Review SHATTERED AMISH IDENTITY by Mary Alford

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335957351

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:10/28/2025

Pages:208

When Amish school teacher Hannah York is attacked, she defends herself with skills she never knew she had. CIA agent Titus Miller arrives, claiming that she’s actually fellow agent Lara Redmond—and that she’s in danger from a powerful enemy. Despite suffering from amnesia, Hannah is certain she’s only ever lived a quiet Amish life. But why does Titus seem so familiar, and could it be true that he loved her once? When Hannah’s family is abducted, she and Titus must work together to find them. Can Hannah trust him to help unlock the truth of her past…and keep her safe? (Synopsis courtesy of Barnes and Noble)

My Thoughts

This book is a fast-paced cat and mouse game between the good guys and the bad guys. The big twist is that I didn’t know who the bad guys really were until the big reveal near the end. What a suspense-filled and heart-pounding story! Hannah York is a teacher at a local Amish school when she is attacked. Then, things start happening quickly as a man named Titus, a secret agent, claims to know her by a different name and warns her that she is in grave danger. Together, they race to try to find safety, only to constantly run into more danger. This book was hard to put down because every chapter held more threats from some unknown source. With lies and secrets as well as the CIA involved along with spies, this story held me totally captivated by the non-stop action and the chemistry between the characters. I had no idea who was trustworthy, but I really liked Hannah and her faithful dog Nala and wanted them to escape the evil that was surrounding them. No matter where they ran, the evil men followed. My imagination went wild as I tried to figure out, along with Hannah and Titus, how they were being tracked. The author did a masterful job of laying false trails with red herrings that kept me guessing all the way to the end. This is an edgy page turner that, in my opinion, is one of the best I have read by Mary Alford. The plot twists were terrifying brilliant and the tension was relentless, with a cleverly crafted and believable story. The theme of overcoming the past and forging on towards a hopeful future had me sighing at the end and wanting more of this remarkable story, with romance and action perfectly balanced and leading to a satisfying outcome.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Mary Alford grew up in a small Texas town famous for, well not much of anything really. Being the baby of the family and quite a bit younger than her two brothers and her sister, Mary had plenty of time to entertain herself. Making up stories seemed to come naturally to her.

As a teen, Mary discovered Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt and knew instinctively that was what she wanted to do with her over-active imagination.

She wrote her first novel as a teen, (it’s tucked away somewhere never to see the light of day), but never really pursued her writing career seriously until a few years later, when she wrote her first inspirational romantic suspense and was hooked.

Today, Mary lives in Texas with her husband and loves to create characters who face dangerous situations with faith on their side.

Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on FacebookX, or any of the social media platforms listed at maryalford.net.

Free Preview: https://a.co/cbJDCu8

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Review: Framed in Amish Country by Mary Alford

About the Book

To prove her innocence she’ll have to expose a lethal conspiracy. A frantic call from her best friend sends district attorney Paige Grayson running right into a trap–and now she’s being framed for her friend’s murder. With the police after her and evidence against her stacking up, she seeks refuge in Amish country–and the help of her first love, Elijah King, to clear her name. To expose the drug dealer setting Paige up, they must work together while evading a ruthless criminal and the police. With threats closing in and time running out, one wrong move could be their last.

More Details

ISBN-13:9781335980694 Publisher:Harlequin Publication date:07/01/2025 Pages: 208

My Thoughts

This book has a fast pace right out of the starting gate, like a thoroughbred at the Kentucky Derby who races to win. This second-chance-at-love story includes nail-biting suspense as Paige and Elijah run for their lives from drug dealers who have already killed their good friend. Not knowing who is the head of the drug operation makes the scenario even more frightening because neither of them can figure out how they are continually being tracked. Weaving suspense with a developing romance, this book includes some heart-in-your-throat moments as Elijah and Paige run through woods, into caves, and up a mountain while they constantly encounter danger. I really liked how the Amish community chose to help them as much as they could rather than taking a stance of not wanting to get involved. This is a powerful story of God’s grace in action and second chances as you face what seems to be insurmountable obstacles. I enjoyed how the main characters consistently showed how much they cared for each other and how courageous they were in their determination to expose the drug dealers. The plot is deeply immersive, the characters are rich and realistically flawed as well as original and believable. Some of my favorite characters were the dogs, especially Gunner, Paige’s protector who was willing to lay down his life for his mistress and showed his loyalty and obedience repeatedly. This edgy love inspired story was filled with suspense and the signature style of the author that keeps the story moving as fast as the characters who are running from danger.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Love Inspired Suspense, Rated PG

Also Available

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling Author Mary Alford

Mary Alford grew up in a small Texas town famous for, well not much of anything really. Being the baby of the family and quite a bit younger than her two brothers and her sister, Mary had plenty of time to entertain herself. Making up stories seemed to come naturally to her.

As a teen, Mary discovered Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt and knew instinctively that was what she wanted to do with her over-active imagination.

She wrote her first novel as a teen, (it’s tucked away somewhere never to see the light of day), but never really pursued her writing career seriously until a few years later, when she wrote her first inspirational romantic suspense and was hooked.

Today, Mary lives in Texas with her husband and loves to create characters who face dangerous situations with faith on their side.

Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on FacebookX, or any of the social media platforms listed at maryalford.net.

Purchase Links

Amazon

Christian Book

Harlequin

Kobo

Target

Barnes and Noble

Apple Books

Just Read Publicity Tour: Ambush in the Mountains by Mary Alford

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Ambush in the Mountains by Mary Alford, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Ambush in the Mountains Author: Mary Alford
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense Release Date: July 23, 2024 Genre: Romantic Suspense


Innocent lives at stake…
Can a former soldier and his canine save them?
Helping a pregnant woman he comes across in a mountain storm puts Axel Sterling right into the path of ruthless human traffickers. Now it’s up to the ex-soldier and his dog to keep Summer and her unborn baby safe from the abductors she’s finally escaped. But between the icy wilderness and the armed gunmen following them at every turn, one wrong move could cost Axel and Summer their lives.


From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.


PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop |Book Bub

My Thoughts

With themes of helping a stranger in trouble and a second chance at love and life, this book dealt with the dark topic of human trafficking in a compassionate and informative way, Summer is running from her captors, specifically a man named Ray, when she stumbles onto the road where Axel Sterling is returning home from a shopping trip. Axel sees her need and meets them the best that he can, with a fast-paced and intense journey over and around the mountains during a blizzard in order to avoid her tormentors. The plot is a compelling one, with action that never slows down and an intricate plot of evil versus good where evil seems to be stronger. But nothing can beat Axel’s determination to keep Summer safe, even at the cost of his own life, if necessary. I enjoyed the complex and well-developed characters, including the Summer’s backstory and how she got caught up by the traffickers to begin with. I was also captivated by Axel’s heroic dog Camo who consistently throws himself into danger to protect those around him. This is an intricately woven tale, told in a mesmerizing way and with characters that I just wanted to reach out and hug. Unputdownable, skillfully plotted and with characters that are easy to cheer for, this book was edgy and crackled with tension. Giving insight into the dark work of human trafficking was a bonus that made the story relevant and eye-opening as well as a definite page turner. With a strong message of hope, this is a must read book for those who enjoy quick reads that are as intriguing as they are intense.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Love Inspired Suspense: Clean Read

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Alford is a USA Today bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can’t put down. Her titles have been finalists for several awards, including the Daphne Du Maurier, the Beverly, the Maggie, and the Selah. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two cats and one dog.
Connect with Mary at maryalford.net to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $50 Amazon gift card and a print copy of Ambush in the Mountains!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 22, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 29, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.


Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies. Enter Giveaway

_____________________________________________________________________________
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Just Read Publicity Tour: DEADLY MOUNTAIN ESCAPE by Mary Alford

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Deadly Mountain Escape by Mary Alford, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Deadly Mountain Escape
Author: Mary Alford
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: January 23, 2024
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Can this officer stop a trafficking ring?

Or will deadly criminals stop her first?

A search for a missing young woman becomes a nightmare for K-9 deputy Charlotte Walker when she stumbles on a trafficking ring and is captured. Death seems certain until she’s rescued by rancher Jonas Knowles. Together, they take shelter in the Amish community he left behind. But they can’t hide forever—not when the criminals are still after them and countless girls are at risk…

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

My Thoughts

Along with her trained canine companion Annie, Charlotte Walker makes a formidable and determined deputy when faced with crime. What she discovers in trying to locate a missing young woman is a trafficking ring that endangers her entire community. She also finds help in Jonas Knowles, a young man who left the Amish community and lives alone on a ranch near where the trafficking center seems to be. Jonas is dedicated to helping Charlotte find a group of missing girls and bring the traffickers to justice. This book is non-stop action, plenty of hair-raising scenes as Charlotte and Jonas face danger again and again, from the winter weather, the traffickers and unknown assailants. The plot is compelling and relevant with intense, page-turning twists. The characters are believable and fascinating with complicated backstories and personalities. The entire book was an enjoyable and quick read that I highly recommend. Mary Alford knows how to capture her readers in the story and make them sit on the edge of their seat as they wait for the heroes to overcome evil.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Book Funnel. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Clean Love Inspired Fiction

About the Author

Mary Alford is a USA Today bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can’t put down. Her titles have been finalists for several awards, including the Daphne Du Maurier, the Beverly, the Maggie, and the Selah. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two cats and one dog.

Connect with Mary by visiting maryalford.net to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a copy of Deadly Mountain Escape & a $50 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 30, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 6, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for a print copy, ebook if outside US. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

_____________________________________________________________________________

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Five-Star Books Releasing Tomorrow

From the Back Cover


Twenty years ago, several people were murdered in Des Moines, and the only evidence left behind was a snowman ornament hanging ominously on a tree in the victims’ front lawns. With a suspect behind bars, the killings have come to an end–or so everyone thought. But now crimes with a similar MO are happening in a small Iowa town, and a local detective believes the killer is back and ready to strike again.

With little time left on the clock before they have another murder on their hands, private investigators River Ryland and Tony St. Clair must work alongside Tony’s detective father to find evidence that will uncover an evil that has survived far too long. As the danger mounts and the suspect closes in, it will take all they have to catch a killer–before he catches one of them.

Product Details

ISBN-13:9780764240461

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:01/23/2024

Series:Ryland & St. Clair , #2

Pages:336

Purchase Links:

amzn.to/3NV3EtG (Amazon)

bit.ly/3vvCqDX (Barnes and Noble)

adbl.co/3TTd6l8 (Audible)

bit.ly/3vvu9Qb (Baker Book House)

bit.ly/41SIPVA (Christian Book)

bit.ly/48L3xJp (Target)

bit.ly/3TVFWBw (Walmart)

Book Synopsis


Can this officer stop a trafficking ring? Or will deadly criminals stop her first?
A search for a missing young woman becomes a nightmare for K-9 deputy Charlotte Walker when she stumbles on a trafficking ring and is captured. Death seems certain until she’s rescued by rancher Jonas Knowles. Together, they take shelter in the Amish community he left behind. But they can’t hide forever–not when the criminals are still after them and countless girls are at risk…
From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Product Details

ISBN-13:9781335597885

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:01/23/2024

Pages:224

Purchase Link:

Deadly Mountain Escape

Book Synopsis


Seeking refuge from danger… with threats at every turn
When her daughter is the only witness able to identify a group of bank robbers, single mom Penny Jackson knows their lives are in danger. These men will do anything to keep Missy quiet–permanently. Escaping to a small Texas town was supposed to be safe, but when the criminals track them down, police chief Caleb Harmon becomes their only hope for survival…
From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
Cowboy Protectors
Book 1: Kidnapped in Texas
Book 2: Texas Ranch Target
Book 3: Dangerous Texas Hideout

Product Details

ISBN-13:9781335597878

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:01/23/2024

Series:Cowboy Protectors , #3

Pages:224

Purchase Links:

Purchase Links:

amzn.to/3tKrEZL (Amazon)

bit.ly/48qSu8y (Harlequin)

bit.ly/3H7Wu1p (Barnes and Noble)

bit.ly/4aNzene (Christian Book)

apple.co/47ynKBi (Apple Books)

I reviewed each of these books and give all of them five stars and a big thumbs up. They are clean Christian fiction and ready to be enjoyed by all readers TOMORROW!

With much appreciation to Harlequin, Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the advanced copies to read and review!

Review of AMONG THE INNOCENT by Mary Alford

This is Amish fiction combined with contemporary mystery. Leah Miller is a deputy sheriff in the small town in Montana where she grew up and where her family was murdered. She feels responsible for their deaths because the young English man she was secretly seeing at the time is the one who killed them and wounded her. As a deputy, she wants to find the man who disappeared a decade ago. The new chief of police, Dalton Cooper, also wants to find the suspect, but mostly because young Amish girls are currently being murdered in like manner to Leah’s family. Sure that the cases are connected, Dalton joins forces with Leah to track down the killer before he kills again or goes after Leah. The action is fast-paced and riveting with some red herrings thrown into the mix to keep things interesting. The characters are realistic and portray their humanity in several ways, the most endearing being that they end up falling in love with each other. I enjoyed that Leah’s foster mother Marge is involved in the center of the mystery and has a secret herself that is revealed slowly and methodically. There were some parts of the book that were predictable, most notably when young Amish girls had clandestine meetings with strangers. But the predictability did not detract from the entertainment value of the book. I enjoyed the setting out west, a place that I had never associated with the Amish before and I liked the research that went into including tribal law enforcement in the quest of justice. All in all, this is a solidly entertaining and engaging book and I recommend it for those who enjoy clean romantic suspense with more than a little mystery included.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

A definite PG-13 or higher because of the violence depicted. It is not graphic but it is present. There is also a trigger concerning mental illness.
Mary Alford is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than fifty novels. Her books have been finalists in the Selah Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, and the HOLT Medallion Contest. As a writer, Mary is an avid reader. She loves to cook and can’t face the day with-out coffee. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two very spoiled cats and one adorable rescue dog. Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook and Twitter or any social platforms listed at http://www.maryalford.net.
BIO and Photo are from the author’s website on Amazon

This edgy Christian mystery is available now. Purchase Links:

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Happy to discover a new-to-me author via the Revell Reads Blogger Program!