The Unexpected Caller

Author: Shelley Shepard Gray
Genre: Amish Romance
Series: The Amish Widows Club #1
Pages: 304
Release Date: July 7, 2026
Publisher: Revell

She finds sisterhood in the Amish Widows Club--but will she risk loving again?

Leanna Mast never imagined she'd be a widow at forty-one, but it seems God had other plans. After mourning her husband for a year, she realizes it's time to start living again. But her community expects her to remarry, and after living on her own, she's not eager to start cooking and cleaning in another man's home.

When she's invited to join the Amish Widows Club, she discovers a place of belonging she didn't even know she needed. In this group of women who support one another through sharing books, stories, and companionship, Leanna immediately feels welcome. She's sure her life as a widow will bring her the fulfillment she craves . . . until handsome, kind Evan Keim comes calling. As their relationship deepens, her heart becomes involved. But how could she possibly leave the widows club for a dream that might be too good to be true?

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Reviewer: Marta Aldrighetti

Leanne Mast is a widow for one year. Her abuser husband Willis has an accident.

“She was still Leanna Mast, and she still had a mind of her own. "

Now she can decide her future: be alone or have a new husband. She is afraid to start a new relationship, but for now she is content to live alone. She has no children, unfortunately, but she is eager to be a mom one day.

“He’d remind her that not all relationships were difficult and not all men were cold and calculating in private.”

I think this is a terrible situation for a woman; abused men are jealous and controlling.

One day, Leanna receives a strange visit: Deanna invites her to attend a secret women's support group. Out of curiosity, Leanna attends it and discovers a new, cozy world.

I loved this book because the author built Leanna as a wonderful character: realistic, empathetic, with her fears, doubts, and joys. 

I received a complimentary ebook courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Elizabeth Eckmyer

I love reading stories by Shelley Shephard Gray! Her stories are always a breath of fresh air that makes you want to keep coming back for more. This is the first book in the Amish Widows series. 

Leanna Mast is a widow who is also recovering from a rough marriage. She is visited by several calling men whom she has no plans to marry. When approached by an unexpected visitor, she gets invited to a widow’s club. 

Evan Keim lost his wife four years ago. He has admired Leanna from afar. Encouraged by his children, he takes the plunge and calls on her. Building a friendship with Leanna is a lot more complicated than he thought. 

Jeremy Keim is Evans’ son. He is at a crossroads when he realizes he is head over heals for a girl. The complication is that this girl is English. He is learning what it is to be a man but also what he wants to do with his life. 

This story is so cute. The characters are wonderful in how they communicate. It makes you feel like you are in the story with them. You will be on the edge of your seat figuring out what each character is going to choose! 

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.

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