Fleeing to Amish country might be the only way to survive Christmas… Hiding in Amish country, former CIA agent Victoria Kauffman’s determined to find evidence to catch the corrupt agents who killed her partner. But when her Christmas refuge is discovered, the sole person she can trust is Amish widower Aaron Shetler. With ruthless–and dangerously powerful–enemies after them, Victoria must … them, Victoria must use all her training to make sure they live through the holidays.
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Mary Alford
From Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
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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.
If you’re looking for a high paced suspense to read this holiday season, look no further than Covert Amish Christmas.
The action in this book started right from the very beginning as we meet Victoria- a former CIA agent running for her life from corrupt agents responsible for her partner’s death. To do so, she has taken cover in a cabin near Amish country– a way of life that she had left years ago as a child. When the agents find her there, she seeks refuge once again in the barn of Amish widower Aaron. He quickly finds himself brought into the chase… and intrigued by this unexpected woman in his life. Together, they do everything they can to stay alive in this story that is nonstop action from start to finish. Just when I thought that perhaps I’d be able to breathe for a moment and things might slow down, they would once again find themselves back on the run. It certainly kept me on my toes.
Aside from the suspense, it had a really great faith aspect as well as we saw the characters trusting in God to keep them safe. I really enjoyed that about it myself. I also enjoyed the romance, though I found it to be not too overwhelming so I think even those who prefer their suspense without the romance could probably enjoy it too. While the story takes place at Christmastime and there are mentions of such, it didn’t read much like your typical Christmas story and as such could truly be read anytime throughout the year! Overall, if you’re looking for a fast past read, this is definitely one worth checking out.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
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 really enjoyed this page turning suspense! CIA agent Victoria Kauffman is on the run and hiding in Amish country while she tries to figure out the clues her murdered partner left behind. She can’t move beyond this nightmare just yet. “One thing stood in her way-David’s death. She wouldn’t let it go unsolved. The answers were there, she was positive of it. She just had to stay alive long enough to pull them out.” Several corrupted agents are trying to find her, get the information, and kill her. She finds help from a truly good Amish widower Aaron Shetler. “We’re in this together. Where you go, I go.” The odds are truly against them and they are outnumbered by powerful people with seemingly unlimited weapons, and access to the latest technology. Both Aaron and Victoria are coming from a broken place, laced with guilt, while trying to stay alive and rely on the God they haven’t been too close to in recent times.
I was so thrilled to win this book from Author Mary Alford. It is the first book I’ve read of hers and it definitely won’t be my last! I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced, page-turning suspense. Fans of romantic suspense will love it!
Can he protect her in spite of his beliefs?
I’ve been a fan of Mary Alford’s for several years now, but I was beyond thrilled when she chose to place several of her spine-tingling Love Inspired Suspense novels in the Amish community of West Kootenai in Montana. Needless to say, I was looking forward to Covert Amish Christmas and I was not disappointed.
Filled with chills, and not just from the cold, plenty of thrills, and even a few spills, Covert Amish Christmas was quite the exciting read! Smuggling, betrayal, murder, rogue government agents, and the deadly Montana winter landscape – not to mention an unexpected and inopportune romance – are all of the ingredients needed to make a real page-turner.
My question is, what are you waiting for? This may be a holiday story but you can definitely read it any time of the year and any Love Inspired Suspense novel from Mary Alford is sure to intrigue and entertain. Don’t miss out!
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
I intended on getting this book when I came upon the JustRead tour posted and decided to get the book since I had an Amazon gift card. Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE romantic suspense!
It was about 20 years ago that I started with Harlequin’s Intrigue line – I read quite a few of those books, but I have more that I haven’t – among other books from 2000-2006.
I also wanted to get this book as I had previously read Amish Country Murder by the author and enjoyed that book! These are standalone books and do not need to be read together. As it is LOVE INSPIRED, there will be references to God, themes of salvation, redemption, second chances, and some prayer.
Immediately it being the genre it is, the plot, as well as an “Amish” story – I was really excited to read this. There are Amish terms (Pennsylvania Dutch), and thankfully I do understand them Gott/God; gut/good; bruder/brother. Part of my grandmother’s family settled in the Pennsylvania Dutch country over 150 (or more) years ago.
Anyway …
Alford’s descriptive and engaging writing draws the reader right in from the beginning. The non-stop action begins with a literal bang and does not stop until the very end. This is more suspense than romance, but that doesn’t really matter to me.
Englisch stories mixed with the Amish are always interesting reads, adding in law enforcement ups the excitement. But, in this story, one of the main characters is with former CIA. That definitely ups the interest. And, to be honest, I read about 80 pages before I was able to really take notes for the review. I takes notes as I don’t want to forget anything that interests me or I want to highlight.
Don’t let the calm scene on the bottom of the book fool you – this is anything but calm. The woman on the top of the cover (Victoria) – her intense mood sets the stage for this story.
Victoria is hiding in Amish country from rogue C.I.A agents, with only one contact she can trust. She has some evidence left to her; by her late partner (and boyfriend) that sheds some light on shady dealings. But, she cannot yet decipher it.
But, as always – before she (or anyone) can get a handle on it – the bad guys come calling. And, these ones are not so polite about it.
After being wounded, she is found by Aaron, who instantly decides to help her despite the danger. And, danger there is – thus putting Victoria, Aaron, and his family on the run throughout the Amish territory/farms they live.
Despite her insistence on not accepting Aaron’s help, he wants to help her. And, with his help she’s able to retrieve the evidence that got David killed. It definitely points to the shady dealings – and those involve others, perhaps the very men after her.
With the “death squad” on her trail, Victoria knows that after it is over – she’s done with the spy business. Still, she is grappling with the fact she sometimes misses Amish life, but feels she isn’t worthy to return to it. It is through widower Aaron that she starts seeing the way to a second chance – her past doesn’t define her.
All is revealed, as usual, and I was right about a character I didn’t trust. For some reason as soon as the person was mentioned, I didn’t trust them. And, there was a character I knew what side he was on, again, I was right. Despite having the feelings I did – I did find the end rather exciting and satisfying. At times it is pulse-pounding, heart-stopping, and definitely riveting.
I couldn’t put this quick paced, super-addictive read down for too long without feeling an urge to pick it back up.
Of course the parts not liked are minor – how many times they “ALMOST” get caught. But, without those, the book would be fairly boring, especially for a suspense novel. Given the subject, Alford made sure it remained exciting without being redundant. It definitely kept my interest.
I wanted just a little bit more background on her, was Victoria’s past Amish life. The author did a great job in explaining part of it, but I did have a question as to why she really couldn’t stay with the Amish family “friends” after her parents’ deaths given the differences in the lifestyle – the people who raised her, despite being cousins, were Englisch.
There was also a little “issue” with weapon terminology that some might find questionable – particularly those who work around weapons. It is a common faux pas with most fiction work – magazine vs. clip terminology. While it is nothing that really affects the overall plot or advancement of the story; still, it does need to be addressed, as it is a contentious point for some.
On page 105 it states “the magazine held half a clip”. A clip is different than a magazine, which is what semi-automatic pistols (Glock, Sig Sauer, etc) use. A clip is simply a storage device you use to load ammunition into the magazine of a firearm such as what the Glock (the weapon referred to in the story) uses. As Victoria had been with the CIA, it is possible she had a Glock 17 (standard for law enforcement), thus the magazine would hold 17 rounds (bullets), so HALF A MAGAZINE (not clip) would have been around 8-9 bullets.
Again, a minor snafu for some; major for others.
I don’t know about the indestructible claim or firing after being dropped in water. This is something I did hear Tommy Lee Jones’ character in the movie U.S MARSHALS (1998) state about them firing under water and I have read some articles as to the claim, still that one I am leaving untouched.
Overall, fans of the author and genre won’t want to miss this one! I look very forward to reading her future books. I do have Amish Country Kidnapping and look forward to someday reading it.
I hope that the author plans to have a book about Aaron’s brother who is a U.S Marshal. I’d like to know how that happened as it seems very interesting.
Victoria, a CIA agent who receives information on a conspiracy within the agency is trying to understand the proof left to her by another agent who died. On the run, she flees to the Amish community and gains the help of Aaron. Aaron and some of his friends and family try to keep her safe as she runs from her assailants.
The story is highly suspenseful with lots of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Having Aaron be Amish gave another side to the storyline that I normally don’t see in a suspense novel. His struggle with violence in order to protect Victoria showed true courage and conviction. Victoria is carrying a secret that she keeps from Aaron that also adds mystery to the story.
Covert Amish Christmas is a page-turner steeped with intrigue, compassion, forgiveness, and faith. The blossoming romance amongst all the turmoil gave another interesting quality to the story.
The inspirational and uplifting message brought the story to life for me. Very enjoyable and exciting read. Highly recommended.
I received a copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.
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.
Covert Amish Christmas
By Mary Alford
Victoria Kauffman has spent the last year running for her life. Since her partner and unit were killed on an operation gone horribly wrong she’s been trying to stay one step ahead of rogue CIA operatives whom she believes are behind everything. She just needs to find the proof-there is just one problem she has no idea what she is looking for. And worse is the guilt over the life she has led as a CIA agent, the things she has done eat at her, stealing any hope for peace.
Aaron Shelter has been living with his guilt over his wife’s death, no matter what anyone thinks he knows it is his fault she didn’t seek the help she needed sooner. When he finds a woman in need of his help he isn’t about to repeat the mistakes of the past. But this time offering help could get him and those he loves killed.
As Victoria, Aaron, and his family spend Christmas trying to elude ruthless killers, Victoria’s only hope lies with contacting her former commander. But when you are in the heart of Amish country communication is not easily accomplished.
If you are a fan of Amish suspense that is a clean read you will enjoy this offering from the Love Inspired Suspense brand. At times Victoria and Aaron’s dwelling on their guilt can be a little much but overall this was a good read. All the action takes place in approximately a day so there is a lot crammed into this time period but that is to be expected with these books. I will admit I had a few suspicions as to who was the guilty party so don’t be surprised if you aren’t surprised at the reveal of the mastermind.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Former CIA Agent Victoria Kauffman is determined to find who murdered her partner but things do not go as she plans, and then she is discovered, causing even more danger to her and her friends than before.
This Christmas story is full of action packed suspense from start to finish. I enjoyed following Victoria on her journey trying to find the killers, but they were just as determined as she. I love Aaron, and he meets Victoria at the right tim and he took it on himself to try and protector her. Not your normal Christmas story but after reading so many Christmas clean romances it was nice to change to action and suspense for a while. Mary Alford does a very nice job of creating characters and developing the plot to keep readers turning the pages. If you are looking for a Christmas story with a twist, I encourage you to check this one out. Covert Amish Christmas is an easy Five Stars for me.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
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.
An action packed, engaging book. I loved the characters of Victoria and Aaron. A perfect story for lovers of suspense and Amish genre.
A CIA agent on the run after a mission gone wrong has been on the run from the evil men chasing her. Victoria Kauffman, who had been born Amish, tries to hide out in Montana’s snowy Amish country. She seeks refuge at widower Aaron Shetler’s place, and he becomes involved in her attempts to escape those who want to kill her. The story explodes with action and much more violence than expected in a novel billed Amish. The person I suspected might be behind the whole thing proved correct, but the author did a good job trying to make readers think he couldn’t be. I enjoyed the tale, but I think the couple’s love for each other grew too rapidly. Can a person actually know they love someone with all their heart and want to marry them in just a few wild days together? I suppose that type of struggle to survive would bond them. Also, I found it hard to believe Aaron could drop his nonresistant stance so quickly in order to fight to help Victoria. Nevertheless, if you like thriller type mysteries, you should enjoy this one. The Amish element is more peripheral. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
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.
Covert Amish Christmas by Mary Alford has Victoria Kauffman on the run for her life. She is a former CIA agent who has evidence of wrongdoing by CIA operatives. The guilty parties, though, have no intention of letting Victoria turn over that evidence and will do whatever it takes to stop her. Victoria gets shot and ends up at the farm of Aaron Shetler. Aaron finds himself on the run with Victoria trying to keep them safe and the bad guys away from his family. Will they be able to turn over the evidence necessary to stop the guilty parties? Covert Amish Christmas is a fast-paced suspense novel. It is full of action from the very first chapter. I found Covert Amish Christmas to be well-written with steady pacing and a complex main character. Victoria is a complicated woman which I liked. I enjoyed the descriptions of Aaron’s beautiful hand-crafted furniture. I could feel the tension and danger as Victoria, Aaron, and the others attempted to elude the bad guys and stay safe. I found myself quickly turning the pages to see how this tale would turn out. I wish the mystery had been harder to solve, but that is just the puzzle solver in me. I appreciated the epilogue which nicely wrapped up the story. Covert Amish Christmas has action, intrigue, mystery, romance, and suspense (what more could you ask for). Covert Amish Christmas is a page turner that will have you captivated until the very end.
This is my fight now as well – Aaron
Hang on to your seats – this one will keep you guessing right up until the end! Victoria, former CIA, needs to figure out who killed her partner and the rest of their team and what better place to do that than in a quiet Amish community in winter. Suddenly the world erupts in gunfire and the race to prove this becomes much more difficult.
There are so many twists and turns in this wonderful suspense that you will almost need to make notes to try to figure out who is good and who is not. I loved how Victoria slowly came to the realization that God had forgiven her – now she needed to forgive herself. These deaths were not her fault. Snow storms, gunfire and injuries will keep you on the edge of your chair, unwilling to put this down until you have finished!
This ARC was received through Love Inspired Suspense and CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
Amazingly, Covert Amish Christmas, is the first book I have read by Mary Alford. I am now questioning why that it is. I thought this book was fabulous. It is not a long read but is full of adventure, action, suspense, mystery, danger and romance. I thought Aaron and Victoria made a perfect team. I thought it was great from page one until the very last. I did not find it to be that predictable and I had to keep reading to find out what would happen next. It was so good.
I am giving Covert Amish Christmas a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading inspirational suspense, as well as, Amish Fiction. I look forward to reading more by Mary Alford in the future.
I received Covert Amish Christmas from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Amish Covert Christmas is a very thrilling story written by Mary Alford. This is a suspense inspirational love story. The author has done a tremendous job bringing this story to life through her well developed characters. There is never a full moment throughout this entire story. I found it extremely hard to put it down. The story starts out with a band and it continued that way from the start. The mystery involved in this story will really have you questioning some of those involved.
Victoria Kauffman is an active CIA agent trying to figure out the reason behind her boyfriend’s death which occurred in Afghanistan. Now back in the USA she still finds her life in jeopardy but hasn’t been able to figure out the clues left to her. When an Amish man, Aaron Shelter finds her hiding in his barn suffering a bullet wound to her leg he instantly knows he has to protect her. What these two experience throughout the story will definitely have readers wondering how it will all turnout. At the conclusion Victoria knows her death is near and at the hands of someone very unexpected. With Aaron shot and left for dead she has all but given up.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not expected to post a favorable response. All opinions are my own but honest. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Mary Alford on releasing another story filled with suspense, drama, love, faith, and forgiveness. This story is just amazing.
Alford’s writing is intense and I love how she made me look over my shoulder at times as Victoria and Aaron are put through their paces.
I read this in the night which is my favorite time to read. It didn’t take me long to read. I finished it in an hour or so.
I feel like I’ve read this story before or one like it. It did seem familiar. But, that’s OK. It didn’t hurt to read it again.
Stories like this are awesome!
A great story from start to finish.
One that will keep you spellbound and holding your breath waiting to see what happens next!
So buckle up for a very fast ride!
Highly recommend.
My thanks to Just Reads Tours.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
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This story was a hit-’em-up action movie in book form. The action didn’t let up, but when I stopped to think, there were several things that didn’t make sense. As for me, the head henchman was glaringly obvious and I couldn’t understand how this seasoned CIA agent couldn’t see what was so obvious to me.
I liked how the Amish were willing to help a woman they had never met, but I shuddered at the danger these innocent people had been put in (good job Ms. Alford ).
The character development was not very deep as so much of the book was focused on the action, still, you got a sense that Aaron was an honorable man who was willing to risk a lot to protect the woman he felt needed his help. There were a couple of references through the story about the “things he had done that were against the Amish beliefs” or what he would do that was against those beliefs to help someone he had just met. This seemed a bit implausible and made me wonder if he was really as honorable as he appeared.
Victoria seemed to struggle with the things she had done which went against Amish beliefs and wanted to be part of a simpler life but knew that would not happen as long as she was fighting for her life.
She seemed like a determined character who would not let anything so simple as a wound or exhaustion get in the way of her doing what she could to get justice for her dead partner. And she fought like a lion to protect the people who were trying to help her.
There was a theme running through the story that though we may fear our sins are unforgivable, God is willing to forgive us if we come to Him with a repentant heart.
Covert Amish Christmas is a thrilling read that will require you to suspend belief a bit (but what good novel doesn’t?) It will definitely grab your attention and hold it.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publishers through Just Read Tours; a positive review was not required.