Posts Categorized: amish fiction

A Christmas Bride in Pinecraft by Shelley Shepard Gray

21 Oct, 2015 by in adult, amish fiction, shelley shepard gray Leave a comment

I received this book for free from Avon Inspire in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A Christmas Bride in Pinecraft by Shelley Shepard Gray

A Christmas Bride in Pinecraft

by Shelley Shepard Gray
Published by Avon Inspire on October 13, 2015
Genres: Adult, Amish Fiction
Pages: 288
Format: Paperback
four-stars
Source: Avon Inspire
Buy the Book
When Beverly Overholt’s beloved Orange Blossom Inn is broken into, she’s shaken to her core. The Inn has been her whole life since arriving in the quaint Amish vacation town of Pinecraft, Florida. Hoping to repair what’s been lost, Beverly calls Eric Wagler, the inn’s handsome owner. To her surprise, he promises to be on the next flight out.

Ever since her fiancé jilted her, Beverly’s been closed off to love. However,

with Eric, things feel different. She can’t help but be hopeful that their work relationship will turn into something more—even though they are from different worlds.

She grew up Amish and is now Mennonite. Eric, on the other hand, grew up on the city streets of Philadelphia. How could they ever find common ground?

But as Beverly and Eric put the inn back together, prepare for Christmas, and even witness romance blossoming for another couple, the trust…and love…between them grows. Will Christmas bring a second chance for Beverly? And if it does, will she be brave enough to take it?

I’ve read other books by Shelley Shepard Gray, but this is the first for me in her Amish Brides of Pinecraft series. Prefect for Christmas, the fourth in the series explores what happens when crime hits a small tight knit community. Shelley takes three story lines and wraps them together, which was a bit of a challenge for me. I usually prefer one story line at a time. However, she does it well and the themes and characters overlap which makes everything mesh. There are lessons about forgiveness, PTSD, neglect and a theme of old Amish tradition meshing with the outside Englisher world.  The romance is sweet and clean.

I am warning you though, do not read this novel on an empty stomach. The main character Beverly can cook and you’ll be looking for an Amish sugar cookie recipe like I was when you’re done. I loved that Shelley Shepard Gray included photos of the actual Pinecraft community and one recipe in the end notes. Maybe she can release a cookbook next! If you love Amish or Mennonite fiction with a strong moral message, you will love this book.

About the Author

Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times and USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

Read all of Shelley’s books in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series:

Book 1: THE PROMISE OF PALM GROVE, On-Sale: January 27, 2015,

ISBN: 9780062337702, $12.99

Book 2: THE PROPOSAL AT SIESTA KEY, On-Sale: May 12, 2015,

ISBN: 9780062337726, $12.99

Book 3: A WEDDING AT THE ORANGE BLOSSOM INN, On-Sale: September 15, 2015,

ISBN: 9780062337740, $12.99

Shelley’s Christmas Book:

A CHRISTMAS BRIDE IN PINECRAFT, On-Sale: October 13, 2015,

ISBN: 9780062337771, $12.99

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Review ~Joyful: Return to Sugarcreek, Book Three

01 Oct, 2014 by in adult, amish fiction, HarperCollins Leave a comment

I received this book for free from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review ~Joyful: Return to Sugarcreek, Book Three

Joyful

by Shelley Shepard Gray
Series: Return to Sugar Creek #3
Published by HarperCollins on September 2, 2014
Genres: Adult, Amish Fiction, Christian, Clean Romance
Pages: 266
Format: Paperback
five-stars
Source: HarperCollins
Buy the BookGoodreads
Return to Sugarcreek with bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray for a heartwarming story of second chances with a young Amish couple

Randall Beiler will sacrifice anything to take care of his younger siblings and the family farm, even if it means forsaking love. But when his brother offers pretty Elizabeth Nolt a job cleaning and cooking for the family, Randall is furious—and feels guilty about the way he once broke Elizabeth's heart. Then he learns that Elizabeth and her grandmother are struggling to make ends meet and he knows the offer, no matter how painful, is the right thing for everyone.

Elizabeth wants to refuse but she needs the work. Though she vows to protect her heart, spending time in the Beiler household makes Elizabeth realize that her love for Randall still burns strong. And though Randall keeps his distance at first, time and teamwork reveal that something deeper still connects them.

Elizabeth isn't sure what to think: Does Randall want her because he truly loves her, or because he needs a housekeeper? And if his feelings have changed for sure, Randall must find a way to show Elizabeth what she really means to him or risk losing his partner in life and love forever.

It was a rainy day yesterday and I picked up three different books in hopes for an escape, and struck out. So I turned to Shelley Shepard Gray…bingo! Once again, her Return to Sugar Creek series was the ticket to a clean, sweet diversion. The third installment picks up three different story lines and follows the theme of second chances, tender mercies from a loving God. There’s the couple who has broken up, the young couple who has miscarried and is looking to adopt, and a divorced restaurant owner who is afraid to trust again. At firs, I was hesitant to have so much going on at one time and I found myself drawn to the story of Elizabeth and Randall. I wasn’t quite as engaged in the other two stories, until the very end, when I was surprised to find I was in tears at the sweet story of a foster baby finding a home.

Shelley Shepard Gray wraps things up in a neat tidy package. She writes feel good novels with faith intertwined. If you are looking for a simple plot with predictable resolution you will be pleased. One finds themselves transported to a community where horse drawn buggies are still used, homemade sugar cookies are cut out with the top of a glass. Yet, modernization is afoot and modern characters are woven in quite nicely. I love the Amish charm and the goodness that emanates from their lives. Recommend this series for a Fall rainy day read! There’s study questions in the book and a sneak peek to book four…going online to pre-order!

heather shelleyshepardgray2013-240x300

Author Bio

I grew up in Houston, Texas, went to Colorado for college, and after living in Arizona, Dallas, and Denver, we moved to southern Ohio about ten years ago.

I’ve always thought of myself as a very hard worker, but not ‘great’ at anything. I’ve obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree…but I never was a gifted student. I took years of ballet and dance, but I never was anywhere near the star of any recital. I love to cook, but I’m certainly not close to being gourmet…and finally I love to write books, but I’ve certainly read far better authors.

Maybe you are a little bit like me. I’ve been married for almost twenty years and have raised two kids. I try to exercise but really should put on my tennis shoes a whole lot more. I’m not a great housekeeper, I hate to drive in the snow, and I don’t think I’ve ever won a Monopoly game. However, I am the best wife and mother I know how to be.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that in God’s eyes that is okay? That from His point of view, we are all exceptional? I treasure that knowledge and am always so thankful for my faith. His faith in me makes me stand a little straighter, smile a little bit more, and be so very grateful for every gift He’s given me.

I started writing about the Amish because their way of life appealed to me. I wanted to write stories about regular. likeable people in extraordinary situations-and who just happened to be Amish.

Getting the opportunity to write Inspirational novels is truly gratifying. With every book, I feel my faith grows stronger. And that makes me feel very special indeed.

 

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Author Interview with Shelley Shepard Gray

17 Dec, 2013 by in amish fiction, author interview, shelley shepard gray, Uncategorized 1 comment

shelleyshepardgray2013-240x300

Fire and Ice is pleased to have the opportunity to ask a few exclusive questions of author Shelly Shepard Gray on site today! Her novel Peace: A Crittenden County Christmas Novel was just released in October and we reviewed it here last week.

It’s perfect pick for the days before Christmas!

Author Interview

How did you first become interested with or acquainted with the Amish?

I happen to live an hour away from an Amish community. Long before I decided to write about the Amish I was a frequent visitor to their stores. When I started writing inspirational romances, having my characters be Amish was a good fit for me.

Have you had a chance to visit them or live among them for research?

I am friends with a lady who grew up Mennonite in Sugarcreek. She was kind enough to introduce me to one of her friends in Sugarcreek who is old order Amish. That lady has been extremely helpful when I’ve had questions.

Tell us some Amish Christmas traditions.

The Amish do not decorate for Christmas. Gift giving is also not a big part of the focus. However, they do bake Christmas cookies and other holiday treats. They usually do exchange one small or meaningful gift, perhaps something useful like a new wool coat or something for their home. The Amish I know also buy their children a few gifts to open on Christmas day. They also love to exchange Christmas cards.

Is there more than one book planned or is this a stand alone?ShelleyShepardGray_Peace_300

PEACE is actually a follow-up novella to last year’s Secrets of Crittenden County series. That trilogy followed the murder investigation of Perry Borntrager and how his death affected everyone who knew him. The books in that series are Missing, The Search, and Found. Next year, I’ll be publishing six novels. Three will be the Return to Sugarcreek trilogy, which begins with Hopeful in February, followed by Thankful and Joyful. I’ll also be publishing a Christmas novella, an Amish historical, and a single title historical titled Secrets of Sloane House, under the name Shelley Gray. It will be an exciting year, for sure!

Favorite Amish word?

It’s definitely wunderbaar, which means really, really wonderful. I love that!

 

Author Bio

I grew up in Houston, Texas, went to Colorado for college, and after living in Arizona, Dallas, and Denver, we moved to southern Ohio about ten years ago.

I’ve always thought of myself as a very hard worker, but not ‘great’ at anything. I’ve obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree…but I never was a gifted student. I took years of ballet and dance, but I never was anywhere near the star of any recital. I love to cook, but I’m certainly not close to being gourmet…and finally I love to write books, but I’ve certainly read far better authors.

Maybe you are a little bit like me. I’ve been married for almost twenty years and have raised two kids. I try to exercise but really should put on my tennis shoes a whole lot more. I’m not a great housekeeper, I hate to drive in the snow, and I don’t think I’ve ever won a Monopoly game. However, I am the best wife and mother I know how to be.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that in God’s eyes that is okay? That from His point of view, we are all exceptional? I treasure that knowledge and am always so thankful for my faith. His faith in me makes me stand a little straighter, smile a little bit more, and be so very grateful for every gift He’s given me.

I started writing about the Amish because their way of life appealed to me. I wanted to write stories about regular likeable people in extraordinary situations-and who just happened to be Amish.

Getting the opportunity to write Inspirational novels is truly gratifying. With every book, I feel my faith grows stronger. And that makes me feel very special indeed.

Learn More

        
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Review: Peace: A Crittenden County Christmas Novel by Shelley Shepard Gray

09 Dec, 2013 by in amish fiction, book review, christmas Leave a comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Peace: A Crittenden County Christmas Novel by Shelley Shepard Gray

Peace: A Crittenden County Christmas Novel

by Shelley Shepard Gray
Published by Avon Inspire on October 22, 2013
Genres: Adult, Amish Fiction
Pages: 256
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Buy the BookGoodreads
After a year of secrets and scandal, will this Amish community finally find peace under the bright promise of Christmas?

Beth Byler has a secret. Ever since she met Englischer Chris Ellis while helping out at the Yellow Bird Inn, she can't stop thinking about him. She knows a relationship could never go anywhere—Chris was working undercover in Crittenden County as a DEA agent. That meant he faced danger daily and carried a gun, making him completely unsuitable for an Amish woman like herself. But she knew he felt the attraction, too. It was the reason he left so suddenly, promising never to see her again.

Then, three days before Christmas, while Beth is taking care of the inn, Chris returns. This time, he is bleeding and in need of a place to hide. Against her better judgment, Beth takes him in and tends to his wounds. She also promises to keep his presence a secret. Before long, it becomes clear that nothing between them has changed—a relationship is inevitable. But are they ready to sacrifice everything for this chance at love?

I’ve really been loving both Amish fiction and Christmas fiction this year, so I was super excited when I received Peace in the mail for review. Beth Byler is working for Christmas, holding down the fort at the bed and breakfast owned by her friend Frannie. She’s not expecting any guests until a knock at the door reveals Chris, a DEA agent and Englischer who has been badly wounded. He’s seeking refuge from a job gone bad. In need of stitches, without a place to stay, Beth decides she must take him in– but her heart is in more danger than she imagined.

Chris is looking for some peace and a chance to heal. But he has walls up that must be kept there to protect himself and Beth. He hasn’t seen his family in years for fear they will be ashamed of what he must become when he goes undercover, and for fear they will pay consequences if he is followed. But his time at the Yellow Bird with Beth may be just what he needs to sooth his soul.

This is a cozy novel that helps you believe in destiny, and the need to forgive. There is a definite romance element but the author keeps it clean, which I truly appreciate . It moves along slowly enough to fit the genre and characters perfectly. The pacing is good, but I wasn’t a fan of moving between two different story lines.

Alongside the main plot,  is a subplot of another Amish family in the community trying to muddle their way through a murder and the imprisonment of  the perpetrator. Lots of guilt and bitterness to be worked through. I had a hard time connecting with it, as I wanted to know just how the victim, Perry, lost his life and what role each person played. There were details left undone that left me a bit confused. The motivation for murder, the reasons behind it and how it played out were all left sketched, but not filled in. Maybe a follow up novella, or deleted scene with  flashback would be a great solution for me on the unanswered questions.

Overall, this is the best Amish fiction I’ve read yet and I would recommend it to adults looking for a light seasonal romance. I’m happy to have found the Avon Inspire imprint and new author to follow!

4heather

 

Author Bio

shelleyshepardgray2013-240x300

I grew up in Houston, Texas, went to Colorado for college, and after living in Arizona, Dallas, and Denver, we moved to southern Ohio about ten years ago.

I’ve always thought of myself as a very hard worker, but not ‘great’ at anything. I’ve obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree…but I never was a gifted student. I took years of ballet and dance, but I never was anywhere near the star of any recital. I love to cook, but I’m certainly not close to being gourmet…and finally I love to write books, but I’ve certainly read far better authors.

Maybe you are a little bit like me. I’ve been married for almost twenty years and have raised two kids. I try to exercise but really should put on my tennis shoes a whole lot more. I’m not a great housekeeper, I hate to drive in the snow, and I don’t think I’ve ever won a Monopoly game. However, I am the best wife and mother I know how to be.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that in God’s eyes that is okay? That from His point of view, we are all exceptional? I treasure that knowledge and am always so thankful for my faith. His faith in me makes me stand a little straighter, smile a little bit more, and be so very grateful for every gift He’s given me.

I started writing about the Amish because their way of life appealed to me. I wanted to write stories about regular. likeable people in extraordinary situations-and who just happened to be Amish.

Getting the opportunity to write Inspirational novels is truly gratifying. With every book, I feel my faith grows stronger. And that makes me feel very special indeed.

Learn More

        
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