Bøker av Shelley Shepard Gray

A heartfelt note, a loving message, a letter filled with secret hopes—this trio of sweet Amish romances celebrates how the right words can spark a lifetime of joy – especially on Valentine’s Day.Fill your heart with the jubilant promise of Amish courtships begun through handwritten love letters in this heartwarming, faith-affirming collection headlined by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray.A Love Letter Courtship by Shelley Shepard GrayAfter six months of courtship, Jenni Miller has refused Matthew Lapp’s proposal. Though he visits regularly, they never seem to talk deeply, and Jenni longs for real connection and romance. So she offers a solution. For one month, they’ll share letters filled with their hopes and dreams. Soon, Jenni is falling for Matt in earnest . . . but will he ever propose again?S.W.A.K. by Charlotte HubbardQuiet, gentle Fannie Kurtz knows that fun-loving Eddie Brubaker is the man she wants to marry someday. When he starts receiving letters in pink envelopes, she realizes she has some competition. Maybe it’s time she wrote a love note or two of her own? But a mix-up could jeopardize this romance before it starts, unless she keeps faith in God’s plan . . . The Wrong Valentine by Rosalind LauerYoung widow Martha Lambright is grateful to be working at her mother-in-law’s restaurant, even if seeing the kitchen gals giggle over valentine cards gives her a pang. But when Mose Troyer, the former bad boy who drives Martha to and from work each day, finds a valentine he mistakenly believes is for him, it begins a tender exchange that could lead to a wonderful future . . .

"HITTING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES by Rachel J. Good.: Years ago, Andrew was banished by his Amish family when he chose a career in music. It still hurts, especially during the holidays. And now, just before Christmas, he and his band find themselves stranded after their manager absconds with their money. Desperate, Andrew is offered a job teaching piano--but that's just the first miracle. His work will not only bless others in need, but a longtime fan might just capture his heart--and even lead him home."--

"The Christmas cupcake: A builder who never learned to read believes he must hide his fond feelings for a kind schoolteacher. But after they run into each other at the bakeshop, she offers to teach him--and as Christmas approaches, each of them learns a lesson about the great gift of love"--

New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray—one of the most beloved voices in inspirational romance—welcomes readers back to Apple Creek, Ohio, a bright and bustling Amish community where a fairy tale romance is in bloom—but getting to happily ever after may require seeing love through new eyes . . . Perfect for fans of Beverly Lewis, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Charlotte Hubbard, this second installment in The Amish of Apple Creek is rich with warmth and utterly endearing characters sure to enchant readers looking for a sweet twist on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale. Now in mass market paperback!May Schott would do anything to change the tragic moment when she stepped too close to the fire that left her best friend, Carl Hilty, devastatingly burned. After Carl left Apple Creek for extensive surgeries, May patiently prayed for one chance to ask his forgiveness. Now, six years later, Carl Hilty is coming home. The reunion goes nothing like May anticipated. Overwhelmed with emotion at seeing Carl again, she is speechless, unable to look away. And Carl’s own stone-cold silence leaves her certain that whatever attraction they once shared has been replaced by his hatred of her. After hiding in the shadows of the big city, Carl has returned to connect with his family and to see if May can overlook his scars and accept his tender love—but her reaction makes it clear that she wants nothing to do with him. He grudgingly agrees to stay with his family for a time before retreating to anonymity once again. But in Apple Creek, it’s easy to miss what everyone around you sees plain as day. For two people who belong together, it will take a few helping hands to heal the hurts of the past and make a miraculous new beginning.

A heartfelt note, a loving message, a letter filled with secret hopes—this trio of sweet Amish romances celebrates how the right words can spark a lifetime of joy – especially on Valentine’s Day.Fill your heart with the jubilant promise of Amish courtships begun through handwritten love letters in this heartwarming, faith-affirming collection headlined by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray.Love Letter Courtship * Shelley Shepard GrayAfter six months of courtship, Jennie Miller has refused Matthew Lapp’s proposal. Though he visits regularly, they never seem to talk deeply, and Jennie longs for real connection and romance. So she offers a solution. For one month, they’ll share letters filled with their hopes and dreams. Soon, Jennie is falling for Matt in earnest . . . but will he ever propose again?S.W.A.K * Charlotte HubbardQuiet, gentle Fannie Kurtz knows that fun-loving Eddie Brubaker is the man she wants to marry someday. When he starts receiving letters in pink envelopes, she realizes she has some competition. Maybe it’s time she wrote a love note or two of her own? But a mix-up could jeopardize this romance before it starts, unless she keeps faith in God’s plan . . .The Wrong Valentine * Rosalind LauerYoung widow Martha Lambright is grateful to be working at her mother-in-law’s restaurant, even if seeing the kitchen gals giggle over valentine cards gives her a pang. But when Mose Troyer, the former bad boy who drives Martha to and from work each day, finds a valentine he mistakenly believes is for him, it begins a tender exchange that could lead to a wonderful future . . .

In the first in a heartwarming new series, author Shelley Shepard Gray welcomes welcomes you to Apple Creek, Ohio--a small, vibrant Amish community where everyone seems to know everyone else. Addie Byler may be Apple Creek's resident wallflower, but she knows she has a lot to offer--and much to be grateful for. Raised by her loving grandmother, she lives a life filled with good friends and hard work. Wary of romance, Addie assumes no man will look beyond her glasses and her tendency to talk to her rescue donkey, Snickers--until the day she finds a note from a secret admirer. A prank, most likely. But then, a second note arrives... --From back cover.

She left home to find herself--instead she found true loveAlmost two years after Lilly Kurtz first visited Pinecraft, Florida, she's decided to make a fresh start there. She's ready to be new-and-improved Lilly, a Lilly without a past, a Lilly with no secrets. At first, everything goes well. She gets a job, her coworkers feel like family, and she enjoys reconnecting with her friends. But it turns out the past is reluctant to be left behind.When Lilly meets hardworking farmer Eddie Byler, she can't get him off her mind. But then she discovers that Eddie isn't staying long in Pinecraft--and he actually lives just a few miles from her hometown in Ohio. Lilly doesn't want him to know about the life she's left . . . and she can't imagine following him back to a place where she's never felt accepted.Will Lilly have to give up on love in order to find peace? Or could it be that love is actually the solution to all of her problems?

In these heartwarming, faith-affirming stories, three Amish families face the joys, and challenges, of the holidays—with fruitful results . . . THE CHRISTMAS NOT-WISH New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Shelley Shepard GrayWhen the foster parents they’ve cautiously grown to love discover they’re expecting, orphaned Roy and Jemima Fisher, ages six and seven, are secretly devastated by the certainty they’ll be given up. With Christmas around the corner, their only wish is for new foster parents as nice as Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz. Meanwhile, the Kurtzes have wishes of their own—and with faith, they all may be gifted with twice the blessings . . .NEW BEGINNINGS * Rachel J. GoodStill grieving the loss of her husband and unborn baby in an accident several months ago, Elizabeth Yoder is oblivious to her neighbor Luke Bontrager’s deepening affection for her. But while she bleakly faces Christmas alone, it’s Luke who reminds her it’s the season for giving. And when Elizabeth donates her handmade baby clothes to New Beginnings, a home for teen moms, she soon finds her gifts repaid beyond measure, with Luke’s love—and new beginnings of their own . . . TWINS TIMES TWO * Loree LoughWhat happens when two secretive, stubborn people find themselves thrown together to help four rascally youngsters—twins times two!—create a Christmas surprise for their parents? Mischief and mayhem, and just maybe . . . love!

"Former Army captain Greg Tebo loves his new life in Woodland Park. In the two years since he joined the WPFD, he's gained a reputation as a fearless firefighter, and after being stationed all around the country and overseas, he can't wait to settle down with a wife and kids. When a call comes in about a possible heart attack at the scene of a fire at the Garden Center, Greg assumes they're going to be helping an elderly customer--not the beautiful, feisty proprietor in her late twenties. Kristen Werner has been determined to pretend everything is fine. She refuses to leave the company she's carefully nurtured and move home to her loving but meddling family in Houston. Since her devastating diagnosis caused her fiancâe to dump her, she's given up on love and thrown herself into cultivating her blooming business instead--even if the hard work further weakens her heart."--

The time for playing it safe is overSheltered yet adventurous, Betsy Detweiler is on a mission to get out of Kentucky and experience new things in life. She's got a list--a life list. What better place to start than with her friends in beautiful Pinecraft, Florida?From the moment Betsy walks onto the Snow Bird Golf Course to sign up for lessons, August Troyer is mesmerized. Betsy is a mass of contradictions--beautiful yet awkward, outgoing yet unsure, joyful yet hesitant. She's like no one he's ever met before, and as the only child of missionary parents, he's met a lot of people.As Betsy and August embark on a month of enjoying life to the fullest, they'll encounter several reasons to back off and live small. But life--and love--require risk.Praise for Her Heart's Desire"Fans of Amish fiction will be hooked on page one!"--Amy Clipston, bestselling author of Building a Future"Full of endearing characters, this entertaining tale of repaired friendships and kindled romances will delight readers."--Suzanne Woods Fisher, bestselling author of A Season on the Wind"Destined to delight."--Kelly Irvin, bestselling author of Love's Dwelling

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray delivers the next novel in her Amish of Hart County series?a suspenseful tale of an Amish man who will risk all to protect the woman he loves.Mark Fisher has returned home to Hart County, determined to put the past behind him. Two years ago, after being wrongly accused of assault, he left the Amish community, though never forgot his home. When the one person who had helped him through his rough times asks for help, Mark returns. But it is pretty Waneta Cain who makes him want to stay...Neeta is one of the few people in Hart County who doesn't believe Mark is guilty of hurting anyone. However, his worldliness and tough exterior do make her uneasy. As she begins to see the real man behind all the gossip and prejudice, she wonders if he is the man for her. Just when Mark starts to believe a new life is possible, a close friend of Neeta's is attacked. Once again, everyone in the community seems to believe he is guilty. But what hurts most is Neeta's sudden wariness around him. When another woman is hurt, a woman who is close to both Neeta and himself, Mark fears he knows the real culprit. And time is running out. Will Mark be able to find him before Neeta becomes his next victim?

Bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray continues her Amish Brides of Pinecraft series with a special addition?a tale of wishing and wanting...and what the heart really needsGood things may come to those who wait, but Mattie Miller is confident that great things come to those who go after what they want...and Mattie wants Danny Brenneman. Danny is the reason she's returned to the sunny Amish community of Pinecraft, Florida?well, that and to see her best friend Leona get married.Mattie's met Danny only once before but she knows the spark between them is sure to lead to something special. Despite a missing cat, wedding day chaos, and Danny himself, she's confident this vacation can only end one way: in an engagement of her very own!

Will a little Amish girl make a Christmas miracle?It isn't easy to be Katie Weaver. Her sister-in-law Ella is about to have a baby, making Katie an aunt for the second time . . . and she's only six and a half! Plus, her favorite librarian, Miss Donovan, seems sad. She won't even fix up the rundown nativity in front of the library in time for Christmas. Then, an old woman is attacked outside the library, and, one by one, the nativity figures start to disappear!Luckily, there's a new deputy in town, Connor Fields.He takes a real liking to Miss Donovan . . . and he promises to find the missing nativity pieces for Katie.Now, all Katie has to do is pray that Ella's delivery goes well and that some kind of nativity is in place for Christmas Eve. Oh, and that Miss D. falls in love with Connor. Katie knows from watching her three brothers that it makes people real happy. And that would be a Christmas miracle indeed!

Judith Graber has always been the obedient daughter. Over the years, she's taken care of her younger siblings, helped around the house, and worked in her family's store. But now Judith feels overworked, overlooked, and underappreciated, especially as the holiday season approaches.Everything changes when her father hires Ben Knox.Ben Knox is the "bad boy" of Sugarcreek. Two years ago he left town under a cloud of shame. Rumors circulated that his rumspringa had been filled with more than the usual harmless explorations.Sparks fly between Ben and Judith. But the last thing Judith wants to be is one more girl who falls under Ben's spell?while Ben wants Judith to realize there's more to him than his reputation. Could this Christmas season bring love and a new life for the unlikeliest pair in Sugarcreek?

Shelley Shepard Gray writes with honesty, tenderness, and depth.Jillian HartFound is the final book in the Secrets of Crittenden County trilogy by beloved author Shelley Shepard Gray, who writes powerful novels set in a world of strong faith and simple living. The New York Times bestselling author of the popular Sisters of the Heart and Seasons of Sugarcreek series immerses her readers in the Amish life, like fellow bestselling authors Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, and Cindy Woodsmall. In Found, Grays unforgettable trilogy of what happens when a terrible crime that strikes a close knit Amish community comes full-circle, Englisher Detective Luke Reynolds discovers the identity of Perry Borntragers killer and the community must come to terms with the surprising revelation. It's a remarkably heartwarming conclusion to this series, and readers will not be disappointed.

In the midst of a murder investigation in the heart of Amish country, one young policeman finds his heart led astrayThe serenity of the quiet Amish community of Marion, Kentucky, is disrupted when the body of Perry Borntrager is discovered in an abandoned well. Now the small town faces the first death by mysterious circumstances in more than twenty years, and Detective Luke Reynolds is brought in to help investigate. But before he can solve the crime, he faces unexpected feelings for Frannie, the Amish owner of the local bed-and-breakfast. Though they butt heads at first, Luke finds himself drawn to Frannie's bedside when she's injured in a kitchen accident. Soon it becomes clear that Frannie knew Perry better than she let on . . . they'd been secretly courting when he disappeared. Has Luke fallen for the very woman responsible for the crime?

Shelley Shepard Gray, New York Times bestselling author of the Families of Honor, Seasons of Sugarcreek, and Sisters of the Heart series, returns with another page-turning romance set in Amish country. Grays eagerly anticipated fourth series, The Secrets of Crittenden County, begins with Missing, a poignant and compelling tale of an unlikely romance born of tragedy. When the shocking death of a young man rocks a quiet Amish community, the dead mans former girlfriend and his Englisher best friend find themselves murder suspects. But they are strengthened by their faith, and by an unanticipated love that awakens. Readers of Christian romance and inspirational fiction are captivated by stories of love among the Amish, as proven by the phenomenal success of Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, Cindy Woodsmall, and the previous novels of Shelly Shepard Gray. With The Secrets of Crittenden County this accomplished and much beloved storyteller reaches a new level.

Mattie's body has healed from the cancer that nearly took her life . . . but can she find the man who can mend her lonely heart?Mattie has faced more in her twenty-three years than she ever imagined possible. Having successfully battled cancer, she's ready to reenter the world with hopes for her future. But while she was in and out of hospitals, other Amish girls her age were courting and finding the men they would marry. The only man who's ever made her heart beat faster is Graham Weaver, her best friend, who has always been there to comfort her, in good times and bad. Is it finally time for their friendship to become something more? But cruel gossip is spreading, claiming that Graham's the father of the baby Jenna Yoder's carrying. Will Mattie's dreams of a happily-ever-after be crushed before they've left the ground?

"Shelley Shepard Gray writes with honesty, tenderness, and depth. Her characters are admirable, richly-layered, and impossible to forget."--Jillian HartA truly beloved writer of Christian romantic fiction, Shelley Shepard Gray, author of the popular Sisters of the Heart series, once again joins the ranks of Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, and Cindy Woodsmall as she celebrates the beauty and simplicity of the Amish community. A story of faith, dedication, and deep, heartfelt emotion, The Protector is the second book in her acclaimed Families of Honor inspirational series--a moving and beautiful story of young Amish woman forced to turn over the family farm after her parents' death to a man who secretly desires to share it with her...as her husband.

Friendship gives way to something more in this first book in New York Times Bestselling Author Shelley Shepard Gray's Charmed Amish Life seriesThree months ago, Darla Kurtz's father was responsible for a terrible fire at Charm's lumber mill which killed five Amish men. Though her father lost his life, too, the town hasn't looked at her family the same since. The accident already cost lives, but if something doesn't change soon, Darla fears it will cost hereven more.Lukas Kinsinger is feeling overwhelmed. Not only is he now the head of his father's lumber mill, he's also responsible for taking care of his three younger siblings. Darla has been his close friend, but after the accident there has been tension between them, making him feel more alone than ever. When he learns of her troubles at home, Lukas knows someone has to help her before another tragedy occurs.As Lukas and Darla discover something deeper than friendship, will the pain of the past overcome their chance of future happiness?

What happens when we allow our pasts to define our futures?Mary Margaret Miller needs an escape from her small Amish community. She boards a bus, all alone, for a vacation in Pinecraft, Florida. Meeting Betsy and Lilly on the way, she's amazed to find two kindred spirits. They become fast friends and determine to have the best two weeks of their lives. For Mary, it starts when she meets Jayson Raber, a handsome and charming carpenter. Jayson is taken with Mary from the get-go, but he has responsibilities back home in Kentucky--including a girl he's supposed to marry. And when someone from Mary's past shows up in Pinecraft, it seems like her perfect vacation is ruined. But that's nothing compared to what's coming when she realizes what Jayson has been hiding . . ."A tender journey that explores friendship, heartbreak, second chances, forgiveness, and finding true love. Fans of Amish fiction will be hooked on page one!"--Amy Clipston, bestselling author of Building a Future"Full of endearing characters with insecurities and trust issues, each one lifted to a better place through hope, faith, and, of course, love. This entertaining tale of repaired friendships and kindled romances will delight readers."--Suzanne Woods Fisher, bestselling author of A Season on the Wind

Filled with faith, family, and a whole lot of heart, New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray joins Charlotte Hubbard and Rosalind Lauer for three all-new holiday stories celebrating the spirit of the season, the warmth of simple Amish traditions, and the joys of coming home for Christmas. The crisp fragrance of pine trees and the warm spice of fresh cookies aren’t the only blessings that Christmas brings, and no one knows more about happy homecomings than three couples who are celebrating the greatest gift of all . . . BUGGIES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES * Shelley Shepard GrayCalled home by family, John Miller and Ellie Coblentz are each looking for a way north from Pinecraft, Florida. With few options, they decide sharing the burden of travel must be the Lord’s plan for them. But can this bumpy, bad-weather journey home help them find their way into each other’s hearts, too? STAR OF WONDER * Charlotte HubbardWhen Raymond Overholt comes to Promise Lodge, hoping to sell the barnboard signs he’s painted with stars and Christmas messages, spirited young Mennonite Lizzie Zehr is intrigued. But any courtship between them will face fierce opposition from the bishop of Raymond’s Old Order community—unless someone can convince him that at the heart of faith lies love . . . STARLIGHT EVERLASTING * Rosalind LauerNewlyweds Rachel and Luke Coblentz can’t wait to celebrate their first Christmas together after years of courtship. But when Luke’s factory job threatens to keep them apart—from each other and their dream of a family—it will take faith to believe in the gift of a truly joyful ending . . .

USA Today bestselling authors Shelley Shepard Gray, Rachel J. Good, and Loree Lough celebrate the spirit of the season, the warmth of simple traditions, and of course, the joy of holiday treats, with this faith-affirming collection of three connected holiday novellas about the Christmas surprises in store for those who work and shop at a charming Amish bakery.  As the most joyful holiday draws near, three couples discover the recipe for love includes faith, hope, and the sweetest blessings… A CHRISTMAS CAKE FOR REBECCA by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Shelley Shepard GrayWhen carpenter Aden returns to Lancaster after twenty years away, bakeshop owner Rebecca is dismayed to find he’s still as handsome and kind as ever. He broke her heart when he left the community back then. Will a holiday emergency provide a second chance at love, this time forever? BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER by USA Today Bestselling Author Rachel J. GoodWhen a lonely widower with a sick daughter and a new cake decorator meet at the bakeshop, they discover they were once childhood playmates. But as each of them helps the other care for family, their neighborly kindness inspires a gift that only love could make possible… THE CHRISTMAS CUPCAKE by USA Today Bestselling Author Loree LoughA builder who never learned to read believes he must hide his fond feelings for a kind schoolteacher. But after they run into each other at the bakeshop, she offers to teach him—and as Christmas approaches, each of them learns a lesson about the great gift of love…