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SANCTUARY IN AMISH COUNTRY

Horse trainer Jess McGrath only wants to clear her disgraced brother's name, but enemies keep coming out of the woodwork and danger only gets closer. Jess soon learns that no place is safe—and no one can be trusted…except for the last white knight she'd ever expect to ride to her rescue. Paramedic Seth Travis was the boy behind her high school humiliation, but he's also the man keeping her alive. When they find sanctuary in the Amish community, can they uncover answers in time to stop a killer—and resolve their past in time to build a future together?

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 1, 2017

111 people are currently reading
322 people want to read

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Dana R. Lynn

85 books283 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
March 22, 2017
First, the disclaimer. "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, PLAIN TARGET is the first book of Ms. Lynn's I've read. The characters are not Amish, but the story is set in Amish country and there are some secondary Amish characters.

PLAIN TARGET is your typical Love Inspired Suspense in that the characters were kept on the run as the killer found them, over and over. I thought I had figured out who the killer was early on, but not why, but there was a twist at the end that I never saw coming and my guesses were wrong.

I liked that one part of the book was kind of like the game Clue set up - where someone was trying to kill Jess, but the house was full of people who hated her and her brother and any one of them could be the killer. The fact that they were stranded there due to a flash flood made it creepier.

If you like romantic suspense and books set in Amish country, you will love PLAIN TARGET. Available at your favorite retail store on April 1 - or you can preorder now and have it shipped to you or downloaded right away.
Profile Image for Anne.
590 reviews97 followers
December 10, 2020
Can be read as a stand alone

I are started reading this series out of order and finally decided I wanted to read them all in order. This book has characters you learn to love or hate and lots of mystery and action. A really good read.
3,949 reviews1,764 followers
April 7, 2017
Wow -- what a fantastic page-turner! And absolutely love the unique story threads Lynn has woven through this romantic suspense. Both the Amish and Deaf cultures bring an entirely different dimension to this traditional genre.

Jess and Seth have a history -- and not the warm fuzzy kind -- which amps up the tension as they try to adjust to the present while letting go of the past. And there's a lot at stake -- namely keeping Jess alive! Multiple twists and turns in the plot gave this armchair sleuth a lot to stew over as I tried to figure out who was behind all of Jess's problems. Seth is determined to make up for his past by keeping her safe and there are some breathless, heart-stopping moments as they evade the relentless pursuit of a determined killer.

A faith-filled romantic suspense that ticks all the boxes...and then some. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Leslie McKee.
Author 8 books72 followers
December 21, 2017
This kicks off the new Amish Country Justice series by Lynn, and if it’s any indication of the sequels, the reader will surely be adding them to their TBR list! Memorable characters and action-packed scenes combine in this suspenseful gem.

I reviewed this for RT Bookreviews Magazine. You can read my full review here: https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...
Profile Image for Melmo2610.
3,646 reviews
March 6, 2017
This is my third book by Dana and guaranteed it won't be my last. I have loved reading her stories about Melanie, Maggie and now Jess and how their lives intertwine. This story with the horse angle as well as Jess being deaf made it different from most other books and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I also enjoyed getting to know Seth better after meeting him in previous books. I was happy that he finally got a happy ending. :) I can't wait for the next book in this Amish County Justice series. This was a fantastic beginning!

I was given a copy by the author, all thoughts and opinions are mine.
Profile Image for Lynda.
1,224 reviews34 followers
February 28, 2020
Yeah! I have found a new Amish author

Or at least new to me.
I rate this book as 4.5 🌟 due to some conflicting descriptions of the lead male.I

This is a fast read and is definitely a who-dun-it story. I do recommend it as it nicely tied an English story into the Amish. While more English than Amish, I was quickly immersed into the events. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,090 reviews134 followers
April 8, 2017
From the opening words I knew this book was going to keep me on the edge of my seat. It starts with a fire in a barn that endangers horses. As Jess and the others rush to save the horses, the fire starts to pick up. What an exciting start to a story that I couldn't put down. I loved Jess instantly and thought the author did an excellent job of developing her into a smart, and determined woman. Her faith was first in her life and I loved how she never wavered from it. I am glad to see that the author has put a hearing impaired person in her story. I always wanted to learn sign language because I had a child in my Sunday School class that was deaf. I took classes so she would not feel left out. I'm so glad that the author brought her expertise of working with the deaf into a story that highlights how someone like Jess can do anything by adapting to sign language , hearing aides and lip reading.

Jess loved training horses but she is still grieving the loss of her brother. She knows in her heart that he didn't commit suicide and is willing to risk everything to proof that. Jess is heartbroken to hear all the accusations about how her brother was mixed up in something illegal. When Jess runs into someone from her high school days, she isn't exactly excited to see him. Seth who is a paramedic remembers Jess well. He wasn't very nice to her during their school days. In fact he made her feel horrible about herself and pretty much bullied her.

As danger starts to follow Jess, Seth is there to protect her. I loved how they both had some things to work through and relied on God to help them forgive. Seth has turned his back on God and I thought Jess was very helpful in guiding him to find his faith again. The story is very fast paced and I loved how the author incorporated the Amish in the story. She weaves a story that has Jess and Seth running for their lives. Can they prove Jess's brother was innocent? Who is behind the stalking of Jess? Why is someone trying to kill her? This is one book you don't want to miss if you enjoy intrigue, action, a bit of romance and the reminder that God never leaves us and is there to forgive us.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Susan.
4,811 reviews126 followers
July 4, 2017
Fantastic book that had me hooked from the first page. Jess is a horse trainer, fighting to keep her business afloat as she attempts to clear her brother's name. She knows that he is not guilty of the things he was accused of before his apparent suicide. The story starts with a fire that breaks out in her brother's office in the stables, endangering the horses. Jess is injured while trying to put out the fire, and is treated by paramedic Seth. Jess and Seth have a history together, and it isn't a pleasant one. They knew each other in high school, where he did something that resulted in her humiliation and decision to transfer schools. Seth still feels guilty over his actions and is determined to apologize and make amends.

The fire at her stable is the final straw that makes Jess realize that the things that have been happening to her are not accidents. Seth is determined to stick with her and protect her as the attacks begin to escalate. Jess is reluctant to trust Seth at the beginning because of their past history, but soon realizes that he has changed for the better.

I really liked both Jess and Seth. Jess has even more challenges than her problems with the stables. She is deaf, and without her hearing aids she is at an extreme disadvantage. She is independent, resourceful, and relies on her faith to keep her from despair. Seth has a pretty well-developed guilt complex over the things he did when he was younger. His work as a paramedic is one of his ways to redeem himself. He has lost his faith over the years, thanks to the things he has seen and done. I liked his determination to be a better man.

I liked the development of the relationship between Jess and Seth. Jess is first wary of him, but quickly realizes that she can trust him. Throughout the story, they grow closer as they have to depend on each other for their safety. Jess begins to fall for the new and improved Seth. She worries about him and his belief that he doesn't deserve forgiveness for his past actions. I liked the gentle way that she showed him that he was worth loving. I loved Seth's protectiveness toward Jess, as he worked to keep her safe. He was also amazingly sensitive to her moods and fears, and always seemed to know just the right thing to say or do. I loved how he had learned sign language because of her and that her confidence in him helped him to heal. His big moment with her at the end was really sweet. The epilogue was great with an awesome surprise for Seth.

The suspense of the book was fantastic. It was non-stop action from the start as Jess and Seth try to stay ahead of those that are after her. There are so many twists and turns to the story, with multiple possibilities as the killer, that I could not quite decide who was guilty. Just when I would decide on someone, something would happen to change my mind. An unexpected twist at the end threw all my conclusions out the window. The final confrontation was exciting and heart-pounding as Jess's life is in danger and Seth races to the rescue.

*copy received in exchange for honest review
Profile Image for Gina.
2,393 reviews31 followers
February 15, 2017
I thought this book had a wonderful storyline and all of the elements I like in a book. Jess is in danger after her brothers suicide. She knows he was murdered and sets out to prove it. Being deaf is an obstacle she doesn't let stop her. Seth a boy she had a crush on in high school who humiliated her and now is a paramedic, comes to the rescue after a fire at her place. He is trying to redeem himself by trying to do good and takes it upon himself to protect her. Jess and Seth will be tested about their feelings for each other and his lost faith. I received a copy of this book for free with no obligation.
Profile Image for Marilyn.
1,270 reviews
July 3, 2017
"Fire!" was the opening line for this action packed suspense along with romance and God’s faithfulness interwoven into the story. I could not stop reading Plain Target until I was finished, which resulted in a short night of rest.

Jess McGrath realized her life was in danger as she was trying to find answers to her brother’s unexpected death. Jess was not only faced with danger but dealing with being deaf. She was surprised when Seth Travis, a high school crush, came to the rescue and more amazed that he knew sign language now. Could she really trust him to protect her after the degradation he inflicted on her in high school?

The hero and heroine are well developed characters with their own issues to resolve along with secondary characters that were supportive of Jess and others that were out to destroy her life. Dana R. Lynn has written a story that will keep readers turning the pages until the very end. There were so many twists and turns in the story that kept me guessing who the guilty individual or individuals behind all the danger happening to Jess no matter where or who she was with. Will her Amish friends be able to give refuge to Jess? Who wanted to destroy Jess and her horse business after losing her brother and being left alone in life?

Readers of suspense and Amish country settings will not be disappointed in this upcoming release by Dana R. Lynn. I look forward to reading more books in Lynn’s Amish Country Justice series.

I received a complimentary copy of Plain Target from the author. I was not required to write a positive review but have expressed my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Harlequin Books.
18.4k reviews2,805 followers
Read
May 10, 2017
"This kicks off the new Amish Country Justice series by Lynn, and if it’s any indication of the sequels, the reader will surely be adding them to their TBR list! Memorable characters and action-packed scenes combine in this suspenseful gem" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).

Miniseries: Amish Country Justice
Profile Image for Darlene.
Author 64 books932 followers
August 28, 2017
Horse trainer Jess McGrath suspects something is off about her brother’s suicide. There’s no way the man she knew would commit the crimes they’re accusing him of, so she sets out to prove everyone wrong. She soon finds herself in the path of a killer determined to steer her away from finding out the truth. After a fire and accident leaves her injured, a paramedic treats her, but where has she seen him before? Then it dawns on her. Her high school crush who humiliated her has grown into a handsome man. Can she set aside her disdain and let him help her?

Seth Travis is finally able to make amends to the person he wronged years ago. After treating Jess, he soon becomes her protector after she explains her circumstances. It’s the least he could do after what happened in high school, but what if he can’t keep her from the clutches of a killer?

Jess and Seth race against time to prove her brother’s innocence and stay out a determined killer’s trajectory. Will they find the evidence they need before it’s too late? And can they overcome their past differences and succumb to their growing feelings for each other?

Plain Target is a high-octane race against time and will keep you turning the pages. This romantic suspense by author Dana R. Lynn pulled me in from the beginning and kept my interest. The plot is riveting and I loved the tangled Amish thread throughout. I also enjoyed the horse angle.

I liked the characters, especially the deaf heroine. It put a fresh spin on this suspense. The author used her experience of working with the Deaf well as it came off as genuine. Loved that. She also intermingled other characters from her previous books nicely.

The imagery used throughout this romantic suspense moved everything along nicely. You could picture the fire, rainstorm, the floods, Amish community, etc. Well done!

I give Plain Target five horse and buggies. It’s a great start to her Amish Country Justice series and one that I will definitely follow!

**Book has been provided courtesy of the author in exchange for my honest review.
1,554 reviews12 followers
June 10, 2017
Wow

Suspense from beginning to end. Everyone has turned against Jessica, her brother is dead, suicide. He was accused of stealing from his foundation, was it really suicide or was it murder. Someone is trying to get rid of Jessica. Is it the Taylor's, the Harvey's, who is it? One of the people that is willing to help her is her bully from high school Seth Travis. Seth was afraid to love, Jessica had a crush on him since high school, but after what his friends did to her she never wanted to see him again. But God had different ideas, Seth needed Jessica to help lead him back to God and She needed Seth to keep her safe. This story has attempted murder, arson, and a ton of suspects. Would love to see a story about the secondary characters, Levi, Rebecca, Carrie, her guardian, and officer Miles. First book by this author but it will not be my last
Profile Image for Glenda Parker.
Author 14 books22 followers
April 5, 2017
This is the first book in the Amish Country Justice Series. I do really enjoy Dana's books and this one is an excellent example. This book is well written, action packed, and full of faith. I love it.
Jess McGrath is a horse trainer. She owned a racehorse rescue business with her brother but he recently took his life and now the business is going down the tubes. The more she looks into what is going on in the business to try to clear her brother's name the more attacks are coming against her. The one man who had betrayed her while she was in high school is her only hope.
Paramedic Seth Travis regrets what had happened to Jess back in high school but he is determined to protect her now. He has always cared for her and now he is hoping to find a future with her if he can keep them both alive.
A journey of two broken hearts struggling to survive the attacks of a killer. God has a plan for these two. He has brought them together again for a purpose and it's much greater than either of them dreamed. God has a plan for you too. Surrender your heart to Him and watch Him move in y
Profile Image for Dawn.
596 reviews6 followers
April 13, 2017
A book well worth the read. Kept me on the edge of my seat and never a dull moment. Dana introduces us to Jess and Seth. Jess's brother died with Jess believing it was a suicide. When the barn office is set on fire the police believe that Jess set it. Things progress with Jess and Seth's lives being put into danger. Will they figure out who it is before it is 2 late or will the culprit win. Must read to find out.
Profile Image for C..
770 reviews123 followers
October 18, 2019
Too Preachy!
Some writers of Inspirational/Christian fiction are much worse about laying on the god-talk and religious proselytizing heavier than others, and unfortunately this was one of those, which ruined the book for me.

As an ex-Christian/Naturalist, I can't stand religious proselytizing.

This was a new author for me, and I doubt I try another by her. I will stick with the authors that don't lay it on so thick!

Books by LDS authors are usually a safe bet to be clean/non offensive, without all that ridiculous PREACHING!
Profile Image for Lizzi.
41 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2017
Fire! Just the first word should spark some interest. And let me tell you, the action doesn't stop there! Horse trainer Jess McGrath is having a hard time picturing her now deseased brother could commit the crimes the police are accusing him. And she highly doubts he'd commit suicide on top of that. Her hunch ruffled someone's feathers, because now she's running for her life from the same people that killed and framed her brother. And to make things more difficult, her old high school crush has to be thrown into the mix! Seth Travis is the son of Senator Joe Travis, and in school, he and his friends had picked on Jess horribly. Now, with danger nipping at their heels, Seth has to find out how to keep Jess safe and struggle with the guilt he carries from so long ago.
If you like a romantic suspense story with a unique twist, I promise you, Plain Target by Dana R. Lynn will not disappoint you! From her tenacious, deaf heroine to her handsome hero, this book is full of unexpected characters and plot twists that you did not see coming.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
Author 17 books404 followers
March 23, 2017
I gave this book 5 stars. It was full of suspense from beginning to end. I must say I didn't expect the ending.

Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
May 2, 2017
Wow!! Suspense keeps your heart pumping as Jess and Seth race to evade killers and find out why they are being targeted.
I loved the setting of Amish country, the storyline and a deaf heroine.
This book is recommended for those who love Christian Romantic Suspense
A copy of the book was given me by the author and the opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Virginia Winfield.
2,919 reviews14 followers
March 1, 2017
I did not put this down. There were so many twists and turns. I would think I knew who was guilty and then I had to change my mind. Loved the characters of Jess and Seth. I am so looking forward to the next book in the Amish Country Justice. I received a copy of this from the author for a fair and honest opinion which I have given freely.
582 reviews
May 1, 2017
Jess McGrath will do whatever it takes to clear her brother's name after his death. But then killers come out of the woodwork to put a stop to it! And meeting back with Seth Travis—her worst high school bully—just adds up to the tension of this novel. Thrown together while on the run, she must find a way to trust him and he just wants to make up for the past.

I enjoyed the many layers of this story that ramp up the danger! You're kept guessing who the killer is, Jess is deaf without her hearing aids, for obvious reasons she doesn't trust or want anything to do with Seth, and his aunt doesn't like Jess along with a cast of shady characters. Any one of them could be the killer and just when I thought I had it all figured out, the author throws in another twist! I really liked the curvy, twisty, unconventional feel to this story. I've read many suspense novels of this nature, but this one was a refreshing change from the “norm”. The romance was there under the surface, and Seth proves to be the patient hero who shows himself changed. Having lifetime regrets to make up for does that to a person. All in all, this was the kind of story I love reading. Suspense that builds up, many layers to add to the danger, chilling characters, romance that's a slow burn & of course, the strong faith of Jess and how she shows it through everything. A great beginning to the “Amish Country Justice” series!

* I received a complimentary copy from the author. No favorable review was required, and all opinions expressed here are strictly my own. *
Profile Image for Debora Wilder.
562 reviews2 followers
April 27, 2017
This is an incredible romantic suspense novel!

I love both of the main characters. They are extremely well developed. They each have fears and things from their pasts that shaped who they are and color how they see things in the present. These were slowly revealed to us.

One of my favorite things was seeing what life was like for Jess McGrath with her complete deafness. I had never gotten inside the head and emotions of a person who had to deal with lip reading and sign language to communicate. It was a great twist during the danger.

I also liked Jess’s faith in God and how she didn’t force it on Seth. But she also didn’t hide it.

I received a free copy of this book from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Profile Image for Jennifer.
345 reviews17 followers
April 13, 2019
Jess McGraph is still struggling from the loss of her brother to suicide that was caused by stealing from from their foundation that saved retired racehorses. People are really mean to Jesse because they think her brother Coy had drugged their horses. Many attempts have been made on Jess’s life and Seth Travis needs to figure out who it is or they won’t have a future together.

Very good read!
Profile Image for Deena Peterson.
1,190 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2018
I was very pleasantly surprised by DanaR. Lynn's novel. I'm not a fan of Amish stories, but I do love a good murder mystery, and that’s exactly what I had with "Plain Target".

Lynn kicks the story off with a bang -- and a burn. A fire mysteriously breaks out at horse trainer Jess McGrath's ranch office, and a heavy bookshelf dislodged from its anchor and we soon realize that Jess has a target on her.

Someone really wants her dead.

When paramedic Seth Travis is the one treating her injuries, the pain of high school comes in like a flood. But he's determined to make his past mistakes up to her by helping to keep her alive.

No matter what the cost may be.

A host of characters and a lot of drama come together to form a tightly woven tale. And you'll find a plethora of possible suspects, with a shocking ending I didn't see coming.

I'll just say Dana R. Lynn takes the art of the cliffhanger to a whole new level!

I received a free copy of the book from the publisher with nothing promised in return.
Profile Image for Wendy.
525 reviews23 followers
September 18, 2018
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB

SANCTUARY IN AMISH COUNTRY

Horse trainer Jess McGrath only wants to clear her disgraced brother's name, but enemies keep coming out of the woodwork and anger only gets closer. Jess soon learns that no place is safe--and no one can be trusted...except for the last white knight she'd ever expect to ride to her rescue. Paramedic Seth Travis was the boy behind her high school humiliation, but he's also the man keeping her alive. When they find sanctuary in the Amish community, can they uncover answers in time to stop a killer--and resolve their past in time to build a future together?

MY REVIEW

This was a mystery until the very end! Dana gives you a lot of possibilities to choose from for the actual guilty person(s), see if you can figure it out, WITHOUT cheating, lol. A very good read and I am looking forward to the rest of the series, so on to "Plain Retribution". I am seeing five in the series so far and they are quick reads which you will not want to put down if they are anything like this first one.
Profile Image for TerryJane.
340 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2025
This mystery was clever and suspenseful. It was a little preachy, but I fully expected that going in. I liked the romantic development between Jess, who is hearing impaired, and Seth, who is proficient in ASL.

If your vision is good enough to allow it, I strongly recommend reading this in print or ebook. I read Hoopla's audio version, but, unfortunately, they didn't use a human narrator. The presentation by Apple AI Reader was incredibly flat, even during moments that should have reflected a great deal of emotion. Additionally, the cadence was off, and some of the pronunciations seemed wrong.

Just because AI is less expensive than hiring a living, breathing human being, doesn't make it a good choice. Publishers would do well to remember that people are the consumers, not robots.

Decent book. Poor narration.
3.5 stars, rounded down.
Profile Image for Jess Holden .
561 reviews10 followers
May 14, 2017
This is my first book by Dana and I have to say I absolutely adored it! The book was laced with action. The setting of the book is inside Amish Country even though are primary character's are not Amish. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat with a house full of potential suspects if leaves you grasping at straw to find the villain. I was hooked to this book from page one and can not wait to see more work of Dana's.

Seth and Jessica are running for their lives throughout the entire book. Even being hunted Jessica keeps her faith and somehow along the way even manages to bring Seth back to God. This book is extremely humbling and shows you the lengths greedy people will go to cover up crimes they have committed in order to get them where they are today.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
1,297 reviews44 followers
October 1, 2018
Danger lurks in Amish country...

Dana R. Lynn is a relatively new-to-me author but I'm already a fan. Plain Target is the first book in her Amish Country Justice mini-series and I am hooked good! I enjoyed every spine-tingling moment of what proved to be a nail-biting, couldn't-put-it-down story. Dana R. Lynn lead me on a wild chase as I tried to guess who could possibly be behind it all – and I was definitely in for a few surprises along the way. For quick, fun, romantic suspense reads, it doesn't get any better than Love Inspired Suspense and Plain Target has only whetted my appetite for more in this new mini-series.

(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Profile Image for Andrea Woodard.
91 reviews6 followers
September 6, 2020
Loved the story line and the characters. Learned more about deaf people and their ways of communicating. The story line was fantastic.
There were times I wanted to yell at Seth to do something different, and times I wanted to yell at Jess to stop and read between the lines.
The story was fast moving most of the time. Even though I knew it wasn't right for Seth and Jess to be together, there were times when I thought they should be together all the time and times when I knew they had to be separate.
Thank you Dana for the opportunity to read this fantastic book. Can't wait to read more of your adventures.
Profile Image for Paula Legate.
Author 17 books25 followers
February 20, 2021
This was an amazing book with one of the best epilogue’s I’ve ever read. When you read a book there are always parts that you wished would be resolved, or have a better ending. This author left no stone un turned, so to speak. The ending made me tear up. Glad my husband wasn’t home. He would have laughed at me while I got all emotional. The action and suspense were intense. It seemed like as soon as Jess and Seth got a moment to catch their breath and rest, they were under attack again. This book is going on my list of favorites.
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