Covert Amish Christmas, by Mary Alford, grabbed my attention from the first page and held it to the last. Lots of suspense, tension, danger, and a bit of romance as readers follow Victoria, former CIA agent, as she finds refuge in the peaceful Amish community of West Kootenai, Montana. Ruthless enemies are after her and seem to find her wherever she hides. As the enemy discovers her once again, Victoria seeks help from an Amish widower, Aaron. Could they stay alive long enough to find the answers for which Victoria searches? Would two wounded souls be able to find happiness amidst the turmoil of the danger in which they find themselves embroiled? Mary Alford is a marvelous storyteller. She crafts believable characters, her writing is strong and poetic, and edge-of-the-seat action and twists to the plot are infused into the narrative, keeping the pages turning. Readers who enjoy Love Inspired Suspense stories full of courage, danger, and faith will not want to miss Covert Amish Christmas.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via JustRead Tours. A favorable review was not required, and the opinions are my own. This review is part of a JustRead blog tour. ( )

Combing Christmas, the Amish, and suspense in this book grabbed my attention. With non-stop action, this book demanded I keep reading it. The author includes twists and turns along with intrigue and suspense.

The idea of a CIA agent taking refuge in an Amish community intrigued me. I loved how this story moved along. The book reiterated the concept I believed about the Amish helping those who might be in need.

Seeking justice for the death of her partner/love of her life drives Victoria forward. Aaron, an Amish gentleman, discovers Victoria and seeks to find her a safe place to stay. I love how Aaron’s friend Ethan also becomes part of this story.

So if you enjoy Christmas stories, suspense novels, or Amish stories, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Former CIA agent Victoria Kauffman is in extreme danger and she hopes that hiding in Montana Amish country will give her refuge as she searches for the people who killed her partner the year before. What she doesn't count on is being seriously injured and needing help from an Amish family who lives nearby. Will this peace-loving widower be able to protect her without going against his Amish beliefs?

Victoria's overwhelming fear and her extreme guilt over her past actions are buffered by the very understanding Aaron Shetler. Author Mary Alford perfectly portrays Victoria's fear and guilt, and the budding feelings between her and Aaron, but I found the inspirational element especially appealing. Aaron suffers from guilt also but his strong faith and determination are displayed as he struggles to protect Victoria and his family, while convincing her (and himself) that forgiveness and redemption are always possible.

I found myself holding my breath as I joined Alford's roller coaster ride filled with twists, turns, and suspense. I recommend Covert Amish Christmas to all who enjoy Christian romantic suspense.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit. A favorable review wasn't required. These are my own thoughts. ( )

I always love books by this author and I was definitely not disappointed. I love the romance and the suspense. This had lots of twists and turns and I loved trying to figure out who was chasing after Victoria. Aaron was also a great character. Victoria was an interesting character that had been Amish and the English because of a horrible accident. I love how this whole story winds up. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

I know this was going to be a great book from the moment I read the first few pages. The author has always been consistent in giving a story filled with intrigue, twists, danger and an inspirational message . Victoria is in real danger when men come after her willing to do anything to silence her. She has information that could cost her her life. I loved how the setting is near where she grew up. It was interesting to know that at one time she was Amish.

I’m sure it isn’t every day that you find a young woman shot in your shop. Aaron is shocked when he discovers an unconscious Victoria. Now he knows that the shots he heard during the night must have been directed at this woman. I loved how Aaron took her in and found a safe place for her. He has put his life and others in danger to help someone he doesn’t know. It is a good example of helping those in need.

Victoria is determined to see justice and will stop at nothing to make them pay for the death of not only her partner but the man she loved. To think people in the CIA that she worked with could be tracking her is hard to believe. Whatever evidence she has needs to stay secure until she can turn it over to someone she trusts.

The author gives us a little background on Victoria’s past. Losing her parents at a young age was devastating. Years past and she had almost forgotten about her Amish heritage. She thinks she is not worthy to be forgiven of things she has done. Aaron blames himself for his wife’s death. They both need a touch from God. Through the danger they face with bullets flying and men chasing them, will they find safety?

This is a non stop action story that kept me on my toes. Just as I think Aaron and Victoria are safe, more men surround their hiding place. They are ruthless and are determined to take out anyone who could divulge their secret. Greed, money and power feed their evil side. I think this is the best story the author has written. I couldn’t wait to get to the end because I believed that God would protect those in harms way. It is a great story about letting go of your past, doing the right thing and trusting God.

“Our future will not be defined by the past, but by what we make of it together.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )