Amish Outsider is the first book in the River Haven series, and I will definitely be reading the rest of them. This was a romantic suspense story, but also a story about family and faith. Michael Forster was raised in River Haven but left when her married an Englischer. Michael was a successful businessman running his own construction company, but things were not happy in this little family. It came to a head when Michael's wife, Diana, fell down the stairs and died. The problem is that it was ruled a murder and Michael is the local detectives main suspect. He returns to his family, moving himself and his young and shy daughter Allie in with his Aunt. He enrolls Allie in the Amish school and begins working in the family greenhouse. Everyone is not happy that Michael has returned, especially under suspicion of murder. Vandalism begins, customers stop buying and Cathy, Allie's teacher and Michael's friend, is harassed and in danger of losing her job. Who is behind these actions? Who is the suspicious man watching the school?

I really enjoyed the characters in this story. Family is very important in the Amish faith, and I loved how almost all of Michael's family welcomed him and Allie back into the fold. Allie was so sweet. She was very shy, but immediately connected with her cousin and her teacher. They were there for her when she needed them. Michael was such a great father. Everything he did was for Allie, but as a single dad, he knew he had to keep her safe and provide for her, which almost caused him to make a very serious mistake. I really liked how the community came together to help when one of their own was in need and to support a good cause. The mystery is woven into this family and community story. There were some scary moments and I was always trying to figure out what was happening and who was behind it. The tension and suspense built up with as the story progressed. I never figured out who the culprit was, but the conclusion was well done and I enjoyed the conclusion to this story. I really enjoyed this contemporary romantic suspense story. It is all about coming home again, having faith, family and yes, love.

I always enjoy Marta Perry's Amish romances, and Amish Outsider is no exception. The story revolves around Michael, who left his Amish life behind him to run away with an Englischer, who he found murdered in their basement. He returns home with his daughter, hoping his name will be cleared. Allie, his daughter, forms a bound with Cathy, the teacher at the Amish school. I really enjoyed the mystery within the romance, and Perry really wrote this well. I'm looking forward to more in this series.

Amish Outsider another great Amish book I really enjoyed. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

Michael Forster returns to the Amish community of River Haven under a cloud of suspicion. His ex-wife has been murdered and the only suspect the police have is Michael. Seeking stability and sanctuary for his young daughter, Allie, he accepts his aunt Verna's hospitality.

As Michael and Allie are enfolded into their Amish family, Allie chooses Teacher Cathy as an adult confidant. While her new best friend is her cousin, Ruthie, she trusts Cathy Brandt, the teacher at the Amish school with information she hasn't even shared with her father - a possible new suspect in her mother's death. Does what Allie knows place her in a killer's sights?

A watcher at the school, vandalism at Aunt Verna's greenhouse, and a stalker chasing Cathy and Allie home seem to point toward increasing danger for the child. Can Michael keep his daughter, and the woman who is becoming more to him than he ever expected, safe from those who are most focused on keeping their own secrets from coming to light?

I always enjoy Marta Perry's books. She has a definite gift for romantic suspense, and her stories often swirl around the Amish. This one had twists I didn't see coming.

Readers of romantic suspense will enjoy this book. Although this is Amish fiction, I wouldn't necessarily call it inspirational Amish fiction. It's a bit grittier than that, but still shows the Amish commitment to faith above all. I would definitely recommend. Marta Perry's name on the cover is enough recommendation for me!

Part suspense and part romance this gorgeously written story is a perfect tale that engulfs you in its pages. An Amish school teacher trying hard to help her student and a father who has a few secrets of his own. Stunning!

**thank you to the publisher**

Amish Outsider is a compelling novel. I thought the book was well-written and it proceeded at a steady pace. Amish Outsider is different from other Amish novels. There is mystery, suspense, family, friendships and romance. I liked getting to know the residents of River Haven. Stubbornness seems to run in the Forster family. Michael left home as a teenager with Diana and has been living as an Englischer. He was running a successful construction company until his wife died and the legal bills crippled him financially. Diana was unhappy with their life which ended up with the pair becoming separated. Michael did not kill his wife, but he is unable to convince the police of his innocence. Michael wants a safe place for his daughter, Allie and he hopes it is in River Haven with his Amish family. Aunt Verna and Sarah provided levity with their schemes to help their family. Family is important as we see in Amish Outsider and they stick together which I found endearing. I like how the community came together to help when one of their own was in need and to support a good cause. I delighted in the unpredictability of an Amish Outsider. You never knew what would happen next. The scary incidents were suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. The tension builds as the story progressed in this page turner. There are several suspects in Diana’s murder with good clues. One of the phrases that stuck with me from Amish Outsider is “Evil can be anywhere. But peace is inside us.” Marta Perry has outdone herself with the absorbing and suspenseful Amish Outsider.

I've been a fan of Marta Perry's books for years and was eager to read Amish Outsider, the first book in her new River Haven series, but I found it quite a bit different in pacing and tone than many of her previous Amish mystery series--this was quite slow moving, and although I loved meeting and learning about these characters, there were also some omissions of backstory that I wish had been present, and for those reasons, I can only give it a 4-star rating.

As the novel opens, Michael Forster and his 8-year-old daughter, Allie, are returning to his small, mostly Amish home town of River Haven, after having been gone for a decade. His wife, Diana, also born and raised in River Haven was found dead after falling (or being pushed) down the basement stairs, and, as is usually the case, the husband is always the primary suspect. We soon learn that Michael and his wife, Diana were heading toward a divorce, which isn't surprising since it seems that Diana wanted a lavish lifestyle, forcing Michael to work harder and longer hours, trying to earn enough money to give Diana what she wanted, which was never enough to suit her. Naturally, the side effect of his long work hours was they seldom saw one another and rarely communicated in any meaningful way, nor did he get to spend any meaningful time with his young daughter.

Because of the publicity and trying to keep young Allie away from the ugly accusations against him in the media, returning to peaceful River Haven, where he still had family, seemed the right solution, but returning to his Amish roots and his family, including the father who shunned him when he left isn't going to be easy--not to mention the way the Amish community felt not just about his leaving, but also that he took Diana with him when he left. The missing backstory I mentioned is that of Michael and Diana, I think few scenes from their early romantic involvement, and learning which one of them insisted on leaving the Amish community and why, would have at least elicited some sympathy for Diana's demise. From the very beginning to the very end of this novel, all we really learn about Diana firsthand is that she liked spending money, partying, and was now dead, and Allie has barely smiled or spoken since her mother's death.

When Allie meets her Amish cousin, Ruthie, they become fast friends and it was impossible not to fall in love with these adorable children. Someone else falls for Allie to, her Amish school teacher, known as Teacher Cathy, and Michael is pretty taken with Cathy's caring, her understanding of how to get through to Allie, her warmth and charm as well. While staying at the home of Michael's great Aunt Verna, Allie seems to settle in nicely, but Diana was well loved in this community, and many of its residents are not happy to have her suspected murderer among them, and there are more than a few acts of vandalism to make Michael aware of the fact that's his troubles have followed him here. Of course, there's still the question, if Michael didn't kill his wife, then who did, and why?

It's a good mystery theme but we're given no clues whatsoever as to the identity of the actual murderer, and by the time we do find out the identity of the murderer it really was oddly staged and seemed somewhat trite. While Marta Perry writes very well, I think this would have been an ideal novel in which to use dual narration, so we get the killer's perspective and get to understand why he did what he did, or at least to let the reader gain some insight into his character.

What I liked best about this novel was the warmth and charm of Teacher Cathy and her slowly growing feelings for Michael and Allie. I also enjoyed seeing the way the Amish community dealt with many of the issues, rumors and vandalism that Michael and his family were victimized by. As with all of Ms. Perry's Amish novels, including this one, the sense of the peace and beauty of the environment added a great deal of atmosphere and depth o this story, as well as serving as a reminder of the deep faith, work ethic, honesty, and commitment to one another among the Amish community without ever becoming preachy. All in all, Amish Outsider is a good, if somewhat slow-moving read.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

Marta Perry has always been a favorite author of mine and her latest novel, AMISH OUTSIDER is exactly why I am a huge fan. AMISH OUTSIDER takes place in Amish country, but the main character, Michael Forster is now living as an Englisher. He has come back to his hometown of River Haven, with his young daughter, Allie after the death of his wife, Diana. Michael decides to put Allie in to the Amish school there and that is where he meets Cathy, the teacher and she is instantly taken with Allie and wants to help her overcome her shyness.


AMISH OUTSIDER is the first book in the River Haven series. I always have such a good time reading Marta Perry’s Amish stories. She brings these communities to life and I learn something new about the Amish each time I read one of her books. I really enjoy how the Englisch and the Amish work together respectfully, both professionally and personally. Their differences can cause obstacles so I enjoy reading how the Amish keep their faith strong within constant temptation. AMISH OUTSIDER is filled with mystery, family, suspense, family, friendship, and even some romance. Michael is still a suspect in his wife’s death so when he moves back to River Haven, trouble follows him. Some believe he had something to do with Diana’s death and some believe him when he says it wasn’t him.


AMISH OUTSIDER is a mystery of who done it with the twists and turns of a great page turner that I just couldn’t put down. Common sense and kindness prevails when the characters are faced with adversity, but it is never so sweet that it becomes unrealistic. If you’ve read Amish stories before and have been disappointed, I think you’ll find this author’s style refreshing. Marta Perry creates a suspenseful atmosphere, and leads the reader to a variety of conclusions before revealing the true identity behind the criminal activities. She had me convinced I knew “who dunit” a few times, before leading me in yet another direction. To me that is a sign of a good mystery novel! I always look forward to reading Marta Perry novels and AMISH OUTSIDER is exactly why.

Sorry I did not get to review this book before expiry. Looks like one I would have enjoyed so I'll keep an eye open for a copy.

The fabric of Amish life was woven so tightly that what touched it affected all. Declaring that this trouble was his alone would be seen as pride, in an oddly inverted way.

Michael Forster has come back to his Amish home of River Haven after the murder of his wife. He is left alone with his daughter Allie and the pain of who killed his wife Diana. Their marriage was faulty as they had both run away from the Amish life style to a more materialistic life style. But that life style only brought pain to them both. When Michael found his wife lying dead at the bottom of the stairs of their home, his life changed once again.

Coming back home River Haven, he is staying with Aunt and her husband. They have welcomed both Michael and his daughter Allie with open arms. Allie has been withdrawn since the death of her mother and Michael is looking to bring stability to his little girl. Allie is taken with the Amish life style and starts school at the Amish school with Teacher Cathy as her teacher. Cathy is drawn to Allie and it naturally plays out that she is also drawn to Michael. She longs to see both father and daughter healed but before any healing can occur, Michael must make amends to his father and find out out who killed his wife.

The story is driven by trust and faith. Each of the main characters learn this lesson well. From Allie to Cathy, each must learn the value of putting their faith and trust in God's care. What that looks like is different for each one as they both must overcome their fear to love. The steps are small but the reward is great! Enjoyed this one.

A Special Thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

It has been a bit since I’ve read Marta Perry and An Amish Outsider made me wonder why? I was riveted the entire time and was blown away when the killer was revealed.

An Amish Outsider is the perfect read for fans of Amish mysteries, romances, and fiction. You have a little of everything in this gem of a read.

I received a complimentary copy from Harlequin through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

I have enjoyed this author’s reads, and this one is no exception, and once I turned the first page I was hooked and page-turning.
We are given a young man whom was brought up Amish and having met an English girl, they decide to go where the grass is greener and embark on their new amazing life, only to have reality raise its head.
Now this man has returned home to his roots and has brought his daughter, but will they be accepted back? Also, now there is a dark cloud of murder hanging over Michael head, how can he prove his innocence?
What a great story and mystery we have here, you never see what is around the corner, and who will come to the aid of a missing man and child from their flock.
Yes, answers come and surprises abound here, I never saw it coming!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.

I enjoyed this unique twist on an Amish romance. The "bad guy" was well hidden throughout the story, though not to the point where it was unbelievable once revealed.

I loved the relationship between Allie and Cathy.

I wish we had seen more of how Allie adapted to life in the Amish community. The author portrays this as a quick and easy transition, but I just don't see that as realistic for a child her age. She doesn't ask questions about why there's no electricity, why clothes are worn the way they are, why there is no TV, etc. A young child, even grief stricken, would still ask questions and have some struggles adapting away from the modern world.

** ARC received from Netgalley **

A new series begins with a very enjoyable Amish mystery. Michael, having left the Amish ten years before returns after his English wife is murdered. A cloud of suspicion hangs over Michael as the police focus him. Teacher Cathy provides support for Michael as Allie, Michael's daughter clings to her for comfort. The outcome of Michael's and Cathy's relationship may be predictable but the mystery behind the murder is not. Recommended!

This is a well-written suspense story that held my interest all the way through to the last page. The mystery kept me guessing among several suspects, and the clues were perfectly placed. I loved the characters, especially little Allie and Cathy. The author did a good job of setting this story among the Amish. I especially liked the setting of an Amish school, and enjoyed reading about this Amish community. This is a clean book with no foul language or inappropriate scenes. I’d classify this book as general fiction, rather than Christian fiction. This is not a long novel, and it’s just the right length for something to read while you travel or have an evening to read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A solid 4 stars.
This is an exceedingly well-written book and the first in a new series. The characters and plot is very different from most Amish books which I much appreciated. The ending was to be expected and a bit trite but good enough. I really enjoyed getting to know the residents in this book. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
I imagine that a great many people will enjoy this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

I recieved a complimentary copy of this book through Harlequin through netgalley.
My favorite character's of the book is Cathy, Allie and Michael.
My least favorite was Randy you'll find out why when you read the story.
Never guessed who the killer was.
Good plots, had me kept wanting to read more. Can't wait for the next book, witch be coming out next year 2020 it called The Amish Protecter!!

I read a lot of Amish fiction; it's a breezy genre that I can pick up and put down at work that won't offend anyone. I also grew up in a Plain community so I am generally interested in how life is portrayed. I liked this book quite a bit. The fishbowl existence in a small rigid community was well examined. I'm not much of a mystery reader but the plot line held my attention. For all the genre would have you believe, people do leave these communities when their interests cannot be served by the narrow life available. It has a sweet ending and I'll chalk that up to the romance aspect of the book. It was an enjoyable quick read.

I enjoyed this book a lot - it was a really interesting concept for an Amish Romance and the mystery kept me guessing. It was realistic and the pacing was perfect, the right amount of gorgeous family moments and mix of drama and intrigue. I loved the bond between Cathy and Allie, it was lovely. I felt the book was missing a little faith at times, but still a beautiful story of love and family.

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

“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 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.