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The Secrets of Crittenden County book cover 1
The Secrets of Crittenden County book cover 2
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The Secrets of Crittenden County
Series · 4 books · 2012-2013

Books in series

Missing book cover
#1

Missing

2012

Can two young people survive the suspicions of their friends and neighbors when tragedy strikes a close-knit Amish community? Perry Borntrager had been missing for months from the quiet Amish community of Crittenden, Kentucky, when his body is discovered at the bottom of an abandoned well. The first death from mysterious circumstances in more than two decades brings the scrutiny of the outside world: A police detective arrives to help the local sheriff with the investigation. His questioning begins with Lydia Plank, Perry’s former girlfriend, and Perry’s best friend, the Englischer Walker Anderson. Lydia and Walker know they didn’t have anything to do with Perry’s death, but they both hold secrets about his final days. Do they dare open up about the kind of man Perry had become? In the oppressive shadow of these dark times, they discover strength in a most unlikely companionship: one that offers solace, understanding, and the promise of something more.
The Search book cover
#2

The Search

2012

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray continues her Secrets of Crittenden County series with The Search—a page-turning romance novel that’s tinged with mystery, set in Kentucky Amish country. One of the most popular writers of Christian romantic fiction with Amish themes—a much beloved romantic storyteller who stands alongside such notable novelists as Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, and Cindy Woodsmall—Gray returns once more to a small devout community rocked by the murder of a young, black sheep neighbor. An unforgettable tale of romance, faith, and duty, The Search tells the story of a love that blossoms between a young woman who’s guarding shocking secrets about the victim, and the dedicated “Englisher” homicide detective who has arrived from the outside world to investigate.
Found book cover
#3

Found

2012

“Shelley Shepard Gray writes with honesty, tenderness, and depth.” —Jillian Hart Found is the final book in the Secrets of Crittenden County trilogy by beloved author Shelley Shepard Gray, who writes powerful novels set in a world of strong faith and simple living. The New York Times bestselling author of the popular Sisters of the Heart and Seasons of Sugarcreek series immerses her readers in the Amish life, like fellow bestselling authors Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, and Cindy Woodsmall. In Found, Gray’s unforgettable trilogy of what happens when a terrible crime that strikes a close knit Amish community comes full-circle, “Englisher” Detective Luke Reynolds discovers the identity of Perry Borntrager’s killer and the community must come to terms with the surprising revelation. It's a remarkably heartwarming conclusion to this series, and readers will not be disappointed.
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#3.5

Peace

A Crittenden County Christmas Novel

2013

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?

Author

Shelley Shepard Gray
Shelley Shepard Gray
Author · 86 books

Librarian Note: AKA Shelley Gray (Western Romance). Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing. Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations. Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com. t

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