Category: Romance

B is for Bonnet and Unforgotten by Shelley Shepherd Gray are both riveting stories.

Book Description

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.

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Elise’s Thoughts

B is for Bonnet continues the story of four English raised siblings, Martin, Kelsey, Beth, and Johnny, who return to their grandparents Ohio community as they ponder becoming Amish. This book is Johnny’s story who becomes smitten with Amish café owner Treva Kramer.  He and she must navigate the difficulties of being heartbroken, she by a former boyfriend and he by his father, Matt, who was MIA during his childhood.  This book is about love, forgiveness, family and second chances where Treva is willing to take a chance on a new relationship and Matt tries to be closer to his children.

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Book Description

Even though Bethanne Hostetler has found some peace seven years after an attempted assault and the accidental death of Peter Miller, she is still haunted by the memory. When her Englisher cousin, Candace–who has just been crowned Miss Crittenden County–reveals that she has a stalker, all of Bethanne’s old fears come rushing back.

Jay Byler had once been Peter’s best friend, and the fact that he did not protect Bethanne that fateful night has haunted him ever since. To make matters worse, she continues to avoid him–even as he continues to love her. Jay can only hope and pray that one day Bethanne will see the person he is today and not the boy he used to be.

As Candace’s stalker becomes bolder, Officer Ryan Mulany becomes her escort to various events. He knows he should only think of Candace as a job, but the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to maintain professional distance. And when everyone’s worst fears are realized, all four must work together to prevent another tragedy before time runs out and another innocent person is hurt.

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Elise’s Thoughts

Unforgotten, is Bethanne Hostetler’s story.  Readers might remember her from book one, Unforgiven. This book also delves into abuse and has Bethanne’s cousin, Candace, being stalked, bringing to the surface all of Bethanne’s fears and memories. As Candace’s stalker becomes bolder, Officer Ryan Mulany becomes her escort to various events. He knows he should only think of Candace as a job, but the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to maintain a professional distance. Bethanne also wants a relationship with Jay Byler, a man feeling guilty about not helping during and after her traumatic event. She realizes she wants a relationship, but needs to move slowly, something he is willing to do.  Just as it seems the four might find their happily ever after, a chilling plan hatched by Candace’s stalker puts their lives in danger. This story has romance, suspense, healing, forgiveness, plus the issues and aftermath of assault and PTSD.

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Author Interview

Elise Cooper: How far through the alphabet do you plan on going in this series?

Shelley Shepard Gray: When I first started writing an alphabet series with my editor and we laughed about writing stories surrounding the whole alphabet. I started thinking I would write three books with the Amish ABCs.  I am happy to say I just got a contract for D and E, slowly making my way through the alphabet.

EC: How did you get the idea for the story in B is for Bonnet?

SSG: This book involves Johnny, the youngest sibling. I thought that it would be nice to have the parent’s point of view, which is why Matt, the dad, and Kennedy play a role in this book. I think the story is richer because of putting them in the book.

EC: How would you describe Johnny?

SSG: He is independent, secure, confident, sensitive, sarcastic, sweet and kind. Sometimes he says things and does not think before he says them, basically impulsive. He has a little bit of growing up to do. He contrasts with Beth and Martin who are very cautious. Johnny is at a crossroads as he tries to figure out his future.

EC:  How would you describe Matt, the dad?

SSG: He sometimes angry and resentful.  He feels adrift.  Matt regrets that he does not have a good relationship with his children. He had tunnel vision but now wants to mend bridges with his children.

EC:  Matt’s relationship with Johnny?

SSG: He is an example of someone who just goes about their day until they get that phone call that something happened.  The conversation with Johnny over his health was Matt’s wake-up call. Matt is trying to reinvent himself with his children.  Johnny feels Matt talked down to him and did not listen. Yet, he is more open to have a give and take with his dad.

EC:  How would you describe Kennedy, Matt’s lover?

SSG:  She is free spirited, a pet sitter.  She is nurturing and independent. Kennedy can be matter of fact.  She will question Matt about his past and thinks he is charming. Kennedy is forthright.

EC:  How would you describe Treva, the female lead?

SSG:  Insecure, an only child, sensible, very confident with her work, and almost a workaholic.  She has insecurities with relationships, including with her family.  She needs to embrace her life.

EC:  What about the relationship with Johnny?

SSG:  She learned that a career does not make a full life. At first, he is judgmental, misconstruing her statements.  They were encouraging of each other.

EC:  What about the book Unforgotten?

SSG: I came up with the idea of two cousins that were close but very different.  It is not the last book in this series. Bethanne needed a point of view, and I wanted her to become the heroine in this suspenseful story.

EC:  How would you describe Candace?

SSG: She is not Amish and has won the beauty contest for Crittenden County. She always looks out for Bethanne. Candace’s mom has decided not to be Amish and has never been Baptized. Candace is vulnerable, sociable, caring, and is fearful because of her stalker.

EC:  How would you describe Bethanne?

SSG: She is very timid in the beginning but ends up as a survivor. Her mom is Amish. She tries to overcome her fears and now has PTSD.  In some sense she feels captive in her own house and is determined to break away from it. She has a mother who is overbearing and shelters her. 

EC:  The relationship between Bethanne and Candace?

SSG: They are like sisters and are protective of each other.  They now have both been abused. They are very close.

EC:  How would you describe the relationship with Jay and Bethanne?

SSG:  He helps her see the world from outside her own perspective. He is caring and respectful of her. He has some guilt about being a friend of the one who tried to rape her. He is good for her because he is even-tempered and kind.  He is not pushy and is willing to wait for her to come around.

EC:  What about Ryan and Candace?

SSG:  He is considerate of her. He is six years older than her so is more mature.  He feels like an outsider of the town. They resisted the relationship at first but there were sparks between them.  They were thrown into a strange situation.

EC: Next books?

SSG: C is for Courting is finishing up Martin and Patty and features Beth. The mom, Helen, of the four children will also be in scenes in this book. Matt will also be in this book. It will be out in October. Hopefully the readers will feel there is closure.  In the alphabet series “D” and “E” will be with new characters and a trilogy but set in the same fictional town.

The third book in the Amish Suspense Series comes out in June and is titled, Unshaken. It does take place in the same town.  The plot has an Amish girl witnessing a murder and must go into hiding. It will have new characters.

There is another book coming out in April for Harlequin, a contemporary romance series. It is set around a food bank. It is a small-town romance series, with the first book titled Their Surprise Reunion.

Another series, I am writing, will be about an Amish Widow’s Club for Revell. It is about a group of women, some English, some Mennonite, and some Amish who are widows and for various reasons do not ever intend to marry again. But of course, life takes a turn.

THANK YOU!!

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