Friday, November 4, 2016

A Sister's Wish and An Amish Family Christmas By Shelley Shepard Gray

I received these books from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of these books. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

A Sister's Wish

Book Description:

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.

My Thoughts:

A Sister's Wish is the third book in Shelley Shepard Gray's series The Charmed Amish Life and it is great. I have read many books by Shelley Shepard Gray and enjoyed them, A Sister's wish did not disappoint. A Sister's Wish is the third book and I haven't had the chance to read the two previous book but that really didn't matter. Shelley Shepard Gray definitely finds the balance in her writing for new readers and the others who have read the series. Besides having to catch up with some of the other characters, this could definitely be read as a stand alone. Shelley Shepard Gray writes with authority on Amish life, Amish settlements especially Charm, Ohio, different ways of life, and seeing people past their appearances. I found myself unable to put this book down, from start to finish it kept my interest. The characters in this book are very well written and show the realities of life. I found myself drawn to Amelia and Simon. Amelia found herself in love with someone whose life isn't perfect and his outward appearance is something people judge him on. She has a good heart and strong faith. Simon lived a life that wasn't perfect. He lived in the Amish community and in the English community. He decides that coming back to Charm, Ohio is the best thing for him and he finds himself having to be strong and keep going even when others judge him. These characters have admirable faith and strength. I really enjoyed their story and I have bought the first two books to read, I cannot wait to get started. I love Shelley Shepard Gray's style of writing, I feel I am right there with the characters experiencing their lives. I highly recommend this book and any of the other books by Shelley Shepard Gray, you will not be disappointed. I give this book 5 STARS.


An Amish Family Christmas:



Book Description:

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.

My Thoughts:

An Amish Christmas is the fourth book in Shelley Shepard Gray's series, Charmed Amish Life and it is fantastic. I am a huge fan of all this author writes and this one doesn't disappoint. I don't typically read Christmas type books but this one really drew my attention and I am so glad I did give it a chance. Shelley Shepard Gray writes with authority on Amish life, Amish settlements especially Charm, Ohio, having faith, and being a single mother. I found myself drawn to this book from the start. I couldn't put this book down from start to finish. I did really enjoy the characters in this book especially Julia. Julia finds herself an unwed mother and has gone through her share of issues. She moved herself and her child to a new town, where no one knows her and they believe she is a widow. I admire Julia's strength, faith, and her devotion to her daughter.  I enjoyed getting to know her. I love Shelley Shepard Gray's style of writing, I felt like I was there, part of Julia and Levi's journey together and separately. This book is well written and drew me in from the start. This book addresses real life issues, proving that no matter who you are or what your faith is we all encounter hardships and temptation. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction and/or Christmas novels you won't be disappointed. Again this book can be read in order or as a stand alone. I cannot wait to read more from Shelley Shepard Gray. I give this book 5 STARS.

Check out this great giveaway Shelley Shepard Gray and Litfuse are offering!




https://promosimple.com/ps/a725


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