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Serenity's Plain Secrets #3
Secrets in the Grave
Just when Sheriff Serenity Adams thinks life is getting back to normal, the death of a young, pregnant Amish woman rocks the community. Is it circumstance…or murder? It’s up to Serenity and her ex-Amish boyfriend, Daniel Bachman, to discover the truth about the new shaman-type medicine man who’s brought his dark secrets to Blood Rock.
But Serenity has secrets of her own, and if she and Daniel don’t work it out, the reappearance of a woman from his past could threaten to ruin their relationship.
The deeper Serenity delves into the magical world of Amish herbal medicine, the phenomenon of laying of the hands and other cultural healing oddities, the more she wonders if miracles are real. What she witnesses with her own eyes may be too fantastical for her to believe.
In this riveting third installment of Serenity’s Plain Secrets, beliefs are challenged, a way of life is questioned and family skeletons are unearthed, leaving no one untouched.
But Serenity has secrets of her own, and if she and Daniel don’t work it out, the reappearance of a woman from his past could threaten to ruin their relationship.
The deeper Serenity delves into the magical world of Amish herbal medicine, the phenomenon of laying of the hands and other cultural healing oddities, the more she wonders if miracles are real. What she witnesses with her own eyes may be too fantastical for her to believe.
In this riveting third installment of Serenity’s Plain Secrets, beliefs are challenged, a way of life is questioned and family skeletons are unearthed, leaving no one untouched.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2015
841 people are currently reading
1462 people want to read
About the author
Karen Ann Hopkins
43 books1,410 followersYou can visit Karen Ann Hopkins at her website: www.karenannhopkinsfiction.com.
"I loved joining Rose and Noah during their journey in the Temptation series by Karen Hopkins."-Katie McGarry, acclaimed YA author
Karen Ann Hopkins resides in northern Kentucky with her family on a farm that boasts a menagerie of horses, goats, sheep, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, pigs, dogs, and cats. Karen rescues and fosters a variety of pets and farm animals, but she also finds time to give riding lessons, coach a youth equestrian drill team, and of course, write. She was inspired to create her first book, Temptation, by the Amish community she lives in. The experiential knowledge she gained through her interactions with her neighbors drove her to create the story of the star-crossed lovers, Rose and Noah.
Karen grew up about a mile from Lake Ontario in Upstate New York. She was bitten by the horse bug at the age of five, and after diligently taking riding lessons for several years, she was rewarded with her first horse at the age of eleven. The feisty horse's name was Lady, a Quarter Horse-Thoroughbred cross, who became Karen's steadfast companion. Through the years, the constant force in her life was horses. Eventually, Karen found her place as a riding instructor herself. Before accepting her fate in the barnyard, she worked a short stint as a paralegal, traveled abroad, and guided tourists on horseback riding tours in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
Karen is currently working on her two interconnecting mystery/crime fiction series, Serenity's Plain Secrets and Possum Gap, along with several new projects.
To learn more about Karen and her books, please visit her website.
"I loved joining Rose and Noah during their journey in the Temptation series by Karen Hopkins."-Katie McGarry, acclaimed YA author
Karen Ann Hopkins resides in northern Kentucky with her family on a farm that boasts a menagerie of horses, goats, sheep, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, pigs, dogs, and cats. Karen rescues and fosters a variety of pets and farm animals, but she also finds time to give riding lessons, coach a youth equestrian drill team, and of course, write. She was inspired to create her first book, Temptation, by the Amish community she lives in. The experiential knowledge she gained through her interactions with her neighbors drove her to create the story of the star-crossed lovers, Rose and Noah.
Karen grew up about a mile from Lake Ontario in Upstate New York. She was bitten by the horse bug at the age of five, and after diligently taking riding lessons for several years, she was rewarded with her first horse at the age of eleven. The feisty horse's name was Lady, a Quarter Horse-Thoroughbred cross, who became Karen's steadfast companion. Through the years, the constant force in her life was horses. Eventually, Karen found her place as a riding instructor herself. Before accepting her fate in the barnyard, she worked a short stint as a paralegal, traveled abroad, and guided tourists on horseback riding tours in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
Karen is currently working on her two interconnecting mystery/crime fiction series, Serenity's Plain Secrets and Possum Gap, along with several new projects.
To learn more about Karen and her books, please visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
March 30, 2018
Just when Sheriff Serenity Adams thinks life is getting back to normal, the death of a young, pregnant Amish woman rocks the community. Is it circumstance…or murder? It’s up to Serenity and her ex-Amish boyfriend, Daniel Bachman, to discover the truth about the new shaman-type medicine man who’s brought his dark secrets to Blood Rock.
But Serenity has secrets of her own, and if she and Daniel don’t work it out, the reappearance of a woman from his past could threaten to ruin their relationship.
I liked Secrets in the Grave a little less than the first two books in the series, mainly because the main character, Serenity has begun to get on my nerves a little bit. Serenity's lack of trust in Daniel and petty jealousy is getting old. Also, we know Daniel is a good looking man, we don't need to be reminded of it at least twice every book. And Serenity is a 35 year old town sheriff; can she stop with the teenage stomach fluttering every time she looks at him? Serenity also made a pretty poor decision in this book and then freaked out at the possible consequences. This probably bothered me more than the above mentioned things. Be an adult and be responsible for goodness sake, and don't freak out about it if you're not.
Despite those annoyances I still liked the book and I still like the series as a whole. I thought the mystery was pretty good, but easy to figure out. The same problem with typos and words or letters missing in sentences is still an issue in this book, but I'm still willing to overlook it because the books are entertaining. There is one more book that has been written in the series and I will read it, but I'm kind of hoping it is the last one. I'm not sure how much longer this series will hold my interest.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
But Serenity has secrets of her own, and if she and Daniel don’t work it out, the reappearance of a woman from his past could threaten to ruin their relationship.
I liked Secrets in the Grave a little less than the first two books in the series, mainly because the main character, Serenity has begun to get on my nerves a little bit. Serenity's lack of trust in Daniel and petty jealousy is getting old. Also, we know Daniel is a good looking man, we don't need to be reminded of it at least twice every book. And Serenity is a 35 year old town sheriff; can she stop with the teenage stomach fluttering every time she looks at him? Serenity also made a pretty poor decision in this book and then freaked out at the possible consequences. This probably bothered me more than the above mentioned things. Be an adult and be responsible for goodness sake, and don't freak out about it if you're not.
Despite those annoyances I still liked the book and I still like the series as a whole. I thought the mystery was pretty good, but easy to figure out. The same problem with typos and words or letters missing in sentences is still an issue in this book, but I'm still willing to overlook it because the books are entertaining. There is one more book that has been written in the series and I will read it, but I'm kind of hoping it is the last one. I'm not sure how much longer this series will hold my interest.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
March 25, 2018
Hopkins again shows the Amish as darker than our standard perception of them. And Serenity as mercurial as ever.
As in earlier books, there were many places here where I wasn’t sure if Serenity or Daniel was the POV character. And there are so many places where Serenity and Daniel or some other character breaks out in an eye roll or raised eyebrows, they’re epidemics that need investigating by the CDC.
This book had a bit of a soap opera-ish tone to it in the way Serenity carries on about Daniel’s interactions with an old female friend. For a professional adult, she sure acts like a teen experiencing her first crush. And for a police officer trained to ‘read’ people, she’s blind as a bat when it comes to reading Daniel. It may make for a better story but it’s unrealistic here.
I have the next book in the series in my ‘To Read’ pile. But if it’s more As The World Turns than A Study In Scarlet, it will be the last one I read.
As in earlier books, there were many places here where I wasn’t sure if Serenity or Daniel was the POV character. And there are so many places where Serenity and Daniel or some other character breaks out in an eye roll or raised eyebrows, they’re epidemics that need investigating by the CDC.
This book had a bit of a soap opera-ish tone to it in the way Serenity carries on about Daniel’s interactions with an old female friend. For a professional adult, she sure acts like a teen experiencing her first crush. And for a police officer trained to ‘read’ people, she’s blind as a bat when it comes to reading Daniel. It may make for a better story but it’s unrealistic here.
I have the next book in the series in my ‘To Read’ pile. But if it’s more As The World Turns than A Study In Scarlet, it will be the last one I read.
December 29, 2016
I gave this 2 stars because the book had apparently never been edited. The story was worth 3 stars but chapter after chapter there were grammar errors. Multiples times the word you was used rather than your. The verb are was used when it should have been is. I could go on and on. Because I do proof reading as part of my profession, it took away from the book when I was jolted with these errors.
July 11, 2017
Excellent. A very exciting mystery about a sheriff named Serenity and her ex-Amish boyfriend. This 3rd book in the series didn't matter that I hadn't read the first two. Great fast paced action with believable characters and storyline.
January 25, 2023
SERENITY IS LIKE A CAT, SHE HAS MANY LIVES WHICH SHE HAS ALREADY USED UP A COUPLE. I ENJOYED THIS ONE AND IT AMAZED ME HOW STRONG SHE IS. I'VE STRUGGLED TO GET USE TOO HER BUT SHE IS GROWING ON ME. I HOPE SHE AND DANIEL FIGURE THINGS OUT. BLACK ROCK MAY BE A SMALL COMMUNITY BUT IT HAS MORE PROBLEMS THAN LIVING IN THE BIG CITY DOES. ;D
October 11, 2016
Who knew there would be so much going on in the usually peaceful Amish community. Serenity, as Sheriff of Blood Rock, is building credibility and making friends. Her relationship with Daniel is developing in spite of her fear of commitment. Easy to read and characters who invite your involvement! I am on to the next episode.
November 16, 2017
Another enjoyable installment in the series. Interesting case and characters. I wouldn’t start with this one because you’ll miss out on character and relationship development; plus, the cases from the previous two books are brought up so you couldn’t go back and read them later without knowing what happened. I recommend reading this series in order.
I listened to most of this on audio but finished the last quarter on my kindle and I have to say that, given the choice of narrators, I recommend the print version over the audio. The book chapters are told from two different first person perspectives— Serenity’s and Daniel’s, but mostly Serenity’s. There are different narrators for each, so the same characters have different voices depending on who is reading the chapter. It’s a bit annoying. Also, the voice for Serenity doesn’t match her character. It’s not strong enough. She would probably be fine for a different book but I didn’t care for her as Serenity. The book sounded so much better in my head when I read it in print.
I listened to most of this on audio but finished the last quarter on my kindle and I have to say that, given the choice of narrators, I recommend the print version over the audio. The book chapters are told from two different first person perspectives— Serenity’s and Daniel’s, but mostly Serenity’s. There are different narrators for each, so the same characters have different voices depending on who is reading the chapter. It’s a bit annoying. Also, the voice for Serenity doesn’t match her character. It’s not strong enough. She would probably be fine for a different book but I didn’t care for her as Serenity. The book sounded so much better in my head when I read it in print.
August 9, 2023
Segreti sepolti è il terzo volume della serie poliziesca ambientata nel mondo amish I segreti di Serenity’s Plain. Aspettavo con ansia il ritorno di Serenity Adams anche perché alla fine di Sussurri dell’Oltretomba accade qualcosa che mette in allerta Serenity.
L’arrivo a Blood Rock di un guaritore dal passato costellato di misteri e il ritorno di una vecchia conoscenza di Daniel minano tutte le poche certezze dello sceriffo che si trova a dover investigare su un caso complicato e all’apparenza inspiegabile.
Anche questa volta l’autrice è riuscita a dare tantissimo spessore a tutti i suoi personaggi, soprattutto quelli secondari che aiutano a tenere alta l’attenzione del lettore nel corso della lettura.
Serenity si trova di nuovo a dover investigare sulla comunità ricca di segreti e che guarda sempre con sospetto gli estranei. Per fortuna che ad affiancarla c’è sempre Daniel, l’uomo che riesce ad abbattere le sue difese e a farla sentire tanto vulnerabile. Il personaggio di Serenity mi piace molto, soprattutto perché è determinata a caparbia quando si tratta di indagini. L’aspetto privato, però, mi ha lasciato un po’ con l’amaro in bocca perché Daniel non le dà nessun motivo per dubitare della sua buona fede.
Daniel è un personaggio che mi piace tantissimo, è affidabile, attento, altruista e sinceramente innamorato di Serenity e non ha timore di esprimere i propri sentimenti, anche se la donna cerca sempre di ereggere nuovi muri. In questo terzo capitolo scopriamo qualcosa di più sul suo passato amish e sui motivi che lo hanno spinto ad andarsene.
In questo libro il Pov è di nuovo alterno e mi è piaciuto tantissimo poter entrare di nuovo nella testa di Daniel e scoprire i sentimenti che prova per Serenity, quanto sia già grande il suo amore per lei. Inoltre, la presenza di Daniel è importantissima non solo perché insieme formano una bella squadra, ma anche perché riesce a fare emergere il lato più vulnerabile e, allo stesso tempo, caparbio di Serenity quando si tratta di sentimenti.
La trama ha un’evoluzione che mi ha preso tantissimo, adoro il personaggio di Serenity quando si tratta di dover risolvere delle indagini e questa, in particolare, la colpirà moltissimo soprattutto perché le fa mettere in discussione tutto quello in cui crede, soprattutto quando assisterà con i suoi occhi a qualcosa di inspiegabile.
Lo stile di scrittura di Karen Ann Hopkins si conferma un punto di forza. La sua penna è scorrevole, avvincente, capace di grande empatia con il lettore e in grado di affascinarlo con gli intrecci che la storia presenta. La struttura del romanzo è un’altra caratteristica che mi piace perché riesce a fondere la suspense e la parte più romantica senza far prevalere un espetto sull’altro.
Recensione completa: https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2023...
In questo libro assistiamo a una sorta di evoluzione del rapporto che unisce Serenity a Daniel e spero che la loro storia avrà lo sviluppo che desidero.
Il finale è al cardiopalma, soprattutto quando Serenity riesce finalmente a incastrare tutti i pezzi del puzzle e le ultime pagine mi hanno fatto intendere che presto Serenity si troverà ad affrontare un nuovo caso e non vedo l’ora di scoprire quale sarà.
L’arrivo a Blood Rock di un guaritore dal passato costellato di misteri e il ritorno di una vecchia conoscenza di Daniel minano tutte le poche certezze dello sceriffo che si trova a dover investigare su un caso complicato e all’apparenza inspiegabile.
Anche questa volta l’autrice è riuscita a dare tantissimo spessore a tutti i suoi personaggi, soprattutto quelli secondari che aiutano a tenere alta l’attenzione del lettore nel corso della lettura.
Serenity si trova di nuovo a dover investigare sulla comunità ricca di segreti e che guarda sempre con sospetto gli estranei. Per fortuna che ad affiancarla c’è sempre Daniel, l’uomo che riesce ad abbattere le sue difese e a farla sentire tanto vulnerabile. Il personaggio di Serenity mi piace molto, soprattutto perché è determinata a caparbia quando si tratta di indagini. L’aspetto privato, però, mi ha lasciato un po’ con l’amaro in bocca perché Daniel non le dà nessun motivo per dubitare della sua buona fede.
Daniel è un personaggio che mi piace tantissimo, è affidabile, attento, altruista e sinceramente innamorato di Serenity e non ha timore di esprimere i propri sentimenti, anche se la donna cerca sempre di ereggere nuovi muri. In questo terzo capitolo scopriamo qualcosa di più sul suo passato amish e sui motivi che lo hanno spinto ad andarsene.
In questo libro il Pov è di nuovo alterno e mi è piaciuto tantissimo poter entrare di nuovo nella testa di Daniel e scoprire i sentimenti che prova per Serenity, quanto sia già grande il suo amore per lei. Inoltre, la presenza di Daniel è importantissima non solo perché insieme formano una bella squadra, ma anche perché riesce a fare emergere il lato più vulnerabile e, allo stesso tempo, caparbio di Serenity quando si tratta di sentimenti.
La trama ha un’evoluzione che mi ha preso tantissimo, adoro il personaggio di Serenity quando si tratta di dover risolvere delle indagini e questa, in particolare, la colpirà moltissimo soprattutto perché le fa mettere in discussione tutto quello in cui crede, soprattutto quando assisterà con i suoi occhi a qualcosa di inspiegabile.
Lo stile di scrittura di Karen Ann Hopkins si conferma un punto di forza. La sua penna è scorrevole, avvincente, capace di grande empatia con il lettore e in grado di affascinarlo con gli intrecci che la storia presenta. La struttura del romanzo è un’altra caratteristica che mi piace perché riesce a fondere la suspense e la parte più romantica senza far prevalere un espetto sull’altro.
Recensione completa: https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2023...
In questo libro assistiamo a una sorta di evoluzione del rapporto che unisce Serenity a Daniel e spero che la loro storia avrà lo sviluppo che desidero.
Il finale è al cardiopalma, soprattutto quando Serenity riesce finalmente a incastrare tutti i pezzi del puzzle e le ultime pagine mi hanno fatto intendere che presto Serenity si troverà ad affrontare un nuovo caso e non vedo l’ora di scoprire quale sarà.
July 11, 2023
4 stelle e mezza
Non c'è nulla da fare, quando un’autrice mi colpisce con la sua penna e i suoi intrecci possono trascorrere anche anni dalla sua ultima pubblicazione che mi basta leggere qualche pagina del nuovo lavoro per entrare nuovamente al centro dell’azione e ricordare tutto quello che è accaduto nei libri precedenti. Quindi, nonostante siano trascorsi quasi due anni dall’ultimo libro pubblicato mi è bastato un attimo per ritrovare nella mia memoria tutti i pregi e i difetti dello sceriffo Serenity Adams e quelli di Daniel, l’uomo che la ama e con cui lei ancora non riesce ad aprirsi del tutto. Dopo gli eventi accaduti a Blood Rock sono ritornati nella loro cittadina ma, prima ancora che la giovane possa pensare di star vivendo un periodo di relativa calma, disturbata solo dai suoi timori nei confronti del rapporto che ha con Daniel, si ritrova tra le mani la strana morte di una giovane donna amish non spostata che ha nascosto per mesi una gravidanza. Non si riesce a capire il motivo della morte e a complicare ancora di più il tutto contribuisce il fatto che da poco nella comunità amish si sia trasferito un uomo che si definisce un “guaritore” e che sembra essere temuto e odiato da tutti anche dallo stesso Daniel. Tutto ha un sapore quasi mistico e molto particolare. Gli eventi strani, però, non finiscono lì e Serenity si trova nuovamente a fare i conti con un gruppo di persone ferme al secolo scorso che nascondono mille segreti e sono di difficile interpretazione. Ma lei non è una donna che si lascia scoraggiare e con pazienza e costanza riesce a dipanare una matassa aggrovigliata su se stessa di cui si fa fatica a scorgere il capo.
Sarò ripetitiva, ma anche questa volta l’autrice ha dato vita a personaggi credibili e a una storia particolare e ben scritta che avvince il lettore e lo spinge a farsi domande e ad indagare nel tentativo di trovare la soluzione prima della protagonista. La comunità amish la fa sempre da padrona anche se, libro dopo libro, pur rimanendo molto enigmatica per molti versi per altri iniziano a farsi conoscere e a tratti amare sia dalla protagonista della storia sia dal lettore perché è impossibile non provare empatia per loro e per le vite che hanno deciso di condurre. A migliorare ancora di più la bellezza del libro si aggiunge un nuovo personaggio, il nuovo sostituto procuratore, bella da mozzare il respiro, ex amish e amica di Daniel che metterà un po’ di pressione alla nostra cara Serenity.
Quindi, se amate i romantic suspense vi consiglio di non lasciarvi scappare questa serie, è misteriosa al punto giusto, ha tanti compi di scena, la protagonista femminile è in gamba ma umana e, quindi, con dolori e paure sempre pronti a prendere il sopravvento, la storia d’amore è intrigante e, infine, ha un’ambientazione particolare quella degli amish, che vediamo raramente e solo nei film.
Non c'è nulla da fare, quando un’autrice mi colpisce con la sua penna e i suoi intrecci possono trascorrere anche anni dalla sua ultima pubblicazione che mi basta leggere qualche pagina del nuovo lavoro per entrare nuovamente al centro dell’azione e ricordare tutto quello che è accaduto nei libri precedenti. Quindi, nonostante siano trascorsi quasi due anni dall’ultimo libro pubblicato mi è bastato un attimo per ritrovare nella mia memoria tutti i pregi e i difetti dello sceriffo Serenity Adams e quelli di Daniel, l’uomo che la ama e con cui lei ancora non riesce ad aprirsi del tutto. Dopo gli eventi accaduti a Blood Rock sono ritornati nella loro cittadina ma, prima ancora che la giovane possa pensare di star vivendo un periodo di relativa calma, disturbata solo dai suoi timori nei confronti del rapporto che ha con Daniel, si ritrova tra le mani la strana morte di una giovane donna amish non spostata che ha nascosto per mesi una gravidanza. Non si riesce a capire il motivo della morte e a complicare ancora di più il tutto contribuisce il fatto che da poco nella comunità amish si sia trasferito un uomo che si definisce un “guaritore” e che sembra essere temuto e odiato da tutti anche dallo stesso Daniel. Tutto ha un sapore quasi mistico e molto particolare. Gli eventi strani, però, non finiscono lì e Serenity si trova nuovamente a fare i conti con un gruppo di persone ferme al secolo scorso che nascondono mille segreti e sono di difficile interpretazione. Ma lei non è una donna che si lascia scoraggiare e con pazienza e costanza riesce a dipanare una matassa aggrovigliata su se stessa di cui si fa fatica a scorgere il capo.
Sarò ripetitiva, ma anche questa volta l’autrice ha dato vita a personaggi credibili e a una storia particolare e ben scritta che avvince il lettore e lo spinge a farsi domande e ad indagare nel tentativo di trovare la soluzione prima della protagonista. La comunità amish la fa sempre da padrona anche se, libro dopo libro, pur rimanendo molto enigmatica per molti versi per altri iniziano a farsi conoscere e a tratti amare sia dalla protagonista della storia sia dal lettore perché è impossibile non provare empatia per loro e per le vite che hanno deciso di condurre. A migliorare ancora di più la bellezza del libro si aggiunge un nuovo personaggio, il nuovo sostituto procuratore, bella da mozzare il respiro, ex amish e amica di Daniel che metterà un po’ di pressione alla nostra cara Serenity.
Quindi, se amate i romantic suspense vi consiglio di non lasciarvi scappare questa serie, è misteriosa al punto giusto, ha tanti compi di scena, la protagonista femminile è in gamba ma umana e, quindi, con dolori e paure sempre pronti a prendere il sopravvento, la storia d’amore è intrigante e, infine, ha un’ambientazione particolare quella degli amish, che vediamo raramente e solo nei film.
June 23, 2020
Sheriff Serenity Adams is called to investigate the death of a young pregnant Amish woman in Blood Rock, Indiana, possibly at the hands of the suspicious new Amish medicine man. Serenity and her ex-Amish boyfriend, Daniel, must discover the truth. She’s keeping secrets of her own, however, and the situation gets more complicated by the reappearance of an ex-Amish woman form Daniel’s past.
Minuses: The author’s over-reliance on the use of “smirk” to convey facial expressions. I got annoyed at the mid-point and started counting, and found at least 10 uses by the end of the book. There were at least another 10 in the first half of the book. I could live without ever seeing the word “smirk” in another book again. This took me out of the story and took away from my reading experience. Also, there were some detailed descriptions of intimacy that I could have done without. Knowing that people are getting busy is enough, I don’t need to know how tab A fits into slot B. The POV alternates between Serenity and Daniel, chapter by chapter. I found myself occasionally having to go back and look at the chapter heading so I could figure out who was doing what to whom.
Pluses: I really like Serenity. She’s hard-headed, ethical, single-minded, flawed, and has a backbone that won’t quit. Her struggles in dealing with people make her more real to me. I like her relationship with Daniel. He doesn’t pat her on the head too much, and when he does, she’s very good at setting boundaries. The story had an interesting subplot on faith healing that was well-described and intriguing. This is a fairly dark, gritty mystery series, and it’s a nice change of pace from typical bland Amish-based books. I also like that the Amish aren’t painted as saints. They are fully-dimensional characters with real emotions and real problems. All the loose endings were tied up nicely by the end, and then bam! Another mystery in the form of two U.S. Marshalls walked into Serenity’s hospital room asking for her help. The abrupt ending might bother some, but I thought it was a nice set up for book 4. Which I immediately cued up so I could keep reading.
I do think this series is best read in order. It gives you a better sense of the characters and the overall story. I will be reading more in this series.
Minuses: The author’s over-reliance on the use of “smirk” to convey facial expressions. I got annoyed at the mid-point and started counting, and found at least 10 uses by the end of the book. There were at least another 10 in the first half of the book. I could live without ever seeing the word “smirk” in another book again. This took me out of the story and took away from my reading experience. Also, there were some detailed descriptions of intimacy that I could have done without. Knowing that people are getting busy is enough, I don’t need to know how tab A fits into slot B. The POV alternates between Serenity and Daniel, chapter by chapter. I found myself occasionally having to go back and look at the chapter heading so I could figure out who was doing what to whom.
Pluses: I really like Serenity. She’s hard-headed, ethical, single-minded, flawed, and has a backbone that won’t quit. Her struggles in dealing with people make her more real to me. I like her relationship with Daniel. He doesn’t pat her on the head too much, and when he does, she’s very good at setting boundaries. The story had an interesting subplot on faith healing that was well-described and intriguing. This is a fairly dark, gritty mystery series, and it’s a nice change of pace from typical bland Amish-based books. I also like that the Amish aren’t painted as saints. They are fully-dimensional characters with real emotions and real problems. All the loose endings were tied up nicely by the end, and then bam! Another mystery in the form of two U.S. Marshalls walked into Serenity’s hospital room asking for her help. The abrupt ending might bother some, but I thought it was a nice set up for book 4. Which I immediately cued up so I could keep reading.
I do think this series is best read in order. It gives you a better sense of the characters and the overall story. I will be reading more in this series.
August 8, 2023
recensione a cura del blog "Libri Magnetici" by Anna M.
Salve a tutti Magnetici! Rieccoci finalmente con un nuovo volume di questa serie che amo molto leggere. Mi sono affezionata ai personaggi e ogni volta è un piacere poter leggere delle loro avventure, anche se le circostanze che li circondano non sono delle più allegre, è bello perdersi tra le pagine ad indagare, a cercare di risolvere i misteri che li circondano, e poi anche scoprire cose sul loro conto.E infatti un nuovo caso si presenta alle porte di Serenity, proprio quando la calma sembrava stesse prendendo un più piede nella sua vita, il suo legame con Daniel, ex Amish sta crescendo sempre più, anche se Serenity resta sempre diffidente scottata dal suo passato.
Il nuovo caso è legato anch’esso, come i precedenti alla comunità Amish, una ragazza incinta morta, qualcosa che turba tutta la comunità e che mette in moto Serenity per scoprire se sia stata una morte naturale o qualcosa di più losco si nasconde tra le pieghe di questa perdita dolorosa.
“Il dolore di quella donna era come un palloncino pieno d’acqua. Pronto a esplodere.”
Ancora una volta ci troviamo ad indagare insieme a lei e a Daniel, a scoprire e ad accumulare indizi, che poi alla fine ci faranno scoprire l’effettiva verità. Vi avverto Magnetici, anche questo volume sarà avvincente e trascinante, forse più dei precedenti, unisce alle indagini da risolvere anche cose che scopriremo su Serenity e sviluppi importanti sul suo rapporto con Daniel, non vi annoierete per nulla.
“Fissai gli occhi castano scuro di Daniel e vi riconobbi una scintilla di disperazione.”
Ho apprezzato l’alternanza del Pov che ha permesso di conoscere le sensazioni e i sentimenti di entrambi, una storia che assolutamente consiglio, e se c’è ancora qualcuno che non h letto gli altri volumi, mi raccomando, fatelo!Un nuovo capitolo come sempre con una trama sviluppata in modo giusto e con personaggi sempre ben sviluppati caratterialmente che pagina dopo pagina evolvono nella maniera più idonea. Mi complimento ancora una volta con l’autrice per non essere mai banale e per sorprenderci ogni volta, quando pensiamo non ci sia modo per farlo.Buona lettura Magnetici, a presto.
“Non sarà facile.” “Le cose per cui vale la pena vivere non lo sono mai”
cinque petali
Salve a tutti Magnetici! Rieccoci finalmente con un nuovo volume di questa serie che amo molto leggere. Mi sono affezionata ai personaggi e ogni volta è un piacere poter leggere delle loro avventure, anche se le circostanze che li circondano non sono delle più allegre, è bello perdersi tra le pagine ad indagare, a cercare di risolvere i misteri che li circondano, e poi anche scoprire cose sul loro conto.E infatti un nuovo caso si presenta alle porte di Serenity, proprio quando la calma sembrava stesse prendendo un più piede nella sua vita, il suo legame con Daniel, ex Amish sta crescendo sempre più, anche se Serenity resta sempre diffidente scottata dal suo passato.
Il nuovo caso è legato anch’esso, come i precedenti alla comunità Amish, una ragazza incinta morta, qualcosa che turba tutta la comunità e che mette in moto Serenity per scoprire se sia stata una morte naturale o qualcosa di più losco si nasconde tra le pieghe di questa perdita dolorosa.
“Il dolore di quella donna era come un palloncino pieno d’acqua. Pronto a esplodere.”
Ancora una volta ci troviamo ad indagare insieme a lei e a Daniel, a scoprire e ad accumulare indizi, che poi alla fine ci faranno scoprire l’effettiva verità. Vi avverto Magnetici, anche questo volume sarà avvincente e trascinante, forse più dei precedenti, unisce alle indagini da risolvere anche cose che scopriremo su Serenity e sviluppi importanti sul suo rapporto con Daniel, non vi annoierete per nulla.
“Fissai gli occhi castano scuro di Daniel e vi riconobbi una scintilla di disperazione.”
Ho apprezzato l’alternanza del Pov che ha permesso di conoscere le sensazioni e i sentimenti di entrambi, una storia che assolutamente consiglio, e se c’è ancora qualcuno che non h letto gli altri volumi, mi raccomando, fatelo!Un nuovo capitolo come sempre con una trama sviluppata in modo giusto e con personaggi sempre ben sviluppati caratterialmente che pagina dopo pagina evolvono nella maniera più idonea. Mi complimento ancora una volta con l’autrice per non essere mai banale e per sorprenderci ogni volta, quando pensiamo non ci sia modo per farlo.Buona lettura Magnetici, a presto.
“Non sarà facile.” “Le cose per cui vale la pena vivere non lo sono mai”
cinque petali
January 19, 2023
Lots of personal mixed with criminal in his one
In this third book in the series Serenity is faced with yet another death in the Amish community though this time she gets a bit more help. While investigating the death of a woman in childbirth and the charismatic healer the bishop suspects is involved, Serenity is dealing with tensions in her relationship with Daniel.
The story is interesting as it relates to healers, laying on of hands and magical healing. Serenity of course doesn’t believe a bit of it but she witnesses a healing she can’t explain rationally and Daniel conveys that he witnessed his mother perform a healing when he was young.
Serenity would rather sticks to facts and as questions and suspicions keep piling up she is more confused. From very early on I suspected who the villain of the piece was despite evidence pointing in another direction. It takes a while for all the pieces to slot into place for Serenity.
The crisis moment is tense and the way the author constructs the dual POV is brilliant in it’s ability to heighten the tension. That last section of the book was my favorite. Serenity still annoys me. She just does not come off as a sympathetic character and Daniel has the patience of a saint. We are supposed to be impressed by her cool, rational, unemotional logic and yet we keep seeing these flashes of immaturity at the most in opportune times. I can’t quite decide if I’m all in on her or not. And that’s an issue for continued enjoyment of the series.
In this third book in the series Serenity is faced with yet another death in the Amish community though this time she gets a bit more help. While investigating the death of a woman in childbirth and the charismatic healer the bishop suspects is involved, Serenity is dealing with tensions in her relationship with Daniel.
The story is interesting as it relates to healers, laying on of hands and magical healing. Serenity of course doesn’t believe a bit of it but she witnesses a healing she can’t explain rationally and Daniel conveys that he witnessed his mother perform a healing when he was young.
Serenity would rather sticks to facts and as questions and suspicions keep piling up she is more confused. From very early on I suspected who the villain of the piece was despite evidence pointing in another direction. It takes a while for all the pieces to slot into place for Serenity.
The crisis moment is tense and the way the author constructs the dual POV is brilliant in it’s ability to heighten the tension. That last section of the book was my favorite. Serenity still annoys me. She just does not come off as a sympathetic character and Daniel has the patience of a saint. We are supposed to be impressed by her cool, rational, unemotional logic and yet we keep seeing these flashes of immaturity at the most in opportune times. I can’t quite decide if I’m all in on her or not. And that’s an issue for continued enjoyment of the series.
June 3, 2021
It could have been better
I’m not expecting anyone is but if they are familiar with my reviews they’ll know I’m an old curmudgeon and to some a prude and don’t like descriptive sex, profanity and the like. Sadly Secrets in the Grave had to much for my taste.
A big yuk was Daniel’s kiss, if you want to call it that at the end. Even in my youth I couldn’t imagine tonguing a woman I love while she lies in a hospital bed.
It’s been sometime since I read a book in the Serenity series but I don’t remember them having descriptive sex scenes, profanity, but I see a pattern where a lot of series start off PG but slowly add more and more sex and profanity. I’m not a shrink but I think they have to push the envelop for their own jollies. ‘Ohh, I never thought I write raunchy but it is fun, giggle, giggle.
Again I do not know any Amish personally but the Amish communities in the Serenity series have more loose women then I would ever imagine. I think if they are in fact as loose as they are portrayed, word be out to all high school boys, ya want to get lucky go to an Amish community.
I can continue to gripe and I’m a sucker for cliff hanger endings but I do wish Hopkins and other authors get over the sex sells mindset. A clean, good mystery is much more appealing to the masses. Eventually, fans will leave because instead of being creative in their writing, they simply fill up pages repeating the same worthless reading and nothing original.
I’m not expecting anyone is but if they are familiar with my reviews they’ll know I’m an old curmudgeon and to some a prude and don’t like descriptive sex, profanity and the like. Sadly Secrets in the Grave had to much for my taste.
A big yuk was Daniel’s kiss, if you want to call it that at the end. Even in my youth I couldn’t imagine tonguing a woman I love while she lies in a hospital bed.
It’s been sometime since I read a book in the Serenity series but I don’t remember them having descriptive sex scenes, profanity, but I see a pattern where a lot of series start off PG but slowly add more and more sex and profanity. I’m not a shrink but I think they have to push the envelop for their own jollies. ‘Ohh, I never thought I write raunchy but it is fun, giggle, giggle.
Again I do not know any Amish personally but the Amish communities in the Serenity series have more loose women then I would ever imagine. I think if they are in fact as loose as they are portrayed, word be out to all high school boys, ya want to get lucky go to an Amish community.
I can continue to gripe and I’m a sucker for cliff hanger endings but I do wish Hopkins and other authors get over the sex sells mindset. A clean, good mystery is much more appealing to the masses. Eventually, fans will leave because instead of being creative in their writing, they simply fill up pages repeating the same worthless reading and nothing original.
February 22, 2018
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
(copied from Amazon.com)
Just when Sheriff Serenity Adams thinks life is getting back to normal, the death of a young, pregnant Amish woman rocks the community, is it circumstance...or murder? It's up to Serenity and her ex-Amish boyfriend, Daniel Bachman, to discover the truth about the new shaman-type medicine man who's brought his dark secrets to Blood Rock.
But Serenity has secrets of her own, and if she and Daniel don't work it out, the reappearance of a woman from his past could threaten to ruin their relationship.
The deeper Serenity delves into the magical world of Amish herbal medicine, the phenomenon of laying of the hands and other cultural healing oddities, the more she wonders if miracles are real. What she witnesses with her own eyes may be too fantastical for her to believe.
In this riveting third installment of Serenity's Plain Secrets, beliefs are challenged, a way of life is questioned and family skeletons are unearthed, leaving no one untouched.
MY REVIEW
A great story here! Karen keeps you guessing, you think you have it figured out, OH but wait, not so fast, KEEP READING. Yes, I have really liked the story, even though there are some spots I don't appreciate, fewer in this book than the previous two I think, but I keep reading the stories because the stories are so good.
(copied from Amazon.com)
Just when Sheriff Serenity Adams thinks life is getting back to normal, the death of a young, pregnant Amish woman rocks the community, is it circumstance...or murder? It's up to Serenity and her ex-Amish boyfriend, Daniel Bachman, to discover the truth about the new shaman-type medicine man who's brought his dark secrets to Blood Rock.
But Serenity has secrets of her own, and if she and Daniel don't work it out, the reappearance of a woman from his past could threaten to ruin their relationship.
The deeper Serenity delves into the magical world of Amish herbal medicine, the phenomenon of laying of the hands and other cultural healing oddities, the more she wonders if miracles are real. What she witnesses with her own eyes may be too fantastical for her to believe.
In this riveting third installment of Serenity's Plain Secrets, beliefs are challenged, a way of life is questioned and family skeletons are unearthed, leaving no one untouched.
MY REVIEW
A great story here! Karen keeps you guessing, you think you have it figured out, OH but wait, not so fast, KEEP READING. Yes, I have really liked the story, even though there are some spots I don't appreciate, fewer in this book than the previous two I think, but I keep reading the stories because the stories are so good.
Read
June 2, 2021Medicine man
When medicine man Jonas Peachey moves into Blood Rock's Amish community, with his sister Ada-Mae and two youngest daughter's Verna and Esta, Bishop Esch is once again calling on Serenity to help get rid of a problem. There's little she can do, especially when he doesn't want to explain why he wants the man gone, to help him until a death occurs under strange circumstances.
Fannie Kuhn's has died from bleeding out after what initially appears to be a miscarriage.. unusual in itself for the Amish community because Fannie is unwed.. but then more information comes to light, Fannie was drinking a herbal concoction designed to cause a miscarriage and yet no one admits to supplying it. Jonas declares he was only treating Frannie's mother, Ada-Mae says she's not made a herbal tea for Fannie and as Bishop Esch link to the Peacheys comes to light Serenity is certain that someone deliberately gave the fateful tea to Fannie. But how can she find proof when the Bishop's sister died so long ago?
Caught up in the case Serenity is then wrong footed when the new assistant district attorney turns up.. Elayne Weaver was one of the Plain Folk herself growing up in Blood Rock itself.. she's anything but plain now though with her tight suits, four inch stilettos and determination to unsettle Daniel and Serenity's relationship.
When medicine man Jonas Peachey moves into Blood Rock's Amish community, with his sister Ada-Mae and two youngest daughter's Verna and Esta, Bishop Esch is once again calling on Serenity to help get rid of a problem. There's little she can do, especially when he doesn't want to explain why he wants the man gone, to help him until a death occurs under strange circumstances.
Fannie Kuhn's has died from bleeding out after what initially appears to be a miscarriage.. unusual in itself for the Amish community because Fannie is unwed.. but then more information comes to light, Fannie was drinking a herbal concoction designed to cause a miscarriage and yet no one admits to supplying it. Jonas declares he was only treating Frannie's mother, Ada-Mae says she's not made a herbal tea for Fannie and as Bishop Esch link to the Peacheys comes to light Serenity is certain that someone deliberately gave the fateful tea to Fannie. But how can she find proof when the Bishop's sister died so long ago?
Caught up in the case Serenity is then wrong footed when the new assistant district attorney turns up.. Elayne Weaver was one of the Plain Folk herself growing up in Blood Rock itself.. she's anything but plain now though with her tight suits, four inch stilettos and determination to unsettle Daniel and Serenity's relationship.
January 3, 2017
This was a great Amish mystery. I loved how Karen Ann Hopkins played on the differences between the Amish way and the worlds way. The plot really kept my attention. The last few chapters were so great, I could not put the book down.
Here is a description of the book from Amazon:
Just when Sheriff Serenity Adams thinks life is getting back to normal, the death of a young, pregnant Amish woman rocks the community. Is it circumstance…or murder? It’s up to Serenity and her ex-Amish boyfriend, Daniel Bachman, to discover the truth about the new shaman-type medicine man who’s brought his dark secrets to Blood Rock.
But Serenity has secrets of her own, and if she and Daniel don’t work it out, the reappearance of a woman from his past could threaten to ruin their relationship.
The deeper Serenity delves into the magical world of Amish herbal medicine, the phenomenon of laying of the hands and other cultural healing oddities, the more she wonders if miracles are real. What she witnesses with her own eyes may be too fantastical for her to believe.
In this riveting third installment of Serenity’s Plain Secrets, beliefs are challenged, a way of life is questioned and family skeletons are unearthed, leaving no one untouched.
Here is a description of the book from Amazon:
Just when Sheriff Serenity Adams thinks life is getting back to normal, the death of a young, pregnant Amish woman rocks the community. Is it circumstance…or murder? It’s up to Serenity and her ex-Amish boyfriend, Daniel Bachman, to discover the truth about the new shaman-type medicine man who’s brought his dark secrets to Blood Rock.
But Serenity has secrets of her own, and if she and Daniel don’t work it out, the reappearance of a woman from his past could threaten to ruin their relationship.
The deeper Serenity delves into the magical world of Amish herbal medicine, the phenomenon of laying of the hands and other cultural healing oddities, the more she wonders if miracles are real. What she witnesses with her own eyes may be too fantastical for her to believe.
In this riveting third installment of Serenity’s Plain Secrets, beliefs are challenged, a way of life is questioned and family skeletons are unearthed, leaving no one untouched.
August 4, 2019
Going to have back track . . .
. . . to the first two books!
Hopkins writes a compelling story of long hidden secrets, a community shielding its own, and a Sheriff who is determined to get at the truth at all costs.
Welcome to Blood Rock where Serenity is Sheriff over a jurisdiction that includes an Amish settlement. Where her boyfriend is a former member of that settlement with ties that still hold strong.
When a young, unmarried, pregnant Amish woman dies, it's up to Serenity to find out why. That quest leads her to look into other similar deaths many years in the past. It seems she's on the right track, but will she reach the conclusion before it's too late for yet another young woman? Meantime her own self-doubt and crises threaten her relationship with Daniel, especially when a long time friend returns to Blood Rock to occupy the Prosecutor's office.
Hopkins is a new-to-me author and her skill at weaving a story of suspense and secrets is top-notch! She deftly weaves all the threads together into a tapestry of truths that turns out to be a bit of a surprise, yet makes it all make sense in the end. Serenity's Plain Secrets is a series I am going to enjoy catching up on!
. . . to the first two books!
Hopkins writes a compelling story of long hidden secrets, a community shielding its own, and a Sheriff who is determined to get at the truth at all costs.
Welcome to Blood Rock where Serenity is Sheriff over a jurisdiction that includes an Amish settlement. Where her boyfriend is a former member of that settlement with ties that still hold strong.
When a young, unmarried, pregnant Amish woman dies, it's up to Serenity to find out why. That quest leads her to look into other similar deaths many years in the past. It seems she's on the right track, but will she reach the conclusion before it's too late for yet another young woman? Meantime her own self-doubt and crises threaten her relationship with Daniel, especially when a long time friend returns to Blood Rock to occupy the Prosecutor's office.
Hopkins is a new-to-me author and her skill at weaving a story of suspense and secrets is top-notch! She deftly weaves all the threads together into a tapestry of truths that turns out to be a bit of a surprise, yet makes it all make sense in the end. Serenity's Plain Secrets is a series I am going to enjoy catching up on!
February 25, 2020
I knew it's been a long while since I read the second book of this series but GR informed that it was 5 years ago! Wow, no wonder I could barely remember exactly what's happening with the personal lives of the protagonists. Thankfully, as usually mystery serial books are the cases they work on are isolated per book.
This novel is told from 2 perspectives: Sheriff Serenity Adams and her partner with an Amish background, Daniel Bachmann. While Daniel is not at all part of the police force or any policing agents, he volunteers to assist the police when they had need to deal with the Amish community. And so, we have the Sheriff of the town and her lover also as partners in investigating crimes.
Secrets in the Grave was a tad difficult to read as the case involved a number of pregnant women dying either during childbirth and/or miscarriage by bleeding out. And suspend your unbelieving nature, there also exists the laying of hands and miraculous healings. Otherwise, it was a very good crime novel that literally got my heart racing for the last 25% of it (or so I was informed by my smart watch).
This novel is told from 2 perspectives: Sheriff Serenity Adams and her partner with an Amish background, Daniel Bachmann. While Daniel is not at all part of the police force or any policing agents, he volunteers to assist the police when they had need to deal with the Amish community. And so, we have the Sheriff of the town and her lover also as partners in investigating crimes.
Secrets in the Grave was a tad difficult to read as the case involved a number of pregnant women dying either during childbirth and/or miscarriage by bleeding out. And suspend your unbelieving nature, there also exists the laying of hands and miraculous healings. Otherwise, it was a very good crime novel that literally got my heart racing for the last 25% of it (or so I was informed by my smart watch).
February 22, 2017
I really enjoyed the previous 2 Serenity's Plain stories but feel less enamored with this one. I still enjoyed the crime solving element, the shenanigans with the Amish, enjoyed spending time with all the characters I've come to know and love and I am still of the opinion that Karen Ann Hopkins is a good writer who knows how to spin a yarn. So why only 3 stars?
I found myself getting more and more frustrated with Serenity and her behavior towards Daniel as the book went on to the point that it distracted me from really enjoying the other elements of the book. I wouldn't have been surprised if Daniel had walked away from their "relationship" as she continued to push him away and believe the worst of him whilst at the same time professing to love him!
So you were badly betrayed and hurt in your only other serious relationship but that was years ago! For goodness sake, get over yourself woman and give the guy the benefit of the doubt once in a while!
I found myself getting more and more frustrated with Serenity and her behavior towards Daniel as the book went on to the point that it distracted me from really enjoying the other elements of the book. I wouldn't have been surprised if Daniel had walked away from their "relationship" as she continued to push him away and believe the worst of him whilst at the same time professing to love him!
So you were badly betrayed and hurt in your only other serious relationship but that was years ago! For goodness sake, get over yourself woman and give the guy the benefit of the doubt once in a while!
August 24, 2019
I have not read these books in order. The books can be stand alone but to really follow the characters and history of the families, I would recommend reading them in order.
The books are very interesting and highlight the culture differences between Amish and English.
Serenity is the main character and she is the Sheriff of Blood Rock. She is dating Daniel, who grew up Amish but left to live in the English world as a teenager.
This story is about when Serenity is called to investigate the death of a pregnant unmarried Amish woman. Accidental of murder? The Amish Bishop is concerned a new move in who is an Amish healer is behind her death.
This series definitely holds your Attention. The only thing confusing besides keeping track of all the names and family members in the beginning , is the writer switches from different narrators.
Again this has been an enjoyable series to read.... on to the next one in the series.
The books are very interesting and highlight the culture differences between Amish and English.
Serenity is the main character and she is the Sheriff of Blood Rock. She is dating Daniel, who grew up Amish but left to live in the English world as a teenager.
This story is about when Serenity is called to investigate the death of a pregnant unmarried Amish woman. Accidental of murder? The Amish Bishop is concerned a new move in who is an Amish healer is behind her death.
This series definitely holds your Attention. The only thing confusing besides keeping track of all the names and family members in the beginning , is the writer switches from different narrators.
Again this has been an enjoyable series to read.... on to the next one in the series.
June 27, 2020
This book became more of a romance novel and a girls tingling feelings.
The plot revolves around deaths of pregnant women in the Amish community’s of Indiana and Ohio.
Spiritual healing and a religious mans predilection to incest and preying on young girls.
The ultimate resolution is to let the predator go and basically let the death of the killer go as all is well that ends well.
The love story of the ex Amish and sheriff is becoming very tiresome as is the remarkable sex these two you incredibly beautiful people have. The fact that there is an attempted bank robbery And the killing of four thieves heroically foiled by the brave sheriff and her handsome boyfriend is just another day in this this small Indiana town of Amish and normal citizens.
Getting to loose interest in these overly complex people and their issues.
The plot revolves around deaths of pregnant women in the Amish community’s of Indiana and Ohio.
Spiritual healing and a religious mans predilection to incest and preying on young girls.
The ultimate resolution is to let the predator go and basically let the death of the killer go as all is well that ends well.
The love story of the ex Amish and sheriff is becoming very tiresome as is the remarkable sex these two you incredibly beautiful people have. The fact that there is an attempted bank robbery And the killing of four thieves heroically foiled by the brave sheriff and her handsome boyfriend is just another day in this this small Indiana town of Amish and normal citizens.
Getting to loose interest in these overly complex people and their issues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2019
This is the third instalment in the series. The book is well written although there are a few spelling mistakes which is annoying. The book is well constructed but now that I've read the third book in the series, the plot line is predictable. All three books have had the same plot - an incident happens in the current day but upon investigation, is linked to one of two in the past.
I'm also getting frustrated with Serenity herself. So she had one high school boyfriend cheat on her, get over it! It doesn't mean that every man is going to. I feel sorry for Daniel and I think as a character, he deserves more trust respect from Serenity. It's just annoying now how she pushes him away constantly.
I'm also getting frustrated with Serenity herself. So she had one high school boyfriend cheat on her, get over it! It doesn't mean that every man is going to. I feel sorry for Daniel and I think as a character, he deserves more trust respect from Serenity. It's just annoying now how she pushes him away constantly.
November 19, 2017
Having read the first 2 Serenity books I settled down to enjoy the third - wrong! Serenity has some serious trust issues which have been discussed in the first two books so can we move on please. Daniel is ex amish and Serenity is the Sheriff there; Daniel would like to move on, marriage,children but Serenity is dragging her feet and really in my opinion becoming a bit whiney. This does detract from the storyline since it comes up often which is a shame because the background of the Amish community is very interesting and there are also murders to be solved. Perhaps in the next book Serenity will be able to come to grips with issues and move on (I hope)
January 3, 2018
Sheriff Serenity Adams must investigate the mysterious death of a young, pregnant, Amish woman. The one person she suspects the most is the local Shaman for the Amish. When she learns that his own wife died mysteriously in child birth many years before she becomes even more suspicious.
Though I had an idea who the murderer was from the beginning I certainly did not know how they were connected and that made it interesting. I also had no idea that the Amish had healers or Shamans other than perhaps a midwife here or there.
An interesting read. I liked Serenity and her boyfriend, Daniel. Neither one was perfect bringing their own pasts and flaws to their relationship.
Though I had an idea who the murderer was from the beginning I certainly did not know how they were connected and that made it interesting. I also had no idea that the Amish had healers or Shamans other than perhaps a midwife here or there.
An interesting read. I liked Serenity and her boyfriend, Daniel. Neither one was perfect bringing their own pasts and flaws to their relationship.
August 7, 2019
I thoroughly enjoy reading this series. The author keeps the book moving with new twists and turns. Her knowledge of the Amish community makes the books believable and very enjoyable. Since I am originally from PA, residing near the Amish community, these books ring true, even though they are works of fiction. The Amish are a unique community and some of Serenity's questions about them are often voiced by those experiencing this culture for the first time! There is a "magical" element surrounding them that seems unbelievable to those that are not familiar with this culture. The old adage "seeing is believing" comes to mind!
December 12, 2017
Plot a bit sesationalistic
From what I know of the Amish culture, I'd say 85% of the portrayal in this book is accurate. The plot is a bit dark and sensationalistic for a small rural community. Enjoyed the innocence, honesty and step back in time of the life in the book in spite of the darkness. Struggles of the young Amish people between plain and fancy lifestyles was interesting. Is it all or nothing choice or are compromises taking place in the Amish world to keep the young people?
From what I know of the Amish culture, I'd say 85% of the portrayal in this book is accurate. The plot is a bit dark and sensationalistic for a small rural community. Enjoyed the innocence, honesty and step back in time of the life in the book in spite of the darkness. Struggles of the young Amish people between plain and fancy lifestyles was interesting. Is it all or nothing choice or are compromises taking place in the Amish world to keep the young people?
December 20, 2017
I'll admit, the 35 year old sheriff acting so emotionally immature was a bit daunting. But it was also totally realistic. We all know someone like that. So focused on their work and past hurts that they can't deal with their emotions, ignoring them instead. But all of that was secondary to the real plot of the book, which is a murder mystery. That part was very well done with complex characters complicated religious beliefs. The editing was a bit weak and deterred from the book, but the story itself was very solid.
March 9, 2022
I always like books about the Amish people; at times I wonder why they live without modern conveniences and then I envy them when the phone rings for the 5th time in the last half hour and it's "potential spam" each time. When the car won't start on a cold day, I wish I had a horse and buggy that started each time.
In a close knit community like that, there are always problems and this book had many of those and the way they dealt with them.
It's a good read with mystery and romance , Serenity and Daniel.
In a close knit community like that, there are always problems and this book had many of those and the way they dealt with them.
It's a good read with mystery and romance , Serenity and Daniel.
October 27, 2022
Strange Character, Strange Story
The story doesn’t do Amish Community any justice, not their culture, nor their tradition. Only descriptions of Amish Community are horse drawn buggy and women wear cap. Other than that, it is just another rural community with teen pregnancy and different groups of bullying teens. Young people dream of leaving. The sheriff character is ridiculously constructed. She doesn’t think, only reacts and stirs. Unfortunate events follow her whenever and wherever she shows up. The world is created for her, not she is a part of the world.
The story doesn’t do Amish Community any justice, not their culture, nor their tradition. Only descriptions of Amish Community are horse drawn buggy and women wear cap. Other than that, it is just another rural community with teen pregnancy and different groups of bullying teens. Young people dream of leaving. The sheriff character is ridiculously constructed. She doesn’t think, only reacts and stirs. Unfortunate events follow her whenever and wherever she shows up. The world is created for her, not she is a part of the world.
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