"Amish Covert Operation" (2019) - Book Review

MY REVIEW

Paperback: 224 pages

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense (Harlequin); Original edition (July 2, 2019)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1335232222

ISBN-13: 978-1335232229

“She witnessed a crime

Can an agent in disguise keep her safe?

After Amish widow Katie Schwartz’s search for her reclusive brother results in a shooting and her finding a cryptic message, she must rely on federal agent Adam Troyer to shield her. But, undercover as a Plain man, can Adam save her brother’s life and protect Katie? Trusting the handsome Englisch agent is already dangerous...but falling for him could risk everything Katie holds dear.”

Thank you in advance to the author, Meghan Carver, and JustRead Publicity Tours for providing a complimentary review. A positive review was not required. All words and thoughts are my own.

Another blind-date with an Amish book! Even better – a suspense filled Amish book? Wow! I’m definitely settling in for this one.

This was actually the “second” book in what I hope is a continuing series. The first one is “Amish Country Amnesia” (2018). And, despite this book being the second one, I had no idea. It truly stands alone on its own without the first one. Though, I will be sure to get the first one.

As someone who had read several genres in just the past year – and some “continuing” series – it is rare for a writer to be able to have a standalone stand on its own without needing the first book.

I was introduced to this author by way of another JustRead tour – a cozy mystery. While that was entertaining and cute, this book is definitely where the author’s talent shines.

Right off it begins with the cover. Some book covers are plain and ordinary. And, while one shouldn’t judge a book by the cover – how does the book grab the reader’s attention in the first place?

This cover of a creepy old building with a worried Amish woman sets the tone of the novel and literally asks “what is wrong, what is going on”. From there, it sets off in a fast-pace speed with an overwhelming urgency, with a bicycle no less. From there, the action doesn’t stop – it literally does not stop. It has a heart-stopping, pulse-pounding rhythm that flows naturally.

Normally, when reviewing books I try to take notes. There are some books that make that task easy – stop after each chapter and assess it; and others where I can’t stop long enough to take notes. This falls into the second category. While the chapters act as “stop” points – the plot and pacing are too addictive to just “stop”, even at the stop points. The story literally begins before the beginning.

The bad guy has a great set-up here – hide in “plain” sight. A pun if you will. Instead of hiding in public, he hides within the “plain” community. There was one point I was beginning to wonder if the bad guy didn’t have a finger in someone’s law enforcement pie since the guy kept getting away.

I could see that Adam was conflicted before he saw Katie. This was due to his own family’s past. I would’ve liked to have seen reconciliation with one family member at the end; however that might be where the author picks up or goes next. But, as soon as he met Katie, the conflict deepened. And, I do believe that hindered him in some aspects. But, it also aided him in others. For that I deeply enjoyed his character, and I adored Katie’s simplicity. I also adored the fact that while she had lost her husband, she was entertaining some feelings for Adam.

I think his faith was there, but buried with doubt and resentment. So, when he saw how Katie handled her life’s storms, he was able to tap into that. While some might see the beginning of his conversion as too quick – it isn’t as if he didn’t have ties to the community before. He did mention his grandparents.

Carver does a fantastic job with this story in keeping true to both aspects – a law enforcement investigation and the Amish “plain” life.

While the “faith” element was on a stronger side – more like Gott (God) was mentioned quite frequently, that was to be expected from someone of the Amish faith. There was no real preaching or a preachy tone throughout the novel.

I am DEFINITELY interested in the author’s Love Inspired Suspense stories and will probably (albeit very slowly) add them to my TBR list.

RATING:

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐– Goodreads

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐– Bookbub

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐– Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)

Other books by the author in this “series”:

Paperback: 224 pages

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense (Harlequin); Original edition (September 4, 2018)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1335490604

ISBN-13: 978-1335490605

“His past is a mystery to everyone…

except for the men trying to kill him

When a snowmobile accident leaves a man injured and with no memory, Amish widow Sarah Burkholder and her young daughter rescue him. Even as Sarah’s feelings for him grow, they discover unknown assailants are after him—and Sarah and her little girl for helping him. But if he can remember who he is, he might just save all their lives.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

By sixth grade, Meghan Carver knew she wanted to write. After earning a degree in English from Millikin University, she detoured to law school, completing a Juris Doctorate from Indiana University. She then worked in immigration law and taught college level composition. Now she home-schools her six children with her husband. When she isn’t writing, homeschooling, or planning the family’s next travel adventure, she is active in her church, sews, and reads.

You can find her on the following social media channels:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeghanCarverAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormeghancarver/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeghanCCarver

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