Member Reviews

Serenity Miller has been accosted by trespassers. Fortunately, her neighbor, Stephen Lantz, showed up at just the right time. Serenity, as well as her dear parents, are beyond grateful. Perhaps that is when the spark was lit between these young people, but there will no doubt be obstacles that get in the way with regard to their future together.

But, romance is the furthest thing from Serenity’s mind, as after her recovery from a very serious illness, she has a dream. Serenity has always dreamed of opening her own flower shop. She feels like she has been blessed by God more than once, and she continues in her strong faith. However, while holding a secret close to her heart, Serenity is trying not to be frozen by fear.

While holding a secret close to her heart, Serenity is determined not to let fear paralyze her. Stephen and Serenity are both kind and compassionate individuals, and their story showcases the deep bond they share with their families and friends. However, I particularly enjoyed the gradual development of their romantic relationship. In our fast-paced world, it is refreshing to witness a slow-burning romance that allows for a deeper connection between the characters.

Although I have not read the previous books in this series, I am thoroughly impressed with Amish fiction and this particular story. It has become one of my favorites, and I eagerly really would like to read the other books in the series.

Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Serenity Miller and Stephen Lantz are neighbors, knew each other since kids. He has always had a special spot in his heart for her. When a tragic event happens he was there to rescue her, to comfort her, and be her protector if she would let him be. Serenity cares about Stephen and is grateful for his kindness. She keeps a secret that she feels would discourge any future with him. It's the faith that sees you through. A wonderful warm story with a mystery twist.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

First time reading from this author and I am so glad I requested getting a copy. You have love and mystery in this book which I loved. It was so hard to put this book down. I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait until I read more from this author.

Was this review helpful?

This touching Amish tale is part of a continuing series, but the book can stand on its own. The three friends featured take up the story where the previous book left off. This novel focuses on Serenity and Stephen and whether they can overcome the challenges standing as a roadblock to a deeper relationship. I was surprised by some things in the book—like when he took off her shoes and socks and rubbed her feet. It doesn’t seem something an Amish man would do even for a close female friend—and in private too. Also, he didn’t seem very nonresistant since he wanted to fight off her attackers and didn’t show the faith and trust readers expect the Amish too. I prefer seeing characters stay true to their church’s teaching. In places the author gives too much unnecessary details that slow the pacing and aren’t needed for the plot. Still, the tender love story tugs at the heart. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoy the books in this series. I love getting to see a glimpse into Amish life and I love how sweet each of these romances are. I like how each of the characters have struggles but they are able to get through them through the help of God. I liked how in this book Stephen had to decided which dream was more important to him and what God wanted for him. I liked how kind and sensitive he was and that he was such a good friend to Serenity. I liked how Serenity learned that she could be with Stephen even if she can’t have children. I also liked the little bit of mystery that was in the story as they tried to figure out why someone attacked Serenity in her barn. I thought that was a nice element. I would recommend this book.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Serenity’s Secret is a fun Amish romance novel with a hint of something more thrown in as well. It’s also part of a series as well. You’re going to love this one. I would say you can read this as a stand-alone novel but it is best read as a series.

Serenity has not had a sweet life. It’s been hard. And even now hard things are happening to her. Things that she doesn’t know why they’re happening. Her neighbor steps in to help her and they form a bond. But can anything happen from it?

This is a sweet book. It’s a romance. It’s a Christian romance as well. But there is also a hint of mystery within as well. And our characters have rough goes of it as well. It’s not all roses and herbal remedies here.

Serenity is a florist and brings people joy from her creations. But when she’s attacked in her barn (and saved by her neighbour) things start moving right along!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Was this review helpful?

“Serenity’s Secret” is an Amish story with a lovely blend of mystery, faith, romance, and sweet friendship. This is part of a series, but each can be read on their own.

I enjoyed witnessing the bond between Serenity and her horse. So unique and the connection feels authentic. She’s easy to connect with and I loved how a scary time brought her and Stephen together. Stephen is a great friend. I loved his strength and connected with him immediately.

I love stories where the characters truly learn, grow, and change. The themes of forgiveness and hope shine bright and show us that hidden secrets can hinder us from some of the greatest blessings.

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
Opinions are 100% mine.

Was this review helpful?

Serenity’s Secret, by Lisa Jones Baker, is the sixth book in The Heart of the Amish series. This is a series that is written by different authors. While the stories contain some of the same characters, this is a great stand alone story. This story focuses on Serenity and her neighbor Stephen. This is a heartwarming story with wonderful characters. I enjoyed how nicely written this story is. It is easy to read and imagine. I enjoyed the humor in the story surrounding Serenity’s horse and how it responded to men. The story has mystery and suspense as well with the unknown visitors to her home and why they were there. I found it very heartwarming to see how members of the community come together to make a memorial for Stephen’s aunt. This is an enjoyable story of nice characters who rely on their faith and trust in God.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review

Was this review helpful?

What secret could stop Serenity from her dreams?
Stephen realized Serenity was the girl for him. But how could he convince her to take a chance?

Serenity was in danger. Why? Who could it be?

A wonderful story of discovery and acceptance. Serenity and Stephen would learn to trust the LORD. GOD knew what he was doing.

A sweet story. I hated seeing Serenity suffer in silence. Thank goodness she had friends and Stephen.

Was this review helpful?

This was a sweet story that kept you guessing what secret Serenity is keeping, with a little extra umpf thrown in. You can't help but fall in love with Stephen and Serenity and root for them throughout the story. The ending will make you smile and leave you with a feeling of satisfaction that lingers and makes you eager to read the other installments of this series if you haven't already.

Was this review helpful?

Serenity definitely has a secret that she keeps “close to the vest” but actually she has two. Even her two best friends Trini and Abby have no clue. I admired Serenity and her strong faith in light of her hardships and challenges. She had a strong friendship and protector in Stephen who lived next door. But I also enjoyed her friendship and closeness with Angel, her buggy horse. She used him as a sounding board and anyone that tried to interfere was promptly bitten by Angel. When danger arrived in their safe community, it had everyone on edge, especially Serenity. This book had it all, friendship, love, family, faith and danger. It was a fast read for me because I wanted to know the secret(s).
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.

Was this review helpful?

I have just loved these Heart of the Amish series. In this book, Serenity’s Secret, Serenity Miller who owns the Pink Petal flower shop finds a hand carved horse at a garage sale. For some reason she just loves it and buys it. Then she is attacked in her barn and left tied up. Her neighbor and friend Stephen Lanz rescues her. He secretly loves her and she loves him but Serenity has a secret and she knows that she will never marry. Will she tell Stephen the reason? Can they find who and why she was attacked ? This book is full of hope, Faith, friendship, romance and a touch of mystery. I hope these authors write more series together!
Thank you to Barbour publishing and NetGalley for the complimentary copy. This is my honest review! Must read!!

Was this review helpful?

Sadly I just couldn't get into this book. I DNFed it. It may be because I haven't read the others in the series.

Was this review helpful?

Serenity's Secret by Lisa Jones Baker is book #6 in The Heart of the Amish series. This is the story of Serenity Miller, Arthur, Illinois' local florist, and Stephen Lantz, a local bean and corn farmer. As their friendship grows, Serenity's secret is tearing them apart. And who are the mysterious men who tied up and gagged Serenity in her barn? Will these issues ever be reslolved so life can go back to normal again?

This was a really fun read to me, as one gets re-acquainted with old friends and makes new ones. And I learned a lot of different things about plants, both health-wise and the different meanings of them. If you're an Amish fiction fan, and you've read other stories in this series, you won't want to miss this one!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Barbour for an advanced e-pub of this book. All opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.

#SerenitysSecret #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

Rating: 5 stars ~ Genre: Amish Mystery ~ Pages: 261 ~ Publish Date: 1 Oct 2024

Serenity has a secret. She is almost a recluse except for owning The Pink Petal Flower Shop. When not there, she is at home—alone, with her doors locked. She lives with the knowledge that she can never marry and never have even one sweet 'bobbli'.

But recently something has been happening on her property. Could it be trespassers? Or is it someone with more sinister motives? A neighbor has been showing up doing such chores as chopping wood. Or repairing something. She stays hidden. But one day, she is attacked and this same kind neighbor saves her from further harm.

The neighbor, Stephen Lantz, also carries a private burden. And somehow, these two hurting people grow to be friends.

“Serenity’s Secret” is a poignant story and sixth in the ‘The Heart of the Amish‘ series. Serenity is first introduced in the third book, “The Quilt Room Secret“, also by Lisa Jones Baker. However, book six can be read without having read “The Quilt Room Secret“. You will enjoy this story as Serenity does have a reason to lock her doors. And Stephen is right, there is something very wrong and she needs protecting.

I received a complimentary DRC of “Serenitys’ Secret” via NetGalley from the publisher, Barbour Publishing | Barbour Fiction. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 5 stars
Series: The Heart of the Amish, book 6
Cover: Poignant
Pages: 261
Publish Date: 1 October 2024
#SerenitysSecret #NetGalley #LisaJonesBaker

Was this review helpful?

This is book six in the series. I've read all the others and have enjoyed each one. In this book Serenity and Stephen seem like they would be the prefect couple, but Serenity has a secret she's keeping, will Stephen find out and if he does will it break them apart? It's a great story with mystery, friendship, love, forgiveness, all the things that make a wonderful book. Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this book, a review was not required it was my own.

Was this review helpful?

There were several things I loved about this book. Real issues, characters growing and changing, trust in God, all of those were very apparent. I loved the suspense, and the mystery of the story. Of course the happy ending is nice.

My biggest issues were that the formatting was not set up well. It jumped back and forth between characters without page breaks or any markings. I'd often have to go back and re read something because I thought it was a continuation from the paragraph above. The next issue is, I can't believe that Amish women would call their best friends their "besties", or an Amish man telling his brother he wants to hear someone's "hubby". Using those words took me out of the story. There were a few grammatical errors,

Was this review helpful?

Serenity Miller loves the life she has where she finds natural remedies and explores garage sales. However, after her neighbor Stephen Lantz saves her from trespassers to her property, life can never be the same. Too many secrets keep her from believing she could love and marry. When trouble comes brewing, will they find themselves? I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

Was this review helpful?

Serenity’s Secret by Lisa Jones Baker is the sixth book in The Heart of the Amish series. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series, but I recommend reading the series in order (it will allow you to get to know the characters and their stories). Serenity’s Secret is well-written and engaging. I like that the character’s are realistic with strengths and flaws. It is nice that the relationship between Serenity and Stephen began as a friendship and slowly developed into something more. Of course, if the pair are to have a future, Serenity must reveal her secret. I liked Serenity’s relationship with her rescue horse, Angel. Angel is a horse who knows who he likes and, more importantly, whom he does not like. Serenity’s family and friends have learned to steer clear of Angel, especially the men. I enjoyed catching up with Trini, Abby, and their families. Abby needs to be less pushy and slow her roll if she plans to push Gabriel into courting her. The story is told from Serenity and Stephen’s point-of-view. This does lead to some repetitive details. There is one scene near the end that had me laughing out loud (it cracked me up). I enjoyed learning about the meaning of the different flowers. It is amazing what you can say with a bouquet of flowers. The story has a sweet ending that left me smiling. I like how Serenity’s Secret combines romance, mystery, hope, suspense, forgiveness, and faith into one pleasing story. Serenity’s Secret is a touching tale with intruders on the farm, a secret shame, the Pink Petal, a rescue horse, a thoughtful family, and facing the future.

Was this review helpful?

Serenity Miller is the owner of the Pink Petal Flower Shop. She lives quite close to the Lantz brothers' home they inherited from their Aendi Margaret. When trespassers invade her property Stephen finds and rescues her. His protective nature kicks in along with the growing love he feels for the woman. But Serenity has a secret. She has determined to stay single because of it.

I received an e-copy of the book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. I am expressing my own personal opinion about this novel. This is the sixth book in the series. Abigail and Trini, her best friends along with the Lantz brothers are in the interesting group of characters.
The author, Lisa Jones Baker, writes about Epstein Barr and how it has affected Serenity's past, present and future after suffering with it as a girl. After the trespass Stephen and Serenity grow closer, but her secret is a barrier. There is a shadow over the community as the culprits are being sought. Why did they pick Serenity's property? Are they still watching? What is Serenity's secret?
I like that Aunt Margaret is still a presence in the story as characters recall things she has said or done that was meaningful in their lives. Information about the Epstein Barr virus is interesting. I didn't realize how devastating is can be. This is a good addition to this series with challenges of life today.
Grief and trauma are felt in the story. Faith is crucial to get past these situations.
I give this a 4.5 rating out of 5. I highly recommend Barbour Publishing for stories of faith, honoring God and clean reads.

Was this review helpful?