Heart-wrenching

Although Unforgiven is totally heart-wrenching, it also includes deep messages of love, faith, forgiveness, healing, and second chances. There is so much that drew me in from the start and did not let me go until the very last page. Author Shelley Shepard Gray has masterfully written a story that includes some delicate subjects, which deeply touched my heart. She also describes the characters in a special way that connects the reader to them and makes you feel as if you know them personally.

Tabitha had been through a very difficult situation, which made her close herself off and become a complete recluse. Seth had also been through some very tough times. But instead of making him a recluse, it made him seek ways to help the vulnerable, which included Tabitha. 
Eventually, a friendship slowly began developing between the two. Situations that had put both of them somewhat as outsiders in the community, in a sense, helped their friendship grow. As it did, doubts came in as well as an unexpected return from the past. How Tabitha and Seth worked through it all kept me on the edge of my seat and turning pages as fast as I could. And in the end, I was left saying, "Wow! That was awesome!"

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

Unforgiven by Shelley Shepard Gray is a story that draws you in. It starts off slow, but it arouses your curiosity about Seth Zimmerman and Tabitha Yoder. The story is well-written. The characters are developed and realistic. The secondary characters add additional depth to the story. Seth’s sister, Melonie added humor. She is a nosy parker. Unforgiven is an emotional tale (have a box of tissues nearby). Seth and Tabitha have both faced challenges. Tabitha is on edge wondering if the danger from her past has found her. The main themes in Unforgiven are trust, guilt, and forgiveness. It is hard to trust after you have been severely hurt. Time and patience are required by both parties. It is hard to forgive someone that has wronged you (I struggle with this one myself) and it is even more challenging to forgive yourself. Of course, God is always ready to forgive us (we just have to ask). The story reminds us that that God is always with us (we are not alone). Unforgiven is one of those stories that will linger with you long after you finish it.

Ex-con Seth Zimmerman has spent the last three years making amends by helping the vulnerable in his former Amish community. Lately, this mission includes calling on Tabitha Yoder, whose divorce from her abusive husband has isolated her from the community, even though he had almost killed her. Neither of them have been shunned but they are not even welcomed by their families. Even though she never comes out of her house to talk to him, Seth knows she watches him from the window while he chops wood, clears her driveway, and drops off food. An uneasy friendship is just starting to take hold between them when small gifts begin to appear at Tabitha's home--gifts that can only be from her ex-husband. How can she get past the terror this leaves?

I had previously read an LIS book by this author so it was a no-brainer to choose to read this one as well.

I received a digital copy of Unforgiven from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason.

Friendship, forgiveness and faith shine through this character driven story set in an Amish community.

"...a person can ask others for forgiveness but the hardest person to grant absolution to is oneself."
Two people shunned by their Amish community find renewed friendship and encouragement in learning to forgive themselves and move on from past traumas. The author skillfully addresses difficult topics like domestic violence within a tight knit community where misjudgment and gossip have done their damage. A tender romance between the main characters grows from an awkward friendship and is lovely as it blooms into something more. A redemptive theme adds hope and grace to their struggles. The writing flows well and is easy to read.
I enjoyed the last half of the story more as the pace picked up and the tension builds with some peril. There are some brief mentions of violence and a past assault, but nothing too detailed.
A satisfying read overall. A set up for the next book looks promising. 4 stars

Readers who enjoy Amish Romance Fiction or suspense will find this book to be a great read. In the beginning it starts off slow but the pace picks up quickly and at times it will become an edge of seat read. The apprehension of knowing Tabitha Yoder’s ex-husband was hiding out nearby, planning to make good on his threats to kill her made my hair on the back of my neck stand straight up. I found myself flipping the pages and not wanting to put the book down. I enjoyed reading the teaser intro page for the next book of the series tucked in at the back of the book.
Tabitha Yoder and Seth Zimmerman were the main characters. They both were outcast of the Amish of Crittenden County Kentucky. Outcast though not banned. Circumstances from their past put them both in this standing in their community. Secondary characters were Bethanne Hostetler, Lott Hostetler,and Melonie Zimmerman. The villian in the book is Leon Yoder. Seth was a gentle kind man who helped Tabitha when she most needed it. His character has been carried over from The Rumors in Ross County Series. Tabitha lived in fear that her past would catch up with her again someday.

I recommend Unforgiven to readers of Amish romance and suspense. Fans of Shelley Shepard Gray will love this first book of a new series. This book is scheduled for release on 5/21/24.

I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#Unforgiven #NetGalley

This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. This is the first book in a new series set in a small city in Kentucky. Seth Zimmerman has harbored a crush on Tabitha Yoder since she taught him at his Amish school. After many hardships happen to both of them will they be able to find a future together?

I really liked this story. There are many points of view this story switches through and it was a good read.

There are heavy faith elements through out and it is a clean romance.

Tabitha had been abused and beaten by her husband and even knowing it would be frowned upon by the Amish church she couldn't live like that anymore, so she divorced him. Being afraid to leave her home her sister would bring her supplies once a month, which was the only help she received except for ex-amish Seth Zimmerman. He came to her house and chopped wood and stack it beside her door and would leave a sack of groceries.. After weeks of never opening the door or speaking to anyone, she's learns to trust and have faith and begins a friendship with Seth. It's a really good book and kept me interested till the end. I was given this book by Netgalley and not required to leave a review.
#Netgalley #UNFORGIVEN #shellyshepardgray #Amishfiction

This was at times a difficult story to read and I’m sure a difficult story to tell. It was well written and it was easy to get caught up in the characters stories. I found myself cheering on Seth and Tabitha. They were both dealing with a past they needed to work through and a community that needed to forgive and understand the reality of what happened in both of their circumstances. The ending left me wanting just a little bit more, but a captivating story nonetheless.

Seeking a story steeped in faith and forgiveness? Shelley Shepard Gray's Unforgiven is a captivating novel that explores the depths of faith, God’s grace, forgiveness, and the blessed Divine gift and power of human connection, offering a balm for the soul.

We meet Tabitha Yoder, a woman ostracized from her Amish community after escaping an abusive marriage. Haunted by her past, she lives in seclusion, her spirit as fragile as the walls she's built around herself. Enter Seth Zimmerman, an ex-con burdened by a tragic accident. Both ostracized, they find a tentative solace in each other's company.

Gray's masterful storytelling is infused with a deep understanding of Christian faith. The characters' journeys of healing mirror the redemptive power of God's grace. Each step towards forgiveness, whether for oneself or others, feels earned and deeply moving. Unlike some Amish fiction, Unforgiven doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of domestic violence. It tackles these sensitive topics with grace, offering a glimmer of hope through the unwavering strength of Tabitha's spirit and the unwavering compassion of her newfound community.

The suspense rises like a simmering pot as Tabitha's past resurfaces in the form of her abusive ex-husband. This external threat mirrors the internal battles they both face, forging a bond that strengthens with each shared burden. The supporting characters, particularly Melonie and Lott, add depth and warmth to the narrative. Their blossoming romance provides a delightful counterpoint to the central couple's struggles, reminding us that even amidst darkness, love finds a way to bloom.

Unforgiven is a gripping read; it's a transformative experience. With the precision of a season craftsman, it intricately weaves together, through the lens of Christian faith, the threads of faith, grace, and forgiveness into a narrative that penetrates the depths of the soul. Through its pages, the essence of God’s boundless, redeeming love is palpable and redemption and reconciliation unfolds beautifully.

This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys Amish fiction with a deeper touch. It's a story that will resonate with those seeking a journey of faith and forgiveness while embracing God’s incredible and endless grace.

God says in Isaiah 1:18 (NLT): Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow.

I received a digital copy of Unforgiven from the publisher, Revell, via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

Unforgiven by Shelley Shepard Gray is the most riveting Amish fiction I have ever read. With an intriguing cast of characters and a storyline that kept me turning the pages.

Tabitha Yoder divorced her abusive husband. Despite not facing formal rejection, her Amish community continues to treat her as if she has been shunned. While some still reach out to her, most leave her alone. Meanwhile, she is so afraid of her husband's return that she is too afraid to open her door or step outside her home.

Enter ex-con Seth Zimmerman. He tried to stop someone from raping an Amish girl, and in the process, the rapist fell, hit his head, and died. Seth received a prison sentence for his actions. And because he was sent to prison, he too has been ostracized from his Amish community.

When he finds out about Tabitha, he does everything he can to make sure she is provided for. He chops wood for her, leaves her groceries, and shovels her driveway. And while he does all these things, Tabitha is watching and slowly lowering her guard to open her door and let someone who genuinely cares into her life.

I loved the story that unfolded with these two characters. The author brilliantly captured the emotions of someone who has suffered from abuse. She has also shown how some churches today make women suffer in order to obey the scriptures (or uphold laws Jesus has already fulfilled). I am thinking of the callous and evil ways of John MacArthur and Grace Community Church and how they counsel abused women to remain with their spouses. While Tabitha's community is fictional, this book speaks to a very real problem in some churches today that value the "laws" of the Bible rather than a person's life.

The side-character romance between Melonie and Lott was sweet, and I liked seeing how they grew in their relationships with Seth and Tabitha.

This book really kept me on the edge of my seat and is one of the best Amish books I've read to date. I highly recommend it!

For my honest review, I received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley.

Set in Crittenden County, Kentucky, this emotional Amish romantic suspense story features two people scarred by their pasts struggling to navigate life and love in the environment of an “unforgiving” Amish community and unaccepting family members. The beautifully crafted characters are realistic and memorable. I love Seth and Tabitha and came to care about them as individuals and as a couple. Their story kept me turning the pages to see what and who they would encounter next and what the repercussions would be. Secondary characters, Melonie and Lott, add depth and interest to the story with their touching side story romance. I like the way difficult subjects—domestic abuse, assault, divorce, imprisonment—are treated sensitively and thoughtfully. I appreciate the strong faith thread with themes of trust and forgiveness, with emphasis on self-forgiveness. This heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story is not your typical Amish fare, and I think that even readers who are not Amish fiction fans will enjoy it.
For my honest opinion, I received a complimentary copy from Revell via Netgalley and Interviews & Reviews.

Unforgiven by Shelley Shepard Gray was a wonderful story about two people with pasts that no one will allow them to forget. Seth Zimmerman accidentally killed someone while trying to help a young lady. Since he is out of prison he has spent 3 yrs helping those in need. Tabitha Yoder, his ex teacher, is now a divorced recluse because of her abusive ex husband. Divorce is frowned upon in the Amish faith so even though she isn’t formally shunned, the community has shunned her and Seth. Can Seth help Tabitha to not be afraid and live? Can Tabitha help Seth find his forgiveness and follow God’s path.
I couldn’t put this book down. Great story of heartache, strength , forgiveness and love. I received this book to leave my honest review. This is a must read!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

Shelly Shepherd Gray is one of my favorite authors of Amish fiction. I just love all of her books. This book is no exception.

Shelly did an awesome job tackling some very difficult issues that are not often mentioned in Amish fiction novels.

The characters were believabl and she presented and the romance was a sweet and believable as well.

Highly recommend.

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Seth and Tabitha have both been shunned in a sense from their Amish community. Both did nothing wrong but both are at a lonely place right now.

Tabitha’s past threatens to return and harm her again and Seth’s protective instincts kick in but Tabitha is still leery of contact with Seth. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles thrown their way?
3.5 stars

Unforgiven by Shelly Shepard Gray is realistic honestly told story concerning several difficult storylines; attempted rape, domestic violence, accidental death, imprisonment, an dealing with an abusive ex-husband. All topics usually left on the sidelines in Amish fiction.

The storyline was extremely good. Gray handles each topic with professionalism and understanding of each character’s involvement.

Although the story focuses mainly on the lives of divorced, Tabitha Yoder and x-con, Seth Zimmerman, the minor characters add so much to the story. All characters are realistic and protracted in believable way.

If you enjoy suspense, you are going to enjoy the book.

Thank you Revell for allowing me to read and advanced copy of this 5-star book by Shelly Shepherd Gray. Publication day is May 22, 2024. All ideas expressed in this review are mine, and I was not ask to leave a positive review.

This is a story about abuse and accidental death and how two people over come their life negatives to learn to forgive theirselves for what happened to them! They support each other and start to believe in themselves! I was given the chance to read Unforgiven by Shelley Shepard Gray! I was not required to leave a review!

4 1/2 stars. I’m assuming this is the first in a new series. But the way it is introduced makes me feel like I missed a previous book. So after searching and not finding a previous book, just hoping now there will be more.
I really liked the main characters, Seth who served time in prison, probably unjustly. Tabitha who is reclusive and scared of her ex husband, although neither has been banned officially, they are not made to feel a part of the community. I don’t want to give too much of the storyline away, but it is quite engaging.
I have never read a book by Shelley that I didn’t enjoy. I am glad the publisher approved a review copy through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Loved reading the inspirational and captivating story. Since Tabitha's divorce from her abusive ex-husband, Leo, and being shunned from the Amish Community, Tabitha's hesitancy stops her from leaving her home, and Seth, an ex-con who saved a woman from being raped, is also shunned, but he feels he should help Tabitha, a woman he has always liked, with chopping wood and leaving her items she could use. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting story of two people finding each other in an unforgiven world. Can't wait to read the next story by the phenomenal author, Shelley Shepard Gray!

Unforgiven is heartwarming and emotional. It explores several difficult topics - attempted rape, domestic violence, accidental manslaughter, faith, values, and forgiveness. I enjoyed this story of the Amish and Englisher, overcoming fear, forgiving oneself in order to move forward, and finding love. I was happy to learn it’s the beginning of a series and look forward to reading the next book in the series.

This was a really sweet romance that covers some difficult topics not usually in Amish romances, and does so in a way that is very well handled. The characters are well rounded, and I enjoyed that the romance is slow and steady, and the way the characters interact is very believable. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and will definitely look for more by this author. Many thanks to the author and Publisher for allowing me to read the book!