Her Heart's Desire

Author: Shelley Shepard Gray
Genre: Contemporary Amish Romance
Series: A Season in Pinecraft #1
Release Date: January 3, 2023
Publisher: Revell
​
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 . . .

---

Reviewer: Juanita Varela

This is an amazing story of forgiveness, redemption, and self-worth. 

This novel also demonstrates the power of friendship. It is so important to have the right friends who will help you grow in your spiritual walk and help you through life’s struggles. This novel does a superb job of that. 

Secrets should be kept secret, but some secrets should be shared. In this novel, some secrets need to be shared. Shelley Shepard Gray shows you exactly how some secrets can hurt others. 

This was a four-person POV novel. It was of Mary and Jayson. The other two POVs were a surprise I didn’t expect, but it was welcome. It was my favorite part to read in this novel. 

All four characters struggled with all sorts of things in their past, which was being brought into their present and their future. They had to learn to trust God to lead them through their struggles.

The novel was clean except for a few kisses shared. 

I requested and received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

---

---

Reviewer: Connie Porter Saunders

As I read this new book, I was once again reminded of the preconceptions concerning the Amish lifestyle. Are these people, who are so faithful and dedicated to their simple way of life, exempt from hurt and loneliness? Of course not, and this story illustrates it perfectly!

Three young Amish women meet on a trip to Pinecraft, Florida, and it's apparent that they've all experienced feelings of loneliness and separation in their individual communities. They even joke about being wallflowers, but deep down, they aren't laughing! Is it possible that these three strangers can find true friendship as they enjoy their vacations in Pinecraft?

Author Shelley Shepard Gray invites readers into the thoughts of these three young women as they experience new adventures. Her Heart's Desire focuses primarily on the relationship that develops between Mary Margaret Miller and Jayson Raber. Will their friendship deepen into something more?
 
This touching story of hurts and sorrows is laced with faith, forgiveness, and healing. Her Heart's Desire is the first book in the A Season in Pinecraft series, and it appears that Betsy and Lilly will each get a chance to end their wallflower status. Fans of clean romance and Amish fiction will surely enjoy this book and series!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest review.

---

---

Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

Her Heart's Desire was my first book to read by Shelley Shepard Gray, and it was everything I expected, plus a bit more in an Amish Romance.

I loved how Mary and her new friends were united in faith, despite being from different States and Amish orders. I was also surprised to learn that not every Amish order is in the north (Pennsylvania).

It was nice to see the grace and mercy Mary offered to Esther when she saw Esther was determined to change. Much of this book is about forgiveness, grace and mercy. Something Mary had to extend more than once.

With a sprinkle of vacation fun,  good friendships and new romances, this series promises to be a good one. And where can I find Nancy's boarding house? I really want to stay there!

If you enjoy Amish romances, you will probably love Her Heart's Desire.

I received a review copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

---

---

Reviewer: Lori Parrish

I just finished this amazing new book by Shelley Shepard Gray!

I enjoyed meeting Betsy, Mary, Lilly, and the rest of the characters too.
My favorite was the setting of Pinecraft, FL. I very much enjoyed my "visit." I didn't want to leave!

My second favorite thing was that miracles happen when we least expect them. I loved how Gray showed us that "letting go" of the past can allow people to heal and move on like God wants us to. 

Such a fantastic novel! I eagerly look forward to the second book in this series. This series is off to a great start! Five stars, hands down!

I received a copy of this book courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews, for my honest opinion.

---