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Apple Creek #6
Plain Sanctuary
AMISH COUNTRY DANGER
Returning to her Amish hometown to open a bed-and-breakfast, Heather Miller thinks she's finally safe from her violent ex-husband -- until he escapes from prison. Now with her ex determined to hurt her, she must rely on US Marshal Zachary Walker for safety. For Zach, this mission isn't only his duty -- it's personal. The escaped convict killed his sister, and Heather was instrumental in putting the man behind bars. But with Zach's natural protective instincts toward Heather turning into something deeper, he must keep his emotional distance. He can't be distracted, because the danger that lies in wait is as evil as it is unexpected…and a lapse in judgment could prove deadly.
Returning to her Amish hometown to open a bed-and-breakfast, Heather Miller thinks she's finally safe from her violent ex-husband -- until he escapes from prison. Now with her ex determined to hurt her, she must rely on US Marshal Zachary Walker for safety. For Zach, this mission isn't only his duty -- it's personal. The escaped convict killed his sister, and Heather was instrumental in putting the man behind bars. But with Zach's natural protective instincts toward Heather turning into something deeper, he must keep his emotional distance. He can't be distracted, because the danger that lies in wait is as evil as it is unexpected…and a lapse in judgment could prove deadly.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published March 7, 2017
62 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Alison Stone
43 books173 followersAlison Stone writes sweet romance, cozy mysteries, and inspirational romantic suspense, some of which contain bonnets and buggies.
Alison often refers to herself as the "accidental Amish author." She decided to try her hand at the genre after an editor put a call out for more Amish romantic suspense. Intrigued—and who doesn't love the movie Witness with Harrison Ford?—Alison dug into research, including visits to the Amish communities in Western New York where she lives. This sparked numerous story ideas, the first leading to her debut novel with Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense. Four subsequent Love Inspired Suspense titles went on to earn RT magazine's TOP PICK! designation, their highest ranking.
When Alison’s not plotting ways to bring mayhem to Amish communities, she’s writing inspirational romantic suspense with a more modern setting, sweet romances, and cozy mysteries, including her new Murphy's Dance Academy series. In order to meet her deadlines, she has to block the internet and hide her smartphone.
Married and the mother of four (almost) grown kids, Alison lives in the suburbs of Buffalo where the summers are gorgeous and the winters are perfect for curling up with a book—or writing one.
Alison often refers to herself as the "accidental Amish author." She decided to try her hand at the genre after an editor put a call out for more Amish romantic suspense. Intrigued—and who doesn't love the movie Witness with Harrison Ford?—Alison dug into research, including visits to the Amish communities in Western New York where she lives. This sparked numerous story ideas, the first leading to her debut novel with Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense. Four subsequent Love Inspired Suspense titles went on to earn RT magazine's TOP PICK! designation, their highest ranking.
When Alison’s not plotting ways to bring mayhem to Amish communities, she’s writing inspirational romantic suspense with a more modern setting, sweet romances, and cozy mysteries, including her new Murphy's Dance Academy series. In order to meet her deadlines, she has to block the internet and hide her smartphone.
Married and the mother of four (almost) grown kids, Alison lives in the suburbs of Buffalo where the summers are gorgeous and the winters are perfect for curling up with a book—or writing one.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 31, 2018
God had not provided, but Heather refused to allow that to shatter her faith. She owed that much to her father.
There's not much to say about this book.
It's a romantic suspense novel about a woman being stalked by her murderer ex-husband who has escaped from prison. The Deputy U.S. Marshal assigned to her is her love interest. Heather Miller and Zachary Walker.
NO CHEMISTRY
The first thing I'd like to address is that these two have no chemistry. I don't believe they are sexually attracted to each other. Nor do I believe that they are in love with each other. Stone's not selling this one effectively. They are bland, uninterested in each other and tepid.
THE MYSTERY
I have to say that Stone surprised me once or twice. As per usual in romantic suspense, the romance (if one can even call it that) takes a backseat to the mystery story. The book wasn't as predictable as I had thought.
MENTIONS OF GOD: 33
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
No sex, this is Christian romance. Some light kissing. Four light kisses, one kiss on the cheek, and one kiss on the fingers.
Honestly, these characters did not seem sexually or romantically interested in each other at all. I couldn't buy this 'romance.'
TL;DR This book wasn't terrible, but it certainly failed as a romance IMO.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Contemporary Romance
Inspirational Romance
Romantic Suspense
Non-Virgin Heroine
Rape/Abuse Survivor
Police Romance
He's a Deputy U.S. Marshal, She Runs a B&B
There's not much to say about this book.
It's a romantic suspense novel about a woman being stalked by her murderer ex-husband who has escaped from prison. The Deputy U.S. Marshal assigned to her is her love interest. Heather Miller and Zachary Walker.
NO CHEMISTRY
The first thing I'd like to address is that these two have no chemistry. I don't believe they are sexually attracted to each other. Nor do I believe that they are in love with each other. Stone's not selling this one effectively. They are bland, uninterested in each other and tepid.
THE MYSTERY
I have to say that Stone surprised me once or twice. As per usual in romantic suspense, the romance (if one can even call it that) takes a backseat to the mystery story. The book wasn't as predictable as I had thought.
MENTIONS OF GOD: 33
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
No sex, this is Christian romance. Some light kissing. Four light kisses, one kiss on the cheek, and one kiss on the fingers.
Honestly, these characters did not seem sexually or romantically interested in each other at all. I couldn't buy this 'romance.'
TL;DR This book wasn't terrible, but it certainly failed as a romance IMO.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Contemporary Romance
Inspirational Romance
Romantic Suspense
Non-Virgin Heroine
Rape/Abuse Survivor
Police Romance
He's a Deputy U.S. Marshal, She Runs a B&B
October 19, 2020
Plain Sanctuary is a thrilling story of danger in Amish Country written by Alison Stone. This story has everything a good mystery is made of. Heather Miller returns to her Amish hometown to open a bed and breakfast in her grandmother's former home. Heather believes she has left her behind which involves an abusive ex-husband who she testified against in court for murder. Now with her opening day closing in on her the ex-husband has escaped prison and has tracked her down. This story is full of suspense, drama, and murder. There is excitement at every turn and maybe a romantic outcome as well.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful mystery that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Alison Stone on writing another incredible mystery for her readers enjoyment.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful mystery that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Alison Stone on writing another incredible mystery for her readers enjoyment.
April 3, 2017
Alison Stone has done it again with this on the edge of your, fast-paced suspense book, that will have you up all night turning pages!
Plain Sanctuary, Alison Stones' newest Love Inspired Amish Suspense is a must read!
Heather Miller, who lived in the Amish ways until the age of 6, has come back to her home town of Quail Hollow, New York, back to the place of her Amish roots to start a Bed and Breakfast and a new life. After being hidden away from her ex-husband and putting him away in prison, she has finally decided to move on with her life, a new life back in the Amish community she grew up in. She is there no time, when she gets word that her ex-husband, Brian, whom she helped put away in prison, has escaped and is believed to be coming after her.
Zach Walker, a U.S. Marshall, is called in to protect Heather, but this case is not just any other case, it is involving the guy who murdered his sister. Zach vows to protect Heather and catch Brian, whatever the cost. Brian, however; is a very smart criminal. He knows exactly how to out maneuver Zach, Heather and the police. Will Zach and the police be able to catch Brian before he kills Heather? Even a drive down the road is not safe with bullets flying through the back windshield!
Alison Stone did an amazing job catching me from the first page! Her characters and plot were very well thought out and described! And just when you think it is about to be over, she throws in an unexpected turn to keep the pages turning! Five stars all the way!
Plain Sanctuary, Alison Stones' newest Love Inspired Amish Suspense is a must read!
Heather Miller, who lived in the Amish ways until the age of 6, has come back to her home town of Quail Hollow, New York, back to the place of her Amish roots to start a Bed and Breakfast and a new life. After being hidden away from her ex-husband and putting him away in prison, she has finally decided to move on with her life, a new life back in the Amish community she grew up in. She is there no time, when she gets word that her ex-husband, Brian, whom she helped put away in prison, has escaped and is believed to be coming after her.
Zach Walker, a U.S. Marshall, is called in to protect Heather, but this case is not just any other case, it is involving the guy who murdered his sister. Zach vows to protect Heather and catch Brian, whatever the cost. Brian, however; is a very smart criminal. He knows exactly how to out maneuver Zach, Heather and the police. Will Zach and the police be able to catch Brian before he kills Heather? Even a drive down the road is not safe with bullets flying through the back windshield!
Alison Stone did an amazing job catching me from the first page! Her characters and plot were very well thought out and described! And just when you think it is about to be over, she throws in an unexpected turn to keep the pages turning! Five stars all the way!
April 5, 2017
Good read.
January 8, 2017
Plain Sanctuary is by Alison Stone. It is a Love Inspired suspense. The past and the present collide.
Heather Miller was once a member of the Amish community of Quail Hollow. She and her sisters were taken from the community and the religion when she was six and her mother was murdered. They had cut all ties with the community and their grandmother. Heather was now back after inheriting her grandmother’s house and land. She intended to turn the house into a Bed and Breakfast and had spent a great deal of time, money and effort to get it ready to open in a couple of weeks. That is, if the construction is finished by then. She certainly hoped the rain would not interfere in getting her windows put in the back. The storm was making her nervous and when she heard a loud crash downstairs, she was sure someone had entered the house. When she realized that it was the tarp over the hole in the wall coming loose, she got dressed to try to fix it before damage was done with the rain. She definitely was not expecting to come face to face with US Marshall Zachary Walker.
US Marshall Zachary Walker was on vacation in Quail Hollow when he was put back on duty to protect Heather Miller. Heather’s ex-husband, Brian Fox, had broken out of prison and was thought to be headed towards Heather for revenge. He blamed her for his being in prison for murdering his second wife. He didn’t mind giving up his vacation; but he did mind having to deal with Brian Fox. Brian’s second wife had been Zachary’s little sister. He wanted to be in on the hunt for Brian not being a babysitter for Brian’s ex-wife.
As the hunt for Brian goes on, Heather is taken into hiding in the Amish community. Here she finds knowledge of her Mother and her death. She stays with Ruthie’s family. Ruthie is an employee at the B&B. However, Heather finds out she was also her Mother’s best friend. What does her Mother’s murder have to do with Heather’s present situation?
Heather Miller was once a member of the Amish community of Quail Hollow. She and her sisters were taken from the community and the religion when she was six and her mother was murdered. They had cut all ties with the community and their grandmother. Heather was now back after inheriting her grandmother’s house and land. She intended to turn the house into a Bed and Breakfast and had spent a great deal of time, money and effort to get it ready to open in a couple of weeks. That is, if the construction is finished by then. She certainly hoped the rain would not interfere in getting her windows put in the back. The storm was making her nervous and when she heard a loud crash downstairs, she was sure someone had entered the house. When she realized that it was the tarp over the hole in the wall coming loose, she got dressed to try to fix it before damage was done with the rain. She definitely was not expecting to come face to face with US Marshall Zachary Walker.
US Marshall Zachary Walker was on vacation in Quail Hollow when he was put back on duty to protect Heather Miller. Heather’s ex-husband, Brian Fox, had broken out of prison and was thought to be headed towards Heather for revenge. He blamed her for his being in prison for murdering his second wife. He didn’t mind giving up his vacation; but he did mind having to deal with Brian Fox. Brian’s second wife had been Zachary’s little sister. He wanted to be in on the hunt for Brian not being a babysitter for Brian’s ex-wife.
As the hunt for Brian goes on, Heather is taken into hiding in the Amish community. Here she finds knowledge of her Mother and her death. She stays with Ruthie’s family. Ruthie is an employee at the B&B. However, Heather finds out she was also her Mother’s best friend. What does her Mother’s murder have to do with Heather’s present situation?
October 31, 2017
L'autrice si sposta da Apple Creek a un'altra comunità Amish, ma il risultato non cambia. Per fortuna!
March 21, 2017
Heather miller is a young former Amish woman who for the past few yr. has been running from her abusive, ex husband .Her and her sisters fled the Amish community after her mom was murdered. Since her ex Brian was put in prison because of testimony; she now feels safe to go with her life. She decide to return to her Amish roots and start a b and b in her grandmother's house. She has moved home to Quail Hollow, NY. But things don't go as plan when her ex escapes from prison and comes straight for her. Can she manage to keep herself safe from her ex? Will her b and b be successful? Will the Amish community support her and her business? How will they react when they learn about her past and the danger it could bring to their community? Zackary Walker is an U.S. Marshall who is assigned to track down Heather's ex husband and protect her. He is personally involved in this case because Heather's ex killed Zach's sisters when she was married to him. Zach is determined to bring Brian Fox to justice and protect no matter what it costs. Will Zach be able to protect Heather? Can he put his personal feelings aside and do what it takes to get the job done or will his feelings get in the way? I really like this one. It has lots of suspense and lots of action. I enjoyed the Amish background and how the author included that in this story. Brian Fox is a typical dangerous man who makes a good villain. This book had some surprises to and I really liked that. Heather is a fighter and wasn't going to let this man keep her from living . I enjoyed meeting all the Amish characters and can't wait to read more about these characters. I hope this series lasts for a while because it will be a good read.
March 13, 2017
I really enjoy Alison's work. I love suspense and I love Amish stories so it's a no brainer that I love her books. This book is well written, fast paced, and full of faith. You are going to love it.
Heather Miller had been in hiding due to her abusive ex-husband. She came forth and testified against him when he killed his second wife. Now that he is in prison she decides to go on with her dream and open a bed and breakfast in her late mammy's home. She has a crew renovating the home now. When she discovers her ex-husband has been in her home.
US Marshal Zachary Walker is on vacation when his boss notifies him that the man who killed his sister has escaped prison and is coming to kill his ex-wife. He is to protect her and help capture the killer.When he arrives at the bed and breakfast he is told she has had an intruder and sees the graffiti he left on the wall. He moves Heather to a safe house so he can protect Heather.
A journey of two heartbroken individuals struggling to stay out of the cross-hairs of a killer. God has a plan for these two, a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. Surrender your heart to Him and watch Him move in your life. His plans are much greater than anything you ever imagined.
Heather Miller had been in hiding due to her abusive ex-husband. She came forth and testified against him when he killed his second wife. Now that he is in prison she decides to go on with her dream and open a bed and breakfast in her late mammy's home. She has a crew renovating the home now. When she discovers her ex-husband has been in her home.
US Marshal Zachary Walker is on vacation when his boss notifies him that the man who killed his sister has escaped prison and is coming to kill his ex-wife. He is to protect her and help capture the killer.When he arrives at the bed and breakfast he is told she has had an intruder and sees the graffiti he left on the wall. He moves Heather to a safe house so he can protect Heather.
A journey of two heartbroken individuals struggling to stay out of the cross-hairs of a killer. God has a plan for these two, a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. Surrender your heart to Him and watch Him move in your life. His plans are much greater than anything you ever imagined.
June 16, 2017
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
Returning to her Amish hometown to open a bed-and-breakfast, Heather Miller thinks she's finally safe from her violent ex-husband---until he escapes from prison. Now with her ex determined to hurt her, she must rely on US Marshal Zachary Walker for safety. For Zach, this mission isn't only his duty--it's personal. The escaped convict killed his sister, and Heather was instrumental inputting the man behind bars. But with Zach's natural protective instincts toward Heather turning into something deeper, he must keep his emotional distance. He can't be distracted, because the danger that lies in wait is as evil as it is unexpected ...and a lapse in judgment could prove deadly.
MY REVIEW
I was not disappointed in this story by Alison, I have read several of her books and have enjoyed each one. Heather and Zach's story just shows you never now where tragic events can lead, sometimes good results and sometimes bad, which will this be? Grab a copy and enjoy!
Returning to her Amish hometown to open a bed-and-breakfast, Heather Miller thinks she's finally safe from her violent ex-husband---until he escapes from prison. Now with her ex determined to hurt her, she must rely on US Marshal Zachary Walker for safety. For Zach, this mission isn't only his duty--it's personal. The escaped convict killed his sister, and Heather was instrumental inputting the man behind bars. But with Zach's natural protective instincts toward Heather turning into something deeper, he must keep his emotional distance. He can't be distracted, because the danger that lies in wait is as evil as it is unexpected ...and a lapse in judgment could prove deadly.
MY REVIEW
I was not disappointed in this story by Alison, I have read several of her books and have enjoyed each one. Heather and Zach's story just shows you never now where tragic events can lead, sometimes good results and sometimes bad, which will this be? Grab a copy and enjoy!
March 10, 2017
Creepy stalker + isolated farmhouse = spine tingling suspense. Love the interesting connection the hero and heroine have. The last time they saw each other was in a courtroom where Heather's testimony put Zach's sister's killer in prison for life. Now the man has escaped and Zach is determined not to let another woman become a victim. I do so enjoy reading about a US Marshal in hyper-protective mode! Heather seems to appreciate him too, though she's trying to put the past behind her and embrace a new start. One that doesn't include a hovering marshal. :-) Suspense builds slowly and there's plenty of Amish input which adds a different dimension to this Love Inspired Suspense.
March 13, 2017
A Nice, Quick, Suspenseful, Easy read. I loved all the characters, the ending was a typical harlequin ending, although I LOVED the fact that SPOILER **************** it took a year for them to get married, I always feel like they rush the endings of harlequins, they usually only know each other a few weeks or a month before marriage, so I really enjoyed the fact that they waited, had a long distant relationship and ended up marrying in a nice long timeline. :) Can't wait to read more from this author!
April 15, 2017
Edge of you seat can't put down book. Set in Amish country Plain Sanctuary introduces us to Heather who is opening up a Bed and Breakfast and Zach a US Marshal
Zach shows up at the B&B after learning that Heather's ex has escaped from prison for killing Zach's sister. Progressing through the book it leaves the reader wondering if the Ex will be found or will he come after Heather. Lots of turns and mystery.
Zach shows up at the B&B after learning that Heather's ex has escaped from prison for killing Zach's sister. Progressing through the book it leaves the reader wondering if the Ex will be found or will he come after Heather. Lots of turns and mystery.
May 9, 2018
Plain Sanctuary by Alison Stone is a Love Inspired Suspense story. It is action-packed with a few twists and turns to the plot that keep interest high. As Heather is trying to make a go of a bed and breakfast in an Amish community the past returns to haunt her in the form of an escaped con ex-husband. Can Zach, the U.S. Marshal who was sent to take her to a safe place keep her safe or will she continue to live in fear and hiding? Good suspense, realistic characters and a budding romance, who could ask for more? I look forward to reading more from this new-to-me author. I won a copy of the book in a contest and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
April 2, 2022
In this novel Heather has returned to her Amish home to start a new life after her abusive ex-husband goes to prison for murdering his second wife. Unfortunately, the man manages to escape and begins torturing Heather with threatening messages. U.S. Marshall Zach Walker has been assigned to keep Heather safe; but he has another reason for his interest in the case. His sister was the woman whom Heather's ex-husband abused and murdered. The author really sends her readers on some wild goose chases with Heather and Zach as they try to find the ex-husband. I enjoyed watching the plot unfold although I was surprised by the ending.
October 3, 2017
LI Amish stories are usually pretty good, but using a Romantic Suspense story is still hard to wrap my head around.
This story is GOOD, but I still don't think using the Amish religion to gain readers is all that great.
I can't see this realistically happening within the Amish communities so near us. One of the things I look for in a GREAT book is REALISM within the FICTION.
Alison Stone is a good writer! Will watch for her other stories.
This story is GOOD, but I still don't think using the Amish religion to gain readers is all that great.
I can't see this realistically happening within the Amish communities so near us. One of the things I look for in a GREAT book is REALISM within the FICTION.
Alison Stone is a good writer! Will watch for her other stories.
July 25, 2018
This is the 2nd book I read by Alison Stone. I loved ❤ this book's storyline. I loved ❤ the action in this story. I loved ❤ the suspense in this story. I loved ❤ the Christian theme in this story. I loved ❤ Heather's character. I felt sorry for Heather. I loved ❤ Heather's strength in this story. I loved ❤ Zach's character. I loved ❤ the ending. This story had me in suspense to the very end, awesome job Ms. Stone.
May 26, 2020
Alison Stone has another well written story that blend the Amish with the Englisch. Heather Miller is returning to the area of her Amish roots to open
a bed and breakfast. She is informed that her abusive ex-husband has broke out of prison and is coming for her. U S Marshall Zachary Walker is assigned to protect Heather from the man that murdered his sister. Good suspenseful read!!
a bed and breakfast. She is informed that her abusive ex-husband has broke out of prison and is coming for her. U S Marshall Zachary Walker is assigned to protect Heather from the man that murdered his sister. Good suspenseful read!!
April 14, 2018
I liked the story, but the story line was almost an exact duplicate time Plain Pursuit, that's why I rated this lower.
April 13, 2019
Another spine-tingling story from one of my favorite Amish romantic suspense authors!
August 17, 2019
I couldn't put this down. Quite riveting for a short cozy mystery.
August 13, 2022
Love these stories- can be read as a stand alone or with the other books! Great writer.
April 1, 2023
Good read!
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March 11, 2017"Stone’s latest is so fast-paced and action-packed that it is hard to put down. Numerous red herrings and palpable suspense combine in this thoroughly engaging nail-biter" (4 1/2 stars TOP PICK! @ RT Book Reviews).
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March 1, 2017received 4 1/2 stars TOP PICK! @ RT Book Reviews
November 6, 2024
Quick easy enjoyable read
March 26, 2017
A quick read telling the story of Heather with an Amish family background opens a bed & breakfast in her grandmother's home and her past comes back to haunt her. Zachary Walker, an US Marshall on vacation, gets involved in the case.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews