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Place of Refuge #1
Hidden in Plain Sight
When revitalization plans pit the Mennonite community against the Montezuma, Georgia community, police officer Ashley Walters vows to stop the people responsible.
303 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2012
42 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Amy Wallace
6 books71 followersAmy Wallace is a wife, homeschool mom of three, writer, speaker, Bible study leader, and avid chocoholic.
She loves crafting high-action suspense that delves deep into heart issues, but who she really is can be summed up in a few short words: Amy is a daughter of the King learning to live and love with laughter.
Amy is the author of Ransomed Dreams, Healing Promises, and Enduring Justice (The Defenders of Hope series), a contributing author of God Answers Mom's Prayers, God Allows U-Turns for Teens, Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series: Diabetes, and A Cup of Comfort for Expectant Moms.
She loves crafting high-action suspense that delves deep into heart issues, but who she really is can be summed up in a few short words: Amy is a daughter of the King learning to live and love with laughter.
Amy is the author of Ransomed Dreams, Healing Promises, and Enduring Justice (The Defenders of Hope series), a contributing author of God Answers Mom's Prayers, God Allows U-Turns for Teens, Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series: Diabetes, and A Cup of Comfort for Expectant Moms.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 20, 2023
It did take a little bit for me to get into this book!! But the end is worth reading the whole book. Definitely suspenseful at the end!!!😊
Read
February 6, 2023DNF on page 60. Read this before and enjoyed it, but just wasn't into it this time around.
June 14, 2017
If you like Amish/Mennonite stories, you will enjoy this book. If you like romantic suspense as well, you will really like this story.
I liked the story. Ashley had to find peace with her brother's death and the journey she was on to find this was real and interesting. I enjoyed the development of the relationships.
The suspense builds with a whole lot of action at the end. I expected more suspense/action from reading the book summary, so it was a bit slow for me.
I liked the story. Ashley had to find peace with her brother's death and the journey she was on to find this was real and interesting. I enjoyed the development of the relationships.
The suspense builds with a whole lot of action at the end. I expected more suspense/action from reading the book summary, so it was a bit slow for me.
April 21, 2012
Ashley Walters has recently moved to Montezuma, Georgia, a small town with a sizeable Mennonite community. She is still mourning the death of her brother, Eric, who died ten years ago when she was eighteen, an unsolved crime that inspired her decision to join the police. One night, a callout to a store robbery introduces her to Bradley Yoder, a thirteen-year-old Mennonite boy who is searching for his birth mother following the death of his adoptive father. She befriends Bradley and his handsome uncle, Jonathan, and finds that Bradley is implicated in a series of accidents at the Yoder farm.
She has also started dating for the first time since Eric’s death, after being set up by a neighbour. Patrick is a marriage and relationship counsellor and a Christian (even though Ashley hasn't been on speaking terms with God since Eric died). He is on the town's revitalisation committee, which has plans to revitalise Montezuma by capitalising on its Mennonite heritage. But the investor wants to forbid the Mennonites from sharing the faith that defines them as a group, which causes friction.
I thought I knew where this story was going after the first few chapters, but then it changed to become more of a romantic suspense, with the addition of the farm accidents and occasional scenes from the point of view of the vandal, as we try to puzzle out his identity. I liked the subtle way the author introduced this, and the way it gradually grew in importance as the story progresses, while other plot points that I had thought would be important turned out not to be.
I really liked the way Hiding in Plain Sight dealt with Ashley's attitude towards God. She softens gradually throughout the story, in a way that felt a lot more realistic than many Christian authors manage. I also liked the strong underlying theme of faith and forgiveness, and the way the author built it in without preaching, but without compromise.
There were a couple of conversations that I had to reread to work out who was actually speaking, although that could have been because I was reading an ARC with some formatting issues and a couple of typos. (An ARC is an advance reader copy of the book, provided to people like booksellers, librarians and reviewers in advance of publication. Sometimes these are the 'clean' ebook version of the printed book, but often, as in this case, they are unproofed copies so there can be mistakes.)
Overall, this was a well-written book with a solid underlying Christian theme, and some lovely poetic language hidden between the more suspenseful scenes.
Thanks to Harvest House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.
She has also started dating for the first time since Eric’s death, after being set up by a neighbour. Patrick is a marriage and relationship counsellor and a Christian (even though Ashley hasn't been on speaking terms with God since Eric died). He is on the town's revitalisation committee, which has plans to revitalise Montezuma by capitalising on its Mennonite heritage. But the investor wants to forbid the Mennonites from sharing the faith that defines them as a group, which causes friction.
I thought I knew where this story was going after the first few chapters, but then it changed to become more of a romantic suspense, with the addition of the farm accidents and occasional scenes from the point of view of the vandal, as we try to puzzle out his identity. I liked the subtle way the author introduced this, and the way it gradually grew in importance as the story progresses, while other plot points that I had thought would be important turned out not to be.
I really liked the way Hiding in Plain Sight dealt with Ashley's attitude towards God. She softens gradually throughout the story, in a way that felt a lot more realistic than many Christian authors manage. I also liked the strong underlying theme of faith and forgiveness, and the way the author built it in without preaching, but without compromise.
There were a couple of conversations that I had to reread to work out who was actually speaking, although that could have been because I was reading an ARC with some formatting issues and a couple of typos. (An ARC is an advance reader copy of the book, provided to people like booksellers, librarians and reviewers in advance of publication. Sometimes these are the 'clean' ebook version of the printed book, but often, as in this case, they are unproofed copies so there can be mistakes.)
Overall, this was a well-written book with a solid underlying Christian theme, and some lovely poetic language hidden between the more suspenseful scenes.
Thanks to Harvest House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.
December 10, 2012
Officer Ashley Walters is running from tragedy. She finds a job in small town Montezuma and hopes to hide there to lick her wounds. But Emma and Patrick become her friends. Before she knows it she has two men vying for her attention, someone targeting her friends and a town revitalization that's getting out of control.
I had a like/dislike relationship with this book. I didn't hate it and I didn't love it. But there were things I liked and disliked. The book seemed to move very slowly and things weren't very clear at times. This is book one in the series, but I felt a bit lost when certain characters were introduced, like perhaps, I should have already known something about their background.
On a positive note, I liked the main character Ashley and felt the book had a strong message of forgiveness and healing. My final conclusion - It's an interesting book, but not thrilling or gripping.
I received this book free of charge via a contest on The Bookclub Network.
I had a like/dislike relationship with this book. I didn't hate it and I didn't love it. But there were things I liked and disliked. The book seemed to move very slowly and things weren't very clear at times. This is book one in the series, but I felt a bit lost when certain characters were introduced, like perhaps, I should have already known something about their background.
On a positive note, I liked the main character Ashley and felt the book had a strong message of forgiveness and healing. My final conclusion - It's an interesting book, but not thrilling or gripping.
I received this book free of charge via a contest on The Bookclub Network.
May 11, 2012
HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT by Amy Wallace is a good romance/suspense story set in Montezuma, Georgia, a small town with a Mennonite community. I enjoyed all the characters in this action-packed,fast paced story. With forgiveness,faith,and interesting characters you can not go wrong by reading “Hiding In Plain Sight”as the characters strugle to find peace,find a place to fit into the community,and find who is causeing the “accidents” at the Yoder farm. Ms. Wallace has a way of weaving a suspense,with faith,romance and a wonderful story of forgiveness and the power of love. A must read! Received for an honest review. Details can be found at Harvest House Publishers,Wynn-Wynn Media,LLC,the author’s website and My Book Addiction and More.
RATING:4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: DorothyA,My Book Addiction and More
RATING:4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: DorothyA,My Book Addiction and More
December 5, 2022
Hiding in Plain Sight centers in the community of Montezuma, Georgia. Police officer, Ashley Walters has switched from the Atlanta PD to Montezuma for the smaller town life. Ashley hopes the move will help her build distance from her grief over the death of her brother Eric, murdered ten years earlier. Her new setting is picturesque, idyllic and at first blush seems to exude tranquility. However she is a police officer and danger is a part of her job. What surprises both her and the reader is that danger jumps out and tries to crush her and those she personally cares about instead of the danger coming directly from her job as a police officer.
Our hero, Patrick James, a marriage and family counselor is targeted early as excellent boyfriend material by our kind-hearted busy-body/matchmaker, Emma. She introduces Patrick to Ashley, both feel a connection. It is from this point that the story moves from a simple pastoral romance to a multi-directional story. There are multiple mysteries, petty crime, arson, community misunderstandings, religious prejudice, hospitalizations, vandalism, and multiple attempted killings. The city of Montezuma wants to revitalize their dying downtown area; they hope to connect the revitalization plan to tourism using the Mennonite community as the hook. The Mennonite community wishes to be good neighbors but many of the ideas of the city planners run roughshod over the community’s plain lifestyle.
That special community becomes personal for the reader as both Ashley and Patrick interact with the Yoder’s, Anna Yoder, Bradley Yoder, and Jonathan Yoder. Ashley personally identifies with Bradley as he reminds her of her murdered, older brother, Eric. Part of her care of Bradley includes pursuing the accusations and threats made about Bradley and against Bradley and the Yoder family. She is also drawn to the peace, tranquility, and the certainty of their faith. Both Jonathan and Anna have experienced the death of their spouses. Make no mistake, this is not a slow story; the actions ratchets up and keeps on coming, almost to the last page.
Reflection:
This book packs a powerful message in just under 300 pages, which strongly propels the theme of “Who Do You Trust (you or God)? Or put another way, Is God in Control of your Life (or in reality, do you take Charge)?” On page 284, Ashley expresses these ideas, “Wanting God, but wanting control more. The promise of life and peace as real and vast as the ocean, but she chose the security of the excuses she’d lived behind….I’ve always wanted a God I could understand, a God who did things my way. But that’s not who God is. Having a gun pointed at you clarifies things fast. It just took me a while to process what happened and what God was showing me in it.” This clear statement of the theme comes almost at the end of the book.
As I read through the book, my brain kept making two columns, contrasting those who left the choice with God and trusted God and those who wrestled for control and kept it gripped in their hands and heart. This is a powerful metaphor that begs the reader to also make that comparison to themselves! Under the author’s notes, Wallace states, she realized after writing that each character in the book struggled with the issue of control, albeit called by various names such as doubt, unforgiveness, guilt, fear, arson, worry, justice. I love when a book gets behind an idea and really pushes the reader out of their comfort zone.
I felt the author did a good job of fleshing out the main characters and many of the supplemental characters. I understood Ashley, but did not always like Ashley or think that she responded wisely. I thought that making Ashley a talented painter was cleaver; it gave expression to her feelings and the working out of those emotions. It was sad the amount of hurt and anger expressed between Ashley, her parents, and Harrison. The two characters I liked and respected the most were Patrick and Jonathan. They were both wise.
There were a number of Good Usable Quotes from the book, here are three:
• Patrick (page 197), “If the Lord kept a record of his sins, Patrick’s would have filled up pages and pages. Probably even more than he could imagine. So why was it easier to remember the record of sins others had committed against him than to remember his own sins?”
• Psalm 130:3-5 (page 197), “If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.”
• Quote from a Mennonite Church member (page 189), “In all my years, I have never seen anger make someone more like Christ. Instead, it rips a person’s soul until there is nothing but bitterness left.”
I found this book to be a worthy and worthwhile read.
Our hero, Patrick James, a marriage and family counselor is targeted early as excellent boyfriend material by our kind-hearted busy-body/matchmaker, Emma. She introduces Patrick to Ashley, both feel a connection. It is from this point that the story moves from a simple pastoral romance to a multi-directional story. There are multiple mysteries, petty crime, arson, community misunderstandings, religious prejudice, hospitalizations, vandalism, and multiple attempted killings. The city of Montezuma wants to revitalize their dying downtown area; they hope to connect the revitalization plan to tourism using the Mennonite community as the hook. The Mennonite community wishes to be good neighbors but many of the ideas of the city planners run roughshod over the community’s plain lifestyle.
That special community becomes personal for the reader as both Ashley and Patrick interact with the Yoder’s, Anna Yoder, Bradley Yoder, and Jonathan Yoder. Ashley personally identifies with Bradley as he reminds her of her murdered, older brother, Eric. Part of her care of Bradley includes pursuing the accusations and threats made about Bradley and against Bradley and the Yoder family. She is also drawn to the peace, tranquility, and the certainty of their faith. Both Jonathan and Anna have experienced the death of their spouses. Make no mistake, this is not a slow story; the actions ratchets up and keeps on coming, almost to the last page.
Reflection:
This book packs a powerful message in just under 300 pages, which strongly propels the theme of “Who Do You Trust (you or God)? Or put another way, Is God in Control of your Life (or in reality, do you take Charge)?” On page 284, Ashley expresses these ideas, “Wanting God, but wanting control more. The promise of life and peace as real and vast as the ocean, but she chose the security of the excuses she’d lived behind….I’ve always wanted a God I could understand, a God who did things my way. But that’s not who God is. Having a gun pointed at you clarifies things fast. It just took me a while to process what happened and what God was showing me in it.” This clear statement of the theme comes almost at the end of the book.
As I read through the book, my brain kept making two columns, contrasting those who left the choice with God and trusted God and those who wrestled for control and kept it gripped in their hands and heart. This is a powerful metaphor that begs the reader to also make that comparison to themselves! Under the author’s notes, Wallace states, she realized after writing that each character in the book struggled with the issue of control, albeit called by various names such as doubt, unforgiveness, guilt, fear, arson, worry, justice. I love when a book gets behind an idea and really pushes the reader out of their comfort zone.
I felt the author did a good job of fleshing out the main characters and many of the supplemental characters. I understood Ashley, but did not always like Ashley or think that she responded wisely. I thought that making Ashley a talented painter was cleaver; it gave expression to her feelings and the working out of those emotions. It was sad the amount of hurt and anger expressed between Ashley, her parents, and Harrison. The two characters I liked and respected the most were Patrick and Jonathan. They were both wise.
There were a number of Good Usable Quotes from the book, here are three:
• Patrick (page 197), “If the Lord kept a record of his sins, Patrick’s would have filled up pages and pages. Probably even more than he could imagine. So why was it easier to remember the record of sins others had committed against him than to remember his own sins?”
• Psalm 130:3-5 (page 197), “If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.”
• Quote from a Mennonite Church member (page 189), “In all my years, I have never seen anger make someone more like Christ. Instead, it rips a person’s soul until there is nothing but bitterness left.”
I found this book to be a worthy and worthwhile read.
March 1, 2022
Officer Ashley Walters moves to small town Montezuma, Georgia from Atlanta to escape from a personal tragedy. It's been 10 years since her brother was murdered, but she still holds on to so much anger, especially since his case was never solved. She also needs to put some distance between herself and her somewhat controlling parents. She is not prepared to meet one, let alone two men she is attracted to, but that's exactly what happens. She also gets involved with a young Mennonite boy and his adopted family, and begins to wonder if she should have turned her back on her faith when she lost her brother.
I enjoyed the mystery part of this book more than I thought I would. It definitely kept my interest. I wasn't quite so keen on the romance part, though. It's not that I didn't like all three parties involved, I just didn't sense any heat between Ashley and either man. The characters were well written, and the plot was interesting, though.
I enjoyed this book and can recommend it to those who like a good Mennonite/Amish romance/mystery story.
4/5 stars.
I received a copy of this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.
I enjoyed the mystery part of this book more than I thought I would. It definitely kept my interest. I wasn't quite so keen on the romance part, though. It's not that I didn't like all three parties involved, I just didn't sense any heat between Ashley and either man. The characters were well written, and the plot was interesting, though.
I enjoyed this book and can recommend it to those who like a good Mennonite/Amish romance/mystery story.
4/5 stars.
I received a copy of this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 19, 2017
This is the first book by Amy Wallace that I've read, and I truly enjoyed it. A mixture of light romance and criminal suspense, it was a true page turner. However, besides the great plot, there was an underlying theme of personal control - how it manifests, why we don't give our lives over to God, and how it affects us. The story didn't just entertain me; it also made me think about the control issues I have in my own life. A great story with a great message. I'll definitely be reading book 2.
March 24, 2018
a new author for me. I like amish fiction. This book was hard to get into until the first half of book was read; then the suspense and action start in book; and I'm going right into the book two; it piqued my interest enough.
March 29, 2018
A little interesting book that incorporates Mennonite faith ,romance & mystery. Miss Ashley a young police officer learns about forgiveness and love.
January 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐️. I had trouble following whose perspective the story was coming from at certain points.
April 30, 2012
Title: HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT
Author: Amy Wallace
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
April 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7369-4731-2
Genre: Inspirational/Mennonite/women’s fiction
Police officer, Ashley Walters is new to Montezuma, Georgia and thus the rookie on the force, even though she’s a good officer, proven in her old town. She is still healing, ten years later, from her brother’s unsolved murder, and fighting those demons. Bradley Yoder, a Mennonite teenager, reminds Ashley of her brother, and when he’s caught shop-lifting, Ashley is determined to do whatever it takes to help Bradley.
Patrick James is Bradley’s counselor, and he’s also on the city commission. The city is planning on revitalizing the downtown and wants to open a Mennonite museum. Only thing is, the Mennonites are against the museum, unless they are allowed to share their faith there. But the township is against the Mennonites sharing their faith.
Ashley and Patrick begin dating, and the relationship seems to be going well, but the Mennonite issue is putting them on opposite sides of the fence. Not to mention, a Mennonite man, Bradley’s uncle, also is attracted to Ashley. What will it take to bridge the gap between the peaceful Mennonite world and the suspense and drama of the English one?
HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT is the first book in Ms. Wallace’s Place of Refuge series. It is very well written and engaging. There is a love-triangle, a romance, and suspense, with plenty of drama. I had to keep reading to see what happened next.
Bradley is a trouble teen, broken from his birth mother’s abandonment, and upset over his adoptive father’s death. He’s also bothered that no matter what he does, no one seems to notice or appreciate him. His character is heartbreaking, tugging unbelievably at my heartstrings. I could feel his pain. Ashley also is hurting, desperate to reach Bradley before it’s too late, since he reminds her of her deceased brother. Both Patrick and the Mennonite man, Jonathon, are good God-fearing men, yet on opposite sides of the township issues.
If you are looking for a great Mennonite read, or love Amish fiction and want to read it’s “close cousin” then HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT is a great book to consider. Highly recommended. 4.5 stars. $13.99. 304 pages.
Author: Amy Wallace
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
April 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7369-4731-2
Genre: Inspirational/Mennonite/women’s fiction
Police officer, Ashley Walters is new to Montezuma, Georgia and thus the rookie on the force, even though she’s a good officer, proven in her old town. She is still healing, ten years later, from her brother’s unsolved murder, and fighting those demons. Bradley Yoder, a Mennonite teenager, reminds Ashley of her brother, and when he’s caught shop-lifting, Ashley is determined to do whatever it takes to help Bradley.
Patrick James is Bradley’s counselor, and he’s also on the city commission. The city is planning on revitalizing the downtown and wants to open a Mennonite museum. Only thing is, the Mennonites are against the museum, unless they are allowed to share their faith there. But the township is against the Mennonites sharing their faith.
Ashley and Patrick begin dating, and the relationship seems to be going well, but the Mennonite issue is putting them on opposite sides of the fence. Not to mention, a Mennonite man, Bradley’s uncle, also is attracted to Ashley. What will it take to bridge the gap between the peaceful Mennonite world and the suspense and drama of the English one?
HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT is the first book in Ms. Wallace’s Place of Refuge series. It is very well written and engaging. There is a love-triangle, a romance, and suspense, with plenty of drama. I had to keep reading to see what happened next.
Bradley is a trouble teen, broken from his birth mother’s abandonment, and upset over his adoptive father’s death. He’s also bothered that no matter what he does, no one seems to notice or appreciate him. His character is heartbreaking, tugging unbelievably at my heartstrings. I could feel his pain. Ashley also is hurting, desperate to reach Bradley before it’s too late, since he reminds her of her deceased brother. Both Patrick and the Mennonite man, Jonathon, are good God-fearing men, yet on opposite sides of the township issues.
If you are looking for a great Mennonite read, or love Amish fiction and want to read it’s “close cousin” then HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT is a great book to consider. Highly recommended. 4.5 stars. $13.99. 304 pages.
May 18, 2012
Ashley Walters was a rookie on the Montezuma, Georgia police force. She couldn't let go of the past and wanted nothing more than her brother Eric's ten year old murder case solved. She seemed to only enjoy two things in her life - creating paintings and arresting criminals, like the one that killed her brother. She avoided romantic relationships. Then she was introduced to Patrick James, a marriage and family counselor. She was surprised to be attracted to him. Ashley also met another man, Jonathan Yoder, that she found attractive. This was another surprise since he was Mennonite. He had a faith in God that was unshakable, very much unlike her own faith.
The city wanted to buy the farm of Jonathan's aunt, Anna Yoder, for a revitalization project. They planned to build a Mennonite museum on the property. Anna refused to sell. Accidents started to happen on the farm. Many people were blaming them on Bradley, Anna's adopted son. Shortly before his father died, he started getting into trouble. Circumstances caused Ashley and Patrick to befriend Bradley. Ashley saw her brother Eric in Bradley. Patrick saw a patient that could be helped with his psychological training.
The ending is exciting and suspenseful with discovering who was causing all the accidents on the farm. Was it Bradley or someone else? The author leads the reader to believe it could be one of several people. Can Ashley let go of the past to move on with her life and relationships with God and others? The author did a good job of keeping me guessing where Ashley's affections lied. Being a Christian, I also found myself attracted to the Godly character of Jonathan, who sums up the theme of the book - we need to trust that God is in control of our life and to let Him be in control. He turned to God with prayer in every situation in his life. He lived the Christian life through his actions and words. His faith was in God alone. I can't wait the read book #2! There is romance and mystery in this story. If you are a fan of these, this book is for you.
Place Of Refuge Series
#1 Hiding In Plain Sight
#2 Nowhere To Run (released on 9/15/12)
I received a free copy of this ebook from NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers for my honest opinion.
The city wanted to buy the farm of Jonathan's aunt, Anna Yoder, for a revitalization project. They planned to build a Mennonite museum on the property. Anna refused to sell. Accidents started to happen on the farm. Many people were blaming them on Bradley, Anna's adopted son. Shortly before his father died, he started getting into trouble. Circumstances caused Ashley and Patrick to befriend Bradley. Ashley saw her brother Eric in Bradley. Patrick saw a patient that could be helped with his psychological training.
The ending is exciting and suspenseful with discovering who was causing all the accidents on the farm. Was it Bradley or someone else? The author leads the reader to believe it could be one of several people. Can Ashley let go of the past to move on with her life and relationships with God and others? The author did a good job of keeping me guessing where Ashley's affections lied. Being a Christian, I also found myself attracted to the Godly character of Jonathan, who sums up the theme of the book - we need to trust that God is in control of our life and to let Him be in control. He turned to God with prayer in every situation in his life. He lived the Christian life through his actions and words. His faith was in God alone. I can't wait the read book #2! There is romance and mystery in this story. If you are a fan of these, this book is for you.
Place Of Refuge Series
#1 Hiding In Plain Sight
#2 Nowhere To Run (released on 9/15/12)
I received a free copy of this ebook from NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers for my honest opinion.
Read
April 18, 2012I was approved by the publisher via NetGalley to read this book before its publishing date.
The description attracted me:
Written for women who desire action-packed suspense, romance, and an escape into the peaceful world of the Mennonites, Hiding in Plain Sight delves into the painful struggle to fit in and the search for peace that so often eludes our fast-paced lives.
But what I read - 20% until I gave up - did not match this at all. It was stifling writing describing endless and extremely detailed everyday dealings of the main character and the people around her, who all seemed to have been molded in the same cast in the sense that the voices all sound very similar. Also, there is a whole lot of chuckling going on. I prefer laughter.
"...Emma thrust a small, blue-and-white late into Ashley's hands, picked up silver tongs, and plopped a buttery, chocolate-filled croissant onto the plate.
The first bite melted in her mouth.
"You could stand to eat far more of these than you do."
She almost choked. Need to gain weight? Not in a million years.
But rather than argue, she ate and allowed Emma to fawn on her other guests. The chocolate pastry tasted like sunshine and dreams. She closed her eyes and let everything else fade into the background.
"Excuse me?"
A smooth and decidedly male voice drew her back from chocolate heaven. She opened her eyes and fought not to widen them. His average build and thick, dark brown hair didn't startle her, but his thoughtful blue eyes hit the mark.
I was really looking forward to reading a gripping story of a woman finally coming to terms with the loss of her brother, finding her way back to God and love in a close-knit community interspersed with some dramatic action (the main character is a police woman, after all).
Instead, I fell asleep. And gave up.
I refrain from grading this book as I have only read a fifth.
The description attracted me:
Written for women who desire action-packed suspense, romance, and an escape into the peaceful world of the Mennonites, Hiding in Plain Sight delves into the painful struggle to fit in and the search for peace that so often eludes our fast-paced lives.
But what I read - 20% until I gave up - did not match this at all. It was stifling writing describing endless and extremely detailed everyday dealings of the main character and the people around her, who all seemed to have been molded in the same cast in the sense that the voices all sound very similar. Also, there is a whole lot of chuckling going on. I prefer laughter.
"...Emma thrust a small, blue-and-white late into Ashley's hands, picked up silver tongs, and plopped a buttery, chocolate-filled croissant onto the plate.
The first bite melted in her mouth.
"You could stand to eat far more of these than you do."
She almost choked. Need to gain weight? Not in a million years.
But rather than argue, she ate and allowed Emma to fawn on her other guests. The chocolate pastry tasted like sunshine and dreams. She closed her eyes and let everything else fade into the background.
"Excuse me?"
A smooth and decidedly male voice drew her back from chocolate heaven. She opened her eyes and fought not to widen them. His average build and thick, dark brown hair didn't startle her, but his thoughtful blue eyes hit the mark.
I was really looking forward to reading a gripping story of a woman finally coming to terms with the loss of her brother, finding her way back to God and love in a close-knit community interspersed with some dramatic action (the main character is a police woman, after all).
Instead, I fell asleep. And gave up.
I refrain from grading this book as I have only read a fifth.
April 6, 2012
Welcome to small town middle-Georgia in a struggle to revitalize the small town's businesses, not trouble the local Mennonite community, and the machinations of a group that seems intent to modernize and expand the area into a commercial tourist mecca.
Factor in a trouble teen who just happens to be Mennonite and who has a penchant for playing with matches and you have a perfect storm for mischief by unknown parties. You have an opportunity to nefariously acquire coveted Mennonite land for purposes other than farming.
When Ashley, the lead female character, is involved as a police officer investigating incidences of vandalism and personal harm to individuals, her own troubled past colors her thinking and emotional involvement.
It is hard to pinpoint the male lead character. I'd say it most likely is Patrick, a resident counselor who is introduced socially to Ashley. They strike up an emotionally charged relationship. He understands, as a friend and as a counselor, Ashley's buried emotional minefield and seeks to diffuse it as she gradually reveals bits and pieces of herself to him.
Amy Wallace has written a story revealing more of the Mennonites' peaceful life and faith and their ability to forgive as the Heavenly Father forgives. I recommend this as a pleasant, interesting, and revealing read.
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ISBN: 978-0-7369-4731-2 Publisher: Harvest House
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of "Hiding in Plain Sight" by the publisher, Harvest House Publishers, in exchange for my honest review and opinion. I was not required to render a positive review.
Factor in a trouble teen who just happens to be Mennonite and who has a penchant for playing with matches and you have a perfect storm for mischief by unknown parties. You have an opportunity to nefariously acquire coveted Mennonite land for purposes other than farming.
When Ashley, the lead female character, is involved as a police officer investigating incidences of vandalism and personal harm to individuals, her own troubled past colors her thinking and emotional involvement.
It is hard to pinpoint the male lead character. I'd say it most likely is Patrick, a resident counselor who is introduced socially to Ashley. They strike up an emotionally charged relationship. He understands, as a friend and as a counselor, Ashley's buried emotional minefield and seeks to diffuse it as she gradually reveals bits and pieces of herself to him.
Amy Wallace has written a story revealing more of the Mennonites' peaceful life and faith and their ability to forgive as the Heavenly Father forgives. I recommend this as a pleasant, interesting, and revealing read.
-----------------------
ISBN: 978-0-7369-4731-2 Publisher: Harvest House
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of "Hiding in Plain Sight" by the publisher, Harvest House Publishers, in exchange for my honest review and opinion. I was not required to render a positive review.
July 7, 2012
“Hiding In Plain Sight” by Amy Wallace tells the story of Ashley who has come to a small town called Montezuma to enjoy life at a slower, quieter pace. She was a detective for the Atlanta city police force and now is a deputy sheriff for this small town. She doesn’t know that many people, but has met an older lady, Emma, who treats her like a daughter; Patrick, a psychologist who may be a love interest; and Jonathan, a Mennonite man who is in town to help his aunt and cousin. There are developers in town who want to invigorate the area with new shops, new ideas and liven up the place. There are factions in town who do not want to change their serene surroundings and who do not want to sell their property in order that change can come. Through a series of seemingly “accidental” events, where people are getting hurt, fires are claiming property and all are suspicious of each other, especially Jonathan’s 13-year-old cousin, Bradley, who has been caught doing mischief before. Ashley cannot let these happenings go and is determined to find out who is causing the damages and destruction. She puts herself in danger and pulls Patrick and Jonathan into the drama also. It takes a catastrophe where Patrick, Jonathan and Bradley are all injured before the protagonist is brought to justice.
This is a good read and keeps the reader’s interest throughout. I found myself staying up later than I should trying to finish is and find out who the culprit is.
I received this e-book for free from the publisher for this review.
This is a good read and keeps the reader’s interest throughout. I found myself staying up later than I should trying to finish is and find out who the culprit is.
I received this e-book for free from the publisher for this review.
December 16, 2011
I enjoyed this fast pace book. You won't be able to put it down until you get to the end and find out "Who".
The story is about Ashley Walters who has joined the police force in Montezuma Georgia. She is trying to come to terms with the senseless murder of her brother Eric, some 10 years ago.
She is now living in a devote Mennonite area, and the folks have taken to her. So much in fact they, in the form of Emma, have started matchmaking.
Enter Patrick James, and Jonathan Yoder. You will wonder which or if any Ashley is going to end up with. Patrick has been hurt in a previous relationship, and Jonathan has lost his darling wife.
There is also Bradley, a struggling 13 year old who has just lost his adoptive father. He had been sent away to other family when his "Dad" took sick. He is so torn as to where he belongs, his real Mother gave him away to the Yoder's. He had been acting up, and ends up the center of a big controversy in this quite Community.
In Bradley, Ashley sees her brother, and he leads her to Chester. I loved all of the interaction here.
There is a lot of mystery happening here, with a lot of twist and turns, and some good romance. You hope that Ashley is going to find the healing she needs here in this sweet community. Enjoyed how God is working in all of their lives, and helping bring peace.
I received this book from the Publisher Harvest House, and through Reader's Favorite, and was not required to give a positive review.
The story is about Ashley Walters who has joined the police force in Montezuma Georgia. She is trying to come to terms with the senseless murder of her brother Eric, some 10 years ago.
She is now living in a devote Mennonite area, and the folks have taken to her. So much in fact they, in the form of Emma, have started matchmaking.
Enter Patrick James, and Jonathan Yoder. You will wonder which or if any Ashley is going to end up with. Patrick has been hurt in a previous relationship, and Jonathan has lost his darling wife.
There is also Bradley, a struggling 13 year old who has just lost his adoptive father. He had been sent away to other family when his "Dad" took sick. He is so torn as to where he belongs, his real Mother gave him away to the Yoder's. He had been acting up, and ends up the center of a big controversy in this quite Community.
In Bradley, Ashley sees her brother, and he leads her to Chester. I loved all of the interaction here.
There is a lot of mystery happening here, with a lot of twist and turns, and some good romance. You hope that Ashley is going to find the healing she needs here in this sweet community. Enjoyed how God is working in all of their lives, and helping bring peace.
I received this book from the Publisher Harvest House, and through Reader's Favorite, and was not required to give a positive review.
March 25, 2012
Beautiful, Engaging Story
After her brother's violent death, Ashley Walters became a police officer, so that others would not suffer the same fate. Now ten years later, Ashley moved to Moneptezuma to escape the crushing control of her parents. Montezuma is in the midst of a revitalization effort that threatens to leave the local Menenite community at odds with the rest of the community. When accidents begin to happen, Ashley doesn't know if Brad, a young Menenite boy is to blame or someone else. Patrick, Brad’s counselor meets Ashley and wonders if she is worth the risk of opening his heart. The forgiveness Ashley discovers that is a daily part of the Menenite life, shows Ashley that she tried to control her own life instead of giving control to God. As she learns to forgive, she learns to love and open herself to others.
Amy Wallace does a beautiful job weaving an interesting story, a beautiful setting, and well developed characters with a lesson on control and forgiveness. The strongly Christian theme touched my heart as well as entertained me. I would recommend this story to Christians of any age.
Received Galley from NetGalley.
After her brother's violent death, Ashley Walters became a police officer, so that others would not suffer the same fate. Now ten years later, Ashley moved to Moneptezuma to escape the crushing control of her parents. Montezuma is in the midst of a revitalization effort that threatens to leave the local Menenite community at odds with the rest of the community. When accidents begin to happen, Ashley doesn't know if Brad, a young Menenite boy is to blame or someone else. Patrick, Brad’s counselor meets Ashley and wonders if she is worth the risk of opening his heart. The forgiveness Ashley discovers that is a daily part of the Menenite life, shows Ashley that she tried to control her own life instead of giving control to God. As she learns to forgive, she learns to love and open herself to others.
Amy Wallace does a beautiful job weaving an interesting story, a beautiful setting, and well developed characters with a lesson on control and forgiveness. The strongly Christian theme touched my heart as well as entertained me. I would recommend this story to Christians of any age.
Received Galley from NetGalley.
April 21, 2012
This book has one of the best inspirational threads I've ever read. In fact, it's not even a separate thread -- the inspiration seeps into every page. Characters are all at different stages of their spiritual development and that adds fresh interest to an already captivating plot. But the suspense is stellar too and there are puzzle pieces galore and the fun of trying to figure out the mystery before Ashley and Patrick do.
And let's not forget the romance. A hero who isn't afraid to pray for the heroine. A heroine who doesn't want to be touched by those prayers. They're at completely different places but Wallace doesn't let that stop her from zinging them with electric currents of the romantic kind! Tension grows taut as the story progresses, with lovely soft interludes that give the reader hope in a happily ever after.
A great book any way you look at and one you won't want to miss.
And let's not forget the romance. A hero who isn't afraid to pray for the heroine. A heroine who doesn't want to be touched by those prayers. They're at completely different places but Wallace doesn't let that stop her from zinging them with electric currents of the romantic kind! Tension grows taut as the story progresses, with lovely soft interludes that give the reader hope in a happily ever after.
A great book any way you look at and one you won't want to miss.
March 28, 2012
This book gets at least 6 or 7 stars. This is a wonderful story of a Mennonite widow and her troubled adopted 13-year-old son, Bradley, and her struggle to keep the 100-acre dairy farm that was left to her when her husband died.
The town council members also want her land for development. Since the death of Anna's husband, Peter, it appears that at least one potential developer is willing to go to any extreme to force the widow to sell her land.
This book is also a bit of a character study, delving into the background of the main characters to explain their actions in supporting Anna's battle with the town council members.
I highly recommend this book. I hope we will be hearing more from this author.
The town council members also want her land for development. Since the death of Anna's husband, Peter, it appears that at least one potential developer is willing to go to any extreme to force the widow to sell her land.
This book is also a bit of a character study, delving into the background of the main characters to explain their actions in supporting Anna's battle with the town council members.
I highly recommend this book. I hope we will be hearing more from this author.
January 17, 2016
From Amazon...In a quiet town with a thriving Mennonite community, police officer Ashley Walters finds her threadbare faith and way of life challenged by the Plain people whose simple dress and welcoming manner open her eyes to a God she left behind. Peace eludes Ashley until she realizes the answers she seeks aren't found in starting over but in returning to the simple truth that it's God who overcomes the world, not her.
Written for women who desire action-packed suspense, romance, and an escape into the peaceful world of the Mennonites, Hiding in Plain Sight delves into the painful struggle to fit in and the search for peace that so often eludes our fast-paced lives.
Written for women who desire action-packed suspense, romance, and an escape into the peaceful world of the Mennonites, Hiding in Plain Sight delves into the painful struggle to fit in and the search for peace that so often eludes our fast-paced lives.
June 15, 2015
Thumbs Up Page Turner
No one can control their lives completely. Follow Ashley, a cop who moved from the big city of Atlanta, to Montezuma, a dying town looking for a way to revitalize itself. She meets Patrick, a therapist, and is embraced by many members of the surrounding Mennonite community, including Jonathan and Brad. When plans to revive Montezuma fall through, the Mennonites are blamed, and violence against them escalates. Will Ashley be able to solve the mystery of who is behind it before someone else she cares for is killed? This book combines romance, mystery and different ways of dealing with one's faith in God, and was very hard to put down.
No one can control their lives completely. Follow Ashley, a cop who moved from the big city of Atlanta, to Montezuma, a dying town looking for a way to revitalize itself. She meets Patrick, a therapist, and is embraced by many members of the surrounding Mennonite community, including Jonathan and Brad. When plans to revive Montezuma fall through, the Mennonites are blamed, and violence against them escalates. Will Ashley be able to solve the mystery of who is behind it before someone else she cares for is killed? This book combines romance, mystery and different ways of dealing with one's faith in God, and was very hard to put down.
December 13, 2015
This interesting book incorporates a Mennonite community and their beliefs, a police officer who is still grieving things from her past, a counselor, faith, romance, a troubled young teenage boy, a plan to help the community grow, and evil that results when not everyone is on board with what is planned. I enjoyed the characters, and the plot was not obvious and overtly predictable. I did feel like I should already know some additional background at times, especially about Jonathan; perhaps this is revealed in the next book, which I definitely plan on reading. The theme of forgiveness and healing is very strong.
January 20, 2013
Ashley moved from the big city to a little town in Georgia near a Mennonite community that is beginning a revitalization project. She quickly becomes attached to members of the community including a young boy, Bradley. She also begins to date Patrick, a counselor. Ashley sees things through the eyes of a police officer and as danger appears she needs to open her eyes to God for her and her friends' safety.
297 pages
297 pages
December 9, 2015
Police officer, Ashley Walters struggles with her faith as she attempts to protect the Mennonites in a small town in Georgia. She doesn't understand how they could be so forgiving when someone is bent on harming them. She lost her brother ten years ago and is still dealing with the pain and is afraid of losing another person she has learned to love. This is a lesson of allowing God to have control.
October 24, 2012
The lead character is this book seemed very immature to be a grown woman and an officer of the law.
Much of the back and forth which was suppose to be suspense, was too much and became tedious. I could not figure out why the setting was chosen as the back drop for such a story even of fiction as I know the area very well.
Compared to The Defenders of Hope series this book falls short.
Much of the back and forth which was suppose to be suspense, was too much and became tedious. I could not figure out why the setting was chosen as the back drop for such a story even of fiction as I know the area very well.
Compared to The Defenders of Hope series this book falls short.
August 3, 2016
I am really enjoying the "Amish mystery" books by the various authors. So I was looking forward to this one (free download on Amazon). This book just didn't quite make it. The pieces were there but ... well, it just wasn't a satisfying read. Hope the next one in the "Place of Refuge" series is better.
December 8, 2014
It was so cool reading a book that was set in a town close to home. Reading about the Harveys grocery store and other restaurants and stores I am familiar with. It was a great book and look forward to reading some more from this author!
March 21, 2012
This was one of the better books I have read in a long time.
It kept my interest, it had interesting characters, it brought together community, I can't say enough nice things about it.
It kept my interest, it had interesting characters, it brought together community, I can't say enough nice things about it.
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