MY REVIEW:

Once again Shelley Shepard Gray has written a book about the Amish that held my attention until the very end. The story gets started quickly with an accident (or was it?) that injures Susanna Schwartz and her rescuer just happens to be Neil Vance whose family had owned the farm that now belonged to Susanna’s family. Not only does the Vance family resent the new owners of their former home but it seems that the entire community blames the Schwartz family for the Vance family loss. As more accidents and vandalism take place, it becomes obvious that someone wants the Schwartz family to leave. The question is “Who would risk hurting someone because of an unfounded grudge?”

Although Neil seemed pretty unlikable at the beginning, it soon became evident that it was not his true nature. It didn’t take long for the sweet and forgiving Susanna to win him over as a friend. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow into something special and wondered right along with them what exactly was going on in their community.

This book has it all – a sweet romance and a dangerous mystery. Not only that but the reader will find a bonus romance in the works too. “The Gift” is a wonderful story laced with forgiveness and is perfect for the Christmas season. Once again I am pleased to recommend a book by Shelley Shepard Gray.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

A special Christmas story about love and blessings in the next book in the Amish of Hart County series

The Schwartz family is happy to be spending Christmas on their new farm in Hart County. But when Susanna Schwartz hears gunshots that causes her buggy to overturn, and then her little sister falls through a wooden bridge into the icy creek, it becomes clear from these dangerous “accidents” that someone wants them gone.

Neil Vance has been heartbroken ever since his parents lost their family farm. He knows it’s not the Schwartz family’s fault, but he can’t help but be resentful. Until he meets Susanna. She is kind-hearted and bold, and Neil can’t stop thinking about her pretty green eyes.

Neil thinks the accidents are just that, but Susanna’s father is convinced the Vance family is responsible. Susanna refuses to believe Neil would do anything to harm her. She’s fallen in love with him and knows he is a good man. But her family is ready to pack up and move, and time is running out to uncover the truth before someone gets hurt . . . or worse.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a “New York Times” and “USA Today” bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.