Trading Secrets by Melody Carlson

Back in fifth grade, Micah Knight got an Amish pen pal, and over the years, they've exchanged many letters--and many secrets. At age seventeen, Micah finally has the chance to meet her pen pal face-to-face. The only problem is that because of confusion about her name when the pen pals were assigned, her pen pal was a boy, Zack Miller. And all this time, Micah's never told Zack that she's actually a girl! While she wants nothing more than to experience life on Zack's Amish farm, she's afraid he'll hate her for deceiving him all these years. But she makes up her mind to face the music--and that's where the fun really begins. Bestselling author Melody Carlson brings young adults another fascinating tale of worlds colliding, secrets being revealed, and friendships forming. Teens will love this story of miscommunication and mishaps along the way to the truth.         About The Author:  Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than two hundred books, including the Dating Games series, the Life at Kingston High series, Double Take, A Simple Song, and My Amish Boyfriend. She has received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. Melody and her husband live in Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com. My Review: The picture on the front of this book drew me in, and the concept also intrigued me. When the story unfolds we have a young girl/woman going to visit her Amish pen pal, which she has been corresponding with for a number of years. Her name is Micah, and you can guess what Zack Miller thinks, yes, and she never corrected him during the several years of letters going back and forth. I can just picture her as she arrives at the farm dressed as a boy. When I think of the strict Amish culture, it does bring a chuckle to think of this girl and her using a fake voice while addressing them. I can just picture their reaction when they find out the boy is actually a girl. You will wonder if the friendship/bond that has developed over the years between these you people, will be able to survive the deceit. Also can a girl get away working as a boy, and for how long? Then we have a strict Amish mother, who decides it is time for her son to find an Amish wife, to what extreme will she go to? Just wait until you are busy eating a meal in this house! Think as you go along in the story your going to find out just who was in for a culture shock. Between the parents and the teens, all are in for a real change. I loved this book, and look forward to more by this author! I received this book through Revell Publishing Book Reviewers Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.