Serenity's Secret by Lisa Jones Baker

Serenity Holds Her Secrets Close
Full of faith, hope, and romance, this series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.

Serenity Miller has much to love about life as the owner of The Pink Petal in Arthur, Illinois, and enjoys trying natural remedies and exploring garage sales. Then comes the day her neighbor, Stephen Lantz, saves her from trespassers on her property and their friendship deepens into an attraction Serenity knows can never lead to marriage. She holds secrets she can never divulge, despite Stephen’s way of wooing her. But how can Serenity return to her life of contentment after a taste of love? And when danger returns, will it steal her last hope for a bright future?
This is Serenity Miller and Stephen Lantz's story.
Only Gott knew her secret. For some reason, it played heavily on her mind today. Serenity Miller wasn’t sure why. Perhaps it was because of the gusty wind that continuously picked up speed and its low, eerie whistle as it met the cracks in her tall, old barn in Arthur, Illinois.
Maybe it was due to the strong flashes of bright lightning that made loud crackling noises. Or the root of her uneasiness could have something to do with the unique smell of rain and damp air—nature’s obvious signals that a May downpour would start any second.
Before sunrise, Stephen Lantz stepped to the side of the blacktop that led from the Lantz house to Serenity’s and walked toward her home. As usual, he made his way to the side entrance. He knocked. And hummed.
No answer. He knocked louder. Still nothing. He turned to face her shed and glimpsed Serenity’s buggy through the large window.
She’s not inside. I’ll check her barn.
Behind the bales, he spotted Serenity face down on the floor.
Immediately, he knelt next to her and began to untie the face covering. She fought.
His voice shook when he attempted to reassure her. “It’s okay, Serenity. It’s me. It’s Stephen! I’m going to roll you over so that you’re face up. Here.”
I recommend this book.
Serenity's Secret by Lisa Jones Baker is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Lisa Jones Baker.

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Serenity’s Secret (The Heart of the Amish, 6)
Lisa Jones Baker
Genre: Amish Mystery, Romance
Readers are fascinated with the Amish life; I believe it is because deep down inside we all want a simpler lifestyle and a deeper walk with the Lord; perhaps we desire the innocence that we see in the Amish books.
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Our main characters are sweet but flawed. Like all of us they have things that bother them, things they aren’t proud of. Serenity Miller lives alone in Arthur, Illinois, where she owns the Pink Petal, a flower shop. She enjoys the simple things in life. Serenity has faced adversities that would have broken a lesser woman. She has taken the challenges life has thrown at her and used them to draw closer to the Lord. Serenity is blessed with friends and family that love her dearly.
Stephen Lantz is Serenity’s neighbor. He is interested in more than friendship, but he isn’t sure Serenity is ready for a relationship. They help each other out as needed. When some men hold her hostage in her barn, Stephen comes to her rescue. He wants to take care of her. What begins as a friendship turns into so much more. However, Serenity has a secret, she allows the secret to influence her thoughts and her choices. Readers watch as Serenity comes to terms with her secret. She learns that even what we perceive as a storm will Passover and there will be sunshine again. Stephen is the perfect mate for Serenity; he has an inner strength that she can depend on.
This is the sixth book in this series however, it stands well alone.
I received a copy of this book for review from NetGalley.

Serenity's Secret has mystery, suspense, and a wholesome clean romance. Serenity Miller is saved from an attack in her barn by Stephen Lantz. Being friends for a long time, their lives are about to change.

The Amish life in the story is well-written and the everyday life of their dedication to God and hard work is inspirational. I liked the way the characters strengths and flaws are both laid out for the reader. Lots of surprises in the story that kept me turning the pages. Everything wrapped up nicely in the end.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Serenity has a good life in her Amish community with her flower shop and her horse Angel. She has strong friendships, including one with her neighbor Stephen. When Stephen finds her in her barn tied up from trespassers, he feels more protective and starts to realize that he might want more than friendship. Serenity has secrets, never plans to marry, and avoids conversation that would expand their relationship. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I love relationships that grow from friendship. This is a sweet romance with a little bit of mystery and suspense. I enjoy reading this series very much.

In Serenity’s Secret, Lisa Jones Baker invites us into the heart of Amish country, weaving a tale rich with faith, hope, and unexpected romance. Serenity Miller, the owner of The Pink Petal in Arthur, Illinois, finds joy in simple pleasures, from exploring natural remedies to scouring garage sales. However, her life takes an emotional turn when her neighbor, Stephen Lantz, steps in to protect her from trespassers on her property, leading their friendship to blossom into something deeper.

What makes this story shine is the sweet romance intertwined with the complexities hidden within Serenity’s heart. She carries a heavy secret that shapes her decisions and understanding of love. Serenity’s journey serves as a poignant reminder that “there’s good in every situation … pay close attention, or you’ll miss the lesson that life teaches us.” Her struggles echo the truth that life isn’t perfect, and neither are people.

The impact of Serenity’s secret, along with the cozy mystery woven throughout, keeps the reader engaged. Gentle reminders of faith, love, contentment, and forgiveness resonate beautifully, providing a backdrop for reflections on trusting God’s plan, even when circumstances feel overwhelming. As Serenity confronts external threats and her internal battles, the narrative illustrates the transformative power of love.

Stephen emerges as a protective figure, balancing strength with tenderness, offering the reassurance Serenity needs. Their connection beautifully highlights how love can bloom in unexpected places and inspire the courage to share our secrets.

As both Serenity and Stephen confront their fears and vulnerabilities, the truth of 1 Peter 5:7—“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you”—comes to mind. They learn to surrender their burdens to God, letting go of preconceived notions and personal dreams. Through this process, they embrace the support offered by one another and God's guidance, which helps them flourish amid challenges and leads them toward a deeper understanding of His true plan for their lives.

Overall, Serenity’s Secret is a delightful read filled with warmth and authenticity. Baker crafts a narrative that speaks to the heart, celebrating the beauty of friendship, romance, and the importance of family and community. I found myself swept away in Serenity’s world; her journey is one I won’t soon forget. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to fans of Amish fiction and anyone seeking a story that intertwines faith, love, and the courage to share secrets with those you love and trust.

I received a digital ARC of Serenity’s Secret from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

In Serenity's Secret, the sixth book in The Heart of the Amish series, I jumped in without reading the earlier books, and even though I usually dislike constant reminders in a series, it worked out this time. The pacing was slow ant first, and it took me five days to finish, which is longer than usual for me. I was busy during those days, so it probably would have been more like a three-day read under normal circumstances. As I read more, I found myself getting drawn into the story. Early on, I thought I had figured out Serenity's secret, but I was completely surprised by the ending! It was so well done that I’m now considering going back to read the previous five books.

The relationship between Serenity and Stephen is sweet, slowly evolving from friendship, which is one of my favorite tropes because it feels more believable. At one point, Trini (secondary character) mentions that when something bad happens to one of the women, the guy falls for them. Nothing like mentioning the trope within the story.

The story had a bit of suspense in it with the trespassers on Serenity’s property. Although I was confused about why this would even play out this way eventually Baker explained everything and it all made sense.

Because this is part of a series, there are many secondary characters, but they were easy to follow thanks to the reminders of who they are. Trini plays a pretty major role in the story and her predicament helps Stephen with some of his thinking about Serenity.

As a Midwesterner myself, I appreciated that the book is set in Arthur, Illinois. By the end of the book, I was hooked on the series and Baker. I can’t wait to read more!

The Heart of the Amish continues with this heartwarming story about Serenity, an Amish lady living on her own in a small Illinois town. Serenity’s love for others is so encouraging. Angel, her horse was quite the protector. Enjoyable characters, a secret that is not easily discovered, faith and love all make this an enjoyable read.

Serenity and Stephen are perfect for each other. Furthermore, they have both fallen in love with the other. Why does Serenity push Stephen away whenever he tries to talk about a future together? Could it be her emotional upset from the trauma she just went through?
This is a story of love that goes beyond, superficial, deep into the heart of God and reaches through to others as we love them in return. This is about lasting friendships, strong sibling relationships and a community that comes together to help when needed. This is about believing God can make a way, even when there seems to be no way. Hardships seem to come one after another but the faith of Serenity and Stephen remains strong. Will they eventually be able to drop the barriers surrounding their hearts and surrender to a love they never dreamed possible? Lisa Jones Baker truly touches the heart with this one along with a bit of intrigue and mystery that kept me turning the pages.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to write a review

Book six of the series. Not only is this a friends to lovers romance but also a mystery which will keep you guessing until the end. Loved it.

Endearing

Serenity and Stephen's story is a wonderful mix of friendship, love, faith, and intrigue. The author has done an amazing job of weaving these elements into their story and does so flawlessly. The result is a lovely and endearing story that is a joy to read.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

Serenity Miller loves her job at The Pink Petal, a flower arranging business, in Illinois. After being tied up in her own barn, Stephen Lantz, finds and saves Serenity. He is enamored with her and wishes to marry Serenity one day. Serenity won't marry, as she has many secrets. If the secret comes out, Serenity feels it will completely change her life.

Serenity must learn to trust her loved ones, as it frees a person to live. Serenity and Stephen's friendship blooms into so much more!

A special thank you to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

This was a really sweet read. I really liked that it was a story of love, friendship with alot of mystery mixed in!

I honestly didn't figure the big secret out and I was surprised! I will definitely keep reading books by this author!

Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing this ARC for my honest review.

#NetGalley #BarbourPublishing #LisaJonesBaker

Serenity lives alone on her farm with her horse, Angel. Everyone says Angel is misnamed as he likes to bite and especially dislikes men. He and Serenity share a special bond. Serenity also owns a flower shop in their small Amish community. Her friends Trini and Abby get together with her on a regular basis to quilt, talk and support each other. Serenity’s neighbor Stephen is one of her best friends, their farms adjoin and they help each other out. When tragedy strikes it sets the whole community on edge. Stephen wants to protect Serenity but will her secret cause them to pull apart from each other?
Serenity actually has multiple secrets. One she has no clue about; she is hiding it in plain sight. The
characters and their struggles are so well written that I wanted to reach out to them and give them a
hug. Serenity struggles because her secret is one she promised to keep forever; the person she promised is now deceased but the secret still very much alive. If the secret comes out it will completely change Serenity’s life, not necessarily for the better.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Serenity's Secret is Book 6 of the series "The Heart of the Amish," by Lisa Jones Baker. It was well written, the characters were endearing & the storyline keeps you interested. Serenity Miller's life as the owner of the Pink Petal is going well until she is found bound & gagged in her barn. As she struggles with why this has happened to her, she is rescued by her neighbor, Stephen Lantz. As they spent time together to try to sort through the events that led up to what happened, Stephen realizes his feelings for Serenity are much more than being friends & neighbors. He wants to be more than just her protector. He doesn't know that Serenity has a secret or two & she isn't ready to let him in the deepest part of her heart. As they continue to work together to solve the mystery in the barn, Stephen hopes he can solve the mystery that is Serenity.

5 stars, An Angel saves the day!

SERENITY'S SECRET: THE HEART OF THE AMISH BOOK 6
by Lisa Jones Baker

Serenity Miller is an adult Amish woman who lives by herself in Arthur, Illinois, and owns a local flower shop. Her neighbor and good friend is single, Amish man Stephen Lantz. They help each other with different stuff, on their farms.

Stephen would like to be more than friends, but he's not sure that Serenity is ready for more, yet. He rescues Serenity from strangers who have held her hostage in her own barn. This makes Stephen want to rescue Serenity in more ways.

Serenity has a close, loving relationship with Angel, her rescue horse. Angel is quite definitive about who he likes and doesn't like. If he doesn't like you, you are likely to be trod upon or even bitten!

Serenity has a secret, at least one that she keeps even from her besties Trini and Abby. Some secrets are meant to be shared, Serenity will have to decide what to do with her secrets.

This novel has a lot of mystery that is divulged at the end, secrets, faith, and love all that make this a story worth reading.

Serenity, Stephen, and Stephen's Aendi Margaret are all wonderful characters.

I have read all of the books in this series, they are all wonderful. Highly recommend any of them. Each story is a completed standalone. There are little snippets of Pennsylvania Dutch sprinkled throughout the book.

I received a complimentary copy of #SerenitysSecrets by #LisaJonesBaker from #BarbourBooks #BarbourFiction #NetGalley I was not obligated to post a review.

#AmishFiction #Horses #Mystery #romance #standalonebookseries #inspirational #Christianfiction #PennsylvaniaDutch #TheHeartOfTheAmishSeries

No joy is complete unless it is shared.

One of the reasons I like the Amish genre is that it is always centered around relationships. Family, community and the relationship with the Lord. Serenity's Secret is a continuation of the Lantz Brothers and the relationships that they have formed since their aunt has passed away. Stephen Lantz has his eye and heart on Serenity. However, something is holding her back. A secret that she has been holding. In fact it is not just one but two. Sometimes secrets keep us in a type of bondage and it is the freedom to share that secret that releases all parties involved into a deeper relationship.
Stephen did not force the situation but in fact protective of Serenity. When Serenity is attacked, his feelings for her deepened and he knew he had to find way to show that he could be trusted.

Trust is such a big thing in our relationships. Without it, we can hit a wall. It is only a constant faith in the goodness of God that we can give grace to those that struggle.

A special thank you to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

Set in Illinois Amish country, Serenity’s Secret is the sixth book in the multi-author The Heart of the Amish series. There is a lot going on in this story including a whodunit mystery, secrets, and a touching side story. Although a bit predictable, the well-paced plot with well-placed twists kept me reading with interest. A well-crafted cast of characters, featuring a strong yet vulnerable heroine and a protective hero, drive the story. I appreciate the gentle faith lessons on forgiveness and trusting in God’s plan regardless of the circumstances. Amish fiction fans will like and appreciate this story. NOTE: Although there are carry over characters from a previous book in the series, this book can be easily read as a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Serenity's Secret is a really good story. Serenity and Stephen meet and became friends through Stephen's aunt. Serenity becomes ill and was diagnosed with Epstein Barr syndrome. Stephen's Aunt Margaret helped her get through the illness when she was at her worst. Serenity has lasting affects from the illness that she keeps secret from her friends and Stephen. As they grow closer, will Serenity be able to be honest with Stephen and dislose her secret to him? Can she have the courage and honesty to tell him her deepest secret? Will Stephen be able to accept the secret she's holding so tightly to? Can they compromise and have a future together? You will have to read the book to find out! I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to leave a review. #netgalley #barbourpublishing

Serenity's Secret
I know every time I pick up one of Lisa Jones Baker book's I will be captivated from the first page to the last. Serenity Secret is no different.

Synopsis - Serenity Miller has much to love about life as the owner of the Pink Petal and learning about natural remedies and a love for garage sales. Then there is when her neighbor Stephen Lantz saved her.

Quote - "That sometimes things happen, and we have no idea why. But Gott does. He's omniscient. He knows our entire life story, including the ending, and we're to trust His plan.

Thoughts - There are so many positive things about this book. You see the relationship between Serenity and Stephen blossom from a deep friendship to a love for each other even though Serenity could never allow it to happen. You will see how they overcome adversity and put their faith in God. The characters are well written and the story flows nicely. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a great Christian book.

Rating - 5 out of 5

Disclaimer - I received this complimentary copy from the author and publisher through Netgalley. All thoughts and o