Amish Outsider

River Haven #1

by Marta Perry

The Amish of River Haven offer sanctuary and solace…even to those with a dangerous past.In the wake of his estranged wife’s murder, widower Michael Forster returns to the Amish community he’d left as a teen. He wants a fresh start for himself and his daughter, Allie, away from those who still believe he’s guilty. In River Haven, a quieter life seems possible. If only Allie’s Amish schoolteacher, Catherine Brandt, was easier to ignore.A problem solver by nature, Cathy can tell Allie’s withdrawn demeanor isn’t due to shyness. But getting through to Allie also means breaching her father’s hardened defenses. What starts as persistence soon grows into an attraction neither Cathy nor Michael saw coming. When the past suddenly threatens both his daughter and the woman he loves, Michael must risk everything to save them.

Genres: Amish, Amish Fiction, Mystery, Christian Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2019

About the author

Marta Perry is a Pennsylvania-based author of over 35 novels, many of them inspirational romances. She uses her rural Pennsylvania life and her Pennsylvania Dutch heritage in writing her books, especially in her Pleasant Valley Amish series for Berkley Books and her new Amish-set suspense series for HQN Books.

Marta and her husband live in a centuries-old farmhouse in a quiet central Pennsylvania valley. They have three grown children and six beautiful grandchildren, and when she's not busy writing her next book, she's usually trying to keep up with her gardening, baking for church events, or visiting those beautiful grandkids.

Reviews

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amish Outsider is a compelling novel. I thought the book was well-written and it proceeded at a steady pace. Amish Outsider is different from other Amish novels. There is mystery, suspense, family, friendships and romance. I liked getting to know the residents of River Haven. Stubbornness seems to run in the Forster family. Michael left home as a teenager with Diana and has been living as an Englischer. He was running a successful construction company until his wife died and the legal bills crippled him financially. Diana was unhappy with their life which ended up with the pair becoming separated. Michael did not kill his wife, but he is unable to convince the police of his innocence. Michael wants a safe place for his daughter, Allie and he hopes it is in River Haven with his Amish family. Aunt Verna and Sarah provided levity with their schemes to help their family. Family is important as we see in Amish Outsider and they stick together which I found endearing. I like how the community came together to help when one of their own was in need and to support a good cause. I delighted in the unpredictability of an Amish Outsider. You never knew what would happen next. The scary incidents were suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. The tension builds as the story progressed in this page turner. There are several suspects in Diana’s murder with good clues. One of the phrases that stuck with me from Amish Outsider is “Evil can be anywhere. But peace is inside us.” Marta Perry has outdone herself with the absorbing and suspenseful Amish Outsider.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

My sketch…
Michael Forster, who has been living as an Englisher, & his daughter return to the Amish community in River Haven after his estranged wife’s murder. While not charged, there are those who believe he is guilty. Hoping for a quiet life & restoration of his little daughter to a happy child, he goes back to his Amish roots. Thankfully, Teacher Cathy is able to gain little Allie’s confidence. But the past threatens everything and everyone including Allie and Cathy.

My review…
I really enjoy Marta Perry’s Amish mysteries. They always have a uniqueness to them that makes for an enjoyable read. And Amish Outsider doesn’t disappoint. Michael like other Amish youths during rumspringa leaves his Amish community in River Haven along with the young woman who would become his wife. But she wants more … and more … and eventually the couple lives apart.

Little Allie is sad and withdrawn and it breaks her Daddy’s heart. So Michael returns to River Haven. His family opens their home and hearts to them but it is Teacher Cathy that breaks the wall around little Allie.

Not everyone is happy to see Michael back — remember, his wife was from River Haven too. And the mystery doesn’t stop there. You can imagine the Amish gossip machine is active. And since Michael did not murder his wife … the murderer is still out there.

The plot is nicely developed along with the characters. You love Allie’s cousin, Ruthie. She is a charmer. And Aunt Verna. Of course, there are characters not nearly so nice. Sometimes it is just good to read a book where the pacing just moves along. Sorta like taking a stroll which is not the same as a walk for the exercise.

I loved a word Marta used — schnickelfritz — I heard that word growing up.
Some wisdom is imparted in a single sentence. The book begins with an Amish proverb — “Death isn’t the greatest loss in life. It’s what dies inside of us while we still live."

I enjoyed Amish Outsider. I think you will too.

#AmishOutsider #MartaPerry

Title: Amish Outsider
Series: River Haven, Book 1 of 3
Author: Marta Perry
Genre: Amish
Publisher: HQN Books
Release Date: June 18, 2019
Format: Kindle (read), Audiobook, Mass Market Paperback, Audio CD
Pages: 316
Source: Purchased

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Perry did a phenomenal job with this book. I am loving this new series. There's plenty of suspense in the Amish community so I hope readers will give this one a try.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amish Outsider


Marta Perry



Marta Perry has always been a favorite author of mine and her latest novel, AMISH OUTSIDER is exactly why I am a huge fan. AMISH OUTSIDER takes place in Amish country, but the main character, Michael Forster is now living as an Englisher. He has come back to his hometown of River Haven, with his young daughter, Allie after the death of his wife, Diana. Michael decides to put Allie in to the Amish school there and that is where he meets Cathy, the teacher and she is instantly taken with Allie and wants to help her overcome her shyness.



AMISH OUTSIDER is the first book in the River Haven series. I always have such a good time reading Marta Perry’s Amish stories. She brings these communities to life and I learn something new about the Amish each time I read one of her books. I really enjoy how the Englisch and the Amish work together respectfully, both professionally and personally. Their differences can cause obstacles so I enjoy reading how the Amish keep their faith strong within constant temptation. AMISH OUTSIDER is filled with mystery, family, suspense, family, friendship, and even some romance. Michael is still a suspect in his wife's death so when he moves back to River Haven, trouble follows him. Some believe he had something to do with Diana's death and some believe him when he says it wasn't him.



AMISH OUTSIDER is a mystery of who done it with the twists and turns of a great page turner that I just couldn't put down. Common sense and kindness prevails when the characters are faced with adversity, but it is never so sweet that it becomes unrealistic. If you’ve read Amish stories before and have been disappointed, I think you’ll find this author’s style refreshing. Marta Perry creates a suspenseful atmosphere, and leads the reader to a variety of conclusions before revealing the true identity behind the criminal activities. She had me convinced I knew "who dunit" a few times, before leading me in yet another direction. To me that is a sign of a good mystery novel! I always look forward to reading Marta Perry novels and AMISH OUTSIDER is exactly why.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Forster , former Amish man fell in love with the beautiful Diana from the English world. She had been raised in a rich family and never wanted for much of anything. Michael decided to leave his Amish family and he and Diana ran off together and got married. Before long the couple found out that love didn't buy everything Diana was used to having.
Diana and Michael had a baby girl together. Michael worked long hours for a construction company so he could try to provide Diana with her long list of needs. This didn't allow him much time to spend with his daughter Allie. As time went on Diana made a lot of friends that she spent more time with than she did her husband. Before long she asked Michael to leave and served him with divorce papers. Wanting to work things out and try to save his marriage Michael went to pay Diana a visit hoping to talk her out of the divorce. That's when he found her dead at the foot of the basement steps!
Police and investigators strongly suspected Michael to be her killer. Without enough evidence to prove him guilty of her murder Michael is released from Prison. In Michael's heart he knows that the real killer is on the loose . Will he strike out again? Michael takes Allie and seeks refuge with his Amish family in River Haven. His goal is to clear himself and find the real killer.
I loved this story because it was unpredictable and kept me in goosebumps every time something unexpectedly happened . I figured there was at least two or three people that could have killed Diana. Not Everyone that Michael trusted was worthy of his trust. At times I found the story to be very scary, which kept my attention to the very end of the book.
All readers of Cozy Mysteries , Amish fiction or fans of Marta Perry will love Amish Outsider. I highly recommend it .
I received an Arc copy of Amish Outsider from a giveaway that the author had. The book will be released on June 18, 2019. I was not asked to do a positive review. All opinions shared here are my own.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible start to a new Amish series by Marta Perry. I love this author and the way she messes with my emotions! Amish Outsider grabbed a fistful of my heart and shook me to the core. I hated the way some of the characters in this book treated Michael. I agonized over his feeling of being on the outside looking in. And his desire to do the best for his daughter even though he felt inept was my undoing.

Teacher Cathy's penchant for problem-solving on behalf of her students has her plunging headlong into Michael Forester's troubled world. He's remote and stubborn and surly and infuriating. But she sees through that facade to the hurting man struggling to make things right. Only the past won't leave him alone. And pretty soon Cathy is caught up in intrigue and danger.

Relatable struggles and the desperate hope of a chance at something new and fresh and blessed by God make this the kind of romance that spins me into a blissful tizzy. And the mystery percolating in the background all sinister and conniving just makes the HEA all the sweeter in the end.

Perry has created a captivating new Amish community with the perfect compliment of positives and negatives. Complicated families, enduring friendships wrapped up in the foundations of faith. Really excited to continue with the rest of this series though I'm gloomy despondent over the fact that the next one doesn't release until spring 2020!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the mysterious death of his wife Michael with young daughter Allie return to the Amish community he was raised in. As the police still search for his wife's killer in the city he and Allie settle into the community, school and work. The tension in this story slowly builds the way it should in a mystery. With lots going on it's a page turner. Michael deals with Amish community's opinions and the police's opinions keeping your you guess who the real killer is. This is the first book in the series, I've already added the future books to my list.

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been a bit since I’ve read Marta Perry and An Amish Outsider made me wonder why? I was riveted the entire time and was blown away when the killer was revealed.

An Amish Outsider is the perfect read for fans of Amish mysteries, romances, and fiction. You have a little of everything in this gem of a read.

I received a complimentary copy from Harlequin through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

[Lee McClain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book! It gives you the escape to a simpler place that is why we turn to Amish romance, but it also has strong characters and a suspense storyline that keeps the pages turning. I'm a big fan of Marta Perry's books, and she's outdone herself with this one. So glad it's the start of a series!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amish Outsider by Marta Perry
(River Haven)
The Amish of River Haven offer sanctuary and solace…even to those with a dangerous past.
In the wake of his estranged wife’s murder, widower Michael Forster returns to the Amish community he’d left as a teen. He wants a fresh start for himself and his daughter, Allie, away from those who still believe he’s guilty. In River Haven, a quieter life seems possible. If only Allie’s Amish schoolteacher, Catherine Brandt, was easier to ignore.
A problem solver by nature, Cathy can tell Allie’s withdrawn demeanor isn’t due to shyness. But getting through to Allie also means breaching her father’s hardened defenses. What starts as persistence soon grows into an attraction neither Cathy nor Michael saw coming. When the past suddenly threatens both his daughter and the woman he loves, Michael must risk everything to save them.
this is Catherine Brandt and Michael Forster's story.
Michael Forster and Allie his daughter.
Michael Forster his Aunt Verna.
Michael Forster his sister Sarah.
Sarah...he still saw his lively, mischievous, pesky little sister behind the facade of the Amish matron able to serve an immense meal, correct the four-year-old twins’ table manners, feed the baby and take part in the conversation at the same time. In comparison, her husband, Lige, was soft-spoken, slow and steady in his movements, able to quiet his sons with a glance and share a look of love and harmony with Sarah that sent a sharp stab of regret through Michael’s heart. That was what he and Diana should have had.
THE SIGN AT the edge of town was new since he’d been here last. Welcome to River Haven. Michael Forster could only hope the welcome was genuine and that River Haven would prove to be a haven for a man who’d lost everything.
No, not everything. A glance in the rearview mirror showed him Allie, sitting very quietly and looking out the window beside her as the small town came into view. Too quietly for an eight-year-old?
Allie had never been a talkative child—at least not with him. How could she have been? He’d left for work before she was up in the morning, and arrived home, dead tired, just when she was going to bed. On weekends Diana wanted to socialize with her new friends, not spend yet more time with their child.
Aunt Verna, eyes sparkling with tears in spite of her broad smile, swept him into a hug. “So. At last you come home to us.”
The words were spoken in Pennsylvania Dutch, and to his surprise his mind switched easily back into that mode.
But he couldn’t let that happen. “Englisch, please.” He planted a kiss on Verna’s cheek, rosy and wrinkled like a dried apple. “This is Allie.” He drew her forward, but she clung to his side. “She doesn’t know the dialect.”
Sarah...he still saw his lively, mischievous, pesky little sister behind the facade of the Amish matron able to serve an immense meal, correct the four-year-old twins’ table manners, feed the baby and take part in the conversation at the same time. In comparison, her husband, Lige, was soft-spoken, slow and steady in his movements, able to quiet his sons with a glance and share a look of love and harmony with Sarah that sent a sharp stab of regret through Michael’s heart. That was what he and Diana should have had.
“This is Ruthie, my oldest.” She nodded to the little girl next to her. “Ruthie, this is Onkel Michael. And that’s Cousin Allie. She’s just your age, so you can be her special friend.”
I am looking forward to reading more books by Marta Perry.
Amish Outsider by Marta Perry is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I highly recommend reading.
more books by Marta Perry.
The Promised Amish Bride
(Brides of Lost Creek)
The Wedding Quilt Bride / Anna's Forgotten Fiance
When Secrets Strike / House of Secrets
Amish Outsider
(River Haven, book 1)
A Christmas Home
(Promise Glen, book 1)
An Amish Family Christmas / Amish Triplets for Christmas
Amish Protector
(River Haven, book 2)
Brides of Lost Creek
2. The Wedding Quilt Bride
Second Chance Amish Bride
The Promised Amish Bride

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fabric of Amish life was woven so tightly that what touched it affected all. Declaring that this trouble was his alone would be seen as pride, in an oddly inverted way.

Michael Forster has come back to his Amish home of River Haven after the murder of his wife. He is left alone with his daughter Allie and the pain of who killed his wife Diana. Their marriage was faulty as they had both run away from the Amish life style to a more materialistic life style. But that life style only brought pain to them both. When Michael found his wife lying dead at the bottom of the stairs of their home, his life changed once again.

Coming back home River Haven, he is staying with Aunt and her husband. They have welcomed both Michael and his daughter Allie with open arms. Allie has been withdrawn since the death of her mother and Michael is looking to bring stability to his little girl. Allie is taken with the Amish life style and starts school at the Amish school with Teacher Cathy as her teacher. Cathy is drawn to Allie and it naturally plays out that she is also drawn to Michael. She longs to see both father and daughter healed but before any healing can occur, Michael must make amends to his father and find out out who killed his wife.

The story is driven by trust and faith. Each of the main characters learn this lesson well. From Allie to Cathy, each must learn the value of putting their faith and trust in God's care. What that looks like is different for each one as they both must overcome their fear to love. The steps are small but the reward is great! Enjoyed this one.

A Special Thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Kelly Tyree · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Amish Outsider is an Amish book that contains romance, suspense and a bit of action. I really enjoyed it and found myself having a hard time putting it down.

Michael Forster returns to the Amish community he left as a young man. Now he returns with his daughter, Allie, and is a suspect in his wife's murder. He knows suspicion follows him but he needs to take care of his daughter and start over. He goes to the home of his aunt who runs a greenhouse. With the help of his family and the community, he begins to realize that the people he left, still care about him and are people he can trust.

Catherine Brandt is the school teacher in their Amish community. She welcomes Allie into school and the two develop a special bond. As Cathy and Michael work together to draw Allie out and help her adjust to their community, attraction and trust grows between them. When one of the greenhouses is vandalized, Michael knows he has brought trouble with him. Yet the community bands together and repairs the damage.

Cathy begins to have strange things happen to her and has to involve the police. Soon, suspicion is cast upon her from the community due to her friendship with Michael and Allie. Yet Cathy would not change anything she has done. Michael cares for Cathy but can he involve her in the mess he is in and can the police chief find the person who murdered Michael's wife so that he can move on?

The book answers those questions and does so in a way that keeps the reader engaged. I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[June Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have ready many Amish romances written by Marta Perry, but this is the first 'romantic suspense' novel I have read by this talented author. I really enjoyed this story.

The main characters in this story are multi-layered and realistic. I especially 'bonded' with the female lead, Cathy. She is the teacher at the River Haven Amish school, and she truly has the heart of a teacher. She is loving, kind, compassionate, and concerned about her students. She is dedicated to their well-being and success. I enjoyed this character very much.

The other characters in this book, even the villains, come alive on the page. The suspense and mystery elements of the story are fast-paced and effective. In one scene I found myself holding my breath for the fear the characters felt!

The community of River Haven is well-rounded with the inclusion of the good-hearted, kind people and some not-so-kind others. I felt he inclusion of several non-Amish characters enriched the story as well.

Highly-recommended for fans of Amish/Christian/clean romance and suspense.

I borrowed this paperback from the local public library.

**This book is completely clean in language and content. :0}

###############

[Heather 123 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this unique twist on an Amish romance. The "bad guy" was well hidden throughout the story, though not to the point where it was unbelievable once revealed.

I loved the relationship between Allie and Cathy.

I wish we had seen more of how Allie adapted to life in the Amish community. The author portrays this as a quick and easy transition, but I just don't see that as realistic for a child her age. She doesn't ask questions about why there's no electricity, why clothes are worn the way they are, why there is no TV, etc. A young child, even grief stricken, would still ask questions and have some struggles adapting away from the modern world.

** ARC received from Netgalley **

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid 4 stars.
This is an exceedingly well-written book and the first in a new series. The characters and plot is very different from most Amish books which I much appreciated. The ending was to be expected and a bit trite but good enough. I really enjoyed getting to know the residents in this book. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
I imagine that a great many people will enjoy this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

[Maija · Rating 5 out of 5]

After his wife’s murder, and he under suspicion, Michael Forster is in search of a new life for he and his daughter, Allie. As he meets, and gets to know Allie’s new Amish teacher, Catherine, will he be able to protect his heart, and keep his daughter and loved ones safe from a lurking evil? Finding his way back to his Amish faith, Michael finds love, forgiveness, and a happiness he never knew that he deserved. Reading this novel, I found myself reminiscent of why I love reading, and why I love Marta Perry’s story telling abilities.

[Dsbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how this author shows the relationships in the Amish families, especially when dealing with different generations. This story deals with the emotions between families when a member leaves the Amish and then comes back years later. I really loved how the children react to each other and care for each other

[Kaki · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars! This one was cute, but it lagged a little for me in the middle. I learned a lot about Amish culture, and that brought me great joy, but boy we wrapped up all the questions real fast at the end there.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Marta Perry's Amish romances, and Amish Outsider is no exception. The story revolves around Michael, who left his Amish life behind him to run away with an Englischer, who he found murdered in their basement. He returns home with his daughter, hoping his name will be cleared. Allie, his daughter, forms a bound with Cathy, the teacher at the Amish school. I really enjoyed the mystery within the romance, and Perry really wrote this well. I'm looking forward to more in this series.

[Teri Pre · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great blend of suspense and a bit of romance.

[Donna Repsher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Marta Perry's books for years and was eager to read Amish Outsider, the first book in her new River Haven series, but I found it quite a bit different in pacing and tone than many of her previous Amish mystery series--this was quite slow moving, and although I loved meeting and learning about these characters, there were also some omissions of backstory that I wish had been present, and for those reasons, I can only give it a 4-star rating.

As the novel opens, Michael Forster and his 8-year-old daughter, Allie, are returning to his small, mostly Amish home town of River Haven, after having been gone for a decade. His wife, Diana, also born and raised in River Haven was found dead after falling (or being pushed) down the basement stairs, and, as is usually the case, the husband is always the primary suspect. We soon learn that Michael and his wife, Diana were heading toward a divorce, which isn't surprising since it seems that Diana wanted a lavish lifestyle, forcing Michael to work harder and longer hours, trying to earn enough money to give Diana what she wanted, which was never enough to suit her. Naturally, the side effect of his long work hours was they seldom saw one another and rarely communicated in any meaningful way, nor did he get to spend any meaningful time with his young daughter.

Because of the publicity and trying to keep young Allie away from the ugly accusations against him in the media, returning to peaceful River Haven, where he still had family, seemed the right solution, but returning to his Amish roots and his family, including the father who shunned him when he left isn't going to be easy--not to mention the way the Amish community felt not just about his leaving, but also that he took Diana with him when he left. The missing backstory I mentioned is that of Michael and Diana, I think few scenes from their early romantic involvement, and learning which one of them insisted on leaving the Amish community and why, would have at least elicited some sympathy for Diana's demise. From the very beginning to the very end of this novel, all we really learn about Diana firsthand is that she liked spending money, partying, and was now dead, and Allie has barely smiled or spoken since her mother's death.

When Allie meets her Amish cousin, Ruthie, they become fast friends and it was impossible not to fall in love with these adorable children. Someone else falls for Allie to, her Amish school teacher, known as Teacher Cathy, and Michael is pretty taken with Cathy's caring, her understanding of how to get through to Allie, her warmth and charm as well. While staying at the home of Michael's great Aunt Verna, Allie seems to settle in nicely, but Diana was well loved in this community, and many of its residents are not happy to have her suspected murderer among them, and there are more than a few acts of vandalism to make Michael aware of the fact that's his troubles have followed him here. Of course, there's still the question, if Michael didn't kill his wife, then who did, and why?

It's a good mystery theme but we're given no clues whatsoever as to the identity of the actual murderer, and by the time we do find out the identity of the murderer it really was oddly staged and seemed somewhat trite. While Marta Perry writes very well, I think this would have been an ideal novel in which to use dual narration, so we get the killer's perspective and get to understand why he did what he did, or at least to let the reader gain some insight into his character.

What I liked best about this novel was the warmth and charm of Teacher Cathy and her slowly growing feelings for Michael and Allie. I also enjoyed seeing the way the Amish community dealt with many of the issues, rumors and vandalism that Michael and his family were victimized by. As with all of Ms. Perry's Amish novels, including this one, the sense of the peace and beauty of the environment added a great deal of atmosphere and depth o this story, as well as serving as a reminder of the deep faith, work ethic, honesty, and commitment to one another among the Amish community without ever becoming preachy. All in all, Amish Outsider is a good, if somewhat slow-moving read.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Larisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my 1st Marta Perry book and it was a warm and entertaining story. Ms. Perry is a master storyteller. You feel and experience all of the emotions with her characters, and this story had the added suspense factor, too.

I was a little surprised that these Amish characters, though they talked about God and their faith, didn't pray very often during their troubled times.

[Pam Graber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Forster returns to the Amish community of River Haven under a cloud of suspicion. His ex-wife has been murdered and the only suspect the police have is Michael. Seeking stability and sanctuary for his young daughter, Allie, he accepts his aunt Verna's hospitality.

As Michael and Allie are enfolded into their Amish family, Allie chooses Teacher Cathy as an adult confidant. While her new best friend is her cousin, Ruthie, she trusts Cathy Brandt, the teacher at the Amish school with information she hasn't even shared with her father - a possible new suspect in her mother's death. Does what Allie knows place her in a killer's sights?

A watcher at the school, vandalism at Aunt Verna's greenhouse, and a stalker chasing Cathy and Allie home seem to point toward increasing danger for the child. Can Michael keep his daughter, and the woman who is becoming more to him than he ever expected, safe from those who are most focused on keeping their own secrets from coming to light?

I always enjoy Marta Perry's books. She has a definite gift for romantic suspense, and her stories often swirl around the Amish. This one had twists I didn't see coming.

Readers of romantic suspense will enjoy this book. Although this is Amish fiction, I wouldn't necessarily call it inspirational Amish fiction. It's a bit grittier than that, but still shows the Amish commitment to faith above all. I would definitely recommend. Marta Perry's name on the cover is enough recommendation for me!

[melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have already read this book my second time reading I was getting in to and going hey I know what happens next Ha Ha.
But I love this book great story..can't wait to read more of her book's.

[Casie Kreiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amish book that's part live story and mystery..very good book

[JoAnn McGowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! The mystery, the suspense , the mix of English and amish - the love story ! It’s got it all!

[Carol Deegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Forster returns to his Amish community after he finds his estranged English wife dead and he is the primary suspect. His daughter has been traumatized and he feels this is the best place for her. This a well-written book about a simpler life and true friends, combined with romance and mystery. Throughout the book we are given clues to the killer, but the surprising ending changes everything. If you haven’t read anything written by Marta Perry, this is a good book to start with. There will be other books in the series, which I’m very much looking forward to reading.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amish Outsider combines mystery, suspense, family relationships with romance to create a very enjoyable book. I look forward to reading more in this series. The book moves at a good pace while keeping the reader guessing with the twists and turns that the author has thrown in. The conclusion will sneak up on you!

The book is about Michael Forster and his young daughter, Allie, who return to Amish community of River Haven after the death of his wife, Diana. Michael was Amish and married an English woman and left his community to live and work in the city. It was Michael who found his wife at the bottom of the stairs and police and investigators strongly suspected him to be her killer. Without enough evidence to prove him guilty of her murder Michael is released from Prison. He did not kill his wife; but he is unable to convince the police of his innocence. He hopes that living with his Amish family will be a safe place to raise his daughter while working amongst his family and that he can find the real killer and clear his name. Michael has to earn the Amish’s community’s respect as well.

Allie’s Amish school teacher, Catherine Brandt, wants to help her through her issues. But she is having a hard time with the child’s father. She is determined to get through to him and help them both. Her persistence soon grows into an attraction neither Cathy nor Michael saw coming. When the past suddenly threatens both his daughter and the woman he loves, Michael must risk everything to save them and track down a killer. …

I won an ARC of this book from a contest the author gave on Facebook. The review is strictly my own. I give this book a very strong five stars and highly recommend it to readers who enjoy Amish romances as well as those who love suspense. This book covers both of those genres.

[Zabelle]

Պատմութիւնը կարդացած ժամանակ կը մտածէի ՛եապանճօ՛ և ՛օտար՛ հասկցողութիւններու մասին: Երբ Գանատա կ՛ապրէի ես ալ կ՛ուզէի այցելել և տեսնել Ամիշներու գիւղ մը, առիթ չեղաւ: Հաւանաբար Հայաստանի մէջ իրենց ապրելակերպին ամենամօտը մալականներն են:
Վերադառնամ սփիւռքահայերու ՛օտար՛-ի հասկցողութեան. Օտարը ոչ-հայն է. և կախում չունի թէ սփիւռքահայը ուր կ՛ապրի՝ Լիբանան, Գանատա ևլն. Ով որ հայ չէ իր համար օտար է: Այսինքն իրականութեան մէջ որոշ չափով ինքն է այդ երկրի ՛օտարը՛ , բայց իր ՛օտար՛ի հասկցողութեամբ իր շուրջ պարիսպ մը բարձրացուցած է որպէսզի չխառնուի տեղացիին: և կամ Եղեռնի յաջորդող 70-100 տարին այդպէս էր, հիմա պարիսպները օրէ օր կը քանդուին և Հայը կը ձուլուի:
՛Եապանճօ՛ն աւելի ծայրայեղն է և յատուկ Այնճարցի-ՄուսաՏաղցի և կամ Քեսապցիի. Այսինքնի եթէ Այնճարցի կամ Քեսապցի չես՝ Եապանճօ ես. Թեկուզ այդտեղ ծնած ու ապրած ես:
Բաղդատեմ Marta Perry-ի Amish Outsider-ին: Ամիշ երիտասարդ մը Ինկլիշի, ոչ-ամիշի, հետ ընտանիք կազմելով հեռացած է իր համայնքէն որ կը նշանակէ նաև իր ընտանիքէն, հաւատքէն… յետոյ կինը սպանուած է և ինք նիւթականի պարտադրութեամբ կ՛ընդառաջէ իր մեծ հօրաքրոջ/ մօրաքրոջ հրաւէրին և դուստրը վերցնելով ակամայ կը վերադառնայ:
Ինչը հետաքրքիր էր ինձ համար. Ամիշներու մշակոյթը որ միջին դարերու քրիստոնէութեան նման է. Մեքենայ քշելը մեղք է ձիով կառք քշելը՝ ոչ. Անձնական Հեռաձայն ունենալը մեղք, բիզնեսի համար՝ ոչ. Տղամարդոց և կիներու յատուկ հագուածքը. Երեխան որ ամիշի-ինկլիշի ամուսնութեան պտուղն է՝ ամիշ կը նկատուի թէ ոչ:
Մէկ խօսքով՝ պատմութեան զարգացումը չէր հետաքրքրականը այլ իրենց արժէքները, կենցաղը, դպրոցը և այդ բոլոր միջոցները որոնցմով իրենք որպէս իւրայատուկ կրօնական համայնք կրցած են իրենց դիմագիծը պահպանելով գոյատևել: Սփիւռքի գաղութներու հետ զուգահեռներներ կարելի է կատարել:

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book.