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    His Guilt: The Amish of Hart County
    His Guilt: The Amish of Hart County
    His Guilt: The Amish of Hart County
    Audiobook6 hours

    His Guilt: The Amish of Hart County

    Written by Shelley Shepard Gray

    Narrated by Tavia Gilbert

    4.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray delivers the next novel in her Amish of Hart County series—a suspenseful tale of an Amish man who will risk all to protect the woman he loves.

    Mark Fisher has returned home to Hart County, determined to put the past behind him. Two years ago, after being wrongly accused of assault, he left the Amish community, though never forgot his home. When the one person who had helped him through his rough times asks for help, Mark returns. But it is pretty Waneta Cain who makes him want to stay...

    Neeta is one of the few people in Hart County who doesn’t believe Mark is guilty of hurting anyone. However, his worldliness and tough exterior do make her uneasy. As she begins to see the real man behind all the gossip and prejudice, she wonders if he is the man for her. 

    Just when Mark starts to believe a new life is possible, a close friend of Neeta’s is attacked. Once again, everyone in the community seems to believe he is guilty.  But what hurts most is Neeta’s sudden wariness around him. When another woman is hurt, a woman who is close to both Neeta and himself, Mark fears he knows the real culprit. And time is running out. Will Mark be able to find him before Neeta becomes his next victim?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperAudio
    Release dateJul 4, 2017
    ISBN9780062681508
    His Guilt: The Amish of Hart County
    Author

    Shelley Shepard Gray

    Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

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    Reviews for His Guilt

    4.5/5

    75 ratings15 reviews

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    • 5/5
      Ms. Gray is back with another hit in the Amish Of Hart County series! She never fails to grip me wholly and keep me in the center of the story. This book, just like Her Secret, was an instant gripper for me.Once again, the characters were captivating for me. I loved Mark and Waneta both. Mark's character really tugged at me the most. I can't imagine the pain that he endured through life. The things he dealt with in life, you don't imagine being a part of an Amish novel, but it was and it really made it that much more gripping. Oh to be there! I would go in mama mode on him and hug him big! Waneta's character, well, she was a little too judgy at times, but seeing God work on her, really made me love her that much more.This book is intriguing, emotional, and gripping. It is not a sweet Amish romance, but it is a wonderful Amish novel in a series that will steal your heart, just the same. You will go through the roller coaster ride of ups and downs as you fall in love with each character, as you feel each characters emotions,as they seek forgiveness,and the pain that they go through of letting go of the past. Anything less than a 4.5 star review will not do this book justice.I definitely recommend this book to all Amish fiction lovers, but be warned. It is not a light hearted read. And, I recommend reading book 1 first as it will make the experience of this series more fulfulling. I can't wait to read the next book Ms. Gray has for us!*I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Bloggers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
    • 5/5
      Thank-you for writing this book! It’s a book that tells of true forgiveness, trust, & love.
    • 4/5
      Title: His Guilt (The Amish of Hart County #2)Author: Shelley Shepard GrayPages: 268Year: 2017Publisher: Avon InspireMy rating is 4 out of 5 stars.Waneta Cain and Mark Fisher work together at a local nursery. Mark has returned after a two-year absence to his family’s home after the death of his father. Mark’s younger brother has been gone from the Amish community for ten years, so Mark lives alone. Mark is having a tough time being around most of the community because they still believe he is guilty of attacking a young Amish woman two years ago, even though the police declared him innocent. He is now back and people seem to fear him or hate him. Waneta Cain is no exception at first. He knows she is afraid of him, so he keeps her at a distance. He would like her friendship, but he will make it on his own if he must.Waneta Cain is afraid of Mark at first, but quickly realizes she has found him guilty of a crime he didn’t commit so she extends the branch of friendship. They begin a tentative friendship with Waneta defending Mark against verbal attack from a couple of her friends. Then, a young woman is attacked and Mark is immediately suspected. Waneta still believes in his innocence. Then, another young woman is attacked and the police can’t seem to find any clues to the attacker. Meanwhile Mark’s younger brother has returned to town and is in trouble with a gang. He needs money and hopes Mark will sell the family home and split the proceeds. Mark, however, has other plans for the home and his relationship with his brother remains abrasive.My only negative about this story is that I wish it had more of a mystery element to it. While there was a mystery in this story, it was fairly easy to figure out the culprit. Other than that, I did enjoy watching the romance bloom between Mark and Waneta. She seemed meek and mild, but when defending someone she cared about…look out! She was strong in her defense. Mark was a young man with a troubled and abusive past, but he tried his best not to abandon God like most of the people of the town had abandoned him. He remained faithful to God and he received blessings. These two characters had to learn to communicate with each other and not assume what the other was thinking. A good lesson for anyone, myself included. Book three in the series is titled, The Gift, and will be released in November 2017.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
    • 4/5
      4.5 stars.

      In His Guilt, Shelley Shepard Gray's insightful storyline about the effects of gossip and judgmental attitudes will give readers a lot to think about. Although this latest thought-provoking release is the second installment in the The Amish of Hart County series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

      Two years earlier, Mark Fisher was questioned by the Sheriff about a brutal assault on a young woman in the community. He was ultimately cleared of any involvement in the case and he moved away soon after. He has recently returned to Hart County in order to work with Henry Lehman, the one person who has always supported and believed in him. His co-worker, Waneta "Neeta" Cain is initially a little anxious in his presence, but once she gets to know Mark, will she realize everyone's fears about him are unfounded?

      Although they grew up in the same Amish community, Mark and Neeta's life experiences are very different.Mark's childhood was extremely dysfunctional and his parents were abusive and neglected both him and his younger brother Calvin. Unlike Mark, Neeta's parents were nothing but loving and the three of them are still quite close. As an adult, she remains devoted to them but will their relationship withstand their quick judgment against Mark?

      When another young woman in the community is attacked, Mark is once again indicted in the court of public opinion. However, gifted preacher Eli delivers a powerful sermon about the dangers of gossip and judging others, but will his flock take his lessons to heart? Fortunately there are some members who are willing to admit they are wrong but when the Sheriff fails to make an arrest and the perpetrator strikes again, will Mark be able to prove his innocence?

      His Guilt is a heartwarming romance with a hard-hitting storyline that is not typically found in Amish fiction.Shelley Shepard Gray broaches difficult subject matter with sensitivity and deftly highlights the fact that not even peaceful, religious communities are exempt from violence, child abuse and malicious gossip. Mark carries a terrible burden as he tries to overcome his dysfunctional past and he struggles to feel worthy of the unconditional love and support of the people in his life. Despite her strong conviction in her faith, Neeta must face her own shortcomings as the events unfold within the close-knit community. This latest addition to The Amish of Hart County series is a beautifully delivered lesson in forgiveness that also carries a timely reminder to avoid gossip and harsh judgment of others.
    • 4/5
      His Guilt was an interesting story set in Amish country. There is suspense, and romance, imperfection and spiritual growth. The characters were mostly likable.....some I didn't like well at first, I liked better by the end of the book. It showed that there is imperfection in the Amish community, just as there is in the 'English' community......gossiping, passing judgement on innocent people, and unkind behaviors. This book showed what books about the Amish rarely show.....and that is the fact that the Amish also have families that struggle with alcohol and drug abuse, and child abuse/ neglect. While it was a good story and I did enjoy it, my only complaint is that it was too short....things moved a little too fast and the characters and relationships could have been developed a little better if more time and space had been given. The dialogue is sometimes a little stilted, and hard to follow, and didn't feel natural.... But again....overall.....I did enjoy the story!
    • 5/5
      Ms. Gray is back with another hit in the Amish Of Hart County series! She never fails to grip me wholly and keep me in the center of the story. This book, just like Her Secret, was an instant gripper for me.Once again, the characters were captivating for me. I loved Mark and Waneta both. Mark's character really tugged at me the most. I can't imagine the pain that he endured through life. The things he dealt with in life, you don't imagine being a part of an Amish novel, but it was and it really made it that much more gripping. Oh to be there! I would go in mama mode on him and hug him big! Waneta's character, well, she was a little too judgy at times, but seeing God work on her, really made me love her that much more.This book is intriguing, emotional, and gripping. It is not a sweet Amish romance, but it is a wonderful Amish novel in a series that will steal your heart, just the same. You will go through the roller coaster ride of ups and downs as you fall in love with each character, as you feel each characters emotions,as they seek forgiveness,and the pain that they go through of letting go of the past. Anything less than a 4.5 star review will not do this book justice.I definitely recommend this book to all Amish fiction lovers, but be warned. It is not a light hearted read. And, I recommend reading book 1 first as it will make the experience of this series more fulfulling. I can't wait to read the next book Ms. Gray has for us!*I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Bloggers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
    • 5/5
      Accused of assault two years ago, Mark Fisher left Hart County even though he said he was innocent. Now he is back helping Mr. Lehrmann at his store. Some still think Mark is guilty but Waneta Cain is not one of them. However, just as Mark and Waneta grow close, another Amish woman is attacked and Mark is once again under suspicion. Will he ever be able to clear his name and start to build a new life with Waneta?“His Guilt” is a very nicely done Amish romance by Shelley Shepherd Gray (I did not read “Her Secret”, the first book in the Amish of Hart County series, but this book works just fine as a standalone book to read). Mark, Waneta, Calvin (Mark's brother), and Lora are some of the most complex characters I have come across in an Amish novel - none of them are completely likable at times (including Waneta who can be a bit sanctimonious at times - luckily she changes as the book goes on). Mark too is flawed - he comes from a troubled background which is heartbreaking to read but you can't help but cheer him on while reading the book. There are two romances in this novel - both are done well and are fun to watch develop. My one “complaint” is that both romances happen very fast - everything is neatly wrapped up in about six weeks. The mystery of who is attacking Amish woman adds a nice bit of tension to the novel and makes for some thrilling moments towards the end of the book but astute readers will quickly figure out who the attacker is.Shelley Shepherd is a talented writer and this is a very enjoyable Amish romance. I look forward to reading not only the first book in the series but the third book when it comes out.
    • 4/5
      This is the second book in this series. Yet, it can be read as a stand alone novel. For a fan of Amish stories like myself, I have read several books from this author now and really grown to enjoy Ms. Gray's writing. I would say that the characters in this series deal with some serious situations but come together to overcome them. In this case, Mark and Waneta aka Neeta. Although, I loved that Mark called Neeta but her formal name Waneta. It was his special thing with her. Waneta may not have been the only one to heal Mark. He in turn helped Waneta open up and not be so judgmental. I warmed up to both of them. Mark was trying so hard and was nice that it was hard to believe that he could harm anyone purposely. This is a fast and easy read. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
    • 4/5
      Title: His Guilt (The Amish of Hart County #2)Author: Shelley Shepard GrayPages: 268Year: 2017Publisher: Avon InspireMy rating is 4 out of 5 stars.Waneta Cain and Mark Fisher work together at a local nursery. Mark has returned after a two-year absence to his family’s home after the death of his father. Mark’s younger brother has been gone from the Amish community for ten years, so Mark lives alone. Mark is having a tough time being around most of the community because they still believe he is guilty of attacking a young Amish woman two years ago, even though the police declared him innocent. He is now back and people seem to fear him or hate him. Waneta Cain is no exception at first. He knows she is afraid of him, so he keeps her at a distance. He would like her friendship, but he will make it on his own if he must.Waneta Cain is afraid of Mark at first, but quickly realizes she has found him guilty of a crime he didn’t commit so she extends the branch of friendship. They begin a tentative friendship with Waneta defending Mark against verbal attack from a couple of her friends. Then, a young woman is attacked and Mark is immediately suspected. Waneta still believes in his innocence. Then, another young woman is attacked and the police can’t seem to find any clues to the attacker. Meanwhile Mark’s younger brother has returned to town and is in trouble with a gang. He needs money and hopes Mark will sell the family home and split the proceeds. Mark, however, has other plans for the home and his relationship with his brother remains abrasive.My only negative about this story is that I wish it had more of a mystery element to it. While there was a mystery in this story, it was fairly easy to figure out the culprit. Other than that, I did enjoy watching the romance bloom between Mark and Waneta. She seemed meek and mild, but when defending someone she cared about…look out! She was strong in her defense. Mark was a young man with a troubled and abusive past, but he tried his best not to abandon God like most of the people of the town had abandoned him. He remained faithful to God and he received blessings. These two characters had to learn to communicate with each other and not assume what the other was thinking. A good lesson for anyone, myself included. Book three in the series is titled, The Gift, and will be released in November 2017.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
    • 5/5
      The book grabs your attention right away and never lets up. I loved the intrigue in the story and found myself so engrossed that I blocked everything around me out. The author has once again delivered a story that kept me emotionally invested and on edge of my seat at the same time. Her writing style is filled with details that made me feel the story was playing out right in front of me. Each scene took on a vivid picture and placed readers right in front viewing the story with anticipation. Waneta is a wonderful character. She is fair, hardworking and filled with faith. Some people may think she is stuck up but once you get to know her, you sense her sincerity and compassion. I loved her relationship with her parents and how they represented a family of unconditional love. She is a great worker and loves helping others. Mark has come back to town after being away for awhile. Oh my this character tugged on my heart so much. His upbringing was horrible and painful. The many beatings and lack of food and clothing that his parents made him and his little brother endure was very hard to read. As kids they suffered as others picked on them and made fun of them. The author did an amazing job of writing about child abuse with grace and allowed readers to see how damaging it can be to a child. I loved how Mark showed courage when he returned after being accused of hurting a girl. Even though he was found innocent , will the town accept him? One of the great things about his character is that he has continued in his faith. I thought the friendship between Mark and Waneta was so special . As she realizes that she has been judging Mark, she knew God was directing her to be Mark's friend and to show forgiveness. One of the best parts of the story is when Mark is struggling with acceptance and learning to forgive himself. Will Waneta be able to help Mark and show him that real friends never never up? Overcoming his childhood is painful and his desire to make a better life for himself was incredible to read. I loved his determination and willingness to not give up. When another woman is attacked, the townspeople start gossiping and spreading rumors. All to quickly Mark seems to be at the center of the investigation. Can Mark prove his innocence? Will Waneta stick by him? Who is abusing women in the community? Don't miss this exciting book that takes a look at childhood abuse, domestic violence and allows God's grace to turn judgment and fear into forgiveness and trust. "We all need to stop judging others and casting stones. We also need to seek forgiveness." I received a copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my own opinion.
    • 4/5
      4 "Forgiveness as the Path to Love" Stars.I have been meaning to try an Amish romance for quite some time now. Moreover, I'm a huge fan of romantic suspense titles, so when I read the blurb for His Guilt, I just knew I had to finally dive-in. If you're looking for a sweet romance that still has an edge of suspense/danger and exemplifies the collision between the morals and ways of the Amish and English (American, non-Amish religion observers) cultures, particularly when they live together in a relatively small community (a rural Kentucky town in this case), then look no further, as His Guilt is sure to satisfy your desire and tug at your heartstrings to boot.For those of you that are wondering if this book can be read as a standalone, it definitely can. Although its book 2 in The Amish of Hart County Series, I had no difficulty following either the romance or suspense plot as both seemed to be fully contained in this book.Mark Fisher left his home in an Amish community in Hart County after he was acquitted of an assault charge. When he inherits his family home several years later though, he decides to return home and try to resurrect his life. Unfortunately, for Mark, even though he was found to be innocent by a court of law, not all of the town's inhabitants are quite so forgiving. Fortunately for Mark though, his mentor who owns a nursery in town, believes in his innocence and offers him a job. Moreover, his co-worker at the nursery, Waneta Cain, who has always been highly regarded in the Amish community (as a good and proper Amish girl) also believes that her religion requires her to forgive Mark and give him a second chance. This leads to a budding friendship between them that is also characterized by something more--and it doesn't take long for her family to encourage Mark's attentions on Waneta, including courting her in a sweet manner, consistent with the Amish tradition. When more brutal assaults happen in town, however, Mark's moral character is once again challenged. Further complicating matters is the reappearance of Mark's now "English" younger brother who clearly has made some trouble-filled decisions in his life. Will Waneta stand by Mark's side under the circumstances? Is she even safe as long as she continues to engage him? Moreover, who is behind these brutal attacks, and why?One aspect of this story that I really enjoyed was the intermixing of faith and its connection to trust, hope and love. It's definitely an inspiring story that even persons who have had a rough past, have a chance to turn their lives around and find their own love and happiness.Source: Review copy provided for review purposes.
    • 4/5
      This Amish Community makes me think that people are judged by the acts of their parents, and no matter how many years go by, no one seems to forget or accept. At least until the author introduces us to a preacher to lives his faith and encourages Mark Fisher to return to his roots and take over the empty home that has been left to him.Surprisingly Mark has stayed steady in his Amish faith, but that doesn’t mean that the congregation here will forgive and forget. We are also introduced to another young woman, she has not stayed Amish, but has tried to return to her hometown, and will she succeed or finally leave.Neeta soon discovers Mark working at the green house she works in, but she gives him the same cold shoulder the rest of the community does.The author will have you questioning whether Mark is a good guy, or is it his wayward brother, or who, as someone is attacking and almost killing young Amish women, and it doesn’t help that Mark was questioned a long time ago about an attack.Will this community ever come together and live up to their faith, you will be surprised how things turn out, and it keeps surprising right up to the last page.I received this book through Lit Fuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
    • 4/5
      His Guilt was a quick read that was difficult to put down. Most of the dialogue felt authentic, and the characters, while not complex, were sufficiently developed to come to life for the reader. I also appreciated the imperfections of the characters and their growth throughout the story. The plot carried suspense, tension, and a bit of wisdom. The mystery is light and easily solved early on, but the author manages to insert some doubt. Still, I was not the least bit surprised when the identity of the attacker was revealed. For those who enjoy stories that reflect Christian values while offering up some romance and suspense, His Guilt should be an enjoyable read. It also comes with a Happily Ever After.
    • 4/5
      His Guilt which was book 2 in The Amish of Hart County was even better than the first book. Even though it is part of a series it can very easily be read as a stand alone book. I loved the characters of Mark and Vaneta and how they grew in this series. And I loved all the secondary characters in this book such as Henry, Vanetta and Mark's boss who gave Mark a job when nobody else in that community still looked at Mark with distrust. Love the loving support of Vaneta's parents. At first like others in the community they looked at Mark with distrust but decided to trust him after listening to a sermon by their preacher.There is a mystery backstory. Women are being attacked in the community and all eyes point to Mark. Vaneta and Henry believe in his innocence but does anybody else? There was a possibility of two different people who could have been the attacker and I was happy at the one it turned out to be. I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.
    • 4/5
      Mark Fisher has returned to Horse Cave, Kentucky to help with the heavy work at Blooms & Berries Nursery as well as fix up his family home. Several years earlier he had been questioned by the sheriff regarding the beating of a local girl and cleared, but he is having problems fitting into his Amish community as more women are attacked.Waneta Cain also works at the same nursery. At first she is afraid of Mark but as they become better acquainted a friendship develops. Mark must confront his past to find peace; at the same time, unknown to him, Waneta has angered the attacker with her acceptance of him.This is a charming love story. The main characters are fairly well-developed and interesting, but there are some inconsistancies with timing and other details in the narrative. Readers of Amish fiction should appreciate this new series set outside the usual places in Ohio and Pennsylvania.