Peace

Title: PEACE

Author: Shelley Shepard Gray

Publisher: Avon Inspire

October 2013

ISBN: 978-0062204523

Genre: Amish / Christmas novella

After a year of secrets and scandal, will this Amish community finally find peace under the bright promise of Christmas?

Beth Byler has a secret. Ever since she met Englischer Chris Ellis while helping out at the Yellow Bird Inn, she can't stop thinking about him. She knows a relationship could never go anywhere—Chris was working undercover in Crittenden County as a DEA agent. That meant he faced danger daily and carried a gun, making him completely unsuitable for an Amish woman like herself. But she knew he felt the attraction, too. It was the reason he left so suddenly, promising never to see her again.

Then, three days before Christmas, while Beth is taking care of the inn, Chris returns. This time, he is bleeding and in need of a place to hide. Against her better judgment, Beth takes him in and tends to his wounds. She also promises to keep his presence a secret. Before long, it becomes clear that nothing between them has changed—a relationship is inevitable. But are they ready to sacrifice everything for this chance at love?

PEACE is the Christmas novella, part of The Secrets of Crittenden County series. It wraps up previous stories in this series in Missing, The Search, and Found. There is a touch of suspense in this book, but only a touch, as Chris is a DEA agent and hiding for his life. Mainly it is a sweet romance, the beginnings of a relationship, the healing of families, and a time of Christmas miracles.

I enjoyed reading PEACE, and if you are looking for a good Christmas book to pick up for the next holiday season, or to read out of season as I did, then PEACE is a book to consider. A great book for 80 degree weather to help "cool you down" a little. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book, as well is a sample chapter of another of Ms. Gray's books, and an interview with the author. $12.99. 256 pages.