This is a new author to me, and I must admit this book certainly kept me on the edge of my seat! There was murder, kidnapping, stalking, people being shot and plenty of terror for the characters in this story. Alexa is a nurse practitioner working in a small clinic that also served the Amish in the area. When suddenly one of her patients is shot, the questions begin. Even with the help of the police, the terror continues. Who is the perpetrator of all this mayhem? Clearing this dilemma isn't as easy as it appears.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book that kept me guessing right up till the end! ( )

Action packed story that sucked me from the beginning and didn't let go until the end. Alexa moved to LaMar Pond from the city, trying to find peace after the loss of her fiancé. She was also running from a stalker, one who seems to have tracked her down, as she has been receiving odd texts. She has found contentment in her job as a physician's assistant at a clinic that also serves the Amish community, and has become close to many of her Amish patients. The book gets off to an exciting start when one of those patients is shot on his way into the clinic. When she received a message that indicated there was a connection between the shooting and her stalker, police officer Gavin Jackson got involved.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Gavin and Alexa. Neither of them had any intention of getting involved with each other. Between the death of her fiancé and her childhood, Alexa was reluctant to risk her heart again. Gavin had cut himself off from any idea of future relationships, thanks to a devastating betrayal. But Gavin found it impossible to stop thinking and worrying about Alexa. It was both interesting and frustrating to see him argue with himself every time he found himself thinking about her or envisioning a future with her, then pulling back. But each time he found it harder to do. Alexa was equally drawn to Gavin but didn't believe she had what it would take to keep someone like him interested in her.

Gavin also has some other issues, notably self-doubt in his ability to truly protect someone he cares about. I loved the protectiveness he exhibited, both in keeping her safe from her stalker and in his attentiveness to her diabetes. There were so many sweet things he did for her that he easily won my heart. It was fun to see the effect that his kindness and charm had on Alexa. She got rather adorably flustered around him. It didn't take long for her feelings for him to grow. I liked the way that she worried about his safety as he protected her. She also understood his pain when he told her about his past, but didn't know how to show him that it wasn't his fault. I ached for them both when Gavin let his fears caused him to push Alexa away. I loved the ending and seeing both Alexa and Gavin overcome their fears.

The suspense of the story was fantastic. The action was nonstop from the start, with the threats against Alexa escalating rapidly. I was on the edge of my seat multiple times as the stalker attacked Alexa's patients. It seemed as though he was always one step ahead of Alexa and Gavin. Just as it looked like they had it figured out, there was an unexpected twist. The final confrontation was intense, and I was glued to the pages until it was resolved.

Family was also a big part of the story. Alexa's childhood had been difficult, with the result that she never expected anyone to stick around in her life. I liked how Gavin's influence helped her reconcile with her brother. There was more detail on Gavin's life. I ached for him and the way he was treated by his parents. I just couldn't understand how they could be that way. Then the way he was betrayed by his fiancée and his brother was absolutely devastating. I loved that he had his uncle Leo in his corner, and loved the influence Leo had on Gavin's life. I ached for the loss that Gavin felt when Leo died, and the guilt that he felt over how it happened. Gavin's bitterness toward his brother and parents was believable and realistic. I liked how Alexa called him out on it and pointed out that it was Gavin that it was hurting the most. The interactions between Gavin and Sam during the book were well done, with the ending being particularly satisfying. ( )

Title: Amish Christmas Emergency (Love Inspired Suspense)
Author: Dana R. Lynn
Pages: 224
Year: 11/2018
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
One of the benefits of being a member of Reader Services is that I get books to read before they are released to the general public. Love Inspired Suspense stories are exciting to receive each month, they are tales filled with action, adventure, romance and faith. Yet, each book truly is a unique story that captures the heart and imagination of those who read them. They are quick reads and easy to pack because they are small. The variety the publisher offers makes it hard at times to choose just which book to read next!
In this story, readers are drawn into the world of a nurse practitioner named Alexa Grant who cares for her Amish patients with all her heart. Alexa loves her work, her colleagues and the area where she lives. On a day when the weather begins to turn treacherous with ice, snow and wind, a flu epidemic breaks out in the area. Alexa is waiting for a patient that is late for his appointment, one who normally is on time. Alexa begins to worry, but then the door opens. He is coming in when out of nowhere he is shot!
This is the beginning of an adventure that waits for an audience to enjoy! Alexa’s character is a brave, caring individual whose faith is at the moment shattered. Grant works with the local police department. As he begins the investigation, his main priority isn’t what you might think it is, so when the book is on the shelves soon, grab a copy and enjoy!
After you are done, consider sharing it with others who love a good story! ( )