Shelley Shepard Gray

I've enjoyed many books by this author, and this one ranks up there.

I loved the premise of this read, leaving your everyday modern life and forsaking all of it to turn Amish.

Actually, there is more to it, these children have spent a lot of time previously with their Grandparents, and experienced previously this style of life, but they have never committed to staying forever.

Two of the sibling go first, and we are with them as they go about their everyday lives, different, yes, but comforting, but is it for both?

Keep reading, enjoy the sweet romance offered, and learn at lot about chickens!

Now I'm looking for to the next book in this series!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.… (más)

Friendship, forgiveness and faith shine through this character driven story set in an Amish community.
"...a person can ask others for forgiveness but the hardest person to grant absolution to is oneself."

Two people shunned by their Amish community find renewed friendship and encouragement in learning to forgiving themselves and move on from past traumas. The author skillfully addresses difficult topics like domestic violence within a tight knit community where misjudgment and gossip have done their damage. A tender romance between the main characters grows from an awkward friendship and is lovely as it blooms into something more. A redemptive theme adds hope and grace to their struggles. The writing flows well and is easy to read. I enjoyed the last half of the story more as the pace picked up and the tension builds with some peril. There are some brief mentions of violence and a past assault, but nothing too detailed.
A satisfying read overall. A set up for the next book looks promising. 4 stars

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)… (más)

Seeking a story steeped in faith and forgiveness? Shelley Shepard Gray's Unforgiven is a captivating novel that explores the depths of faith, God’s grace, forgiveness, and the blessed, Divine gift and power of human connection, offering a balm for the soul.

We meet Tabitha Yoder, a woman ostracized from her Amish community after escaping an abusive marriage. Haunted by her past, she lives in seclusion, her spirit as fragile as the walls she's built around herself. Enter Seth Zimmerman, an ex-con burdened by a tragic accident. Both ostracized, they find a tentative solace in each other's company.

Gray's masterful storytelling is infused with a deep understanding of Christian faith. The characters' journeys of healing mirror the redemptive power of God's grace. Each step towards forgiveness, whether for oneself or others, feels earned and deeply moving. Unlike some Amish fiction, Unforgiven doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of domestic violence. It tackles these sensitive topics with grace, offering a glimmer of hope through the unwavering strength of Tabitha's spirit and the unwavering compassion of her newfound community.

The suspense rises like a simmering pot as Tabitha's past resurfaces in the form of her abusive ex-husband. This external threat mirrors the internal battles they both face, forging a bond that strengthens with each shared burden. The supporting characters, particularly Melonie and Lott, add depth and warmth to the narrative. Their blossoming romance provides a delightful counterpoint to the central couple's struggles, reminding us that even amidst darkness, love finds a way to bloom.

Unforgiven is a gripping read; it's a transformative experience. With the precision of a season craftsman, it intricately weaves together, through the lens of Christian faith, the threads of faith, grace, and forgiveness into a narrative that penetrates the depths of the soul. Through its pages, the essence of God’s boundless, redeeming love is palpable and redemption and reconciliation unfolds beautifully.

This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys Amish fiction with a deeper touch. It's a story that will resonate with those seeking a journey of faith and forgiveness while embracing God’s incredible and endless grace.

God says in Isaiah 1:18 (NLT): Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow.

I received a digital copy of Unforgiven from the publisher, Revell, via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.… (más)