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Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway -Shielding the Amish Witness Author: Mary Alford On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 


About the Book

Book:  Shielding the Amish Witness

Author: Mary Alford

Genre: Amish Romantic Suspense

Release date: April 1, 2021


Seeking refuge in Amish country puts everyone she loves in danger.

On the run after discovering her brother-in-law was behind her husband’s murder, Faith Cooper can think of only one safe place—her Amish grandmother’s home. But when danger follows Faith to the quiet Amish community, her childhood friend Eli Shetler is her only protection. And their survival depends on outlasting a relentless killer…one who has nothing left to lose.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author


USA Today Bestselling Author, Mary Alford, loves giving her readers the un-expected, whether it be in a rugged mountain setting or a peaceful Amish community.

Her titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestselling List, Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling List, and have been finalists in the Daphne Du Maurier award of excellence, The Beverly, The Maggie, and The Selah Awards.

Mary lives in Texas with her husband, two very spoiled cats, and a sweet rescue dog name Cody. Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Face-book and Twitter or any social platforms listed at www.maryalford.net.

 

More from Mary

As a reader, I love books that are part of a series. There’s something comforting about being able to revisit characters that are special to me and meet new ones along the way. You get to go back to your favorite place and hang out with the people who make you smile.

It’s like coming home.

When I set out to write a series about five Amish brothers, I knew exactly where I wanted to set the series. The West Kootenai Amish community in Montana. West Kootenai is a remote community with sweeping mountain views surrounded by vast wilderness spaces. The perfect setting for suspense, along with a chance at redemption and a second chance for the hero and heroine. I love that.

In November, I introduced Covert Amish Christmas, the first book in the series that featured Aaron Shetler, the oldest of the five brothers.

In Shielding the Amish Witness, we meet Eli Shetler, a widower who has returned to West Kootenai to try to start over after his wife’s death two years earlier.

Eli is reunited with his childhood friend, Faith Cooper, who is running from a relentless killer who was once part of her family.

The book takes the reader through the breathtaking countryside of West Kootenai and into the homes of the Shelter family. We get to catch up on what Aaron and Victoria have been up since last we met and are introduced to some new family members. That’s the wonderful thing about series.

So, come with me on a trip to the beautiful community of West Kootenai, Montana where I hope my characters will make you feel right at home.

In writing about the Amish, I’ve come to love preparing their dishes. I’ve tried many recipes, from Amish Pizza to Friendship soup. But one of my all-time favorites is Amish Fry Pies. They are SO good!

Today, I thought I’d share the recipe for Amish Apple Fry Pies. I love this delicious desert and I hope you will as well.

Blessings always,

Mary Alford

 

AMISH APPLE FRY PIES

(recipe curtosy neighborfoodblog.com and a favorite of mine)

yields: 6

INGREDIENTS

For the filling:

  • 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 teaspoons cider
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the dough:

  • 2 cups flour, sifted
  • 4 Tablespoons butter
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1/3 cup HOT milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the glaze:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 Tablespoons milk
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. To make the filling, combine the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a small saucepan. Cook on medium heat until juices start to form, about 3 minutes. Make a slurry by whisking together the cider and cornstarch. Stir this into the pan, turn the heat up to high, and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened, about 3 minutes longer. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. For the dough, cut the butter into cubes then use a pastry cutter to work it into the flour. Continue to cut in the butter until it’s in small pea-sized lumps. In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks and salt together. Slowly pour in hot milk, stirring constantly. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Stir together until a dough begins to form. Turn the dough out onto parchment or wax paper, and knead it until it smooths out, about 1 minute.
  3. Divide the dough into 6 equal sized pieces and roll them each into a ball. Use a rolling pin to roll them out to about 6-inch circles. Fill each circle with 2 Tablespoons of apple mixture. Fold the dough in half over the filling and pinch the edges together to seal. You can flute the edges or use a fork to crimp them. If the edges aren’t sealing properly, wet them with a little water.
  4. Heat the oil in a deep saucepan to 350 degrees. You can test to see if the oil is ready by sticking a wooden spoon into the center of the pot. If small bubbles form around the handle, you’re ready to go.
  5. Place the pies in the hot oil one at a time and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to dry.
  6. Repeat with remaining pies.
  7. While the pies fry, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. It’s best to glaze the pies while they’re still warm. I use a pastry brush to brush the glaze on one side then let it dry, flip them over, and glaze the other side. You can put two coats of glaze on for extra sweetness if you like but wait for the glaze to harden in between coats.
  8. Pies can be stored uncovered for 2-3 days. If you want the glaze to remain hard, do not place the pies in a plastic bag or sealed container. Just leave them on a wire rack or pan.

My Thoughts

Shielding the Amish Witness is written by Mary Alford. This book is part of the Love Inspired Suspense line. This book will start off with the pedal to the metal - and will not let up. We meet Faith Cooper. Her husband was murdered by his brother. They were bad cops who were in with drug dealers. Faith finds out after her husbands death what they were really up to. Faith reaches out to her best friend, Cheryl who happens to be married to the killer. Vincent kills his wife in front of Faith. Faith flees the city and drives to the place where she was born. Her Amish Grandmothers home. Faith's family had left the Amish faith aburuptly when Faith was younger. 

Danger follows Faith to snowy Montana. There is no way that Vincent will leave Faith alive. Especially since she has the evidence to put Vincent and a lot of others away for life. Faith's childhood friend, Eli is now her grandmothers neighbor. Eli is carrying around pain from losing his first wife. However, he respects Faith and her family and knows that he has to help keep her safe. However it may cost him and his family their lives. 

This book is filled with non stop action. There are so many twists and turns. I was able to read this book over a period of 2 days. Make sure that when you start reading you have plenty of time to read. 

Well written characters, very intriguing storyline and so much action. I have read several of this author's books and she always does a phenomenal job.


I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program - all thoughts are my own. 

Stops

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 17

Genesis 5020, May 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 18

For the Love of Literature, May 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 19

The Avid Reader, May 19

Texas Book-aholic, May 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 21

Blogging with Carol, May 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 23

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 23

For Him and My Family, May 24

Hallie Reads, May 24

Inklings and notions, May 25

Blossoms and Blessings, May 25

Older & Smarter?, May 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 26

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 27

deb’s Book Review, May 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 28

Maureen’s Musings, May 28

Simple Harvest Reads, May 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

She Lives To Read, May 30

KarenSueHadley, May 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10bbd/shielding-the-amish-witness-celebration-tour-giveaway


5 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this book, it sounds like an exciting read and I am looking forward to it

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you, Connie, for letting me stop by your blog. I appreciate it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's always a pleasure to get to read one of your books :)

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  3. I love a story filled with action!! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete