Secrets of Willow Springs -Book2 by Tracy Fredrychowski

Book Synopsis

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 thoughts:

Tracy Fredrychowski is a new to me author and I couldn't be more pleased to have read this book.  I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Marie Cooper and her estranged children. It's certainly different than some other Amish fiction that I have read which is why I enjoyed it so much.

The author gave her characters real challenges in their lives, a mother who is released from prison after 16 years, who is forced to live and find work in an Amish community all the while tying to reconcile with her children.

What I loved about this book is the grittier storyline, the thought that all of us lived charmed , perfect lives with no problems is silly so I was happy to see this Amish community reactions to Marie's presence.  Nathan had an especially difficult time having her in his home and caring for his family which seemed to ring true to me.  I know that I would share his feelings at first until I became more comfortable with the situation.

I was surprised by the twists but that's the purpose of them, right? I was not surprised by how much I enjoyed this well-paced, well-written novel and look forward to more of this authors work.  I loved the characters, the storyline and the lovely setting.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.