“God often puts us in situations where we have nowhere left to look but up.”

“The ties that bind you as a family will never go away.”

This is one absolutely heartfelt story that gave way to a beautiful, superb and phenomenal story with three dimensional characters that came to life. I was immerse into the story from the beginning wanting to see how each character was going to fare as they faced the hidden secrets and unanswered questions of the past 16 years. The characteristics of longing and searching for answers gave way to tense and tender moments as the story unfolded. There were struggles, painful words overheard but yet a longing to be able to connect the past which was part of the history in Sugarcreek, Ohio. Tracy Fredrychowski penned vivid descriptive scenes, heartfelt and sincere letters for characters to read, interweaving of scriptural references and a beautiful faith and forgiveness message that is found among the Amish/Mennonite community. There’s the message that God is in control and orchestrating difficult times to show His love, mercy, grace and peace when surrendering to following Him.

Each character from Rosie to Amos, the oldest and youngest members, had a part to bring healing, renewed faith, forgiveness and finding love in the midst of all the dark past. I appreciate the way the story flowed freely with many emotions and reaching for tissues often, as I was right in the midst of each scene no matter which character was involved. The characters found in Secrets of Willow Springs have become like family members. I appreciate this book included chapter one of book three to gain a glimpse of what was transpiring several months later.

I received a complimentary e-book from the author and was under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own. Tracy Fredrychowski is a new author in the Amish fiction world, but her books are filled with all the qualities that make a beautiful Christian read. I look forward to more books in the future by Tracy Fredrychowski. ( )

"Now here I am, on my sixteenth birthday, thinking I don't belong. I don't know how to be anyone else other than Amish Emma Byler."

Secrets of Willow Springs 2 explores the many conflicting emotions experienced by Emma Byler shortly after her sixteenth birthday. Discovering that she was adopted as a baby by an Amish family, finding out that her friend is actually her brother, and learning that her biological mother has recently been released from prison...who wouldn't be torn and confused? Emma Byler faces all of this but she is a very mature sixteen and she feels certain that this is "Gott's" plan. She is also determined to lead her birth mother back to believing in God because spousal abuse and a long prison term have convinced Marie Cooper that she isn't deserving and that God has forgotten her.

Author Tracy Fredrychowski completely drew me into the lives of Emma Byler, her brother Daniel Miller, their mother Marie, and the events of their very complicated pasts. One by one, the author peeled back the layers and allowed me to see a young wife's struggle to protect herself and her children and later, her desire to provide good homes for them while she was incarcerated.

There are many Amish and Mennonite characters who are also involved in the lives of Emma and Daniel and as the details are uncovered, there are multiple surprises. As the circumstances become known, I was reminded that there are no coincidences in life...they are all God's planning. There are a lot of fears and tears but a remark by a very wise person says it all..."The ties that bind you as a family will never go away."

Most of us have had secrets in our past and there are many among the people of Willow Springs, Pennsylvania and Sugarcreek, Ohio. As they are uncovered, we readers are treated to a wonderful story of faith, hope, love, and forgiveness. Secrets of Willow Springs 2 warmed my heart as it tugged at my heartstrings and I definitely want to return to Willow Springs when book 3 becomes available!

I received a copy of this book via the author. I was not required or asked to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and are honestly given. ( )