The Protective One

GIVEAWAY

GRAY, SHELLEY SHEPARD

THE PROTECTIVE ONE

From a "skilled storyteller who reminds the reader that faith can help us survive the ups and downs in life" (RT Book Reviews), Shelley Shepard Gray weaves a moving and unforgettable exploration of love and friendship.

The tragic and untimely death of an old friend has made Elizabeth Anne rethink not only her priorities but her courtship with David, her longtime neighbor and suitor. Though he is Mennonite like herself and has her parents' approval, she feels that a spark is missing. Desperate for a change, she breaks things off -- wondering if, perhaps, she's the one who's missing a spark.

When her family becomes upset with her decision, E.A. turns to her friends for support. One of them is Will, a man with a good heart who has always been there for her. As the two bond over their shared struggle to navigate a future that everyone else seems to have figured out, they are surprised to realize that they have feelings for each other.

But E.A.'s world takes a sudden turn when she realizes that she's not the only one struggling -- Marta, one of her sewing students, is in desperate need of protection. With the aid of Will and several other friends, Elizabeth Anne begins a journey that is more difficult and rewarding than she could have ever imagined...one that ultimately enables her to find everything she's been searching for.

My Review:

There's an understated power in this poignant story about friendship and love and the courage to embrace change. I'm finding it hard to find words to explain the impact it had on me. That's because this author knows how to bring heart and depth into what, on the surface, might appear to simply be a sweet Amish romance. Well, it is that -- but so much more!

The Protective One is the third book in Gray's Walnut Creek series which centers around seven friends who vow to stick together after the tragic suicide of a dear friend. Each book manages to give some quality page time to all the friends as a group, even while focusing on one hero and heroine's love story. And things are always complicated because that's life. Love the realism the author brings into the plot through sensitive issues and struggles. 

In this story, it's the various forms of domestic abuse. And while that topic is heavy, Gray approaches it with compassion and hope. The big takeaway for me was how our personal faith journey can prepare us to act with discernment when offering friendship and support to someone dealing with abuse...and even enable us to recognize more subtle forms in our own lives.  

Having said all that, this isn't in any way an oppressive downer of a book! There's plenty of humour, and friendly shenanigans as E.A and Will navigate their way to a happily ever after future of their own.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook -- winner's choice

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Protective One, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 28 2020. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!