Serenity

Serenity's Plain Secrets #13

by Karen Ann Hopkins

Sheriff Serenity Adams is hoping for a quiet week at the department when a call comes in about a battered woman in the Amish community. What initially seems like an open and shut domestic abuse case stirs Serenity’s memories of her very first investigation, and quickly turns into a race to save a life.

Journey back in time with Serenity to the riveting case that set her on the path of a topnotch detective. But will clues from the past help her solve a present-day mystery? Serenity questions her prior decisions while she struggles to make sense of the unending cycle of violence and bloodshed around her.

Genres: Mystery, Amish, Fiction

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 10, 2022

About the author

You can visit Karen Ann Hopkins at her website: www.karenannhopkinsfiction.com.

"I loved joining Rose and Noah during their journey in the Temptation series by Karen Hopkins."-Katie McGarry, acclaimed YA author

Karen Ann Hopkins resides in northern Kentucky with her family on a farm that boasts a menagerie of horses, goats, sheep, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, pigs, dogs, and cats. Karen rescues and fosters a variety of pets and farm animals, but she also finds time to give riding lessons, coach a youth equestrian drill team, and of course, write. She was inspired to create her first book, Temptation, by the Amish community she lives in. The experiential knowledge she gained through her interactions with her neighbors drove her to create the story of the star-crossed lovers, Rose and Noah.

Karen grew up about a mile from Lake Ontario in Upstate New York. She was bitten by the horse bug at the age of five, and after diligently taking riding lessons for several years, she was rewarded with her first horse at the age of eleven. The feisty horse's name was Lady, a Quarter Horse-Thoroughbred cross, who became Karen's steadfast companion. Through the years, the constant force in her life was horses. Eventually, Karen found her place as a riding instructor herself. Before accepting her fate in the barnyard, she worked a short stint as a paralegal, traveled abroad, and guided tourists on horseback riding tours in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

Karen is currently working on her two interconnecting mystery/crime fiction series, Serenity's Plain Secrets and Possum Gap, along with several new projects.

To learn more about Karen and her books, please visit her website.

Reviews

[John Penrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Karen!

Another wonderful book by a great author! Look forward to many more in this series and the new Possum gap series Karen has the knack of tying and twist ing the mystery lines that make it difficult to put the books down! It is my great honor to know her personally.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Reads!

This whole series was enlightening,a Refresh from the same ole,same ole type of crime fiction. The author weaves a story that entwined different cultures beauty and makes you want the next chapter. The characters are interesting and her well developed. A Must read author and collection

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

In questo libro il primo caso affrontato da poliziotta dalla protagonista viene raccontato in parallelo al caso che sta seguendo ora. Devo dire che il finale di entrambi non mi ha sorpreso, soprattutto per il caso contemporaneo avevo capito subito chi fosse il colpevole. Nelle ultime righe del libro c'è il solito lancio per quello successivo e stavolta questa serie si intreccierà con l'altra lanciata da questa autrice: non so se leggere il libro successivo o il primo della nuova serie, che è uscito prima... Vabbè deciderò sul momento, ora passo ad altro.

[Angelica · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5.

[C Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different but good

My rating is 4.5. This is book#13. Instead of one book with one story, this is actually two stories. The time is during the early stages of Serenity’s police career and a case she was part of and the second case takes place in present day. The stories are not as strong as some previous books but it was a unique experience reading how an earlier case when Serenity was a rookie impacted on a current case today as a Sheriff. This was a enjoyable read. Thank you Karen Hopkins.

[Edward T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good story about Serenity.

A good plot that jumped back and forth between the present and the past. I would really like to see better editing. It detracts from the story when there are some obvious misspelling and grammatical errors.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favorite

The constant flipping between the past and the present really drove me crazy. Daniel seems very whiney but Serenity does need to care for him and her child more than she does. Needs a proofreader.

[Judith Spence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story…but i saw it coming

This was a good story but I saw it coming. The back and forth into the past/present I usually find irritating but this time it was interesting. Here’s the thing though…I’m so tired of the thread about Daniel and Serenity’s relationship. He knew what he was getting when he married her. Did he think that was going to change? I have never understood relationships that go through that and it is getting tired. Rather than this adding to, it actually distracts from the story for me. If he wanted a different woman to be married to then he should have married someone else. Instead he is constantly trying to change Serenity into being what he wants rather than accepting the reality of who and what she is. Let’s face it, Serenity was very up front about what Daniel could expect from her yet she is always the one that feels selfish and cold. She’s not. When Daniel doesn’t get his way immediately (meaning that Serenity capitulates to his demands) he pouts and gives her the silent treatment. I could go on into the different personality’s but I think I have made my point. I just would like it if Daniel didn’t act like such an immature girl and would accept Serenity for who she is. Not everyone is a romantic and not everyone is touchy feely and that’s OK. It’s one thing to compromise, it’s another to change your core being.

[Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book in the Serenity's Plain Secrets series. This was was not the usual plot arc. It shifted between a domestic violence case in the Amish community Sherrif Serenity is handling in the present with flashbacks to her time as a rookie cop working with her mentor US Marshall Ward on another domestic violence case involving a murdered sex worker. I'm usually not a fan of this format, but it worked perfectly in this case showing Serenity's investigative skills had been honed early in her career and how the old case impacted her current investigation. Serenity's personal life, now including her husband Daniel and infant daughter Willa is deftly women through the story.

The author is a master of her craft and I always enjoy her books. My only complaint is in the editing. Words are left out of sentences so frequently I can't believe her editor doesn't catch them. I read so fast that the meaning is not lost but it is annoying none the less (and occurs in all her books I have read). One careful read through is all it would take to correct this issue.

I look forward to reading many more of the Serenity's Plain Secrets mysteries and the new Possom Gap series.

[Linda Galella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dual timelines that don’t quite mesh and terrible proof reading made for a frustrating experience.

Serenity’s book #13 could have been better if the mechanics were improved. There were so many incorrect words, grammatical mistakes, missing words completely and passages that were badly constructed that the story reads like it was written by a middle school student.

One timeline is present day and the other takes place at the beginning of Serenity’s career. It’s nice to have an insight into the making of Sheriff Serenity
and her relationships. You may not be so thrilled with her behavior. Timeline changes are clearly marked and easy to follow.

Struggles between devoting time to family and career become an important theme in this volume for this ongoing series by K. A. Hopkins. She does a good job showing a variety of relationship styles both positive and negative.

There are no cliffhangers with the actual “cases” in the two stories Serenity set out to solve. With her private life, Serenity has much to accomplish. It would be nice if a good editor and proof reader joined the family📚

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't do my "full review" on Serenity -- I'm on a boat on the Atlantic Ocean and wi-fi works well except when it doesn't.

On the whole I liked this book as we learn about more about Serenity's past before becoming Blood Rock's sheriff. The pacing is a bit constraining as the story goes from present to past to present to past, etc. I find most authors do not handle this well -- the author, Karen Ann Hopkins, does better than most. I had no problem with it although others might not agree.

The mystery is good -- enjoyable and if you are a fan of this series, you will definitely like Serenity. This is a Kindle Unlimited book offering.

Rating: 4.5 stars
#Serenity #KarenAnnHopkins

[Lottie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book depressing. I am not a fan of Serenity’s views on women. Being a “stronge” woman is a little overdone in this book. I also find the way she reacts to her husband as oppressive. The author needs to focus on creating mystery & suspense, instead of standing on a soapbox. I am absolutely against domestic violence, sexual harassment, etc., but it is time for a different theme. This book continued the author’s previous theme and hopefully that will change before the completion of the next one!

[Pedro Bedro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serenity is drawn into the Amish community's problems once more, for a God fearing lot they sure do cause some problems to the law. She is reminded of a previous case with troubling similarities but it turns out the culprit is not who she thought, unlike the one in her past. She keeps up with the job despite domestic troubles, she really needs to sort out her home life/work balance before it gets too far out of hand and Daniel holds out an olive branch she must grab with both hands. Flows along nicely with a balanced well considered ending.

[Rose Scarrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheriff to the Amish

This tale is intriguing but somewhat confusing as the author constantly switches from past events to the present day. It is important for the past events to b
e brought forward, as it provides important context to current day scenarios, but could be documented in another manner.

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything but serene

Serenity is the sherrif of a small community and finds herself trapped between her history and her present as cases become intertwined in her thoughts.
She finds herself trying to help an Amish family while trying to avoid perceived mistakes of the past. All while trying to save her marriage.
An entertaining mystery read

[Limary Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheriff Serenity Adams has evolved a lot since the start of the series. This story in particular show how much she has change, but at the same time stays the same. She finally understand her sisth sense, but we discover she has it from the start. On the plus side, we are gifted with two stories in one.

[sharon sobzak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Serenity

Hopefully Serenity will see her own flaws better and save herself. Her belief that if she could do better and she could save others is not healthy. As the series has progressed it has become clear that she is an addict... Addicted to the rush of following clues to solve a case.

[Mikki O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serenity

Definitely my favorite book series. Sheriff Serenity is one of the best characters I've ever read about and I always look forward to my reading time.
If you haven't already started this series you Definitely should but start at book 1 and I promise you won't be disappointed.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serenity is at it again!

I have read almost all of this series and enjoyed them even though they kind of follow the same formula. I come back because of Serenity's interaction with the Amish community. The mysteries are decent in them all, and in this book, we learn a little more about Serenity's early days in law enforcement. Easy and quick read.

[Deb Raker · Rating 4 out of 5]

past and present

Another fast paced read! Life isn’t easy for Serenity and Daniel. Priorities and boundaries need to be set. All while trying to solve a mystery that brings up a past case. There is always enough mystery and tension to keep me coming back for more.

[Larry Spader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed in the main character

I do not like the character of Serenity Adam's. She's not married to Daniel. She's married to her job. She said it herself in so many words - "my job is my priority". She's playing with fire with the Marshal.

[bob merkler · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much insight this author has!

This is one amazing writer. I had Amish customers and she has a ton of homework in her writing of how it is. One VERY talented writers you have here. I highly suggest you read the whole group.

[Elizabeth Pilley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unusual setting

I enjoyed the story, very interesting setting and characters. Just wish the book had been proofread first as there are a number of words missing and poor grammar, which was irritating

[Mandy Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

I loved this Serenity series. Her struggles to balance work and family is a tight rope that she sometimes can't win. Character develops is good through. The description of her crime solving makes you feel you are right there with her.

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

I really like this series - I like the realism of the characters and I enjoy learning about the Amish. I appreciate that the author doesn't fall into stereotypes or simplistic traps with her characters. One to read again.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dual storyline had potential but non-existent or very sloppy editing (as in the early couple in the series I read) is still spoiling the books. Would be good if the author/publisher took some note of the many reviews criticising this issue (and no doubt many, many Kindle reader edits!).

[Ruby Allman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story

These storyline is interesting and kept my attention. I really enjoy the first person insights of Sheriff Serenity Adams. I would have given 5 stars if there were no grammar errors.

[hopecalm · Rating 1 out of 5]

No.

Barely 190 pages. Two separate stories, one present, one in the past. Not connected. Worthless read. Skip this one for sure.

[Margaret Yelton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was happy to see more problems between Daniel and Serenity to work on, but in general I do not enjoy books that jump back and forward over and over again.

[karen freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one

This is another good Serenity Adam's read. The plot twists keep you guessing while the author opens the doors to the Amish community.