Shelley Shepard Gray

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.… (mais)

I requested a review copy of a book I guessed was from a press involved with stories about women by women writers, without realizing it to be one of the definitions of the romance genre.

This book falls into the subgenre of Amish/bonnet! I love it as a niche! Adding in bonnet speaks to the coded cover design and the connection to physical modesty as a Christian value. So, Gray has written sweet and deft romance. It’s no surprise as this is one of more than 100 she has written, including a few in this exact subgenre. However, altho it is set in an Amish community, the issues are very contemporary. Fearful social isolation is one theme that resonates, along with scary news ripped right from our current social media culture. I am feeling the iconic tradwife dealing with an Andrew Tate and falling for a nice healthy, outdoorsy guy who seems legit, but who would not worry that he may be an Andrew Huberman?

Bingo to Gray for a story allowing a connection to triumph. I really enjoyed dipping into both the genre and the Amish culture. I think the book is fully successful as it is, no notes.… (mais)

This volume consists of three short novellas by experienced authors of Amish fiction. The stories are clean, with an overt Christian message that is not preachy. Readers can learn a lot about Amish courtship and the Amish culture by reading these stories. In each of them, a couple is united through letters, thus beginning their courtship. However, the road to love is seldom smooth, as these couples find out through mishaps, mistaken identities, and misdelivered missives.

Readers who enjoy sweet romance novels, with interesting twists and turns, as well as happy endings, will find these stories to their liking. Each novella can be read in one sitting.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.… (mais)