Her Heart’s Desire by Shelley Shepard Gray

My Review

Her Heart’s Desire by Shelley Shepard Gray is the first book in the A Season in Pinecraft series. This is a modern day Amish romance story that takes place mainly in Pinecraft, Florida. This is a fun story of three young women who have been “wallflowers” and are now quickly becoming friends. Mary has been picked on the majority of her life by Esther and her friends. When Esther and her friends have a disagreement, Esther goes to Florida to apologize to Mary

I enjoyed reading this story. It is well written and easy to read. I especially enjoyed imagining the warm beaches of Florida. There were a few areas that I felt moved rather slowly, but the message in the story is awesome. The themes of caring for others and forgiveness are very strong. I enjoyed how quickly the girls became friends and how friendly and helpful the innkeeper was. I enjoyed reading of the struggles the two men had with what to do concerning family members and what path their lives should take. This is a fun story to read and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

About the Book

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 . . .

About the Author

“Igrew up in Houston, Texas, went to Colorado for college, and after living in Arizona, Dallas, and Denver, we moved to southern Ohio about ten years ago.

I’ve always thought of myself as a very hard worker, but not ‘great’ at anything. I’ve obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree…but I never was a gifted student. I took years of ballet and dance, but I never was anywhere near the star of any recital. I love to cook, but I’m certainly not close to being gourmet…and finally I love to write books, but I’ve certainly read far better authors.

Maybe you are a little bit like me. I’ve been married for almost twenty years and have raised two kids. I try to exercise but really should put on my tennis shoes a whole lot more. I’m not a great housekeeper, I hate to drive in the snow, and I don’t think I’ve ever won a Monopoly game. However, I am the best wife and mother I know how to be.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that in God’s eyes that is okay? That from His point of view, we are all exceptional? I treasure that knowledge and am always so thankful for my faith. His faith in me makes me stand a little straighter, smile a little bit more, and be so very grateful for every gift He’s given me.

I started writing about the Amish because their way of life appealed to me. I wanted to write stories about regular. likeable people in extraordinary situations-and who just happened to be Amish.

Getting the opportunity to write Inspirational novels is truly gratifying. With every book, I feel my faith grows stronger. And that makes me feel very special indeed. “

Learn more about the author and check out the book trailer at https://shelleyshepardgray.com/