Tag: shelley shepard gray

Categories
Uncategorized

Her Secret Hope (A Season in Pinecraft Book #3): (An Amish Christian Romance Series about Living Fully, Friendships, Heartbreaks, and Finding Love) by Shelley Shepard Gray

304 pages November 7,2023 publish date Revell publisher

ABOUT THE BOOK

Almost two years after Lilly Kurtz first traveled to Pinecraft, Florida, with friends, she’s decided to make a fresh start there. She’s ready to be new-and-improved Lilly, a Lilly without a past, a Lilly with no secrets. At first, everything goes well. She gets a job, her coworkers feel like family, and she enjoys reconnecting with her friends. But it turns out the past is reluctant to be left behind.

When Lilly meets hardworking farmer Eddie Byler, she can’t get him off of her mind. But then she discovers that Eddie actually lives just a few miles from her hometown in Ohio. Lilly knows that he’s not going to like it when he finds out what secrets she’s been running from. And she knows she could never follow the man she’s falling in love with back to a place where she’s never felt accepted.

Will Lilly have to give up on love in order to find peace? Or could it be that love is actually the solution to all of her problems?

MY THOUGHTS

When I saw Shelley’s latest release in the A Season in Pinecraft series available I just had to grab it and read in less than a day. Never mind that it doesn’t release until November I wasn’t waiting to read it!

I’ve loved this series and getting to know the girls who met on a bus in an ice storm on the way down to Pinecraft. This happened in the first book. Each book in the series has taken us through the girls’ friendships and meeting their beau, marriage and them settling into adult life.

I enjoyed reading the descriptions of Pinecraft, Florida and its Amish population and how they’ve adapted to life there. This book is about Lilly Kurtz, leaving her old life behind is not quite as easy as she thought it would be. Secrets seem to come to light when you least expect it, but will it put a damper on her new budding relationship with hardworking farmer Eddie Byler?

Eddie and his grandmother, November have traveled from Ohio for a vacation. I’ll say November is unlike any Amish woman I’ve read about. She’s sassy and I love her character.

Lilly is happy, she’s found work at an inn and gets along well with the other employees and the owner. When she is blamed for an incident beyond her control at work who will she have to fall back on? I have really enjoyed this series; I think it may be my favorite by the author and greatly look forward to her next series. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Pre-Order Here

THE AUTHOR

Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She’s published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.

Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter. Shelley can also be found on FaceBook, Instagram @shelley.s.gray, or on Twitter @ShelleySGray.

Enjoy your day. Thank you for stopping in.

Categories
Uncategorized

Holiday novella collection, An Amish Christmas Star by Shelley Shepard Gray; Charlotte Hubbard; Rosalind Lauer

336 pages September 27,2022 publication date Kensington publisher

Grab A Copy Here

About The Book

The crisp fragrance of pine trees and the warm spice of fresh cookies aren’t the only blessings that Christmas brings, and no one knows more about happy homecomings than three couples who are celebrating the greatest gift of all . . .

BUGGIES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES * Shelley Shepard Gray
Called home by family, John Miller and Ellie Coblentz are each looking for a way north from Pinecraft, Florida. With few options, they decide sharing the burden of travel must be the Lord’s plan for them. But can this bumpy, bad-weather journey home help them find their way into each other’s hearts, too?
 
STAR OF WONDER * Charlotte Hubbard
When Raymond Overholt comes to Promise Lodge, hoping to sell the barnboard signs he’s painted with stars and Christmas messages, spirited young Mennonite Lizzie Zehr is intrigued. But any courtship between them will face fierce opposition from the bishop of Raymond’s Old Order community—unless someone can convince him that at the heart of faith lies love . . .
 
STARLIGHT EVERLASTING * Rosalind Lauer
Newlyweds Rachel and Luke Coblentz can’t wait to celebrate their first Christmas together after years of courtship. But when Luke’s factory job threatens to keep them apart—from each other and their dream of a family—it will take faith to believe in the gift of a truly joyful ending . . .

My Thoughts

Such beautiful writing here. Seasonal stories covering Thanksgiving and Christmas. The common theme in each story is a star, whether it may be a decoration, Christmas star cookies, stars in the sky or a lit-up star in a Christmas play. I have read books by all of the authors and enjoyed them.


Charlotte Hubbard’s collection piece is part of the Promise Lodge series which I enjoy very much. Each story has Amish couples going through some troubles but in the end it’s sorted. These couples are trying to go home for the holidays, but we end up seeing home is wherever you are with family and friends.

Filled with hope, love, faith and encouragement, the perfect book for whenever you need a pick me up no matter the time of year.

Pub Date 27 Sep 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The Authors

About the Author

Shelley Shepard Gray is the two-time Holt Medallion Award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over one hundred novels. Her novels have been translated into multiple languages and highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, NPR and USA Today, among othera. An active member of her church and the mother of two young adults, Shelley lives with her husband in Colorado and writes full time. Please visit her online at ShelleyShepardGray.com.
 
Charlotte Hubbard is the highly acclaimed author of Amish romances celebrating simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle. A longtime Missourian, she draws upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the  Mississippi, to create strong, inspiring characters and uplifting stories. Faith and family, farming and food preservation are hallmarks of her lifestyle, and the foundation of all her Amish romance series. She’s a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and when she’s not writing, she loves to try new recipes, crochet, and sew. Charlotte now lives in Nebraska with her husband and their border collie. You can learn more about Charlotte and her novels at CharlotteHubbard.com.

Rosalind Lauer is the author of the Joyful River Series, Lancaster Crossing series, and Seasons of Lancaster series. She grew up in a large family in Maryland and began visiting Lancaster County’s Amish community as a child. Lauer attended Wagner College in New York City and worked as an editor for Simon & Schuster and Harlequin Books. She now lives with her family in Oregon, where she writes in the shade of some towering two-hundred-year-old Douglas fir trees. Readers can find her on Facebook at facebook.com/GoodOldFashionedBooks. –This text refers to the paperback edition.

May your day be blessed with goodness. Thank you for stopping in today.

Categories
Uncategorized

Her Only Wish (A Season in Pinecraft Book #2) an Amish Romance by Shelley Shepard Gray

284 pages June 6, 2023 publish date Revell publisher

About The Book

Return to Pinecraft, Florida, for a Sweet Amish Romance

Sheltered yet adventurous, Betsy Detweiler is on a mission to get out of Kentucky and experience new things in life. She’s got a list–a life list. What better place to start than with her friends in beautiful Pinecraft, Florida?

From the moment Betsy walks into the Snow Bird Golf Course to sign up for lessons, August Troyer is mesmerized. Betsy is a mass of contradictions–beautiful yet awkward, outgoing yet unsure, joyful yet hesitant. She’s like no one he’s ever met before, and as the only child of missionary parents, he’s met a lot of people.

As Betsy and August embark on a month of enjoying life to the fullest, they’ll encounter several reasons to back off and play it safe. But playing it safe has its own consequences. This tender romance reminds us that life–and love–requires a fair amount of risk.

My Thoughts

I have read just about every book this author has out. Shelley Shepard’s books are automatic reads for me. I have never read one I haven’t enjoyed. Her books are so realistic you can see all the scenarios happening.

Her Only Wish is an Amish book that is the second book in the, A Season in Pinecraft series. This is Betsy Detweiler and August Troyer’s story.

In the first book, Betsy comes down to Pinecraft, Florida, on a bus with three other Amish women. The four women did not know each other before the bus trip. Before the bus could make it to Florida, the bus was delayed by an ice storm, and the women had to stay in a hotel room for the night, talking and giggling and sharing life stories. Before they left the room, they had become best friends. This story focuses on one of these women, Betsy.

Now that she has left Kentucky, Betsy is determined to leave her old life behind and her old attitude behind as well. Betsy is a shy, conservative girl, but with a new start in a new area, she also makes a “life-list,” as she calls it. She is determined to become more outgoing and try new things not all Amish women may know how to do, such as learning to play golf, ride a horse, and swim.

On the golf course, she meets outgoing August, who happens to be the owner’s nephew, and he offers to give her golf lessons. She is staying with one of the Amish women she met on the bus, who is now married.
Betsy has asthma and had a bad flare-up one evening, requiring medical attention. I know how scary this is, as we have a daughter with asthma.

The book is sweet and charming. I really liked August’s character. He is so encouraging with Betsy, not once making her feel bad for being a terrible golf player and helping her to come out of her shell. He’s there for her whenever she needs him, including during her medical emergency.

I just loved this book and look forward to reading the next one in this series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions expressed are my own.

Grab A Copy Here

About The Author

Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She’s published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.

Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter. Shelley can also be found on FaceBook, Instagram @shelley.s.gray, or on Twitter @ShelleySGray.

Thank you for stopping in today and have a great weekend.

Categories
Uncategorized

Coming Home (A Woodland Park Firefighters Romance Book 1) by Shelley Shepard Gray

351 pages November 29,2022 publish date Berkley publisher

About The Book

When an army vet becomes a firefighter in small-town Colorado, the flames of an old love reignite in this sweet romance by bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray

In Woodland Park, a small town nestled in the foothills of Pikes Peak, Anderson Kelly and Chelsea Davis were once the high school “it” couple—the star quarterback and the valedictorian. They broke up when Anderson joined the army and one poor decision at a fraternity party changed Chelsea’s life. Now, she works long shifts in a senior center to support her nine-year-old son, Jack.

After multiple tours in Afghanistan, Anderson has changed, too—physically scarred but mentally strong—and he decides to move back to Woodland Park. Anderson and Chelsea steer clear of each other to avoid reopening old wounds, until they are forced to reconnect through the senior center. They soon discover that the love they once shared never completely vanished. But it will take a fire, a dangerous collision, and the love of one little boy to help Anderson and Chelsea see that the future they’ve always yearned for is in sight…

My Thoughts

I just love Shelley Shepard Gray’s books. She is a very talented author, writing equally well in many genres. This is a wonderful book to spend several hours relaxing and reading.
Woodland Park, Colorado is a small-town family-oriented town where you’re likely to find a little league game most every summer night. Family holds each other tightly here. Anderson Kelly and Chelsea Davis were once high school sweethearts but then he enlisted. This Army vet is back in town and Chelsea is still there, if he could avoid her it’d be perfect. He’s so embarrassed by the way he left her. Chelsea now has a young son and despite himself he finds enjoying time spent with her and her son. Two hearts adrift that have never stopped loving each other deep down. Can this Army vet turned firefighter and his rediscovered flame learn to trust again and let it all fall back into place again? Beautiful writing. I’ll be looking forward to more books by this author soon.

29 Nov 2022 publication date.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The Author

Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She’s published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.

Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter. Shelley can also be found on FaceBook, Instagram @shelley.s.gray, or on Twitter @ShelleySGray.

Enjoy your day and thanks for stopping in.

Categories
Uncategorized

Her Heart’s Desire (A Season in Pinecraft Book #1) Amish fiction by Shelley Shepard Gray-Review

Print length 291 pages Revell Publisher Jan 3,2023 Publication Date

Grab A Copy Here

About The Book

Mary Margaret Miller needs an escape from her small Amish community. She boards a bus, all alone, for a vacation in Pinecraft, Florida. Meeting Betsy and Lilly on the way, she’s amazed to find two kindred spirits. They become fast friends and determine to have the best two weeks of their lives. For Mary, it starts when she meets Jayson Raber. The handsome and charming carpenter is taken by Mary from the get-go, but he has responsibilities back home in Kentucky–including a girl he’s supposed to marry.

When someone from Mary’s past shows up in Pinecraft, it seems like her perfect vacation is ruined. But that’s nothing compared to what’s coming when she realizes what Jayson has been hiding.

Take a vacation with New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray as she explores what happens when we allow our pasts to define our futures in this story of friendship, romance, and new beginnings.

My Thoughts

I always look forward to the author’s newest releases coming out. This one is the start to a new series, and we are once again back in Pinecraft, which I would love to visit someday. It sounds so peaceful.
This is A Season in Pinecraft, #1.


The author is such a master storyteller. no matter the genre she writes, I especially enjoy her Amish stories. Her stories are so compelling with such a nice faith message in them. I always feel so much better after reading her books, such a positive boost they give me.


I was moved by the characters, how they examined who they were and worked on improving their character.
I am looking forward to the next delightful book in this series.

Pub Date 03 Jan 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About The Author

Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She’s published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.

Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter.

You have blessed me by visiting my blog today. Thank you, friend!

Categories
Uncategorized

Happily Ever Amish (The Amish of Apple Creek #1) by Shelley Shepard Gray-Review

About The Book

Combining the appeal of a small-town Amish setting and favorite romance tropes, New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray—one of the most beloved voices in inspirational romance—presents the first in a heart-warming new series perfect for fans of Beverly Lewis, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Charlotte Hubbard.
 
Addie Byler may be Apple Creek’s resident wallflower, but she knows she has a lot to offer—and much to be grateful for. Raised by her loving grandmother, she lives a life filled with good friends and hard work. Wary of romance, Addie assumes no man will look beyond her glasses and her tendency to talk to her rescue donkey, Snickers—until the day she finds a note from a secret admirer. A prank, most likely. But then, a second note arrives . . .
 
It’s not that Daniel Miller doesn’t like Addie, he just doesn’t want to court her. She’s too willful, too chatty, too odd. Yet when he learns she’s been teased because she’s never had a beau, he decides to send a little note of encouragement. One note leads to another. And when Addie begins replying with thoughtful messages of her own, he’s struck by her sweetness and warmth.
 
As chilly winter melts into spring, what began as a gesture of sympathy becomes something much deeper. Daniel fears revealing the truth, but with courage, faith—and a helping hand from their close-knit community—Apple Creek’s most unlikely couple may find their path to happiness . . .

Grab A Copy Here

My Thoughts

An Amish wildflower raised by her grandmother; Addie Byler feels that she doesn’t quite fit in with the other Amish youth. Apple Creek, Ohio, a small, vibrant Amish community where Addie lives helping her elderly grandmother and talking to her rescue donkey, Snickers. I really loved the character Snickers I think he helps Addie to relax and be less anxious. I have read so many of this author’s books over the years, she has quite a few and they are all equally amazing. She truly writes from the heart and brings these characters to life. Not everything is wonderful all the time but it’s realistic and the characters talk things out and offer each other compassion, forgiveness and love.
Realistic daily Amish life is what you’ll find in this book. Surprises along the way offer up joy and a chance at a new beginning. An inspiring book full of hope and family values.

Pub Date 25 Oct 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own. 

The Author

Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She’s published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.

Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter. 

The Series


2

Once Upon a Buggy (The Amish of Apple Creek Book 2) Releasing March 28,2023

by Shelley Shepard Gray (Author)

This sweet Amish retelling of Beauty and the Beast from New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Shelley Shepard Gray—one of the best-loved names in inspirational romance—will delight fans of heartwarming fiction and readers of Charlotte Hubbard, Beverly Lewis, and Beth Wiseman.

May Schott would do anything to change the tragic moment when she stepped too close to the fire that left her best friend, Carl Hilty, devastatingly burned. After Carl left Apple Creek for extensive surgeries, May patiently prayed for one chance to ask his forgiveness. Now, six years later, Carl Hilty is coming home.
 
The reunion goes nothing like May anticipated. Overwhelmed with emotion at seeing Carl again, she is speechless, unable to look away. And Carl’s own stone-cold silence leaves her certain that whatever attraction they once shared has been replaced by his hatred of her.
 
After hiding in the shadows of the big city, Carl has returned to connect with his family and to see if May can overlook his scars and accept his tender love—but her reaction makes it clear that she wants nothing to do with him. He grudgingly agrees to stay with his family for a time before retreating to anonymity once again.
 
But in Apple Creek, it’s easy to miss what everyone around you sees plain as day. For two people who belong together, it will take a few helping hands to heal the hurts of the past and make a miraculous new beginning.

Do you have either book in this series on your want to read list?

Thank you for stopping by today. Have a great day.

Categories
Uncategorized

Christmas at the Amish Market by Shelley Shepard Gray-Review

About The Book

Hallmark and bestselling author
Shelley Shepard Gray
present a Christmas Amish romance
with lots of surprises in store…

Wesley is so busy running his family’s Amish market at the holidays, he barely has time for Liesl, the young woman he’s been courting for years. When she suggests her aunt Jenny could help Wesley out, he agrees to the plan. But Liesl neglected to mention her aunt is only twenty-six years old—and as charming as she is hard-working.

Jenny, still healing after a painful breakup, welcomes the distraction of working at the market. She soon realizes Wesley is everything she ever dreamed a man could be. But how can Jenny even think about romance with the man Liesl expects to marry?

But Liesl’s own feelings are more complicated than she’s willing to admit. With humor, faith, and a little help from their friends in the community, everyone might just find what their hearts are looking for this Christmas at the Amish market.

My Thoughts

Right from the start everything drew me into this story, from the beautifully designed cover to the Christmassy vibe of the book.
A fun Amish Christmas book full of romance and surprises.
Liesl and Wesley have been courting for years, everyone expects them to marry, and they expect it will happen as well. Wesley helps his family to run their Amish Market, it keeps him and his family overwhelmingly busy and tired.
To help Wesley out Liesl suggests her young aunt helps out at the market. Aunt Jenny fresh from a breakup helps and it takes her mind off of things.
I have read so many of this author’s books over the years, she has quite a few and they are all equally amazing. She truly writes from the heart and brings these characters to life. Not everything is wonderful all the time but it’s realistic and the characters talk things out and offer each other compassion, forgiveness and love.
Realistic daily Amish life is what you’ll find in this book. Surprises along the way offer up joy and a chance at a new beginning. An inspiring book full of hope and family values.

Pub Date 08 Nov 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Grab A Copy Here

The Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray writes Amish and Inspirational romances for Simon & Schuster, and Kensington, Harlequin, and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing. With over a million books in print, and translated into more than a dozen languages, her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. She lives in northern Ohio and writes full time. A busy wife and mother of two, she spends her days writing and keeping track of her two teenagers. Her two dogs keep her company when she writes in her basement. Shelley enjoys writing about the Amish and she visits Amish communities in Adams and Holmes counties several times a year.

What makes you want to read Christmas at the Amish Market?

Thank you for stopping in. Have a great weekend.