🚓🎯🎄 “Hunted at Christmas” (Amish Country Justice #17) (2023) 🎄🎯🚓 – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Series: Amish Country Justice (Book #17)
Paperback: 224 Pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense (September 26, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN 10: 1335597646
ISBN-13: 978-1335597649
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Wanted by a bounty hunter.
Chased by a killer.
When single mother Addison Johnson is attacked by a hit man, she learns there’s a price on her head. And Isaiah Bender—the bounty hunter hired to track her down for crimes she didn’t commit—is her only hope for survival. Protecting Addison and her young son from armed assailants means seeking refuge in Amish country. But when their holiday hideout is discovered, can he clear an innocent woman’s name and keep her alive?”
Thank you in advance to the author, Dana R. Lynn, for providing a complimentary review copy through her review group. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
First of all – I REALLY apologize for the length of time it took me to read this (8 days). That is DEFINITELY NO the norm. Books like this are an easy day-read for me (usually less than 24 hours). I have been under the weather since August, and while I was on the mend – adding in caregiving duties for my mother – exhaustion creeps in. In addition – I had doctor’s appointments for a new medical condition that also zapped my energy. So, the length of time it took to read is absolutely NO reflection in anyway on the author or the story.
I have LONG been a fan of romantic suspense. While I enjoy romance (sweet and/or clean preferably) – in both the historical and contemporary genres, suspense has LONG been a favorite. Romantic-Suspense that feature Amish stories take me back to one of my favorite Harrison Ford movies – Witness. Oh, how I rooted for John Book (Ford) and Rachel Lapp. Alas, not to be (because of Amish laws), which makes it tragically romantic. Still … there was some hope there.
What makes Lynn’s stories so unique – while formulaic to the HEA (happily ever after) ending for romance, they’re also unpredictable. Some characters are Amish/Amish, meaning they’re both Amish and stay in the order, some go back to the order since they left prior to being baptized, and some leave (before being baptized) and still maintain relationships with the order; much like the Bender family in the past few books.
The Bender siblings (as featured in the books so far):
✳️ Christina/Joss
✳️ Micah
✳️ Zeke
✳️ Isaiah
✳️ Gideon
The Benders are a “mixed” Amish/Englisch family. Micah and Joss are Englisch, but maintain good relationships with their Amish family. Micah having chosen to leave before being baptized, and Joss was taken at the age of two (2), but elected not to go back. Isaiah left prior to being baptized, but for a different reason than Micah. Gideon and Zeke were baptized and never left.
While there have been 17 books (counting this one) in the series. The characters from this book are connected back to book #13 – Amish Cradle Conspiracy.
The books directly and “indirectly”: connected to this one (based on the characters) are:
Amish Country Threats (#10) (introduces Nicole)
Amish Christmas Escape (#12) (introduces Jack)
Amish Cradle Conspiracy (#13) (introduces Steve; features Nicole & Jack)
Her Secret Amish Past (#14) (Joss and Steve; introduces the Bender Family)
Crime Scene Witness (#15) (Micah Bender; introduces Lissa)
Hidden Amish Target (#16) (Zeke and Molly)
Nicole and Jack do not return, nor are they mentioned; and haven’t been mentioned since either book #4 or #15. However, I mentioned the books solely due to the connections leading up to this book. I would like to see Nicole and Jack again in future installments, or at least get a mention of them.
There is another law enforcement character I would like to see return as well (Micah’s partner). The chief, Mike Spencer, does not return in this book; nor is he mentioned. He has been a fixture since book #13, though I do not know which book he originated in. I will research it though for the next book.
The characters returning for this book are:
🚓 Lt. Kathy Bartlett (wondering when she’ll get her own story; book #13 – previously a Sergeant, later wounded in that book. She returned in book #14 along with a promotion)
🪚 Nathan Bender (father to Micah, Gideon, Zeke, Joss, and Isaiah)
👒 Edith Bender (mother to Micah, Gideon, Zeke, Joss, and Isaiah)
🚓 Micah (Deputy U.S Marshal)
🪚 Gideon (Christina/Joss’ twin; still with the Amish order)
🐎 Zeke
👒 Molly (Zeke’s second wife)
👩🏻 Joss (Christina; kidnapped at the age of 2)
👩🏻 Lissa (Micah’s wife)
👧🏻 Shelby (Lissa’s daughter)
🚓 Steve (married to Joss)
Readers are then introduced to:
👩🏻 Addison Bruce-Johnson (widow, husband was an officer killed in the line of duty)
🧸 Oliver “Ollie” (Addison’s son)
👮🏻♂️ Officer Alan Yates
🎖️ Henry Fisher (former military, served with Isaiah)
👨🏻🌾 Jerry Karns (Someone Isaiah and his friend Raymond worked for/with)
👨🏻🌾 Scott Karns (Jerry’s brother)
I STRONGLY recommend reading at least books #13-#16 before reading this one. As stated, Steve (Joss’ husband) was introduced in book #13. Also, there are going to be “spoilers” about the characters from the previous books – especially Joss, Lissa, and Molly. In addition, some of Isaiah’s background is established, this book expands it.
Despite all the characters, most of which appear about the 70% mark, the story doesn’t stray or get muddled, and remains told through Addison and Isaiah’s POVs.
As with any story – suspense or romance – there are some topics and themes that might be bothersome for certain readers. This isn’t anything major to list here though. However, Lynn does a wonderful job of explaining Type-1 diabetes through Ollie’s struggles.
Knowing this was Isaiah’s story and that he was a bounty hunter – I HAD to read it. The blurb on the back cover also drew me in. The cover is a bit creepy for me. People or vehicles on ice – eek! Just a tad frightening (and panic inducing)! 😬 Dramatic? yes! And, definitely eye-catching.
As usual – for books of this line – the author wastes no time in getting the story going with the plot and the action. I was grabbed right off and drawn in. When I finally did have time to read this without interruptions, I managed to keep reading and finish it in one sitting. Short chapters and a fast-paced storyline tended to help.
Addison knows she is being stalked, and is pretty sure her stalker has found her – though she doesn’t know why someone is stalking her. Her husband, a police officer, was killed in the line of duty 3½ years earlier. The one person after her isn’t the only one – a bounty hunter, Isaiah Bender, has located her as well. Her stalker wants her for one reason, one she has NO idea about. Isaiah wants her because of warrants out for her.
However, she claims she isn’t the person he’s looking for, but there is also the problem of someone literally hunting her for a bigger prize - $50K. Isaiah, in seeing how Addison cares for her son, can’t imagine she’d commit the crimes she’s accused of. When a friend and neighbor is found dead, Isaiah knows there is something far bigger going on.
He also can’t turn her in just yet not knowing what’s going to happen with her son. But, he also wants to help her prove her innocence; he knows he wants to keep her safe.
It seems that there is NO shortage of people who will come out of the woodwork to claim the top prize.
Isaiah does some research and the information he has conflicts with Addison’s life. As he investigates, the threats on Addison’s life increase. He has to get her and her son somewhere safe.
Isaiah is also conflicted about being in Sutter Springs given how and why he left. He is wondering about the family he hasn’t seen in about 14 years.
Even in trying to get away, the attacks escalate. He connects with a former military buddy (Henry) and decides the best way to hide is in Amish Country. Though, that brings his past to his present; especially when he runs into someone he and his friend used to work with/help.
Still, his feelings for her leads him to head back home to keep Addison and Ollie safe. And, Addison is beginning to fall for Isaiah, even though once everything is over – he might leave.
With car chases, grenades, shootings, a family reunion, and broken hearts – Hunted at Christmas is an emotional, inspiring, and entertaining read that proves God has his plan for us, in his own time; which is suspenseful in itself.
I enjoyed not only the suspense and the surprise plot, but the bounty hunter “education”. Isaiah knows it can be a dangerous job, and it isn’t always appreciated nor looked upon favorably.
The practice of “bounty hunting”, as stated in the story, is pretty much outlawed and/or illegal in Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon, and Wisconsin. As of note, the “technical” term for a bounty hunter is BAIL ENFORCEMENT AGENT or FUGITIVE RECOVERY AGENT. Traditionally, they operate outside the legal constraints that govern police officers and other state agents. This is because the bail agreement between a defendant and a bail bondsman is essentially a civil contract that is incumbent upon the bondsman to enforce.
Lynn definitely did her research with that, and it was interesting to see it portrayed without the “glamour” or “heroism” that is featured in popular media.
Getting to the main plot – the $50K reward on Addison’s head – I HAD no idea who was behind it. The reveal was definitely shocking and unpredictable. There was absolutely NO lead up to it – no hint, no name, nothing. It was unique in a very good way. To some, it could look like there was no real plot to tie it together (until the end) given how it was revealed. But, I enjoyed how it played out and the surprise. The only problem I had was the use of the word “villain” for the bad guys.
I loved how Nathan tells Addison that her circumstance is what let to Isaiah coming home and being returned to his family. And, Isaiah wonders what might’ve happened to Addison and Ollie had he NOT left the Amish order all those years ago. That small scene has a HUGE impact when it comes to analyzing timing and circumstances; and what happens to us in our lives.
There was one moment of humor that did have me laughing out loud. It involved what happened to a car one of the “bad guys” was driving. Sort of “car”ma (pardon the pun).
Since this is Isaiah’s story, I have a PRETTY STRONG IDEA that the next book (#18) features Gideon’s story since there have been four (4) siblings featured so far. I’m looking forward to it. I can’t wait to see what she has planned, and since it is a “suspense” book, I’m REALLY excited. I’m also wondering what the future of the series is going to look like after book #18.
Even though this is a romantic-suspense, it is HEAVY on the suspense with the romance coming in around the end of the book (around 10% towards the end). This is more or less a forced proximity type of romance where the two leads are forced to spend time together due to the situation and end up falling in love. It was easy to see
Despite this being distributed by Love Inspired/Love Inspired Suspense, this doesn’t have overwhelming themes of faith. There are some elements, but nothing that would make a reader feel as though they’re being preached to or getting a sermon.
Fans of the author’s series won’t want to miss this one. And, yes … I still have the first 12 books sitting on the TBR stack.
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; update: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)
Previous Books in the Series (Bender Siblings):
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense (January 24, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN: 1335587519
ISBN-13: 978-1335587510
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Stolen from the Amish…
with no memory of her past.
When her mother is shot as they flee an unknown threat, Josslyn Graham discovers her entire life is a lie. Not only is she adopted but she's the target of armed assailants—and she doesn’t know why. With an old doll the only clue to her true identity, Joss needs Sergeant Steve Beck’s help to find the truth…before a deadly criminal ring buries the remaining evidence: her.”
Series: Amish Country Justice (Book #15)
Paperback: 224 Pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense (April 25, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN 10: 1335587691
ISBN-13: 978-1335587695
Click Photo for Purchase Information ➡️
“Finding a safe haven
is the only way to stay alive
When crime scene cleaner Lissa Page discovers a clue at a murder site, she’s attacked and becomes the killer’s new target. Now Deputy US Marshal Micah Bender must protect the single mother from becoming another victim. But with threats coming from every direction, Micah needs to hide Lissa—and the Amish community he left behind might be the answer to keeping his witness safe.”
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense (July 25, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN: 1335587514
ISBN-13: 978-13355875119
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“She’s an accidental witness.
Now she’s running for her life…
Witnessing a murder puts a target on Molly Schultz’s back, and now she’s on the run from a gunman dead set on silencing her. She turns to family friend Zeke Bender for help, but when Molly’s identity and location are exposed, they’re left with a criminal among her Amish community. Can Zeke safeguard Molly long enough to catch the culprit—or will they fall prey to their merciless hunter? ”ADDITIONAL BOOKS IN THE SERIES:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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