His Risk

The Amish of Hart County #4

by Shelley Shepard Gray

New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray brings us another compelling suspense in her Amish of Hart County series, this time featuring an undercover English DEA agent who will do anything to protect the Amish girl he loves.

Calvin Fisher left the Amish community at fourteen and never looked back. Only his brother’s illness can bring him back to Hart County.  Now, as Calvin works to make amends, he meets Alice, a local nursery school teacher, and falls hard for her. But he has a secret that could threaten the happiness he’s finally found.

Alice shouldn’t like—or want—Calvin. He’s English, has a questionable past, and an even more questionable job. Still, she can’t help being intrigued. Though Calvin assures Alice that he’s worthy of her, she’s torn between surrendering to her growing feelings and steering clear of him.

When a sudden surge of criminal activity alarms the community and even targets Alice, Calvin fears that his double life has put everyone he loves at risk. As for Alice, she can’t help but wonder if the brave and honorable man she’s lost her heart to is far more dangerous than she could ever imagine.

Genres: Amish, Romance, Christian Fiction, Amish Fiction, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery

288 pages, Paperback

First published March 6, 2018

About the author

Librarian Note: AKA Shelley Gray (Western Romance).

Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.

Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.

Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
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 currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.


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Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love this author's works and this series has been fairly solid. So, I was a tad bit surprised that I didn't enjoy this book as much as previous installments.

Calvin returned home to Amish country because his brother was diagnosed with cancer. Upon his return, he meets Alice, a young woman living next door to his brother and sister-in-law. Immediately he was smitten with Alice. His desire to protect her and his concern for her seemed sudden to me. I tend to struggle with the insta-love trope in any book. And in this case, Calvin is an undercover DEA agent. So, it seemed to me that he would have been more guarded with his heart.

Alice was likewise interested in Calvin from the start. And then, her friend was also thrown into an insta-love situation with Calvin's boss in the gang. Which again, I had a hard time believing.

There wasn't much suspense for me in this book. The mystery of who ransacked Alice's classroom was fairly obvious and it surprised me that the suspect wasn't obvious to Alice or her friend.

I was also taken aback to see the main character smoking and using the word "pissed." It's something I've not ever encountered in an Amish book. While I'm no prude, I just wasn't sure of how I felt about it in this genre.

I love seeing something innovative and new in the Amish genre and I feel that Shelley is doing a great job of livening things up a bit. I just wasn't as fond of this particular installment in this series as the others.

I am still interested in reading the last book in this series and I will definitely read more by this author. This particular book just wasn't one of my favorites.

Note: Kristin reads and reviews both Christian and secular fiction on A Simply Enchanted Life. Out of respect for my readers, I am including a content review. This content review will help you decide whether this book is suitable for you.

Christian or Secular: Christian
ASEL Rating: mild language
Content to be aware of: Smoking, gang activity, mild violence (barely described.) The word pissed is mentioned on one occasion.
Suggested Age: 15+

His Risk is book #4 in The Amish of Heart County series by Shelley Shepard Gray. Other books in the series include Her Secret (#1), His Guilt (#2), and The Gift (#3). The last book in the series, His Promise is set to release in October 2018.

This book was provided to me by Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.

This review originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Risk is book 4 of a 5 book series. I have loved this whole series.

Gray writes so you think you are there in the middle of the story and are friends with the characters.

Alice and Calvin you have to wonder if they should even be friends with Calvin being a rebel and no longer Amish.

You have to read this book. You are going to get lost on the pages.

I gave this book 4 stars. I recommend the whole series.

The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be one of my favorite books by the author. She has mixed Amish country, gangs and DEA agents into one action packed story that should be made into a movie. The premise of the story is about Calvin coming back to his roots because his brother is ill. There are some hard feelings between the brothers that are very evident as they see each other. I loved how the author showed how bitterness can get in the way of relationships. Calvin has some deep secrets that could harm those he cares about. Will his presence back home bring danger to the community? I really liked Calvin because he wanted to do the right thing and hopefully along the way find forgiveness from his family. It would be hard for a family member to come back home after knowing he has been involved with illegal dealings. I wanted Calvin and his brother Mark to find their way back to each other. The author does an exceptional job of showing the dynamics between the two brothers and their lifestyle. Sometimes it isn't easy to come back home.

Alice was the sweetest person I have read about. She is lovely, caring and adores her job as a gifted preschool teacher. When she runs into Calvin you could feel the uncomfortable feeling Alice had. Its not everyday she runs into a man dressed liked Calvin. His rugged good lucks did intrigue her and I kept thinking how opposites attract. I really liked how Alice and Calvin slowly started to each other. It must have been hard for them to let their guard down. Sometimes a girl is just attracted to the bad boy and Alice can't fight her feelings for Calvin.

The story is filled with intrigue and danger that heightened the story to a level of excellence. The author does an amazing job of giving us glimpses into Calvin's secret life. I'm not sure I could put myself in danger like he did. I came to really like him and loved watching his transformation. The ending is so powerful and edgy that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Fans of the author are in for a treat with this explosive story. Will Calvin be able to save his family and Alice from danger? There are a few other characters in the story that are a vital part to Calvin and his secret life. I won't say much more, but be prepared to be surprised and feel a bit sad as this explosive story takes us to the depths of evil where prayer and forgiveness will be needed. I enjoyed being reminded that we shouldn't judge someone by the way they look or where they come from. People can change and we need to give everyone a chance.

I received a copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my own opinion.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have fallen in love with Shelley Shepard Gray's latest series, The Amish of Hart County. In the fourth book in the series, His Risk, readers are once again transported back to the Amish community of Hart County. There you pick back up with familiar characters from the previous novels as they now become secondary characters in this novel.

Alice Yoder is the community's school teacher and she adores her job. She believes it is truly her calling and the one thing that brings her the most joy. However when she undertakes watching her brother's home while they vacation in Pinecraft and also care for Valentine, their cat. It is one job she truly looks forward to is a quiet night at the end of a busy day. She just didn't expect to find her curiosity peaked by the young man standing outside her neighbors home. Being a bit bold, she finds herself wanting to know who he is and why he is staying at their home.

Calvin Fisher is now staying with his brother, Mark and his wife Waneta as he undergoes a risky surgery to remove a cancerous kidney. He hopes that he will be able to be there for his brother as much as he helped to raise Calvin as a child. Both of his parents had their own issues to deal with and for Calvin, it meant leaving the Amish community. However know he has come home, but with it comes a threat that he believes he can handle as he works as an undercover DEA agent for a well known crime syndicate. Now that he has worked his way up in earning the King's loyalty, he believes he can balance the roles he is playing while keeping everyone safe.

But when his undercover life begins to show signs of being in Hart County, Calvin believes that he has brought a very real risk to those he cares about and even those he might begin to fall for. Will he be able to end the double life he is living before he endangers those he loves the most?

I received His Risk by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspire, a division of Harper Collins Publishers. This is such a cross over genre because you are combining a love for the Amish with its connection to the English world in a suspenseful way. Without realizing it, and while they remain very much divided in their faith and ideals, there are no physical walls to keep one from encroaching on the other as it does in this series of novels by Shelley Shepard Gray. I think she orchestrates it masterfully in that you don't even realize that you're reading two very different genres in a well blended series. I have loved every single one and am looking forward to the next one in this series. Finally authors who simply don't end a good thing after three books! This one is worthy of all 5 out of 5 stars in my own opinion.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book four in the Amish of Hart County series, but I was able to read and enjoy without reading the previous titles. I would like to go back and read them to catch up with the secondary characters stories. I found this to not be your mundane Amish Book. It falls into a category of its own with very interesting characters and writing that keeps you turning pages. I found myself drawn to the character of West and was shocked at the twist his story takes. It is a story of forgiveness of yourself for past choices and taking risks to find the path God has planned for you. It is real and honest writing that weaves itself into your heart and leaves you wanting more. I look forward to the next book coming in July.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

[Kristi Keel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a wonderful book from the very first page. Calvin had such an air of mystery to him that was carried out through the book. Alice a very sheltered person who has a heart of gold. This fourth book in the Hart County series truly didn't disappoint. Even if it is part of a series, it was easily followed if you didn't read any of the previous books. So could be read as a stand alone. Once again another book well done by Shelley! I was provided a free copy of the book and was not obligated to post a review.

[Terri Bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in one day, its hard to put down. Rich character's that you will fall im nlove with

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Risk is the fourth installment and my first introduction to Shelley Shepard Gray's The Amish of Hart County. I did not feel as though I was missing much by not reading the other books in the series. However, I do want to read them to see what had happened prior to this one. I thought it was pretty good and liked the suspense, mystery, and danger. I was intrigued with Calvin right from the stars and loved him with Alice.
His Risk is a good, sweet and clean Amish story. I give it 4 1/2 stars.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Anything worth holding on to was worth risking it all for.”

His Risk continues Gray’s The Amish of Hart County series, a series of loosely-connected Amish suspense novels set around Horse Cave, Kentucky. While most of the books (including His Risk) can be read as stand-alones, this one follows up with Calvin Fisher whom we first met briefly in His Guilt, a story that focused on his brother Mark. In this novel, we get to visit with Mark and his wife Waneta again – two really great characters, especially Neeta. (But fans of their story may want to keep a couple of tissues close by for their subplot in His Risk.) The focus, though, is on Mark’s brother Calvin – a guy with a rough past living a troubled double life now. When he meets naive-but-feisty Alice, he’s torn between his duty and his heart.

As with the other books in this series, the title can apply to any number of characters, and I love how Gray does that! There’s an immediate, more obvious, application but there’s always at least one other meaning that can be taken from the title’s tie-in to the book. And in this case, that secondary thread nearly broke my heart. Ok, not nearly. It did break my heart a little. But Gray weaves it together so well that it takes on an almost poetic poignancy.

Bottom Line: His Risk crackles with tension from the first page to the last. While it’s high-stakes suspense for sure, it is less ‘mystery to solve’ and more ‘battle to stay alive’. There is a mild mystery thread but mostly the suspenseful tension is centered on Cal and his double life as a high-ranking gang member and undercover DEA agent – and his Amish roots. I loved this internal dynamic and the combo of ‘bad boy hero’ with the redeemed rogue he really is. The best of both worlds! And I loved Alice and her strength and courage and heart. Gray’s characters are layered and endearing, and her writing as always exudes grace and warmth. I can’t wait for more books in this series!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 STARS!!!
I like a good story with a male POV included. Shelley Shepard Gray has written a vivid character when it comes to Calvin Fisher. He had a hard life growing up and left home at fourteen, making a lot of unwise choices afterward that have led him to living a double life. He takes a huge risk returning to Horse Cove, Kentucky when he finds out his brother is sick. Trying to make up for the past, he hopes his presence in his Amish brother’s home will not put his family and Alice Yoder in harm’s way.

Alice is a nice girl with grit. She may look meek and mild on the outside, after all she is a preschool teacher, but she is not afraid to speak up when necessary. She needs a little excitement in her life and Calvin is going to do just that. Whoa there, not that way! This is Inspirational fiction, after all. :-)

Needless to say, since His Risk is a romantic suspense novel (emphasis on the suspense) there was danger involved. I was hanging on every word Gray wrote. She has crafted some absolutely amazing characters! I was a fan of Calvin from the beginning but then I met West and, oh my, I can’t even talk about him. He turned out to be my favorite character.

My heart was pounding so hard throughout much of this story. I felt like I was living within the pages. I loved hearing from more than two or three characters. It is brilliant and gives much more depth and dimension to the story than if it had just been Calvin and Alice’s POV. And because Alice’s friend, Irene, has such an active role in the story, hopefully we will get to see what happens to her later on in another book.

There are twists and turns I did not expect. Some I was happy about. Others…not so much. It is not like most Amish books I have read but still a fabulous book and I highly recommend it. His Risk will stay on my keeper shelf and be re-read many times. It is that good!

I was gifted a copy of the book from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a review. No compensation has been received.

[Tressa (Wishful Endings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

HIS RISK is a story of struggle, perseverance, hard choices, faith, and trusting in friendship, family, and love. With a slowly developing romance, a constant underlying feeling of suspense, and characters easy to fall in love with, readers are sure to enjoy this story.

It took me a little bit to get into this story. It slowly builds at the beginning and, as I hadn't read the other books in the series, there were a few references to the town and characters that I wasn't familiar with. However, by a third of the way through, I was hooked. I fell for these characters and hoped that things could somehow turn out in the end. I also liked the twists in the suspense and plot. I do wish there would have been more suspense to back up the synopsis saying "a sudden surge of criminal activity." I expected there to be a stronger suspense aspect to the story and more things occurring than what did. The faith aspect of the story was weaved in rather nicely and focused on a lot of tough things these characters faced. I appreciated that it never felt forced, but perfectly natural in these characters lives and under the circumstances. I really enjoyed the friendships and the romance. Then there was this perfectly sweet ending that I just adored!

In the end, was it what I wished for? Overall, HIS RISK is a story that is sweet with a suspenseful climax, an emphasis on trusting in God and love, and a romantic ending. A thoroughly enjoyable read!

Content: Some innuendo and violence, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Litfuse Publicity, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the title tie-in to this story. It can be spun in so many different ways -- all of them connecting in a profound way as characters discover the meaning of self-worth and sacrifice. Shelley Shepard Gray knows how to create a page-turning read. This time it is delivered in a delicious suspense/Amish blend and I do so love that combination!

Calvin is so...burdened. He has fought his way up from the devastating results of a tragic childhood but he feels like he's lost himself somewhere along the way. He doesn't know how to be anyone but the undercover gang member he portrays. Until Alice.

Smothered by family love, Alice has lived a sheltered life, despite a challenging rumspringa. She's all sweetness and light with a surprising flash of fire and grit. Cal's intrigued. So is Alice. He reminds her of her rebellious teen years though she thought that she buried that part of her after a fateful night when she was seventeen. But, somehow, she can't help being drawn to the complicated ex-Amish man.

Two secondary characters captured my heart as well. Their lives mesh with Alice's and Cal's as the plot twists and turns to a crescendo of an exciting climax. Another stunning addition to The Amish of Hart County series.

Book provided courtesy of Avon Inspire and Litfuse Publicity Group.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series and was happy to learn more about Calvin Fisher in this novel. The reading of His Risk flowed very quickly for me, however, I did not connect with these characters very well. I liked Alice and I even liked Calvin, a person I was not fond of in a previous book. I am just a bit skeptical about certain events in the story actually working out the way they did. I can’t say more than that or I will give away major spoilers in the book. But, overall, I have liked the series and I am intrigued by the teaser for the next book that appeared in the back of this one. I am definitely looking forward to jumping back into this series for book five.

(3.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog (& enter to win a copy of the book through Litfuse until 3/27)
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Risk by Shelley Shepard Gray is the fourth novel in The Amish of Hart County series. Calvin Fisher left Horse Cave, Kentucky when he was fourteen years old and has done many questionable acts. Calvin is now an undercover informant for the DEA. He gives them intel on the Kings, a gang who commits illegal acts. Calvin has worked his way up the ranks to get close to West Powers, the president of the organization. Calvin receives a phone call from his sister-in-law, Waneta Fisher. Mark, his brother, has renal cell carcinoma in his right kidney and will be undergoing surgery. Calvin needs to return home to Hose Cave to be there for his brother. But Calvin needs to ensure that trouble does not follow him home. Alice, an Amish preschool teacher, is housesitting for her brother, Ed while he and his wife are vacationing in Pinecraft. She is on the front porch when Calvin arrives. The pair are drawn to each other, but Calvin does not feel he is good enough for Alice. Alice knows she should avoid Calvin since he is Englisch and has had a troublesome history. As they spend time together, their feelings grow. One night, Alice is walking home, when a car goes by her slowly several times. The next morning, the car is found abandoned and on fire. Then the preschool is broken into and many of the items inside destroyed. Calvin fears that the incidents are related to him and his connection with the Kings. Alice begins to wonder how well she really knows Calvin. Who is behind the incidents? Can Calvin keep Alice safe? Come along to Hart County and get to know Alice and Calvin in His Risk.

His Risk is a compelling romantic suspense novel that is well-written with interesting characters. I like the authors writing style. The story has a steady pace and smooth transitions. His Risk is told from Calvin, Alice, Irene and West’s perspective. I like being able to discover how each character was feeling and thinking. Her characters are realistic with their doubts, struggles, and flaws. Alice was a strong, smart spunky woman with an inquisitive nature. Calvin has a danger and mystery about him which attracts Alice. While His Risk is the fourth book in the series, it can be read alone. Do not be surprised, though, that after reading His Risk you want to pick up the other three novels in the series. His Risk is a story about forgiveness. Forgiving of others and oneself. Other Christian elements include trusting God, power of prayer, having strong faith and following God’s path for your life. There is an issue of a parent abusing a small child in the book. I was glad to see Irene stand up to the bully, but I was puzzled by Alice’s handling of the situation. I hope we get to find out more about Irene in future books in the series. I enjoyed watching the characters grow in character and faith as they faced adversity. The four characters learn valuable lessons along the way. His Risk is an emotional novel with danger, mystery and romance.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading books set in my home state of Kentucky so I was thrilled that the author chose to center her series The Amish of Hart County around Horse Cave, Kentucky. His Risk is the third book of this series but I didn't feel that I was in the dark because I hadn't read the first two. As I began reading His Risk I was able to understand the relevance of the title in the story that features Calvin Fisher and Alice Yoder as the two main characters. Calvin had an unhappy childhood and he left both Hart County and the Amish community. He is now considered an "Englisher" involved in questionable practices while Alice is a respected young Amish woman still living in Hart County. Circumstances throw them together and a mutual attraction develops but this is destined to be a difficult relationship and I must admit that I was surprised at the reaction of the Amish community. In most Amish books there would have been severe consequences for Alice's friendship with Calvin but this is a contemporary storyline and perhaps the members of the Amish community in Hart County are a little more lenient.

Shelley Shepherd Gray seems very familiar with both the Amish way of life and the places in or around Kentucky. She mentions both Louisville and Cincinnati, Ohio in the references to Calvin's occupation. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense that she has woven into her plot and I also liked two of her supporting characters, Irene and West. I was especially intrigued by West Powers. Flawed? Yes. Dangerous? Yes. Redeemable? Absolutely! West Powers is a reminder that God has created all of us with both good and bad qualities but it is our choice to choose good over evil!

His Risk is a very entertaining story and I look forward to reading the next book in The Amish of Hart County series.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. A review was not required and the opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked right from the start with author Gray’s newest in her Amish of Hart County series. Calvin Fisher, once a troubled Amish teen, is back to his hometown only now he is English. Coming back for his brother due to a family emergency, Calvin is concerned about bringing his troubles with him. Trying to turn his life around and now working for the DEA as an undercover agent in a gang, he has a lot on his plate. And he especially has no time for thoughts of a normal life with a wife. However, when he meets Alice, his protective instincts get the better of him.

Alice has a past as well and instead of forgetting, wants to learn from it and move on. Alice and her best friend Irene are both trying to learn from their shared circumstances and move on. What most surprised me about this book was that I was very interested in not only the hero Calvin, but also West the bad guy: especially his and Irene’s story.

It was nice getting to meet up with Mark and Waneta again, even though it came with scary health concerns. I recommend this whole series with enough romance and suspense to keep you turning pages quickly.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Risk by Shelley Shepard Gray
The Amish of Hart County #4
280-page Hardback story ends on page 265, there are 14 P. S. pages

Genre: Amish Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Christian Romance

Featuring: Author's Bibliography, Epigraphs, Dates, January, February, March, DEA Informant, Englisher & Amish Trope, Preschool Teacher, Kentucky 218, Horse Cave and Louisville, Kentucky; Hart County, Kentucky; Cancer, Undercover Gangster Trope, Cincinnati, Ohio; Multiple POVs, Violence, P. S. - About the Author, Author's Letter, Discussion Questions, Sneak Peak at Book 5 Untitled (Her Fear)

Rating as a movie: PG-13

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎰

My thoughts: 📖 Page 61 of 265/280 Chapter 8 - I don't quite remember what happened in the previous book, but I'm enjoying this one. I'm going to refresh my memory before I continue.

I remembered enough, his brother was in book 2. This was a good story even the sort of unrealistic parts, like an adult version of The ButterCream Gang. I'm starting book 5 tonight.

Recommend to others: Yes. This is a nice palate cleanser series.

Amish of Hart County
1. Her Secret (2017)
2. His Guilt (2017)
3. The Gift (2017)
4. His Risk (2018)
5. Her Fear (2018)
6. His Promise (2018)

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Im going to have to agree with everyone else.
This is truly Ms. Gray's best yet!!
I also loved this book because it's packed full of action!
Mrs. Gray has a talent for making you feel like you are in the story and yelling at them "No don't do it!! you silly person! or look out behind you that sort of thing!
I absolutely love Alice and Calvin.
Alice because she's a quiet and shy type of person ( pretty much like I used to be until I started working at McDonald's)
Calvin because he has the bad boy image. I think he's a hot, cool, type of guy that has an interesting background.
There's just too many interesting characters in this book but these two are my favorites!
I think it's terrible that there are evil men that prey on innocent people like in the book. (Im talking about real life too)
Oh and did I mention that the setting is in Horse Cave, Kentucky?
Another reason I love this awesome book!!
Y'all will just have to read this awesome book!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own

[Tien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another enjoyable few hours spent in reading an Amish romance suspense. I most especially liked the redemption aspect of this story.

Calvin Fisher was featured in earlier book (#2) however his story if fleshed out in this instalment of the series. He is a criminal but due to his earlier reunion with his brother, he wants to be a better man. He is trying to turn his bad deeds to good ones but a spanner is thrown into this when news of his brother's illness came. However, there is something bigger and better awaiting him.

At the end of this book, I felt that this whole series to be rather strange. Of all the Amish books I've read (and I've read quite a few), I think this community is the most liberal of all Amish communities! All the rules of being banned or canoodling with Englischers seem to be completely absent. Anyway, aside from this anomaly, I enjoyed the mystery and the ending, I felt, was very provident.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading another story in the series, The Amish of Hart County. I think the Amish in Hart County, Kentucky, have more excitement than any I have ever read. I am not totally serious. But when you have two respectable young Amish women spending time with two gang members, and one of the gang members is the president of a major gang, things are bound to get exciting. One of the gang members, Calvin, was born into an Amish family but left home as a young teenager because of unbearable conditions in his home. Will the gang members lead the Amish girls astray? Will the gang president discover what his former Amish member is really doing in the gang? How can Cal keep his double life a secret? Why does the gang president keep showing up wherever he sends Cal to do a job? Who would thoroughly demolish the inside of a small Amish preschool? I will not say more about the way the story turns out because I want to avoid spoiling it for others, but I will say that Cal, Alice, and Irene learn some valuable lessons through their experiences and find their faith being strengthened. They are lessons worth our consideration if we are ever in a situation of questioning God and wondering why things happen the way they do. I hope you enjoy the story and ponder the lessons shared.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

HIS RISK is Ms. Gray's most recent book. Fans of Amish romance will love this book. There is enough of a suspense to appeal to Amish romantic suspense readers, but it isn't overly scary or anything. It is more peaceful, written in Ms. Gray's quiet way.



Alice is a naive Amish girl, overly protected by her parents, yet she works in a daycare. Horse Cave is a quiet, peaceful town. Yet Calvin is anything but quiet and peaceful. He is undercover as a crime lord, and is set for promotion in the crime industry...



YET somehow, the criminals distrust his brother's diagnosis of cancer and so they start spying on Calvin when he goes home to be with his brother for the surgery, dragging trouble to the innocent community.



Fans of Ms. Gray or Amish fiction will want to read this book to find out what happens next.



I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calvin Fisher took a risk returning to Horse Cave with his current positions in the English world. He didn’t want to bring his past and current problems into the community, but he needed to be there for his brother Mark. There’s plenty of adventure with Calvin meeting Alice Yoder, who had been protected during her life growing up in her Amish community. Shelley Shepard Gray created another tale that will bring readers back to the Amish community of Hart County, Kentucky with plenty of action, mystery, risks taken, and romance. The distrust and happenings by another individual while Calvin and his gang leader was present lead to an unexpected ending.

A friend gifted me with this book. I was not required to write a review but have shared my thoughts. I look forward to reading Her Fear in this series that will be releasing later this summer.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back in Hart County and with the second Fisher brother Calvin, we met him when he wasn’t very good, but now there is a real problem with his brother Mark.
I loved that the author has brought bad men, but we see them at their best, and others at their worst, we see some dark sides to being Amish, not all are people of faith.
The author has us with people that have some life changing decisions to make, and then life intervenes and some things change forever.
There is some sweet romance here, and others seem to be denied, but as the story unfolds your mind will try to work out the impossible, and then we hope for the best.
This is a story that quickly becomes a page turner, and when it is over, you will wish for more.

I received this book through the Publisher Avon Inspired, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Amish of Hart County series. Having read the others made me appreciate this one even more, but the books don’t have to be read in order. They seem like they are standalone books. I absolutely loved this one! The characters were all great. I found myself caring for a character that I didn’t think I would like. I couldn’t put this book down! Real life kept getting in the way of reading! I highly recommend this book! It’s suspenseful and entertaining! I’m looking forward to the next one in the series.



*I was provided a free copy of the book, but I wasn’t obligated to post a review. All thoughts are my own.*

[Cheryl Baranski · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Risk by Shelley Shepard Gray is book four in The Amish of Hart County. Shelley has written a captivating story that grabs you right from the start and doesn't let go until the very end. A story that is full of love, faith, suspense and much, much more. I received a complementary copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion. 5 stars!

[Deborah Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit cheesy yes I know but sometimes you just got to indulge. Aghhh how I wish it worked out better but truly there was no way it could. I love how she handled all the characters and she is good at writing emotion. Starting out it was a bit cheesy and lame but I must admit I got invested. I so wish that she would continue on the characters stories and who knows maybe she does in a sequel I don’t have

[Taylor Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all Amish fiction lovers, even ones who aren’t. Shelley is a great author to start reading Amish fiction. I’ve been reading her novels for about three years now and I absolutely love them. She is the author that got me started on Amish fiction. His risk is a suspenseful book that makes you not want to stop reading. Very interesting and gripping to the last sentence. I love this whole series and can’t wait to read more. Great character development. I was sent this book by the author but all opinions are my own.

[Kelly Tyree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough good things about His Risk. I have read the series, The Amish of Hart County, but this book can easily be read as a standalone.

Calvin Fisher left the Amish community and is now living among the English. He is working undercover in a gang. The gang believes he is loyal, and has no idea he is telling their secrets to the DEA. If they find out, Calvin will die for sure. Calvin is called home to Hart County when his brother finds out he has cancer and has to have a kidney removed. When he returns to Hart County, he meets Alice. She is Amish and is a preschool teacher. Calvin and Alice become friends. They find themselves attracted to each other but Calvin knows he brings danger to his community and to Alice. When Calvin's gang leader shows up in Hart County to check on Calvin, he brings danger with him. Can he really live a double life, or can he finally have the life he wants? A respectable one, with a family.

When Alice's nursery school is vandalized, Calvin knows Alice is in danger. But the danger is only beginning.

His Risk grabs you attention right away. The ending is fantastic.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Risk by Shelley Shepard Gray is in the Amish genre but is a great suspenseful romance as well. Noted as a fourth book in the Amish of Hart County, His Risk is easily read as a stand alone story. I didn't realize it was in a series and don't feel like there were gaps in any of the characters' stories. The characters are great...so authentic and easy to relate to. Alice is a preschool teacher but spunky, with a take charge personality. Calvin, a former Amish man, returns home with bad memories and is feeling bare and vulnerable. There is plenty of tension throughout the story as the plot unfolds. Will the past keep them from a future together? With secrets, dangerous conflicts and plenty of action throughout the story the story is riveting right to the end. His Risk is a sweet and sometimes heartbreaking romance that elicits a delightful sigh. I'm thinking I need to go back and catch up on the first three books in the series. I was given a complimentary advance reader copy and was not required to write a review.

[Molly Jaber (Audiobooks And Sweet Tea) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Another amazing novel and addition to the Amish of Hart County series. To date, I think this is her best one yet in the series, though I did love all of them. Ms. Gray, whose talent has always intrigued me, wrote a novel that pulled me instantly to the center of the story with Calvin and his life. I fell head over heels instantly with him and loved following his risky story.

When Ms. Gray introduced me to Alice, yet another character to fall in love with, I knew this book would be one I would be up long into the night reading. I was right. Seeing Alice with the kinner in her class, then watching her fight her feelings for Calvin, really tugged at my heart through the story!

This is definitely a 5 star worthy novel in this series. The ups, downs, twists, and turns that Ms. Gray add to this absolutely inspirational novel of risking all for love, is wonderful and keeps the reader hooked. I can't wait for the next and final book in the series to get back to Hart County and see what Ms. Gray gives us next. Hats off and twenty thumbs up to a talented author on this one!

*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Blog Tours/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*