New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray brings us another compelling suspense in her Amish of Hart County series, this time featuring an undercover English DEA agent who will do anything to protect the Amish girl he loves.Calvin Fisher left the Amish community at fourteen and never looked back. Only his brother’s illness can bring him back to Hart County. Now, as Calvin works to … as Calvin works to make amends, he meets Alice, a local nursery school teacher, and falls hard for her. But he has a secret that could threaten the happiness he’s finally found.
Alice shouldn’t like—or want—Calvin. He’s English, has a questionable past, and an even more questionable job. Still, she can’t help being intrigued. Though Calvin assures Alice that he’s worthy of her, she’s torn between surrendering to her growing feelings and steering clear of him.
When a sudden surge of criminal activity alarms the community and even targets Alice, Calvin fears that his double life has put everyone he loves at risk. As for Alice, she can’t help but wonder if the brave and honorable man she’s lost her heart to is far more dangerous than she could ever imagine.
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Working my way through the Amish of Hart County series has been interesting. I mean that in a totally good way! These books were released over a period of time that I am spanning in a matter of weeks. That gives a different perspective on the books, inconsistencies I pick up on that other’s may not due to the span of time between books, the ease of falling back in with the communities and characters, and of course the fact that it’s a subset (of sorts) of a favorite genre so it’s easy reading. I mean, let’s face it, Shelley Shepard Gray takes Amish fiction to a different level with layers of gritty reality and not all sunshine and roses lives for her characters. Life isn’t always idealistic and simple, even for the Amish and I appreciate that she can weave touches of real ‘Englisher’ life as it impacts the Amish communities into her books. I was super excited to get back with Mark and Calvin from ‘His Guilt’ in this book. Calvin deserves his story, even if he is no longer Amish. It was interesting as well since I have read the ‘An Amish Homecoming’ (releasing 10/16!) novella collection before reading this so I sorta knew what happened and got a glimpse into the future of Irene as well.
There are a couple of little things I need to address first. And apologies now as there will most likely be a spoiler or twenty while doing so. First, as I’ve mentioned in previous reviews of this series, there’s a disconnect about what has happened and which community of the county they happened in. This book starts in February, not long after the Christmas adventures that were in ‘The Gift’ yet nothing is mentioned of those events. Nothing. I’m totally OK with that on one level but on another I feel like it would still be a concern for this small community. Secondly, I feel like the DEA/gang angle that Calvin was in was overly simplified and a bit rushed. I mean, who goes around talking about being in a gang? It feels a bit outdated. And it also feels a bit, OK a LOT, simplified. However, I get it. It’s a book about the Amish and less about surviving in and spying on a gang. Lastly, I really really struggled with wrapping my head around the idea that a super sheltered, overly coddled, Amish girl would have the backing of her family to pursue a non-Amish future. I mean, Alice was so very sheltered and almost smothered by her parents yet her family comes together and makes way for her to travel to Calvin, a known bad guy, former Amish man, with no intentions of returning to the faith. Really? It felt backward. Awkward. And just, I mean it’s amazing they love their daughter so much they are willing to pave the way toward happiness but on the other hand you NEVER see the Amish open to the idea of their children leaving their faith. They are usually trying to pull them back.
I said finally but there’s one more thing I need to address, actually two. First the suspense in this book came out of no where, felt twinged with desperation, and didn’t fit to the rest of the story. I totally saw things coming for a different direction (you know. . .the gang angle). With that said the gang angle was weird too. I mean, here is Irene trusting a stranger, an Englisher, almost from the git go. And he’s not a good person! And she’s just sure I’ll get in your truck. Sure I’ll go to a trail that will be pretty empty and isolated this time of year but it’s public so why not. For a girl who didn’t trust the hairs on her own head she fell into whatever it was with West pretty tootin’ fast. All that said I feel like you are shaking your head how I can love this book when I have just went on a rant of negativity. Here’s the thing. The bad guys don’t always lose. The good guys don’t always win. Sometimes it’s hard to tell them apart. The bad guys aren’t all bad, every person on the planet has redeeming qualities that are separate from their choices in life. Everyone has the ability to find redemption and I think West found that at the end. Perhaps not how he saw it coming but still. But wait, guess what, the good guys aren’t always all good, they have also made poor choices and regrets, every person on the planet has sinned. Even the good guys mess up. I think that Irene and Alice have the ability to see people for their worth, not their deeds. And that benefited to guys who were seen as ‘bad’. Yutzey was a story-line that I didn’t even need but you have that as well. It fits with the good guy/bad guy theme. Just cuz you’re Amish doesn’t make you pure. Just cuz you’re English doesn’t make you evil. It’s there in all of us. There’s a scene in the book, where they are first dealing with the vandalism at the school that embodies this for me. Calvin reminds Alice that we can’t do everything but we can do some things. We have to prioritize. Good and bad, we can’t do it all. Which way that goes it all based on how we prioritize our lives. Ya’ll that right there is why I love this book.
Interesting story line- not sure how realistic this story line is , but still very enjoyable to read and see where it went.
Shelley Shepard Gray is my all time favorite author and she has done it again. Her writing and the characters bring you right into the story. I love to read about the Amish and I also like suspense, Shelley writes Amish, suspense and romance but it is a clean romance which I really love.
Thank you again for writing such great books! Whether you like Amish, romance or suspense; you won’t be disappointed with Shelley’s books!
A sweet Amish girl and a gang member…wow. A intriguing plot twist in this great read.
I like a good story with a male POV included. Shelley Shepard Gray has written a vivid character when it comes to Calvin Fisher. He had a hard life growing up and left home at fourteen, making a lot of unwise choices afterward that have led him to living a double life. He takes a huge risk returning to Horse Cove, Kentucky when he finds out his brother is sick. Trying to make up for the past, he hopes his presence in his Amish brother’s home will not put his family and Alice Yoder in harm’s way.
Alice is a nice girl with grit. She may look meek and mild on the outside, after all she is a preschool teacher, but she is not afraid to speak up when necessary. She needs a little excitement in her life and Calvin is going to do just that. Whoa there, not that way! This is Inspirational fiction, after all. J
Needless to say, since His Risk is a romantic suspense novel (emphasis on the suspense) there was danger involved. I was hanging on every word Gray wrote. She has crafted some absolutely amazing characters! I was a fan of Calvin from the beginning but then I met West and, oh my, I can’t even talk about him. He turned out to be my favorite character.
My heart was pounding so hard throughout much of this story. I felt like I was living within the pages. I loved hearing from more than two or three characters. It is brilliant and gives much more depth and dimension to the story than if it had just been Calvin and Alice’s POV. And because Alice’s friend, Irene, has such an active role in the story, hopefully we will get to see what happens to her later on in another book.
There are twists and turns I did not expect. Some I was happy about. Others…not so much. It is not like most Amish books I have read but still a fabulous book and I highly recommend it. His Risk will stay on my keeper shelf and be re-read many times. It is that good!
I was gifted a copy of the book from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a review. No compensation has been received.
I won a copy of this book from Goodreads giveaways, I was required to give a favorable review. This is a wonderful story of how you can change your life for the better. Calvin was raised in the Amish faith but left in his early teens but made a lot of bad choices and got in with the wrong people. He was given the chance redeem himself by working undercover for the DEA, but also he was able to get closer to his brother again. His brother Mark went back to the Amish community and is now married but illness brings Calvin back to try to help his brother. Across the street Alice, a preschool teacher in the Amish community is fascinated by Calvin and they become friends. But she doesn’t know all of his past. Things happen that brings them closer and also helps bring a lot into her world. I enjoyed how you read to such much the Amish but you forget they are human as the rest and make bad decisions about their families, like with happened with Alice’s friend Irene’s childhood, and Calvin & Marks. I recommend this a wonderful read in this series.
I don’t know how she does it, but author Shelley Shepard Gray just keeps putting out great books. This one is a dandy!
An Amish story with a twist, His Risk is full of suspense and danger. Add in a sweet romance that can’t be and you have a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Written realistically, expect that as you read. There is talk of smoking, drugs, and other things that go with the criminal element but Gray wrote all this very tastefully. Without it, the book wouldn’t be as genuine and it didn’t bother me in the least.
The characters were well developed and genuine. There was much regret about the past that included rejection and loneliness, but we see that nobody is beyond redemption when God is allowed to work in lives.
If you enjoy Amish fiction that is different than the norm, I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
We are back in Hart County and with the second Fisher brother Calvin, we met him when he wasn’t very good, but now there is a real problem with his brother Mark.
I loved that the author has brought bad men, but we see them at their best, and others at their worst, we see some dark sides to being Amish, not all are people of faith.
The author has us with people that have some life changing decisions to make, and then life intervenes and some things change forever.
There is some sweet romance here, and others seem to be denied, but as the story unfolds your mind will try to work out the impossible, and then we hope for the best.
This is a story that quickly becomes a page turner, and when it is over, you will wish for more.
I received this book through the Publisher Avon Inspired, and was not required to give a positive review.
Calvin Fisher is the brother to Mark, whose story is book 2 in this series (His Guilt). Although the characters in Hart County all tie together, each book can be read as a stand alone.
Calvin begrudgingly returns to his hometown because his brother is very sick. Being home and around old neighbors brings back all the feelings and bad memories of the past. Calvin is no longer Amish, has a questionable past, and his current job could endanger those around him if the wrong people find him in Hart County. After meeting local school teacher Alice; Calvin is torn between trying to be honest to his family and friends versus keeping his word and loyalty to his Boss.
This story has great characters and a good, steady plot which kept my interest from beginning to end. I have read all the books in this series and really like this suspenseful, clean, Amish fiction series. “Her Fear” (The Amish of Hart County #5) will be released in July-I can’t wait!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
This has to be one of my favorite books by the author. She has mixed Amish country, gangs and DEA agents into one action packed story that should be made into a movie. The premise of the story is about Calvin coming back to his roots because his brother is ill. There are some hard feelings between the brothers that are very evident as they see each other. I loved how the author showed how bitterness can get in the way of relationships. Calvin has some deep secrets that could harm those he cares about. Will his presence back home bring danger to the community? I really liked Calvin because he wanted to do the right thing and hopefully along the way find forgiveness from his family. It would be hard for a family member to come back home after knowing he has been involved with illegal dealings. I wanted Calvin and his brother Mark to find their way back to each other. The author does an exceptional job of showing the dynamics between the two brothers and their lifestyle. Sometimes it isn’t easy to come back home.
Alice was the sweetest person I have read about. She is lovely, caring and adores her job as a gifted preschool teacher. When she runs into Calvin you could feel the uncomfortable feeling Alice had. Its not everyday she runs into a man dressed liked Calvin. His rugged good lucks did intrigue her and I kept thinking how opposites attract. I really liked how Alice and Calvin slowly started to each other. It must have been hard for them to let their guard down. Sometimes a girl is just attracted to the bad boy and Alice can’t fight her feelings for Calvin.
The story is filled with intrigue and danger that heightened the story to a level of excellence. The author does an amazing job of giving us glimpses into Calvin’s secret life. I’m not sure I could put myself in danger like he did. I came to really like him and loved watching his transformation. The ending is so powerful and edgy that I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Fans of the author are in for a treat with this explosive story. Will Calvin be able to save his family and Alice from danger? There are a few other characters in the story that are a vital part to Calvin and his secret life. I won’t say much more, but be prepared to be surprised and feel a bit sad as this explosive story takes us to the depths of evil where prayer and forgiveness will be needed. I enjoyed being reminded that we shouldn’t judge someone by the way they look or where they come from. People can change and we need to give everyone a chance.
I received a copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my own opinion.
His Risk by Shelley Shepard Gray is the fourth novel in The Amish of Hart County series. Calvin Fisher left Horse Cave, Kentucky when he was fourteen years old and has done many questionable acts. Calvin is now an undercover informant for the DEA. He gives them intel on the Kings, a gang who commits illegal acts. Calvin has worked his way up the ranks to get close to West Powers, the president of the organization. Calvin receives a phone call from his sister-in-law, Waneta Fisher. Mark, his brother, has renal cell carcinoma in his right kidney and will be undergoing surgery. Calvin needs to return home to Hose Cave to be there for his brother. But Calvin needs to ensure that trouble does not follow him home. Alice, an Amish preschool teacher, is housesitting for her brother, Ed while he and his wife are vacationing in Pinecraft. She is on the front porch when Calvin arrives. The pair are drawn to each other, but Calvin does not feel he is good enough for Alice. Alice knows she should avoid Calvin since he is Englisch and has had a troublesome history. As they spend time together, their feelings grow. One night, Alice is walking home, when a car goes by her slowly several times. The next morning, the car is found abandoned and on fire. Then the preschool is broken into and many of the items inside destroyed. Calvin fears that the incidents are related to him and his connection with the Kings. Alice begins to wonder how well she really knows Calvin. Who is behind the incidents? Can Calvin keep Alice safe? Come along to Hart County and get to know Alice and Calvin in His Risk.
His Risk is a compelling romantic suspense novel that is well-written with interesting characters. I like the authors writing style. The story has a steady pace and smooth transitions. His Risk is told from Calvin, Alice, Irene and West’s perspective. I like being able to discover how each character was feeling and thinking. Her characters are realistic with their doubts, struggles, and flaws. Alice was a strong, smart spunky woman with an inquisitive nature. Calvin has a danger and mystery about him which attracts Alice. While His Risk is the fourth book in the series, it can be read alone. Do not be surprised, though, that after reading His Risk you want to pick up the other three novels in the series. His Risk is a story about forgiveness. Forgiving of others and oneself. Other Christian elements include trusting God, power of prayer, having strong faith and following God’s path for your life. There is an issue of a parent abusing a small child in the book. I was glad to see Irene stand up to the bully, but I was puzzled by Alice’s handling of the situation. I hope we get to find out more about Irene in future books in the series. I enjoyed watching the characters grow in character and faith as they faced adversity. The four characters learn valuable lessons along the way. His Risk is an emotional novel with danger, mystery and romance.
I always enjoy reading books set in my home state of Kentucky so I was thrilled that the author chose to center her series The Amish of Hart County around Horse Cave, Kentucky. His Risk is the third book of this series but I didn’t feel that I was in the dark because I hadn’t read the first two. As I began reading His Risk I was able to understand the relevance of the title in the story that features Calvin Fisher and Alice Yoder as the two main characters. Calvin had an unhappy childhood and he left both Hart County and the Amish community. He is now considered an “Englisher” involved in questionable practices while Alice is a respected young Amish woman still living in Hart County. Circumstances throw them together and a mutual attraction develops but this is destined to be a difficult relationship and I must admit that I was surprised at the reaction of the Amish community. In most Amish books there would have been severe consequences for Alice’s friendship with Calvin but this is a contemporary storyline and perhaps the members of the Amish community in Hart County are a little more lenient.
Shelley Shepherd Gray seems very familiar with both the Amish way of life and the places in or around Kentucky. She mentions both Louisville and Cincinnati, Ohio in the references to Calvin’s occupation. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense that she has woven into her plot and I also liked two of her supporting characters, Irene and West. I was especially intrigued by West Powers. Flawed? Yes. Dangerous? Yes. Redeemable? Absolutely! West Powers is a reminder that God has created all of us with both good and bad qualities but it is our choice to choose good over evil!
His Risk is a very entertaining story and I look forward to reading the next book in The Amish of Hart County series.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. A review was not required and the opinions are my own.
This is the fourth book in the Amish of Hart County series. Having read the others made me appreciate this one even more, but the books don’t have to be read in order. They seem like they are standalone books. I absolutely loved this one! The characters were all great. I found myself caring for a character that I didn’t think I would like. I couldn’t put this book down! Real life kept getting in the way of reading! I highly recommend this book! It’s suspenseful and entertaining! I’m looking forward to the next one in the series.
*I was provided a free copy of the book, but I wasn’t obligated to post a review. All thoughts are my own.*
This is book four in the Amish of Hart County series, but I was able to read and enjoy without reading the previous titles. I would like to go back and read them to catch up with the secondary characters stories. I found this to not be your mundane Amish Book. It falls into a category of its own with very interesting characters and writing that keeps you turning pages. I found myself drawn to the character of West and was shocked at the twist his story takes. It is a story of forgiveness of yourself for past choices and taking risks to find the path God has planned for you. It is real and honest writing that weaves itself into your heart and leaves you wanting more. I look forward to the next book coming in July.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.