The Trustworthy One by Shelly Shepard Gray

ABOUT THE BOOK

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray returns to the charming and evocative Walnut Creek Series with an unforgettable novel following one broken young woman whose search for peace leads her back to her hometown, where she rediscovers her faith and reconnects with those she loves most.

Kendra Troyer always knew she would leave Walnut Creek the first chance she got. When she was accepted into design school, she tried her best not to look back at the four siblings she was abandoning, but ahead to Columbus, where she was determined to stay—far away from her abusive home and far away from Nate Miller, the boy she vowed to despise for the rest of her life.

Though she suffered through dark times in Columbus, Kendra found her faith in the Lord again, and years later, when she learned one of her good friends had died, she realized it was time to go home to those she left behind.

Back in Walnut Creek, Kendra has a life she never could have imagined: her own design shop, a pretty little house, and a tight-knit group of friends. After she settles down, though, unexpected visitors come knocking and dark memories begin to resurface. Complicating things even further is the ever-present Nate Miller, who now owns the hardware store two doors down and whose very presence stirs in Kendra a fierce need to turn away and hide from her past. But Nate is persistent in setting things right between them.

As Kendra tries to come to terms with the anger she holds from her childhood, will she be able to open her heart to forgiveness and find the comfort she has always longed for in Walnut Creek?

MY REVIEW

Gray gives a different outlook from the Amish and Mennonite world where some of these subjects just aren't talked about. I like how she shows us the Amish and Mennonites aren't that different from everyone else and she doesn't beat around the bush about it.

I have enjoyed this series because it shows true friendship among the 8 and how they keep it going after one of their own does something so horrific that you never hear about from this particular group,

A lot of life's lessons are learned here and lots of over comings as well.

I've loved Grays stories from the beginning. I think what I like best about her stories is that her characters seem realistic and believable and at times lovable just simply from the things that life manages to throw at them. And of course, they always come out for the better than they started out with.

I know one thing, I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. Just wonderful and at the same time perfect!

Forgiveness and Love are the main theme in this story along with abuse, drugs etc.

Forgiveness is important. It's what Jesus would want us to do. Plus, it would give ourselves some peace knowing that we tried even if the other person didn't want to.

I do want to add that I admire Kendra very much. She's my favorite besides Marie. Kendra is very brave young woman who has overcome much in her life and has come out much stronger. I found myself rooting for her throughout the whole book. She didn't disappoint me. Way to go Kendra! 

I highly recommend this book. Gray is an awesome author!

My thanks to Gallery books and Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book and I was NOT required to write a positive review for this book and all opinions are my own. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.

Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.

Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.