Her Secret: The Amish of Hart County

Her Secret is the first book in The Amish of Hart County series by Shelley Shepard Gray. This suspenseful novel, while a very good read, left me wanting more. With larger print and at 247 pages, I felt that this read more as a novella than as a full length novel.

What I did love about this story was that it breaks the mold of idealistic Amish books that so plague the genre. Mystery and suspense is a new and refreshing take for the genre and I’m glad to see authors branching out from the typical girl meets boy, marries and has a bunch of babies plot.

I simply felt that the conclusion to this novel felt rushed. One moment you had Hannah in the hands of a twisted stalker and later that day she is rescued. I know that within this genre authors feel the need to be careful of not including too much violence or twisted plots so maybe that is why the story was quickly wrapped up. However, I felt that an opportunity to make my heart pound with suspense was missed.

It’s not like I want to see a character be abused or unhappy but when I pick up a suspense novel, I’d really like a few moments where I gnaw my nails and worry about the protagonist.

Overall I give this a solid 3.5 stars. I enjoyed the writing and felt that it was refreshing and new. I just wish I hadn’t felt so rushed through an anticlimactic finish for what promised to be a great suspense.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.

Very good story.

Terrified by an escalating stalking incident, Hannah Hilty's family moves from their established residence in Ohio to a more remote Amish community in Hart County, Kentucky. There Hannah begins to let go of her paranoia, largely due to the kind attention of a handsome neighbor. Unfortunately, other family secrets have been tucked away, and just when things couldn't get worse, they do.

Hannah and her family learn how precious indeed is the gift of life.

I find that if the book is written by Shelley Shepard Gray I will enjoy reading it and Her Secret the first book in a new series The Amish of Hart County was no exception.  An Amish love story with suspense throughout the book.  The main characters Hannah and Isaac are so real that you feel part of their families.

The story starts with Hannah Hilty and her family living in Berlin, Ohio in a big house that was comfortable and their family’s legacy.  Hannah had been friends with an English man named Trent during her rumspringa.  He had pursued her for the last two years and was now following her around and taking pictures of her.  Hannah lives her life in fear of this stalker.  She quits her job and stays home, only going out with her parents.

The family moves from Berlin, Ohio to Munfordville, Kentucky to escape this dangerous man and to give Hannah a new start.  Her brother, Ben, and sister, Jenny, blamed Hannah they had to leave their jobs and friends behind.  Jenny played a big part in this story and caused Hannah more problems to handle.  There are other underlying family secrets that made the family move.  Hannah meets her neighbor Isaac Troyer and becomes friends with him.  Trent followed the family to Kentucky and became bolder with his activities.

I picked this book up and did not put it down until I read the last page.  I am so looking forward to the next one in the series, His Guilt, that came out on July 4th, and then there will be two more to follow. I am so recommending this book to my friends!

If you love Amish and suspense, this book is for you! I loved how the stories of the two sisters played out in this book. You will not be disappointed in this book or any of Shelley Shepard Gray's books! Happy reading!

Amish Romantic Suspense? I didn’t know that was even a thing, but this book has me hooked.

Where other Amish fiction keeps me at a slight distance from the characters, Isaac Troyer charmed me and I found myself becoming invested in Hannah Hilty and her struggle to regain a normal life after being victimized by a stalker.

Heartwarming with a good dash of pearl-clenching danger, Shelley Shepard Gray has set the bar for Amish Inspirational Romantic Suspense fiction.

This review refers to a finished copy won in a giveaway. Reviews are encouraged, but not required. All opinions expressed are my own.

Fast shipping. Just as described........

“I intend to be very careful and very vigilant. I promise.” (p. 209)
Sometimes being careful and vigilant isn’t enough to prevent evil from knocking on your front door. Actually, evil rarely, if ever, is that polite. Hannah Hilty and her entire family become a people of fear rather than faith when they flee a stalker intent upon stealing everything from them to satisfy a very malicious appetite.
What this stalker, or any other evil, discounted was God’s protective guiding hand at work in the lives of the one person he was intent upon pursuing and wooing. Although Hannah bowed to fear initially, as did her parents, none of them could fathom what God had prepared for them even as they tried to run from the problems that were intent to pursue and paralyze them.
I tend to be pretty picky when it comes to Amish stories, but I have learned that I can depend on Shelly Shepard Gray to deliver a story that is filled with intrigue, truth and grace. Her Secret speaks to the universal need we all seek – the need to feel safe and secure in our own home. For the Hilty family, that security has been ripped from them, and their attempts to fight seem meager at best. God is always in the details of our lives, and this story is no exception. Gray weaved layer upon layer of details together and forms a community of faith that digs deep into God’s truth to find strength to stand against the evil that has burst into their midst.

I truly enjoyed this novel, and I am happy to recommend it to everyone! You will come away with renewed faith in God’s strength to show us the way we need to go – even when we decide to run the opposite direction.

I really enjoyed this new series by author Shelley Shepard Gray! I have read other Amish fiction books by her and I really enjoyed the suspense and drama in this story.

The plot kept my interest and I liked reading the family struggles from all the different character's point of views. I could totally relate to the mothers frustration with her children, as well as Hannahs frustration with being stalked and constant fears.

I didn't guess how the ending of the book would be, so I'm glad it wasn't predictable. There will be a second book coming out in July called "His Guilt"- I can't wait to read it!

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

If you love mysteries and enjoy Amish fiction, you absolutely want to read Shelley Shepard Gray's latest novel! On the surface, Her Secret seems like a fairly "cut and dry" storyline; you (as the reader) assume you're smart enough to know the plot from start to finish, so you settle into your chair for some nice Christian Amish fiction. You will find yourself surprised, however, when many things are not as they seem! Her Secret holds rich layers of plot, excellent character development, and several twists and turns you will not see coming! The fact this novel is the first in a new series for Gray makes it even more wonderful! You most certainly want front row seats for this series, and will not regret your purchase!

**Spoiler alert regarding other reviews; I have intentionally left details out of my review, as you can gain all the insight you need from the author's own synopsis of the novel. I read several reviews before posting my own, and am shocked how many of them (intentionally or not) give away key surprises found within the book. So, proceed with caution if you are interested in this work but are reading other reviews.**

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. My honest opinion has been provided without any requirement to write a positive review.*