Marta Perry

“Amish Outsider” by Marta Perry features all the things I like in a novel: interesting characters (who have their flaws), light mystery, realistic plot, and a satisfying ending. This novel tells the story of a man who has left the Amish and is now returning with his child. I liked the idea that he was welcomed back into the family, and the story tells how this occurs. However, he brings with him problems and mysteries from his past that are solved in the course of the novel.

This is a show more clean novel, without overt violence, sexual overtones, or unsavory language. There are evil and unscrupulous people in the novel, but all is worked out by the end. While this is a Christian novel, it is not preachy or overly religious.
I really liked the realism of the characters. They were portrayed as authentic individuals, rather than as stereotypical Amish people. Being a former teacher, I appreciated the accurate portrayal of Cathy’s courage and quick action in the face of danger, and her determination to serve her scholars. The action moved the plot forward at a good pace, and I can truly say this was a novel I did not want to put down. I have read other novels by this author, but this is the first of her suspense novels. I hope it will not be the last!

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own. show less

In this third installment, Anna returns to the Amish community and her family after being gone for three years in the English world. But she does not return alone. Bringing a baby and fearfully running from the baby’s father, she flees to the world she left, seeking refuge. Stronger in mind and determination but also having her headstrong tendencies tempered by thoughtful restraint, she tries to again be Amish. But she is torn by her reasons: does she really want to regain the faith and show more community she left or is she just looking for a safe haven for herself and her baby? Anna soon finds herself drawn into the lives of those she loves, into their joys as well as their sorrows and problems. And into the affection of her sister-in-law’s brother. Can she leave all this again? And will the danger she fled find her anyway? A well-crafted story, thought-provoking as well as entertaining, this meaningful tale gives us a taste of what it really means to be part of the Amish community. show less

Why would someone want to kill her best friend, this is what Deidre has to find out, when her son is injured, and we don’t know who would want to hurt them.
From the beginning to the end we are waiting to see who is the murderer, and again who is breaking into the house, and making attempts on their lives.
We are in Amish Pennsylvania and although Deidre isn’t Amish lots of her relatives are, and I loved how Kevin, her 5-year-old son, and his cousin Ben, who doesn’t yet speak English, show more converse and play together.
We follow along in this nail-biting story but are able to enjoy the picturesque scenery around us; I could almost feel the mist from the falls. While the place is beautiful, there also seems to be danger lurking, but why.
When we find out the details, they are so very heart breaking, but I never saw all of it coming. A real page turner of a story, and can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review. show less

I got a free gift from Love Inspired yesterday, a larger print version of Restless Hearts by Marta Perry. So when the guys sat down to watch the soccer match (Liverpool won) I curled up to nurse the dregs of a day-long headache and quietly read. I found that my reading rate, with headache, is approximately one Love Inspired romance per soccer match, but perhaps I’d have to read a few more samples to confirm that. Unfortunately, even though their prices are really good, and only a dollar show more extra for the larger print, my books budget is currently dead in the water. I guess the experiment will have to wait a while.

Restless Hearts was a pleasant way to end my day. I was slightly dubious about yet another book set in Amish country—why do I see so many of them in the stores? But the characters were interesting, particularly as the protagonist shared most of my pre- and misconceptions about the culture. I learned things I hadn’t known about the Pennsylvania Dutch. And I enjoyed the insights into relationships, the misunderstandings of caring people that turn into bitter anger, and the hope that heals.

The book is clearly a Christian novel, but I was pleasantly surprised by how naturally it was written. I’ve read other Christian novels that assume I’ll agree with everything said, or that paint any non-Christian as hopeless sinner or saint-about-to-be-redeemed. In Restless Hearts the faith of the characters was just a part of how they felt. It came into their despair as much as their hope, and led to questions answered by the lessons of life.

Fiona comes to her father’s family in Pennsylvania, with secrets about her mother and her past. The sudden, accidental revelation of some of those secrets threatens to destroy her hopes of being a midwife to the Amish. Meanwhile the local policeman has secrets of his own, and… Well, it is a romance.

I enjoyed the book. I’m not sure what qualified me for a free gift, let alone a larger print free gift—oh dear, am I getting old? But I did enjoy it. And the guys enjoyed the soccer. Did I mention, Liverpool won! show less