Today is Read a Book Monday so tell me what you are reading? I hope it’s an interesting book. The book I have to discuss today is by author Shelley Shepherd Gray. This book kept me from doing anything except reading. Once started it is near impossible to put down. It is a “wow, that was amazing” book. Are you ready to hear about it?
“His Risk” by author Shelley Shepard Gray is the fourth in her “The Amish of Hart County” series. Even though it is Book 4, it can be read as a standalone. However, this is such an excellent series you will want to read them all. 
Trust me! This book is a thrilling, exciting read that takes only one page to grab your attention. It isn’t your typical Amish novel. This is a gritty, crime fiction with romance and Amish.
Author Gray has an exceptional style of writing. Her vivid descriptions take me away and I am immediately invested. Her storyline is well organized and well researched. Providing twists and turns, she keeps readers captivated. Characters are believable and well defined. They were also well rounded with good and bad attributes. I felt as though I knew them through their dialog and interactions. This book is written from four characters’ perspectives.
This book is the tale of Calvin Fisher, who left Horse Cave, Kentucky when he was a young teen boy of fourteen years old. Leaving his past behind, he is now an undercover informant for the DEA, specializing on a gang, the Kings. This gang is mixed up in serious crime. Calvin returns home because of a family crisis and while there meets Amish nursery school teacher Alice Yoder. Sparks ignite and a romance begins between a devout Amish girl and the forbidden Englischer (Calvin). As their relationship gets more serious Calvin is concerned that he might bring harm to Alice because of his connections to the Kings and the head of their organization, West Powers. As things begin to happen, Calvin questions his worth to be in Alice’s life and she is skeptical about him.
“His Risk” is a sweet romance, but much more. The emotions of the characters jumped right off of the pages and into my heart. I wanted to figure out the mysteries and twists. This is an amazing intrigue, suspense Christian novel. The issues tackled are relevant and timeless. Grace and forgiveness are two of the main points. Praying, faith, trust, hope, child abuse, and bullying are among life lessons this novel discusses. It is encouraging and inspiring. Lessons on God hearing our prayers and having a plan for us as well as forgiving others and ourselves are notable.
Another nice thing about this 265 page paperback novel is that after the book there are some extra things. You will get information on author Shelley Shepherd Gray. 
She is a faithful Christian mother of two living in Ohio with her hubby. There is a letter from her about her book, and she states Book 5 comes out July 2018. Next are discussion questions which are great for a reading group. It concludes with a sneak peek at Book 5.
“His Risk” is a thrilling, Christian action, mystery, romance that I did not want to put down. I kept imaging it as a movie and wanted to cast the parts. Actually I want to watch it. It would be a great movie! Set in Hart County, Kentucky the scenery would be beautiful. Some parts were discussed about Louisville and Cincinnati, both close to my Southern Indiana hometown. The Amish culture and language are intriguing. This book has a sprinkling of Amish in it and I did long for more.
I highly recommend author Gray’s newest release. Anyone will love it. It has a bit of everything (romance, mystery, action, inspiration, intrigue) so there is something for everyone. You might want to get a reading group and start with Book 1. They each have inspirational messages and discussions. All are so good! You will not be disappointed.
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 