Category: Amish

Tangled Past: Hope Island Securities Series Book Seven

Image & Bio Courtesy of Mary Alford

Mary Alford loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can’t put down. She is a USA TODAY, Parable, and Publishers Weekly best-selling author. Her titles have won the Holt Medallion, The Kiss of Death, and Golden Scroll Novel of the Year, and have been finalists in the Selah and the Maggie Awards. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of seventy acres with two cats and one dog. Learn more at www.maryalford.net.

More Reviews of Mary Alford’s Books:

Shattered Amish Identity

Framed in Amish Country

Amish Country Killer

Seeking Evil: Book Three of Hallowed Halls Series

Sins of the Past (via the Small Town Danger Collection)

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Book Review: An Amish Country Lullaby: An Amish Antiques Shop Romance Book 2

Synopsis from Amazon:

A friend from her past…
A new dream for their future?

Single dad Curtis Moore has returned to Apfelkuchen, Pennsylvania, with a dream to revitalize the town—if only he can unite its Amish and English residents. When local businesswoman Hope Taylor offers to care for his spirited toddler, Lucy, he jumps at the chance. Hope figures this is exactly the experience she needs. Not only is she planning to open a day care, but she’s expecting her first baby—her late husband’s child. As tensions rise over his development plans, Curtis and Hope grow closer—and they must decide if the heart of the town’s future might just lie in the growing love between them.

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

Source: Patricia Johns

Leslie’s Review: 4 Stars/I Really, Really Love It!!!!

An Amish Country Lullaby by Patricia Johns is a sweet escape and the second book in Ms. Johns’ An Amish Antiques Shop Romance series! Hope Taylor is adjusting to life in the throes of widowhood and impending motherhood when her late husband’s friend, Curtis Moore, comes waltzing into her life and into her family’s store, Amish Antiques Shop, with his daughter, Lucy. Curtis travels to the town of Apfelkuchen, Pennsylvania with his daughter Lucy because the town of Apfelkuchen holds a special place in Curtis’ heart. It’s the place where Curtis’ grandfather lived and where Curtis spent some of the best summers of his life on his grandfather’s farm with his sister Lynn, roaming Apfelkuchen’s streets and visiting local shops. When Curtis’ grandfather passes away, he leaves Curtis an inheritance and the family farm. Wanting to put down roots in Apfelkuchen for Lucy, Curtis sets out to start a business to help both the English and Amish communities. Curtis just needs both the Amish and English communities to be on board—and someone to help with Lucy. That’s where Hope comes in. Hope offers to care for Lucy and to help Curtis understand the Amish way of life. As Hope and Curtis bond, they both learn what it truly means to put down roots that run deep.

I love An Amish Country Lullaby by Patricia Johns and the escape it gave me! Ms. Johns has been on my reading radar for quite some time and I was excited to have an opportunity to read An Amish Country Lullaby! I thought the setup for the Amish Antiques Shop Romance series was neat and I wasn’t lost when starting the series out of order because of the foundation Ms. Johns put into An Amish Country Lullaby. I thought Hope and Curtis were good, sweet people. I thought that integrating the storyline of Hope’s pregnancy and how Curtis became a single father was interesting. I truly enjoyed the story, but I grappled with how fast Hope and Curtis’ relationship moved from basic friends to more. At the same time, I appreciated the real life instances, such as widowhood and drug addiction, that were in the book. I loved the instances in the book where Curtis grew appreciative of the Amish community and how his eyes were opened to how things truly are for the Amish community and how they perceive things. I thought having Lucy as an integral part of the story was genius (and adorable)! I also loved the theme of having true roots that Ms. Johns wove into the storyline. It was nice to truly read a clean book. Some of the books I’ve reviewed that are marketed as “clean” still make me blush at times with their content. But that’s not the case with An Amish Country Lullaby! An Amish Country Lullaby truly is a clean read that gives you Hallmark or GAC Family feels while walking the streets of Apfelkuchen! I highly recommend An Amish Country Lullaby by Patricia Johns! I can’t wait to read more of Patricia Johns’ books in the future!

Have you read An Amish Country Lullaby? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Patricia Johns for giving me a copy of An Amish Country Lullaby to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Patricia Johns

Patricia Johns is a Publishers Weekly bestselling Amish fiction author, writing from Alberta, Canada. She relishes electricity and modern conveniences in her real life, but she loves to imagine what life would be like living without everything we so easily rely upon. If you were to peek in at her, you’d find her tapping away on her computer writing her newest book, or arranging her dollhouse furniture which has become a big passion of hers. You can keep up with her on social media, or sign up for her newsletter for a chance to win signed books and knitted surprises made with love by the author herself.

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Book Review: Shattered Amish Identity

Synopsis from Amazon:

When Amish school teacher Hannah York is attacked, she defends herself with skills she never knew she had. CIA agent Titus Miller arrives, claiming that she’s actually fellow agent Lara Redmond—and that she’s in danger from a powerful enemy. Despite suffering from amnesia, Hannah is certain she’s only ever lived a quiet Amish life. But why does Titus seem so familiar, and could it be true that he loved her once? When Hannah’s family is abducted, she and Titus must work together to find them. Can Hannah trust him to help unlock the truth of her past…and keep her safe?

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Source: Mary Alford

Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really, Really Love It!

Mary Alford’s latest Love Inspired Suspense read, Shattered Amish Identity offers a suspenseful thrilling read! In Shattered Amish Identity, Hannah has enjoyed her life in the Amish Community of Rachel’s Crossing working as the Amish Community’s School Teacher after an horrific accident left her with amnesia, not being able to recall anything before the accident. When her brother Arden and sister-in-law, Salome, fail to show up for an auction, Hannah becomes concerned. Before Hannah checks on Arden and Salome, she makes a quick stop by her house, only to be surprised when her an armed man breaks in. Using tactics she didn’t know she possessed, Hannah subdues the armed man, as a man claiming to be CIA appears at her doorstep. Raised Amish, and now working for the CIA, Titus, is shocked to find his fellow CIA agent and love, Lara, dressed as an Amish woman and apprehending a gunman in his hometown of Rachel’s Crossing—especially when Titus was told Lara was dead. As Titus confronts Lara, Hannah is terrified because she doesn’t know who Lara. As Hannah and Titus try to untangle what is going on, the web of intrigue that they are stuck in is more muddled than they’ve ever experienced. And everything comes to head when terrorist Red Dragon and his Soldiers embark on Rachel’s Crossing, shattering everything Hannah and Titus believed they knew.

Shattered Amish Identity by Mary Alford is a great blend of Amish Fiction and Christian Suspense Fiction while marrying the element of amnesia into the story! I loved the title Shattered Amish Identity and thought it was perfect title for the premise of the plot! I love the complete amnesia that Hannah had in the story and how Hannah literally had no idea or inkling of what happened to her before her accident—so much so that she was shocked that she knew how to apprehend someone! I love the complexity of Titus’ character from being raised Amish to now being at part of the CIA where Titus had to do some things that went against the Amish Faith. I believe that the pull between his Amish upbringing and his job added a needed edge to his character. I love how Shattered Amish Identity’s plot was truly a web of intrigue that unravels layer by layer, not always showing what lies underneath. While I liked the element of Red Dragon and his Soldiers, my Reader heart was sad at how many Soldiers infiltrated areas of society that should be trusted and honest. (Read Shattered Amish Identity to get all the details!) I love how Hannah and Titus had changed, learning that it’s ok to go after what gives them Peace, regardless of that looks like to the world. If you are looking for an intriguing read that gives you quite the web to unravel, then I highly recommend Shattered Amish Identity by Mary Alford!

Have you read Shattered Amish Identity? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Mary Alford and Amanda Geaney for letting me be a part of the Mary Alford’s Influencer Team, and giving me a copy of Shattered Amish Identity to review, and giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Framed in Amish Country

Image & Bio Courtesy of Mary Alford

More Reviews of Mary Alford’s Books:

Amish Country Killer

Seeking Evil: Book Three of Hallowed Halls Series

Sins of the Past (via the Small Town Danger Collection)

Book Review: Framed in Amish Country

Synopsis from Amazon:

To prove her innocence

she’ll have to expose a lethal conspiracy.

A frantic call from her best friend sends district attorney Paige Grayson running right into a trap—and now she’s being framed for her friend’s murder. With the police after her and evidence against her stacking up, she seeks refuge in Amish country—and the help of her first love, Elijah King, to clear her name. To expose the drug dealer setting Paige up, they must work together while evading a ruthless criminal and the police. With threats closing in and time running out, one wrong move could be their last.

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Source: Mary Alford

Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really, Really Love It!

In true Mary Alford fashion, comes another great Amish Suspense Thriller called Framed in Amish Country! On the way to meet a friend for intel to bring down a drug enterprise, District Attorney Paige witnesses her friend Hallie being murdered with Paige’s own gun. Realizing she is being framed for Hallie’s murder at the hands of dirty cops, Paige flees to the only one she knows and trusts—Paige’s ex-boyfriend and Brother-In-Law, Amish man Elijah— until she can get word to her Law Enforcement Brother about what is going on. Elijah is shocked to see Paige on his doorstep, especially since they have not seen one another since Daniel’s Funeral. Having your Brother marry the love of your life wouldn’t sit well with anyone, but Elijah wants to do all that he can to honor Daniel and protect Paige. Together, Paige and Elijah go on the run. Swapping cars for horses and buggies, Paige and Elijah unravel the tangled drug ring that they are running from layer by layer until they can get rescued by Paige’s Brother. The drug ring isn’t the only thing that becomes unraveled, so does the truth of Their Pasts all those years ago.

Mary Alford has yet to disappoint me when it comes to Amish Romantic Suspense and she continues to set the bar high with each book she has written! Framed in Amish Country is no different. The way Framed in Amish Country was high paced all through out the story reminded me of Dana Mentink’s writing, especially Ms. Mentink’s novel, Jungle Fire. I love the roller coaster ride of suspense that Framed in Amish Country put me on because I truly had no clue as to who did the crime(s) until it was revealed in the story. I loved how, though being extremely high paced, the story also naturally flowed from one instance to the next. I loved meeting Paige and Elijah! I love how Amish Community rallied around Paige and Elijah to protect them and get them justice. I love how even though Framed in Amish Country was a relatively short read, it packed a punch in suspense while leaving no stone unturned when it came to where Paige and Elijah set with their relationship—Past, Present, and Future. If you are looking for a thrill of a read that has an important stance of Community and Forgiveness, then I highly recommend reading Framed in Amish Country by Mary Alford!

Have you read Framed in Amish Country? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Mary Alford and Amanda Geaney for letting me be a part of the Mary Alford’s Influencer Team, and giving me a copy of Framed in Amish Country to review, and giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Seeking Evil: Book Three of Hallowed Halls Series

Image & Bio Courtesy of Mary Alford

More Reviews of Mary Alford’s Books:

Amish Country Killer

Sins of the Past (via the Small Town Danger Collection)

Unforgotten: Amish Romantic Suspense Story with Forgiveness and Second Chances

Book Review: Unshaken

Synopsis from Amazon:

When Stephanie Miller planned her visit to a dollar store in southern Ohio, she was expecting to pick up a few items she couldn’t find in her Amish community. She was not expecting to find herself an innocent bystander as a drug deal went horribly wrong. The sole witness to a murder, now Stephanie is targeted by the gunman.

Hardy Anderson is always ready to help his social worker sister, Bev–which now includes hiding an Amish woman until a killer can be brought to justice. Surely if they dress her in English clothing, Hardy can hide her at the sprawling ranch where he works. But the killer is desperate–and there’s no telling what lengths he will go.

Publisher: Revell

Source: Shelley’s Street Team via NetGalley

Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really, Really Love It!

Unshaken by Shelley Shepard Gray is riveting, suspenseful read from the get-go! When Bev, a Social Worker, shows up at the local dollar store, she is shocked to see one of her former Clients, Timothy, shoot a man and injure an Amish Woman as part of a gang initiation. Bev does the only thing she knows to do: send the Amish Woman to the safest place she knows—the Ranch where Bev’s brother Hardy works. Stephanie, the Amish Woman rescued by Bev, is rattled by just more than being shot at and having to go into hiding. Having lost her Parents at 16, Stephanie has lived with her Aunt and Uncle helping them with their household and kids. While grateful for a place to live, Stephanie knows that she is not really wanted by her Aunt and Uncle by the way they treat her. Meanwhile, Hardy is more than willing to help Stephanie and Bev by taking Stephanie to the Ranch where he works for his Army Buddy, Carter, and runs Carter’s Ranch. As Hardy protects Stephanie, they form at tight bond. When the Gang finds Stephanie at Carter’s Ranch, Carter and Bev travel to the Ranch to help Hardy protect Stephanie. On the way to the Ranch, Carter and Bev form a bond themselves. When they all unite at the Ranch for Stephanie’s behalf Hardy, Stephanie, Carter, and Bev form an unbreakable bond and learns lessons about God and themselves that will last a lifetime.

Shelley Shepard Gray’s Unshaken was full-speed ahead and captured me from the get-go! I love how Unshaken had multiple storylines going on within the book, looking at it from the perspectives of multiple characters. I like meeting Stephanie, Bev, Hardy, and Carter. I was shocked that Bev put Stephanie directly into hiding without having Stephanie talk to police after the incident, but understand that it was needed for the plot. I thought Stephanie was a sweet. I felt for what Stephanie went through. I admired Stephanie’s soul-searching through the book and the things she learned about herself and God because of it. I appreciated Hardy’s tenderness and protectiveness towards Stephanie. Everyone needs a friend like Hardy and everyone needs a friend like Carter. I love that Carter was very generous with his time and resources to help those in need, not afraid of the cost or what he needed to do to help. I loved the theme of being unshaken and being dependent on God through the unknown that I saw through the book. I also thought that Carter and Bev were perfect for one another and that Hardy and Stephanie were perfect for one each other as well. I love the high-paced escape that Unshaken gave me and how it reminded me to remain unshaken in my Faith and dependent on God no matter what may come! I highly recommend Unshaken by Shelley Shepard Gray!

Have you read Unshaken? What did you think of the book?

Thank you to Jean for giving me a copy of Unshaken via NetGalley and the Publisher to review, letting me be on Shelley’s Street Team, and for giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Shelley Shepard Gray

Meet Shelley:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She’s published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.

Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

More Books by Shelley Shepard Gray:

The Christmas Gathering

Unforgiven: Amish Romantic Suspense Story with Forgiveness and Second Chances

An Amish Quilting Bee: Three Stories

Book Review: Amish Country Killer

Synopsis from Amazon:

An unsolved mystery…

Seeking the truth could be fatal.

Reopening the investigation of her mother’s disappearance puts chief of police Diana Fisher in someone’s lethal sights. As she delves deeper into the mystery, a murderer resurfaces, targeting the Amish community. Detective Micah Nissley, whose fiancée went missing a decade ago, joins forces with Diana to stop the threats and bring the killer to justice. But can they uncover the connection between Diana and the culprit before she becomes the next victim?

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense-Harlequin

Source: Mary Alford

Leslie’s Review: 5 Stars/A Favorite of 2025!!!!!

No one writes Christian Suspense like Mary Alford! Ms. Alford’s release Amish Country Killer showcases her unique, God-Given ability to craft stories to direct Readers to Jesus. Amish Country Killer introduces Readers to Diana, the newly minted Police Chief of Rachel’s Crossing, Kentucky (a job that Diana’s Father had at one time), who has returned to Rachel’s Crossing in order to solve her Mom’s disappearance. Before Diana’s first day as Police Chief even begins, events start happening that is reminiscent of the one unsolved case that kept Diana’s Father up at night: The disappearance/killing of Amish Women. Diana joins forces with Micah, a detective who was raised Amish, to solve the case. As Micah and Diana follow the rollercoaster of clues, they both are reminded that even through shocking and dark moments, God is there through it all.

I love the unique voice that Mary Alford brings to Christian Suspense! With every book that I have read by Ms. Alford, I am utterly shocked by who the Culprit is and this can be said of Amish Country Killer! I was shocked, and at the same time, thoroughly enjoyed the roads Amish Country Killer went down. I love how Amish Country Killer was fast-paced in suspense with one surprising secret being revealed after another! I enjoyed meeting Micah and Diana and felt like they made a good team. I like how even though they just met, Micah and Diana instantly bonded and fully had each other’s backs regardless. My heart broke for what Diana and Micah went through during the Amish Country Killer. I love how Ms. Alford wrote Diana and Micah’s respective Faith Journey’s. It was interesting to see how Diana and Micah both independently wrestled with Faith–that Micah and Diana were doing their best to reconcile things with God, with a lot of their Faith Journey happening off page and in the future. I truly loved Amish Country Killer and how Ms. Alford shows the Reader that even when life throws us curve ball after curve ball that God is still with us in the midst of it all. If you are looking for an edge-of-the-seat gritty read that shines Light through the darkness, then I highly recommend Amish Country Killer by Mary Alford!

Have you read Amish Country Killer? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Mary Alford and Amanda Geaney for letting me be a part of the Mary Alford’s Influencer Team, and giving me a copy of Amish Country Killer to review, and giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Seeking Evil: Book Three of Hallowed Halls Series

Image & Bio Courtesy of Mary Alford

More Reviews of Mary Alford’s Books:

Sins of the Past (via the Small Town Danger Collection)

Unforgiven: Amish Romantic Suspense Story with Forgiveness and Second Chances

Book Review: Unforgotten: Amish Romantic Suspense Story with Forgiveness and Second Chances

Synopsis from Amazon:

Even though Bethanne Hostetler has found some peace seven years after an attempted assault and the accidental death of Peter Miller, she is still haunted by the memory. When her Englisher cousin, Candace–who has just been crowned Miss Crittenden County–reveals that she has a stalker, all of Bethanne’s old fears come rushing back.

Jay Byler had once been Peter’s best friend, and the fact that he did not protect Bethanne that fateful night has haunted him ever since. To make matters worse, she continues to avoid him–even as he continues to love her. Jay can only hope and pray that one day Bethanne will see the person he is today and not the boy he used to be.

As Candace’s stalker becomes bolder, Officer Ryan Mulany becomes her escort to various events. He knows he should only think of Candace as a job, but the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to maintain professional distance. And when everyone’s worst fears are realized, all four must work together to prevent another tragedy before time runs out and another innocent person is hurt.

Publisher: Revell

Source: Shelley’s Street Team via NetGalley

Leslie’s Review: 5 Stars/A Favorite of 2024!!!

Shelley Shepard Gray has really upped her game with Unforgotten! Unforgotten is half mystery, half love story that centers around cousins Bethanne and Candace. Bethanne and Candace could not be more different, but their differences have only helped them to forge an unbreakable bond that has weathered many storms that life has thrown their way. Bethanne has been living in her Amish community learning how to deal and live life after a traumatic event. Candace, being raised Englisch, has lovingly been there for Bethanne, while trying to walk her own path God has given her and pursue a college degree. While making her way through College, Candace enters the Miss Crittenden County Pageant to get the scholarship money and wins. After Candace wins, the Stalker that has been following her escalates his tactics forcing Candace to report it to the police. The Police assign Candace an officer named Ryan to accompany her to Miss Crittenden County events. Officer Ryan and Candace soon develop a special friendship. While Candace is dealing with her Stalker, Bethanne intends to live life more fully and strikes up a friendship with Jay, a man with close ties to Bethanne’s traumatic event. Things seem to be looking up for Bethanne and Candace in their respective lives and with love, but will a run-in with Candace’s Stalker put it to an abrupt end?

I cannot say enough about how much I love Shelley Shephard Gray’s Unforgotten! I was surprised at the places Ms. Gray took Unforgotten, because they are untypical of the books I have read by her. I’m ecstatic that Unforgotten went to the places it did! Unforgotten’s grittier themes reminded me of something that I would find in a book by Nancy Mehl, Cynthia Hickey, or Mary Alford. It’s awesome to see how God is stretching Ms. Gray as a writer! I felt that the characters and situations portrayed were authentic and showed realism that will resonate with readers. I love getting to know Bethanne better after being introduced to her in Ms. Gray’s Unforgiven. I understood what Bethanne went through and appreciated what she went through in her healing journey. I believe those parts of Bethanne’s story were written realistically and showed Hope through the Brokenness. I also really love that Bethanne reviews books for a living! I love that Candace continued to do what was right and took necessary steps to keep herself safe while still doing life. I love the characters of Jay and Ryan. I liked that Ryan came to Crittenden County as part of a special police program. I thought it was an interesting twist to have Jay closely associated with the person who caused Bethanne’s traumatic event. To me, it was monumental that Bethanne was able to strike up a friendship with Jay because of that. I thought Ryan was a perfect fit for Candace and that Jay (ironically) was perfect for Bethanne. Unforgotten may not be your typical Shelley Shepard Gray book, but it’s one of the best books Ms. Gray has ever written and one of the best I have ever read. I highly recommend Unforgotten by Shelley Shepard Gray! I cannot wait to see what Ms. Gray creates next!

Have you read Unforgotten? What did you think of the book?

Thank you to Jean for giving me a copy of Unforgotten via NetGalley and the Publisher to review, letting me be on Shelley’s Street Team, and for giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Shelley Shepard Gray

Meet Shelley:

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

More Books by Shelley Shepard Gray:

The Christmas Gathering

An Amish Quilting Bee: Three Stories

Unforgiven: Amish Romantic Suspense Story with Forgiveness and Second Chances

Book Review: The Christmas Gathering

Synopsis from Amazon:

Filled with faith, family, and a whole lot of heart, New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray joins Lenora Worth and Rachel J. Good for three all-new, faith-affirming holiday stories celebrating the spirit of the season, the warmth of simple Amish traditions, and the joyful gathering of loved ones for Christmas.

A CHRISTMAS REUNION by Shelley Shepard Gray
Tricia Troyer is thrilled when Brandt Massey, her cousin’s English friend, joins the Troyers’ holiday gathering for the second year in a row. The sparks between them are clear to everyone. When Brandt asks Tricia to be his girlfriend, they both know she’ll have important choices to make about her future. But the two aren’t as different as some believe—and with open hearts and understanding, their very own Christmas miracle just might be
possible . . .

WE GATHER TOGETHER by Lenora Worth
When Lucas Myer meets Kayla Hollinger on the shores of Lake Erie, he’s smitten. Their families are even staying at the same inn, for different gatherings. The two plan to meet again—but soon enough they discover a problem: their relatives are locked in a longtime feud and forbid them to socialize. Fortunately, Lucas and Kayla are old enough to make their own decisions—and they decide to create a Christmas miracle of forgiveness and love . . .

HITTING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES by Rachel J. Good
Years ago, Mark was banished by his Amish family when he chose a career in music. It still hurts, especially during the holidays. And now, just before Christmas, he and his band find themselves stranded after their manager absconds with their money. Desperate, Mark is offered a job teaching piano—but that’s just the first miracle. His work will not only bless others in need, but a longtime fan might just capture his heart—and even lead him home . .

Publisher: Kensington Books

Source: Shelley’s Street Team via NetGalley

Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really Love It!

A Christmas Reunion by Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray’s novella in The Christmas Gathering anthology is A Christmas Reunion. In A Christmas Reunion Englischer Brandt joins his Amish friend Mark for a Christmas gathering. Unbeknownst to most of the group, after meeting at last year’s Christmas gathering, Brandt and Mark’s cousin, Tricia (who is also Amish) have been writing each other for the last year. With each letter, Brandt and Tricia have gotten closer. Looking forward to reuniting at Christmas, Brandt and Tricia are using the gathering to consider taking their friendship to the next level so that they can be reunited forever.

Shelley Shepard Gray has become an instant go-to Author for me for anything she writes, especially when it comes to Christmas books. A Christmas Reunion is a sweet read. I loved meeting Brandt and Tricia! I thought it was an interesting twist that Brandt and Tricia had “secretly” been writing one another. I loved the other characters in the story as well–especially Uncle Abel and Aunt Annie. I loved the aspect of the Christmas Scavenger Hunt and how Uncle Abel and Aunt Annie created a new one every year. I want to do Uncle Abel and Aunt Annie’s Christmas Scavenger Hunt myself! A Christmas Reunion is a sweet story from beginning to end. While A Christmas Reunion was a complete story for The Christmas Gathering anthology, as a reader I was wanting more of Brandt and Tricia’s story–wanting more of a glimpse of how their friendship evolved during the letter writing phase and wanting to know what’s going to happen to their relationship after the story is over. Even though I want more of the story, it doesn’t take away from A Christmas Reunion being an excellent story and edition to The Christmas Gathering anthology.

We Gather Together by Lenora Worth

Lenora Worth has been on my TBR list for a long time and I’m thankful that I was finally able to read her work in The Christmas Gathering anthology by way of We Gather Together. We Gather Together tells the story of a long standing family feud between the Myer and Hollinger families. Unbeknownst to both families, the Hollinger’s scheduled a Christmas Wedding at the Shadow Lake Inn while the Myer’s Family scheduled a Family Reunion at the Shadow Lake Inn. When Kayla Hollinger and Lucas Myer meet, they each find a instant friend that slowly turns into something more. Lucas and Kayla know that their friendship cannot continue unless both families can forgive and trust. Teaming up, Lucas and Kayla come up with ideas to get their families together in hopes of reconciling.

I love We Gather Together by Lenora Worth from beginning to end! I love the family feud aspect to the story, because, to me, it gave Kayla and Lucas’ story a type of Romeo and Juliet spin to it. I love how the theme of forgiveness and trust and how important those attributes are are woven through out the story. I love how Kayla and Lucas did their best to follow what they believe God wanted them to do and follow God’s Word. I love meeting the King Sisters and their families (and I am looking forward to reading their stories). The King Sisters and other family members always seem to be around to offer sage advice and Godly Wisdom to Kayla and Lucas and help them out when they needed it. I love the powerful story and lesson of forgiveness and trust that We Gather Together gave The Christmas Gathering anthology.

Hitting All The Right Notes by Rachel J. Good

Rachel J. Good hits very unique notes with her contribution in The Christmas Gathering anthology with Hitting All The Right Notes. Hitting All The Right Notes is the story of Amish Rocker (yes, you read that right–Amish Rocker) Mark of the hit group Amish Rebels, a band that consists of young men that are on their Rumspringa before they decide to join their Amish Community, and Joline, a Amish Groupie who is the Amish Rebels No. 1 fan and has a musical gift herself. While the music the way the Amish Rebels create it went against Amish rules, singing in and of itself wasn’t bad–but putting it before God and what His Word says is. The Amish Rebels and Joline during this season of their lives, fail to see the heart of the matter until what they have held dear regarding music begins falling apart, causing them to see clearly what God meant for them all along.

Rachel J. Good’s plot in Hitting All The Right Notes was genius, not to mention very unique for the Amish Genre! I have never read a plot like it in Amish fiction before! I wasn’t sure what to expect from Hitting All The Right Notes and if I would consider it a full novella, but it exceeded my expectations. Hitting All The Right Notes covered a lot of ground for a novella to where it felt like it was a full fledge story at times. I love Mark as a character and my heart broke for him as he struggled with love for the music he made and the love he developed for God and his Amish Faith. With Mark’s struggles at the same time came Wisdom and Strength to do what he believed what God wanted him to do. I must admit at the beginning, when I met Joline, she got under my skin a little bit because, to me, Joline came across as very immature for her age and, later on, portrayed stalker-like tendencies when it came to Joline constantly trying to be around Mark. As Joline grew, I myself, grew to like her. I’m thankful that Joline opened up her heart to God and saw how she was coming across to others. I love how Joline and Mark saw what God was trying to show them in how to live and treat others and how the theme of honoring family and forgiving others was woven through out the story. Despite my hesitations with parts of the story, I love Hitting All The Right Notes and it’s characters–especially Ms. Vandenberg (read A Christmas Gathering to find out about her). Rachel J. Good’s Hitting All The Right Notes is a wonderful story in The Christmas Gathering anthology.

The Christmas Gathering (As A Whole)

I really enjoyed The Christmas Gathering from beginning to end! Shelley Shephard Gray, Leonora Worth, and Rachel J. Good each wrote a unique and wonderful story. I love the twists that the Authors brought to their stories and the Amish Genre. I love how each story is full of characters that are real, spunky, and have flaws. I love how each story brought out different Biblical Themes that we all learn and deal with in our lives–Trusting God for the Plans He has for us, Forgiveness, and Honoring Our Families. If you are looking for a fun Christmas read to read during the Season, then I highly recommend The Christmas Gathering by Shelley Shephard Gray, Leonora Worth, and Rachel J. Good! I cannot wait to see what these Authors create next!

Have you read The Christmas Gathering? What did you think of these stories?

Thank you to Jean for giving me a copy of The Christmas Gathering via NetGalley and the Publisher to review, letting me be on Shelley’s Street Team, and for giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Shelley Shepard Gray | Lenora Worth | Rachel J. Good

Meet Shelley:

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Meet Lenora:

A member of both the RWA and ACFW Honor Rolls, Lenora Worth writes romance and romantic suspense for Love Inspired and also writes for Tule Publishing. Three of her books finaled in the ACFW Carol Awards and several have been RT Reviewer’s Choice finalists. She also received the RT Romance Pioneer Award for Inspirational Fiction. “Logan’s Child” won the 1998 Best Love Inspired for RT. She is a NY Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling writer and a 2019 Rita Finalist. With eighty-plus books and novellas published and millions in print, she enjoys adventures with her retired husband, Don. Lenora loves reading, baking and shopping … especially shoe shopping.

*Image Courtesy of Shelley’s Street Team*

Meet Rachel:

USA Today bestselling author Rachel J. Good grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for many of her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.

Rachel loves to travel and visit many different Amish communities. In searching for the best Amish soft pretzels, she’s visited many Amish markets, auctions, and mud sales. Because of her love of Amish food, she tries to include recipes in her books &/or newsletters as often as possible. When she’s not traveling, she spends time with family and writing.

Along with her Amish novels, she’s written more than 65+ books for both children and adults under several pen names. To find out more about Rachel and her books, you can sign up for her newsletter and connect with her on Facebook.

Rachel enjoys meeting readers and speaks regularly at book events, schools, libraries, churches, book clubs, and conferences across the country. She also loves talking about her book research, Amish life and traditions, and/or doing coloring book parties.

More Books by Shelley Shepard Gray:

An Amish Quilting Bee: Three Stories

More by Rachel J. Good:

An Amish Quilting Bee: Three Stories

Book Review: Center of Enigma Paradise PA Mystery Book 1

Synopsis from Amazon:

Suspense in Paradise… An atypical tale in Amish country

In homage to Agatha Christie, this modern-day mystery weaves together a captivating tapestry of comradeship, enigma, and suspense in the picturesque Amish community of Paradise, PA.

Haunted by the tragic events of September 11, Tina Sheng, a recent university graduate from New York, seeks solace in the inheritance left by her late grandaunt. Yet, per the will’s conditions, she must take on the role of a Christian summer camp counselor in Paradise, Pennsylvania. Upon arriving, she rescues an Amish girl and entangles herself in the mysterious disappearances of young Amish women.

Tension escalates as Tina settles into life with the camp pastor’s family. Can she place her trust in her newfound companions, especially Amelia, Pastor Pak’s eccentric college-aged daughter?

Should she stay or flee back home and risk the loss of her cherished inheritance?

Publisher: Vidasym Publishing

Source: R.F. Whong and Purchased on Amazon

Leslie’s Review: 4 Stars/I Really, Really Love It!

R.F. Whong’s Center of Enigma is a gutsy mystery that takes place in the heart of Amish Country in Paradise, Pennsylvania. Center of Enigma is the first book in Ms. Whong’s Paradise PA Mystery series and tells the story of Tina who travels to Paradise as a stipulation of her Grandaunt’s Will to work at a local Christian Camp. As soon as Tina set’s foot in Paradise, nothing is as it seems when she finds a young girl lost on the street whose name is Maria. Trying to find Maria’s Loved Ones, Tina is forced to come face-to-face with her doubts concerning Christianity and dealing with losing her Mother on September 11. Tina enlists her new Friends/Co-Workers to help her find Maria’s Loved Ones. Tina and her Friends discover that Paradise has had a series of disappearances and murders that lead to to dark world that ruins Paradise’s tranquil reputation. Walking through Paradise’s dark world, Tina works through her doubts and finds answers to where she can move on.

R.F. Whong’s Center of Enigma is a different kind of Amish Mystery than any other Amish Mystery I have ever read. I thought the plot of Center of Enigma is interesting and I liked how the Christian Camp Ms. Whong uses in the book is based on a real place. I liked the character of Tina and appreciated her struggles with Christianity. I like how Ms. Whong brought out the grittiness of the crimes and correlated them with wrongdoings that were done during Old Testament Times in the Bible. I also like how Ms. Whong explained Taoism and yoga and how Christianity debunks them. I honestly did not know what to expect when reading Center of Enigma, but it exceeded my expectations and took me on an interesting journey as a reader. The mysteries of Center of Enigma were not what I expected and that is one of the things that won me over as a reader. Another element of the story that I liked about Center of Enigma is the Faith Journey that Tina went on and how her friends and acquaintances answered her questions, backing them up with Biblical Truth and their own personal stories. If you are looking for a unique, jam packed, mysterious read with Truth, then I highly recommend Center of Enigma by R.F. Whong! I’m looking forward to seeing what Ms. Whong creates next in the Paradise PA Mystery series!

Have you read read Center of Enigma? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank R.F. Whong for giving me a copy of Center of Enigma to read and review as well as giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

R.F. Whong

From the Author:

Although I grew up in Hong Kong and Taiwan, my family members live in different parts of the world, a common phenomenon for most Chinese my age because of political conflicts.

I work for a small biotech company and have published 120+ scientific books and papers (under my legal name).

While I’m relatively new to the realm of creative writing, I’ve already completed several books.

I currently live in the Midwest with my husband, a retired pastor. We served together at three churches from 1987 to 2020. Our grown son works in a nearby city.

Check out my other books.

Love at the Garden Tomb (Contemporary romance): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B8MK77WK

The Way We Forgive (Women’s fiction): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQ5LNLNB

Blazing China (family saga): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CD9P49HW

Detour to Agape (sequel to Blazing China; contemporary romance): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CD9P29GJ

Prestige of Hearts (Contemporary Christian): https://www.amazon.com/Prestige-Hearts-R-F-Whong-ebook/dp/B0CV4FL3CH?ref_=ast_author_dp

Nonfiction (under Ruth Wuwong): Are your health and finances linked? A Christian Entrepreneur’s Quest: (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQ5JXFYY).

To connect with me, please go to w ww.ruthforchrist.com.

More Reviews of R.F. Whong Books:

Prestige of Hearts

Book Review: Unforgiven: Amish Romantic Suspense Story with Forgiveness and Second Chances

Synopsis from Amazon:

Ex-con Seth Zimmerman has spent the last three years making amends by helping the vulnerable in his former Amish community. Lately, this mission includes calling on Tabitha Yoder, whose divorce from her abusive husband has isolated her from the community. Even though she never comes out of her house to talk to him, Seth knows she watches him from the window while he chops wood, clears her driveway, and drops off food.

An uneasy friendship is just starting to take hold between them when small gifts begin to appear at Tabitha’s home–gifts that can only be from her ex-husband. Seth might be Tabitha’s only hope at maintaining her hard-won freedom from the man whose violent outbursts had almost cost her life. But coming to her rescue might mean he ends up behind bars once again.

Get swept up in this emotional story of two outcasts who may be each other’s only hope for happiness and redemption from New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray.

Publisher: Revell

Source: Shelley’s Street Team via NetGalley

Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really, Really Love It!!!

Shelley Shepard Gray brings a unique voice to Amish Fiction that does not shy away from the harsh realities that could happen within the Amish Faith and at the same time does not water down how Christ’s Truth can bring healing to a person’s life. Ms. Gray’s latest release Unforgiven centers around the story of a former Amish and “ex-convict” Seth Zimmerman and, Tabitha Yoder, a former Amish school teacher who is out of the Amish Community because she divorced her abusive husband after he caused her to miscarry their child. Seth has always carried a torch for Tabitha, despite Tabitha being 3 years older. After getting out of prison, Seth took it upon himself to doing basic household chores and to buy groceries at times for Tabitha, regardless of Tabitha being too scared to leave her house. Slowly, Tabitha begins to work through her fears and strikes up a friendship with Seth. As the friendship between Seth and Tabitha blossoms, Tabitha’s worst fear comes to pass.

I have never read a Shelley Shepard Gray book that I did not love and Unforgiven is no different! The characters of Seth and Tabitha are vividly written. I appreciated how Ms. Gray wrote Seth and Tabitha’s story lines because I felt it gave the story grit. I also love how the theme of forgiveness was woven throughout. I love how Seth’s and Tabitha’s approach to forgiveness wasn’t sugarcoated, but was something that was worked through and paced in the story. I love how Seth and Tabitha stood up for what was right and didn’t regret it, regardless of the consequences from the Amish Community. I love how Ms. Gray has the capability to craft a suspenseful read and at the same time make it equal parts an enjoyable read. I love how Seth and Tabitha both came to develop and found a loving relationship with God instead of seeing God as judgmental and disappointed in them. I love how Ms. Gray wrote the story in a way that allowed the characters in Unforgiven to have closure and at the same time allows storylines to continue into other books. If you are looking for an Amish read that is suspenseful and yet gives you the feel goods at the same time, while shining Christ’s Truth, then I highly recommend Unforgiven by Shelley Shepard Gray! I’m looking forward to seeing what Ms. Gray creates next!

Have you read Unforgiven? What did you think of the book? What other books of Ms. Gray’s do you like?

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the complementary copy and opportunity to read this book. Special thanks to Jean for letting me be on Shelley’s Street Team for Unforgiven and for helping me get the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Shelley Shepard Gray

Meet Shelley:

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

More Books by Shelley Shepard Gray:

Christmas at the Amish Bakeshop

Book Review: Unexpected Gifts: Amish Hearts in Hopewell Prequel

Synopsis from Amazon:

In the heart of Hopewell, Indiana, Gabriel Miller tends to his farm, embracing the solitary life he’s carved out for himself. But three unexpected visitors, accompanied by a stranger bearing news of his cousin’s untimely passing, disrupt his quiet existence. With no one else to turn to, Gabriel takes on the responsibility of raising the orphaned children. Alone and overwhelmed, he grapples with the daunting task of managing his farm while becoming a caregiver to three young souls.

In this tale of unexpected responsibilities and unspoken desires, Anna Burkholder emerges as a beacon of hope. Stepping in to care for the children during the day, Anna, who harbors an unspoken affection for Gabriel, finds herself entangled in a situation that might just offer her a chance at capturing his attention. As Anna and Gabriel navigate the complexities of raising a family, they discover that love has a way of blossoming in the most unforeseen places.

Will their newfound roles bring them closer together, or will the weight of their responsibilities tear them apart? Join Gabriel and Anna on a journey of resilience, sacrifice, and the transformative power of love as they navigate the challenges of building an unconventional family. Unexpected Gifts is the prequel to the Amish Hearts of Hopewell series, and in it, you will be introduced to the characters who appear throughout the series.

Publisher: Penn and Ink Writing, LLC

Source: Sylvia Price

Leslie’s Review: 4 Stars/I Really Love It!

Sylvia Price’s latest release Unexpected Gifts: Amish Hearts in Hopewell Prequel is a sweet, short story. Unexpected Gifts takes place in Amish Country in the town of Hopewell, Indiana and tells the story of Gabriel who becomes a Guardian to 3 of his young cousins that he’s never met after their mother passes away. Definitely caught off guard at raising 3 young children, Gabriel is not afraid to step up to the plate and takes his role seriously, but he needs help. Gabriel’s good friends are eager to help out, especially Anna. Anna steps in when Gabriel’s Girlfriend breaks up with him because of the young children Gabriel is now caring for.

Sylvia Price is a new-to-me Author and I enjoyed reading Unexpected Gifts: Amish Hearts in Hopewell Prequel. I admire Gabriel and the way he took on caring for his 3 young cousins despite never meeting them before and believe the heart I saw in him within the pages of Unexpected Gifts has the makings of a good father figure. I love that his real friends didn’t hesitate to help him with the children. I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the rest of the Amish Hearts in Hopewell series because I want to see how the story continues. If you are looking for a sweet, enjoyable read then I highly recommend Unexpected Gifts: Amish Hearts in Hopewell Prequel by Sylvia Price!

Have you read Unexpected Gifts? What did you think of the book? What books of Sylvia Price’s have you read?

Thank you to Sylvia Price for taking a chance on me and giving me a copy of Unexpected Gifts to review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Sylvia Price

Logo and Bio Curtesy of Sylvia Price

Sylvia Price is an author of Amish and contemporary romance. She especially loves writing uplifting stories about second chances!

Sylvia was inspired to write about the Amish as a result of the enduring legacy of Mennonite missionaries in her life. While living with them for three weeks, they got her a library card and encouraged her to start reading to cope with the loss of television and radio, giving Sylvia a newfound appreciation for books.

Sylvia spends her days writing, hoping to inspire the next generation to read more stories. When she’s not writing, Sylvia stays busy making sure her three young children are alive and well-fed.

Book Review: Home from the Storm (A Johns Mill Amish Romance)

Synopsis from Amazon:

In this stirring Amish romance about love and second chances, a shunned man returns to protect the wife he left behind—and falls in love with the family he never knew he had.

After a senseless loss, hotheaded Caleb Hochstedler left his Amish faith and his young wife to seek justice. Two years later, he tracks his parents’ killer back home to Johns Mill, where he’s astonished to learn he’s the father of twins. Now he’s determined to protect his children and the woman he still loves—if she’ll let him.

Her new husband’s abandonment broke Rhoda Lambright’s heart and proved her father, the bishop, right. Such a stubborn man could never be happy among the peaceful Amish. When Caleb unexpectedly returns, Rhoda is caught between her rock of a husband and a very hard place.

Her church forbids divorce and requires forgiveness, so Rhoda lets Caleb back into their home. But can she ever let him back into her heart? One thing’s for certain sure. This second chance will take all the faith they can find.

Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group

Source: NetGalley

Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really, Really Love It!

I was excited to find out about Laurel Blount’s latest release Home from the Storm! Home from the Storm is the fourth book in Ms. Blount’s Johns Mill Amish Romance series and tells the story of Caleb Hochstedler, an Amish man who is shunned for leaving his faith and family behind in a crusade to catch his parents’ killer after they are brutally murdered, and Caleb’s wife, Rhoda, a bishop’s daughter and the Wife he left behind. Getting a job as an assistant to a Bounty Hunter (who is helping Caleb with his crusade), Caleb is forced to return home when he finds Rhoda’s picture in Trevor Abbott’s house–the man who killed Caleb’s Parents–in order to protect Rhoda. Caleb’s prodigal return is a shock for all in the Amish Community in Johns Mill, Tennessee and a pleasant surprise for some. On the outside, nothing has changed, but the People of Johns Mill have, especially the members of Caleb’s family–familiar and new. With all the changes in their lives, can both Caleb and Rhoda reconcile for the sake of their marriage and family or will Caleb’s desire to catch his parents killer ruin everything once and for all?

I loved my return visit to Johns Mills, Tennessee and visiting with the Hochstedler Family again! This is the second book I have read by Laurel Blount and I love the world she has created in her Johns Mill Amish Romance series. Ever since I read Courage in the Storm, I always wondered what happened to the prodigal Hochstedler brother and if he would ever return home. I’m so happy those questions are answered in Home from the Storm! I love how real Ms. Blount’s characters seem. I love how real Rhoda’s emotions are in the book and not sugarcoated. I love how realistic Caleb’s questions and convictions with his Amish Faith are because I believe most have questions of Faith like these, regardless of whether or not you are Amish. I love that Home from the Storm is a suspenseful book, but that the suspense does not overshadow the lessons of forgiveness and grief that are in the story. My heart broke for Rhoda and Caleb–what they went through individually and as a couple–and I commend them for their effort in trying to put the pieces together again. I appreciate how they both owned up to their mistakes and the lessons they learned from them. Even though a major minor character, I really like Abram’s, Johns Mill’s Amish Bishop, character and how Abram isn’t your typical Amish Bishop. I wish I had an Abram-type leader in my life! I learned a lot from Caleb and Rhoda’s story, the motives behind our emotions, and that sometimes we need to take a step back before we execute our plans and see both sides when we are emotional. If you need a suspenseful read with an important message, then I highly recommend Home from the Storm by Laurel Blount!

Have you read Home from the Storm? What did you think of the book? What do you think of the Johns Mill Amish Romance series? Do you have a favorite book in the series?

I would like to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Laurel Blount

More from Laurel Blount:

Courage in the Storm

Book Review: Courage in the Storm (A Johns Mill Amish Romance)

Synopsis from Amazon:

In this powerful Amish romance, an isolated woman and a compassionate man learn that love can build a bridge between their two worlds.

Since witnessing the murder of her beloved parents, Miriam Hochstedler suffers from paralyzing anxiety and a deep-seated fear of the Englisch. Unwilling to venture beyond her family’s Tennessee farm, she forms a close bond with a badly injured gelding. Like Miriam herself, the traumatized animal seems unlikely to recover—until skilled horse whisperer Reuben Brenneman arrives.

A survivor of an abusive childhood, Reuben understands fear better than most. He’ll do whatever it takes to help a terrified animal, but his compassion doesn’t extend to the church that turned a blind eye to his family’s suffering. Once he finishes this job, he’ll return to the Englisch world, putting his Amish heritage behind him forever.

As Miriam works alongside Reuben, battling the horse’s fear—and her own—an unexpected friendship blooms and deepens into romance. But the Amish faith that sustains her inspires only distrust in Reuben, and the Englisch world he’s chosen has already broken her heart once.

Falling in love was easy. But staying together will take all the courage they have.

Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group

Source: NetGalley, Laurel Blount

Leslie’s Review: 5 Stars/A Favorite of 2023

Laurel Blount is a new-to-me author with Courage in the Storm, but she won’t be new-to-me for long. Courage in the Storm is the 3rd book in the Johns Mill Amish Romance Series. Courage in the Storm tells the story of Miriam Hochstedler who struggles with fear and anxiety after her parents are murdered right before her eyes and she has not been able to leave the family property since that terrible day. Noticing a bond between Miriam and a wild horse, Breeze, her brother-in-law calls in a favor, asking a horse specialist, Rueben Brenneman, to come and look at Breeze before deciding what to do with the horse. Rueben, being raised Amish, left and only returned to an Amish community to repay a debt. Realizing the key to calming Breeze is through Miriam, Rueben enlists her help. Miriam finds the courage to help Breeze, and in the process her anxiety and fears start to fall away little-by-little. Rueben and Miriam have a shared interest in wanting the best for Breeze and each other as they start having feelings for each other.

Laurel Blount’s reading sweeps you up into the Johns Mill Amish Community and makes you feel like you are a part of them. The characters are vividly written and Ms. Blount’s writing grabbed my attention from page one. I really love Courage in the Storm and the way it depicted anxiety and panic attacks. Personally, I think it’s something that needs to be written more about in Christian/Inspirational Fiction and it needs to be written about authentically like Ms. Blount has done. Being someone who deals with fear and anxiety, Ms. Blount wrote Miriam’s panic attacks spot on. I know because they are very similar to how mine are. I love how the reality of what Miriam goes through is written and I sympathize with her as she fights to be understood and have normalcy in her life. I love the empathy that Rueben possesses that comes through due to his life experiences because it enables Miriam to be gently pushed back into a normalcy of life–giving her a freedom and independence that Miriam thought she had lost forever. Ruben seems to know Miriam so well that he can easily tell when she needs a gentle push do what she thinks is impossible and at the same time knows what is too much at the moment. I love that Miriam’s independence and freedom happens gradually in the book. I love how Miriam and Rueben see the best in each other at all times when no one else can. I love that the theme of courage that is woven through out the pages of Courage in the Storm and the examples of being courageous that are in the book. I love the grit and pace of the book. Despite being the 3rd in a series (and the first book I have read of the series), there were moments I did feel lost in the book, but there was enough back story for me to put most of the pieces together and did not take away from the story as a whole. That’s good for me as a reader because it just makes me want to read what I have missed to satisfy my curiosity (and at this point I want to read the entire Johns Mill Amish Romance series)! If you are looking for a book that deals with different subject matters than usual, but still sticks to the Faith then I highly recommend Courage in the Storm!

Have you read Courage in the Storm? What did you think of the book? Have you read the other books in the Johns Mill Amish Romance series? What do you think of the series?

I would like to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. Special thanks to Jessica Baker for helping me gather information for this post and for taking a chance on me. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Laurel Blount

Award-winning author Laurel Blount writes inspirational romances full of grit and grace-with characters who’ll walk right off the page and into your heart! She lives on a farm in Georgia with her husband, their four fabulous kids, and an assortment of ridiculously spoiled animals.

A enthusiastic multi-tasker, Laurel writes for both Berkley/Penguin Random House and Love Inspired/Harlequin. She’s the recipient of ACFW’s Carol Award, The New England Reader’s Choice Award and GRW’s Maggie Award. She’s represented by Jessica Alvarez of Bookends Literary Agency.

Courage in the Storm is Laurel’s ninth book-and three more stories are in the works!

Stay tuned!

Book Review: Among the Innocent

Synopsis from Amazon:

When Leah Miller’s entire Amish family was murdered ten years ago, the person believed responsible took his own life. Since then, Leah left the Amish and joined the police force. Now, after another Amish woman is found murdered with the same MO, it becomes clear that the wrong man may have been blamed for her family’s deaths.

As Leah and the new police chief, Dalton Cooper, work long hours struggling to fit the pieces together in order to catch the killer, they can’t help but grow closer. When secrets from both of their pasts begin to surface, an unexpected connection between them is revealed. But this is only the beginning. Could it be that the former police chief framed an innocent man to keep the biggest secret of all buried? And what will it mean for Leah–and Dalton–when the full truth comes to light?

USA Today bestselling author Mary Alford keeps you guessing as two determined souls plumb the dark depths of the past in order to forge a brighter future–together.

Publisher: Revell

Source: NetGalley

Leslie’s Review: 5 Stars/A Favorite of 2022

Among the Innocent by Mary Alford is one of those books that has you on the edge of your seat from the very first page all the way to the end. Among the Innocent tells the story of Leah Miller, who was raised Amish and whose family was savagely murdered. After Leah’s Family was massacred, Leah was adopted and raised by the town’s Police Chief and his wife, leaving the Amish Faith. As an adult, Leah joins the Police Force following in her adoptive father’s footsteps. Moving back to the town where the murders happened, Leah is watching out for her adopted mother who has Dementia and mourning her adoptive father who died under suspicious circumstances. Always having a feeling that the wrong man was arrested, everything comes a head for Leah as the 10 year anniversary of her Family’s death approaches. In the days before the 10th Anniversary, young Amish women or women that have ties connected to the Amish community start being attacked or murdered in the same way as that of Leah and her Family. Letters are left behind at the crime scenes saying that the killer is after Leah. Joining forces with the new Police Chief, Dalton, Leah and Dalton stop at nothing to solve the case. Throughout the investigation, they are led to the Killer’s other murders. While investigating, Police Chief Dalton has ties to the case himself. Through the ups and downs of the case, Leah and Dalton begin to fall for each other.

I loved how many twist and turns were in Among the Innocent. I felt as though it was a roller coaster of a read! I loved how fast pace Among the Innocent is and how there were no lagging moments were in the book. The type of crimes described in the book had the essence of a true crime book or show. I enjoyed getting to know the characters of Leah and Dalton and watching them grow and overcome in the book. Very rarely does a book surprise and keep me on the edge of my seat the way Among the Innocent by Mary Alford does. This is my first book to read by Mary Alford and it will not be my last! (I am really looking forward to her next read!) If you are looking for a book full of suspense and intrigue that will give you a roller coaster of a read, then I highly recommend Among the Innocent by Mary Alford!

Have you read Among the Innocent by Mary Alford? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About: