The Unexpected Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Unexpected Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Unexpected Caller 
Series: The Amish Widows Club #1 
Author: Shelley Shepard Gray 
Publisher: Revell 
Release Date: July 7, 2026 
Genre: Amish Fiction / Contemporary / Romance

She finds sisterhood in the Amish Widows Club--but will she risk loving again? 

Leanna Mast never imagined she'd be a widow at forty-one, but it seems God had other plans. After mourning her husband for a year, she realizes it's time to start living again. But her community expects her to remarry, and after living on her own, she's not eager to start cooking and cleaning in another man's home. 

When she's invited to join the Amish Widows Club, she discovers a place of belonging she didn't even know she needed. In this group of women who support each other through sharing books, stories, and companionship, Leanna immediately feels welcome. She's sure her life as a widow will bring her the fulfillment she craves . . . until handsome, kind Evan Keim comes calling. As their relationship deepens, her heart becomes involved. But how could she possibly leave the widows club for a dream that might be too good to be true? 

New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray skillfully draws readers into an endearing and delightful Amish community of friendship during widowhood and a second chance at love.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books. Two-time winner of the HOLT Medallion and finalist for both the Christy and the Carol Awards, Gray lives in Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail. Learn more at ShelleyShepardGray.com.

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My Thoughts

The Unexpected Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray is a charming and heartwarming debut for The Amish Widows Club series. I truly enjoyed getting to know Leanna Mast, along with Evan Keim and his family. Evan’s son, Jeremy, quickly became a favorite of mine. Though he is only seventeen, he offers wise advice, shows remarkable kindness, and has such a big heart. Leanna’s puppy, Bumble, is an adorable addition who brings extra sweetness to the story. I also loved the idea of the Amish Widows Club itself. It is a wonderful way for widowed women to find companionship, receive help when they need it, meet new people, and step into fresh adventures. 

Shelley Shepard Gray’s engaging writing style pulled me easily into the story, and I appreciated the gentle humor sprinkled throughout. The epilogue was especially satisfying, wrapping things up in a lovely and thoughtful way. Faith is beautifully woven throughout the novel, adding depth and encouragement. My favorite quote is, “. . . I know that the Lord had already determined our futures. Because, one way or another, the Lord always provides, Jeremy. He holds us in His arms and guides our futures. That is how it is. It is how it will always be.” I am already looking forward to the next The Amish Widows Club novel, which will feature Jenna. This is the kind of story that leaves you smiling, uplifted, and eager to return to this wonderful circle of friends.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 6, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 13, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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The Unexpected Caller can be purchased from Amazon (other retail links above).  The Forbidden Caller is the next The Amish Widows Club novel which will be out on September 15 and the third is The Persistent Caller which releases on March 2, 2027. You can find Shelley Shepard Gray's other novels here plus you can follow her on Amazon and they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  

I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtaul Books Tours for Murder at First Sight by JP Bird tomorrow (Wednesday, July 8).  It is the first A Suddenly Psyhic Novel and there is a giveaway.  Don't forget to enter The Unexpected Caller Giveaway before you depart.  Have a lovely and peaceful day.  Happy Reading!

  

Kris

The Avid Reader

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

A K-9 Mountain Promise by Helena Smrcek

A K-9 Mountain Promise

Book Summary

Can a loyal companion

Heal two damaged hearts?

After her life is shattered by divorce, Abby Clifford retreats to her family’s mountain cabin in Colorado with her six-year-old daughter, Charlotte, to heal. Then she comes face-to-face with the man she never thought she’d see again. Noah Ross broke Abby’s teenage heart. Now she wants nothing to do with the handsome veterinarian. But when Noah’s in danger of getting evicted from his condo because of his two Hungarian vizsla dogs, Abby reluctantly allows him and his K-9s to spend time on their property. Charlotte immediately bonds with the sweet dogs. Will Abby ever forgive the past and embrace a fresh start?

My Thoughts

A K-9 Mountain Promise by Helen Smrcek is a sweet, heartwarming read with a lovable cast of characters. While it took me a little time to warm up to Abby Clifford, I appreciated her journey and found myself wanting her to let go of the past and embrace the life in front of her. Abby’s daughter, Charlotte, nearly steals the show with her precocious, loving, and outgoing personality. Noah’s dogs, Rosie and Briggs, add even more charm to the story, and I especially enjoyed the way they helped Charlotte begin to heal from her parents’ divorce and her father’s abandonment. 

Hungarian vizsla dogs

Faith is woven naturally throughout the novel, and I liked how Noah gently encouraged Charlotte in her faith. Although this book is part of the K-9 Companions series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. Overall, A K-9 Mountain Promise is a charming, uplifting tale that left me wishing for just a little more time with these characters.

You can get a copy of A K-9 Mountain Promise from Amazon along with the other books in A K-9 Companions series.  If you enjoy clean Christian romances, you should take a look at Helena Smrcek's other novels.  

On July 7, I will be sharing my thoughts on The Unexpected Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray.  It is the debut of The Amish Widows Club.  I hope your Fourth of July is a blast!🎆 I will be cooking dinner on the grill, our village is having a Fourth of July golf cart parade, and then we will watch the fireworks from our porch (the fireworks go off in the lake downtown which is one street away). I am grateful that fireworks do not scare my cat, Dickens (she will sleep right through them). Have a star-spangled holiday! Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

A Mother's Prayer by Chris Maday Schmidt

A Mother's Prayer

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Mother's Prayer by Chris Maday Schmidt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Mother's Prayer 
Series: Sweetwater, Arizona #3 
Author: Chris Maday Schmidt 
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired 
Release Date: June 30, 2026 
Genre: Inspirational Romance

Can an unexpected turn 
lead her right where she belongs? 

Pregnant, single and stranded in a storm with her two young kids, Olive Hart is out of options—until gruff mechanic Hank Valentine comes to their rescue. When her housing falls through, he reluctantly offers them shelter at his ranch in exchange for help at his garage. It’s just a temporary arrangement…but Olive’s chaotic, lovable crew begins to warm his guarded heart. They’ve both been burned by the past, but can they find the courage to build something lasting…together?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop |BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

Chris Maday Schmidt is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author who writes contemporary inspirational romance—real-life fairy tales filled with hope, humor, and heart. A member of Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers, she is the author of the Love Inspired Sweetwater series for Harlequin, including her latest release, A Mother’s Prayer (June 30, 2026). Her debut novel received a 5-star review in the 2024 Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews and Award Contest.

Connect with Chris by visiting chrismadayschmidt.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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My  Thoughts

A Mother’s Prayer by Chris Maday Schmidt is a heartwarming and beautifully written story that completely charmed me. I loved the author’s engaging writing style, relatable characters, and the way the main characters balanced each other so well. Their banter added just the right touch of humor and warmth, making their connection a joy to follow. Sweetwater is a wonderfully charming town filled with caring residents, and Olive’s children are absolutely delightful. I especially adored Roman, the lovable dog who added even more heart to the story. The descriptions of the bread and baked goods were so vivid they had my mouth watering! 

Filled with second chances, family, hope, romance, and faith, A Mother’s Prayer is a touching and uplifting read. The ending left me smiling, and the story lingered with me long after I turned the final page. Although it is the third book in the Sweetwater, Arizona series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. This tender, faith-filled romance is sure to tug at your heartstrings.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a book tote, a B&N gift card, and a signed print copy of A Mother's Prayer!

(1) winner will receive a Sweetwater, Arizona book bundle: A Father's Vow, The Fire Chief's Surprise, and A Mother's Prayer! (print for US winner, ebooks if winner is outside the US)

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 30, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 7, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for print copies & book tote. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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A Mother’s Prayer can be obtained from Amazon (other purchase options above).  The first two books in the Sweetwater, Arizona series are A Father's Vow and The Fire Chief's Surprise. If you like sweet romances, check out Chris Maday Schmidt's other novels.  I made a spoiled cat very happy yesterday.  My cat, Dickens, has been sleeping on a box next to the washer (my fault for sitting it down for a minute). I did not like how it looked (tacky).  My mother and I decided to put a small bookcase beside the washer (we can always use more storage for books).  Dickens helped me put it together (she was so helpful--not).  She loves the bookcase.  We have not been able to put any books on the shelves because she is having so much fun with the open shelves.  She may be eighteen, but she plays like a kitten.  

On Thursday, July 2, I am featuring A K-9 Mountain Promise by Helen Smrcek. It is the latest book in the K-9 Companions series.   Hope today treats you well.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Miriam's LIttle Gentleman by Anne Blackburne

About the Book

Book: Miriam’s Little Gentleman (The Heart of the Amish Book 13)

Author: Anne Blackburne

Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction

Her Heart Is Set on One Man

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this series takes you into the Heart of Amish Country.

Miriam Zook has loved David Miller her whole life, and she confessed her feelings the night before he moved to Indiana and joined the Mennonite church. Miriam, having been baptized into the Amish faith, makes an income by painting beautiful vignettes of Amish life. She has never married, since no one ever compared to David, and, as she is an only child, this concerns the women in her family greatly. Now, seven years after leaving, David is back in Willow Creek to embrace his Amish roots and join the church. Miriam’s heart awakens, but can she dare to hope that he will also embrace her?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Anne Blackburne lives and works in Southeast Ohio as a newspaper editor and writer. She is the mother of five grown children, has one wonderful grandchild, and a spoiled poodle named Millie. For fun, when she isn’t working on Amish romance or sweet mysteries, Anne directs and acts in community theater productions and writes and directs original plays. She also enjoys reading, kayaking, swimming, searching for beach glass, and just sitting with a cup of coffee looking at large bodies of water. Her idea of the perfect vacation is cruising and seeing amazing new places with people she loves.

More from Anne

Hello Dear Readers!

It seems like only yesterday that the wonderful Christian bloggers who work with Celebrate Literature did a blog tour for my January 1 release in Barbour’s “Heart of the Amish” series, “Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer”! Yet here we are again, with another CelebrateLit blog tour, this time for my May release, “Miriam’s Little Gentleman”.

Miriam’s story is available now to readers in print and online wherever fine books are sold, and I feel blessed to have the help of the CelebrateLit folks in launching this next tale from my made-up Amish community of Willow Creek, Ohio.

In addition to Jane’s and Miriam’s stories, my previous Heart of the Amish books in the series include, “Ruth’s Gingersnap Surprise”, “Mary’s Calico Hope”, and “Lizzie’s Little Mouse”. If you’re read any of them, you’ll remember Miriam Zook, who does beautiful folk art  paintings of Amish life scenes. Miriam was also mentioned in Ruth’s story as one of the lucky recipients of a kitten from their elderly friend, Lydia’s, cat’s final litter.

Miriam’s cat is a black and white tuxedo cat named Beau. He enjoys sitting outside in the fresh air while Miriam paints, safely wearing his natty red harness to keep him from wandering into trouble. If you read Jane’s story, you know kitties sometimes do wander off!

Miriam has been hung up on David Miller for years. She even told him so . . . but unfortunately, it was too late. David had already made plans to leave Willow Creek the following morning, running from troubles he didn’t make and couldn’t fix. Years later, Miriam and David still have feelings for one another. But are they strong enough to survive the hurt and years of separation, and to forge a real and lasting love? With God’s help, of course, anything is possible. That doesn’t mean it’ll be easy!

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Miriam’s story! This book is my fifth in Barbour Publishing’s series, “The Heart of the Amish”. Look for other great reads in the series from authors Mindy Steele, Kelly Irvin and Lisa Jones Baker.

I’m currently writing my sixth book in the series, which will feature a young woman you’ve met in some of my other stories, Rebecca Beachy. Her cat is Patches, a little orange and white boy. Together, with the help of Amish farmer Rudy Miller, they’ll figure out a way to keep a dear old woman from losing her home and business. A buried treasure and a small mystery are involved!

I hope you’re having as much fun reading about these remarkable young women – and their kitties! – as I’m having writing about them. Thanks for being part of our journey!

God bless you and yours!

Joyfully,

Anne Blackburne

My Thoughts

Miriam’s Little Gentleman by Anne Blackburne is a warm, uplifting story with plenty of heart. Blackburne’s friendly, engaging writing style makes the pages fly by, and the steady pacing gives the story an easy, enjoyable flow. I especially appreciated seeing Amish characters using their artistic gifts to create beauty and earn a living—Miriam Zook through her lovely paintings and David Miller through his skillfully crafted wood sculptures. 

It was also a treat to catch up with familiar characters from the series, along with their charming cats. I loved how faith is naturally woven into the story, with characters pausing to pray when challenges arise, seeking guidance before making decisions, and thanking the Lord when adversity is overcome. Blending forgiveness, second chances, hope, love, family, and faith, Miriam’s Little Gentleman is an appealing and heartfelt tale. Although it is the thirteenth book in The Heart of the Amish series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. Sweet, sincere, and satisfying, Miriam’s Little Gentleman is a delightful read that leaves the heart smiling.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Anne is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift Card and a print copy of the book!!  Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click HERE to enter.  Good Luck!

Miriam's Little Gentleman is available from Amazon as well as other major retailers. You can find the other The Heart of the Amish novels here.  If you follow Anne Blackburne on Amazon, they will email you when she has a new book release. 

I will be featuring A Mother's Prayer by Chris Maday Schmidt on Wednesday, July 1. It is the third Sweetwater, Arizona novel.  It is hard to believe that it is the last day of June.  Fourth of July is the just around the corner.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway!  May your day be sprinkled with happiness.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, June 27

Artistic Nobody, June 28 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, June 29

She Lives To Read, June 30

The Avid Reader, June 30

For Him and My Family, July 1

Guild Master, July 2 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 3

Simple Harvest Reads, July 4 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

EmpowerMoms, July 5

Holly’s Book Corner, July 6

Vickey Sluiter, July 7

Fiction Book Lover, July 8 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 9

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, July 10

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

D is for Daisy by Shelley Shepard Gray

  D is for Daisy

Book Summary

Newcomers are always welcome in the rural Amish community of Walden, Ohio, but in this heartwarming inspirational romance from beloved New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Shelley Shepard Gray, a 50-something couple planning for early retirement learn even the simple life can sometimes be complicated. For fans of Beverly Lewis, Amy Clipston, and Charlotte Hubbard—and anyone who enjoys wholesome, uplifting stories about faith, family, and love.

Early retirement never sounded so good to Mervin and Ruthie Miller. After a lifetime in Millersburg, where Mervin worked at a furniture and shed factory and Ruthie helped out at a fabric store, they have exciting plans: They’re going to become “Amish Gentlemen Farmers.” That means buying a 30-acre, ramshackle farm, and all that comes with it—no matter what their grown children, friends, and aching muscles think . . .

Aaron Miller is worried about his parents, but there’s little he can do now that he lives in Kentucky and has a baby on the way. Then his childhood best friend, Kyle Burkholder, makes a heaven-sent offer: he’ll move in with Aaron’s parents to teach them about raising cows and chickens, and even give weekly reports to Aaron.

The arrangement is going well—until Kyle stumbles upon Daisy Lapp who’s just been in a bicycle accident. When he visits her in the hospital, he knows there’s something special between them. So does Daisy. But her something special is the fact that Kyle lives on the farm she’d always dreamed of buying one day. She knows it’s wrong, but she’s jealous. She wants nothing to do with Kyle and politely tells him so.

Still, like the Millers, Kyle’s not one to give up easily. Not on himself, not on the farm, and certainly not on Daisy. With dedication and a leap of faith, the lives they envisioned just might come true . . .

My Thoughts

D is for Daisy by Shelley Shepard Gray is a charming and heartwarming Amish story with delightful characters and an uplifting message. Daisy quickly won me over with her lively spirit and unconventional ways. Unlike many Amish women, she feels most at home in the barn rather than in the house, and her deep love for animals makes her especially endearing. Kyle is a wonderful match for her, and I enjoyed watching their story unfold. I also found Kyle’s bosses, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, to be entertaining additions to the story as they enthusiastically buy a farm without having any real idea how to run one. Their situation adds humor and warmth to the book. 

This sweet story blends hope, friendship, family, romance, and faith in a way that feels sincere and encouraging. Although D is for Daisy is the fourth book in the Amish ABC’s series, it can easily be read as a standalone. With its lovable characters, gentle humor, and heartfelt message, D is for Daisy is a sweet Amish romance that blooms with hope from beginning to end.

D is for Daisy comes out June 30 and it can be preordered from Amazon. You can find the first three books in the Amish ABCs series here.  The fifth book in the Amish ABC series will be E is for Englischer which will be out on November 24.  You can follow Shelley Shepard Gray to get notified when she has a new book release and take a moment to check out the rest of her delightful books.  

I will return on Tuesday, June 30 when I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Blog Tour for Miriam's Little Gentleman by Anne Blackburne. May your day be filled with laughter and love.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.