I have read Amy Lillard’s books in the past, and how can an Amish romance lover such as myself not do so? And this by far is her best work. A deep and inexplicable mystery that shows a side of the Amish community that is rarely discussed or seen. If you love mysteries, or even like them a little, you must pick up this book.

---

The Secrets We Keep by Amy Lillard
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Genre: Mystery
Links: Goodreads | Purchase

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

The Premise

Nate Fisher left the Amish world in order to make a better life in the Englisch world. One where he can make more money to send home. Regardless of the reason, he is shunned by his community. Even his parents take it to the extreme and won’t interact with him at all. After trying his hand at playing ball, he no longer feels welcome at home and becomes a detective. When his father dies, haunted by recent events as a detective, he decides to return home to Mississippi to see the place he once called home in hopes of being welcomed by his mother and siblings. What Nate Fisher didn’t expect was for Rachel Hostetler to show up at his motel room door. The woman he loved. The woman he left behind. The woman he’d never forget.

Rachel is in a nightmare of her own, and when she hears Nate is a detective now, she goes to him for help. She had found her brother Albie’s body hanging in the barn, but she is sure he would never take his own life, and she’s sure he can help. The Amish community, and even the Englisch community, say that he did, and Albie is buried in the outskirts of the Amish cemetery. Shunned in death. Rachel must prove that Albie did not commit this act in order to get him back in his rightful place within the cemetery and clear his name. But no one will listen. Except Nate.

Nate can’t say no to Rachel, can’t turn her away. With emotions swirling, he works with Rachel to uncover what really happened to Albie. Perhaps as a way to say he’s sorry for the past or perhaps not to let go of it.

Reflections

This is an unexpected read that keeps you engrossed from the second you pick it up. The story is more than about Nate and Rachel, it’s about coming to terms with your past and learning to move on from those things that haunt you.

This story is also not afraid to take on subjects that are usually taboo to discuss among the Amish and perhaps even in the general Christian population, such as being gay. This was handled well and provided multiple perspectives on the subject while not steering the reader to any specific way of thinking. There is some innuendo in the book, more to show how Nate’s life has changed, but it is incredibly light and needed to provide perspective. Without any of this, I do not feel the story would have the impact it has.

Nate Fisher is a bit of a confusing character. Not because of the way he is written but because he seems to be confused himself. Mixing his Amish past with the Englisch lifestyle he chose. He can’t seem to grasp or let go of either, but the world, or perhaps himself, is making him choose. But it’s not that easy for Nate, he fits in nowhere. All his past memories, culminated with his current, make Nate easy to love. At least from a distance.

Rachel Hostetler is fierce, yet scared. She is willing to go against her father to get answers but trembles inside each step she makes. Constantly questioning herself if it’s okay to do so but ultimately needing answers. Rachel’s character isn’t easy to relate to but at the same time she’s real and raw. I get the distinct feeling that she is hiding something, a secret of her own, but I’m not sure what that is. Luckily, Amy said on Goodreads that she is working on the follow-up to this book because there are so many unanswered questions. Not just for Rachel but for the entire town.

Given that this is a mystery, there were quite a few side characters, but the one that sticks out is Shane Johnson. Nate knew him from the past, when he first left the Amish and joined the Englisch to play ball. The relationship between Nate and Shane seems a little awkward, like they just don’t know where they stand with each other. But as the story moves on they start to build rapport with each other. Well, a little.

The characters meld together well. Not that they always complement each other, which is what makes this feel real and raw.

Story Impact

This feels heavy, like there is no perfect outcome. But that’s life, isn’t it? The only perfection we’ll see is when we’re standing face to face with our creator. The emotions are tinged with sadness and grief, even when happy memories from a lifetime ago play upon the minds of the characters. This is not your happy-go-lucky, happily ever after read. It’s a read that reminds you that behind the Instagram highlights of the lives you see online, there is something more. Something that may not be vacations and new clothes or cars. Life is messy and sloppy and confusing, and we need to do what we can to seek Jesus in order to find the quiet, peaceful life we want here on earth. Only He can calm our soul. In my opinion, this is Amy Lillard’s best work. It is dark, riveting, slow and fast all at the same time. I truly hope there’s more to come.

Why Read This

This is the kind of read that lingers with you. Makes you think and takes a little time to process. This book is for those who need a little grit in their books. Those who are not afraid to look at the mangled scars on your soul. And for those readers who aren’t scared of the truth.

---

This book was such a great mystery that I went right into reading another, which is highly unusual. Typically, I need to break things up with a good romance, but I just can’t get enough right now. Now that’s the sign of a good book!