Category Archives: Walnut Creek Series

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!

Comments Off on Review: The Trustworthy One by Shelley Shepard Gray

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

Review: The Protective One by Shelley Shepard Gray

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

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From a “skilled storyteller who reminds the reader that faith can help us survive the ups and downs in life” (RT Book Reviews), Shelley Shepard Gray weaves a moving and unforgettable exploration of love and friendship.

The tragic and untimely death of an old friend has made Elizabeth Anne rethink not only her priorities but her courtship with David, her longtime neighbor and suitor. Though he’s Mennonite like herself and has her parents’ approval, she feels that a spark is missing. Desperate for a change, she breaks things off—wondering if, perhaps, she’s the one who’s missing a spark.

When her family becomes upset with her decision, E.A. turns to her friends for support. One of them is Will, a man with a good heart who has always been there for her. As the two bond over their shared struggle to navigate a future that everyone else seems to have figured out, they are surprised to realize that they have feelings for each other.

But E.A.’s world takes a sudden turn when she realizes that she’s not the only one struggling—Marta, one of her sewing students, is in desperate need of protection. With the aid of Will and several other friends, Elizabeth Anne begins a journey that is more difficult and rewarding than she could have ever imagined…one that ultimately enables her to find everything she’s been searching for.

In this latest installment in the Walnut Creek series that “both delights and surprises” (Leslie Gould, bestselling author), Shelley Shepard Gray pens a powerful and poignant tale of friendship, courage, and love.

Review:

The Protective One by Shelley Shepard Gray is an emotionally compelling Inspirational romance. While this third full-length addition to the Walnut Creek series can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend the previous installments as well.

When twenty-four year old Elizabeth Ann “E.A.” Schmidt decides to break up with her beau, David Brennan, her life undergoes unexpected but welcome changes.  Although a bit dissatisfied with her boss, she is greatly touched by her fledgling friendship with sewing student, Marta Miner.  She is uneasy about her suspicions about Marta’s home life, yet she freely offers her support. E.A. is also very happy that she and her circle of friends are making more of an effort to be there for one another. But the biggest change is  E.A.’s  new relationship with longtime friend, Will Kurtz.  As they spend time in one another’s company, a surprising romance begins to blossom.

E.A. is a wonderful young woman with a big heart and nurturing soul.  She is unsure exactly how to deal with David’s strange and slightly ominous behavior after she ends their relationship. Fortunately, Will turns out to be a surprising source of strength as she navigates this new chapter in her life.  A little disquieted with her uneasiness about Marta’s husband, E.A. is very happy with the changes she is beginning to see in her friend and student. But she is also growing more concerned about Marta’s safety.  E.A. is very much up to the challenges she is facing, but she is grateful for Will’s assistance with the more difficult problems she is dealing with.

Although very happy for his friends, Will is a little unsettled by the changes in his friendships due to their marriages and job promotions. He is a calm port in a storm and the first to cheer on his loved ones’ when they are graced with good fortune.  Will is a little dissatisfied with maintaining the status quo, so he is very eager to spend time with E.A.  However, Will proves to be up the challenges occurring in both his professional and personal lives.

The Protective One is a beautifully written Inspirational romance that realistically deals with domestic abuse. Will and E.A. are wonderfully drawn characters who are both compassionate and caring. Their romance is very sweet and it is incredibly joyful to watch their friendship evolve into love. Marta’s marriage is quickly becoming untenable yet she is finally strong enough to take back control of her life.  The characters grow throughout the story as they find hidden strengths within themselves as they are faced with difficult situations.  Shelley Shepard Gray brings this heartwarming romance to an uplifting conclusion that is sure to delight old and new fans of the Walnut Creek series.

Comments Off on Review: The Protective One by Shelley Shepard Gray

Filed under Contemporary, Gallery Books, Inspirational, Rated B+, Romance, The Protective One, Walnut Creek Series

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.

Comments Off on Review: The Loyal One by Shelley Shepard Gray

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

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.

Comments Off on Review: The Patient One by Shelley Shepard Gray

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

Review: Friends to the End by Shelley Shepard Gray

Title:Friends to the End by Shelley Shepard Gray
Walnut Creek Series Book .5
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 113 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Discover the charming first enovella in a new Amish romance series from the New York Times bestselling author of Love Held Captive and The Gift. 

When Andy’s baby sister Trish gets stranded at the family cabin during a massive blizzard, he calls upon his best friends—the Magnificent Eight—to go to his sister’s rescue.

Andy knows that several members of the Eight will drop everything to help, and they’re the perfect solution because the Amish aren’t hindered by stalled cars—they can travel just fine in their buggies.

But when Logan, Trish’s secret crush, is the first to volunteer to save her, she can’t help but worry that, despite the freezing temperatures, being alone with Logan might mean that things heat up pretty fast. Filled with Shelley Shepard Gray’s signature “heart-warming, heart-stopping” (Wendy Corsi Staub, New York Times bestselling author) prose, Friends to the End is an evocative and endearing romance.

Review:

Friends to the End is an engaging introduction to the characters in Shelley Shepard Gray’s upcoming Walnut Creek series.

Andy Warner is on vacation with his parents in Florida when his younger sister, Tricia, calls him for help. She is stranded at the family’s cabin during a heavy snowstorm so Andy calls his best friend, Logan Clark, to come to her assistance. Logan is Amish so he should have no trouble reaching her in his sleigh. After the storm worsens, Tricia and Logan are forced to remain at the cabin on their own.  Although neither are concerned about the impropriety of spending the night alone, Andy calls on another friend in the “Magnificent Eight” to join them at the cabin.

Although Tricia knows all of the Magnificent Eight, she considers them Andy’s friends. She is much shyer than her gregarious older brother so she is uncomfortable around his friends.  Tricia has also had an long time crush on Logan but since he is Amish and she is not, she knows there is no future for them. Will their unexpected time together at the cabin give her hope a relationship between them might be possible?

Friends to the End is a quick read that offers a fascinating peek into the characters who will feature in upcoming installments of the Walnut Creek series.  The longstanding friendship between Tricia and Logan provides a firm foundation for a possible romance between them and it will be interesting to see how their relationship progresses. The intriguing glimpses of a few members of the Magnificent Eight will leave readers eager to dive into the next poignant installment in Shelley Shepard Gray’s Walnut Creek series.

Comments Off on Review: Friends to the End by Shelley Shepard Gray

Filed under Amish, Contemporary, Friends to the End, Gallery Books, Rated B, Review, Romance, Shelley Shepard Gray, Walnut Creek Series