Books & Spoons Review for THE AMISH WITNESS by Diane Burke

SHATTERED AMISH SANCTUARY 

After witnessing the murder of her best friend, Elizabeth Lapp flees to the Amish community she left years ago, hoping the killer won't find her. But the murderer follows Elizabeth, trapping her in her family's barn, and she's sure she won't survive—until an Amish man rushes to save her.

As the attacker runs off, Elizabeth sees her rescuer is none other than Thomas King, the handsome farmer she left behind with her dreams and her heart.

​Now widowed with two small children, Thomas vows to keep her safe…despite not being ready to forgive her. And suddenly, the man whose love she longs for—but can't allow herself to accept—is all that's standing between her and a cold-blooded killer.

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A tangled tale of murder and mayhem in the Amish community mixed with a second chance with love and the powerful message of forgiveness and redemption. 
The Amish community and their faith and the culture are compelling and interesting. The simple way of life and the absolute faith in God and His guidance are rather impressive and alluring. I enjoyed the author's way to tell the story in such fluent, flowing way that captured my mind completely, dismissing everything else around me. 
Elizabeth Lapp makes an intriguing heroine with her sudden return to the community, the mysterious secrets she is holding, and the way she departed her family, friends, and the Amish way seven years ago. She is kind, sweet lady, with heart of gold. Yet she has a stubborn streak, she is independent, she has a wide worldview after her years in the English world, and she's a very private person making it hard to open up about her deepest fears and doubts in her heart. 
Thomas has had his heart broken twice, the first time when Elisabeth left the community without explanation, and the second time when his young wife died giving birth to their daughter. He is a devoted father, a good son, kind and helpful neighbor. His faith in God is unwavering, his ability to see the bigger picture and to find forgiveness in his heart are admirable. 
While protecting Elisabeth and her mother from the constant attacks, Thomas is tangling with the old feelings awakening towards Elisabeth. The suspense is intense and the assaults escalating, turning into dangerous and deadly. The secrets from the past have come to hunt the present and only complete honesty will bring forward the clues needed to catch the culprit. 
The grace, compassion, and mercy the characters display is commendable. The support of the community, the help, loyalty, and protection they provide to each other is praiseworthy. From the broken hearts and hopes for the future, they find the ability to open up, share their inner fears and doubts and forgive, forget, and move on to a brighter future. 
While the mystery and mayhem kept the mind entertained and the story intense, the growing love and dispensation towards each other, the spiritual growth of the characters, gave something to reflect on and appreciate. 
Compelling and enthralling romantic suspense with strong elements of faith and forgiveness
~ Four Spoons

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