessed day.
ReplyDeletedhazelton(at)myfairpoint(dot)net
Thank you, DHAZELTON! Good luck in the giveaway!!
DeleteWhat an awesome review! This book sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing the chance to win!
ReplyDeleterw620 AT aol DOT com
You've made my night, ROBIN! Tossing your name in my cyber-hat! ;)
DeleteThank you for the great review of this book, by an author I have never read, yet!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get acquainted with Sarah's books soon, SHARI!
DeleteSorry, I typed that so many times, I forgot my email address!!! Shari-b (at) embarqmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry blogger was misbehaving, SHARI. Thx for your persistency!
DeleteWe have a "secret sister" program at our church! I don't know if anyone knows what that is, but you are assigned a "secret sister" for 6 months and then you write notes or cards, give small gifts or come up with your own clever things to encourage your sister. Daily praying for her, her family or any needs you may know of. Then after that 6 months is up, we have a reveal party with various themes (ie: tea party) and you get to find out who your sister is :-) It's so much fun!! I never try to guess who it is, I love the surprise at the end!
ReplyDeleteThis story is very appealing to me because of the title! I think I would very much enjoy it...thank you for the chance :-)
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
We had secret sisters at a church I belonged to when I lived in another town, TRIXI! It was so much fun! The reason Grace in the story wants to know who hers is...is b/c of the nature of the gifts. Thx for sharing!
DeleteYour review was great, I love reading Sarah's books. Thank you for the chance to win one of her books. Have a Blessed Day. dsimmering68(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThank you, DEB!! I love her books and her videos! She is such a funny lady and smart, too! Have a blessed evening as well!
DeleteI am excited about this book. It sounds great! Thank you for your wonderful review and giveaway.
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
I was so excited I preordered it, MELANIE! I just love me some Sarah Price! Lol Good luck!
DeleteI love reading about older women, as I am one, and it occasionally makes me glad when I realize that life isn't over yet lol. Thank you for the chance!
ReplyDeleteDebbie
ReadingMama922@gmail.com
Love your comment, DEBBIE! Remember we're not older - we're mature women. Lol Life is just beginning...at least that's what I keep telling myself. You're so welcome.
DeleteThis books sounds so good, Diana! I wonder if it will be coming out on audiobook? Thanks for your great review Angel Girl!
ReplyDeleteThank you, CARRIE! I'm not sure, but will certainly try to remember to let you know if it does. :)
DeleteI'm proud of Sarah for taking the plunge and letting a more "mature" woman be the main character. lol Although there are many flashbacks of Grace's younger self.
Great review. Love the book cover. Looking forward to reading another book by Sarah Price. Great author. Thank you for the chance to win a copy. kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHi, KAREN! Thank you! Sarah Price writes "outside the box" and that appeals to me. Blessings on your day!
DeleteI've got a spot on my bookshelf reserved...
ReplyDeleteMT, I would love to see this one on your bookshelf, but I need an email address so that I can contact you should you be our blessed winner. Without a name or an email addy, I'm lost! Lol Thank you for your comment.
DeleteThank you Sarah Price for writing "Secret Sister" and Diana, my dear friend, for another enriching and beautiful review. I am truly looking forward to reading this book. I can already tell that Sarah will become an author I will enjoy reading. I love all kinds of books, but do enjoy Amish stories particularly, and know I will also like having a mature heroine, like Grace, who is reflecting on her past lovely marriage to Menno, sharing her heart with the reader. I am of that magic age where I can certainly relate to Grace. It will be a great Christmas tale to snuggle up to - filled with love, memories and suspense to find out who her "secret sister" is. Joyce - Heart"wings" joyce1510(dot)jrg(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joyce! I'm so sorry blogger was mean to you yesterday. Sarah has lived with the Amish so her books are "out of the box" so to speak. More about real life issues. I'm not exactly sure how "magic" this age is, though. Lol
DeleteHer secret sister knows and loves her to have such firsthand information, it seems. Would love to read this story and hope I win a print copy! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
ReplyDeleteHi, KATHLEEN! Indeed her "secret sister" loves her very much....wonder who she is? ;)
DeleteGreat review Diana!I love Sarah's books.Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, dear JACKIE! I so hope you get the chance to read this book. I believe you'll really enjoy it!
DeleteI have never read one of Ms. Price's books, but this book sounds amazing and unlike any other Amish stories I have read. I would love the chance to read it!
ReplyDeleteMandy Bentley
mandydawn@email.com
MANDY, it's so nice to have you visit OWG! As I had mentioned earlier Sarah has lived with the Amish on and off, and her books tend to be a bit more realistic than some. Amish ppl suffer problems the same as we do, and Sarah Price often focuses on those issues and a solution that is satisfying to the reader. I believe you'll enjoy her books when you get the opportunity to read them! Thank you!
DeleteHello Diana. Another great review. Sounds like a very interesting book from Sarah. Thanks sarah for this gift and chance to win it. GOD bless you both. Love to my OWG gals. Maxie > mac262(at)med(dot)com <
ReplyDeleteHi, MAXIE! How is one of OWG's fave gals doing? Love right back atcha and good luck, too!
DeleteCongratulations to SUSANLULU for winning a copy of Secret Sister per random number! I sent you an email, Susan!
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this. I enjoy your books very much! Linda dot 1945 at att dot net
ReplyDelete