Framed in Amish Country

by Mary Alford

To prove her innocence

she’ll have to expose a lethal conspiracy.

A frantic call from her best friend sends district attorney Paige Grayson running right into a trap—and now she’s being framed for her friend’s murder. With the police after her and evidence against her stacking up, she seeks refuge in Amish country—and the help of her first love, Elijah King, to clear her name. To expose the drug dealer setting Paige up, they must work together while evading a ruthless criminal and the police. With threats closing in and time running out, one wrong move could be their last.

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Inspirational, Suspense, Love Inspired Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Romantic Suspense, Clean Romance

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published July 1, 2025

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 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.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Alford’s newest book highlights the value of second chances and showcases God’s timing. Both Elijah King and Paige Grayson experience God’s protection in their darkest hours as they race to bring a killer to justice.

I enjoyed Alford’s focus on (1) facing our fears and how that can lead to redemption and (2) on making changes when we don’t like the journey we find ourselves on. The encouragement to make a change and the reminder that life won’t end because we shift directions was one I needed this week. Who knows … maybe I’ll find, like the characters, what I truly want.

The tension and pacing were excellent, but I really loved (1) the juxtaposition of the pure and simple Amish lifestyle with the darkness of the opioid crisis and (2) Paige’s boxer, Gunner. I appreciated the warning about condemnation and the dangerous road it takes and the message that forgiveness allows us to pivot and change our journey.

Alford keeps crafting 5-star reads! I’m addicted.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through this one... I just had to know how it ended. And let me just say: absolutely worth it. What starts as a suspense-filled story quickly unfolds into something deeper, with a slow-burning second chance romance woven in.

Paige is in serious trouble. Her best friend has been murdered, and someone’s framing her for it. With nowhere else to turn, she goes to the one person she still trusts...Elijah. Not only is he her first love, but also her late husband’s brother. Yeah, complicated doesn’t even begin to cover it!

Their reunion is messy, full of unresolved feelings and things left unsaid. But when Paige’s life is on the line, Elijah is all in. As they work together to find the real killer, it becomes clear that someone wants Paige gone for good. Which means staying close isn’t just about old feelings... it’s about survival!!!

What I really loved? The tight-knit Amish community that doesn’t hesitate to protect them, even when it puts them at risk. The dogs had a great presence in the story (always a win for me). And that slow-build chemistry between Paige and Elijah? It simmered in the background, and kept me turning pages to see what would happen between them next.

I gave this one a 4.5 star rating, rounded up to a 5 star!

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fast-paced, intense "on the run" story kept me completely absorbed and deeply involved from the first line to the last! The pursuit to clear District Attorney Paige Grayson, who is framed for her friend's murder, becomes a harrowing ordeal of survival for Paige and former love Elijah. I love this couple! Their slowly simmering second chance romance enhances the story and kept me hoping for a happily ever after ending. I love that Elijah's faith remains steadfast through all the turmoil and dangerous situations that force him to do things that do not align with his peaceful Amish beliefs. Gunner, the retired police dog and Paige's loyal protector, adds to the emotional impact of the story. A smartly constructed storyline loaded with danger and suspense, compelling characters, tender romance, and an encouraging faith thread meld together perfectly to make an enjoyable, entertaining read. Romantic suspense fans will not want to miss this one!
I read an advanced copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Carla Bruns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, it’s official—Mary Alford is a must-read author. She knows how to do suspense right. Having already read another book of hers, I know to expect the unexpected, so I keep guessing throughout the entire story: “Is it this person? Is it that person?” I couldn’t have been more wrong. The ending is shocking. And because it’s romantic suspense, I also got the perfect dose of romance woven seamlessly throughout.

The Amish aspect in this one is well-balanced. The community element of the religion is present without detracting from the fact that very dangerous people are after Paige Grayson and Elijah King. Elijah is an atypical Amish main character—in that, although he’s a pacifist, it doesn’t stop him from doing what needs to be done to protect Paige. He makes the best book boyfriend.

If you love suspense, you’ll be immediately immersed in this book. Even those who don’t typically go for Amish romance or suspense will enjoy it immensely. As the title suggests, this is more Amish-adjacent. I can’t recommend this book enough.

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

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a fast paced story about a young lady named Paige who is "framed" for murder and goes to her Amish ex-boyfriend for help. The Ghost is after these two and there is non-stop criminal activity.

These books keep me on the edge of the coach andy heartbeat racing as the mystery and suspense unfold.

Gunner, the dog, was so protective of Paige. He did such a great job of alerting them to danger.

There are so many truths throughout the story including forgiveness and grace.

Thanks to the author for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Framed in Amish Country by Mary Alford captured my attention from the very first page. I liked the main characters, Elijah and Paige. The characters are developed, and I found myself cheering them on (I wanted them to survive). I loved Gunner, Paige’s dog, who is protective of her, and Elijah’s dogs. I enjoyed the suspense, action, and mystery. I could feel the danger and the characters’ emotions. With Paige and Elijah being near each other and in peril, it arouses old feelings. Of course, there is still the problem of one being Amish and the other an Englisher. I delight in a good second chance romance. Faith is nicely woven throughout the story. Forgiveness and grace are two of the themes. I finished Framed in Amish Country with a smile on my face. Framed in Amish Country is a captivating tale with a tricked attorney, a dead friend, battling bullets, guard dogs, Amish friends, a cruel criminal, and a second chance romance.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I love books that immerse me so thoroughly in the story that I forget to breathe, and Mary Alford excels at giving me that kind of reading experience. Her newest Love Inspired Suspense novel, Framed in Amish Country, is one such book – and, trust me, you don’t want to miss it!

Returning to the area where Amish Country Killer (my new fave of Alford’s) was set made me happy right from the start of this read, and it didn’t take more than the first line – “A blood-curdling scream resounded all around, pulling District Attorney Paige Grayson from the fuzzy darkness she’d descended into.” – to fully capture my attention. Her best friend is dead at the hands of a notorious local drug dealer, and Paige realizes that she is being framed for her murder. Her loyal dog Gunner (whom I loved) at her side, Paige runs from the approaching sirens to the nearest person she trusts… her late husband’s Amish brother Elijah King. Who also happens to be her own first love. Hooked yet? I was! And I stayed riveted as they fight what seems like a losing battle to stay ahead of the people who want Paige dead and those who want her in jail. Paige and Elijah are easy characters to root for, and their unique history also gave their romance some interesting layers and allowed its development to progress naturally despite the short timeline.

Bottom Line: Framed in Amish Country by Mary Alford is edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting, pulse-raising suspense with a sweet second chance romance between two characters I loved getting to know. I was so invested in Paige & Elijah’s arduous journey to survive the bad guys who are after them in the mountains of Kentucky – and hopefully clear her name too – that I kept holding my breath… until my body would unceremoniously remind me that involuntary functions like breathing are sorta essential. Hazardous reading experience aside (lol), I thought Alford did a wonderful job at balancing the suspense, the romance, the faith, and the ‘moments of danger vs the brief reprieves’, making this quick read hard to put down. I am already looking forward to her next book too!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a fast pace right out of the starting gate, like a thoroughbred at the Kentucky Derby who races to win. This second-chance-at-love story includes nail-biting suspense as Paige and Elijah run for their lives from drug dealers who have already killed their good friend. Not knowing who is the head of the drug operation makes the scenario even more frightening because neither of them can figure out how they are continually being tracked. Weaving suspense with a developing romance, this book includes some heart-in-your-throat moments as Elijah and Paige run through woods, into caves, and up a mountain while they constantly encounter danger. I really liked how the Amish community chose to help them as much as they could rather than taking a stance of not wanting to get involved. This is a powerful story of God’s grace in action and second chances as you face what seems to be insurmountable obstacles. I enjoyed how the main characters consistently showed how much they cared for each other and how courageous they were in their determination to expose the drug dealers. The plot is deeply immersive, the characters are rich and realistically flawed as well as original and believable. Some of my favorite characters were the dogs, especially Gunner, Paige’s protector who was willing to lay down his life for his mistress and showed his loyalty and obedience repeatedly. This edgy love inspired story was filled with suspense and the signature style of the author that keeps the story moving as fast as the characters who are running from danger.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good Christian romantic suspense. When district attorney Paige witnesses the murder of her friend who was going to give her evidence on a case, she ends up on the run from drug criminals and cops on the take who are framing her for murder. She runs right into the arms of her late husband’s brother - her high school sweetheart. Elijah is Amish and they take a wild ride on buggies, they slog through mud, and they run for their lives as shots fly. This is an action packed read with a lot of danger and suspense and a bit of romance. This is a just kisses romance, intimacy level 1.

I received an ARC of this book via Just Read Tours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Marilyn Rushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 5 Star read…. Suspense Action from the first page until the last..

Paige Grayson is running for her life after witnessing the death of her best friend. She turns to her ex boyfriend/brother in-law Elijah King to help her find the reason for her capture and the death of her friend.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC with no expectations of a positive review. Ms. Alford has written a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The subtext of forgiveness and shock of who you really know and trust runs deep in this book. Page is the district attorney. She has been trying to prosecute a drug kingpin by the name of Ghost. She suspects there are people on the police as well as in her office who are on the take because charges are not sticking. Now, Page finds her self being set up for her friends cold blooded murder. She has to prove her innocence. Who can she trust to help her. Will she stay alive to find the truth. This book is intense and suspenseful. It is a must read for all who enjoy suspense.

[Jesus Beach Girl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nobody writes Amish suspense quite like Mary Alford and she does it again with Framed in Amish Country. Great story and characters.

I received an advanced reader’s copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Leanne Munn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follow the two main characters and their dogs in a race against insurmountable odds. This is a nonstop thriller with danger lurking at every corner. The characters question who to trust as they fight for their lives and face their past. Will they work their way back into each other’s hearts? If you like romantic suspense, action, and a quick read, you’ll like this book. With that said, because of the quick read and fast pace, you don’t get a chance to really fall in love with the characters. I don’t find it to be a story that will stick with you once you’re finish reading it. It reads more like a quick t.v. episode of a crime show. I received a free complimentary copy and was not required to leave a positive review.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads)]

another romantic-suspense amish story from mary alford!

district attorney paige grayson just wants to help her friend (hallie!), but winds up getting framed from her murder. of course, the only person she can turn to for help is her late husband’s brother (also, her first love), elijah king—and at every turn, danger is on their heels…

first of all, what a trip to see my name all over this book! characters basically never have my name, so that was an experience, for sure.

now, framed in amish country is fast-paced and action-packed. paige and elijah, along with their dogs, are running for their lives on nearly every page, which keeps their story moving right along. and in the midst of the chaos, paradoxically, they take some moments to heal from the past and deal with their lingering feelings for one another.

i have to say, though, i didn’t love this book… the on-the-run bit became frustrating and repetitive quickly because the bad guys were always right behind them, no matter what (there is an explanation in the end, at least, though). and that’s unfortunate because the thrill of the chase is really the only driver of the suspense; the mystery reveal, the person behind the chase, came so out of the blue that it didn’t really matter all that much. the romance, too, felt a little out of the blue (especially with the ultimate decision) because it relied on telling, rather than showing, that they fell in love as teenagers, so of course, they’re really still in love.

still, if you love amish romance and suspense, this could still be an enjoyable read for you—other readers have certainly enjoyed it. it just didn’t work for me.


considerations: 
—language: none
—spice: kisses only
—faith: mentions of God, prayer, and amish community
—content: violence, murder, mentions of drugs, spousal loss, and addiction


(i received a complimentary copy from the author. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.)

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read. I was so engrossed in the story that I couldn't put it down. I read it in one sitting. The action was non-stop with lots of danger. Paige and Elijah, her Amish ex-boyfriend, run for their lives. Murders, corruption, drug dealing, and a second chance romance will have you flipping the pages quickly.

The main characters are excellent, well-fleshed out with many layers, and I found myself rooting for them. The Ghost and his associates were relentless in the hunt. The story had many twists that left me holding my breath, wondering what would happen next.

The ending had a couple of surprises but wrapped everything up nicely. I received an ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[Marie Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of non stop suspense from the beginning-the end! D.A. Paige Grayson is called by her best friend Hallie Britten to meet her,she has information on who’s selling fentanyl in the county. When she meets her,Hallie is shot Paige is drugged & framed for her death. On the run,she seeks out her ex boyfriend Elijah King for help….he just so happens to be her deceased husband’s brother. Together they go on the run,dodging the bad guys & their bullets. Grab a copy of this book,it releases on 7-1 & enjoy the roller coaster ride.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in one sitting.
Framed in Amish Country is the second book in the Rachel’s Crossing Amish series by Mary. I loved this fast-paced, second chances romantic suspense is one of those books you’ll not want to put down until the end. From the beginning to end there was so much at stake for Paige and Elijah. Paige is being framed for a crime she didn’t commit so in order to get her name cleared she seeks out her late husband’s brother who used to be her boyfriend growing up. They come from different worlds, Elijah is Amish while Paige is an Englischer. They fight the bad and evil men to the very end to win over evil. I love the Amish books honestly because they always put God or in their words Gott, in the forefront of the stories.

This was such a good intense and suspenseful read I was not disappointed at all.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for an action packed, edge of your seat romantic suspense then Mary Alford's newest release is the place to find it. I thoroughly enjoyed Paige and Elijah's story and had a hard time putting the book down until I was able to finish it. The book had me on the edge of my seat until the very end wondering who was behind Paige's best friends murder and was out to kill her. Paige and Elijah's faith in God kept them going despite how the bad men kept closing in on them every step of the way but with God's help and the help of good Amish neighbor's the always managed to stay one step ahead.

[Misty Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for a thrilling ride from the opening pages until the very end! Nonstop action, danger, and suspense has you glued to the pages and hanging on to the end of your seat! I devoured this book as it was hard to put down.

With likable characters in Paige, Elijah, and their dogs, I found myself completely immersed in the story feeling all the emotions of the present dangers and sorting through their past. It made the story come alive.

I highly recommend this book! I always enjoy Mary Alford’s books, but this may be my favorite.

I was given a complimentary copy of the book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another edge of your seat, page turning book that you will not want to put down. Lots of twist and turns in this story. I highly recommend this book

I was given an ARC copy of this book and I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

[Pianosue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! Hang on to your seat action. It's 24-36 hours of fast paced action in this book for the main characters. They are running for their lives. Will they be able to keep ahead of the bad guys and find the evidence they need to uncover the leader of the drug ring? Lots of action in this Amish country book.

[Renee Helton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book. Great characters and action.
Look out for the plot twists.
Awesome story.
looking forward to reading more books by this author.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Framed in Amish Country by Mary Alford. Another well written action packed suspenseful mystery romance! It was great, had me on the edge of my seat. Wonderful character development and background. You won’t want to miss this fast paced read so snuggle up and enjoy! Thank you to#MaryAlford for this arc read. This releases July 1 2025. This is my honest review.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Framed in Amish Country is the third book I’ve read by Mary Alford, and though I don’t normally read Amish books, I knew that I loved her writing and romantic suspense. I’m happy to say that this book did not disappoint! It’s a second chance romance that’s filled with almost non-stop action, and it kept me turning the pages.

When District Attorney Paige Grayson receives a call from her best friend Hallie, she has no idea that she is walking into a trap. A trap that is set to frame Paige for Hallie’s murder. Waking up in Hallie’s house, finding that Hallie has been shot…with Paige’s gun…, and hearing police sirens closing in has Paige running to the only place she knows to go. Grabbing her gun and her dog Gunner, Paige heads to Elijah King’s house and prays that he will help her.

Elijah is shocked when Paige shows up at his door with blood on her and her injured dog. He hasn’t seen her since his brother died. His brother who left the Amish life, fell in love with Paige, married her, and died in a car accident. He blamed Paige for his brother’s death and hasn’t spoken with her since. Thankfully, he is willing to help Paige since it involves their mutual friend. He has no idea just how dangerous it’s about to get.

Paige and Elijah are well-written, multi-layered characters. I really loved the fact that they had grown up next to each other and had been friends for years despite the fact that Elijah’s family was Amish and Paige’s was not. You’ll find out when you read this book just how complicated their relationship became. Elijah showed great strength of character when he agreed to help Paige. He didn’t let the anger he’d felt toward her stop him from putting his life on the line to expose the truth.

The action had me holding my breath at times even though I knew everything would work out! I could just feel how exhausted they had to be as they were constantly on the run. I also worried about Gunner as well as Elijah’s two dogs! I just loved them! I also loved how the Amish in Elijah’s community was so willing to help Paige and him. It didn’t matter that they were waking them up in the middle of the night. If someone was in need, they were there to lend a hand.

I highly recommend this heart-pounding inspirational romance! Its characters, second chance romance trope, and page-turning suspense make it a must read for those who love this genre! 5 stars!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Megan Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adrenaline rush from start to finish. Wow! This book does not let up. From the first page, our hero and heroine are running for their lives! When Paige is framed for the murder of her best friend, her only option is to race for her past, complicated Amish love. He's a fierce protector, and still in love with Paige. The action is non-stop, and the suspense is edge-0f-your seat. Highly recommend for fans of LIS.

[Evelyn Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense beyond suspense. Danger behind every corner. Evil lurking in the shadows. Such became the life of Paige, and soon, Elijah, the one she had never stopped loving, as both ran for their lives, after she was set up to be framed for her best friend’s murder. Neither realized the extent of the corruption embedded in the community of Rachel’s Crossing but quickly became aware as every decision determined the difference between life and death. This author continues to astound me with her knack for keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout the entirety of the story!

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Framed in Amish Country is a book that catches you from the beginning and you just have to keep reading until the end.
Paige, now a DA, is being framed for murder so she goes back to the Amish community she fled. There she runs into her first and it seems only love, Elijah. Although he's hesitant at first, with attacks on her life and police after her, he knows he must help her.
Together they try to find evidence that proves her innocence while dodging threats to get rid of them altogether.

[Patricia A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. It was like being on a rollercoaster. Its action was up and down. The suspense and action kept you riveted. I had a hard time putting it down. Paige witnesses a horrible act and when she awakens she realizes she’s going to be blamed for this act. She reaches out to Elijah the only person she trusts to help her. Together they face many obstacles along their way. Every twist and turn there was danger for Paige and Elijah and anyone they came in contact with along their escape route. Can they live long enough for help to come? Only with their faith and prayers can they hope to survive this ordeal. You’ll have to read it yourself to find out. I loved this book this is my second from this author and have loved them both, can’t wait for the next one.

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! If you’re looking for a second chance, romance with a extremely fast paced nail, biting story. This one’s for you!
D.A. Paige Grayson goes to help her friend Hallie Britten but ends up getting framed for her murder.
She has no other choice, but to seek out the help from an ex-boyfriend. Elijah King. So now they are in this together.
If you wanna see how this one turns out it releases July 1, 2025. This is one that you do not want to miss if you love action packed stories.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

told natalie she could pick out my 100th book and this is the book she gave me…. but honestly not mad about it 2.5 stars. it was very fast paced which i enjoyed but the writing wasn’t for me. the amish way of life has always interested me tho so it was nice to read and get a little bit of the amish life but without it being an overly romantic story