“Tracked Through the Woods” is a Christian mystery-thriller about Abby Miller, a woman who has been on the run from the Chicago mob since childhood. Alongside her estranged father, living under a pseudonym among the Amish community, they aim to evade mob executioners intending to kill them. As an adult, Abby teams up with FBI agent Wyatt Kane in their pursuit of safety. The reviewer criticizes the overemphasis on Christian elements and questionable plot elements, such as Wyatt revealing his FBI credentials despite knowing his boss is corrupt. The book is awarded 3.5 stars.
Once Upon a Buggy by Shelley Shepard Gray
The review discusses “Once Upon a Buggy”, a story of May Schott and Carl Hilty whose lives drastically changed due to a fire. Carl, severely burned, returns after six years, hoping May can love him beyond his scars. The plot revolves around their unexpressed feelings of love and their struggle to communicate. The reviewer acknowledges the book as a sweet and well-developed story. Infusing empathy, especially towards Carl. However, opines that the storyline failed to captivate them completely, leading to a rating of 3.5 stars, rounded to 4 for platforms that exhibit only whole numbers. The review was shared later than expected due to health-related delays.
Murder of an Amish Bridegroom by Patricia Johns
“Murder of an Amish Bridegroom” is a suspenseful novel that explores the mystery behind Ike Smoker’s death. Ike, who was known to be of questionable morals, is found murdered by Petunia Yoder, an Amish woman who stumbles upon the crime scene during a routine ice pick-up. The only suspect is Eden, Ike’s supposed lover, found at the scene with Ike’s blood on her hands. An inexperienced detective, Asher Nate, arrives to solve the murder but he is unfamiliar with Amish customs. Petunia, with her father’s approval, assists Nate in the investigation, revealing more potential suspects and secrets behind Ike’s life.
Crime Scene Conspiracy by Jessica R. Patch
Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell has reasons why she doesn’t trust ex-ranger Stone Spencer. In fact, she doesn’t really trust anyone. But a serial killer is out there killing women. She is on a covert mission but her careful investigating has made her a target as well. There is a reason that Stone is involved but can she trust him enough to stay alive and put the killer away?
Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne
“Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise” is an enjoyable debut Amish novel by Anne Blackburne. The book features a charming widow, Ruth Helmuth, who has tirelessly worked to sustain her farm after her husband’s death. Other characters include a bishop who often causes Ruth embarrassment and Abigail, a young girl living with her widower father. The book offers amusement and intrigue but contains one issue concerning a communal meal scene. Despite this, it’s a commendable read that introduces a new author to the Amish genre. The book is part of “The Heart of the Amish” series and includes some recipes. A digital review copy was received from Barbour Publishing, with a 4.5 out of 5-star rating given.
The Teacher’s Christmas Secret by Emma Miller
Meet Tobit Lapp, a widower raising a son, hired as the schoolteacher and new to the community.
Meet Cora Koffman, who expected to be hired as the schoolteacher, and was very upset that she wasn’t.
But … she volunteers to teach for him when he falls off the windmill. So which has the secret? And could it really bring a halt to a possible romance between Tobit and Cora?