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.

B is for Bonnet by Shelley Shepard Gray

 B is for Bonnet

Book Summary

The second in this delightfully moving new series from beloved, New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray continues the story of four English-raised siblings who return to their grandparents' Ohio community planning to become Amish. But one by one, they will soon learn more about living—and love—than they'd ever imagined . . .

Exploring the relationship between Amish and English cultures through the lens of a single family, the Amish Again series is perfect for fans of Beverly Lewis, Amy Clipston, and Charlotte Hubbard—and anyone who enjoys uplifting stories about faith, family, love, and the simple life.

Raised by their divorced, lapsed-Amish father and English mother, siblings Jonny, Martin, Kelsey, and Beth can't wait to reinvent their lives. The four don't have much in common, but they long for the stable sense of family they felt when visiting their New Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful Holmes County, Ohio. And the Schrocks couldn't be more surprised when the grandkids want to try living with them—and joining their faith . . .

When Jonny hears startling news about his health, he knows it's past time to change his life. Quitting college, he unexpectedly finds the fulfilling job of his dreams. And he's instantly smitten with cafe owner Treva Kramer, whose baked goods are as warm and delicious as her lively personality. But no matter how hard Jonny tries, he can't seem to get past her secret sadness and distrust. Can he prove that his feelings for her are for real—and forever—in time?

A bad breakup left Treva heartbroken—and resolved to be independent without relying on anyone ever again. Exhausted from pouring everything she's got into her cafe, she’s stunned by Jonny’s easygoing ways—and drawn to his optimistic nature. But when she thinks his real interest is in becoming Amish, she's even more determined to stay focused—and keep her heart safe . . .

Soon, deep secrets and hidden family truths will test Jonny and Treva in unexpected ways. And with help from his warm-hearted grandparents, he and Treva might gain the happiness they secretly long for—with each other.

My Thoughts

B is for Bonnet by Shelley Shepard Gray is a story about Jonny Schrock who is straddling two worlds.  Jonny is trying to decide whether or not to become Amish when he has a health scare.  B is for Bonnet is an easy story to read.  The point-of-view switches between various characters including Jonny and Treva Kramer, a woman who, with the help of her family, turned the barn into a coffee shop (Trailside Café) with delectable baked goods.  We also get to spend time with Matt Schrock, Johnny’s father and Kennedy, his new love interest.  I like that we get to catch up with Johnny’s siblings and his grandparents (Jonny’s grandparents are sweet, kind, and patient).  It was interesting learning about e-bikes and that the Amish have taken to using them as a mode of transportation.  I had no idea that a well-known motorcycle company now produces electric bicycles.  

Harley Davidson Electric Bikes

The romance between Treva and Jonny progresses slowly until the end when it was rushed.  I am glad that we got to meet Jonny’s mother, and I hope we get to know her better in the next installment in the series. Forgiveness is one of the messages in the story.  Sometimes the one that needs forgiveness the most is yourself.  While B is for Bonnet is the second book in the Amish ABCs series, it can be read as a standalone. I am looking forward to reading C is for Courting when it comes out.  B is for Bonnet is a sweet story with delectable coffee, a cholesterol scare, a hurt heart, parent problems, bossy siblings, great grandparents, and a benevolent bishop.

B is for Bonnet is available from Amazon.  The first book in the Amish ABCs series is A is for Amish (can read for free with Kindle Unlimited subscription).  The next book in the series is C is for Courting.  Shelley Shepard Gray has Their Surprise Reunion coming out on April 29 and Unshaken on June 3.  Christmas Promises releases on October 28 (just in time to get you in the mood for Christmas).  You can fnd Shelley Shepard Gray's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today (I really do appreciate it). On Tuesday, January 28, I am featuring With All Her Heart by Kelly Irvin.  It is the third book in the Amish Calling series.  It has been a cold week in my area of Florida (Tampa Bay area).  I actually had to use my electric blanket and dig into the recesses of my closet for cold weather clothing (I have not needed them in a couple of years).  I will need to update my winter wardrobe next fall.  The best thing about cold weather is snuggling under the covers and reading (too cold to do anything else).  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  Take care, stay warm, 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.