My Review: The Protective One (The Walnut Creek Series, Book 3) by Shelley Shepard Gray

The Story: (from the publisher's website)
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’s 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.

In this latest installment in the Walnut Creek series that “both delights and surprises” (Leslie Gould, bestselling author), Shelley Shepard Gray pens a powerful and poignant tale of friendship, courage, and love.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Google 

My Thoughts:
I usually enjoy Shepard Gray's Amish romances especially, Autumn's Promise which is still on my keeper shelf after almost a decade, so I always try to pick up her short but sweet books. The Protective One is book three in the Walnut Creek series, but the first I've read since falling behind on my reading last year. It's not necessary to have read the previous novels and novellas, but I highly recommend it. I was left wondering the backstories of a few of the characters in this book who I discovered were the main characters in books 1 and 2. That said, I still enjoyed the story. It wasn't the most in depth or complex romance, but I enjoyed threads of romance and friendship.

Friendship was the main focus of this entire series, I believe, and it's refreshing. I have my own small circle of very close friends and could very much relate. Even though a burgeoning romance between E.A. and her old friend took center stage, not all was rosy. The author also explored domestic abuse--both emotional and physical. The Protective One definitely had a more serious tone than any others I've read from her in the recent past.

The Protective One was a wonderful tale of unique friendships and devotion. I recommend it to fans of Amish fiction and women's fiction. Be sure to check out the previous books in the series too as I plan to do to prepare for the next book, The Trustworthy One due out in May!

~ My rating: 4 out of 5 stars ~

*I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*

Happy Reading!