Another good book by this author. I'm looking forward to reading the next one. ( )

If you have read books from this author than you know that this is a darker approach to the books readers have enjoyed about the Amish. Although, don't fear as this new side is still ones that readers will enjoy. Another great read from author, Shelley Shepard Gray.

Again, I was able to slip right in and fall in love with the characters and this new location, Hart County. It was nice to see Hannah's family rallying behind her in support of what she was dealing with. Her stalker was someone to be fearful of. Yet, with the love and support of her family, Issac, and God; Hannah was able to find strength. Speaking of Issac, he comes from a good family. His and Hannah's relationship was kind and sweet. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. ( )

Title: Her Secret (The Amish of Hart County #1)
Author: Shelley Shepard Gray
Pages: 272
Year: 2017
Publisher: Avon Inspire
My rating is 4 stars.
Hannah Hilty is a 20-year-old Amish woman who is the victim of a stalker. She and her family are forced to quit their jobs, leave their friends and move to a different state and different Amish community to flee this stalker. The local police were not too responsive to the Hilty family’s reporting of the stalker, so no legal action was taken. Hannah is now afraid to leave her new home. Her two younger, teenage siblings blame Hannah for making them move and leave all their friends. Hannah’s mother is forced to take a job outside the home and they are now living in a much smaller house. The whole family is in upheaval. This family secret is kept from the new Amish community, and there are other secrets the Hilty family is keeping as well.
Isaac Troyer is unsure what to think of his new neighbors, the Hiltys. Their oldest daughter never leaves home alone and then very rarely. He jokingly calls her The Recluse. He is a 22-year-old Amish man who works in the family woodshop. He runs into Hannah one day while she has bravely decided to take a walk alone. The impression he makes on her he knows is unfavorable. A couple of days later he apologizes as well as lets her know that he knows her stalker history. The begin to form a tentative friendship. Isaac feels protective of Hannah and senses her fear of trusting others. Hannah feels safe with Isaac and begins to live again. However, her newfound freedom is threatened by her sister who unknowingly tells Hannah’s secret to the wrong person.
I thought this was a good story to introduce the series and it kept me flipping pages quickly. The story is easy to read and I read it in one sitting. The romance between these two young Amish people is gentle, slow and tender. The mystery/thriller aspect of the story set in Amish country is a new twist for me and I liked that aspect especially. Readers can see the multiple secrets the Hilty family keeps from each other that create much dissension and disunity within the family, which added realism to the story. I’m looking forward to book two in the series and to what mystery the author will weave into the tale!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )

This is a story that we hear about in mainstream America, but this takes place with the Amish community, stalking and the horrors that go along with it.
In this book we have the Hilty family leaving their friends and family in Ohio and moving to Kentucky, what a hard time for all in the family. I think moving is not easy for anyone, but with the tight community ties the Amish have, this move must have been devastating for the family, especially the younger members.
When an unstable person threatens another, no matter where they live it seems to affect more than that individual, but all of those around them and their families. I can’t even comprehend the fear that must have gone along with their move, and then?
I did love how this Amish community rallies around those in need, and how the fundraiser seems to pull everyone together.
All through this book I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, and expecting the worse, and now you will need to join me in the page turning.
I received this book through Lit Fuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )

Wow! Wow! Wow! That is my first thought after reading this intriguing book from a master of storytelling. The author is well versed in anything Amish and it shows in the details of her characters. I love how she makes them come to life with vivid details. The author not only gives us a glimpse into the Amish life , but writes a story that is emotional and heartpounding. We sometimes think the Amish live a peaceful life where they hardly face tragedy. What happens when an Englisher becomes obsessed with an Amish girl? Get ready for one powerful story that at times will leave you shaking as you scream at the character to run for safety.

Hannah and her family live on a working farm with a big house that is surrounded by a beautiful porch that invites people to sit and relax. The family is content until one day they must do something to protect Hannah from a stalker. I can't imagine the terror that Hannah felt as she knew she was being watched. Letters would be sent to her house along with pictures that would give her panic attacks. The only solution her parents think to do is sell their farm and move far away. Did they make the right decision?

I loved the typical reaction from her brother and sister when they were uprooted from their home. Jenny and Ben are not happy in their new home. It is quite a bit smaller and they blame Hannah for being uprooted. They left their friends and now must start over in a place that isn't as pleasant as their farm. Jenny is a great character and I loved how she and Hannah tried to work things out as sisters. Is it fair to blame Hannah for the move?

When Hannah meets Isaac she is not pleased to see him. She is very guarded and takes everything he says the wrong way. I loved how the author slowly developed their relationship and loved how protective Isaac was of Hannah. Throughout the book several characters pray and ask God for wisdom and protection. I think sometimes we forget to do that when we are in the middle of a crisis.

What I really loved about the book was how the author showed how keeping secrets can hurt others, and make it hard to trust anyone. I loved the multi layered story of the stalker and secrets within Hannah's family that intertwine and keeps readers on the edge of their seats. What secrets will be exposed? Will Hannah's stalker find her ? This book is high on my list for best New Christian Fiction/ Amish/ Intrigue of 2017.

I received a copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity. The review is my own opinion. ( )