How to Read the Summerhill Secrets Series
Written by best-selling Christian fiction author Beverly Lewis, the Summerhill Secrets series is a beloved staple of young adult Amish mystery fiction. Spanning ten books published between 1995 and 2000, the series follows the life, growth, and faith of Merry Hanson, a modern teenager living alongside her Amish neighbors in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Because the characters age, build relationships, and face chronological personal milestones, it is highly recommended to read this series in order of publication.
Summerhill Secrets Recommended Reading Order
To fully experience Merry’s journeys, friendships, and the slow progression of her relationships with characters like Levi Zook and Jon Klein, read the books in this chronological order:
- Whispers Down the Lane (1995): Introduces Merry Hanson, her Amish friend Rachel Zook, and a mystery involving a runaway child named Lissa.
- Secret in the Willows (1995): Merry investigates a series of mysterious vandals targeting the Zook family farm.
- Catch a Falling Star (1995): Merry deals with the complexities of romance, jealousy, and school life while trying to help an old friend.
- Night of the Fireflies (1995): A tragic accident brings back painful memories of Merry's late twin sister, forcing her to confront deep grief.
- A Cry in the Dark (1996): Merry tries to locate a missing baby and uncovers secrets hidden in the local community.
- House of Secrets (1996): An old family property reveals long-forgotten history and a mystery that Merry cannot resist solving.
- Echoes in the Wind (1997): Merry finds herself caught up in the drama of a summer storm and a missing horse.
- Hide Behind the Moon (1998): Focuses on the challenges of choices, peer pressure, and teen rebellion in Lancaster County.
- Windows on the Hill (1999): Merry navigates changing community dynamics and the transitions that come with growing older.
- Shadows Beyond the Gate (2000): The final book wraps up Merry’s teen years, centering on future decisions, lasting faith, and deep transitions.
The Omnibus Collections: 5-in-1 Editions
If you are looking to purchase the physical books or read them on a digital device, you do not necessarily need to track down ten individual paperbacks. The entire series was compiled by the publisher, Bethany House, into two convenient, thick 5-in-1 omnibus volumes:
- Summerhill Secrets, Volume 1: Contains the first five novels (Whispers Down the Lane, Secret in the Willows, Catch a Falling Star, Night of the Fireflies, and A Cry in the Dark).
- Summerhill Secrets, Volume 2: Contains the remaining five novels (House of Secrets, Echoes in the Wind, Hide Behind the Moon, Windows on the Hill, and Shadows Beyond the Gate).
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving in, here are a few structural and thematic details to keep in mind to enhance your reading experience:
A Middle-Grade and Teen Focus: Unlike Beverly Lewis's famous adult Amish fiction (such as The Shunning or the Abram's Daughters series), Summerhill Secrets is written specifically for preteens and young teenagers, typically ages 11 to 14. The themes deal with sibling loss, friendship struggles, school drama, and minor romantic interests in a wholesome, faith-focused manner.
A Modern Outsider's Perspective: Merry Hanson is not Amish. She is a "modern" teen, which allows readers to explore the traditions, culture, and complexities of the Old Order Amish lifestyle from a respectful, curious outsider's point of view. This perspective highlights the bridge of friendship between Merry and her close Amish friend, Rachel Zook.
Standalone Compatibility: While reading in order is the best way to watch Merry grow up and follow her long-term relationships, each novel contains a self-contained mystery or emotional arc. If you happen to pick up a single volume out of order, you can still easily understand the plot and enjoy the story.
No Crossovers or Spin-Offs: While Beverly Lewis often links her adult Amish series through shared secondary characters (such as Ella Mae Zook), Summerhill Secrets stands completely alone. Characters from this series do not cross over into her other YA series, like Holly's Heart or the Cul-de-Sac Kids, nor do they appear in her adult books.