Simple Secrets by Nancy Mehl - REVIEWED

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Simple Secrets Barbour Books (June 1, 2010)

by

Nancy Mehl





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and her son, Danny. She’s authored nine books and is currently at work on her newest series for Barbour Publishing.



All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”



CREATING FICTION FULL OF FAITH, HOPE AND HEART…



Nancy Mehl is a mystery writer who loves to set her novels in her home state of Kansas. Her three-in-one book, COZY IN KANSAS, contains the first three Ivy Towers’s mysteries: IN THE DEAD OF WINTER, BYE BYE BERTIE, and FOR WHOM THE WEDDING BELL TOLLS which was nominated for the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award in mystery.



She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.

MY THOUGHTS:

“Are we too afraid to be honest with each other?” (p.160)

What an appropriate question for the people of Harmony, Kansas to ask! Simple Secrets by Nancy Mehl is a story of a Mennonite town, of families within that town, that have become hostage to their own secrets. Kept silent by fear, shame, or just misunderstanding, the effect of their secrets covers years of heartache and division all bound up within the greed and power hunger of two very depraved men. This book will certainly make you realize the terrible price to be paid when the choice is made to hide behind secrets rather than face the truth and its consequences!

Gracie Temple inherits an estate from her Uncle Benjamin in the Mennonite town in Harmony, Kansas. Nothing could be further removed from the reality of Gracie’s advertising job in a big city. Planning only to go to Harmony long enough to gather her uncle’s effects and sell his property, Gracie is shocked to discover a secret that has bound her family in heartache for years. She also is unexpectedly drawn to the people of Harmony and the genuine love and concern they share among themselves – especially when danger knocks at the door.

Oddly enough, as the story unfolds, the decision to bury the truth is made out of love and concern for others. While it seemed right at the time, the cost was devastating in the long run. Readers will enjoy the layers in this story, as little by little secrets begin to surface in this small town. You will be amazed at what was hidden beneath the surface of this small farming community! Healing and truth become sought after by everyone, except the one that knows the real truth….and whoever that is wants it to stay buried at any cost!

This is a really unusual and entertaining story. Lots of mystery, a sprinkle of romance, and a dash of suspense thrown in for good measure! I’m glad to know it’s the beginning of a series, because I look forward to returning to Harmony, Kansas! You will too!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Graphic designer Gracie Temple wants it all: the big city lifestyle and a successful job in advertising. And it looks like her life is on the right track when she takes a job at a struggling, midsize firm in Wichita.



But Gracie Temple's uncle left her a house in a rural Mennonite community. She soon learns he secluded himself for years to protect a secret about her own father. Now it's up to Gracie to decide if she'll keep the secret or if she can afford to expose it.



Sam Goodrich loves his fruit farm in Harmony, Kansas. But when he meets city-girl Gracie, he begins to wonder if he could leave it behind for a woman who makes him feel things he's never felt before.



When someone tries to keep Gracie from discovering the truth behind the town's collection of secrets, will Sam and Gracie cling to their faith to help them decide what's most important...before it's too late?



If you would like to read the first chapter of Simple Secrets, go HERE.