Carla's Book Crush

Framed in Amish Country by Mary Alford
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genres: Amish Romance | Suspense
Pages: 208
Format: paperback – Author
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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.

Well, it’s official—Mary Alford is a must-read author. She knows how to do suspense right. Having already read another book of hers, I know to expect the unexpected, so I keep guessing throughout the entire story: “Is it this person? Is it that person?” I couldn’t have been more wrong. The ending is shocking. And because it’s romantic suspense, I also got the perfect dose of romance woven seamlessly throughout.

The Amish aspect in this one is well-balanced. The community element of the religion is present without detracting from the fact that very dangerous people are after Paige Grayson and Elijah King. Elijah is an atypical Amish main character, in that, although he’s a pacifist, it doesn’t stop him from doing what needs to be done to protect Paige. He makes the best book boyfriend.

If you love suspense, you’ll be immediately immersed in this book. Even those who don’t typically go for Amish romance will enjoy it immensely. As the title suggests, this is more Amish-adjacent. I can’t recommend this book enough.

Her Amish Country Husband by Patricia Johns
Series: An Amish Antiques Shop Romance – Book 1
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Publication Date: May 27, 2025
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 336
Format: ebook – NetGalley
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An Amish country inheritance…
A second chance to mend her heart!

Faith Fairchild is back in Amish country, running her late aunt’s antiques shop along with her two sisters. Never mind that Faith, Hope and Elaine rarely see eye to eye, or that the electrician rewiring the store is Faith’s ex-husband, Trent Lantz. Now guardian to an adorable toddler named Tyke, Trent has changed from the man Faith once loved, or maybe still does… But Faith hasn’t come home for good, and Trent has to put his son first. Can Faith follow her dreams to the city when she’ll be leaving her heart in Amish country?

This book had me laughing, crying, and thinking deeply about what makes a marriage work. It’s everything an excellent book should be.

I appreciated that the English and Amish family members were close and embraced each other as a community. Through this connection, they were able to show each other the pros and cons of both lifestyles. Faith spent much of the story searching for happiness in a marriage that may not have been realistic, which ultimately contributed to her divorce. As she reflects on her failed marriage—and eventually her own shortcomings—she begins to realize all that she lost. I really liked this about Faith. Sometimes people never recognize the part they played in a broken relationship. While Trent reflects as well, it seems he needs more of a direct intervention to acknowledge his role.

The characters throughout the story were rich and well-developed, and it made me so happy to know that another book is coming. I really want to see more of Hope and Elaine—and also Sarah and Eddie. Patricia, can this be a longer series? Please?

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Amish Baby Scandal by  Virginia Wise
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genres: Amish Romance
Pages: 207
Format: ebook – author
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Her upcoming bundle of joy

Brings an even bigger bundle of challenges…

When Emma Yoder returns to her Amish community unwed and pregnant after leaving the faith during her Rumspringa, she resigns herself to a life of loneliness. She believes no good Amish man would ever accept her situation—not even her childhood best friend, Benjamin Stoltzfus. But Benjamin has always loved Emma and wants nothing more than to support her and her baby. A well-meaning matchmaking scheme allows them to grow closer, but with Benjamin’s overprotective sisters and his own feelings of inadequacy, can they overcome their obstacles to become the family they both need?

Emma Yoder is a young, unmarried, and very pregnant Amish woman. While she was wilder in her youth (and her rumspringa), Emma has repented, been baptized, and become a member of the church. However, she’s not foolish enough to think that she’ll be welcome with open arms. Emma’s strength to join the church even though she is not likely to experience all of the things other Amish women experience due to her unwed and pregnant status draws me to her.

Her best childhood friend, Benjamin Stoltzfus, lives on the neighboring farm. He is charming and loving and sees beyond Emma’s wildness. He sees her heart. Benjamin has always loved Emma and felt that, even though the best of friends, she’d never see him as the boyfriend he longs to be.

This is a sweet, slow-burn romance that truly captures how two people can bring out the best in each other. In addition to Emma and Benjamin, there are some other great characters in the book. Emma’s aunt and uncle are so accepting that it almost hurts. Benjamin’s sisters, except his twin, seem to think they know what is best for Benjamin without even consulting him. I can’t wait to read more about them! My favorite secondary character, by far, is Belinda the goose. Who would’ve thought?

If you love Amish romance, stories of second chances, and couples who make each other whole, you’ll love this story.