Secrets of Willow Springs ( 2 ) by Tracy Fredrychowski

ABOUT THE BOOK

After spending sixteen years in prison, Marie Cooper is forced to return to Sugarcreek, deep in Amish Country. Forced to take the only job available to her, she finds herself working for wealthy Nathan Bouteright. As her late husband’s memory continues to follow her, who will hold the key to unlock so many unanswered questions about her past? Will she be able to help Emma and Daniel come to terms with who they are, and can they forgive the one person who played God with their lives?

When Marie struggles to get Nathan to trust her, will it be his four-year-old son Amos who shows them there is more to a person than what is on the outside? Or, will a letter from her deceased mother help her find her way back to her faith and the exact place she dropped her thread of obedience?

MY REVIEW

I was in love with this book the moment I first opened it. I am humbled by the sweet message that this book sends.

I can't imagine being in prison nor do I ever want to be.

Marie is a strong character. I love how the author has put her through the many events in her life and I cried with Emma and Marie.

I cried because of the gentle reminder that God doesn't leave or forsake us. We leave Him. We leave Him because of pride and sin.

The one I really felt sorry for was Nathan. It all seemed so overwhelming that everything was piling up on him. I understood where he was coming from. I've felt like him many many times. I loved how the Lord gently reminded him.

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

I didn't like Emma's sister however; because of her snippy ways. The way I see it, she's the one who needed the gentle reminder from the Lord Jesus. I thought she was too judgmental towards Emma.

Emma couldn't help her life's event. I don't think really any of us can. It's why we need Jesus!! He is the truth the way and eternal life.

The Lord has a reason for everything He does.

I loved reading this book and watching it all play out.

I love the Amish ways. We Englishers can learn a lot especially from their family dinners. Too often families don't pray or talk about their day. Prayers are an important part of the day.

Another character I especially loved was Rose. Old and wise beyond her years and yes with many secrets of her own she shares with Emma in a round about way.

One piece of advice is when she tells Marie,

"Sometimes we want answers, but if we get them all at once there's no need for Faith. The only way we know something is in God's plan is compare it to His Word."

I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tracy Fredrychowski lives a life similar to the stories she writes about. Striving to simplify her life, she often shares her simple living tips and ideas on her website and blog at tracyfredrychowski.com.   

Growing up in rural northwestern Pennsylvania, country living was instilled in her from an early age. As a young woman, she was traumatized by the murder of a young Amish woman in her rural Pennsylvania community and she became dedicated to sharing stories of their simple existence. She inspires her readers to live a God-centered life through faith, family, and community. 

If you would like to enjoy more of the Amish of Lawrence County, she invites you to join her in her Private Facebook Group. There, she shares her friend, Jim Fisher's Amish photography, Amish recipes, short stories, and an inside look at her favorite Amish community nestled in Northwestern Pennsylvania, deep in Amish Country.  

Follow her at:
Instagram instagram.com/tracyfredrychowski/
Facebook facebook.com/theamishlifestyle/
Private Facebook Group facebook.com/groups/tracyfredrychowski/