A Deputy in Amish Country: A Clean Romance

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it. This was a charming story and it is a delightful start to a new series. I enjoyed the dual POV format that this book was written in. Getting that glimpse into both character's thoughts really is a big plus for me. I better connect to them and can better understand what goes on during a scene. Conrad is a deputy that requested to provide protection to a witness to a murder. Annabelle is a bank teller who is being threatened and being set up as an accomplice to the bank robbery where the guard was murdered. Conrad and Annabelle volunteer at a local soup kitchen and the two have a somewhat limited connection from this service. As time goes on though, that connection strengthens. Conrad and his brother live on a ranch in Amish country. Next door lives a father, Wollie; a grandmother, Linda and an adorable little girl, Jane. Jane is such a delightful addition to the story. I was able to picture her so very clearly. This is a sweet, clean romance with a touch of murder, mystery and mayhem. Can Conrad fully protect the woman that he is coming to love? Will that love interfere with his job as deputy? Will the murderer and accomplices find Annabelle before the trial? Who is helping to frame Annabelle for crimes that she didn't commit? Well you will have to read the story to find out the answers and more!

Beautiful Story Annabelle Richards finds herself in a difficult situation when she not only witnesses a robbery and murder, but she recognizes the culprit. Worse yet, the culprit recognizes her. When Annabelle agrees to testify in court, she falls into a witness protection situation. Enter Deputy Conrad Westhouse. Conrad is involved in the investigation of the crime and further involves himself when he volunteers to protect Annabelle. The protection plan? Annabelle will stay at his family's ranch until the trial. The ranch, which is located deep in Amish country, is a perfect location for maintaining her safety. Keeping Annabelle safe is one thing, but keeping the heart safe is another matter. I loved this story for so many reasons. I loved that Conrad and Annabelle already knew each before the crime situation. Having worked together as volunteers at a local soup kitchen gave them a prior connection which added much to how their relationship continued to develop. I loved how their conversations and interactions added to their discoveries about each other which in turn contributed to their growing relationship. Elements of humor, intrigue, suspense and some doses of wisdom were also wonderful additions to the story. A few who contributed to those elements were other characters which included Conrad's brother, Wilder, their Amish neighbors, Wollie, Jane, and Linda, as well as some pesky and endearing farm animals. All of these elements woven together are what make this such a fantastic story. But, the beautiful love story that is at its core just makes it that much more special and one that I highly recommend. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, HARLEQUIN via NetGalley. All comments and opinions are my own.