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House of Secrets #2
When Secrets Strike: House of Secrets (Center Point Premier Fiction
In Laurel Ridge, Pennsylvania, a community once united must suspect one of their own.
500 pages, Library Binding
First published October 27, 2015
174 people are currently reading
911 people want to read
About the author
Marta Perry
201 books768 followersMarta 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
October 28, 2015
Sarah Bitler’s story evolves in this second novel when she’s troubled by the love she still feels for her childhood friend Aaron King. Can Sarah be satisfied with her quilt shop to fulfill her life, or will widower Aaron and his children encourage her to dream of more? Will an arsonist ruin any chance of happiness for them all?
Even though WHEN SECRETS STRIKE is the second book in the HOUSE OF SECRETS series, it can be easily read as a standalone. Of course, it’s more fun to sink into a world you already know and visit with familiar characters from book one, so if you love series books, make sure you read WHERE SECRETS SLEEP first. Author Marta Perry is especially good at explaining all the characters and their relationship so even if it has been a while since you read book one, you’ll easily slip back into this world.
We met Amish spinster Sarah Bitler in WHERE SECRETS SLEEP as the co-owner of the quilt shop in Blackburn House. Near thirty, Sarah has resigned herself to being deemed a “maidal” and focuses on her business instead of worrying about never having a family of her own. Having been once in love with her childhood friend Aaron King, who married someone else, Sarah is grateful for the business she shares with Allison Standish. An Amish woman without a man or a family to care for in her community can face difficulty. It’s harder to provide for yourself when being Amish relies on the family unity.
When Sarah witnesses a fire at an elderly neighbor’s property that is suspected to have been started by an arsonist, her safe world is no longer the sheltered community she loves. Additional fires incriminate friends who couldn’t possibly be responsible. Will Sarah survive repeatedly crossing the arsonist’s path to save her community?
Widower Aaron King has moved home to his parent’s farm so he has help raising his two daughters. He hopes to buy a neighboring property but finds out it has been sold off to a corporation. Aaron is a volunteer firefighter, along with his father and brother. He is concerned with Sarah’s involvement as a witness. When more unexplained events threaten Sarah and their community, will Aaron discover he’s smitten with the strong woman Sarah has become, or fear suspicions against him will harm her reputation?
I 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.
Aaron and Sarah are a sweet couple, having been friends as children, and rediscover each other as adults after the death of Aaron’s first wife. Their families see the perfection of their union before Sarah or Aaron figure out their feelings for one another, so it’s fun to witness the matchmaking maneuvers the grandmothers and friends put to task.
There are several suspense plotlines running through the book that keep the community frantically trying to resolve them. Allison and Sarah become amateur sleuths to help an elderly neighbor. They also plan a quilt show and the quilt history contained within this plot should be fun for any quilter. I just happened to go to a quilt show the weekend I was reading this book so I found this part of the story especially appealing and authentic.
Marta Perry creates sweet love stories within the realism of the world we live in, while incorporating a simpler way of life. It’s a great combination where faith is in the background but doesn’t overwhelm the story. 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 writes a more modern story that’s not focused on religion as much as it is motivated by the lifestyle of all who live a country life. Ms. Perry’s talent creates a more relatable story for those who might not be familiar with the Amish way of life. I enjoy the situations that demand that the Amish walk a fine line between their beliefs and what the Englisch expect them to do to stay within the law, or to operate their business. It’s a cultural shock that many of us might not understand prior to reading a well-written novel by Marta Perry that focuses on these sensibilities. Ms. Perry has a unique talent for keeping it real while being respectful of the people she writes about. These feel-good stories with a bit of suspense are perfect escapism that’s wholesome and intriguing at the same time.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies and The Zest Quest. Digital ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
Even though WHEN SECRETS STRIKE is the second book in the HOUSE OF SECRETS series, it can be easily read as a standalone. Of course, it’s more fun to sink into a world you already know and visit with familiar characters from book one, so if you love series books, make sure you read WHERE SECRETS SLEEP first. Author Marta Perry is especially good at explaining all the characters and their relationship so even if it has been a while since you read book one, you’ll easily slip back into this world.
We met Amish spinster Sarah Bitler in WHERE SECRETS SLEEP as the co-owner of the quilt shop in Blackburn House. Near thirty, Sarah has resigned herself to being deemed a “maidal” and focuses on her business instead of worrying about never having a family of her own. Having been once in love with her childhood friend Aaron King, who married someone else, Sarah is grateful for the business she shares with Allison Standish. An Amish woman without a man or a family to care for in her community can face difficulty. It’s harder to provide for yourself when being Amish relies on the family unity.
When Sarah witnesses a fire at an elderly neighbor’s property that is suspected to have been started by an arsonist, her safe world is no longer the sheltered community she loves. Additional fires incriminate friends who couldn’t possibly be responsible. Will Sarah survive repeatedly crossing the arsonist’s path to save her community?
Widower Aaron King has moved home to his parent’s farm so he has help raising his two daughters. He hopes to buy a neighboring property but finds out it has been sold off to a corporation. Aaron is a volunteer firefighter, along with his father and brother. He is concerned with Sarah’s involvement as a witness. When more unexplained events threaten Sarah and their community, will Aaron discover he’s smitten with the strong woman Sarah has become, or fear suspicions against him will harm her reputation?
I 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.
Aaron and Sarah are a sweet couple, having been friends as children, and rediscover each other as adults after the death of Aaron’s first wife. Their families see the perfection of their union before Sarah or Aaron figure out their feelings for one another, so it’s fun to witness the matchmaking maneuvers the grandmothers and friends put to task.
There are several suspense plotlines running through the book that keep the community frantically trying to resolve them. Allison and Sarah become amateur sleuths to help an elderly neighbor. They also plan a quilt show and the quilt history contained within this plot should be fun for any quilter. I just happened to go to a quilt show the weekend I was reading this book so I found this part of the story especially appealing and authentic.
Marta Perry creates sweet love stories within the realism of the world we live in, while incorporating a simpler way of life. It’s a great combination where faith is in the background but doesn’t overwhelm the story. 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 writes a more modern story that’s not focused on religion as much as it is motivated by the lifestyle of all who live a country life. Ms. Perry’s talent creates a more relatable story for those who might not be familiar with the Amish way of life. I enjoy the situations that demand that the Amish walk a fine line between their beliefs and what the Englisch expect them to do to stay within the law, or to operate their business. It’s a cultural shock that many of us might not understand prior to reading a well-written novel by Marta Perry that focuses on these sensibilities. Ms. Perry has a unique talent for keeping it real while being respectful of the people she writes about. These feel-good stories with a bit of suspense are perfect escapism that’s wholesome and intriguing at the same time.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies and The Zest Quest. Digital ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
March 1, 2018
This is my favorite book that I have read so far this year. It was very intense and kept me interested the whole time. I was looking forward to picking it up when I could. The characters are wonderfully written and the imagery the author creates is just fantastic. Definitely a great read. I highly recommend.
March 2, 2017
This is another excellent Amish romantic suspense story. We previously met a girl from the outside community who moved to a Lancaster county town and inherited a big house being run as a location for small craft businesses.
Now the quilter Sarah comes to the fore and we mix a possible arsonist with the disappearance of antique quilts. There is danger and ongoing suspicion on both accounts, and we meet plenty of characters. Even the Penn State police have to come on the scene as the local farmers comprise the volunteer firefighters and have no arson investigator.
This is quite a hard look at the restrictive lifestyle of Amish woman who we see are browbeaten to believe that they must be humble and the men must make all the decisions. Sarah would have been a clothes designer or boutique owner in a city but instead she is barely even allowed to use electricity or talk to the tourists purchasing her quilts. The farmers have no insurance and firefighters desperately need more modern equipment. On the good side there is community support and a wholesome, fit way of life. The romance is of course suitable for young adults as well as adults and the whole is very educational.
Now the quilter Sarah comes to the fore and we mix a possible arsonist with the disappearance of antique quilts. There is danger and ongoing suspicion on both accounts, and we meet plenty of characters. Even the Penn State police have to come on the scene as the local farmers comprise the volunteer firefighters and have no arson investigator.
This is quite a hard look at the restrictive lifestyle of Amish woman who we see are browbeaten to believe that they must be humble and the men must make all the decisions. Sarah would have been a clothes designer or boutique owner in a city but instead she is barely even allowed to use electricity or talk to the tourists purchasing her quilts. The farmers have no insurance and firefighters desperately need more modern equipment. On the good side there is community support and a wholesome, fit way of life. The romance is of course suitable for young adults as well as adults and the whole is very educational.
July 30, 2019
The second book in this series is just as good as the first. I enjoyed Sarah and Aaron's story. They are perfect for each other. The mystery pulled me in.
June 13, 2023
Such a good mystery read!
Can be read standalone although it is book 2 in the series. I gave book 1 5 stars too. Nope -- not telling you another thing. Up to you to see what greed and envy can do.
Can be read standalone although it is book 2 in the series. I gave book 1 5 stars too. Nope -- not telling you another thing. Up to you to see what greed and envy can do.
August 11, 2017
Marta Perry has out done herself again with "When Secrets Strike". I was on the edge of my seat while I was reading, wandering who was behind the mysteries?
Laurel Ridge, PA, is once again being attacked in book two "When Secrets Strike". But this time it's the Amish community surrounding Laurel Ridge that is getting hit. Getting hit by an arsonist and having the blame placed on a young Amish boy in his rumspringa, Jonah King, who is a volunteer fire fighter along with his older brother Aaron King. Is Jonah innocent? Can Aaron save his brother from the fire marshal's accusing eye?
Aaron is a widow with two very young daughters. He feels a pull to protect his childhood friend, Sarah Bitler, who owns a successful quilt shop within Blackburn House in Laurel Ridge. Will Aaron open up his heart, after two years, to Sarah? Can he protect those he care's about? Is Sarah's life endanger?
I don't know about you, reading this review, but this is more than enough to prick my brain into wanting to read to "When Secrets Strike". Marta's mysteries are clean mysteries, which I do not care to read. I'm not really a mystery reading person, but I will read Marta's. The pull that Marta Perry writes of her characters, being with the characters as you are reading what they are experiencing, is exciting.
I look forward to reading more books by Marta Perry in the future. Happy Writing Marta!!
I received a free kindle copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. No money was exchanged. This is my honest review in my own words.
Laurel Ridge, PA, is once again being attacked in book two "When Secrets Strike". But this time it's the Amish community surrounding Laurel Ridge that is getting hit. Getting hit by an arsonist and having the blame placed on a young Amish boy in his rumspringa, Jonah King, who is a volunteer fire fighter along with his older brother Aaron King. Is Jonah innocent? Can Aaron save his brother from the fire marshal's accusing eye?
Aaron is a widow with two very young daughters. He feels a pull to protect his childhood friend, Sarah Bitler, who owns a successful quilt shop within Blackburn House in Laurel Ridge. Will Aaron open up his heart, after two years, to Sarah? Can he protect those he care's about? Is Sarah's life endanger?
I don't know about you, reading this review, but this is more than enough to prick my brain into wanting to read to "When Secrets Strike". Marta's mysteries are clean mysteries, which I do not care to read. I'm not really a mystery reading person, but I will read Marta's. The pull that Marta Perry writes of her characters, being with the characters as you are reading what they are experiencing, is exciting.
I look forward to reading more books by Marta Perry in the future. Happy Writing Marta!!
I received a free kindle copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. No money was exchanged. This is my honest review in my own words.
January 5, 2016
A compulsive read. A case of eyes wanting to skim conflicting with a heart wanting to savor. I'm loving this series -- so much, in fact, that I read book one and book two back to back. Check last week for my review of Where Secrets Sleep but no worries about needing to read it before you dive into When Secrets Strike. This reads beautifully as a standalone.
I love the community Perry has created. The mix of English and Amish and enough quirky characters to keep me on my toes. So many secrets for a small town to harbor. Such fun to puzzle things out along with Sarah. I totally got some things way before she did but that just created a frenzied anticipation that made it nearly impossible to wait for the big reveal that would put Sarah in the know as well. And there were other aspects of the suspense that I had to slowly piece together, like one of Sarah's artfully designed quilts.
Unlike the first book, which was mostly set in the 'English world', When Secrets Strikes is definitely an Amish read with both hero and heroine among the town's stalwart Amish members. Sarah has loved Aaron since her childhood. He has always looked upon her as a friend. Close proximity and encroaching danger cause their easy-going relationship to shift. Suddenly Aaron is noticing Sarah in a whole new way and she is second guessing every look and touch. Delicious romantic tension tightens the plot -- guaranteed to send a reader into a dizzying tilt-a-whirl of romantical delirium. :-)
And while not categorized as Christian Fiction, (published for the general market by HQN) there is a subtle inspirational thread on forgiveness that makes this read all the more satisfying.
I love the community Perry has created. The mix of English and Amish and enough quirky characters to keep me on my toes. So many secrets for a small town to harbor. Such fun to puzzle things out along with Sarah. I totally got some things way before she did but that just created a frenzied anticipation that made it nearly impossible to wait for the big reveal that would put Sarah in the know as well. And there were other aspects of the suspense that I had to slowly piece together, like one of Sarah's artfully designed quilts.
Unlike the first book, which was mostly set in the 'English world', When Secrets Strikes is definitely an Amish read with both hero and heroine among the town's stalwart Amish members. Sarah has loved Aaron since her childhood. He has always looked upon her as a friend. Close proximity and encroaching danger cause their easy-going relationship to shift. Suddenly Aaron is noticing Sarah in a whole new way and she is second guessing every look and touch. Delicious romantic tension tightens the plot -- guaranteed to send a reader into a dizzying tilt-a-whirl of romantical delirium. :-)
And while not categorized as Christian Fiction, (published for the general market by HQN) there is a subtle inspirational thread on forgiveness that makes this read all the more satisfying.
September 18, 2015
I enjoyed reading When Secrets Strike. The story has a nice mix of Amish and English characters in it, has an interesting love story flowing throughout, and a good amount suspense laced with danger.
I must admit that I did figure out who the “bad guys” were before the ending and even had an idea as to why, but that did not take away my enjoyment of the story. However, I think my favorite parts of this book revolved around the potential love story between Sarah and Aaron. It is one of those unrequited love premises. Aaron married another woman years earlier and is now a widow. Where it goes from there is thoroughly entertaining.
When I requested this book from NetGalley, I believed it would be an inspirational fiction title and realized when I was almost through the entire book that it was not. I would classify this book as “clean” fiction, with the exception of one curse word, just one, that is uttered by a villain toward the end of the book. Other than the one curse word that was present in the galley copy from NetGalley, I really enjoyed this story.
This book is the second in a series and I have not read the first. This did not hinder my enjoyment of When Secrets Strike.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I must admit that I did figure out who the “bad guys” were before the ending and even had an idea as to why, but that did not take away my enjoyment of the story. However, I think my favorite parts of this book revolved around the potential love story between Sarah and Aaron. It is one of those unrequited love premises. Aaron married another woman years earlier and is now a widow. Where it goes from there is thoroughly entertaining.
When I requested this book from NetGalley, I believed it would be an inspirational fiction title and realized when I was almost through the entire book that it was not. I would classify this book as “clean” fiction, with the exception of one curse word, just one, that is uttered by a villain toward the end of the book. Other than the one curse word that was present in the galley copy from NetGalley, I really enjoyed this story.
This book is the second in a series and I have not read the first. This did not hinder my enjoyment of When Secrets Strike.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
November 23, 2015
WHEN SECRETS STRIKE was slow paced, but then, it was set in a quiet, peaceful world. An arsonist is hitting all the local barns, seemingly random--but he's also targeting Sarah's life, as if he thinks she knows who he is. She doesn't. It was good reading the sweet romance between Aaron and Sarah as they work together, along with their close circle of friends to solve not one, but two mysteries. I read this book through in an afternoon and enjoyed every page.
This suspense isn't as scary as some, so if your a member of the Honkin' Chicken Club, this would be a good one to read. You won't be kept up all night, jumping at every noise. But you might be afraid to go out to your barn alone after dark.
Recommended. 4.5 stars.
This suspense isn't as scary as some, so if your a member of the Honkin' Chicken Club, this would be a good one to read. You won't be kept up all night, jumping at every noise. But you might be afraid to go out to your barn alone after dark.
Recommended. 4.5 stars.
January 9, 2021
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
IN LAUREL RIDGE, PENNSYLVANIA,
A COMMUNITY ONCE UNITED MUST SUSPECT ONE OF THEIR OWN
Amish quilter Sarah Bitler's dreams no longer feature a husband and family. Instead, she searches for success in the quilt shop within Blackburn House, a place once tarnished with deadly secrets. She refuses to let the past influence her future...until an ominous fire forces them to collide.
Firefighter Aaron King was the first to touch Sarah's heart--and the first to break it. Now a widower and father of two small girls, his return to Sarah's life brings her buried feelings to the surface. As a string of horrific incidents tears apart their community, an arsonist's wrath threatens to destroy them all. With Aaron as the only suspect, Sarah must follow her instincts to find the truth. But to protect an innocent man, she might risk her heart to Aaron again...and risk her life to an unknown killer.
MY REVIEW
Another great mystery by Marta Perry. She keeps you guessing as the fires, and attacks, keep coming. Is it all one person, two or a group wanting to move in and take over a lot of the surrounding property? Hmmm, better get your copy so you can find out!!
IN LAUREL RIDGE, PENNSYLVANIA,
A COMMUNITY ONCE UNITED MUST SUSPECT ONE OF THEIR OWN
Amish quilter Sarah Bitler's dreams no longer feature a husband and family. Instead, she searches for success in the quilt shop within Blackburn House, a place once tarnished with deadly secrets. She refuses to let the past influence her future...until an ominous fire forces them to collide.
Firefighter Aaron King was the first to touch Sarah's heart--and the first to break it. Now a widower and father of two small girls, his return to Sarah's life brings her buried feelings to the surface. As a string of horrific incidents tears apart their community, an arsonist's wrath threatens to destroy them all. With Aaron as the only suspect, Sarah must follow her instincts to find the truth. But to protect an innocent man, she might risk her heart to Aaron again...and risk her life to an unknown killer.
MY REVIEW
Another great mystery by Marta Perry. She keeps you guessing as the fires, and attacks, keep coming. Is it all one person, two or a group wanting to move in and take over a lot of the surrounding property? Hmmm, better get your copy so you can find out!!
June 10, 2017
Sarah is one of the few members that seem to hold her little community together. She gave up on being more than a old maid years ago. The one man that has her heart had married someone else. No one could ever replace Arron in her eyes. Even though now they may have a chance since Arron's wife is now deceased. Sarah can never make that move even if Arron is the one constantly keeping her out of danger as a fire bug has plagued her community and targeted her because she may have to much information without realizing it.
Arron had already let his wife down he can't let Sarah down too! Even if she may be perfect for him he can't risk hurting her.
This book had all the elements of a great story...
Arron had already let his wife down he can't let Sarah down too! Even if she may be perfect for him he can't risk hurting her.
This book had all the elements of a great story...
July 21, 2018
the second in the house of secrets series but the series doesn't have to be read in order as the books focus on different characters in a small town but the plots do not build on previous stories. while this one is ostensibly about a series of arson fires and the investigation into them, it is more about the romantic relationship that develops between two of the people involved, which is predictable at best. the story touches on many relevant topics in today's society, including elder abuse and loss of family lands and is better read as a social drama than a crime thriller.
also, what sticks in my craw is that they identified an attacker after his second attack by his odor but the odor wasn't present at the first attack, yet it's supposed to be the same guy.
also, what sticks in my craw is that they identified an attacker after his second attack by his odor but the odor wasn't present at the first attack, yet it's supposed to be the same guy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2023
This was my first time reading Marta Perry and WOW I am hooked.
Sarah and Aaron grew up together in the Amish way of life. Years later they reconnect and realize they have feelings for each other. Aaron's wife died of cancer leaving him with their two daughters to raise with the help of his family.
There are some fires happening and Sarah and Aaron are determined to show that Aaron and his brother Jonah are not the culprits. Aaron finds a dead body at the latest fire and Sarah was almost the next victim.
Sarah and Aaron grew up together in the Amish way of life. Years later they reconnect and realize they have feelings for each other. Aaron's wife died of cancer leaving him with their two daughters to raise with the help of his family.
There are some fires happening and Sarah and Aaron are determined to show that Aaron and his brother Jonah are not the culprits. Aaron finds a dead body at the latest fire and Sarah was almost the next victim.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2018
I have read other books by Marta Perry that I enjoyed better than this one. I was going to say there isn't any "spark" in the plot line, but then again, the plot does involve an arsonist who is burning barns in the Amish neighborhood so there literally are sparks in the plot!! The action just wasn't exciting and didn't keep me glued to my seat as most mysteries do. I didn't feel connected to the main characters either; they seemed way too passive to me.
March 10, 2018
I somehow missed the Romance part of the description, which in the story line outweighs the Mystery part of the book. The characters were fairly likable. Part of the attraction for the book was the quilt tie in, which I thought was handled fairly generically. I did enjoy the tracking down of the stolen quilt. It was a very quick and easy read and was enjoyable. Romance is not one of my favorite genres, and I found the formula for this book pretty standard.
August 29, 2018
This is the second book in the House of Secrets trilogy. Though, they can be read in any order. The first book was about Allison, a new resident to a small town of Amish. She inherits a building with a quilt shop in it, and befriends Sarah, the owner of the quilt shop. This is Sarah's story. These are romance mystery novels, with very solid characters. I enjoyed this book, and will look forward to the last in the trilogy.
May 12, 2017
I enjoyed the book and read it in one day. I have always been interested in the Amish and knowing this book was a story about them I bought it. I enjoyed getting to know the main characters and the story quickly pulled me in. It had twists and turns, love and romance, mystery and suspence. It was an enjoyable read. I look forward to more in this series.
August 30, 2017
I actually didn't finish reading this book, but merely skimmed through. While the storyline was good, I felt myself rolling my eyes at some of the things the Amish characters said and thought. I felt that even though they are naïve about some things that other things are merely common sense. I did like the ending.
August 22, 2018
It's currently fire season in the western part of the country and reading this story about a firebug was certainly hitting close to home. How Amish and English firefighters worked to solve this problem and save their community had me turning pages. Sarah is a target, and her firefighter friend, Aaron, works to save her and expose the truth. Fun read.
October 22, 2018
Set in Laurel Ridge, Pennsylvania, an Amish quilter is concerned for her community. An arsonist sets a series of fires and people she knows are suspected of setting the fires.
Author draws you in so you care about the characters and their community. She also throws in mystery and some romance. I recommend it.
Author draws you in so you care about the characters and their community. She also throws in mystery and some romance. I recommend it.
July 12, 2017
Good all around mystery.
This engaging romantic suspense will keep you turning pages until the end. I enjoy the characters, strong female roles without all the unnecessary long drawn out sex scenes. I enjoy reading about the Amish and good Christian values without being preachy.
This engaging romantic suspense will keep you turning pages until the end. I enjoy the characters, strong female roles without all the unnecessary long drawn out sex scenes. I enjoy reading about the Amish and good Christian values without being preachy.
November 15, 2018
Atypical Amish Novel
If you're looking for your typical "feel good" Amish novel with maybe a buggy accident, lots of food and some love thrown in, this is not the novel for you. If you like mystery, intrigue, murder and mayhem, then read it! Clean and enjoyable!
If you're looking for your typical "feel good" Amish novel with maybe a buggy accident, lots of food and some love thrown in, this is not the novel for you. If you like mystery, intrigue, murder and mayhem, then read it! Clean and enjoyable!
October 12, 2019
Excellent Amish fiction book! There’s one cuss word, which surprised me, but it was only once and toward the end. I thankfully don’t run into much at all because I only read Christian or Amish fiction. Overall, great clean read! Love this series.
February 23, 2020
I love this series. Marta Perry deftly navigates mystery/ crime into an Amish subplot. It is a refreshing change from most Amish books that tend to fall into the romance category. I cannot wait to read book 3.
July 21, 2020
An excellent 2nd book in the series. Twists and turns aplenty, likable characters, and a satisfying conclusion. Meredith Mitchell again does a great job narrating, although she makes Alyson sound more like a teenager in this book.
April 22, 2021
I had not read a book by this author. I must say I will be reading more. Just the right amount of intrigue and mystery. This is page turner that keeps you reading. I did not realize it was book two in the series so it works well as a stand alone.
November 27, 2021
I very seldom give 5 stars to any book. I feel there is always room for improvement. However, Marta Perry is a master at weaving her stories. Though I was pretty certain who the culprits were, she still added deeper substance to the story. I loved this book. :)
August 18, 2023
Many twists and turns
I love the characters in Marta Perry's books. Such strong but simple women, who are rooted in their faith. The storyline twisted and turned, but was so enjoyable. Can hardly wait to read the next one!
I love the characters in Marta Perry's books. Such strong but simple women, who are rooted in their faith. The storyline twisted and turned, but was so enjoyable. Can hardly wait to read the next one!
July 23, 2017
Good mix of mystery and romance, Amish style
January 1, 2018
Set in Amish country. A fire bug is setting fires. A who done it and why.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews