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Hunters Ridge #1
Plain Obsession
Staying safe in Amish country shouldn’t be this hard.
When a close friend is murdered in her NYC apartment, Violet Jackson fears the worst—her childhood stalker has returned. But there’s no evidence she had a stalker, then or now, and no one believes her. Plagued by panic attacks, Violet returns to her mother’s country estate in Hunters Ridge, a quiet Amish community, where she had found her center years earlier.
Bad boy Theo Cooper got the discipline he needed in the army and a dose of reality when his dad got sick. Now, back in Hunters Ridge, he’s running the family’s lumberyard and stepping up to be a father to his young son.
When Violet shows up in Hunters Ridge, Theo can’t believe his good fortune. He always regretted how their budding romance in high school—however unlikely—had imploded the night of senior prom. But Violet’s not interested in romance. She’s determined to get over her anxiety and return to her life in New York. When Violet becomes the target of an apparent stalker, Theo’s protective instincts make him determined to defend the woman he’s beginning to love, even if it means risking the life he’s built in Hunters Ridge—and his carefully guarded heart.
When a close friend is murdered in her NYC apartment, Violet Jackson fears the worst—her childhood stalker has returned. But there’s no evidence she had a stalker, then or now, and no one believes her. Plagued by panic attacks, Violet returns to her mother’s country estate in Hunters Ridge, a quiet Amish community, where she had found her center years earlier.
Bad boy Theo Cooper got the discipline he needed in the army and a dose of reality when his dad got sick. Now, back in Hunters Ridge, he’s running the family’s lumberyard and stepping up to be a father to his young son.
When Violet shows up in Hunters Ridge, Theo can’t believe his good fortune. He always regretted how their budding romance in high school—however unlikely—had imploded the night of senior prom. But Violet’s not interested in romance. She’s determined to get over her anxiety and return to her life in New York. When Violet becomes the target of an apparent stalker, Theo’s protective instincts make him determined to defend the woman he’s beginning to love, even if it means risking the life he’s built in Hunters Ridge—and his carefully guarded heart.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2017
1139 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Alison Stone
43 books171 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 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 8, 2024
This was a good book! I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
June 6, 2021
I just finished an Amish suspense novel called Plain Obsession, Hunter Ridge book 1, by Alison Stone. Violet Jackson came to stay in Hunter Ridge at her mother’s country estate, after her best friend, a former Amish girl, was murdered in her apartment in New York. She lived in this peaceful Amish community as a teenager after a frightening encounter with a stalker in NY started causing her to have panic attacks. She thinks the stalker has returned and killed her Amish friend by accident. She takes a part time job working for Theo Cooper, who runs the local lumber company in the community. She hopes her panic attacks will subside in this peaceful community. But she’s very wrong. I recommend this suspense novel to those who enjoy these type of books. The Amish background is minimal since most of the main characters are Englisch.
June 16, 2017
I liked the suspense, the interaction between the characters and the setting.
The book had it's twists and turns and the ending was unexpected.
I recommend this book to those that like romantic suspense.
The book had it's twists and turns and the ending was unexpected.
I recommend this book to those that like romantic suspense.
April 22, 2020
Predictable
Cute. Fast read. Nothing out of the ordinary. Set up for sequels. I did like the characters. The author could have dug a little deeper and given the characters some depth.
Cute. Fast read. Nothing out of the ordinary. Set up for sequels. I did like the characters. The author could have dug a little deeper and given the characters some depth.
October 14, 2019
Good story, well written
This one is peripherally about the Amish, more like loving around them than the Amish themselves.
The daughter of a celebrity had started feeling like she was being stalked as a teen. Her mother had bought a fancy house in a rural area, hard by an Amish community. The feeling seemed to pass while she was there. She had finished high school, thennhad taken a job with her mother's corporation in New York. When she went, an Amish girl, who had taken a job at the fancy house, had decided to leave the Anish. The girl helped her get her GED & she also worked in her friend's mother's corporation.
The story starts after she comes home to find her friend's body in their apartment...she has been brutally murdered. The anxiety attacks ahead had as a kid return. Her mother has never had any patience with her onnthe panic attack issues, believing they're a sign of weakness. She retreats back to the house where she spent her teen years, first stopping at her friend's family home, trying to reach out to them.& express her sorrow & sympathy, but she is rebuffed & threatened. A series of events leads her to accept a position straightening out the books for aa small business now run by the owner's son, a high school troublemaker who went into the military & had planned to make it a career, but changes his mind when his dad & his son needed him so badly. His cousin handles sales & he comes up with designs for building ack yard wooden play sets for kids. They start up their relationship again. She is attacked multiple times. The source of the attacks seems to be resolved, & the ex military single dad proposes & she accepts, having fallen not just for the man, but for his 5 year old son. There is an arrest in the case of her friend's murder. The real source if the attacks on the young CPA has been found & there seems to have been an end to the issues. The end.
There is a sample chapter from the 2md book of the series that hints at more difficulties to come for the happy couple.
The suspense is well done. There is a lit of misdirection before they find the culprits. You can almost feel the panic attacks the young female CPA has been having...the sense of being watched...the fear of an unknown assailant in thebshadows...the anger of the Amish family towards the young woman. You can also feel the love of the caretakers of the large house, the affection of the little boy, his feelings about his mom, his love for his dad.
It's a good read & makes me want to spend the money to read the next 2 books in the series.
This one is peripherally about the Amish, more like loving around them than the Amish themselves.
The daughter of a celebrity had started feeling like she was being stalked as a teen. Her mother had bought a fancy house in a rural area, hard by an Amish community. The feeling seemed to pass while she was there. She had finished high school, thennhad taken a job with her mother's corporation in New York. When she went, an Amish girl, who had taken a job at the fancy house, had decided to leave the Anish. The girl helped her get her GED & she also worked in her friend's mother's corporation.
The story starts after she comes home to find her friend's body in their apartment...she has been brutally murdered. The anxiety attacks ahead had as a kid return. Her mother has never had any patience with her onnthe panic attack issues, believing they're a sign of weakness. She retreats back to the house where she spent her teen years, first stopping at her friend's family home, trying to reach out to them.& express her sorrow & sympathy, but she is rebuffed & threatened. A series of events leads her to accept a position straightening out the books for aa small business now run by the owner's son, a high school troublemaker who went into the military & had planned to make it a career, but changes his mind when his dad & his son needed him so badly. His cousin handles sales & he comes up with designs for building ack yard wooden play sets for kids. They start up their relationship again. She is attacked multiple times. The source of the attacks seems to be resolved, & the ex military single dad proposes & she accepts, having fallen not just for the man, but for his 5 year old son. There is an arrest in the case of her friend's murder. The real source if the attacks on the young CPA has been found & there seems to have been an end to the issues. The end.
There is a sample chapter from the 2md book of the series that hints at more difficulties to come for the happy couple.
The suspense is well done. There is a lit of misdirection before they find the culprits. You can almost feel the panic attacks the young female CPA has been having...the sense of being watched...the fear of an unknown assailant in thebshadows...the anger of the Amish family towards the young woman. You can also feel the love of the caretakers of the large house, the affection of the little boy, his feelings about his mom, his love for his dad.
It's a good read & makes me want to spend the money to read the next 2 books in the series.
July 14, 2024
Clean story with an element of faith. Characters are likable, there just aren’t many of them, and most are not fully developed. That may be part of why this story is so predictable. I had the entire plot figured out from the first chapter, including who the main culprit was and why. You can see everything coming, including the surprises. The ending is fine, until the epilogue is added and then I was just annoyed. I saw that coming too, but I’m not interested in following that plot line. Let it end. These characters will have enough drama to deal with, and there wasn’t enough depth to the story to warrant the continuation of that plot. There are also some logic leaps which got in the way. It’s lazy writing to force things to happen in a way that isn’t likely. Example is the final conflict scene. There is no reason to think the culprit would have known of that arrangement in time to plan for it. The reader is left to fill in the blanks of conversations that should have happened, but didn’t. Without spoiling the story, another suspect seemed to be trying to confess and warn, but wasn’t given the chance, and the author never came back to that. There are some holes in this story.
December 12, 2019
Good story
Plain Obsession is the first book in the Hunter’s Ridge series.
This is my first Alison Stone book.
Violet is back in Hunter’s Ridge. Her friend Abby was murdered in her apartment and Violet is having severe anxiety attacks again. She has had recurrent attacks ( she felt like she was being stalked) since she was a teen growing up in Hunter’s Ridge. When she left they got better until Abby was murdered. Did someone actually plan to murder her and not Abby? Maybe Hunter’s Ridge would bring her peace. She gets a temporary job with Theo at his lumber company to straighten out the company books. She and Theo used to date in high school but he had hurt her through a callous remark. The first day in Hunters Ridge, someone puts four nails in her tire while interviewing. Several more incidents occur making her feel like someone is still stalking her again , Abby’s murderer or is it someone in Hunters Ridge? Can Theo help her find the answers?
It was a quick read. It held my attention. The plot was good and the characters interesting.
Plain Obsession is the first book in the Hunter’s Ridge series.
This is my first Alison Stone book.
Violet is back in Hunter’s Ridge. Her friend Abby was murdered in her apartment and Violet is having severe anxiety attacks again. She has had recurrent attacks ( she felt like she was being stalked) since she was a teen growing up in Hunter’s Ridge. When she left they got better until Abby was murdered. Did someone actually plan to murder her and not Abby? Maybe Hunter’s Ridge would bring her peace. She gets a temporary job with Theo at his lumber company to straighten out the company books. She and Theo used to date in high school but he had hurt her through a callous remark. The first day in Hunters Ridge, someone puts four nails in her tire while interviewing. Several more incidents occur making her feel like someone is still stalking her again , Abby’s murderer or is it someone in Hunters Ridge? Can Theo help her find the answers?
It was a quick read. It held my attention. The plot was good and the characters interesting.
August 9, 2022
Plain Obsession is the first book written by Alison Stone in her series Hunters Ridge. This book looks to be the start of an amazing series. The characters are absolutely perfect to tell this story. The storyline never leaves the reader bored. This action packed story is filled with many unspeakable crimes. When Violet returns to her teenage home in Hunters Ridge she believes she is there for a short healing time after her best friend Abby was murdered in her New York apartment. Thinking she left a stalker behind she is looking forward to getting her panic attacks under control but little did she realize there is a different stalker after her. The mystery that unfolds throughout this story will definitely keep the reader turning pages.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful mystery that I can highly recommend to others. I look forward to book two in this series.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful mystery that I can highly recommend to others. I look forward to book two in this series.
September 21, 2024
It looks like this is an Amish book, but any Amish person is peripheral. All the main characters are Englishers, as they would say. It’s just based in an Amish area.
I had so skip so much. Example: Near the end Violet stopped looking at the accounting books to go talk to someone because information was missing. She drove to the house, found out it was someone’s birthday, stayed for dinner, dessert, etc, never did talk with the person she meant to, then left with a promise to go snowshoeing the next day. Page fillers.
Near the end, and this is so typical I rolled my eyes, I can’t tell you how many books I’ve read that have that exact same scenario!
Anyway, the story was okay, it’s just the execution was that was off. Plus it’s sort of a cliff hanger. Another book is necessary to find out who the killer is. Ugh!
😑
I had so skip so much. Example: Near the end Violet stopped looking at the accounting books to go talk to someone because information was missing. She drove to the house, found out it was someone’s birthday, stayed for dinner, dessert, etc, never did talk with the person she meant to, then left with a promise to go snowshoeing the next day. Page fillers.
Near the end, and this is so typical I rolled my eyes, I can’t tell you how many books I’ve read that have that exact same scenario!
Anyway, the story was okay, it’s just the execution was that was off. Plus it’s sort of a cliff hanger. Another book is necessary to find out who the killer is. Ugh!
😑
June 13, 2017
Apprezzando questa autrice, mi sono subito precipitata a comprare questo libro, che inizia una nuova serie ambientata in un paese per metà Amish.
Il libro si legge bene, la parte in cui si racconta come la protagonista affronta le sue crisi di panico è buona, come anche la storia gialla, sebbene abbia diffidato del personaggio risultato poi colpevole non appena è apparso sulla scena. Sono rimasta un po' delusa dalla storia d'amore: non so se è perché ho finito il libro stanotte, quando non riuscivo a dormire, ma si passa dal "siamo attratti uno dall'altra, ma non possiamo stare insieme" al "fidanziamoci" senza alcun passaggio di spiegazione nel mezzo... Insomma, mi sembra poco credibile...
Infine, dalle ultime pagine si deduce che non tutto è stato spiegato e si rimanda il tutto al libro successivo. Non mi piace molto quando succede questo!
Il libro si legge bene, la parte in cui si racconta come la protagonista affronta le sue crisi di panico è buona, come anche la storia gialla, sebbene abbia diffidato del personaggio risultato poi colpevole non appena è apparso sulla scena. Sono rimasta un po' delusa dalla storia d'amore: non so se è perché ho finito il libro stanotte, quando non riuscivo a dormire, ma si passa dal "siamo attratti uno dall'altra, ma non possiamo stare insieme" al "fidanziamoci" senza alcun passaggio di spiegazione nel mezzo... Insomma, mi sembra poco credibile...
Infine, dalle ultime pagine si deduce che non tutto è stato spiegato e si rimanda il tutto al libro successivo. Non mi piace molto quando succede questo!
September 24, 2020
A mystery romance read combined with cheese platter, glass of red, and some choc is the perfect night in for me. And so it has turned out to be tonight. Plain Obsession is a delightful comfort read for me; a sweet romance, interesting mystery, and suspenful ending. The mystery wasn't that difficult to see through, tbh, but I still really enjoyed this read because it fits well within my comfort read and surprises aren't necessary. The characters are easily likeable and it was just so easy to cheer for them and feel that they're my lovely friends. I'm definitely reading the rest of the trilogy to find out how this ends.
November 7, 2017
Alison Stone is a new-to-me author who really knows how to immediately grab the reader with a story combining all the elements that make up a great novel! Suspense, a swoon-worthy hero, a vulnerable but strong heroine, and an adorable little boy, all make 'Plain Obsession' a wonderful can't put down read. I figured out who-dun-it early on, but was not counting on another perpetrator...who will apparently make his presence more known in Book 2. A snowy-filled, scenic small town makes this a perfect read for this time of year! Looking forward to the next book in this series!
July 4, 2024
just ok
I did read it all. Even though I’ve suffered from anxiety and fear mine was never like Violet’s. It got old reading about her fear so I finally just started skipping parts.
Overall the book was interesting and I could enjoy it, but it was disappointing that there was no real belief in God or change in her life due to faith or Gods influence.
This was a quick read and just ok.
I did read it all. Even though I’ve suffered from anxiety and fear mine was never like Violet’s. It got old reading about her fear so I finally just started skipping parts.
Overall the book was interesting and I could enjoy it, but it was disappointing that there was no real belief in God or change in her life due to faith or Gods influence.
This was a quick read and just ok.
February 22, 2025
It was the second book written by Alicyn Stone. She definitely appeals to my reading style. I have a sincere fascination of the Amish culture and I enjoy the story line that she chooses to write about. Romance, mystery and her books are tastefully written. There are several more in the series so it looks like I will be reading more by her. A feel good yet hmmmm…. Type of book. I also like the book to draw me in where I am able to feel like I know them. Good read!
July 27, 2024
The Stalker Of Hunter's Ridge
This was a very well written and highly suspenseful story. It was more of a romance/mystery tale with just a pinch of "Amish" thrown in. Once you start it you won't be able to put it down. It's highly addictive. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it! I can't wait to read the next one.
This was a very well written and highly suspenseful story. It was more of a romance/mystery tale with just a pinch of "Amish" thrown in. Once you start it you won't be able to put it down. It's highly addictive. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it! I can't wait to read the next one.
August 20, 2024
Great suspense/mystery. Surprised at who was after Violet when that was revealed in the story. Anxiety is a real medical problem but Violet learning to deal with it without pills was inspiring in the story. Loved the relationship between Theo and Liam with Violet. She needed someone to stick up for her and love her after the home life with her mom was not so good.
June 24, 2017
Great book
I loved this book, very fast paced and very intriguing. Was Violet ever going to get her nerves under control? Was she ever going to have peace about her best friend being killed?
I loved this book, very fast paced and very intriguing. Was Violet ever going to get her nerves under control? Was she ever going to have peace about her best friend being killed?
August 16, 2017
Can you escape from yourself?
Her best friend is murdered, Violet needs to find a way to keep anxiety and panic attacks at bay but situations keep coming to keep her from finding peace.
Her best friend is murdered, Violet needs to find a way to keep anxiety and panic attacks at bay but situations keep coming to keep her from finding peace.
August 30, 2017
Plain Obsession
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a page-turner that would keep him/her sitting on the edge of his/her seat. Allison Stone is a relatively new author to me and is rapidly turning out to be a favorite.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a page-turner that would keep him/her sitting on the edge of his/her seat. Allison Stone is a relatively new author to me and is rapidly turning out to be a favorite.
September 25, 2017
Awesome
Plain Obsession is an awesome suspense/romance. The book is well written with a good plot that kept me guessing. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy a good suspense. I highly anticipate the next book in the series.
Plain Obsession is an awesome suspense/romance. The book is well written with a good plot that kept me guessing. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy a good suspense. I highly anticipate the next book in the series.
January 2, 2021
Romantic story. Unknown assailant stalking her. Christian values.
I have already downloaded next in series. Mystery continues into book 2. Look forward to captured stalker and wedding of Violet and Theo.
I have already downloaded next in series. Mystery continues into book 2. Look forward to captured stalker and wedding of Violet and Theo.
June 7, 2021
No ObSession Here
Ok as mysteries go. Certainly not a book to read if you like books about the Amish. Not one of the main characters is Amish, and the Amish have little place in this book. Seemed like the ending was rushed to wrap up the details.
Ok as mysteries go. Certainly not a book to read if you like books about the Amish. Not one of the main characters is Amish, and the Amish have little place in this book. Seemed like the ending was rushed to wrap up the details.
July 30, 2021
Plain Obsession
Wow! I flew through this book! It was excellent. I love a good mystery. The characters are well developed and engaging. Liam is precious. I don't want to give anything away, but wow what an ending! Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Wow! I flew through this book! It was excellent. I love a good mystery. The characters are well developed and engaging. Liam is precious. I don't want to give anything away, but wow what an ending! Looking forward to the next book in this series.
August 21, 2021
On the edge
I loved this book because it kept throwing in more excitement. I couldn’t put it down even to go to sleep. The writer sure knows how to keep you guessing. It kept me on the edge all the way through!
I loved this book because it kept throwing in more excitement. I couldn’t put it down even to go to sleep. The writer sure knows how to keep you guessing. It kept me on the edge all the way through!
December 28, 2021
A real great read
This is a great read that I would recommend to people of all ages. I love the suspense aspect of this story. This is a clean read with an interesting twist at the end and I cannot wait to read the next one.
This is a great read that I would recommend to people of all ages. I love the suspense aspect of this story. This is a clean read with an interesting twist at the end and I cannot wait to read the next one.
January 4, 2023
A different read for me
This was a surprise, Although it is an Amish romance novel, it is full of suspense and lots of drama. It is rated 5 stars because of the details and is able to hold ones attention. Will definitely read book 2 because there is more to this story.
This was a surprise, Although it is an Amish romance novel, it is full of suspense and lots of drama. It is rated 5 stars because of the details and is able to hold ones attention. Will definitely read book 2 because there is more to this story.
July 4, 2024
Good book
Fast paced, twists and turns. By ha!f way I thought I had the killer figured out but was surprised when it w as nearly the end it wasn't him! Love books like this. Spiritual parts were not many but good.
Fast paced, twists and turns. By ha!f way I thought I had the killer figured out but was surprised when it w as nearly the end it wasn't him! Love books like this. Spiritual parts were not many but good.
July 9, 2024
violet lives in nyc now but someone killed her friend in her apartment and she goes back to hunters ridge to try and get her panic attack under control. there is sees her first crush theo but does not want to trust him. this is a well written suspense story. very good
July 30, 2024
Suspense
This great story loaded with suspense had me on the edge of my seat and guessing all the way up to the very end. The romance that was blended in added just the right touch, and the pacing was perfect. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
This great story loaded with suspense had me on the edge of my seat and guessing all the way up to the very end. The romance that was blended in added just the right touch, and the pacing was perfect. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
August 23, 2024
Stalkers
I did like the book, but I would not classify it as an Amish book, per se, since the main characters weren't Amish. So, that was disappointing since I was wanting to read an Amish Love Story. Otherwise, it had good characters and plot.
I did like the book, but I would not classify it as an Amish book, per se, since the main characters weren't Amish. So, that was disappointing since I was wanting to read an Amish Love Story. Otherwise, it had good characters and plot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews