Searching for Rose

by Dana Becker

Courageous and vulnerable, April has survived Philadelphia’s tough city streets. But when her sister disappears, April’s search will lead her to the Pennsylvania Amish countryside—where the peaceful setting belies a brand of danger all its own . . .
 
With a childhood shattered by alcoholism and abandonment, April learned the hard way to trust only herself and her younger sister, Rose. But suddenly, Rose is gone without a word—and April’s purpose in life is to find her. She has only one ally: Joseph Young, a handsome Amish man with whom she’s struck up an unlikely flirtation in the bakery where she works. He’s knowledgeable, steadfast—and when they join forces, April’s life takes a radical turn . . .
 
In the heart of Amish farm country, April and Joseph grow closer. Yet April fears there’s no future for them. Especially when vicious, too-personal warnings and strange attacks make her wonder just whom Joseph is really trying to protect. And as her unconventional investigation roils a community with much to conceal, April will find some secrets are killer—and some dreams may be too lethal to trust . . .

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

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2020

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an Amish fiction book. The main character is April who has a ton of troubles of her own, but on top of all that she is looking for her sister. During all this she starts working at a Bakery, and while she was working at the bakery she meet an Amish man named Joseph who she becomes very close to. During most of this book she is not sure if she should trust Joseph. This book is nothing like any other Amish book. I did like it, but I did feel a lot of the things in the book just happens without explains. I just wanted more character development in the book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher or author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Mayda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not an Amish story, despite its misleading cover and even though it has some Amish characters in it. This much contrived and convoluted tale centers on April and her sister Rose, who has gone missing. They have led a troubled life, with problems with the law and drug use. The premise is too broad and too encompassing to lend itself to a cohesive story. The plot jumps from one point to another with little connection. The characters are not well developed. The Amish characters are not true to the Amish lifestyle and religious commitment. It seems to me that the author tried to write a suspenseful story but used so many unconnected plot ideas that the end result was just a string of cliched plot ideas. This appears to be the author’s first published novel, and with more experience in the craft, she could create novels that would explore her interesting ideas more fully.

[Kelsie Maxwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Searching for Rose is a Christian romance mystery by Dana Becker.

I hate reviews with spoilers, so you won’t read any here. All you’ll get is my humble opinion about the quality of this novel.

April, a troubled young woman, is searching for Rose, her missing sister. Joseph Young, a young Amish man who works in the diner across the street from the bakery where she works, befriends April and aids her in her search. Against the wishes of both communities, April and Joseph become more than friends. The search becomes more dangerous and April begins to suspect Joseph is not at all who he appears to be.

Contrary to the cover, picturing a young Amish woman, Amish life is, for the most part, portrayed only peripherally in this novel. However, there are Amish characters, most notably, Joseph, the male lead. The novel starts slowly, but picks up toward the middle. The characters are interesting with adequate backstories but still somewhat flat. The romance is sweet but somehow intense. There are some dark elements that make this an unusual though interesting novel. This is a story of a young woman’s personal growth, development and awakening with a compelling mystery thrown in as a bonus. The ending is satisfying. I rate Searching for Rose 3 out of 5 stars, deducting for the slow start and flat characters. It is still a good read, and I recommend it to readers who enjoy mystery with a little romance.

My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

[Ruby Tuesday]

The only reason I read this was because someone in my bookclub chose it for our next meeting. Otherwise I wouldn't have read this 🙃

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Searching for Rose by Dana Becker is a unique Amish novel. April has had a difficult life and made some poor choices. The one person she has always been close to is her sister, Rose. When Rose disappears without a trace, April becomes determined to find her. She gets help from a bakery owner and an Amish man who works at the Amish diner next to the bakery. I thought the characters lacked development. Last names for our main characters would have been nice. The pacing is slow in the first half of the book. It does increase in the second half as the mystery picks up speed. The mystery was interesting. There are good clues to help readers figure out who is behind the crime. There are also some disturbing details. I would have liked a better wrap up to the mystery. It felt incomplete. Searching for Rose is more of a romantic suspense than an Amish mystery (which is what I was expecting). April and Joseph become close while looking for Rose. Their relationship is a rocky one. April has a hard time trusting people. I did find some inconsistencies in the book that I hope were corrected before publication. I did like seeing April trying to improve her lot in life. It turns out that Searching for Rose will have a sequel. I hope any unfinished issues from Searching for Rose will be resolved in the follow-up. Searching for Rose is an Amish romantic suspense with a missing sister, an Amish Romeo, a kindhearted baker, and a shocking tale.

[Lori]

First time author for me and I'm happy to say I will be watching for more of her books!
I loved every moment of this book and didn't want to put it down until it was finished.
I felt that the author has done well with the subject at hand and she does make your heart go out to Rose who is going through a tough time of her own.
I really like that April cares enough for her sister to want to do this for Rose.
A little bit of everything mixed up in this book that will keep your attention and leave you thinking about Rose and her sister long after the book is finished.
I finished this book in a couple of hours it was so good!
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking at the cover of this book I assumed that this was an Amish story, no it is very deep, but really not Amish.
We travel with April as she desperately searches for her sister Rose, and as she looks we meet the people who help her. She has had a troubled life, and we watch as she stumbles, and becomes attached to Joseph. He is Amish and works at the Market, that she is a led to and finds a mentor in Carmen, who has surprises of her own.
This book has quite a dark side, and you wonder how it will all play out. There is a bit of romance, but can it ever be?
You will be turning pages for answers, and there are a lot of surprises.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zebra and was not required to give a positive review.

[Gaylina · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so disappointed in this book. This story is not an Amish romance. In fact, the story is creepy. It’s about the search of April’s sister Rose as described on the back of the book but that’s about as far as their description is concerned. From now on I will not purchase a Zebra Amish romance. Their was no Christian message in this at all. April had a horrible attitude and it would have been wonderful to see her redeemed by the love of Jesus. But no, she counts only on herself until she meets an Amish guy and lets him help her. This is a very dark story and extremely weird!!!

[Ebosereme Nwamu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was unlike any Amish book I have read, which was both surprising and enjoyable in sense at the same time. And unique!

The story was of April searching for her sister Rose that got missing. I greatly admired April's dedication and determination to find her sister even when things got so much out of hand. Her boldness, courage and strength was remarkable. The woes she has gone through in her young life was so heartbreaking. Just reading about it ached my heart.

Joseph! The quiet Amish guy who had more freedom than others. Seeing him with April was kind of scandalous but I loved how he was with her.

I liked how the author effortlessly oscillated between first person and 3rd person that I was not confused about who was who or what was happening. It was pulled off nicely.

This story was filled with a lot of suspense, mystery and action that is very captivating.

I received this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

[Jeanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

RATING 3.5 STARS

And in feeling so deeply safe, she realized just how lost she'd been.

The bond of sisters is deep in this Amish/English novel. It is not only a little romance, but a thriller and mystery. April has made terrible choices but it all changed when her sister Rose suddenly disappeared. She had to find her. Recovering from series legal matters and putting her life straight again, she took the opportunity to change her life. With the help of Carmen and Joseph, she discovered how lost she really was. Carmen helped her get a job in her bakery down from the street where Joseph worked in a diner. Joseph an Amish man that knew of her sister Rose. Together with her new friends, she find out the her sister is in terrible danger from an evil force.

Maybe you thought of reading Amish novels but thought they might not be for you. This novel may be a good introduction to the Amish genre. There is a little romance between April and Joseph that builds from friendship and a sincere care for the other. Where trust is learned and faith is realized. It also focuses on the value of community and not doing life alone. I enjoyed the characters and the build up to what happen to Rose is part thriller. Looking forward to the next installment.

A special thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Sometimes IRead · Rating 2 out of 5]

Searching for Rose by Dana Becker was not what I was expecting at all. I thought it would be a story of a city girl learning about Amish society while searching for her sister and finding herself in the process. Instead, Becker wrote a story set in the city with a love interest who happens to be Amish and somehow there’s drugs and a cult. Sounds like a lot? It is a lot, but weirdly, it does work.

I’ve always been fascinated with the Amish ever since I first read about them more than a decade ago. Their beliefs and way of life is something completely inconceivable to me, city girl born and bred that I am. I really appreciated the peace that Becker brings into the story with the Amish lifestyle and its direct contrast with the seedy underbelly of the city. The changes in tone flowed naturally as the story switched between the two settings.

However, not all of the writing flowed as smoothly. I felt some disconnect with the characters but I don’t think it’s for lack of character fleshing out. Perhaps it’s because most of what they were going through and feeling was stated rather than shown. It’s just something that I personally prefer in my books and shows - I like to be shown, not told. Still, the book was a pleasant and easy read!

Oh and moral of the story? Don’t have any expectations even after reading the blurb. Or perhaps especially after reading the blurb😂

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Searching for Rose is an intriguing mystery written by Dana Becker. This story has a lot going on in it and at times you wonder if you're backing the right character. The characters are very likeable and realistic. The storyline is not only exciting but it will definitely keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. There were parts of this story that glad back to an earlier event and it's connection to the story will leave you breathless. The author is new to me but I will definitely be watching for the release of the second book.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gripping story. Although some characters are Amish, most of this story takes place in the Englischer world. Rose is obviously missing. Her sister, April is trying desperately to find her. Unexpectedly, an Amish man that works near her helps in the search. Their friendship becomes close, then she begins noticing things that seem strange about him, so she loses all trust in him. As things progress, she learns he is doing things to help find what happened to Rose. This book is one of the darkest romance I have read in the Amish romance category. It is a clean story, but with dark elements. I loved it and couldn't put it down!

[Cecilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Searching for Rose is about sisters April and Rose who are so connected that April will stop at nothing to find Rose when she goes missing. The story takes you through many twists and turns. A great read.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Searching For Rose – Dana Becker – NetGalley – 4 Stars
This was the most unusual and spellbinding book I’ve ever read that involve the Amish people. It was an unusual read. I read it fast, it was one of those you didn’t want to put down and I didn’t see some of the twists and turns coming. I would recommend it to anyone who like to read about the Amish or like to read mysteries. The characters were well written and the storyline was really good. It was a little slow starting up but it soon sped up. It doesn’t have as much of the Amish people in it as the cover makes you believe, but the main character helping her search for her sister is Amish.

I received this book through NetGalley.com in kindle format free. I wasn’t required to put up a review, although that is the wish. The thoughts and opinions of this book were mine freely given. I gave it four stars.

Description as found on NetGalley:
Courageous and vulnerable, April has survived Philadelphia’s tough city streets. But when her sister disappears, April’s search will lead her to the Pennsylvania Amish countryside—where the peaceful setting belies a brand of danger all its own . . .

With a childhood shattered by alcoholism and abandonment, April learned the hard way to trust only herself and her younger sister, Rose. But suddenly, Rose is gone without a word—and April’s purpose in life is to find her. She has only one ally: Joseph Young, a handsome Amish man with whom she’s struck up an unlikely flirtation in the bakery where she works. He’s knowledgeable, steadfast—and when they join forces, April’s life takes a radical turn . . .

In the heart of Amish farm country, April and Joseph grow closer. Yet April fears there’s no future for them. Especially when vicious, too-personal warnings and strange attacks make her wonder just whom Joseph is really trying to protect. And as her unconventional investigation roils a community with much to conceal, April will find some secrets are killer—and some dreams may be too lethal to trust . . .

[Kate Campos · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book because of its poor character development, plot holes, and telling-not-showing style. I was unable to get a solid understanding of the protagonist throughout the book, both the emotional inner workings as well as the actual logistics of her life. Supporting characters were given inconsistent involvement, usually as vehicles to tell the protagonist an unexpected anecdote at offbeat moments likely meant to shock but instead left me confused.

The plot holes make leaps that are a bit arresting and left me disoriented. There are no markers to denote the passage of time, and the two major plot lines (being her sister is missing and she’s falling in love with the Amish man) are never fully integrated. I also felt like the Amish character was used out of convenience and stereotyped a bit. Lastly, the author “tells” instead of shows, which undermines the suspense and thrill of the story. Important plot and emotional details are provided after the fact, which waters down moments that have high energy potential.

*I received a copy of the book for review from the publisher through Booklist.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Searching for Rose by Dana Becker was an interesting book. I mistakenly assumed that it would be like the other Amish fiction that I enjoy, but this was different. Not in a bad way, just different. The book follows April, a recovering addict and young lady facing jail time, as she searches for her missing sister Rose. April is convinced that Rose's ex-boyfriend Ricky is responsible for her disappearing. Ricky swears he didn't have anything to do with it. With the help of an Amish man named Joseph and her new friend Carmen, she will try to reclaim her life and her sister's. The search will take her deep into Amish land, where she will find that things are not always what she expects.
I enjoyed this book. If you enjoy mysteries, this one will keep you wondering. However, some of the Amish elements seemed too different from the norm for me. But, nonetheless, it is well written and enjoyable, an easy read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book. All opinions are my own.

[Ann Readyoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

#SearchingforRose#HerBalist
This book is quite different from other Amish books.. The main character is trying to change her life after being arrested and having a drug problem. She is trying to find her sister Rose who has gone missing she finds people who will give her the benefit of sought and help her change her life. She gets a job in a bakery and meets a young Amish man Joseph who becomes her friend. As time goes by s She fears her sister will never be found.. She gets warnings to stop looking and she doesn't know who to trust. Is anyone who she really thinks they are? Nothing is what it seems people who she thinks are enemies may help her. April will find out lots of secrets and she will have hopes and dreams for the future. Thank you HerBalist for allowing me to read this book and write a review.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

April has been a lot, in her life, but when her sister disappears in Philadelphia she is devastated. She has come to rely on herself alone, to get through life, but now she must learn to accept the help of another....Joseph Young. Young is an Amishman who has a faith that could move mountains. But will she let her guard down and allow the vistages of faith enter her world.

As April and Joseph's friendship grows and blossoms, will there be a happy ending or just another ending, for April? Will they find her sister or will the search be stopped by a lethal secrets?

Grab a comfy chair, light a candle, a warm, toasty drink and enter the world of April, Rose and Joseph......the journey will be well worth your while!!

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This storyline is quite different than most Amish novels. It’s a mystery/suspense story, but there was a darkness/sense of evil that permeated the book. There are good values in it, too, like friendship, love of family and learning to trust, but I still felt unsettled after I finished reading it. It’s very well written, there’s no question about that. The author did a great job of building the tension and suspense and feeling of “something’s about to happen” all the way through the book. This book had a little too creepy feeling for me, but that’s not a failing of the author, just my personal preference in reading. So I’m rating this one a four star, even though I won’t read the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Melissa T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads first reads, Thank You.

Some characters In this book are Amish, and most of this story takes place in the Englischer world. A lady by the name of Rose is missing and her sister, April is trying to find her. Unexpectedly, an Amish man that works near her helps her in the search for her sister. Their friendship becomes really close, but then she begins noticing things that seem strange about him, so she loses all trust in him. As things progress, she learns he is doing stuff to help find out what happened to Rose.
I couldn’t put this book down.

[Laurel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a disturbing, yet riveting book to me. I'd never read this author before. It seems to me that there were a lot of un-authenic Amish things in this story. Although I've never met/been in an Amish community, I have read MANY Amish books, a lot of which are written by authors who have done research on the Amish. With all that said, this story is not finished, and I'd like to know how it ends, which will happen in the next book. Maybe I'll read reviews on it, after it comes out. No I wouldn't recommend this book.

[Heather 123 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried…twice in fact to read this book.

First: I hate Nicole. I just cannot get into her character. The author wants us to believe she’s this courageous, strong female but she acts like a teenager. Especially in terms of her language (omigod is repeatedly hundreds of time in the first 3-4 chapters)

Second: I don’t understand the cover. It doesn’t match the story. This is not an Amish romance story. This is not about the Amish life. There are a couple of Amish characters but it’s almost an after thought.

Arc received from netgalley

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the idea behind this book. I am used to a different type of romance novel involving the Amish so if you are looking for something that is more “lovey dovey”, this isn’t the book.

The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Rose keeps your interest and you will be taken on an adventure with an ending that might surprise you! It’s a good read if you love mystery and a touch of romance.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I would like to state that I have received this book through goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity and honor in being able to read this book. When I received this book I began reading it at once. This book was a very interesting read. It pulls you in and keeps you wanting more. I would recommend this book to others. It is a very good read

[A. Resa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book for free during NYC’s St Patrick Day book giveaway. I love it because I read books by authors that I wouldn’t normally read. I don’t think that I would have picked it up otherwise. It’s a tame thriller combo meet cute story that is mildly entertaining. A recovered non Amish addict falls in love with a handsome Amish man while seeking her sister. Three stars because it held my attention to the end despite being far from my cup of tea.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Searching for Rose by Dana Becker isn't at all what I expected when I selected this book to read -- it exceeded some of my expectations and turned others on their head entirely.  I enjoyed it tremendously, and I recommend this read with great enthusiasm.  

First off, I have often found myself bored early in romantic suspense novels -- probably because I am primarily interested in suspense rather than romance in selecting fiction to read.  I found this novel's plot to be particularly interesting as well as being well-paced to keep the reader's interest.  Specifically, in addition to the love interest at the center of this story, the main character has a lot going on in her life -- in addition to coping with her sister's disappearance (this is the suspense storyline).  Also, the plot has some truly unpredictable twists big and small.  In sum, there is a great balance of suspense, romance and general contemporary fiction-type action to keep the pages turning at a steady pace.

That said, what really sets this novel apart is the textured depiction of the female protagonist's feelings for her love interest.  I think the unlikely nature of a relationship developing between the two (owing to their totally different lifestyles) allows the author to depict certain aspects of falling in love in subtle ways that I found resonant with my own experience as a human being even if/when I couldn't relate to the specific experience of the character (who I personally find extremely disagreeable as a concept).

There seems to be a sequel planned, and I am psyched.  I am especially eager to see how the supporting cast of characters, as it were, are developed further in any future book.  There were a number of characters whose inner life the reader learned a bit about but not much -- and these characters struck me as pretty unusual in terms of both their particular perspectives and dramatic life stories.  I thank the publisher and netgalley for making an e-galley of this new release available to me for free in exchange for this honest feedback.  

[Kandi Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows April in the search for her sister Rose. This book was definitely out of the norm that I read. The characters were interesting.

Thank you to the publisher for this arc in exchange for this honest review

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on a Goodreads giveaway. This was not the typical amish book that I was expecting, but I enjoyed it. The cover is deceiving, but the story is captivating and the characters are atypical for this type of book. thanks for the opportunity to read this.

[Carlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story line that keeps you wondering what is happening with each person in the story. And who is true or, telling what they what they you to believe. The ending leads youi to the next possible book.