Well, due to some family situations - and the Thanksgiving holiday - I'm running a little bit late on this review. Nonetheless, here it is. I hope you enjoy it!Publisher's Book Description:
Rebekah Yoder loves a good mystery—that is, until she becomes a part of one.
Rebekah Yoder has always been curious . . . or nosy depending on whom you ask. When a Yankee stranger moves into the house next door, she’s fascinated. Who is this strange old man who never waves or smiles? When Bekah sees him digging holes in his back yard, she’s sure there is a case to be solved.
Unfortunately, when her cousin blabs the story to the whole school, rumors fly. Is he hiding something? Treasure? Victims? And worst of all, annoying Caleb Mullet is now determined to solve the mystery with her. What they don’t realize is there’s not just secrecy lurking next door—there’s danger. Will Bekah take her curiosity too far?
Readers will love journeying with Bekah Yoder as they learn the danger of gossip, the importance of prayer, and the real story of The Secrets Beneath.
Rebekah Yoder is an extremely inquisitive 13 year old Amish girl in Middlefield, OH. She's a Nancy Drew fan, and in her mind everything has the potential to become a mystery that needs to be solved. Caleb, the boy next door, loves spying as much as Bekah. He also likes to pick on her. The house next door to her has been empty for some time, but now she has a new neighbor - a grumpy old man that buries things in his backyard at night. Bekah has a mystery on her hands and she's determined to solve it.
Her cousin, Amanda, has come to stay with the family from Paradise, PA under quite mysterious circumstances. Amanda is sullen and anti-social and Bekah just doesn't understand why no one will tell her what's going on! While Caleb and Bekah spy on the neighbor, Amanda starts to take an interest as well. But what they don't realize is that what's going on next door isn't just a mystery - it's dangerous.
Despite numerous warnings from family, friends, and even the grumpy new neighbor to stay away and mind their own business, the trio continue to push their luck. One day everything comes to a head and Bekah finds herself in a dangerous situation. Will help come in time? Amanda watches helplessly and learns a valuable lesson: sometimes all you can do is pray for the right outcome.
I enjoyed this book - it was simply written, as it is really a Young Adult book. It was a quick read and fairly entertaining. The characters were fun and very well written - I especially enjoyed Caleb's character.
What I didn't like were the fictional settings. There are plenty of Amish communities - why make one up? It's not really a big deal, I just didn't understand the reasoning. Also, the author used Amish words throughout the book in place of 'normal' words like Mom, Dad, Uncle, etc. I admired the intent, but I found it distracting - especially in the beginning when I kept having to stop reading to look up a word. Also, while I enjoyed the Amish slant it really wasn't a big part of the book. There wasn't a lot of Amish culture or 'education' in the book it was just a girl and her family and 'Oh, FYI, they happen to be Amish'. I wish it had been a little more prominent in the story as I find it very interesting.
All in all, I'd give it 4 out of 5. I enjoyed it and I may see if Ms. Fuller's other books are at my local library.
If you are interested in purchasing the book, you can find it at this link on Amazon.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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