4.99
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Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780062337719 |
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| Publisher: | HarperCollins Publishers |
| Publication date: | 01/27/2015 |
| Series: | Amish Brides of Pinecraft Series , #1 |
| Sold by: | HARPERCOLLINS |
| Format: | NOOK Book |
| Pages: | 368 |
| Sales rank: | 67,440 |
| File size: | 3 MB |
About the Author
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
The Promise of Palm Grove
4.9 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
28 reviews.
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Leona travels to Pinecraft, Fl. with her cousin Sara and her future sister-in-law Mattie. Leona is having serious doubts about her upcoming wedding to Edmund. Due to the misadventures of a cat, she meets Zachary and his fiends. When they offer to show the girls around Pinecraft. When Leona starts to talk to and spend time around Zachary her friends become upset with her. After all, its Mattie's brother that she is suppose to be marrying. Several things happen to help Leona to make decisions concerning her live.
When an author touches my heart, brings tears to my eyes, laugh, or makes me stop and say a prayer from something the author said in their book, then that author automatically receives 5 stars from me. Shelley Shepard gray does that on a regular basis with her books.
I bought this book and no one asked me to leave a review. All opinions are my own. Shelley is one of my favorite authors. I enjoyed the book and read it in under 4 hours.
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The first book in Shelley Shepard Gray’s Amish Brides of Pinecraft series, The Promise of Palm Grove is a delightful little story that made for the perfect summer read. Although it is just a little bit fluffy—it was definitely a light read—I really enjoyed reading all about Leona and her dilemma. Besides, who ever said fluffy reads were bad? Plus, this novel did have plenty of hairy situations and a few laughs, along with some pretty lovable characters.
I really liked Leona. Since she is such a sweet girl, she is easy to love, and her struggle with knowing God’s will is something everyone can relate to. What I don’t understand, however, is how she ever liked Edmund in the first place. That man is a piece of work! I most certainly couldn’t imagine spending the rest of my life with a man like that. Clearly, I cannot blame Leona for having second thoughts. With a demanding man like Edmund, I’m sure anyone would want out (let me just assure you that Edmund is a fictional character and that any hatred I have of him does not carry on to any real men who might happen to be anything like him). Especially once she meets Zach Kaufmann.
Zachary Kaufmann is by far the exact opposite of Edmund. Always putting others before himself, Zach spends all of his time taking care of his younger sister, helping his family, and doing things for others, and none of his time on himself. Then he meets Leona. With her sweet smile and charming ways, she immediately catches his eye, and he knows he must find the time to get to know her before she leaves Pinecraft.
The Promise of Palm Grove is such a sweet story of love, forgiveness, and new beginnings that was all too easy to enjoy. Along with all of its wonderful characters, something I loved about this novel was the fact that it is full of people learning to trust God and His will in their lives. I also really loved meeting the minor characters, some of whom will be featured in later books. Because of its wonderful storyline, I gladly give this novel all five bookshelves, and would happily recommend it, and the rest of the books in the series.
(This review is from my blog, spreadinghisgrace.blogspot.com)
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A refreshing quick read. Ready for next book.
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Very entertaining. We go to Yoder''s Restaurant in Sarasota every year when we go to Longboat Key. I would like to read the rest of the books in the series if you would list them.
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With The Promise of Palm Grove, Shelley Shepard Gray has written a sweet Amish romance with a great supporting cast, a solid and entertaining beginning to the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series. It's a lighter type of read, fun to relax with, and I enjoyed every minute of the reading experience.
One thing that I especially enjoy about Shelley's books is that the flow of her writing is conversational and well paced, allowing readers to get more deeply acquainted with everyone. Lead characters, Zach and Leona, are so easy to relate to - and they are supported by several family members that I hope to see more of in future stories. One of these captured my heart, and that's Zach's twelve-year-old sister, Effie, who suffers from Perthes disease. Zach, who loves to feel needed, has willingly devoted his time to taking care of Effie - and Leona finds a bravery deep within herself, enabling her to make a major change in her life's direction.
The Pinecraft village in Sarasota, Florida has become one of my favorite settings for Amish fiction because, while still containing all the elements I love about this genre, the setting itself creates a more laidback feel. Shelley has done a great job at capturing the essence of this Amish/Mennonite vacation community located in the heart of Sarasota.
Set among the streets and shops that actually make up this village is the fictitious Orange Blossom Inn, which serves as the home base for all four books in the series. I love these words of Beverly Overholt, owner of the inn, for they not only convey the vibrancy of Pinecraft, but the spiritual themes of hope, renewal, and new beginnings . . .
"Beverly Overholt dreamed in color now. Pinks and yellows, blues and reds. Green, purple, indigo, orange. So many vibrant colors, so much promise. . . . God was so good because He reminded her in dozens of ways each day that change was possible. Every morning, He gave her the beautiful sunrises over the Gulf of Mexico, warm weather, and gentle rains. Flowers and blue skies, palm trees and always, always the hint of happiness. In more ways than she could ever name, the Lord promised new beginnings. Renewal. Paradise."
One of this story's spiritual themes is something that most of us can identify with, and that is trying to make our own plans without seeking God's guidance. This Scripture that Shelley quotes at the beginning of this book never fails to speak to me: "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps" (Proverbs 16:9). I loved the way this message is conveyed through the story of Zach, Leona, and Beverly.
The Promise of Palm Grove is a heartwarming story of new beginnings, new directions, and renewal. Recommended to all who enjoy Amish fiction.
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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I loved The Promise of Palm Grove! The story really flowed for me and it was extremely hard for me to set the book down.
What did I enjoy about The Promise of Palm Grove? Well, the first thing I liked was the setting. It is set in Pinecraft, FL. The author did such a good job of describing the area and the climate, that I really felt that I was there. Another thing I really liked about this story is that there are a few different storylines running throughout the book. All of these characters were very well crafted and the various plots were all enjoyable to read.
I loved the two main characters! Leona was such a great character. It was really captivating to watch her struggle with her concerns over her upcoming marriage to Edmund. It was something she had been worrying about for some time and I enjoyed seeing her work through this complicated situation.
Zachary was a wonderful hero in the novel. He has such an obviously kind and caring heart. His willingness to help his family and friends in any way necessary was refreshing. His treatment of Leona was precious and very much the opposite of Edmund.
I also was intrigued by Beverly’s past, as well as what was going on in her life in Pinecraft. I hope to continue to hear more about her in future books. Effie was also another sweet character. Both of these side stories added so much to the overall novel.
I am very excited that The Promise of Palm Grove is the beginning of the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series and I look forward to reading all of the future books! I definitely recommend this to fans of Amish fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through Litfuse Publicity, in exchange for an honest review.
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This was a cute, lighthearted romance I enjoyed partly for the fun atmosphere. Pinecraft sounds like a wonderful vacation spot or even a fun place to live. The warm climate near the beach would be wonderful. I liked the other plot lines, too, about Zachary's twelve-year-old sister Effie and her struggle with a physical disability she has and Beverly, the Mennonite woman who runs the B & B the girls stay at who is surprised by some friends from the past. It was interesting to see these girls in different stages of life, from Effie just starting out to Beverly trying to find her way again after having her heart broken to Leona trying to decide where her future will go. I was frustrated that Leona would still be considering a guy who doesn't seem to really care about her or listen to her concerns. The romance did seem to move a little fast. Faith is mentioned more in Leona and Zachary's story as they each talk about God's will and prayer. Otherwise, it didn't seem like there were any big issues to work through or hurdles to overcome. I would recommend this story if you like Amish romances.
I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
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A fabulous start to another series by Shelley Shepard Gray. Visit Florida's Pinecraft, a popular Amish vacation destination, and stay at the lovely Orange Blossom Inn. Leona is traveling with her cousin, Sara, and her friend Mattie. Leona is engaged to Edmund, her friend Mattie's brother. Leona has realized that Edmund is not the husband for her, but didn't break it off before she left Ohio. While exploring Pinecraft, the girls meet local people, including Zach. Zach does everything for his family, especially looking after his younger sister Effie. Leona and Zach have an attraction to one another, but first Leona has to settle things with Edmund. I don't want to ruin the story line for anyone. So, you'll need to visit the Orange Blossom Inn and see how everything turns out.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys Amish fiction. It was a quick, fun book. The characters were believable, and fun to get to know. Can't wait for the next in the series!
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Shelley Shepard Gray in her new book, “The Promise of Palm Grove” Book One in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series published by Avon Inspire takes us into the life of Elizabeth Nolt.
From the back cover: A young Amish woman finds herself torn between the man she’s pledged to wed and the man her heart desires in this heartwarming story of chance, duty, and choice in the face of love—the first volume in beloved New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series
Amish bride-to-be Leona is thrilled to be in Florida, on a mini vacation in the pretty town of Pinecraft. Her girlfriends think she’s happy because she’s away from the stress of wedding planning. They have no idea that Leona’s real joy is in being away from her fiancé.
Edmund is a good man and will make a decent husband . . . just not for Leona. The more time she spends with him and his overbearing ways, the less she wants to be his wife. Her cousins are sure Edmund is the right man for her—and their certainty makes Leona begin to doubt herself. But when a chance encounter with a wayward cat brings her face-to-face with a handsome, fun-loving Amish man named Zachary Kaufmann, Leona’s faced with two vastly different futures.
Leona must decide: Should she follow the path set out before her? Or take a chance with only the promise of what could be to guide her?
I had no idea that the Amish were also located in Florida. Nor did I have clue that the ladies from Ohio could leave their cold winter homes and have something like a mini-vacation in Florida. I wouldn’t mind that at all and I am not even Amish. Something about Florida I suppose. Leona is engaged to be married in Ohio so she is not looking for love. Zach wasn’t expecting to find love either. The fun is watching these two find each other and then discover they are the proper individuals for the other. Ms. Gray has given us real people in Leona and Zachary and watching them grow individually and then together is a real treat. “The Promise of Palm Grove” is an exceptional story with exceptional characters that you care for and so want them to get together.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Oh my word. Every time I picked up this book… I had the hardest time putting it down.
Alas, the children dragged me away a few times to do things like teach school and attend to my own writing.
WHERE IS THE JUSTICE… ;-)
The one really good thing is that is that the story distracted me into doing several more minutes of exercise several different times while reading – no way they were taking it away then! HA! Only the intense cramping in my legs pulled my attention away. LOL
Shelley Shepard Gray has another HIT on her hands with The Promise of Palm Grove!
What a wonderful story, so intricately woven around, not just the main characters – but including so many wonderful secondary characters. Something Shelley does like no other author.
WELL DONE Shelley! I can hardly wait for book 2! Is May here yet…
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Leona Weaver goes to Pinecraft, Florida for a vacation with two of her girlfriends. She's engaged and
having doubts but then she meets Zack Kaufmann. He is everything that her fiance Edmund is not. Dare
she imagine a rosy future with a man she just met? She stays at the Orange Blossom Inn and the
proprietor Beverly becomes a new friend. Beverly has her own issues as a man who says that he owns
her inn shows up unexpectedly in Pinecraft. She's also recovering from a tremendous betrayal but finally
receives a surprise visit from some old friends. The visit is a wonderful balm for her injured soul. This is
the first in a series and I'm excited to read the next book.
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A young Amish woman finds herself torn between the man she’s pledged to wed and the man her heart desires in this heartwarming story of chance, duty, and choice in the face of love—the first volume in the beloved New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.
Amish bride-to-be Leona is thrilled to be in Florida, on a mini-vacation in the pretty town of Pinecraft. Her girlfriends think she’s happy because she’s away from the stress of wedding planning. They have no idea that Leona’s real joy is in being away from her fiancé.
Edmund is a good man, and will make a decent husband . . . just not for Leona. The more time she spends with him and his overbearing ways, the less she wants to be his wife. Her cousins are sure Edmund is the right man for her-and their certainty makes Leona begin to doubt herself. But when a chance encounter with a wayward cat brings her face-to-face with a handsome, fun-loving Amish man named Zachary Kauffman, Leona’s faced with two vastly different futures.
Leona must decide: Does she follow the path set out before her? Or take a chance with only the promise of what could be to guide her?
The setting takes place in Pinecraft is the vacation spot of many Amish and Mennonites from Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. Busses regularly transport Amish and Mennonites from up North to Pinecraft, Florida during the cold winter months. Shelley writes of the different restaurants, shops, beaches, and area attractions in Pinecraft and the surrounding Sarasota and Siesta Key area. I would love to visit this area someday. I so enjoyed this first story in "Amish Brides of Pinecraft"series. I was drawn in by the story line and characters. Family love, devotion, making right decisions for yourself were all part of the storyline. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Amish fiction and good clean books.
I received a complimentary copy of PROMISE OF PALM GROVE from the author, Shelley Shepard Gray and Litfuse Publicity for my view of the book.
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This first book in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series does not disappoint. Shelley Shepard Gray has woven a tale of love and friendship that will hook the reader from the first page and keep them interested until the very last word.
This book was a quick and easy read. The story line is good and flows so well that the pages practically turn themselves. The characters are all likable (except maybe Edmund--don't worry, you will understand once you start reading) and the setting is wonderful. Shelley has written with such detail that I felt like I was actually in sunny Pinecraft, FL instead of cold and snowy Indiana.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves Amish fiction or someone who is looking for a nice lighthearted read. This is a good book to read on a snowy, rainy or sunny day.
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Travel along with some sweet young Amish women as they leave their cold winter homes in Ohio and experience Pinecraft Florida, the home to many Amish and Mennonite permanent residents.
I can appreciate their happiness at experiencing Florida for the first time, and the joy they felt just being free to do what they please, within reason. Leona is engaged to be married and is enjoying this last bit of freedom. The author now gives us a glimpse into her world, and her life as it is going to be with Edmund, her intended.
We also get a look how others of the same faith live under different set rules of faith for the Amish. Things are a bit more liberal, and more is accepted here. We also meet a young man Zachery who has made it his life work to take care of his family, especially his handicapped sister.
Sparks seem to fly on the first encounter of this couple, can these two from two different areas, miles apart, establish any kind of a relationship? Of course, Leona needs to come to terms with the relationship she in currently in. What a predicament for both of these young people, one you admire, but feel rather sorry for, and the other almost the same, doubts need to be answered.
This is a sweet and rather quick read, and I hope for more like this story in the future. I felt myself in the warm sunshine, and smelling the salt air, ah would love to be there right now.
I received this book through Edelwiss and the Publisher Avon Inspired, and was not required to give a positive review.
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I love the simplicity of reading a great Amish romance and Shelley Shepard is quite the expert at writing not only exceptional Amish Romance's but making us feel like we are part of the story, not just reading a book. In her latest series, Amish Brides of Pinecraft, her first novel, The Promise of Palm Grove takes us back to Pinecraft, Florida. Here we find a small Amish/Mennonite community that spends time hosting guests from other parts of the country looking for an escape from the winter in sunny Pinecraft. Here everyone pretty much knows one another like in any Amish community.
When Leona Weaver arrives in Pinecraft along with her two best friends Mattie and Sara, she is hoping to put some distance between her and her future husband Edmond. She is hoping to figure out if she can be married to such a controlling man who believes that her opinions and her desires are not something to be considered when marrying him. She's been struggling with her emotions that tell her that Edmond is not the man for her and that this is not a normal part of Amish marriages. But to Edmond, there is no argument. He knows what he wants and tries to tell Leona she will conform to his way of thinking once they are married. Leona isn't so sure.
So when she meets Zack Kauffman, a man completely the opposite of Edmond, she soon realizes that she can't go through with her marriage to Edmond. She just has to manage to convince Mattie, not only her friend but Edmond's sister that she is about to call Edmond and let him know she has changed her mind. One thing for sure is that Zack is exactly the kind of man she had hoped might be out there for her, now the only problem is that she lives in Ohio and he lives in Pinecraft. How will they make a long distance relationship work? Find out in The Promise of Palm Grove.
I received The Promise of Palm Grove by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspired, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are my own. I was thrilled to be invited to review this new series, because not only do I love Shelley's writing style but I also adored her attention to detail and she breathes life into these characters that you believe they honestly exist somewhere. I can't wait for the opportunity to visit Pinecraft one day and eat at Yoder's Restaurant even if the line is over 30 minutes long. Shelley includes photos and a list of the top 5 things to see while in Pinecraft in this novel. I'd rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and love that it includes a Reader's Discussion Guide as well as a recipe for Orange Pie at the conclusion of this novel.
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I can't imagine the position that Leona finds herself in at the beginning of the story. Leona and her two closest friends are on their way to Pinecraft, Florida for a "girl only" vacation before Leona settles down and gets married. She is feeling trapped at the thought of marrying someone that she doesn't want to truly marry. Zack is a Pinecraft resident who is family focused and a reliable person. As their story progresses they come to realize that it is okay to make changes that will benefit them, instead of thinking of other people first.
I know that when I sit down with one of Shelley's books I am going to fall in love with characters, locations and storylines. This book is no exception. I think that both main characters and their love story is so special. Zack is such a sweetheart, and I can see why Leona would be drawn to him. He is a man of integrity with a deep sense of family values. I admire Leona's courage and bravery to realize that she doesn't have to settle for just anyone.
Whether you are looking into Shelley's books for the first time or have read all of her books, you will not be disappointed with The Promise of Palm Grove. From page one you will be drawn in and longing for more by the time you are done. Shelley is truly blessed with a gift for story telling, and I am so glad she shares these stories with all of us.
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In The Promise of Palm Grove, Leona is enjoying one last vacation with her best friends Sarah and Mattie before marrying her fiancée, Edmund. While enjoying her vacation, she begins to wonder if Edmund is really the right man for her. When she meets Zachary, something about his smile and the way he puts others before himself makes her want to get to know him better. Should she ignore her feelings and marry Edmund as she had planned, or should she take a chance and see what might become of her relationship with Zachary? This delightful book is one of Shelley Shepard Gray’s best novels yet! Fans of Amish fiction are certain to enjoy this story.
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This book follows Leona,Mattie and Sara on their trip to Palm Grove before Leona's wedding. Leona is having some doubts and is hoping this trip will clear her head. They stay at the Orange Blossom Inn which is run by Beverly Overholt. Beverly started running the Inn after a broken engagement. She escaped to Palm Grove and stayed with her aunt and eventually ended up running the inn. You will absolutely love the characters and the dual story lines. Don't worry you won't get confused :) Shelley writes in such a way that the characters feel like friends....well most of them anyway! I definitely recommend this book to everyone. Even if you don't normally read Amish fiction this is a great book to start out on.
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I love this story. The characters are warm and believable. I can't wait for more books in this series.
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I love reading Shelley Shepard Gray's stories. This is the first book in her new series The Pinecraft Brides. I totally love the cover set in Florida and if you look behind the beautiful Amish woman you can see palm trees and a hint of the beach. Oh how that brings back so many memories for me. Not to mention how realistic her story was.
Shelley's characters are so real that I fell right into the story. The Promise of Palm Grove is a story of a young Amish woman who goes on a vacation with her friends to sunny Pinecraft, FL. to sort through the feelings and doubts she is having about her upcoming wedding. Along the way she experiences heartache and guilt. She also learns that love, hope and happiness await her if she follows her true heart's desire. Through prayers and telling her friends and family the truth of how she feels is she finally able to move on and live the live God desires for her. It is amazing how God can heal some of the pain and heartbreak some of Shelly's characters encountered.
This novel was one that I could not put down. I couldn't help but fall in love with the characters. I can't wait until the next novel in this series comes out because I know it is going to be awesome as well. I would highly recommend this book.
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What a perfect time of year for Shelley Shepard Gray to release The Promise of Palm Grove. Outside the snow is falling, but once you start reading this story, you are all warmed up by the friendships between Leona, Mattie, and Sara as well as Beverly at the Orange Blossom Inn. Throw some young Amish men into the mix, and you see love starting to bloom. Grab a copy of Shelley's brand new book and a mug of hot cocoa, and then find a corner to curl up in and hide for a while. You won't want to put this down once you starting reading I promise. And then after reading this, you want to hop on a bus and head to FL to experience it all yourself, don't ya?
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The Promise of Palm Grove gives us a heart felt story of an engaged Amish couple whose relationship is strained. Leona feels unhappy and unsure. But instead of enduring discomfort and pain she discovers there is hope and it turns into promises. She and her two best friends travel to sunny Florida during the winter and she meets Zack who is the opposite of her betrothed. As Leona and Zack get to know each other, she finds he is giving, caring and understanding and he's what she needs. This story has surprises and we get to know other curious characters and their feelings throughout this adventure.
This is a really good read since I felt like I was there experiencing and feeling all the ups and downs in their lives. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
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The Promise of Palm Grove: Amish Brides of Pinecraft, Book One (The Pinecraft Brides)
Shelley Shepard Gray has done it yet again. She has written another book that captures you and doesn’t let you go until the very end. The love, compassion, caring and understanding that these characters hold in this story is simple amazing. I fell in love with this story. The setting for the story is wonderful. The descriptions really brought this story to life for me. I practically felt as those I could feel that silky sand on my toes and tastes those delightful baked goods. I so loved that fact that this story had two people that weren’t very likable. That there was a lesson to learn from those two.
An excellent story! Very well written! Be sure to get your copy! It makes a great gift. 5 stars!!
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The vivid descripions given by Shelley Shephard Gray from the very first page of this book transports you to Pinecraft, Fl.
The characters were so endearing to me from the start. I could envision Beverly Overholt and her friends meeting the Pioneer Trails bus that brings travelers from the cold Midwest winters to the warm sunny beaches of Sarasota.
In her inimitable,Shelley manages to weave characaters into a sweet and picturesque setting. She continues to create characters that are so charming.
I highly recommend this book to all fans of Amish fiction.
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