This was shorter than I thought it would be. I would call it a serial novel or a short story. I'm also not quite sure what the "secret" is that the title refers to.

The Schroeder family moves from Indiana to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania to take over a deceased relative's farm. The family seems to be in two distinct groups: the mother, father, and oldest sister and the younger two children (both of whom are adults in the Amish world). The former groups seems to be more Old Order inclined while the latter group doesn't seem to mind some of the New Order ideas. I get the feeling that not much makes the father happy and wonder, as do all his children, if there will ever be anyone found who is worthy of his oldest daughter.

I'm guessing that Abram must not have reached rumpschrpringa age yet or he'd be gone off to pursue his dream of becoming law enforcement, but perhaps he is not willing to leave Hannah behind to fend for herself with the family. Perhaps he wants to see her settled before he pursues his own dreams.

Hannah unwittingly falls into a love triangle when she meets and falls for Simon Troyer. Lilly Zook has her sights set on Simon (and totally ignores the fact that their mutual friend Jessup is in love with her). ( )