In April of 1843, Phoebe’s family hears about a murder while they are traveling to their new home in the Shenandoah Valley. They arrive to learn the victim attended the church her father has agreed to pastor and the crime took place on a leading church member’s plantation.Eager to make new friends, Phoebe forms a unique relationship that propels her into the middle of the mystery, and she begins … she begins to question several acquaintances’ motives. Will she uncover their secrets before the plantation owner’s charming son discovers hers?
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Starting in a new place and a new home is stressful enough when all goes well. But for Phoebe and her family, from the very start things were not going well. Before they even leave the train her mother has to go back due to a family emergency and the rest of them are moving into a town that has just had a murder.
There were a lot of characters to get used to, but I imagine it was the same for Phoebe. She and the reader are kind of just dropped into the middle of this situation and I could certainly relate to Phoebe as she now has to step into her mother’s role of getting the house in order. A woman’s job really is never done.
Phoebe’s father is the new pastor and he is thrust right into his position as well, leaving Phoebe looking after her very mischievous younger brother, Augie. He was a trip though and he proved he was just as much a sleuth and Phoebe. Between the settling in, the new acquaintances (some odd and others secretive), a murder investigation, and the hot button of slavery- Phoebe and her family have a lot to contend with.
This was an interesting historical read through the eyes of a seventeen year old young woman in 1843. Since this is just the first mystery, I am curious what else Phoebe will find herself in.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
God alone knows the secrets in each man’s heart. People are not always as they seem.
In 1843, a pastor moving from the northern states into the Shenandoah Valley would likely bring a totally different mindset in regards to slavery and the owning of another human being. Such was the case with Phoebe and her family. A difficult subject for all concerned, this pastor maintained it was more important to have a personal relationship with God – the gospel needed to be front and center in everything.
Growing up in the Niagara on the Lake, Ontario area, we learned about the Underground Railway due to our proximity to New York State. There was what was left of a way-station on the creek near where we played. It was incredible to imagine what it must have been like to be running for your life. The author has done a fabulous job of showing us the beginning of this almost impossible trek. Could Phoebe solve the mystery behind the murders, quilts, strange noises and kidnapping?
An ARC of this wonderful story was received through Tooman Tales and CelebrateLit. My comments and impressions were in no way solicited.
Phoebe’s Secret by author Sydney Tooman Betts is Book One in her Phoebe’s Mystery series. This is a Christian historical fiction mystery set in the early mid-1800’s. It deals with some tough issues, including slavery, from pre-civil war era.
Phoebe and her family are moving to the Shenandoah Valley. Her father is a minister. As they travel they hear about a murder which happens to be at a plantation in the area of her father’s new church. Phoebe is inquisitive and friendly. She wants to find out the details of this crime and in doing so finds even more.
The author did her research well in this historical novel. It is a tough subject to read. I hate slavery and what was done to human beings then. This is a well written mystery that has some twists and turns that kept me guessing. The characters were spot on for the South. The dialog flowed smoothly. I loved that the author had woven scriptural and timeless life lessons into this book. She clearly states how wrong slavery is.
I would recommend this book to historical and mystery readers. Don’t be put off by the slow start because it gets better. I give it a 4 out of 5 star rating. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.
What a fun read! I wasn’t really sure what the book was going to be focusing on considering the time period, the location, etc. But I really enjoyed it. I think this is a good one for young adults. Oh and just to let you know ahead of time it leaves you wanting more because it just lets off and you know a second book has to be coming but argh you want it now!
I loved meeting Phoebe. I think Birdie was a second favorite though Phoebe’s new employer is definitely one to watch. As for the gentlemen or those who aren’t in this book there are some good ones too. Our favorite gardener is one of those wonderful gentlemen though he might have a secret or two.
The book has some gentle mystery. You’ve got undetermined parentage, a nasty overseer, a sweet hidden new friend, and unexplained noises in the night. Plus you have the normal tension of those who are pro-slavery and those who are against slavery within the community.
Definitely recommend this book. Can’t recommend it enough actually. You’re going to love it. Except if you’re like me you’re going to not be happy with the ending because then you have to wait to get your hands on the second book before you can get satisfaction!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
The author’s first series, which dealt with Native American history, intrigued me and seemed so realistic. This novel has a slight connection to that trilogy through relations to certain characters, but this story is totally different. This book is a cozy mystery set in the South before the Civil War. The main character, Phoebe Farrell, moves with her family from the North when her father takes a pastorate in a small town where a murder has just occurred. This sets her and her younger brother, Augie, off on a path to try to figure out who might be guilty as they get to know the people of the community. The suspenseful tale seems plausible, but with so many characters, it’s difficult to keep everyone straight. They do all appear realistic, as does the plot and setting. I also enjoyed the surprises the author threw in. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
“Changed hearts change habits.”
Sydney Tooman Betts initiates her Phoebe’s Mysteries series with “Phoebe’s Secret”, a historical fiction novel that revolves around relationships and faith as much as it does mystery. Set in the Shenandoah Valley in 1843, the story opens as 17-year-old Phoebe and her family arrive at their new home, where a murder has just occurred. Due to her own mother’s illness, Phoebe’s mother leaves to take care of her for a few weeks, leaving the running of the household to Phoebe. This burst of action in the beginning somewhat belies the majority of the narrative, in my opinion. Aside from a few brief scenes, the rest of the story follows the pattern of antebellum historical fiction, without the intrigue of suspense. I did enjoy it, but I think I would have appreciated it even more had I not been anticipating a frightening mystery element as the core of this tale. This is not to say that the institution of slavery, present in this novel that takes place in the South, is not a frightful and abhorrent practice.
What truly characterizes “Phoebe’s Secret” is the interpersonal relationships as they relate to the mystery and to the everyday lives of the characters. As readers will discover, there are actually two mysteries, and both also involve relationships between people. Being the newcomers and the pastor’s family, Phoebe and her younger brother Augie are uniquely positioned to find out what may be going on as more mysteries unfold. I was overwhelmed by the amount of characters and could not keep the subsidiary ones straight, nor could I remember who was in which family; this may well have been a personal issue that might not affect other readers, but speaking personally, I would really have benefited from having a character list that detailed who was in each family.
To return to the major social issue of the time period, Betts does not shy away from addressing slavery, and this part of the book touched my heart the most. An otherwise mostly secondary character, this is where Reverend Ernest Farrell, Phoebe’s father, shines, gently but firmly holding to his anti-slavery views while serving as pastor to a town of slave owners. His line of reasoning comes straight from the Bible and informs our twenty-first century perspective on how to live for the Lord: “It’s all about a change of heart—being born from above, born into His kingdom—and anyone born of God takes joy in pleasing Him. He is a kind and loving father and king. Therein lies the trouble. Most people would rather rule their own kingdom, circling us right back to those men in the book of Judges.” Considering these contentious times we live in, these are words to take to heart as we examine our own hearts. Are we living as monarchs of our own kingdoms, or as servants of the only eternal Kingdom?
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
I enjoy reading books by this author because they always have a faith element that compliments her stories. This story is set in 1843 where slaves were still being mistreated. Phoebe and her family are new to the town and it doesn’t take long for a mystery to take over. I really liked Phoebe and how thoughtful she was. Being a preacher’s kid she has sometimes been treated differently by people. Overall the family is welcomed and I liked how the people made them feel at home.
I have to say how much I adored Augie. He is full of energy and quite inquisitive. Phoebe has her hands full looking after him while her mother is away. I liked how Phoebe took her chores seriously and helped run the house without her father having to worry about anything. The story flows very nicely and we get to meet several characters that enhance the story. There is one particular character that I kept trying to figure out how they fit in the story.
The mystery that flows throughout is good and I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to do some of the things Phoebe does. Her compassion for a mysterious person in the woods bring up the question of slavery. I liked how the author used scriptures to point out how wrong it was to own slaves and gave them a voice in the story of their plight.
The story unravels two mysterious murders while placing Phoebe in danger. Her calmness was very impressive. I did like the part at the end where the author talks about slaves and how they used particular quilts to warn slaves of danger. I didn’t know about this interesting information and was glad the author included it in her notes to readers. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Phoebe’s Secret: Phoebe’s First Mystery begins the Phoebe’s Mysteries series and my first introduction to the talents of the author Sydney Tooman Betts. It will definitely not be the last. This quick read fascinated me right from the start because the setting is near my hometown. I enjoyed getting caught up in this cozy little mystery. It was not predictable but fun trying to find out how it would be solved. I had the whole book read in a few hours, which was time very well spent.
Phoebe’s Secret: Phoebe’s First will be giving a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I will be eagerly waiting for the next book from the Phoebe’s Mysteries series to find out what happens next. I recommend this one for readers who enjoy quick and clean historical mysteries.
I received Phoebe’s Secret: Phoebe’s First from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
The author quickly drew me into this pre civil war time period. Northerners moving into the South, and a pastor, how will they be received?
Facing a murder even before they arrive, and seeing slavery first hand, having never experienced it before.
The pastor’s family is refreshing, a young woman who sets up her mother’s household, a boy doing what young boys do and sure being there when needed.
While we try to solve a mystery, and answers do come, we get to experience a different time in our history, and I wanted to go read a book by the river.
I can see that there will be another book in this series, and am looking forward to it!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
Phoebe’s Secret by Sydney Tooman Betts is a Christian historical mystery and the first book in the Phoebe’s Mysteries series which promises to be very entertaining.
Set in 1843 in America’s Deep South, there is the distressing subject of slavery. The leading lady and her family who are from the North struggle with the abhorrent practice of owning people. They believe that “changing hearts will lead to changing minds.”
The leading lady is a breath of fresh air with her huge heart and sunny personality. She treats everyone she meets as her equal, opening her heart and life to the poor and marginalised.
There is a murder to solve. See if you can predict the culprit before the end of the book.
I really enjoyed Phoebe’s Secret.It had a cosy, light-hearted mystery feel to it, complemented by some very serious themes. I think it would make a great Hallmark afternoon movie. I look forward to the subsequent books.
This was my first book from Sydney Tooman Betts and it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed her style of writing once the story got going. It was a little slow at first with lots of details to be covered but I guess that’s because she is getting us ready for the following books to this series.
The characters were fun to get to know especially Phoebe and Augie. That Augie is definitely on precocious little boy! It was hard to figure out the mystery as it kept you guessing which was a great element to have in the story. The mystery was quite surprising to me at the end!
This author did a great job at keeping spiritual wisdom and insight throughout the book especially since this dealt with slavery and people’s stances on the subject. I can’t wait to see where the next book takes on and what adventures Phoebe will have next.
(I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)