Shattered Amish Identity

by Mary Alford

The key to her survival
lies hidden within her memories.

When Amish school teacher Hannah York is attacked, she defends herself with skills she never knew she had. CIA agent Titus Miller arrives, claiming that she’s actually fellow agent Lara Redmond—and that she’s in danger from a powerful enemy. Despite suffering from amnesia, Hannah is certain she’s only ever lived a quiet Amish life. But why does Titus seem so familiar, and could it be true that he loved her once? When Hannah’s family is abducted, she and Titus must work together to find them. Can Hannah trust him to help unlock the truth of her past…and keep her safe?

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Genres: Amish, Inspirational, Mystery, Suspense, Christian Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary

368 pages, Paperback

Published October 28, 2025

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 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.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You should have stayed dead.”

What if the life you thought was yours was a lie?

This is exactly what Amish schoolteacher, Hannah York, discovers when she crosses paths with CIA Officer Titus Miller in Rachel’s Crossing, Kentucky.

I can’t imagine discovering that everything I knew, even about myself, was false. Hannah realizes that she’s walking a fine line between her past, which she can’t remember, and the present that’s full of danger and deception. I love that author Mary Alford made fear such a daunting antagonist and reminded readers that sometimes evil doesn’t sit disguised or quietly on the sidelines, but that most often it’s front and center and cloaked in familiarity. I felt the unease building as both Hannah and I realized that someone knew more about her than she knew about herself.

It was wonderful to return to Rachel’s Crossing and get immersed in an engaging story about reclaiming identity and rediscovering one’s past. I love redemption stories and liked how Alford highlighted returning home as a way to reclaim our true identity.

✔If you love dogs, you’ll want to read about Hannah’s beloved Rhodesian Ridgeback, Nala.
✔If you love suspense, there’s plenty of gang/cartel activity, running from the enemy, trying to find shelter, and trying to outwit pursuers.
✔If you love a second-chance romance, you’ll get it here.
✔If you need a sweet holiday romance mixed with the thrill of adventure, you’ll experience it here - the book is set a week before Christmas.
✔If you need a story with a faith thread, look no further. Alford ALWAYS writes to shine the light in the darkness.

Highly recommended.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a real page turner! Hannah is living a quiet life as an Amish schoolteacher when everything changes, her family goes missing, a man shows up who she recognizes, and suddenly her life is in danger. But why would anyone be after an Amish schoolteacher?

Well, it turns out Hannah might not be who she thinks she is. Everyone believes she's actually Lara, a former CIA agent thought to be dead. Years ago, Hannah lost her memory and has had no idea about her past life. As she tries to make sense of it all, she ends up relying on Titus, a man she’s just met but who feels strangely familiar. Did they know each other before? Was there something between them?

As they run for their lives and try to uncover who's after them, bits and pieces of Hannah’s memory begin to return. But even if she is Lara, she’s not sure she wants that life back. And what happens with her and Titus when it’s all over?

This story had plenty of suspense and mystery to keep me hooked, and just the right touch of romance. I didn’t see all the twists coming!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Kristen Parnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alford’s writing will have you both catching your breath at the beauty of her descriptions and holding your breath at the non-stop action. The way she describes settings and characters brings them alive in your mind as you read. This story mixes together the sweetness of Amish community, the tragedy of lost memories and hopeful love, and the intense pursuit of an evil organization. You will be guessing what happens next well into the night! Best of all is the satisfying finale, which I won’t give away. If you’re looking for a wintry inspirational read that will make you shiver in suspense, this book is for you.

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could not get into this book at all.

[Susan Furlong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, loved the characters.

[Mindy Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Alford has created an up-all-night nail biter in her newest romantic suspense, Shattered Amish Identity. This book doesn't let up. Forgotten evidence. On-the-run danger lurking at every corner. A rekindled romance! Don't miss this one.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fast-paced cat and mouse game between the good guys and the bad guys. The big twist is that I didn’t know who the bad guys really were until the big reveal near the end. What a suspense-filled and heart-pounding story! Hannah York is a teacher at a local Amish school when she is attacked. Then, things start happening quickly as a man named Titus, a secret agent, claims to know her by a different name and warns her that she is in grave danger. Together, they race to try to find safety, only to constantly run into more danger. This book was hard to put down because every chapter held more threats from some unknown source. With lies and secrets as well as the CIA involved along with spies, this story held me totally captivated by the non-stop action and the chemistry between the characters. I had no idea who was trustworthy, but I really liked Hannah and her faithful dog Nala and wanted them to escape the evil that was surrounding them. No matter where they ran, the evil men followed. My imagination went wild as I tried to figure out, along with Hannah and Titus, how they were being tracked. The author did a masterful job of laying false trails with red herrings that kept me guessing all the way to the end. This is an edgy page turner that, in my opinion, is one of the best I have read by Mary Alford. The plot twists were terrifying brilliant and the tension was relentless, with a cleverly crafted and believable story. The theme of overcoming the past and forging on towards a hopeful future had me sighing at the end and wanting more of this remarkable story, with romance and action perfectly balanced and leading to a satisfying outcome.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Patricia A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah’s brother Alex fabricated a life in Rachel’s Crossing that Hannah believed to be true. They were in trouble and he’d assumed a false identity of an Amish family. Unbeknownst to Hannah her life was full of lies and fabrications. She was happy as the local teacher in an Amish schoolhouse. Happy being Amish! To her this life was real as she couldn’t remember her past until it caught up to her. Her former partner Titus finds her after the enemy strikes. Together they discover the betrayal within.

Mary Alford’s books are all great and exciting. This story was so good I couldn’t put it down. It has my heart rate go up waiting to see what happens next. The characters were great and believable. Great story with a great ending! I can’t wait to see what comes next!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shattered Amish Identity by Mary Alford is a wonderful Christian based Romantic Suspense with twists and turns. This Action packed story begins when Titus Miller sees the former CIA agent Lara Redmond, who has lost her memory in a place crash. She now lives as Hannah, an Amish teacher until her quiet peaceful world is shattered. You won’t want to put it down. Thank you to Mary Alford for this ARC. This is my honest review. Releases Oct 28,2025

[Marilyn Rushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I Love a good Amish fiction with lots of adventure on each page.and just a little romance.

Hannah York is an Amish school teacher one day and the next day is on the run for her life with the help of CIA Agent Titus Miller and her faithful dog, Nala. Hannah does not understand why someone has her family and is trying to capture her. Hannah has suffered amnesia and is trusting Titus to keep her safe as she works to locate her family and regain her memory.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read that had me on the edge of my seat. I finished it in one sitting. The suspense, danger, and a run for their life kept me turning the pages.

Hannah's struggles with her health and loss of her memory are heartbreaking. Not remembering her past haunted her as flashes of memory returned. She recognized Titus, but didn't know why. She was in constant prayer over each situation. Her guard dog, Nala, was a wonderful addition to the story. The characters are captivating with surprises you won't see coming. There were twists and shocking secrets.

There is kidnapping, betrayals, conspiracy, and I was amazed at how deep it went. The ending wrapped up everything nicely. Can't wait to read the next one. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a WILD RIDE!! Shattered Amish Identity was so much going on from page one. I love all Mary’s books and this was no exception. Every time you turn around there is another twist. I was on the edge of my seat. I loved this story so much.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shattered Amish Identity is an exciting return to the serene mountain community of Rachel's Crossing, Kentucky. Here danger finds Amish schoolteacher Hannah York, toppling her quiet life and bringing doubts about her identity and who she can trust. Hannah and CIA agent Titus Miller's combined courage and tenacity drive them through a race against time to uncover the truth about the past and to thwart a possible terrorist attack. Their survival may largely depend on Hannah’s recovering her missing memories. The brilliantly constructed, fast-paced plot with several very unexpected twists drew me in with its tension-filled, suspenseful beginning and kept me reading with anticipation and guessing until the end. Well-crafted, compelling characters pulled me into their lives in a way that made me feel like I was right there with them. Undercurrents of a rekindling romance heighten the emotional impact of the story. I value the strong spiritual thread focusing on identity, showing how God sees and knows our true selves especially during times of uncertainty. I loved this unputdownable inspirational romantic suspense read and highly recommend it.
I read an early copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful story this was!! My heart broke with Hannah as she is living her life as an Amish schoolteacher and then she ends up in the cross hairs of crime! Thankfully she has Titus and Nala to surround her and protect her. The trio doesn't know who to trust and it's hard to fight when she can't remember her past.

The book left me guessing until the end on how all of the pieces were connected.

I received a complimentary arc. The opinions are my own.

[SARAH TAYLOR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shattered Amish Identity by Mary Alford This was a another great Story by this Author that will keep you up late reading and turning the pages from begining to end These Characters are so amazing If you Love a good Suspense book this is for you I highly recommend this book I was given a compilatory copy and this is my own honest opinion !

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

“You should have stayed dead.”

One of my favorite scenes in The Bourne Identity movie is when Matt Damon’s character – who has no memory of his past – realizes he possesses some mad combat skills after acting instinctively. (I keep hoping that will happen to me too, some day, but so far it hasn’t lol) So I was absolutely delighted to discover a scene like this in Shattered Amish Identity too. In fact, I actually enjoyed it more than I did the Bourne scene because … come on… Jason Bourne looks like the kind of guy that might have combat skills, especially after being pulled from the sea with two bullet holes in him. But a young Amish woman who teaches school? Definitely not the person you’d expect to suddenly go all hi-YAH on someone, and I loved her own surprise at her unexpected instincts.

Hannah York is such a wonderful character – resilient and brave and smart and warmhearted, even without those crazy combat skills. So I really enjoyed tagging along as she and CIA Agent Titus Miller and Hannah’s dog Nala fight to survive against the weather and the men who are hunting them. Hunting Hannah. Because they think she’s a former CIA agent, thought to have died in a helicopter crash a few years ago. Along with her brother… who’s now missing along with his wife. Enter Titus, who has a close personal history with the missing agents they think are Hannah and her brother. He’s steady and patient with Hannah, not pressuring her to remember what she can’t, but he can’t help being drawn to her anyway. All while trying to keep her alive and out of the clutches of the villains who want any suppressed memories to die with her. And why does he feel so familiar to Hannah?

If what Titus says is true, then everything about Hannah’s life for the last few years – including her beloved canine companion Nala – has been a carefully constructed lie that took advantage of her accident and subsequent memory loss. It would be a lot for anyone to take in, and I appreciated that author Mary Alford allowed Hannah to process all of these revelations as much as was possible while on the run for her life. Alford also effortlessly makes Hannah’s – and even Titus’s – fear so tangible in this story. I could feel my own pulse rising as tension mounted, as nowhere seemed safe for long, as headlights appeared in the distance… getting closer… after they thought they’d lost them. As a result, I couldn’t read Shattered Amish Identity fast enough.

Bottom Line: Shattered Amish Identity by Mary Alford had me flipping pages as fast as I could read them! Between the nonstop danger, the unexpected twists, and the growing connection between Hannah and Titus (again? or for the first time?), I was completely hooked. I loved cheering for Hannah’s blend of quiet strength and surprising grit, swooning over Titus’s steady protectiveness, and holding my breath more than once as the bad guys closed in. It’s fast-paced, faith-anchored, and so vividly written that you’ll feel every close call right along with them. Just don’t start it before bed if you need to get up early the next day… because you will need to know what happens next.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC with no expectation of a positive review. This book had me at page 1. Why would an Amish teacher, Hannah York, feel as if someone was following her? She has no memory of her life before the buggy accident that killed her parents. Her brother had filled in the gaps of the past. How can she recognize a man at the auction, but never met him before. She had always felt safe in Rachel's Crossings Amish community. Why now? Join Hannah as she goes on this wild ride while not understanding what is happening to her as flashes of memories start coming to her. This book will have you on the edge of your seat. Ms. Alford has knocked this book out of the ballpark in writing a suspenseful story that will keep you turning the pages.

[Misty Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced, intense suspense story that captivates you from the beginning with its amnesia, forgotten identity, secrets, betrayal, forgotten romance, and extreme danger. Alford’s books always transport the reader into the story with her descriptive writing and this story is no different with feeling every conflicting emotion and panicked moment the characters face.

The story is woven around Amish school teacher, Hannah, whose amnesia she is told is from a buggy accident until she is faced with danger and she uses skills she never knew she possessed. Thrown into danger that has her running for her life and her family abducted, she must decide if she is going to trust the CIA agent, Titus, whose amnesia claims she is someone else. Running for their lives and unsure who to trust, they both are forced to decide if they will trust each other and pasts they would rather stay hidden.

This book will not disappoint any suspense lover! I also enjoy the Amish twist to the story mixed in the danger & suspense. This book had me guessing until the end who was behind the threats.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are completely my own.

[Pianosue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Hang on to your seat. Lots of action and questions as to why Hannah York an Amish schoolteacher is attacked. But she fought her attacker off! What? How? She doesn't understand. CIA Agent Titus Miller arrives to help her and claims she is not who she thinks she is! She doesn't believe him but can't figure out why he seems familiar. Lots going on here.

I recommend this book if you love suspense. I received the book from the publisher but was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book and one that I had a hard time putting down and walking away from for very long. I was pulled right in to Hannah and Titus's story from the very beginning. From the very beginning the book is fast paced and intriguing, pulling me into the story.

Hannah York, an Amish schoolteacher is attacked in her home for reasons she doesn't understand and fends off her attacker with skills she had no idea she had. Shortly after a man she recognizes but can't remember shows up(Titus Miller) and soon they are on the run together with her dog. Titus swears she's someone he knows while she argues that she isn't, having no memory of anything but the life she lives now.

If you enjoy fast paced, exciting suspense with some romance mixed in then you'll definitely love this book.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

You want a book that hooks you within the first 2 pages then this is the book for you. Book is full of suspense and shock and a page turner. I stayed up very late reading this book. Couldn't put it down.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah is one talented Amish lady. This is such a good read. Titus has his work cut out for trying to figure it all out and there's a lot to figure out.

[Renee Helton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book.
Great Story and wonderful characters... Full of action and plot twists...
Definitely recommend.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title, Shattered Amish Identity, is perfect for this mystery. Hannah's life began just a few short years ago. Her memory begins there, remembering nothing of her former life. She has grown to love her life. Quiet. Peaceful. Fulfilling as an Amish schoolteacher. Her home, nestled back in the woods, might be too far away from neighbors, but she liked it. Felt safe. Until ...

Until one day, she didn't. Another nothing was the same. Except ... some things felt familiar.

This book pulls you in. And keep you going back 'cause you hafta know what happens next.
There is one character I loved from the start. Her name was Nala. And she was a dog, a companion who turns out to be quite a protector. A trained protector.

The following will not affect some readers. But for this reader, who also has been a Beta Reader, I found several continuity errors as the end approached that did not make sense, and ergo, the story slipped away, and the error glared. Followed by another one. And another one.

My thought is one of these scenarios:
1) The ending had been determined but not scrubbed by Beta Readers OR the editor.
2) A change to her team. The ending wasn't quite finished when the change occurred. The individual who normally would see the errors was not available.

She needs someone to spot things like a helicopter explosion followed by a parachute jump. Maybe in a plane, but not a helicopter that comes down in pieces. A character who appears many times suddenly gets a nickname, then goes back to their given name. Etc. Etc.

These things are not spoilers. And for some readers will cause not even a ripple in their reading. For a reviewer and readers like me, they are spoilers because they interrupt the flow. Had they not been there, this would have been a five-star read. For some, it may be just that.

Mary Alford is a known writer of *good* Amish mysteries. Well, good mysteries -- period. I do not expect to find these kinds of errors from a *good* author. Every single one should have been caught first by a Beta Reader and secondly by the Editor.

This book was not on NetGalley.
Rating: 3.5 stars rounded to 4 for websites only using round numbers.
Series: No, standalone.
Cover: Excellent.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I really not who I am? Do I have a secret identity? These are thoughts that Hannah York had thought, but was it all a lie or the truth.
Shots fired! Chase on! Why are they after her?
Hannah cannot remember her past, so why is all this happening to her. CIA agent Titus comes into her life and he looks familiar. Why is that? These two have a past. Now they are on the run from the enemy, but can they survive it to get the answers.
Hold on for dear life as you are taken on a thrill ride to the very last page. I was not expecting this one! 5++ stars !! Packed full of suspense that keeps you guessing to the end!
I was given an ARC, but these are my own opinions.

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shattered Amish Identity by Mary Alford
Release date October 25, 2025

Mary never lets me down. High suspense, definite page turner edge of your seat. Just when you think you all have it figured out! Nope, not even close.
Hannah gets attacked and out of nowhere she can defend herself. She has no idea where these skills came from! CIA agent Titus Miller just so happens to show up at the right time. This is how the story starts out right away you’re on the edge of your seat.
Titus is telling Hannah that he knows her but by a different name. Will he be able to clear up some of Hannah‘s missing time? The chemistry between these two was a definite plus for me. I like when a book has strong characters with good chemistry.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I do all of Mary’s books. Thank you, Mary for this ARC and return for my honest review

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shattered amish identity.
mary alford.

Amish romance.



Hannah york is simply a amish teacher.That's what she knows, she doesn't remember things from her past. The amish life is the only thing she knows. soon things are fixing to get rocky. Her life is fixing to be turned upside down.

Powerful story about crime criminals and the truth coming to light.

Add a dog to a book and you always have a special story. i simply love books with animals in them. 🐾


Titus miller.
He's one of the good guys.
Plays a big part in the story.And he has my heart. hannah york has some ties to titus.That will just make your heart melt.

[Marie Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pulled in from the beginning. If you’re a fan of suspense,action,terrorists & second chance love then grab yourself a copy when it releases on 10-28 you won’t be sorry.

[Deena Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very intriguing story! Hannah York only remembers her life as an Amish schoolteacher. So why is she violently attacked?

Enter CIA Agent Titus Miller. According to him she’s a former CIA agent and she’s supposed to be dead. WHAT??

The action kicks off right from the start and I love that. Lots of twists and turns and a shocking ending will make this a read-in-one-sitting story.

Just be careful not to grip the pages too tightly. My fingers were stiff from white knuckling my ereader!

I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Highly recommend!

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Alford’s latest Love Inspired Suspense read, Shattered Amish Identity offers a suspenseful thrilling read! In Shattered Amish Identity, Hannah has enjoyed her life in the Amish Community of Rachel’s Crossing working as the Amish Community’s School Teacher after an horrific accident left her with amnesia, not being able to recall anything before the accident. When her brother Arden and sister-in-law, Salome, fail to show up for an auction, Hannah becomes concerned. Before Hannah checks on Arden and Salome, she makes a quick stop by her house, only to be surprised when her an armed man breaks in. Using tactics she didn’t know she possessed, Hannah subdues the armed man, as a man claiming to be CIA appears at her doorstep. Raised Amish, and now working for the CIA, Titus, is shocked to find his fellow CIA agent and love, Lara, dressed as an Amish woman and apprehending a gunman in his hometown of Rachel’s Crossing—especially when Titus was told Lara was dead. As Titus confronts Lara, Hannah is terrified because she doesn’t know who Lara. As Hannah and Titus try to untangle what is going on, the web of intrigue that they are stuck in is more muddled than they’ve ever experienced. And everything comes to head when terrorist Red Dragon and his Soldiers embark on Rachel’s Crossing, shattering everything Hannah and Titus believed they knew.

Shattered Amish Identity by Mary Alford is a great blend of Amish Fiction and Christian Suspense Fiction while marrying the element of amnesia into the story! I loved the title Shattered Amish Identity and thought it was perfect title for the premise of the plot! I love the complete amnesia that Hannah had in the story and how Hannah literally had no idea or inkling of what happened to her before her accident—so much so that she was shocked that she knew how to apprehend someone! I love the complexity of Titus’ character from being raised Amish to now being at part of the CIA where Titus had to do some things that went against the Amish Faith. I believe that the pull between his Amish upbringing and his job added a needed edge to his character. I love how Shattered Amish Identity’s plot was truly a web of intrigue that unravels layer by layer, not always showing what lies underneath. While I liked the element of Red Dragon and his Soldiers, my Reader heart was sad at how many Soldiers infiltrated areas of society that should be trusted and honest. (Read Shattered Amish Identity to get all the details!) I love how Hannah and Titus had changed, learning that it’s ok to go after what gives them Peace, regardless of that looks like to the world. If you are looking for an intriguing read that gives you quite the web to unravel, then I highly recommend Shattered Amish Identity by Mary Alford!

Have you read Shattered Amish Identity? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Mary Alford and Amanda Geaney for letting me be a part of the Mary Alford’s Influencer Team, and giving me a copy of Shattered Amish Identity to review, and giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My review is also on Amazon and my blog Leslie’s Library Escape.