Book Review - His Risk (The Amish of Hart County #4) by Shelley Shepard Gray

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Calvin Fisher left his Amish community at the tender age of fourteen after having a problematic relationship with his family. Calvin only returned to Hart County because his beloved brother, Mark has fallen ill. As Calvin works to make amends for his troubled past and questionable job, he crosses path with a sheltered local nursery school teacher, Alice Yoder. Alice is wary of Calvin because of his questionable past, but she can't help feeling an attraction to him. Although Calvin assures Alice that he is worthy of her friendship, she can't help to feel conflicted. Will Calvin be able to tell his family why he is working in a gang? Will Alice be able to trust Calvin only has her best interest at heart?

I have read a few of Gray's books and loved each novel because each one had a surprise element. However, I felt like this novel fell short and lacked excitement. The person who causing all of the trouble was very obvious even though there were two people of interest. I did like how Gray humanized and showed each characters' struggling between doing what is right and following their hearts. Fans of Gray's work would be happy to know this novel has recurring characters.

**Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - The Gift (The Amish of Hart County #3) by Shelley Shepard Gray

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When the Schwartz family inherited a small fortune, they couldn't wait to start their new life on a farm instead of their duplex. The family hired a real estate who found them a beautiful and affordable farm in Hart County. However, strange and deadly things start to occur once the family arrived.  Susanna hears gunshots that frighten her horse and topples over her buggy while her little sister, Traci falls through a wooden bridge into a creek. At first, the incidents seem like accidents, but eventually it starts to become clear, someone wants them gone. Who is targeting the Schwartz family? Why are they targeting them and will they be able to survive?

I have read a few of Mrs. Gray's novels and been a fan of most of them. This novel is no different, it offered a lot of suspense and questionable characters on who could be the culprit. However, I felt something was missing as the novel wasn't as exciting as her other "Hart County" novels. As the culprit became very clear midway through the novel. That isn't to say that I won't read her other novels.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Love Held Captive (Lone Star Hero #3) by Shelley Shepard Gray

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Major Ethan Kelly and Captain Devin Monroe served together in the Civil War and were both POW together in the same camp. While their past has a common thread, little do they know that thread will also be a unifying factor in their futures. 

During the Civil War, the resources were tight and Ethan had to order his men to raid nearby homes for supplies to feed his troops. However, after one search and seizure of a woman's home, Ethan is unable to absolve himself of her sad and pitiful look during the raid. As he tries to move on, Ethan crosses path with the woman and he intends to right his wrong. However, Lizbeth Barclay has a dark secret and while Ethan is trying to make amends, Lizbeth has a tough time trusting his intentions.

Devin Monroe's life isn't much different after the war. He continues to live his bachelor life until he crosses path with Julianne Van Fleet. He becomes enamored and pursues her to be his bride. However, he finds out the source of Miss Van Fleet's seclude life and dark past. He struggles to come to terms with the truth. Devin and Ethan turn to each other for support, but when they find out someone from their past is the source of their women's misery, they decide to put an end to it. Will Devin be able to forgive Julianne? What is the dark secret that is clouding Lizbeth's heart? 

I have read several of Miss Gray's work and I thoroughly enjoyed them. While this is the first one of her novels I have read that isn't of an Amish theme, I must say I was a bit disappointed. I have read several books of historic (and Civil War) romance novels, but Miss Gray let me down with this novel. The book was filled with intrigue and had an interesting story line, but I felt portions of the book was drawn out and stuffed with filler and then the few last pages were written in haste. I am hoping this was an anomaly, but I would continue reading her future books.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - His Guilt: The Amish of Hart County by Shelley Shepard Gray

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Two years ago, Mark Fisher was accused of a crime he didn't commit. He left the Amish community, in hopes to start over but he could never forget his home. Mark returns to Hart County when his mentor reaches out to him for help at his store. At the store, is where he meets the innocent Waneta or Neeta Cain. At first, Neeta is afraid of Mark but she decides the Amish way is to forgive people and decides to befriend Mark. As their friendship buds, Neeta is one of the few people in Hart County who knows Mark isn't capable of hurting anyone despite his rough exteriors. When their friendship starts to bloom romantically, one of Neeta's close friends was attacked just when Mark begins to feel at home. Then another woman who knows both Neeta and himself is attacked, Mark is scared for Neeta's safety. Who is the culprit behind these crimes? Why are they targeting these women?

I have read a couple of the author's books and have enjoyed them. This one is no exception; I love how it has a darker and grittier side to Amish romances. The novel was suspenseful and kept me guessing but like many of her books, you are given clues to the culprit's identity. A thrilling read for anyone who likes Amish romance novels.

**Disclosure - I received an uncorrected copy of this book for review**

Book Review - Her Secret (The Amish of Hart County #1) by Shelley Shepard Gray

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Hannah Hilty was like every other young Amish woman, she  yearned to find her soul mate and start a family. However, Hannah's life takes an unexpected turn when she gains the unwanted affections of an Englisher. After receiving photos of herself, Hannah and her family flee from their home to Hart, County, KY for a new start.  When Hannah arrives she is terrified to leave her home without company fearing that her stalker is lurking in the bushes. Hannah's neighbor Isaac Troyer is confused by the beautiful Hannah and her eccentric behaviors. He calls her "The Recluse", but once he learns of her past he changes his mind. Will Hannah be able to love again? Will Isaac be able to look past Hannah's past and be friends? Will Hannah's stalker finally leave her alone?

While, this is the first book in Gray's new series, I have read some of other her other books. I have enjoyed her other novels, but I was completely in love this one. It has a darker edge than other Amish novels I have read. The novel is beautifully written and shows the horrors victims face from being afraid on a daily basis to the stigma of being stalked. A wonderful read for anyone who likes Gray's work or is an Amish romance fan!

**Disclosure - I received a free uncorrected copy of this novel in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - An Amish Family Christmas: A Charmed Amish Life Christmas Novel by Shelley Shepard Gray

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The fourth book in Shelley Shepard Gary's Charmed Amish Life series is about two unlikely people who weren't looking for love but found it anyways. Levi Kinsinger recently returned to Charm, Ohio after trying to find himself when his beloved father perished in a tragic factory fire.  Julia Kemp is a single mother who is on the run from a dangerous past. With both Levi and Julia running from their past, will they be able to learn to let go and trust each other?

A cozy read for anyone who is a fan of Amish love romance. The novel was a very quick and fun read. However, there wasn't much of a story and seemed more like a fluff novel and a bit boring towards the middle of the book. This is the final book in the Charm Amish Life series but each book can be read separately. 

**Disclosure - I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - A Sister's Wish (The Charmed Amish Life, #3) by Shelley Shepard Gray

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"A Sister's Wish", is the third book in Shelley Shepard Gray's Charmed Amish Life series. The story starts off with two childhood friends who see each other before one of them runs away from home.  Amelia Kinsinger is from a tight knitted family who values strong family traditions.  Simon Hochstetler is from an abusive home and after following the wrong crowd ends up in prison. Both Simon and Amelia have loved each other for years but they are from different backgrounds. With Simon's past haunting him, will they be able to make a future together?

The book was an fun, quick, and interesting read. The novel offered an glimpse into two young adults lives and if they are able to let go of the past for the one they love. It also showed how to forgive and forget about the past while still learning from it. Although, the novel felt a bit fluffy and no major plot or twist occurring. A very cozy read if you love Amish novels.

*Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion*