From a “skilled storyteller who reminds the reader that faith can help us survive the ups and downs in life” (RT Book Reviews), Shelley Shepard Gray weaves a moving and unforgettable exploration of love and friendship.
The tragic and untimely death of an old friend has made Elizabeth Anne rethink not only her priorities but her courtship with David, her longtime neighbor and suitor. Though he’s Mennonite like herself and has her parents’ approval, she feels that a spark is missing. Desperate for a change, she breaks things off—wondering if, perhaps, she’s the one who’s missing a spark.
When her family becomes upset with her decision, E.A. turns to her friends for support. One of them is Will, a man with a good heart who has always been there for her. As the two bond over their shared struggle to navigate a future that everyone else seems to have figured out, they are surprised to realize that they have feelings for each other.
But E.A.’s world takes a sudden turn when she realizes that she’s not the only one struggling—Marta, one of her sewing students, is in desperate need of protection. With the aid of Will and several other friends, Elizabeth Anne begins a journey that is more difficult and rewarding than she could have ever imagined…one that ultimately enables her to find everything she’s been searching for.
In this latest installment in the Walnut Creek series that “both delights and surprises” (Leslie Gould, bestselling author), Shelley Shepard Gray pens a powerful and poignant tale of friendship, courage, and love.
Click here to purchase a copy:https://www.amazon.com/Protective-One-Walnut-Creek-Book-ebook/dp/B07TFB4RS3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DHH43U18QBES&keywords=the+protective+one+shelley+shepard+gray&qid=1585093775&sprefix=The+Protective%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1
My Review:
This book is a great addition to this excellent series. I like the strong core of trust that these friends have in each other. In this book, both Will and E.A. are at a stage of change in their lives . A mutual tragedy has deeply affected both of them, and has them considering their next steps in life as far as jobs and relationships. Will and E. A. begin to realize that their friendship might possibly be transforming into something much deeper. There’s a good mix of Amish and Mennonite friends in this story, and it’s interesting in how they cheerfully manage the differences among them.
There’s some sweet, romantic moments in this book, but there’s also some serious storylines, too. There’s references to one of their friends who committed suicide. Marta’s storyline is about spousal abuse and her attempts to break away from her dangerous situation. If this topic is a trigger for you, be aware that although everything is handled thoughtfully and with hope, it could be distressing for you.
Although this is part of a series, you can read this book on its own. The author did a good job of blending in details from other books and made it easy to fill in the blanks.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
About Shelley Shepard Gray
Shelley Shepard Gray lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. A busy wife and mother of two, she spends her days writing and keeping track of her two teenagers. Her two dogs keep her company when she writes in her basement.
Shelley enjoys writing about the Amish and visits Amish communities in Adams and Holmes counties several times a year. When not spending time with her family or writing, she serves on several committees in her church.
She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.
Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news…or become her friend on FaceBook