Friday, November 27, 2009

Rachel's Secret by B.J. Hoff


Rachel Brenneman has a secret…
But when wounded Irish American riverboat captain Jeremiah Gant bursts into the rural Amish setting of Riverhaven, her secret must come out. The suspicious Englisher brings chaos and conflict to the community- especially for Rachel. The unwelcome “outsider” needs a safe place to recuperate before continuing his role as an Underground Railroad conductor. Neither he nor Rachel is prepared for the forbidden love that threatens a man’s mission, a woman’s heart, and a way of life for an entire people.

If you would, imagine with me a dark, rainy night. Picture yourself alone in your house, lonely and wishing your family was there. You were just settling in for the night, when suddenly, a knock on the door startles you.
Unsure of who would be at the door at this time, you ask, “Who’s there?”
A response comes, confusing you even more. “A friend of friends, ma’am.”
Still unsure of what’s going on, you ask, “Who are you?”
“A friend of friends, ma’am.” There’s a pause, then, “My captain is hurt. We need your help.”
Rachel Brenneman’s calm and peaceful life is suddenly thrown off balance when a wounded riverboat captain and his friend show up at her door one night. What will she do to help this stranger, and will he survive? Will this captain help Rachel move past the hurt of the past, or will she be afraid to trust forever? Rachel’s Secret tells the story of Jeremiah and Rachel, as well as the rest of Rachel’s family, Asa, a freed slave helping other slaves escape to the north, and Doctor Sebastian, the British man Jeremiah rubs shoulders with on more than one occasion. BJ Hoff is known for writing Irish fiction, and connected it very well with the Amish. Miss Hoff did a great job on this book, tying the Irish, English, and Amish together in Riverhaven. In fact, I learned a few things while reading this book. I never knew that some of the Amish got involved in the Underground Railroad, risking their lives to help slaves on their way to freedom. The Amish also endured a lot of persecution in the 19th century as well. Many people hurt them, and even killed them just because they were different. This book shows the cruelty and severity of the hardships the Amish faced in these times, and even in the dark times, the hope shines through. That much is shown as Rachel, as well as the rest of her family, try to move on from the shadows of their past. This is an amazing book, and if you love the Amish, I’d highly recommend it! Great job, Miss Hoff!


Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Love in Jesus,
Elyssa =)

No comments:

Post a Comment