His Risk

I have fallen in love with Shelley Shepard Gray's latest series, The Amish of Hart County. In the fourth book in the series, His Risk, readers are once again transported back to the Amish community of Hart County. There you pick back up with familiar characters from the previous novels as they now become secondary characters in this novel.

Alice Yoder is the community's school teacher and she adores her job. She believes it is truly her calling and the one thing that brings her the most joy. However when she undertakes watching her brother's home while they vacation in Pinecraft and also care for Valentine, their cat. It is one job she truly looks forward to is a quiet night at the end of a busy day. She just didn't expect to find her curiosity peaked by the young man standing outside her neighbors home. Being a bit bold, she finds herself wanting to know who he is and why he is staying at their home.

Calvin Fisher is now staying with his brother, Mark and his wife Waneta as he undergoes a risky surgery to remove a cancerous kidney. He hopes that he will be able to be there for his brother as much as he helped to raise Calvin as a child. Both of his parents had their own issues to deal with and for Calvin, it meant leaving the Amish community. However know he has come home, but with it comes a threat that he believes he can handle as he works as an undercover DEA agent for a well known crime syndicate. Now that he has worked his way up in earning the King's loyalty, he believes he can balance the roles he is playing while keeping everyone safe.

But when his undercover life begins to show signs of being in Hart County, Calvin believes that he has brought a very real risk to those he cares about and even those he might begin to fall for. Will he be able to end the double life he is living before he endangers those he loves the most?

I received His Risk by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspire, a division of Harper Collins Publishers. This is such a cross over genre because you are combining a love for the Amish with its connection to the English world in a suspenseful way. Without realizing it, and while they remain very much divided in their faith and ideals, there are no physical walls to keep one from encroaching on the other as it does in this series of novels by Shelley Shepard Gray. I think she orchestrates it masterfully in that you don't even realize that you're reading two very different genres in a well blended series. I have loved every single one and am looking forward to the next one in this series. Finally authors who simply don't end a good thing after three books! This one is worthy of all 5 out of 5 stars in my own opinion.

For more information about His Risk, Shelley Shepard Gray or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

His Risk by Shelley Shepard Gray

You can find Shelley Shepard Gray on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on His Risk, please visit Harper Collins Publisher's website.

The Gift

Sometimes through no fault of our own making, things change in unexpected ways that leave us feeling upset and downright mad. When the Vance family put their farm up for sale, there were no takers for quite some time. Forced into the option by their Uncle whom their father has quite the debt to pay thanks to gambling issues, they were left with no choice than to take whatever was offered, even if it wasn't enough to settle the debt. While their Uncle demanded full payment or turning the property over to him to settle things, their father decided to take the next offer for far less than what the property was worth. He wasn't about to turn everything over to his brother in hopes of appeasing him.

Just that one circumstance would set off a series of hostility to the new family whom the community seemed to have taken advantage of the situation, and an Amish family at that. The Schwartz family had hoped to embrace their new home and community but instead found themselves trying to justify how they were able to purchase the farm amid the rumors circulating about them. For Susanna, she loses control of her horse and buggy coming home during a winter's storm and feels that someone was shooting at her. Of course, that is easily explained away that hunters apparently forget just how close to the roads there were now that hunting season was in full swing. It cost her family a new horse and buggy.

When a series of unfortunate accidents begin to happen on their farm and to their family, it appears as if someone is wishing them to move. When first the shooting, then a property line section of fencing is destroyed, along with a bridge collapsing that almost took the life of their younger sister, the family begins to question those in the community, but instead of getting help, they are seen as accusing the community of trying to bring them harm. When Susanna and Neil Vance begin their own investigation, signs point to something more sinister. They have little time to figure things out before things begin to turn deadly.

I received The Gift by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Avon Inspire, a division of Harper Collins Publishers. Readers who love a great suspense among their Amish novels, will want to pick this one up. This is the third novel in the Amish of Hart County and as with all of Shelley Shepard's novel, I don't even have to read the back cover because she involves the reader so much, they feel like they're a part of the book. There are some bonus material at the conclusion of this novel including reader's guide questions, insights into the story line and some delicious Amish recipes to try. I give this novel a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about The Gift, Shelley Shepard Gray or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Gift by Shelley Shepard Gray

You can find Shelley Shepard Gray on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Gift, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 

His Guilt

"Whatever your past has been, you have a spotless future." - Amish Proverb

Who knew Christian fiction could be so heart pounding? There will be some that will enjoy this book and others the define everything through a black and white microscope might think differently. This is a series unlike anything that falls under the Amish genre, and for someone looking for a bit of suspense in solving a murder mystery, then this is the series for you. It will have you glued to the book until the final page is turning hoping that this doesn't leave you in a cliff-hanger for the third novel and rest assured, you will have all the answers by the last page. Which leads me to ask the question, what will the third novel cover? Guess we will have to sit back and bide our time til it releases.

His Guilt is the second novel in the Amish of Hart County Series with Her Secret being the first. Please read them in order to gain the most satisfaction in understanding where the second novel picks up. Mark Fisher returns back to Hart County, where he and his brother Calvin shared a less than normal Amish upbringing. Suffering at the hands of an abusive alcoholic father, and a mother that seemed to wish both boys were not hers, Calvin and Mark both left to find new futures some place else. Now that Mark Fisher has returned and is trying to find a new future now that his parents have passed away, leaving him the family home to restore, he struggles to fit into the community that is resolved to hold his past against him.

He was questioned before in the assault of Bethany Miller, but was released when they could find no evidence to convict him. However most in the Amish community would rather have Mark Fisher leave and never come back. They are quite so willing to find forgiveness in their hearts. Waneta Cain, a young Amish woman tries to see things from a different perspective along with his employer and great friend, Mr. Lehmann who all work for Blooms and Berries. But when a murder happens, suddenly all eyes look for Mark Fisher, who once again seems to be the focus of this investigation. As more and more violence escalates in the community, members of Hart County seem convinced that Mark is the one to blame, but is he or is there something more sinister happening in the community that no one notices until it is too late?

I received His Guilt by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspire, a division of Harper Collins Publishers and Litfuse Publicity. This is one of the best suspense murder mystery series, I have read to date and love how Shelley doesn't give it all away until the very end as police investigations find the real guilty person, and it is not who I thought it was. It reminds you that too often we judge people based not only on their appearances, but also holding their past against them as well. When do we let people try and make a better future for themselves without our judging their actions of the past? For me, this one is worth all 5 out of 5 stars in this reader's opinion and can't wait for the third novel in the series to release.

For more information about His Guilt, Shelley Shepard Gray or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

His Guilt by Shelley Shepard Gray 

You can find Shelley Shepard Gray on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on His Guilt, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.

Her Secret

When does the word "No," actually mean No. What would you do if you suddenly found yourself at the unwanted attention of a young man who didn't want to accept that answer? How long would you let him persist in trying to change your mind? That is the very premise behind Shelley Shepard Gray's latest novel, Her Secret. It is the first in the Amish of Hart County series and takes the definition of a stalker to a whole new level.

In the Amish world, they prefer to handle anything that comes up within their own communities and without outside intervention from the English world when they can. Perhaps that is just the reason for Trent, a young older English man to push the envelope for Hannah Hilty, a young Amish woman he has more than a passing fancy for. In fact, it has gotten to a dangerous level and finally her parents have agreed to involve notifying the police. But without solid evidence, their hands are tied until something else occurs. That isn't good enough for the Hilty family, so they up and sell their home and farm land in Ohio and move to a much smaller home in Kentucky to begin again.

Unfortunately for Hannah, that has only led to more problems for her, besides being a bit of a recluse due to her former stalker, but now it seems that her own siblings Ben and Jenny have more than just resentment brewing since they too were forced to leave their friends, school and jobs behind on account of Hannah. Lately it seems like just about everyone in the world is against her and she can't seem to find anyone who will understand. That is until she wanders away on a walk to a fishing hole and meets Isaac Troyer who will turn her world completely upside down in ways she never imagined. Yet when the past comes back to haunt her in unexpected ways the danger becomes too close for comfort again.

I received Her Secret by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspire, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers and Litfuse Publicity. . In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. This is such a great premise that goes beyond your typical Amish novels and takes the situation of harassment and shines the light on how some in the Amish community might perceive and handle it. Too often we think that the Amish are immune from the things we face, but they are as real to them as they are to the rest of us. I can't wait for even more in this series as the family settles in Kentucky and a new start for all of them begin. I easily give this novel at 5 out of 5 stars and at the conclusion of this novel are some special features like an author's note, some Q and A's about the Amish, facts about Hart County and great discussion guide questions for book clubs.

For more information about Her Secret, Shelley Shepard Gray, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Her Secret by Shelley Shepard Gray

You can find Shelley Shepard Gray on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

You can read more reviews on Her Secret by visiting Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour page.

Her Secret

When does the word "No," actually mean No. What would you do if you suddenly found yourself at the unwanted attention of a young man who didn't want to accept that answer? How long would you let him persist in trying to change your mind? That is the very premise behind Shelley Shepard Gray's latest novel, Her Secret. It is the first in the Amish of Hart County series and takes the definition of a stalker to a whole new level.

In the Amish world, they prefer to handle anything that comes up within their own communities and without outside intervention from the English world when they can. Perhaps that is just the reason for Trent, a young older English man to push the envelope for Hannah Hilty, a young Amish woman he has more than a passing fancy for. In fact, it has gotten to a dangerous level and finally her parents have agreed to involve notifying the police. But without solid evidence, their hands are tied until something else occurs. That isn't good enough for the Hilty family, so they up and sell their home and farm land in Ohio and move to a much smaller home in Kentucky to begin again.

Unfortunately for Hannah, that has only led to more problems for her, besides being a bit of a recluse due to her former stalker, but now it seems that her own siblings Ben and Jenny have more than just resentment brewing since they too were forced to leave their friends, school and jobs behind on account of Hannah. Lately it seems like just about everyone in the world is against her and she can't seem to find anyone who will understand. That is until she wanders away on a walk to a fishing hole and meets Isaac Troyer who will turn her world completely upside down in ways she never imagined. Yet when the past comes back to haunt her in unexpected ways the danger becomes too close for comfort again.

I received Her Secret by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspire, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers and Litfuse Publicity. This is such a great premise that goes beyond your typical Amish novels and takes the situation of harassment and shines the light on how some in the Amish community might perceive and handle it. Too often we think that the Amish are immune from the things we face, but they are as real to them as they are to the rest of us. I can't wait for even more in this series as the family settles in Kentucky and a new start for all of them begin. I easily give this novel at 5 out of 5 stars and at the conclusion of this novel are some special features like an author's note, some Q and A's about the Amish, facts about Hart County and great discussion guide questions for book clubs.

For more information about Her Secret, Shelley Shepard Gray, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Her Secret by Shelley Shepard Gray

You can find Shelley Shepard Gray on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

You can read more reviews on Her Secret by visiting Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour page.

An Amish Family Christmas

Who doesn't love great endings? I know when I find an exceptional series of novels or even movies it is always bittersweet when you see it come to an end even though you know it's going to be great. Such is An Amish Family Christmas by Shelley Shepard Gray, who wraps up the love lives of a few characters in the Charmed Amish Life Series, which I have adored.

This time we still see our favorite characters who have become couples in their own previous novels but now its time for Levi, the oldest of the Kinsinger family who left Charm, Ohio after the fire killed his father. He ran not knowing how to live in their family home where memories of both his father and mother continued to haunt him. He arrives home at first in A Sister's Wish, the third novel in the series because it isn't helping to have him stay away from the only family he has known and now that Amelia is about to marry, Levi wonders what is next in his life. Since moving out of the family home and onto a run-down and in desperate need of cleaning home on Jupiter Street, his life consists of going to work, staying as long as he can, and returning home with just enough time to sleep and begin again in the morning.

Julia Kemp, although not her real name, has found a fresh start in Charm, Ohio even though she can barely manage financially to support herself and her 5-year-old daughter Penny. She has had her own fair share of running, including leaving the father of her child, who found abusing her was the only way to control her life. She left before he knew she was with child and could continue his beatings not only on her but on their daughter as well. This is why she needed a fresh start complete with a new name. It also meant she had to leave behind her family as well. She couldn't take the risk of Luther finding out where she had gone, so as much as it pained her, she really needed this. The last thing she ever expected was to find a man who could truly love her the way God intended and perhaps offer her a future she never dreamed possible. She only has to be willing to tell the truth, but is she willing to place her future on the line to do so?

I received An Amish Family Christmas by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspired Publishers, a division of Harper Collins Publishers and Litfuse Publicity. I know Shelley is far from ending her Amish series and looking forward to the next one which readers get a sneak peek at with the conclusion of this novel. There are also Reader Discussion Questions included that is perfect for book clubs. In fact one such question asks if the reader has read all the books in the Charmed Amish Life series and if so, which is their favorite and I have to say, it would be A Sister's Wish because I love Amelia and Simon's story the best. I love how that comes into play as Levi and Luther come to a stand off when Julia is confronted with the truth and Simon has to step in. Oh how I would love to see this one come to life, but for now it remains locked away in my own imagination. For me, this one easily rates a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. There is even a great recipe in this one as well, but I'll save that as a surprise.

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For more information about An Amish Family Christmas, Shelley Shepard Gray or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

An Amish Family Christmas by Shelley Shepard Gray

You can find Shelley Shepard Gray on Facebook, to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on An Amish Family Christmas please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour page. 

A Sister's Wish

It is always a pleasure whenever a long-overdue visit with family and friends happens and it suddenly feels as if no time has passed since your last visit. This is just the case whenever you immerse yourself into the lives of the residents of Charm, Ohio, a small mix of Amish and English alike through Shelley Shepard Gray's eyes and imagination. In the third book of this series, The Charmed Amish Life, A Sister's Wish combines the coming of age story between Amelia Kinsinger and Simon Hochstetler. They have always shared more than a passing feeling between them that began as children, when Amelia had the uncanny ability to see more to Simon than anyone else.

Being a child in an abusive home, Simon watched as both his older brother and sister both left home for something more than being on the receiving end of their parents anger. Even in Amish communities, abuse happens and sometimes nothing is done because no one wants to get involved. So it came as no surprise after the final beating that Simon had enough and followed in his siblings footsteps and left Charm. Only unlike his siblings, Simon came back and repented of his worldly ways with used violence as an outlet to enable him to make money at fighting. But he is done with all of that lifestyle and now only wants to do whatever he can to make Amelia his wife and begin a family with her.

However Amelia feels about Simon, her older siblings believe it's in her best interest to find a more suitable husband in someone else. They will do whatever they have to, to ensure that Simon moves on and leaves Amelia for someone more suited to her innocent way of life. She doesn't need Simon's blackened past to rear its ugly head in their family. Amelia has had enough and at 22, now feels the need to stand up to her well-meaning family and put her own happiness first, instead of running the family household. But when an accident leaves her in need of someone to care for her, who will step up and take the responsibility.

I received A Sister's Wish by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspired Publishers and Litfuse Publicity. I absolutely love the intimacy that comes from the characters that Shelley introduces us to in her series and soon you find yourself feeling a part of the novel and their family. I think we have all had a well-meaning family member tell us what they feel is best for us in our own lives and Lukas fills that role for this novel. He has the best intentions but fails to realize that he hasn't considered Amelia's feelings in the process of his decisions. I love how Simon is willing to do whatever Amelia asks despite how much pain it causes him to tell her about his sorted and painful past in order to establish a solid foundation to build their relationship on. Readers will get a sneak peek at the final book in the series, An Amish Family Christmas coming in October of 2016. For me, this one rates a 4.5 out of 5 stars in this reviewer's opinion.

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For more information about A Sister's Wish, Shelley Shepard Gray or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A Sister's Wish by Shelley Shepard Gray 

You can find Shelley Shepard Gray on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Sister's Wish, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.

A Daughter's Dream

"Keeping twenty-five schoolchildren reasonably happy and on task for a solid hour was harder than it looked."

This is the first sentence that opens the second novel, A Daughter's Dream from best selling author, Shelley Shepard Gray, in her Charmed Amish Life series. I've been taking notice of how an author choices to begin each novel and what draws them to write that first sentence. This one immediately draws you into this amazing novel. Rebecca Kinsinger, has always had a dream to become a teacher in her Amish community of Charm, Ohio. Now she is filling in for Rachel Mast, from time to time when she needs to be gone for an hour or two or merely helping out when she is there. The one thing she can't quite figure out is why she is having such a hard time connecting with the students, if this is truly her dream job. Just as things are about to get out of control, Rachel returns and sets things to right.

Jacob Yoder finds that trying to fit in as a farmer now that he has moved back with his parents isn't working out as well as he hoped. Now he has taking over raising his thirteen-year-old niece Lilly after she lost both of her parents in an accident. She is barely talking and moving her away from her old school and friends probably isn't helping much. All he knows is he has to try. Lilly finds school boring and now being saddled as the new girl is about all a teen can handle. It's not enough that everyone is trying to help, but they just don't understand what she is dealing with. The only one who is really trying is another boy at school, Peter who seems to know just what she needs and right now that is a friend she can count on.

Rachel Mast loves that Rebecca wants to become a teacher soon, since she discovered she is pregnant and her husband Marcus insists that she quit her job as soon as possible. Not only that he wants her to refrain from seeing the Amish mid-wife and instead seek care under a real doctor and make plans to have their baby at the hospital. He can more than afford it, but how can Rachel convince Marcus that teaching is something she loves to do, and she knows she will quit when the baby comes. It just seems like everyone knows what they want to do and what they think is best for her as well.

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I received A Daughter's Dream by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspire, a division of Harper Collins Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest and personal opinion. The best thing about all of the novels I've read of Shelley's is that when you begin them, it's as if you have moved to one of her Amish towns and are learning about the people living there. At some point, it stops being a story and you find yourself actually living among the characters she introduces you to. While this is part of a series, you can read it as a stand alone, but trust me, you will want to go back and read a little more detail about Lukas life and how he met Delia! I can't wait for the next novel in the series which readers get a peek at in the conclusion of this one. There are even some great discussion guide questions for book clubs, a recipe for delicious granola bars, and an authors note from Shelley that takes you into the very heart of Charm, Ohio. This one easily garners a 5 out of 5 stars and a must read for Christian Amish Romance fans!

For more information about A Daughter's Dream, Shelley Shepard Gray or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A Daughter's Dream by Shelley Shepard Gray

You can find Shelley Shepard Gray on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Daughter's Dream, please visit Litfuse Publicity's book tour page.

A Son's Vow

I've been in love with the Amish lifestyle since visiting Lancaster, PA in my teens and there is something to be said for the love of family and community as well as their strong faith to accept things without any really question as to why God has allowed certain events to take place in their lives. They struggle but they don't hold on to things. In Shelley Shepard Gray's newest series, The Charmed Amish Life, we now follow the lives of those living in Charm, Ohio. The first book A Son's Vow takes us right into the heart of the action of this novel.

There was a recent fire at the Kinsinger Lumber Mill in Charm and it claimed the lives of 5 men. Through an odd series of accidents starting with one man leaving an oily rag in the dumpster to wood shavings collecting there instead of where they should be and a piece of hot metal all lead to the fire without placing blame on any one individual. However in the heart of Aaron Kurtz, he believes that the brunt of the blame has been placed on his father who set the rag in the trash. He feels the Lumber Mills owners should have taken better care to ensure things like this don't happen even though they lost the life of their own father in the accident as well. Aaron's anger in not being able to let go is following him around to the point where he is taking it out on his family, through yelling and physically abusing his sister Darla.

Darla tries hard to understand what Aaron is dealing with but she worries if he doesn't get it under control the members of the community will take action. As the oldest daughter she has more than enough on her hands to deal with besides her siblings but since their mother walked out as well, Darla is beside herself trying to figure out what to do and Aaron doesn't seem to be willing to step up to the responsibilities now falling to the wayside around the farm. She doesn't want to bring it up for fear he will only get angry at her and lash out even more. Her only consolation is talking to her best childhood friend Lukas Kinsinger, but since Aaron holds him personally responsible for the death of their father, he takes even that anger out on his family and Darla when he can. But Lukas isn't about to stand around and watch the only person he ever loved being abused. After all, he lost his own father in the fire as well. It will take a community pulling together to help Aaron before anyone else gets hurt.

I received A Son's Vow by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspire Publishing and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of the novel in exchange for my fair and honest evaluation. This one I truly enjoyed and as all of Shelley's novels, they are always over much too soon. I simply want more because you find yourself so lost in the story it's over before you know it and you have turned the last page. There are some great additions to this one beside the cute map within the front cover, There is a meet the author section, about the book and some great discussion questions just perfect for the book clubs! A bonus recipe is also included to make this truly a treat! For me, hands down a 5 out of 5 stars once again. Now I can't wait for the next novel in this series!

For more information about A Son's Vow, Shelley Shepard Gray or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A Son's Vow by Shelley Shepard Gray

You can find Shelley Shepard Gray on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Son's Vow, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.

A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn

I was so excited to get this book that I immediately sat down and began reading it. Pinecraft, Florida is definitely on my Bucket List, because each time I read one of Shelley Shepard Gray's novels using that as a setting, it makes me not only want to visit, but possibly live there. The characters she has breathed life into makes you want to see for yourself how hospitable, warm and loving this community of Amish truly is. While the place is real, we know that the characters are just the ones we have fallen in love with from the moment we began our journey in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft Series. A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn is the third book in this series. Welcome back my dearest friends!

Beverly Overholt, part owner now of the Orange Blossom Inn finds that her niece Tricia who has made Pinecraft her home for now, has begun a friendship with Ben Hilty, the oldest son of the Hilty family who was staying at the Inn, until the farm they purchased was ready for them to begin moving into. Now it seems she is hoping that Tricia doesn't fall to hard too soon for Ben as she is still dealing with her past that caused her to wind up with Beverly to begin with. Meanwhile Beverly is trying to sort of her own feelings with the new owner of the Inn, Eric Wagler, an English man who is attempting to sell his home so he can manage the Inn on a more permanent basis. For now, Beverly is in charge of manning it full time. How can she possibly have feelings for her new boss?

Emma Keim, a widow with three young girls is about to run into God's true destiny for her life, when a wayward beagle named Frankie, with an appetite for all kinds of food, but especially pizza, lands himself in a backyard pizza feast of the Hilty family. Her she meets Jay Hilty and his three boys who is also a widower and she finds that making a friend might not be such a bad thing after all. However when circumstances keep bringing the two families together, both of them feel a pull towards more than friendship as time wears on, especially since they witness the growing affections between Ben and Tricia. Is love once again in the air at the Orange Blossom Inn?

I received A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspire Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review, aside for a free copy of this novel, and the opinions expressed here are my personal honest ones. It will be hard to watch this series end because I feel like I have gotten to know each of these residents in a personal way through the sharing of their story in Pinecraft and their place in the community. Here is to hoping that not only Beverly and Eric fall in love as those daily phone calls seem to hint at, but also the love growing between Emma and Jay. Just like an Amish Brady Bunch as Shelley like's to refer to them as. For me, this is like a true homecoming each time I open these novels and thus the reason for my 5 out of 5 rating. I love savoring each story and this one was exceptional!

For more information about A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn, Shelley Shepard Gray or where you can pick up a copy of this one today, please click on the links below:

A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn by Shelley Shepard Gray

You can find Shelley Shepard Gray on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour page.

The Proposal at Siesta Key

(Sigh!!) That is what I do whenever I read any of Shelley Shepard Gray's Amish novels. First, because they are so exceptionally well written that I simply forget where I am for the duration of the time it takes me to read it (in one sitting), and the other because I am so sad that it's over too soon! Once again, Shelley takes us back to Pinecraft, Florida in her second installment of the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series, with The Proposal at Siesta Key!

This was inspired by a true life event Shelley witnessed when visiting the Amish town of Pinecraft and saw a small group of missionaries sharing their story with those gathered and this inspired her to write about the Knoxx family, Mennonites who were taking their story on the road of what their son Michael endured with the loss of his leg during a bike accident. Now feeling it has been a calling from God on their life, they find themselves as guests at the Orange Blossom Inn while spending a couple days on their tour sharing the story. It will be one that will be both life-changing and unforgettable.

Penny Troyer at 24, is trying to find a way to tell her parents, that all their protectiveness they have had in her life, is gotten to the point where she feels she isn't living a life but merely existing in theirs since the tragedy that took the life of her sister Lissy and left them wanting to protect the only daughter they have left. But what it has done in the process is eliminated the chance for Penny to establish friends and do all the kinds of things a young teenage girl would have, to find someone to love and perhaps even get a job. Now she simply needs to find a way to tell them she wants to go with a friend to see the traveling Knoxx family at the park, but the conversation happening in her mind is much easier than the one she will be having with both of her parents.

I received The Proposal at Siesta Key by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Avon Inspired Books, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. Aside from my complimentary copy of the novel, I did not receive any monetary compensation for my review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. One day I can only hope to make a visit to the Amish town of Pinecraft and view the places Shelley describes in her book at the conclusion. What a charming place it must be where the pace of life is much slower and a bit more simple than the rat race most of us face. Truly it is no wonder so many come to visit and end up making Pinecraft their own home! I know I would hate to leave and thus the reason for always finishing these novels much too soon! There is a sneak peek at her next novel coming up included which means I won't have to wait too long. Well worth a stellar 5 out of 5 stars and be warned there is a great recipe for Chocolate Pecan Pie included as well!

For more information about The Proposal at Siesta Key, Shelley Shepard Gray or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Proposal at Siesta Key by Shelley Shepard Gray

You can find Shelley Shepard Gray on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Proposal at Siesta Key, please visit Litfuse Publicity's book tour page.

Penny's time with Michael has brought happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? #giveaway @ShelleySGray http://bit.ly/1Hue7QK 

The Promise of Palm Grove

I love the simplicity of reading a great Amish romance and Shelley Shepard is quite the expert at writing not only exceptional Amish Romance's but making us feel like we are part of the story, not just reading a book. In her latest series, Amish Brides of Pinecraft, her first novel, The Promise of Palm Grove takes us back to Pinecraft, Florida. Here we find a small Amish/Mennonite community that spends time hosting guests from other parts of the country looking for an escape from the winter in sunny Pinecraft. Here everyone pretty much knows one another like in any Amish community.

When Leona Weaver arrives in Pinecraft along with her two best friends Mattie and Sara, she is hoping to put some distance between her and her future husband Edmond. She is hoping to figure out if she can be married to such a controlling man who believes that her opinions and her desires are not something to be considered when marrying him. She's been struggling with her emotions that tell her that Edmond is not the man for her and that this is not a normal part of Amish marriages. But to Edmond, there is no argument. He knows what he wants and tries to tell Leona she will conform to his way of thinking once they are married. Leona isn't so sure.

So when she meets Zack Kauffman, a man completely the opposite of Edmond, she soon realizes that she can't go through with her marriage to Edmond. She just has to manage to convince Mattie, not only her friend but Edmond's sister that she is about to call Edmond and let him know she has changed her mind. One thing for sure is that Zack is exactly the kind of man she had hoped might be out there for her, now the only problem is that she lives in Ohio and he lives in Pinecraft. How will they make a long distance relationship work? Find out in The Promise of Palm Grove.

I received The Promise of Palm Grove by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspired, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are my own. I was thrilled to be invited to review this new series, because not only do I love Shelley's writing style but I also adored her attention to detail and she breathes life into these characters that you believe they honestly exist somewhere. I can't wait for the opportunity to visit Pinecraft one day and eat at Yoder's Restaurant even if the line is over 30 minutes long. Shelley includes photos and a list of the top 5 things to see while in Pinecraft in this novel. I'd rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and love that it includes a Reader's Discussion Guide as well as a recipe for Orange Pie at the conclusion of this novel.

For more information about The Promise of Palm Grove, Shelley Shepard Gray or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Promise of Palm Grove by Shelley Shepard Gray

You can find Shelley Shepard Gray on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Promise of Palm Grove please visit Avon Inspired's website. 

Joyful

For those of us that have come to love and call Sugarcreek our home away from home, best-selling author Shelley Shepard Gray, takes us back in her latest novel Joyful, the third book in the Return to Sugarcreek Series. This has definitely been one of my favorites because I feel like I have come to know each of the couples we deal with in this novel, like they're close family friends. I've had the opportunity to get to know them and the struggles they have had up to the point we are reunited with them once again. For me, it's like having a really great television series, that you have to wait for each next episode to air so you can come back again and again to a place you'd love to be a part of.

Randall Beiler and Elizabeth Holt have been seeing one another for the last two years, and Elizabeth is just waiting for the day when he will finally ask her to marry him and join the large Beiler family. Just when she believes that day is finally here, Randall gives her news she wasn't quite expecting. He tells her that he needs to spend more time taking care of his family, now that his older brothers and sisters have gotten married and moved on. Still taking on role of caretaker, mother and father, and older brother leaves him at a disadvantage with the house failing into a state of needing constant cleaning, someone to do all the cooking, and helping to raise nine-year-old Kaylene who feels being left at home with four older brothers is beyond what she can take. So Randall's solution is to call things off with Elizabeth.

Now heartbroken, Elizabeth struggles to figure out a way to help pay her bills taking care of her grandmother since her mother has moved away to begin her own life. She had originally planned to send money, but each month is seems like she is sending less and less, leaving Elizabeth with no choice but to find a way to supplement their income while still caring for her ailing grandmother who needs constant care. She had hoped that being married to Randall would solve things for them, knowing he could support not only them, but allowing her grandmother to move in with them, but that is not going to happen anytime soon. But will one unskilled bachelor be able to handle taking care of a house, cooking, cleaning and raising his siblings without any help, or will Randall realize he has simply bitten off more than he can chew?

I received Joyful by Shelly Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspire, a division of Harper Collins Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. I absolutely LOVED where Shelley took her characters in this novel. As the title suggests, each of them will be forced into a situation in which they will have to find the joy in life once again, instead of dwelling on worries and things beyond our control at times. Too often we find ourselves taking on more stress and worry wondering what will happen, instead of simply enjoying what we have right in front of us, that we miss the joyful moments, of learning what it means to care for those we love, to help out our friends and family when they need it the most, and learn to appreciate what we have instead of wanting more that may never come. It causes the reader to reflect on those joyful moments in their own life, they may be missing simply worrying about tomorrow instead of enjoying today and one that I believe can cause us to change how we view our lives and see more joy instead of worry. I easily give this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars. A reader's discussion guide is included as well as a sneak peek into Shelley's next novel Snowfall.

For more information about Joyful, Shelley Shepard Gray or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Joyful by Shelley Shepard Gray

You can also find Shelley Shepard Gray on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Joyful, please visit Litfuse Publicity's book tour page.

Thankful

I can honestly say that any book that I see that is written from Shelley Shepard Gray will be one that will find a permanent home in my growing collection of her books. In her latest novel from the Return to Sugarcreek Series, Thankful compromises a couple of stories with being thankful as their central theme. My favorite is that of Christina Kempf and Aden Reese, who experienced a tragedy one day when ice skating, as Christina fell through the ice. Aden successfully saved her but would be the one link that keeps them from moving forward in life. Aden joined the Kempf family when he lost his parents as a child and has spent the last ten years growing up feeling like part of the family. Only the one thing that hasn't changed is his feelings for Christina go deeper than brotherly affection. But how can he find a way to court her while still living under the same roof where her family views him as more of a brother to Christina than a suitor?

Christina spends her time working as a server at the Sugarcreek Inn ran by Jana Kent. It's the promotion she's been waiting for and Jana is hoping to make some changes in her own life. Running the restaurant since her husband's death has left her with virtually no time for anything else except wondering how she will make ends meet. She doesn't even have time to visit her now grown children, since there is no one else to help her manage it. Her friend Pippa suggests that she might be ready to find a partner to share the burden of running the restaurant as well as give her some extra time for a life outside of her job. It seems like the ideal suggestion especially when she notices the attention of Ross Capshaw, the newest officer to join the police force in Sugarcreek and it seems he is just as interested in her as well.

Judith Knox has been dreaming of being a mother since she married Ben but it seems as it God has other plans. When she finally comes to terms with not being able to conceive, Ben suggests that they consider adoption. Just when she thinks all the pieces are going to fall into place and their social worker, Bernie finds them a child, she learns that he is only available to foster. The baby's mother is serving time in prison and she needs to find someone to care for him as soon as possible. Just as soon as Judith and Ben agree they are in for another surprise, the baby Bernie has in mind for foster is an African American baby named James. Judith had hoped she wouldn't have to answer any questions about her decision to foster over adopt and now it's going to be quite apparent that the baby isn't Judith and Ben's. But a mother's love shows that love goes beyond the color of our skin!

I received Thankful from Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspired Books, a division of Harper Collins Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. I absolutely love the theme of thankfulness appearing in uniquely different ways through these three situations with the characters in Sugarcreek. It reminds us that we need to take time in our busy lives to be truly grateful for all our blessings, even the not so perfect ones as Shelley reminds us. Life is simply too short to think we will be granted with the possibility of a tomorrow and God reminds us that thankfulness is something that we should practice more often throughout our day. Shelley also includes a recipe for Peanut Butter Pie and a Reader Discussion guide at the conclusion as well as a sneak peek into book three coming soon. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to go back to Sugarcreek again soon!

For more information about Thankful, Shelley Shepard Gray, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Thankful by Shelley Shepard Gray

You can also find Shelley Shepard Gray on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Thankful, please visit the Litfuse Publicity Book Tour page.


In Thankful, New York Times bestselling author, Shelley Shepard Gray captures the beauty, devotion, and warmth of Amish life in this engaging tale of family, commitment, trust, and love set in the beloved community of Sugarcreek.

Enter to win the first two books in Shelley's Return to Sugarcreek series, Hopeful & Thankful. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Eventide

There is something bittersweet that happens when a really great series of novels comes to a close in the final book and Eventide by best-selling author Shelley Shepard Gray is no exception. In her Days of Redemption series, we have followed the Keim family through a series of trials facing them as both Amish and English converts to the faith. In this conclusion to the series, Eventide wraps up some of the lingering questions that have plagued the family since the beginning.

Elise Keim is a twin who shares something that her twin doesn't. She is facing a degenerative eye disease that offers no hope of cure and will ultimately leave her blind. Seeing more than most, she just wishes she could have had the same hope for a future like all Amish women, the ability to fall in love, get married and have a family of her own. But Elise's family treats her like she is more disabled than she is, and finds herself fighting more with them internally than with her own struggle at losing her sight.

Thankfully Landon Troyer sees something in Elise her family doesn't. Her unique ability to face her fears head on with dignity and strength. She doesn't want to be treated any different than any other Amish girl and in order to try to make others see her that way, she fails to inform them just how progressive the loss of her eyesight is. But until Elsie can be honest to Landon and tell him what their future will look like, he believes she is like all other Amish girls and one that has completely captured her heart. Will she have the strength enough to tell him what the future really holds for him if he chooses to marry her?

I received Eventide by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspired Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. This is such a perfect novel because it deals with the power of finding forgiveness even when it might just cost you the future happiness you hoped for. Sometimes life involves taking the biggest risk of losing it all in hopes of finally reaching the other side. The one thing I truly admire about the Amish is their sense of family and community and that no matter what obstacle any of them face, they never face it alone. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and bid a bittersweet farewell to the characters I've come to love and really appreciate in every sense of the word in this amazing series. For those of you that want to begin the journey, start with the first book Daybreak and then Ray of Light before closing with Eventide. There is even a Discussion Guide included for book clubs and a sneak peek at Shelley's next novel Peace at the end of this novel.

For more information about Eventide, Shelley Shepard Gray or where you can pick up a copy of this amazing novel please click on the links below:

Eventide by Shelley Shepard Gray 

You can also find Shelley Shepard Gray on Facebook to stay up to date with all her novels.

You can read more reviews on Eventide from the Litfuse Publicity Book Tour by clicking here.


Shelley Shepard Gray is celebrating the release of the final book in The Days of Redemption series, Eventide, by giving away FIVE sets of the series. 

Five winners will receive:

• Daybreak, Ray of Light and Eventide by Shelley Shepard Gray

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 21st. All winners will be announced September 23rd at Shelley's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Shelley's blog on the 23rd to see if you won one of the book sets!

Daybreak

What if everything you ever believed about your upbringing and the life your parents had lived was nothing but a lie? What would that make you think about all the decisions you've made that were called wrong when instead they could have been right, if only the true were allowed to shine through? Now you have the premise behind the latest novel from Shelley Shepard Gray in her new series The Days of Redemption. In the first book, Daybreak we are introduced to the residents of Daybreak Retirement Home where Viola Keim has been working in Mennonite community. Even though she herself isn't a Mennonite, but a New Order Amish, she finds herself wondering just how children can abandon their parents to live out the rest of their lives in the care of strangers instead of living at home with them.

She finds herself particularly drawn to an elderly man named Atle Swartz who is wheelchair bound but is ornery as they come and lately only Viola can dish it back to him in a manner that creates a wonderful relationship despite the age difference. However when Atle shares the letters from his son volunteering in mission work in Nicaragua, she isn't pleased when Edward returns home to see his father. She has a hard time coming to terms between the differences in caring for aging parents and feels obligated to share her concerns with him. However it seems there might be more sparks there than just anger but can they work through their differences before Edward has to return to Nicaragua?

When Viola learns that even her own family has been hiding secrets of their own, it opens her up to the possibilities that not everything as it appears on the surface. She learns that her own mother was born English and have hidden the facts of their lives before marriage from their children. Now Viola's parents have to come to terms that what people think about them as the perfect family isn't really true and that those same standards they have placed on their children growing up has made life more difficult than they could have imagined. What implications will that have not only on their immediate family but in the Amish community as well? Will this new knowledge help Viola move towards having a softer heart towards Edward and his own father?

I received Daybreak by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspired, a division of Harper Collins Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. Once again Shelley does an exceptional job at writing a series that defines some valuable lessons in between, about judging a book by its cover! In this instance Viola is judgemental when it comes to how Edward deals with his father based on her own values in growing up Amish, but she doesn't understand what has motivated them to make the decision that worked for them. Much like how she has judged her own parents based on what she saw on the outside without really knowing the truth about their own pasts. I LOVED novels that offer a duality about them, incorporating an wonderful story with some valuable life lessons we can all relate to. I rate this one a wunderbaar (wonderful in Amish) 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait for the next book Ray of Light in this heartwarming The Days of Redemption series. You get a teaser chapter at the end of this one!

For more information about Daybreak, Shelley Shepard Gray or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Daybreak by Shelley Shepard Gray

You can also find Shelley Shepard Gray on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Daybreak from the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance tour, please click here.