Rachel's Secret The Riverhaven Years, Book 1 BJ Hoff Christian - Romance Reviewed for ReadersFavorite.com
Rachel’s Secret is the first book in BJ Hoff’s new series, The Riverhaven Years. Rachel Brenneman lives alone against the wishes of the Order.  The young widow’s life is turned upside down when Jeremiah Gant knocks on her door late one night. The man is badly injured, on the verge of death. Jeremiah is a conductor for the Underground Railroad. Rachel nurses the young man and hides him from bounty hunters. She never expected to fall in love with him. Rachel’s Secret is a delightful edge of your seat read. I eagerly turned the pages to see what would happen next. We watch as Rachel steps out in faith even though she knows she is in danger. Great reading!

 

Katherine R. Williams	5.0 / 5
Had things to do, when I received this book, and knew if I started it, NOTHING WOULD GET DONE... After I started it, nothing did!!! It has wonderful characters and an absorbing plot. Love them all. Great glimpes into the workings of Amish life. It was a delight to read. Kept looking at the pages to read, did not want it to end. Also, loved the "DISCUSSION QUESTIONS" in the back. Food for thought!!! Do we really have to wait B.J. until Sept 2009??? :( Katherine Mary

 

Jill E. Smith	5.0 / 5
Author B.J. Hoff has written another wonderful historical novel, this time set in Amish country. I love the way the author creates impossible situations bringing together Amish women with outsiders. To have any type of relationship, especially one that might lead to more than friendship, goes against everything Rachel's faith requires, even demands. When all is said and done, will Rachel follow her faith or follow her heart? Author B.J. Hoff is a master storyteller and her characters live long after the book is closed. I can't wait to read book two!

 

KTeacher452	5.0 / 5
I have honestly never really read a book about the Amish before, but this story was fascinating! I was hooked on this story right from the start, and it taught me a lot about the culture. I read it in 3-4 days time - a record for me, and I just hated to put it down! I loved the way the characters came alive, and can't wait to see what is going to happen next! September is so far away - what will we do until then??!!

 

Bonnie McKinzie	5.0 / 5
Rachel is a young widow, her husband died mysteriously. Her mother is also a widow with two children still at home. Gideon is the family rebel, and Fannie is the family sweetheart. Both their lives take some unexpected turns in this book. But Rachel is the one to love. She is Amish through and through and strives to obey all the rules. However, she is tender and sensible about things that cannot be changed. Here is where the reader is on pins and needles. This is the first time I have read an Amish fiction book that intertwined with the Underground Railroad, and the author did a fine job mixing the characters. There is some violence, some religion, and a lot of love. The Amish certainly do love their families and community, but they have absolutely NO room for the unexpected or disapproved. If I could, this book would get 7 stars, and I already have pre-ordered the next book in the series, out in about 6 months, if I can wait.

 

Maxine Vrieze	4.0 / 5
I tooik this book with me ,to one of my husbands doctor appointments. I started it. Surgery was done and I didn't want to close the book up,cause he was done. Excellant book, everyone will enjoy. Maxine

 

Chris H.	5.0 / 5
This was my first experience reading this author's work,and I was very pleased.Excellent and very thorough character development kept me interested throughout. The info about Amish society,and the Undergound Railroad,plus the bounty hunters who chased after runaway slaves and those who helped them,added considerable tension.Add to that,the problems associated with an Amish person having feelings for a non Amish outsider that they are forbidden to even have more than limited contact with, will leave you wondering if two such relationships in this story, will be able to flourish. I anxiously await the second book in this series "Where Grace Abides",due out in Oct. In the meantime I will be reading more work by B.J. Hoff. I highly recommend Rachel's Secret for an interesting twist on 'Amish-Themed' reading.

 

Helena James	5.0 / 5
I just couldn't wait to give my review on this book. It is so heartfelt and dear to me. I live in Pennsylvania, and have always been curious about the Amish, this book has inspired me greatly. What a pleasure it is to get lost in the lives of these wonderful characters. I am also African American and know that this is a part of my ancestors and my history, I love it. I'm a fan of BJ Hoff's work forever more.

 

southern lady	5.0 / 5
One of BJ Hoff's cornerstones is character development. In Rachel's Secret, not only do we step into the lives of memorable characters, this particular story's opening chapters make it impossible for the reader to put the book down. A perfect blend of people, drama, and faith, salted with a touch of gritty reality--another of this writer's hallmarks. I particularly admired the way the author develops Rachel's internal struggle to live by her Amish faith in a world that is often cruel, evil, and unfair. Can't wait for the second book in this series.

 

Eric D. Pingle	5.0 / 5
I brought this book to work to read on my lunch break and every day had to force myself to shut it and go back to work! Loved the characters, loved the story line, loved everything about it...except it ended too soon! :-) Am anxious to find out what happens to Asa...Gant...Gideon...Rachel...don't leave me hanging too long, BJ!! :-)