The Search: The Secrets of Crittenden County, Book Two

The Search puts us smack dab back in the middle of Perry Borntrager’s murder investigation. Luke Reynolds and Mose Kramer are hard at work trying to solve the mysterious death. There’s still not much to go on, but if sheer determination was the answer they would have their man. This time around our attention is focused mainly on Luke and Frannie Eicher. Frannie, as you know dated Perry, and runs a local B&B. Luke doesn’t anticipate his feelings for Frannie, a growing attraction that comes as a surprise. When Frannie is hurt and has to stay at the hospital, Luke is right there by her side. The death of Perry Borntrager may have brought Luke to Crittenden County in search of a killer, but deep down inside he is searching for much more. Is Frannie what he is looking for? Frannie longs to be loved and with her choice in men has yet to find it. When her feelings for Luke come to the forefront, she can’t help but wonder if he really cares for her, or is he trying to get close to find out if she knows more than she is saying about Perry’s death. We also meet Beth Byler, who steps in to run the B&B when Frannie is in the hospital. I loved this character because she and I share similar kitchen techniques! This book doesn’t miss a beat. It picks up effortlessly where book one left off. Chalked full of suspense, romance, and some of the best characters that I have had the pleasure to meet, The Search cannot be missed. Shelley writes with a real knowledge of what a reader wants, intriguing and unique characters who will leave you wanting more. I can honestly say as I closed in on the end of this book I was left feeling sad but a happy sad. I did not want the book to end! My suspicions are running amuck with my own theories of who killed Perry and cannot wait read the conclusion of this most excellent series of books!

This book was provided to me from HarperCollins Publisher’s via Edelweiss in exchange for my review.


Book is available for pre-order here on Amazon or can be purchased in the Destination Amish Store.

Orders are processed through Amazon.com.

Shelley is active on Facebook and also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.

Review: Missing – The Secrets of Crittenden County

Shelley Shepard Gray has done it again! She has written a fabulous new book Missing- The Secrets of Crittenden County. I am a huge fan of Shelley’s books and I have never been disappointed. This book is no different. It starts with a murder that shakes the small community of Crittenden County, Kentucky to the core. Perry Borntrager was found dead in a well after having been missing for months. Detective Luke Reynolds is called in to assist with the case. Lydia Plank having once dated Perry and Walker Anderson his best friend are at the top of the list to be questioned. Both have secrets about Perry that they do not want to share.  Perry was doing some things that neither wanted to be part of, so they tried to distance themselves from him. They both want the detective to catch Perry’s killer but neither will fully corporate. Detective Reynolds is determined to solve this case even without much evidence to go on. While trying to keep their secrets from being revealed, Lydia and Walker’s relationship begins to turn into something more than friendship. Can their love flourish with the cloud of suspicion hanging over their heads? More shocking news hits Lydia when she finds out that she is adopted. She now she has to deal with the fact that she might not even be Amish. With a great supporting cast of characters this book will hook you in from page one. Each page draws you in more as you try to solve who Perry Borntrager was and what he could have possibly done to make someone want to end his young life. I cannot wait for the second book to hit the bookshelves! You will absolutely love this book!

This book was provided to me from HarperCollins Publishers in exchange for my review.


Book is available to order here on Amazon or can be purchased in the Destination Amish Store.

Shelley is active on Facebook and also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.

Q&A with Shelley Shepard Gray

I am happy to have Shelley Shepard Gray on the blog today for a Q&A. Happy Reading & Enjoy!

Why don’t we start by you telling us a little about yourself?

I’m married, have two kids in college, and live in southern Ohio. I also have a little miniature dachshund name Suzy who I’m very fond of! Before I started writing, I used to teach elementary school. When I’m not writing, I love to read, or walk, or bake. I love to travel, too!

What is the inspiration behind your newest novel?

I often try to find new settings for my Amish novels. While researching the Amish of Kentucky, I came across a series of photos of Crittenden County. The area was beautiful and lush and just a little bit wild looking. It looked like a perfect place to have something ‘mysterious’ happen! That’s when I began envisioning a trilogy of novels surrounding a mystery. The stories went on from there! Missing is the first book in the series, and it will release on March 20.

Amish fiction seems to be very popular nowadays, why do you think readers have taken to these types of books?

I think the more hectic and busy our lives become, the more everyone looks for a sense of peace. I know I find a lot of peace when I imagine living in an Amish home, and not being tied to my computer and cell phone! Amish fiction also has lovely inspirational themes. That brings a lot of comfort too, I think.

This might be hard, but who is your favorite character that you have written?

That is a tough question! I would have to admit that my favorite character is Clara from Spring’s Renewal. She was scarred and was a teacher and was strong, too. I really liked her. A close second would be Katie Weaver from the Families of Honor books. She’s only five, but kind of a firecracker! She really made me smile!

Which character can you identify the most with?

Boy, that’s an even tougher question! If I had to name just one character, it might have to be Anna, from Hidden, my very first Amish book. Anna was an outsider, looking into the Amish world, and of course, that’s what I am, too. That said, I usually can identify with some personality trait of my characters. They’re all imperfect, and I am, too!

How do you do your research for your books? Do you have Amish friends?

I use the Internet to help with all kinds of research, I read The Budget, and I have a number of Amish friends. I also make sure that I spend time in each setting of my books.

What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview?

Boy, I can’t think of a single thing!

What inspired you to become an author?

I’ve always loved to read. One day I decided to write my own story, just for myself! I knew I liked to make things up-I never imagined anyone else would be interested in my stories!

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

There are two things. The first is hearing from readers. I love receiving emails and letters. I love meeting readers when they take the time to visit me at book signings.

The second thing I love is actually writing. I love the process of creating a story, and getting to know my characters.

Do you have anything that you would like to share?
I hope your readers will continue on with me for the rest of the series! The Search, the second book in the Secrets of Crittenden County series, takes place just one day after Missing ends. I’m also active on Facebook, and I have a website, where I blog fairly often: www.shelleyshepardgray.com

What’s next for you?

Well, after this series ends with FOUND, the next series I will have out is The Day of Reckoning Series. This trilogy will be published in 2013.

Thanks so much for the interview!


Missing: The Secrets of Crittenden County, Book One

Can two young people survive the suspicions of their friends and neighbors when tragedy strikes a close-knit Amish community?
Perry Borntrager had been missing for months from the quiet Amish community of Crittenden, Kentucky, when his body is discovered at the bottom of an abandoned well. The first death from mysterious circumstances in more than two decades brings the scrutiny of the outside world: A police detective arrives to help the local sheriff with the investigation. His questioning begins with Lydia Plank, Perry’s former girlfriend, and Perry’s best friend, the Englischer Walker Anderson.
Lydia and Walker know they didn’t have anything to do with Perry’s death, but they both hold secrets about his final days. Do they dare open up about the kind of man Perry had become? In the oppressive shadow of these dark times, they discover strength in a most unlikely companionship: one that offers solace, understanding, and the promise of something more.

Book is available for pre-order here on Amazon or can be purchased in the Destination Amish Store.


Shelley writes Amish romances for Harper Collins’ inspirational line, Avon Inspire as Shelley Shepard Gray, writes historical romances for Abingdon Press as Shelley Gray, and has also written for Harlequin American Romance as Shelley Galloway. Since 2001, she’s published almost 40 titles.
Along the way, her books have been Holt Medallion winners, Reviewers Choice Winners, and been highlighted in Time Magazine, the Philadelphia Enquirer, and USA Today. She’s been interviewed on NPR as well as multiple regional and national radio stations.
Shelley’s books have also hit the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two college students, and is an active member of her church.

Shelley is active on Facebook and also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.

Contest – Sisters of the Heart Trilogy w/ Walnut Creek Candle

Tomorrow my guest will be Shelley Shepard Gray. I am so excited! In honor of Shelley stopping by, I am giving away her very first Amish fiction books: Sisters of the Heart -The TrilogyHidden, Wanted, and Forgiven all in a single volume. Plus, I am adding one of my favorite candles- Amish Heartland Candles from Walnut Creek Candle Company.

Contest Rules

1. Leave a comment at the bottom of this post

2. Like and share on Facebook

Contest starts today 3/1/2012 and ends on Thursday 3/8/2012.

To make things fair, I will be using random.org to pick the winner.

Good Luck and Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to subscribe or  follow this website for updates and more contests.

Sisters of the Heart -The Trilogy is also available in my store here.