Category Archives: Shelley Shepard Gray

November 20, 2021 · 12:02 am

Review: A Christmas Courtship by Shelley Shephard Gray

Title: A Christmas Courtship by Shelley Shephard Gray
Berlin Bookmobile Series Book Three
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Amish
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In this endearing Christmas tale, a bookmobile librarian knows just the novel to help an Amish bachelor woo his next-door neighbor in the latest installment of the “charming” (Carla Laureano, RITA Award–winning author of Five Days in Skye) Berlin Bookmobile series.

A solitary sort, forty-two-year-old Atle Petersheim spends his time hard at work in his wood shop. But as the days get long, he realizes just how lonely he’s become. When his longtime crush, Sadie Mast, a widow and mother of three, asks him to help her build a room in their barn for her son Cale, Atle can’t say no. Eager to pursue Sadie at last, he turns to bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller for courting advice. More than happy to help, Sarah Anne decides the best way to learn about love is through books—romance novels to be precise.

Between completing holiday orders for her flourishing food business, helping Cale navigate a dramatic new relationship with his boss’s daughter, and coming to terms with the trauma her late husband had inflicted upon her and her children—not to mention Atle showing up at her door with flowers—Sadie is in over her head. Though Atle’s efforts are initially clumsy and his declarations a bit awkward, Sadie can’t help but be charmed by him. He’s patient and kind…and at times even seems to know far more about romance than he’s let on.

Another delightful romance about the “transformative powers of love, hope, and faith” (Publishers Weekly), A Christmas Courtship is the perfect holiday read.

Review:

A Christmas Courtship by Shelley Shepherd Gray is a heartwarming Amish romance. Although this newest release is the third installment in the Berlin Bookmobile series, it can be read as a standalone. But I highly recommend the previous books as well.

Forty-two-year-old Atle Petersheim is a bachelor who is interested in getting married. He finds assistance in an unlikely place when he asks bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne for advice. Atle has long been interested in Sadie Mast and he would like to court her. However, Atle finds himself tongue-tied in her presence.  Will spending more time together as he works on a Christmas present for her oldest son Cale provide them the opportunity to get to know each other better?

Sadie’s baking business is really taking off so she is finally able to afford some extras. She feels guilty for relying on Cale to help with the family finances so she wants to surprise him with a room of his own as a  Christmas gift. She has always liked Atle and she is enjoying having him around the house. The more time she is in his in company, the more she appreciates his quiet strength. But have she and her children fully come to terms with the trauma they endured while her husband was still alive?

Cale works full-time on Hope Overholt’s family farm. He is quite charmed by Hope but he is reluctant to take their relationship any further than friendship. Cale makes a decision that inadvertently results in the chance to work with Atle. Will he and Hope finally be able to officially begin courting?

A Christmas Courtship is a heartfelt romance of healing and love. Sadie and Atle are wonderfully drawn characters with relatable strengths and all too human foibles. Sadie’s children are delightfully imperfect and a great help to their mamm. The storyline is endearing and quite engaging. Shelley Shepherd Gray brings this sweet romance to an uplifting and gratifying conclusion. A wonderful addition to the Berlin Bookmobile series that old and new readers are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under A Christmas Courtship, Amish, Berlin Bookmobile Series, Contemporary, Gallery Books, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Shelley Shepard Gray

June 3, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: An Amish Surprise by Shelley Shepard Gray

Title: An Amish Surprise by Shelley Shepard Gray
Berlin Bookmobile Series Book Two
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In the second installment of the “enjoyable and charming” (USA TODAY) Shelley Shepard Gray’s delightful Berlin Bookmobile series, librarian Sarah Anne Miller returns to Berlin to help a childless Amish couple form the family they’ve always prayed for.

Miriam and Calvin Gingerich have been trying for a baby for several years, but the Lord hasn’t seen fit to bless them. Though Calvin claims he’s content with their childless state, Miriam knows he’s not, and when he starts spending more time off their farm, she worries he’s found someone else. But just as she finds herself at her lowest point, she discovers the ultimate surprise. Unable to confide in anyone who might tell Calvin—out of fear she’ll disappoint him with another miscarriage—Miriam turns to bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller—and any books she may have on pregnancy and childbirth.

Calvin has been keeping a secret from his wife, but it’s not another woman. It’s a little boy. One afternoon when visiting Sarah Anne’s bookmobile, he meets Miles, a ten-year-old living with a foster family down the road. But after spending more time with the boy, Calvin learns that his foster family has no plans to adopt him. Calvin feels a connection with Miles and yearns to give the boy a home, but he’s afraid to tell Miriam, knowing she’s devastated they can’t have children of their own.

As weeks pass and Sarah Anne learns that Miles has nearly given up hope of ever finding a real home, she knows it’s time to intervene. It’s going to take some fancy footwork and a whole lot of prayer, but she knows she can help make this struggling couple into a happy family of four.

Review:

An Amish Surprise by Shelley Shepard Gray is a heartwarming Amish romance. This latest release in the Berlin Bookmobile series can be read as a standalone. But I highly recommend the entire series.

Miriam and Calvin Gingerich are happily married but they long for children. Miriam experiences varied emotions over her infertility. She feels guilty and saddened for their pregnancy losses and her inability to conceive. But it is not until Calvin begins spending time away from home that she notices they are not as close as they used to be. Miriam’s identity has become entangled with motherhood and she wonders if Calvin’s love for her is diminishing. She realizes he is being a bit evasive about his whereabouts and Miriam cannot help but become concerned for their marriage.

Calvin loves to read and he enjoys browsing through the selections on the bookmobile when it is in town. But during his latest visit, bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller is a little overwhelmed by Ruth Schmidt’s rowdy triplets. Ruth is also accompanied by her three foster children. Calvin assists Sarah Anne by reading the children’s story and he finds himself to drawn to one of Ruth’s foster children, ten-year-old Miles.  Calvin is open to adoption but Miriam becomes very upset when he brings up the topic. Calvin spends more and more time with Miles on his own, but he is not certain how his wife will react to meeting him.

Sarah Anne is in her early sixties and the bookmobile is her second career. She is a widow who was not blessed with children. She loves interacting with everyone who visit the bookmobile. Sarah Anne is very observant and she finagled the meeting between Calvin and Miles. She is tentatively involved with Pete Cannon but Sarah Anne is uncertain about the future of their fledgling relationship.

An Amish Surprise is a charming romance with endearing characters and interesting story arcs. Miriam and Calvin are a wonderful couple who are struggling with their childlessness. Will Calvin convince Miriam to meet Miles and consider adding him to their family? What impact will Miriam’s surprise news have on Calvin’s suggestion about Miles? What will happen with Sarah Anne and Pete’s budding romance? Shelley Shepard Gray will delight readers with the answers to these pressing questions. Old and new fans are going to love this marvelous addition to the Berlin Bookmobile series.

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Filed under Amish, An Amish Surprise, Berlin Bookmobile Series, Contemporary, Gallery Books, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Shelley Shepard Gray

January 18, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: A Perfect Amish Romance by Shelley Shepard Grey

Title: A Perfect Amish Romance by Shelley Shepard Grey
Berlin Bookmobile Series Book One
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 318 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray comes a new series that follows a bookmobile driver-turned-matchmaker who learns that her Amish patrons need a whole lot more than just new books to read.

Aaron Coblentz has a secret: he’s been studying to take the GED to get promoted at work. But he can’t let his Amish family know, not when his older brother already left the faith just a year after getting baptized, practically crippling the family. When Aaron asks bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller for some additional study guides, she does one better. She arranges for Kayla Kaufman to be his tutor.

Kayla has a secret, too. Her life has been turned upside down in a matter of months—her mother’s death propelled her father into a constant state of depression, and unable to deal with his erratic behavior, her longtime boyfriend has broken things off. But despite losing those she holds most dear, she hasn’t completely given up on love. Only now she seeks to find it in the sweet romance novels she secretly checks out from Sarah Anne’s bookmobile.

As Aaron and Kayla’s study sessions start to feel less like work and more like pleasure, they soon realize that happily ever afters don’t only happen in fiction; sometimes they happen when you least expect it.

From a “skilled storyteller who reminds the reader that faith can help us survive the ups and downs in life” (RT Book Reviews), A Perfect Amish Romance is a moving and deftly told story that paints a heartwarming picture of the magic of true love.

Review:

A Perfect Amish Romance by Shelley Shepard Grey is a heartfelt Amish romance.

Aaron Coblentz knows how his parents will react if he tells them he wants to get his GED. So he studies in private until he needs a tutor to get him ready to take the test. He is from a big happy family with loving parents who hold their children tightly after their oldest son goes Englisch. Aaron is a kind-hearted and  compassionate young man who is a hard worker.  But his lack of world experience is a handicap while studying for his upcoming GED test. Aaron is well-known by bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller so he has no worries about being tutored by the young woman she recommends him to.

At one time Kayla Kaufman considered leaving her Amish faith behind. So she has already passed her GED test. She is a little wary of Aaron’s need for secrecy but she could use the money she earns from tutoring him. Kayla lives with her father whose continued depression from her mamm’s death means she has a heavy load of responsibility. She loves her father, but she is growing weary of the constant strain of worrying about keeping a roof over  their heads.

Despite their slightly inauspicious first meeting,  Aaron and Kayla soon become friends.   Their friendship has a bit of a tenuous feel to it to begin with since Kayla has a few trust issues. After her dad leaves for his annual trip to FL, Kayla relaxes her guard and enjoys her time with Aaron. As their friendship turns romantic, will Kayla take a chance and risk her heart again?

A secondary story arc revolves around a budding romance between Aaron’s sister Tiny (Elizabeth) and their neighbor Joel Lapp. Tiny is never quite certain that Joel is interested her beyond friendship so doubts plague their relationship. When Aaron misconstrues a situation involving Joel, will his interference put an end to Tiny’s hopes of a romance?

A Perfect Amish Romance is a sweet Amish romance that also deals with true to life issues. Aaron and Kayla are delightful characters that are very easy to like. Kayla’s home situation with her dad adds depth and substance to the well-developed storyline. Aaron’s  quest for more education is at odds with his Amish faith and he does not want to worry his parents. Sarah Anne is a wonderful woman who cares deeply for the people she meets through the bookmobile. With this charming first installment, Shelley Shepard Grey’s new Berlin Bookmobile series is off to a marvelous beginning.

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Filed under A Perfect Amish Romance, Amish, Berlin Bookmobile Series, Contemporary, Gallery Books, Rated B, Review, Romance, Shelley Shepard Gray

May 3, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: The Trustworthy One by Shelley Shepard Gray

Title: The Trustworthy One by Shelley Shepard Gray
Walnut Creek Series Book Four
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 302 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray returns to the charming and evocative Walnut Creek Series with an unforgettable novel following one broken young woman whose search for peace leads her back to her hometown, where she rediscovers her faith and reconnects with those she loves most.

Kendra Troyer always knew she would leave Walnut Creek the first chance she got. When she was accepted into design school, she tried her best not to look back at the four siblings she was abandoning, but ahead to Columbus, where she was determined to stay—far away from her abusive home and far away from Nate Miller, the boy she vowed to despise for the rest of her life.

Though she suffered through dark times in Columbus, Kendra found her faith in the Lord again, and years later, when she learned one of her good friends had died, she realized it was time to go home to those she left behind.

Back in Walnut Creek, Kendra has a life she never could have imagined: her own design shop, a pretty little house, and a tight-knit group of friends. After she settles down, though, unexpected visitors come knocking and dark memories begin to resurface. Complicating things even further is the ever-present Nate Miller, who now owns the hardware store two doors down and whose very presence stirs in Kendra a fierce need to turn away and hide from her past. But Nate is persistent in setting things right between them.

As Kendra tries to come to terms with the anger she holds from her childhood, will she be able to open her heart to forgiveness and find the comfort she has always longed for in Walnut Creek?

Review:

The Trustworthy One by Shelley Shepard Gray is a sweet Amish romance of healing and forgiveness.  Although this latest release is the fourth full-length installment in the Walnut Creek series, it can be read as a standalone.

Kendra Troyer is back in Walnut Creek where she is reconnecting with friends and setting up a new business.  She is finally at a good place in her life when Nate Miller graciously offers her assistance.  Kendra has disliked Nate ever since she overheard him disparaging her to his friends when they were teenagers.  Can she forgive him for those long ago painful comments? And if she does, will Kendra welcome Nate into her life?

Kendra fled her abusive home as a teenager and she turned to unhealthy ways to cope. Finally getting her life back on track, she is happy to be back in Walnut Creek. Although she has tried to ignore Nate while she and their mutual friends are together, the close proximity of their businesses means seeing him on a more regular basis. Despite the pain he caused her in past, Kendra is quick to forgive but does that mean she is willing to truly become friends with him?

Nate regrets the hurtful comments he made about Kendra when he was a teenager. He is genuinely remorseful and his efforts to make amends are sincere. Kendra accepts his apology, but Nate soon realizes she is not ready to allow him into her life. Realizing his feelings run deeper than friendship, can Nate truly make up for his past mistakes?

Just as Kendra becomes settled into her new home and business, her younger sister Naomi surprises her with a request to live with her.  Although taken aback, she is quick to agree. But just as they are settling into a new routine, Naomi is upset to discover her beloved sister is keeping secrets from her. And even worse, both sisters feel pressured to forgive the family members who hurt them the most during their dysfunctional childhood.

The Trustworthy One is a heartwarming novel with warmly inviting characters and a charming small town setting. Kendra is a wonderful young woman who has overcome many obstacles in her life. Nate is a delightful man whose willingness to make amends for past mistakes is quite refreshing.  Kendra and Nate’s relationship transition from reluctant friends to romance takes place gradually in a realistic manner. Naomi is mature for her age but her lack of life experience results in conflict late in the story.  Shelley Shepard Gray brings this touching romance to a heartfelt and gratifying conclusion.  A wonderful conclusion the Walnut Creek series!

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Filed under Amish, Contemporary, Gallery Books, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Shelley Shepard Gray, The Trustworthy One, Walnut Creek Series

August 14, 2019 · 11:57 pm

Review: The Loyal One by Shelley Shepard Gray

Title: The Loyal One by Shelley Shepard Gray
Walnut Creek Series Book Two
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 304 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The New York Times bestselling author of the Walnut Creek series crafts a moving and evocative novel of secrets, friendship, and second chances—perfect for fans of Kathleen Fuller and Beth Wiseman. 

When Katie Steury hires her old friend Harley Lambright to remodel her rundown old house into a charming bed and breakfast, she does so with trepidation. Though they are longtime friends, they’ve always had a rocky relationship, thanks to her being partly responsible for his most recent breakup. But while they may not always get along, she needs someone to trust with her secrets, and Harley is nothing if not trustworthy and loyal.

Katie has always reminded Harley of a bright hummingbird—she is small and flighty, moves a mile a minute, and she possesses a very sharp beak. He’s hesitant to accept the job because of his history with Katie. But when he realizes that Katie’s been hiding her mother’s hoarding, he agrees to help her because it’s clear she needs someone on her side.

Both soon discover that clearing the debris in one old house also means they have to do some clean-up in their lives, forcing them to reevaluate their past and their future. This somewhat painful process reveals that Katie isn’t the only one with secrets. As the house gets a second chance, so, too, does their relationship. Now all they have to do is open their hearts—and hope and pray that their new bond will also stand the test of time.

Review:

The Loyal One by Shelley Shepard Gray is a heartfelt and uplifting Amish romance. This second installment in the Walnut Creek series can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the other books in the series.

With her dream of turning her family home into a bed and breakfast within reach, Katie Steury  turns to friend and home remodeler Harley Lambright for help.  Their longstanding friendship is a bit troubled but she hopes she can smooth over the problems she caused for him a few years earlier. Katie is not a malicious person but she often speaks without thinking through the consequences of sharing her thoughts.   She is truly regretful for any pain her comments might have caused, but will Harley be receptive to her attempt to move on from her past mistakes?

Katie is a caring young woman whose penchant for speaking her mind is well known by her friends and family. But oddly enough, she has been hiding a secret about her family that she would rather not become public knowledge.  With their uneasy truce barely in place, Katie is hurt and dismayed when she believes Harley has betrayed her.   Will Katie give Harley the benefit of the doubt and allow him to explain his side?

Harley is the oldest of his siblings and he feels immense pressure to live up to his stern father’s expectations. He is self-contained and tries to keep his emotions in check at all times. Harley often finds himself at a loss for words when dealing with Katie since he would rather not make things worse between them.   As he spends more time in her company, Harley is surprised when he realizes his feelings for her have deepened beyond friendship. Is there any chance he and Katie will find a way to make a romance between them work in light of their sometimes fraught history?

Harley’s younger brother Kyle is also facing a difficult decision about what to about his feelings for Gabby who is not Amish. He is very concerned about how his parents will react when he tells them about her. Is there any chance a relationship between them will work out considering the differences between them?

With a lovely undercurrent of faith, The Loyal One is a beautiful novel of friendship, family and love. Katie and Harley are appealing characters who both undergo considerable growth as their friendship evolves into a touching romance.  They both also learn that communication is vital as misunderstandings threaten to derail their burgeoning relationship.  Katie and Harley continue to rely on their close-knit circle of friends to provide them with thoughtful insight to the issues they are dealing with.  Old and new fans of Shelley Shepard Gray’s Walnut Creek series are sure to love this engaging and thought-provoking novel of healing and love.

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Filed under Amish, Contemporary, Gallery Books, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Shelley Shepard Gray, The Loyal One, Walnut Creek Series

April 10, 2019 · 11:56 pm

Review: The Patient One by Shelley Shepard Gray

Title: The Patient One by Shelley Shepard Gray
Walnut Creek Series Book One
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Inspirational, Romance
Length: 304 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Seven former best friends reunite and struggle to heal after the tragic death of one of their own in this evocative and heartrending novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Gift and Her Secret. 

When word had gotten out that Andy Warner had committed suicide, everyone in Walnut Creek, Ohio, had been shocked. For seven men and women in their twenties, some Amish, some Mennonite, and some English, each of whom had once counted his or herself as one of Andy’s best friends, it had been extremely painful.

And, maybe, a source of guilt.

Years have passed since they’d all been together last. Some of them got into trouble. A couple got into arguments. Eventually they all drifted apart. But even though none of them really saw each other anymore, there was a steadfast certainty that they’d always have each other’s backs—even when no one else did. Their bond was that strong…until Andy did the unthinkable.

Now the seven remaining friends, still reeling from Andy’s death, have vowed to look after each other again. As far as they’re concerned, it doesn’t matter that they’re now in their twenties and have drifted far apart. They need to connect again…for Andy.

Review:

The first full-length installment in the Walnut Creek series, The Patient One by Shelley Shepard Gray is a heartwarming novel of love and friendship.

Opening with the funeral of their beloved friend Andy Warner, the remaining seven friends, Marie Harman, John Byler, Katie Steurny, Logan, Harley, Elizabeth Anne and Will Kurtz, struggle to understand why Andy committed suicide.  The childhood friends have grown apart since they entered their twenties but after Andy’s death, they mutually decide to nurture their friendship. They also have a new understanding of how short life can be, so John decides it is time to do something about his longtime crush on Katie, who has recently moved back to Walnut Creek.  But will their very differences prove too insurmountable to overcome?

Although John is Amish, he works for an Englischer and he has yet to baptized in the faith. He comes from a large and loving family who, it turns out, know him a little better than he knows himself.  At first believing there is no reason why a romance between him and Katie will not work out, John is surprised when troubles arise between them.

While Katie has not Amish, she does have a strong faith. Her return to Walnut Creek is long overdue and she is happy to be close to her parents and friends. Surprised to discover that John returns her feelings, she also knows a future between them is not guaranteed.  Katie is delighted when John asks her out, but their different backgrounds, insecurities and lack of communication threaten to derail their fledging romance.

John’s sixteen year sister Molly is also unexpectedly in the midst of a budding romance with Danny. Paralyzed after a riding accident, Molly appreciates her family’s help but she is frustrated that they do not realize she is capable of taking care of herself.  Danny takes her disability in stride and Molly is matter of fact about what life in a wheelchair.  Their relationship is refreshingly honest and watching Molly become more self-assured is quite gratifying.

The Patient One is a compelling novel of healing that also features a gentle undercurrent of faith. The storyline is realistic and deals with suicide and the consequences of drunk driving. John and Katie are a wonderful couple but their inability to express their concerns and expectations causes misunderstandings between them. Molly and Danny’s romance is incredibly sweet and free of unnecessary conflict. Shelley Shepard Gray brings the novel to a poignant yet uplifting conclusion. An enjoyable beginning to the Walnut Creek series that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the release of The Loyal One.

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Filed under Contemporary, Gallery Books, Inspirational, Rated B, Romance, Shelley Shepard Gray, The Patient One, Walnut Creek Series