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Dark Crossings: The Covered Bridge \ Fallen in Plain Sight \ Outside the Circle
The Covered Bridge by Karen Harper
When Benjamin Kline returns to the fold after eight years, Abigail Baughman welcomes him with an open heart. But all is not well in their Amish village. Mysterious happenings put Abby in harm's way, forcing Ben to run to her rescue. He's vowed never to let anyone hurt her, and suddenly everything is at risk—their community, their way of life…and their future together.
Fallen in Plain Sight by Marta Perry
Childhood friends Sarah Weaver and Jacob Mast see each other in a different light when violence shatters their peaceful society. Now a series of accidents put their faith—and newfound love—to the ultimate test.
Outside the Circle by Patricia Davids
Isaac Bowman is an outsider, but Lena Troyer makes the widower and his daughter feel like part of the community. So when a deer-poaching ring divides the town, Isaac vows to keep this gentle woman safe from harm…in spite of the danger to his heart.
When Benjamin Kline returns to the fold after eight years, Abigail Baughman welcomes him with an open heart. But all is not well in their Amish village. Mysterious happenings put Abby in harm's way, forcing Ben to run to her rescue. He's vowed never to let anyone hurt her, and suddenly everything is at risk—their community, their way of life…and their future together.
Fallen in Plain Sight by Marta Perry
Childhood friends Sarah Weaver and Jacob Mast see each other in a different light when violence shatters their peaceful society. Now a series of accidents put their faith—and newfound love—to the ultimate test.
Outside the Circle by Patricia Davids
Isaac Bowman is an outsider, but Lena Troyer makes the widower and his daughter feel like part of the community. So when a deer-poaching ring divides the town, Isaac vows to keep this gentle woman safe from harm…in spite of the danger to his heart.
First published January 1, 2012
43 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Karen Harper
104 books1,500 followersA New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Karen Harper is a former college English instructor (The Ohio State University) and high school literature and writing teacher. A lifelong Ohioan, Karen and her husband Don divide their time between the midwest and the southeast, both locations she has used in her books. Besides her American settings, Karen loves the British Isles, where her Scottish and English roots run deep, and where she has set many of her historical Tudor-era mysteries and her historical novels about real and dynamic British women. Karen's books have been published in many foreign languages and she won the Mary Higgins Clark Award for 2005. Karen has given numerous talks to readers and writers across the county. Her most recent books include THE SOUTH SHORES TRILOGY (CHASING SHADOWS, DROWNING TIDES and FALLING DARKNESS.) Her latest historical is THE ROYAL NANNY. Please visit her website at www.KarenHarperAuthor and her fb page at www.facebook.com/KarenHarperAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 13, 2017
Three stories are in this collection of Amish mysteries so they are quick to read. These are put together really well and each one features a different cousin. I'm not a big fan of anthologies because they usually seem rushed with such a short story, but I liked this one. The first story featuring Abby was my favorite. I think it's because she seemed the strongest of the women and her character had more depth.
June 13, 2022
A nice eclectic mix of Amish suspense. Each novella is unique, loosely bound together by three cousins who exchange circle letters and each story features a covered bridge. Good balance between romance and suspense and there's interesting tidbits about Amish faith and traditions throughout. I listened to the audible edition and each story was narrated by a different author. Therese Plummer was my favourite -- she narrated Marta Perry's novella.
March 30, 2022
I liked the way that these 3 stories were linked: each of the heroines was a second cousin to the other two, and they communicated via a 'circle letter'. This way, each of the women knew about what the other women had gone through, but they were 'off screen' characters in the story. I thought that was an interesting way to bring cohesiveness to the collection.
I think my favourite of the stories was the second one. It drew me in right from the opening scene, and I was trying to figure out with Sarah and Jacob what had happened. I had some theories and sneaking suspicions, but ultimately, I was not prepared for 'whodunnit'.
I think my favourite of the stories was the second one. It drew me in right from the opening scene, and I was trying to figure out with Sarah and Jacob what had happened. I had some theories and sneaking suspicions, but ultimately, I was not prepared for 'whodunnit'.
July 2, 2012
I was tickled to death to get my advance copies of Dark Crossing. I knew both Karen Harper and Marta Perry were writing stories but we didn't get to read each other's work before the book went to print. This was the first chance I've had to read their stories and I wasn't disappointed. Both Karen and Marta have a wonderful understanding of the Amish culture. They were able to capture both the romance and danger that can infiltrate the Plain world. It was a book definately worth reading.
March 31, 2022
3 cousins share 'circle letters' involving their adventures lives and romantic journey. Karen Harper, Marta Perry and Patricia Davids some of my best amish authors, share in this trilogy not just romance but adventure and mystery included.
October 18, 2017
3 short amish mysteries...very good
May 11, 2019
An exciting read. I thoroughly enjoyed all three stories. So glad I downloaded this on Audible via the romance package. Happy reading/listening!
March 25, 2021
Cute stories giving you some insight into Amish life.
November 24, 2022
Three mystery stories that follow each other . All three had enough to keep me reading . Loved the short chapters .
June 6, 2023
An awesome book
April 25, 2025
Read this whole book in one sitting! Couldn't put it down! Three Amish romance mysteries and all three were great!
June 23, 2023
Crime can come anytime and poachers also,but Amish and English people who help stop or help solve them too
July 17, 2012
Disclosure: In order to avoid having a tax audit. I want to make sure I am in compliance with the FTC guidelines, so I need to mention that I received this for free through Goodreads First Reads. Oh, yeah, it isn’t the FTC that does tax audits. In any event, I did get this directly from one of the authors (Thanks Marta!).
Second disclosure: I don’t read romance books. Ever. Well, except maybe in this case.
I’m going to be honest, I entered the drawing for this book because it had “Amish” in the description, and I’ve enjoyed Amish mysteries before. When I got the book, my wife picked it up and asked “When did you start reading Harlequin’s?” But there it was, and since it was sent to me I felt compelled to review it, which meant I had to read it first. So I did, and I enjoyed it.
This is three novelettes by three different authors. There is a very loose coupling between the stories in that all the protagonists know each other, although they live in different communities. They share their experiences with each other through a “circle letter” that goes between the women. The lead characters are all women in their mid-twenties, unmarried (old maids by Amish standards, it seems) and not in any “courting” relationship. All end up in some sort of dangerous situation, persevere, and fall in love. By the end of the third story, all are engaged to be married.
The Covered Bridge by Karen Harper
I found the plot a bit of a stretch. I’m still struggling with why they were trying to frighten Abigail into leaving her home. Abigail used to have a crush on Ben, but Ben had been shunned by the community for getting into a fight with someone who tried to rape his sister, and then refused to admit that it was wrong. When Ben returns, he moves into a house close to Abigail’s and they start to interact with each other, even though they aren’t supposed to. Ben is also under investigation for a jewelry robbery that is the central theme in the story. Ben and Abigail help each other to overcome obstacles and find themselves falling in love.
Fallen in Plain Sight by Marta Perry
This was the strongest story. Sarah and Jacob have been friends since childhood. Jacob is in love with Sarah, but Sarah sees Jacob as a brother, not a lover. Sarah is helping to clean up the house of her (deceased) former employee, when things start to disappear, or be moved. Since Sarah is the only one that is supposed to be in the house, she knows something is wrong. And then people start to try to frighten Sarah so she will stop coming to the house. Parts of this I struggled with; the con artist that leaves town and steals nothing? Or the buggy that gets destroyed when sideswiped by a car but the horse is unharmed? Don’t get me wrong, I would hate to see the horse get hurt, but it doesn’t see likely.
None-the-less, this was a good read.
Outside the Circle by Patricia Davids
My second favorite story, although I also struggled with the plot a bit. I didn’t realize that there was such a market for deer heads. Lena is a school teacher, who loves her job and is good at it. That doesn’t stop her from running afoul of the school board, who thinks she should be stricter with the students, and is looking for a reason to replace her. Lena is an artist, something also not in line with Amish traditions. When Isaac, a widower, and his daughter Ruby move into the community, Lena isn’t sure if she should trust Isaac or not. Lena and Ruby immediately bond, though, so she and Isaac continually run into each other. At the end, Lena saves Isaac’s brother and the school children.
Overall, not a bad read. Each story is around 90-100 pages, so it goes pretty quick.
Second disclosure: I don’t read romance books. Ever. Well, except maybe in this case.
I’m going to be honest, I entered the drawing for this book because it had “Amish” in the description, and I’ve enjoyed Amish mysteries before. When I got the book, my wife picked it up and asked “When did you start reading Harlequin’s?” But there it was, and since it was sent to me I felt compelled to review it, which meant I had to read it first. So I did, and I enjoyed it.
This is three novelettes by three different authors. There is a very loose coupling between the stories in that all the protagonists know each other, although they live in different communities. They share their experiences with each other through a “circle letter” that goes between the women. The lead characters are all women in their mid-twenties, unmarried (old maids by Amish standards, it seems) and not in any “courting” relationship. All end up in some sort of dangerous situation, persevere, and fall in love. By the end of the third story, all are engaged to be married.
The Covered Bridge by Karen Harper
I found the plot a bit of a stretch. I’m still struggling with why they were trying to frighten Abigail into leaving her home. Abigail used to have a crush on Ben, but Ben had been shunned by the community for getting into a fight with someone who tried to rape his sister, and then refused to admit that it was wrong. When Ben returns, he moves into a house close to Abigail’s and they start to interact with each other, even though they aren’t supposed to. Ben is also under investigation for a jewelry robbery that is the central theme in the story. Ben and Abigail help each other to overcome obstacles and find themselves falling in love.
Fallen in Plain Sight by Marta Perry
This was the strongest story. Sarah and Jacob have been friends since childhood. Jacob is in love with Sarah, but Sarah sees Jacob as a brother, not a lover. Sarah is helping to clean up the house of her (deceased) former employee, when things start to disappear, or be moved. Since Sarah is the only one that is supposed to be in the house, she knows something is wrong. And then people start to try to frighten Sarah so she will stop coming to the house. Parts of this I struggled with; the con artist that leaves town and steals nothing? Or the buggy that gets destroyed when sideswiped by a car but the horse is unharmed? Don’t get me wrong, I would hate to see the horse get hurt, but it doesn’t see likely.
None-the-less, this was a good read.
Outside the Circle by Patricia Davids
My second favorite story, although I also struggled with the plot a bit. I didn’t realize that there was such a market for deer heads. Lena is a school teacher, who loves her job and is good at it. That doesn’t stop her from running afoul of the school board, who thinks she should be stricter with the students, and is looking for a reason to replace her. Lena is an artist, something also not in line with Amish traditions. When Isaac, a widower, and his daughter Ruby move into the community, Lena isn’t sure if she should trust Isaac or not. Lena and Ruby immediately bond, though, so she and Isaac continually run into each other. At the end, Lena saves Isaac’s brother and the school children.
Overall, not a bad read. Each story is around 90-100 pages, so it goes pretty quick.
July 19, 2012
This book is such a page turner, with both mystery and Amish romance. Although there are three different stories, and in separate locations, they are about 3 second cousins. They all got reaquainted at a mutual cousins wedding, and now send a round robin letter to each other.
The first story is The Covered Bridge by Karen Harper, and features Abigail Baughman who is running her Grandmother's Mushroom farm, and Benjamin Kline a returning shunned Amishman. This one has quite a few scary moments, and you wonder who is behind some of the attacks. There is a broken relationship, jewelery theft, hangings....etc. Be prepared!
The next story Fallen in Plain Sight by Marta Perry is also excellent. This is about Sarah Weaver who works for an elderly, grouchy man, and her childhood friend Jacob Nast who works for her dad.
One day Sarah goes to work to find her employer Richard Strickland dead at the end of the stairs. While helping to clean out the house strange things begin to happen. Some things go missing, including phone messages. It does have quite a surprise ending...and will keep you guessing.
The final story is Outside the Circle by Patricia Davids. Lena Troyer is the teacher, and comes to school one day to find a new student. Ruby Bowman is a little girl who has not spoken since her Mother died. She is accompanied by her Dad Isaac, a woodcarver. Strange things begin to happen in the community after their arrival. There is gun fire at night, poaching of deer, being run off the road, and shootings.
Again we keep reading and hoping it isn't the attractive Isaac. There is also a sweet relationship between Lena and Ruby.
This is Amish Romance and Mystery at its finished...don't miss!
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
The first story is The Covered Bridge by Karen Harper, and features Abigail Baughman who is running her Grandmother's Mushroom farm, and Benjamin Kline a returning shunned Amishman. This one has quite a few scary moments, and you wonder who is behind some of the attacks. There is a broken relationship, jewelery theft, hangings....etc. Be prepared!
The next story Fallen in Plain Sight by Marta Perry is also excellent. This is about Sarah Weaver who works for an elderly, grouchy man, and her childhood friend Jacob Nast who works for her dad.
One day Sarah goes to work to find her employer Richard Strickland dead at the end of the stairs. While helping to clean out the house strange things begin to happen. Some things go missing, including phone messages. It does have quite a surprise ending...and will keep you guessing.
The final story is Outside the Circle by Patricia Davids. Lena Troyer is the teacher, and comes to school one day to find a new student. Ruby Bowman is a little girl who has not spoken since her Mother died. She is accompanied by her Dad Isaac, a woodcarver. Strange things begin to happen in the community after their arrival. There is gun fire at night, poaching of deer, being run off the road, and shootings.
Again we keep reading and hoping it isn't the attractive Isaac. There is also a sweet relationship between Lena and Ruby.
This is Amish Romance and Mystery at its finished...don't miss!
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
June 19, 2012
The Covered Bridge by Karen Harper
When Benjamin Kline returns to the fold after eight years, Abigail Baughman welcomes him with an open heart. But all is not well in their Amish village. Mysterious happenings put Abby in harm's way, forcing Ben to run to her rescue. He's vowed never to let anyone hurt her, and suddenly everything is at risk—their community, their way of life…and their future together.
Fallen in Plain Sight by Marta Perry
Childhood friends Sarah Weaver and Jacob Mast see each other in a different light when violence shatters their peaceful society. Now a series of accidents put their faith—and newfound love—to the ultimate test.
Outside the Circle by Patricia Davids
Isaac Bowman is an outsider, but Lena Troyer makes the widower and his daughter feel like part of the community. So when a deer-poaching ring divides the town, Isaac vows to keep this gentle woman safe from harm…in spite of the danger to his heart.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the last story (Outside the Circle) the best. I fell in love with the characters. The book as a whole was a short, easy, enjoyable read.
When Benjamin Kline returns to the fold after eight years, Abigail Baughman welcomes him with an open heart. But all is not well in their Amish village. Mysterious happenings put Abby in harm's way, forcing Ben to run to her rescue. He's vowed never to let anyone hurt her, and suddenly everything is at risk—their community, their way of life…and their future together.
Fallen in Plain Sight by Marta Perry
Childhood friends Sarah Weaver and Jacob Mast see each other in a different light when violence shatters their peaceful society. Now a series of accidents put their faith—and newfound love—to the ultimate test.
Outside the Circle by Patricia Davids
Isaac Bowman is an outsider, but Lena Troyer makes the widower and his daughter feel like part of the community. So when a deer-poaching ring divides the town, Isaac vows to keep this gentle woman safe from harm…in spite of the danger to his heart.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the last story (Outside the Circle) the best. I fell in love with the characters. The book as a whole was a short, easy, enjoyable read.
April 5, 2013
I'd give this 2.5 if I could. Outside the Circle had a few inconsistencies and
I'm really not a fan of books were people don't say what's on their mind, even tho they eventually do. Why not clear the air to begin with instead of fretting about it?
I'm not a fan of romance books. I'm not a fan of Amish.
But I had made a decision to read all the quilt fiction I could find. Karen Harper's first 'Dark' book was on that list.
I also like to read more of an author's work and/or finish a series.
And as it turned out the rest of the Darks rarely mentioned a quilt.
I'm really not a fan of books were people don't say what's on their mind, even tho they eventually do. Why not clear the air to begin with instead of fretting about it?
I'm not a fan of romance books. I'm not a fan of Amish.
But I had made a decision to read all the quilt fiction I could find. Karen Harper's first 'Dark' book was on that list.
I also like to read more of an author's work and/or finish a series.
And as it turned out the rest of the Darks rarely mentioned a quilt.
July 25, 2012
This book would not be something I could recommend. A friend lent it to me, gushing about the Amish settings and how it explained so much of their life style and culture. That wasn't true. It used the "common" knowledge,with little depth in exploring Amish traditions or culture. Since it was a trio of short stories, kept going thinking another author would offer more depth. Nope! All in all -disappointing.
October 17, 2012
This is an anthology of three short stories written by Karen Harper, Marta Perry. and Patricia Davids. I enjoyed all of the stories. All three authors write wonderful Amish stories.
February 8, 2015
Three great stories by three of my favorite authors! I enjoy reading suspense/mystery Amish stories, and I hope that Amish authors continue to write more of them! These three stories in one book was very convenient in that when I finished reading one story, I still had two good stories in same book to read!
I enjoyed all the main characters- Abby, Sarah,and Lena. The suspense in the story was captivating and it kept me from putting down the book!
I enjoyed all the main characters- Abby, Sarah,and Lena. The suspense in the story was captivating and it kept me from putting down the book!
July 17, 2012
This was a GOODREADS win and I lived it, I read all three stories in a day, I have read Karen Harper and Marta Perry, both whom I enjoy, but I had never read Patricia Davis, I enjoyed her also, great stories, mysteries, great characters...thanks to GOODREADS, and thank you authors, for your great stories...
September 15, 2012
Dark Crossings: The Covered Bridge/Fallen in Plain Sight/Outside the Circle is really 3 stories involing 3 different Amish women in three different places. They are connected by family and a circle letter. Each story has a different author-Karen Harper, Marta Perry, and Patricia Davids. Each one finds love. This was a nice read and each tale was a mystery.
October 31, 2016
Dark Crossings is three books in one. All feature Amish characters and are in the romantic suspense genre. They are short and sweet with enough romance and suspense to satisfy. The mysteries are of the cozier variety, and the romances are clean. No foul language or graphic violence. Just a dash of drama and danger. Each of the three novellas is a fulfilling afternoon of reading.
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February 1, 2013These were 3 short stories. The first one, The Covered Bridge was good. The second one I was not crazy about - it was dull and lifeless. The more you read, the more you never feel you are getting any answers.
May 3, 2013
I was glad to get back to basics with these great Amish tales. This book has three short stories connected by a circle letter shared by 3 cousins. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I read it really fast and I felt happy after I finished it. Sometimes you just need some happy!
July 2, 2013
The Covered Bridge: Ben returns to the Amish community across the bridge from Abigail with a cloud of guilt over his head. She still has her crush over Ben and he must keep her safe.
Fallen in Plain Sight:
Outside the Circle:
314 pages
Fallen in Plain Sight:
Outside the Circle:
314 pages
July 28, 2015
This book contains three novellas that tie together, because the main female characters in each story are friends who share their lives with each other in a circle letter that keeps circulating between them. It is a good, clean, romantic mystery, in Amish culture, which I enjoyed very much.
September 7, 2015
Fun, easy read that consists of three short stories. I loved how the three were loosely linked - very nice touch.
July 1, 2013
Another good book about the Amish.
September 24, 2015
This is three novellas that are tied together through different authors. Very good, quick Amish read.
December 23, 2015
Just enough intrigue and mystery to make this a great Amish read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews