Publisher: Avon Inspire

An Amish Family Christmas: A Charmed Amish Life Christmas Novel

20 Oct, 2016 by in Uncategorized 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.

An Amish Family Christmas: A Charmed Amish Life Christmas Novel

by Shelley Shepard Gray
Series: Charmed Amish Life #4
Published by Avon Inspire on October 18, 2016
Genres: Adult, Amish Fiction, Christmas
Pages: 288
Format: Paperback
four-half-stars
Source: Avon Inspire
Buy the BookGoodreads
In Shelley Shepard Gray’s fourth book in her Charmed Amish Life series, an unlikely Amish romance reveals that Christmas is a time for family, miracles—and love.

Ever since his father died in a tragic fire, Levi Kinsinger has felt adrift. Newly returned to Charm, Ohio, Levi is trying to fit into his old life, only to discover he seems to have outgrown it.

But when Julia, his young widowed neighbor, asks for his help with a Christmas project, Levi finds a sense of purpose for the first time in months. She and her daughter are new to Charm and could use a friend, a job Levi takes personally. Soon enough, friendship grows into attraction, but Levi can’t help having doubts. There’s something about Julia that doesn’t ring quite true…

Like Levi, Julia Kemps has survived her fair share of hardships—but only by hiding the truth of her past. Being an unmarried mother in an Amish community was unthinkable. Feeling hopeless, Julia did the only thing she could do: she moved to a new town and pretended to be a widow. But meeting Levi, she’s hopeful for the first time. Little by little, she begins to imagine telling him her darkest secret, and eventually…perhaps even sharing her life with him.

Christmas is a time for family, and as the holiday draws closer, Julia and Levi will have to face their pasts together…in order to find the healing, support and love they so desperately desire.

Immerse yourself in the Christmas season with Shelley Shepard Gray’s last novel in the Charmed Amish Life series. Levi Kisinger is recovering from the loss of his father which prompts him to move out of the big family farm to his own place on Jupiter street.Julia Kemp and her daughter Penny are neighbors, but they keep to themselves, until she locks herself out in the snow and Levi happens upon the scene. Both are in rough patches of life where they struggle to trust others, and to move forward. Ultimately, God’s hand prevails.

Readers will enjoy the candid handling of issues like domestic violence with a hopeful background and resolution. Levi’s character is one of fierce protector and gentle father figure. The setting is idyllic recognizing there are problems in the world but there is always a greater good. Perfect for the holiday season, I recommend the entire series for purchase. Enjoy clean, Amish fiction.

Author Bio


I live in southern Ohio with my husband, two teenagers, and two dogs. My days are filled with busy activities like most any other mom and housewife. But I also love to write books.

Each morning, after my kids go off to school, I sit at my desk, look out my window, and dream of other places. The hours fly by as I make up people and places and drink way too much coffee.

Writing for Avon Inspire has truly been a dream come true. Being able to spend my days in my make-believe world of the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast is a true blessing. I have enjoyed getting to know more about the Amish culture and tapping into my faith as I show each character’s progression toward a personal relationship with our Lord.

Before becoming a full time writer, I taught elementary school in Texas, Arizona, and Colorado. A job transfer to Ohio led my husband to encourage me to finally give writing a try. After all, I had notebooks full of made up stories.

I’ll never forget that first book I typed in our unfinished basement. It was exciting to make up a story, but also very scary. I was also so embarrassed, sure someone would come out of the woodwork and point out that I wasn’t a ‘real’ writer. But I persevered, and sold my third manuscript.

Things have changed a bit. Now I have a real office of my own. (think old guest bedroom!) My walls are painted pink, and more than a couple of book covers decorate my walls. But my days are still the same. I wake up, dream about other people, and do my best to type out stories.

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A Sister’s Wish ~ Review

20 Sep, 2016 by in Uncategorized 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 Sister's Wish

by Shelley Shepard Gray
Published by Avon Inspire on September 27, 2016
Genres: Adult, Amish Fiction
Pages: 272
Format: ARC
Source: Avon Inspire
Buy the Book
In Shelley Shepard Gray’s third book in her Charmed Amish Life series, a respectable young woman finds herself falling for an Amish man from the wrong side of the tracks.

Amelia Kinsinger is the perfect Amish woman—at least according to her neighbors. And while Amelia takes pride in her role as homemaker, she’s also harboring a secret: She’s been in love with bad boy Simon Hochstetler for as long as she can remember. Too bad he’s about as far from “perfect” as an Amish man could get… but that’s exactly why she’s so drawn to him.

Life hasn’t been kind to Simon. He ran away from an abusive home at fifteen and things went downhill from there. Eventually, Simon landed in prison. But the experience changed him. Now back in Charm as a grown man, he’s determined to make a new life for himself and not think too much about his wild past…unless it pertains to Amelia.

He’s loved Amelia for years. To him, she represents everything good and kind in the world. When he realizes that she returns his affections, he starts calling on her in secret, even though her older brother Lukas—who just happens to be Simon’s best friend—has made it perfectly clear that Amelia deserves better. Simon disagrees and believes he’s the only one who can truly make her happy.

But when Amelia gets hurt, it sets off a chain of events that forces them to consider their future together—and face their past mistakes. There’s a chance for love… but only if Simon dares to trust Amelia with the secrets of his past.


In the third book of New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray’s Charmed Amish Life series, a young woman finds herself falling for an Amish man from the wrong side of the tracks.

Amelia Kinsinger may seem like the perfect Amish woman, but she is harboring a secret: She’s been in love with bad boy Simon Hochstetler for as long as she can remember.

Life hasn’t been kind to Simon. He ran away from an abusive home and landed in prison. Now back in Charm, he’s determined to put his wild past behind him and make a new life.

And Amelia is off limits. Everyone thinks she’s too good for Simon—most of all her older brother, who just happens to be Simon’s best friend. When a chain of events forces them to face their past mistakes, all their secrets are revealed. Now Simon must dare to trust Amelia, and she must show him that he is already everything she ever wished he could be.

Review

I’ve long been a fan of Shelley Shepard Gray, and this is my favorite book of hers yet. The Amish life is idyllic, slower paced and simpler. Courting with horse drawn buggy rides, home cooked meals and family ties that run generations mark their society. In this third installment of the Charmed Amish Life series, Shelley addresses the effects of childhood abuse and the returning to the fold. It’s a book about repentance, turning of the hearts back to God and forgiving to move on stronger.

Amelia and Simon are childhood friends, raised in the same community. Each strong in their own way, their regard for each other is enough to carry them through family interference and rumors. I enjoyed the care and tenderness in their relationship as well as the loyalty they who one another. Gray’s writing takes us back in time, yet juxtaposes modern day issues and situations on top of the old fashioned way. This is a series I highly recommend, book three is perfect as we move into Fall. Well done Ms. Gray!

About the Authorshelleyshepardgray2013-240x300

Shelley Shepard Gray lives in southern 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 visits Amish communities in Adams and Holmes counties several times a year. When not spending time with her family or writing, she serves on several committees in her church.

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, www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news…or become her friend on FaceBook.

website

 

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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: 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.

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