REVIEW: a Selah Award Finalist for 2024

This year, we have TWO Suspense Sisters who have books in the finals for a Selah Award. And the best news is, they are in two different categories, so they might BOTH win! I hope, I hope!

I reviewed Nancy Mehl’s finalist, COLD PURSUIT, last month, so this month, I’m reviewing the finalist AMISH WILDERNESS SURVIVAL by Mary Alford.

Mary’s portrayal is so well-done. These characters were realistically created and even in their internal monologues, utilize Amish verbiage. As someone who doesn’t regularly read Amish fiction, I found it charming and intriguing.  And the writing allowed me to step right into the shoes of Leora and Fletcher. I was wound up with their anxiety and felt their exhaustion and hopelessness as they sought safety.

She has an amazing way of weaving a story that just layers on more and more intensity. Fletcher and Leora, trade perspectives, as they move from simple concern to embroiling themselves into a web that seems downright impossible. And I do mean impossible. More than once as I read the book, I shook my head, wondering how in the world they would survive. But then, the book is well-named.

While I loved Fletcher and Leora, especially the sincerity of the relationship that budded between them, my favorite character was Molly, a highly trained military German shepherd. She stole the show for me! And I do love how Mary wrapped up the story so neatly. No spoilers, but it was very satisfying.

AMISH WILDERNESS SURVIVAL is certainly worthy of its finalist status, and I would be delighted (and not surprised) to see it win the Selah Award!

Here’s a little more about this wonderful book.

To stay alive, she must escape a killer’s clutches.


When her brother goes missing, Leora Mast will do anything to find him…even if it means putting her life in danger. Upon arriving in Montana, she finds an ally in Fletcher Shetler, but almost as soon as they meet, they’re running for their lives. With Fletcher’s help, Leora must unravel the truth about her brother’s disappearance…before the man who wants them dead tracks them down.

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Be sure to get your copy from Amazon at this link!