| Title | : | Caroline's Secret (Wells Landing, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1420134531 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781420134537 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 352 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 2014 |
After losing his life-long sweetheart, Andrew Fitch moved to Wells Landing to work in his uncle's furniture business and nurse his broken heart. Finding love again seems all but impossible--until he meets Caroline and Emma. But his plans to join their lives together may be shattered when the truth of Caroline's past comes to light--unless, together, they can learn the true meaning of sacrifice and forgiveness. . .
Caroline's Secret (Wells Landing, #1) Reviews
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Caroline’s Secret brings to light the differences of the many sects of Amish Communities, I’ve known that they existed, but some of the rules are laid out, so you can see how they vary.
Caroline came to the Oklahoma Beachy Sect from one of the most stringent Sects, the Swartzentruber. When we meet her she is living and working among her people, no one questions her, but she is holding a big secret, one that she could be shunned for.
We have another young man trying to put his life back on tract, after loosing the woman he was to marry. Andrew, is attracted to Caroline, but berates himself for not keeping his mourning. Through the whole story we find Gods hand on his people, and his help, just for the asking.
You will wonder almost from the beginning whom Caroline will end up with, and it becomes very surprising. We also have another romance here, one that has been going on for many years, without the participants realizing. This one is so sweet and fits almost like an old shoe!
This book gives a great insight into the Amish culture, and you might be surprised at what some of your assumptions are, and how wrong you will be. Enjoy!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zebra, and was not required to give a positive review. -
"The ever-cheerful sweetly plump widow turned her attention to the dark-haired delivery man. It was better by far for Caroline to think of him in those terms rather than as the most attractive man she had seen in a long time. Or ever. Those were the thoughts of a carefree teenager, and she was neither a teenager nor carefree any longer."
***** Wow, I would love to give this book more than 5 stars! This is a fresh, new way to approach Amish fiction from Amy Lillard. Caroline and Andrew captured my heart immediately and little Emma stole it! It is so cute how they are matchmaking for elderly widow, Esther, and Andrew's uncle Abe, and Esther is hoping to get the two of them together. This book is a precious story of second chances and forgiveness. I think readers will find it as fresh and exciting as I did. I couldn't wait to finish chores around the house to get back to reading this one! You will even get some of the delicious recipes for foods the characters create in their bakery. Cowboy cookies, which were Andrew's favorite, sound especially yummy and the recipe does not look terribly complicated. Come to Wells Landing and fall in love. Now I am just awaiting book two in the series!
I received a free kindle version of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review. -
Caroline’s Secret is an Amish romance written by Amy Lillard. I have read all of her Amish romances and they never disappoint. Caroline’s Secret is an amazing story. Caroline arrives in Oklahoma hoping to start a new life for herself and her young daughter Emma. She meets Andrew Fitch who comes to Wells Landing hoping to mend his broken heart after losing his life-long love. Will they find true love together or will the arrival of an Englisher with ties to Caroline’s past threaten their relationship? Amy Lillard always does an excellent job developing her characters. She is a gifted romance writer. Her Amish details are also always very authentic, but the focus is on the sweet romance she creates. I highly recommend this first book in her new series.
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Caroline's Secret(Well's Landing) is the first of this series. This book is amazingly written. This story takes place in Oklahoma and also Tennessee. Young Amish mother Caroline travels to Oklahoma to get away from her troubles. After arriving in Well's Landing everyone was very welcoming to her and her daughter Emma. Andrew a young heartbroken Amish man also decided to travel to Oklahoma and stay with his uncle. Caroline and Andrew became fast friends and Andrew fell in love with the wee one. In this Amish story you will find stubbornness, friendship, love, heart ache and heart break. Lillard takes you on a journey in this brilliant story. She provides you with lots of wonderful Amish recipes and a page full of Dutch/English words. If you love Amish stories this is the one to get....
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Amy Lillard never ceases to amaze me, nor does she disappoint me with her stories. Caroline's Secret is no exception. A wonderful story that will have you wanting to shake some sense into Caroline and Andrew both. I have to say this, if for some totally off the wall reason, you can't read this whole book, the ending is the most beautiful ending. That totally made the book! 5 stars from this reviewer.
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review. -
About the Book:
In Amy Lillard's poignant introduction to Wells Landing, a small Amish community is home to two brave souls hoping to forget their painful pasts and rebuild their faith in the future. . . Caroline Hostetler arrived in Oklahoma determined to forge a new life for herself and her daughter, Emma. As a single mother, she values the warmth and safety she's found in close-knit Wells Landing. She's even caught the eye of a handsome newcomer--a man who just may be the partner she longs for and the father Emma deserves.
But the arrival of an Englisher threatens to lay bare the secrets she's worked so hard to leave behind. . . After losing his life-long sweetheart, Andrew Fitch moved to Wells Landing to work in his uncle's furniture business and nurse his broken heart. Finding love again seems all but impossible--until he meets Caroline and Emma. But his plans to join their lives together may be shattered when the truth of Caroline's past comes to light--unless, together, they can learn the true meaning of sacrifice and forgiveness.
About the Author:
I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.
I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son--a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!
My Review:
It is extremely obvious at the beginning of the story that Caroline is captivated by the "most handsome man she has ever seen". She is just minding her own business when out of heaven drops the most amazing looking man with the purest blue eyes she has ever seen. But as soon as she gets comfortable watching him from afar, she realizes that he is delivering something she specifically told Esther they can't afford right now. As a result her swooning is replaced with anger. She immediately confronts Esther but all the anger drifts away when she realizes that Esther did it out of love.
Andrew Fitch works for his uncle at his uncle's furniture store and as he makes a delivery, he encounters Miss Caroline. As Andrew arrives back at the store, he is informed that He and his uncle will be heading back up to Esther's for dinner tonight. He never expected to be so interested in another woman after Beth passed on, but Caroline had invaded his thoughts upon their meeting. He agrees to be "just friends" with Caroline. But soon the two of them start spending more and more time together.
The kindling of the romance between Andrew and Caroline is so sweet. Amy has done a perfect job of drawing you in from the beginning. The story really takes off from the beginning, so there is no need in aimlessly reading chapter after chapter before you get the idea of what is happening. I really liked being on the sidelines looking in to see the love between the two main characters blossom.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. -
I stumbled upon Amy Lillard‘s work entirely by accident and it was equally coincidental that I ended up on her street team!
Which is how I got an early look at her new book: “Caroline’s Secret”
And let me tell you, this book is just as fantastic a read as her Clover Ridge series!
If she writes mainstream fiction anywhere near as well as she does Amish fiction… it’s a wonder she hasn’t sold a million+ copies.
The characters will immediately engage you, pulling you right into their world – and that is not always an easy thing to do.
Now granted I read an uncorrected proof because it was an early sneak peek (I LOVE being on the street team!!!) but the finished story is sure to be just as amazing once it’s all finished and fixed.
And isn’t it interesting – I think I found less mistakes in the “uncorrected proof” than I have in a lot of regular published books.
Amy Lillard has a particular talent for pulling you into her characters’ skin. It’s wonderful! You feel what the characters feels and it really makes the book REAL for you! Or it does for me… at any rate. And her skill does not end with the characters. She always writes a stellar story and she paints a beautiful picture for us too. There’s no feeling that you’re just following someone around a blank town. We see the area around our characters and that also helps make the story REAL!
Now… I get to be on pins and needles until the next book in this series is ready for us to check out. Write faster Amy. LOL!
DO NOT MISS THIS ONE! If you have not pre-ordered, go do it now! “Caroline’s Secret” releases officially on August 5th!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. -
Caroline's Secret is book one of Amy Lillard's new Wells Landing Series, and if this book is any indicator, the entire series will definitely be a must read for anyone that enjoys Amish fiction/romance.
"Caroline Hostetler arrived in Oklahoma determined to forge a new life for herself and her daughter, Emma. As a single mother, she values the warmth and safety she's found in close-knit Wells Landing. She's even caught the eye of a handsome newcomer--a man who just may be the partner she longs for and the father Emma deserves. But the arrival of an Englisher threatens to lay bare the secrets she's worked so hard to leave behind. . .
After losing his life-long sweetheart, Andrew Fitch moved to Wells Landing to work in his uncle's furniture business and nurse his broken heart. Finding love again seems all but impossible--until he meets Caroline and Emma. But his plans to join their lives together may be shattered when the truth of Caroline's past comes to light--unless, together, they can learn the true meaning of sacrifice and forgiveness. . ."
Amy Lillard unravels this lovely story in such a way that the reader vividly sees things through the characters' eyes and feels what the characters are feeling. It's a story of love, joy, hope, forgiveness, sacrifice, and so much more. You'll smile, you'll sigh, you'll find your self holding your breath, and yes, even crying, all of which blend together in a beautiful story that you won't want to put down till the very end.
I received a free kindle version of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review. -
Caroline's Secret ( Wells Landing )
By; Amy Lillard
Caroline's Secret is the first book in Wells Landing series. Wow, Amy Lillard does not disappoint me. She pens a novel of a young Amish girl, Caroline , who leaves her home and family in Tennessee and ends up in Oklahoma to start a new life. She has her daughter, Emma , who she loves very much. She lost someone she loved and is trying to move on. Andrew is a young Amish farmer who came to Oklahoma to live with his uncle and help him in his furniture store. He has lost someone he loved very much and trying to go on with his life. Now Caroline and Andrew neither one is ready for a relationship. They just want to be friends, but they can't get the other one off of their mind. There is some match matching going on in Caroline's Secret and you will laugh about the things that are done to try to get two people together. Caroline and Andrew become good friends and begin to have feelings for each other, but they still are not ready for anything other than being friends. Can Caroline and Andrew get over their past and love again or will they wait to long? There was times when you just want to get in there and knock some sense into Caroline and Andrew. I loved this story and can't wait for the second book in this new series.
I as given a copy of this book for my honest review and, I have given it. -
A Real Page Turner! Don’t Miss This One!
I have read all of Amy Lillard’s Amish fiction books. I have sincerely loved them all. BUT, I will say that Caroline’s Secret is my favorite so far. Right from the beginning this book holds your interest. I have a confession to make. I wanted to read the last page in this book in the worst way. I needed to know a few things, hoping they would turn out the way I wanted them to. I will admit that I DID NOT read the last page. I made myself wait until I got there.
I quickly fell in love with the characters in this book. Caroline is someone I’d truly want as a friend. Emma is an adorable toddler that will capture your heart. I could easily claim her as my granddaughter! Andrew is someone you will instantly like. I can’t forget to mention Esther and Abe, they will hold a special place in your heart too.
This is a story of love, romance, and forgiveness. You will smile, laugh, shake your head, you might even say, really?!, and it will bring you to tears. You will find hidden secrets and moments of, how could he do that!! You will pick up this book every chance you get and if you are lucky you might be able to read it all the way through in one day if you don’t have any interruptions and a household to take care of.
Amy, you have done it again! I can not wait until book two, Courting Emily, is released in January 2015.
I highly recommend this book. It is a 5 star book many times over! -
Caroline’s Secret is a wonderful start to a new series set in the community of Wells Landing. This book was so hard to put down! The leading characters, Caroline and Andrew, both captured my heart and I found myself thinking about them long after I finished reading the book.
There are some big hurts in both of their pasts, and a really big secret that could threaten the friendship/relationship between the two. I appreciated how the author showed us many sides of these characters and even took us back to the very strict Amish community that Caroline fled from a couple of years earlier. I enjoyed getting a peek at those characters as well.
I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series, and really liked the sneak peak at book two that was located in the back of this book. I can’t wait to see what happens with Caroline’s friend, Emily.
This book and the characters in it found their way into my heart to stay! Highly recommend for fans of Amish fiction.
I received a complimentary ebook copy of Caroline’s Secret from the author, through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co... -
Caroline's Secret
Amy Lillard
Copyright 2014
Amy Lillard is a relatively new author tome but definitely an author I will be reading again.
Caroline is trying to build a life for her and her young daughter a daughter that came from a forbidden relationship with an Englisher. She soon finds herself seeking out the girls Father and is torn when he asks her to marry him but marrying him would mean she is put under the Bann. She also has another man asking for her hand in marriage an Amish man. Caroline finds herself relieved when Trey steps down realizing it would be better for their daughter to be raised in the Amish community surrounded by fsmily.
Caroline's Secret is a story of sacrifice of hard lessons learned of family of faith and of forgiveness.
Five Stars for Caroline's Secret... -
I received this book for review from Netgalley
This book was amazing! I couldn't be asked for more. Everything felt so real and the characters feel like old time friends of yours.
Well worth the read. Can not wait until August when I can buy a hard copy and add it to my book shelf! -
Read my review on RomanceJunkies.com by clicking on the link below:
http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm... -
Caroline’s Secret by Amy Lillard
I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I am a lover of Amish romances, that being said I have never read any books written by Amy Lillard. That will not be the case ever again. I was very impressed by the author’s style in which she wrote this really extraordinary book about sacrifice, faith, trust and forgiveness through the charming and inspirational story of the main character Caroline. It is the emotional preamble to Wells Landing, a small Amish community which is home to two courageous souls hoping to forget their painful pasts and rebuild their faith in the future. . .
Caroline Hostetler arrived in Oklahoma determined to create a new life for herself and her daughter, Emma. As a single mother, she enjoys the warmth and security she's found in close-knit Wells Landing. Caroline made some friends and lives with Esther in the small apartment in the bakery where she also works. She loves her job working in the bakery and having Emma close. Everyone thinks she is a widow, although she has never told anyone her secrets not even Esther who took her in when she first came to Wells Landing. She becomes friends with a newcomer--a man who just may be the partner she longs for and the father Emma deserves.
After the death of his life-long sweetheart, Andrew Fitch moved to Wells Landing to work in his uncle's furniture business and nurse his broken heart. Finding love again seems all but impossible--until he meets Caroline and Emma. But his plans to join their lives together may be shattered when the truth of Caroline's past comes to light--unless, together, they can learn the true meaning of sacrifice and forgiveness.
The book is very pragmatic as it portrays the struggles and dilemmas confronting Caroline who is single-handedly raising her young daughter, who is the fruit of a relationship with an Englisher. She is in anguish over marrying the father of her daughter or Andrew Fitch, the Amish man who has also asked her hand in marriage. In the end, she decided she must do what she has to do however inconvenient the consequences may be.
I also want to mention the letters in which Caroline writes home to her mother which express so much longing the reader experiences in her wanting to come back home and the shame she feels. These letters add so much to the book that you can actually feel the heartbreak and homesickness Caroline is going through and her desire for forgiveness and bringing Emma to see her grandparents.
Caroline's Secret is book one of Amy Lillard's new Wells Landing Series, and if this book is any indicator, the entire series will definitely be a must read for anyone that enjoys Amish fiction/romance. -
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
In Amy Lillard's poignant introduction to Wells Landing, a small Amish community is home to two brave souls hoping to forget their painful pasts and rebuild their faith in the future...
Caroline Hostetler arrived in Oklahoma determined to forge a new life for herself and her daughter, Emma. As a single mother, she values the warmth and safety she's found in close-knit Wells Landing. She's even caught the eye of a handsome newcomer--a man who just may be the partner she longs for and the father Emma deserves. But the arrival of an Englischer threatens to lay bare the secrets she's worked so hard to leave behind...
After losing his life-long sweetheart, Andrew Fitch moved to Wells Landing to work in his uncle's furniture business and nurse his broken heart. Finding love again seems all but impossible--until he meets Caroline and Emma. But his plans to join their lives together may be shattered when the truth of Caroline's past comes to light--unless, together, they can learn the true meaning of sacrifice and forgiveness...
MY REVIEW
What a great book, my first by Amy and I really liked it. I love the story she told. I wonder what your opinion is about lying, if you stay silent and let people believe what they think is true about you, is that lying? I have mixed feelings on that answer, so I was just wondering. I also like that Amy showed how members of one family can be so similar but when something happens that can affect a loved one, one family member can change their ideals and possibly the way they life their life and the other can't, their place in society is more important than someone's life.
I can easily recommend this book as one that will be enjoyed by many. Also, I'm looking forward to the next two books in the series, Courting Emily due out January 6, 2015 and Lorie's Heart to come out sometime in 2015. Wonderful job Amy Lillard! -
Amy Lillard at her best!
Over the years I've read books by a number of authors in the Amish genre. And, while they carry the common threads we have come to look for in Amish fiction, there are a few that stand out a little from the crowd. Amy Lillard's stories are a great example, there are those little differences that make them special.
I think one of my favorite things about her books, and especially Caroline's Secret, is that the strictness of the Amish isn't the main focus, instead the people tend towards compassion and understanding. Caroline has made mistakes but with the love of the people in Wells Landing she finds the path God has for her. The big question is, will people change towards her if they find out her secrets?
This story is double the fun in romance. Not only is there young love but readers are also treated to a more mature romance with a couple that have loved each other for years.
I fell in love with Amy Lillard's characters and I think you will to. If you enjoy Amish fiction definitely check out Caroline's Secret.
(I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my review. All opinions are entirely my own.) -
Amy Lillard is a new author for me, but I have always enjoyed reading stories about the Amish and their way of life. In this installment, Caroline and her daughter Emma have moved to Oklahoma to Well's Landing, an Amish community. They hope to start their lives a new with a new home, a new community and having left the past behind.
Enter Andrew Fitch, an Englisher, who moves to Well's landing to work for his uncle. He is also looking for a fresh start as a widower. He just needs to leave the past and forge a new life. Little does he realize that it will involve an Amish woman and her daughter.
But Caroline has a secret from her past that needs to come out. This secret can mean the difference between starting over or living with guilt and bitterness.
Amy Lillard explores issues of Forgiveness, Grace and Mercy. She explores our need to express our hurts, our pasts, our disappointments and live life in the present not the past or the future.
I enjoyed the book very much. It is a bit predictable, as many Amish stories are, but still this one is fresh and new and the underlying issues that are explored make it very worth the reading. -
Caroline's Secret is a marvelous book with a storyline that is captivating. The author did a wonderful job of showing the true beliefs and values of the Amish and it made the characters fascinating. The novel shows their troubles and secrets, but also shows how love and forgiveness can overcome them. Caroline's Secret is well-written and it was so great at keeping my attention, I read until the early morning hours to finish this book. I highly recommend reading Caroline's Secret. Thank you, Amy Lillard, for writing and sharing this extraordinary book with us. I'm excited and looking forward to the next book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and author through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my opinion. -
I received a free ebook copy through NetGalley.com. This was my first book by Amy Lillard, and I'm in awe. This was by far one of the best Amish fiction books I've read. The characters were warm and believable, like people I'd want to know. The story was easy to read and engrossing. I'll definitely be recommending this book, and I'll be looking forward to the second in the series.
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Love to read a good book about the Amish. This one here has a secrets you won't believe and a desire to be loved that remarkable! The ways of the Amish is amazing! If you have read this book yet, you're missing out! Pick it up or add to your to be read list, you will surely enjoy it!
*Received for an honest review* -
I always love a good Amish love story, especially when characters have something from their past that is holding them back from pursuing a relationship. Caroline’s character grabbed my attention from the very beginning. Here is this young lady who had a child on her own, left the life she knew and traveled to a new town without knowing a soul. Here she picked herself up, worked hard and made some wonderful friends. But what was that secret lurking in the background. I had my suspicions throughout the first part of the book, but will admit I was only half right!
This is one of those books that once you get to the heart of the plot line you do not want to put it down. It was an easy and enjoyable read, but I really became entranced in the story line about half way through the book. I needed to know what happened to these characters (sorry I can’t give anything away so you’ll have to read for yourself!)! I think I even held my breath for the last few chapters, just hoping that the right ending would take place
I love the way Amy discussed the “secret” in this book. It is not your typical Amish problem, and I think that made the book more exciting. You do not picture the Amish doing certain bad things that could be common in our Englisch world, and it was nice to have a character that had the same flaws as some of us. I also appreciated the relationship between Esther and Abe. Even though they were older and had been on their own for so long, they will willing to spend time getting to know each other.
This book deserves five stars for sure. I cannot wait until I can read the next installment in this series! I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review which I have given. -
Caroline's Secret
I love Amy's books!! I love the characters and they are well written. I enjoy stories on the Amish and Amy researches them well and writes a story true to their lives. This story is about Caroline who has moved to Oklahoma for a new start in life. To leave the past behind them. Also moving there is Andrew who is their to help his uncle. He to has left to get a new start on life. Both have things in their pass can they let it go and move on, can they forgive and forget the hurts in their past life? Great book but not a surprise to me Amy's books are always good. If you haven't read this Series yet you need too. You will not be disappointed. 5 star
