Showing posts with label Amish Romantic Suspense. Show all posts

Unforgiven by Shelley Shepard Gray ~ Book Review

June 14, 2024

About the Book

Book: Unforgiven

Author: Shelley Shepard Gray

Genre: Amish Suspense Fiction

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: May 2024

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.

My Thoughts

This was a different type of "Amish" story. I say Amish because that is typically the genre that this author writes but in this one the main characters are no longer Amish but not because they have been shunned but rather by circumstances that have happened in their lives.

We meet Tabitha who has been divorced and the circumstances in which this happens are atrocious. She has been in an extremely abusive marriage but despite all that hurt the Amish community sees divorce almost as a sin so she is basically pulled out of the community. Seth is our other main character and he has served in prison for protecting a friend from assault. Because of this he also is removed from the community. Seth is a protector and has liked Tabitha since he was younger. He makes sure that she is taken care of and watches over her.

I really enjoyed seeing the progress between these two characters. Tabitha really came out of her shell and made sure she stood up for herself. I also liked that the romance between them didn't move very fast as she was dealing with some really heavy stuff so I appreciated the author being realistic about this and moving at a slower pace.

I must admit that the suspense part of the story could have been a bit more extreme for me but it suited the story. Overall I thought it was a good story and if you are looking for a new Amish suspense story then you should try this one. Just beware that it does have some triggers such as mentions of abusive marriage and sexual assaults.

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.

Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.

Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.

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Unforgiven by Shelley Shepard Gray ~ Book Review

Shielding the Amish Witness by Mary Alford ~ Book Review + Giveaway

May 17, 2021

About the Book

Book: Shielding the Amish Witness
Author: Mary Alford
Genre: Amish Romantic Suspense
Release Date: April 1, 2021

Seeking refuge in Amish country puts everyone she loves in danger.

On the run after discovering her brother-in-law was behind her husband’s murder, Faith Cooper can think of only one safe place—her Amish grandmother’s home. But when danger follows Faith to the quiet Amish community, her childhood friend Eli Shetler is her only protection. And their survival depends on outlasting a relentless killer…one who has nothing left to lose.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

Mary Alford does it again! This is another great suspense edge of your seat story. We meet Faith who is trying to do what is right and is on the run for her life. She returns to her roots in her Amish hometown. I love how being there she encounters her childhood friend Eli who helps her. Eli is haunted by the loss of his wife and unborn child and fears that he can't keep Faith safe just like he couldn't keep his family safe. The love story between them was super sweet and a great addition to the story.

If you enjoy high action and stories that keep you guessing the whole way through then this is the story for you. It is short enough that you can read it in a sitting (if time is on your side!)

My Rating: 3.5 Stars/Really Liked it!

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling Author, Mary Alford, loves giving her readers the un-expected, whether it be in a rugged mountain setting or a peaceful Amish community.

Her titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestselling List, Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling List, and have been finalists in the Daphne Du Maurier award of excellence, The Beverly, The Maggie, and The Selah Awards.

Mary lives in Texas with her husband, two very spoiled cats, and a sweet rescue dog name Cody. Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Face-book and Twitter or any social platforms listed at www.maryalford.net.

More from Mary

As a reader, I love books that are part of a series. There’s something comforting about being able to revisit characters that are special to me and meet new ones along the way. You get to go back to your favorite place and hang out with the people who make you smile.

It’s like coming home.

When I set out to write a series about five Amish brothers, I knew exactly where I wanted to set the series. The West Kootenai Amish community in Montana. West Kootenai is a remote community with sweeping mountain views surrounded by vast wilderness spaces. The perfect setting for suspense, along with a chance at redemption and a second chance for the hero and heroine. I love that.

In November, I introduced Covert Amish Christmas, the first book in the series that featured Aaron Shetler, the oldest of the five brothers.

In Shielding the Amish Witness, we meet Eli Shetler, a widower who has returned to West Kootenai to try to start over after his wife’s death two years earlier.

Eli is reunited with his childhood friend, Faith Cooper, who is running from a relentless killer who was once part of her family.

The book takes the reader through the breathtaking countryside of West Kootenai and into the homes of the Shelter family. We get to catch up on what Aaron and Victoria have been up since last we met and are introduced to some new family members. That’s the wonderful thing about series.

So, come with me on a trip to the beautiful community of West Kootenai, Montana where I hope my characters will make you feel right at home.

In writing about the Amish, I’ve come to love preparing their dishes. I’ve tried many recipes, from Amish Pizza to Friendship soup. But one of my all-time favorites is Amish Fry Pies. They are SO good!

Today, I thought I’d share the recipe for Amish Apple Fry Pies. I love this delicious desert and I hope you will as well.

Blessings always,

Mary Alford

AMISH APPLE FRY PIES

(recipe curtosy neighborfoodblog.com and a favorite of mine)

yields: 6

INGREDIENTS

For the filling:

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons cider
1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the dough:

2 cups flour, sifted
4 Tablespoons butter
2 egg yolks
1/3 cup HOT milk
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the glaze:

1 teaspoon vanilla
2 Tablespoons milk
1 cup powdered sugar
Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

INSTRUCTIONS

To make the filling, combine the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a small saucepan. Cook on medium heat until juices start to form, about 3 minutes. Make a slurry by whisking together the cider and cornstarch. Stir this into the pan, turn the heat up to high, and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened, about 3 minutes longer. Remove from heat and set aside.
For the dough, cut the butter into cubes then use a pastry cutter to work it into the flour. Continue to cut in the butter until it’s in small pea-sized lumps. In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks and salt together. Slowly pour in hot milk, stirring constantly. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Stir together until a dough begins to form. Turn the dough out onto parchment or wax paper, and knead it until it smooths out, about 1 minute.
Divide the dough into 6 equal sized pieces and roll them each into a ball. Use a rolling pin to roll them out to about 6-inch circles. Fill each circle with 2 Tablespoons of apple mixture. Fold the dough in half over the filling and pinch the edges together to seal. You can flute the edges or use a fork to crimp them. If the edges aren’t sealing properly, wet them with a little water.
Heat the oil in a deep saucepan to 350 degrees. You can test to see if the oil is ready by sticking a wooden spoon into the center of the pot. If small bubbles form around the handle, you’re ready to go.
Place the pies in the hot oil one at a time and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to dry.
Repeat with remaining pies.
While the pies fry, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. It’s best to glaze the pies while they’re still warm. I use a pastry brush to brush the glaze on one side then let it dry, flip them over, and glaze the other side. You can put two coats of glaze on for extra sweetness if you like but wait for the glaze to harden in between coats.
Pies can be stored uncovered for 2-3 days. If you want the glaze to remain hard, do not place the pies in a plastic bag or sealed container. Just leave them on a wire rack or pan.