New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray begins a new series—The Amish of Hart County—with this suspenseful tale of a young Amish woman who is forced to move to a new town to escape a threatening stalker.After a stalker went too far, Hannah Hilty and her family had no choice but to leave the bustling Amish community where she grew up. Now she’s getting a fresh start in … she’s getting a fresh start in Hart County, Kentucky…if only she wasn’t too scared to take it. Hannah has become afraid to trust anyone—even Isaac, the friendly Amish man who lives next door. She wonders if she’ll ever return to the trusting, easy-going woman she once was.
For Isaac Troyer, the beautiful girl he teasingly called “The Recluse” confuses him like no other. When he learns of her past, he knows he’s misjudged her. However, he also understands the importance of being grateful for God’s gifts, and wonders if they will ever have anything in common. But as Hannah and Isaac slowly grow closer, they realize that there’s always more to someone than meets the eye.
Just as Hannah is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding a new love, more secrets are revealed and tragedy strikes. Now Hannah must decide if she should run again or dare to fight for the future she has found in Hart County.
more
I have read a lot of books,I am an avid reader but this one was not boring, it kept my attention, and I thought it was quite realistic as well as entertaining
I’ve heard great things about Shelley Shepard Gray’s writing. Outside of a novella collection or two I’ve not previously read any of her full length books. When I say I hear great things? Total understatement. How did I go so long without reading her books? Actually, truth be told I’ve been inundated with the knowledge of her books that I was pretty certain I’d actually read her. I have so many on my want to read list that I felt like I knew her writing. Does that make sense? Nevermind, it totally does to me. Let’s just say that expectation (and perhaps false memories) did not meet reality, it exceeded it. This will assuredly NOT be my last Shelley book. Although to be fair, I’ve got plans for the entire The Amish of Hart County series over the next few weeks. However, I can’t stop there now that I’ve fallen in.
I already knew that Gray creates memorable characters and isn’t afraid to shy away from real life. Her Amish characters face real life. Dark, messy, sometimes overwhelming, convoluted, yet full of grace real life. I mean Hannah and her family relocated from Ohio to Kentucky partly because of a stalker. That’s the reason they gave, but of course there was more than that. Things you hear on the news, things that might even happen to someone that someone you know knows, things that you don’t necessarily equate with Amish fiction. However, the truth is the Amish are as much a part of real life as any other person. Living life ‘separate’ is not quite what it used to be and doesn’t immune this faith group from the real life dangers we all potentially face every single day. So much of Amish fiction shy’s away from this idea and creates a near idealized version of life. Gray does not. I love that about her. Finally, it all became clear to Isaac. Life was full of ups and downs. Kittens and chores and friendships and family. It was uneven and unexpected. It was full of quiet moments and chewing gum and fish that got away. That. That right there is the essence of life, Amish or Christian or Agnostic or Pagan, it doesn’t matter your faith it matters the world you live in and how you choose to embrace it.
Hannah needed to learn this. Her father needed to learn this. Tomatoes, her entire family needed to learn this. However so did the community they found themselves in. I think I still need the reminders that I need to learn this. Holding out his hand, her father whispered, ‘Indeed, child. Even in the midst of darkness, there is always something to be thankful for.’ Hannah’s world was very dark in the beginning of this book. Truth be told I figured out the big twist before chapter 6 but that’s OK. Knowing the twist just made the build and anticipation throughout the rest of the book so much more intense and so much sweeter as well. Through Hannah and her family and even her community in Kentucky, Shelley Shepard Gray gently reminds us that even in the dark there is light. Even in secrets there is redemption. And even when you live through, what feels to you, unimaginable there is redemption. Uncertainty and fear thrive in the darkness. Healing and hope happen in the light. Seek the light.
Shelley Shepard Gray always keeps me reading her books. She will touch your emotions, your heart and sometimes even bring tears to your eyes. While she writes Amish fiction the characters have depth, flaws, show their faith and even when they struggle with their faith and their lives. Anything by Shelley is a great read to me. I consider her books “keepers” & yes I do go back and reread some of them. Highly recommend this very talented author.
Enjoyed the book and all the secrets. Would recommend to readers who enjoy a good mystery.
Exciting read. Right on target!
I love Shelley Shepherd Gray’s books. They grab me from the first page making it hard to put them down. Her Secret continued that same pattern. Her Secret is a fast read and a page turner. I loved Hannah and Isaac and watching their relationship grow as they dealt with a stalker. It kept me turning the pages, setting on the edge of my set and holding my breath. I recommend Her secret.