Thanks goes to the publisher, via Net-Galley, for the chance to read and review The Protective One by Shelley Shepard Gray prior to publication. I’m glad I decided to accept the invitation. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

The Protective One is another well-written novel by Ms. Gray with intriguing characters and a unique plot. The story is paced well and kept me entertained from the beginning until the end. While the group of friends are a bit different than in other tales by Ms. Gray, they are a delightful group and shows long time closeness. I enjoyed that aspect of the book a great deal.

Elizabeth Anne, known be her close friends as EA is an endearing character. I quickly became vested in her. She’s loyal to her friends and has a bit of a quirky side. I loved how she kicked David to the curb. I love that she befriends Marta who clearly has something going on in her life that isn’t good.
Will is the typical, kind Amish man with plenty of faith and a strong commitment to his friends. He’s cared deeply for EA for many years, but never let her know. His touch of insecurity was endearing. I really wanted him to get the girl!

The romance grows between these two friends in a most delightful way. I thoroughly loved their first kiss. It’s tender and sweet and took EA completely by surprise. I loved how Will is willing to make major changes to have a chance at a lasting relationship with EA. Their time at the county fair, solidified their romance a lot as they try to help Marta.

I enjoyed the sub-plot involving Marta greatly. That showed the true grit of EA. She’d fearless when she’s protecting her friends. Marta is English and in such a horrible situation with her husband. It’s EA’s kindness that helps Marta find the strength she needs to break free of her husband.

If you enjoy sweet romances with delightful characters who will touch your heart, then you will love The Protective One as much as I did. I highly recommend this lovely Amish tale. Happy reading!

Even though this book started out a little slow for me, it quickly picked up and I didn't want to put it down. Still reeling from a death of a close friend, E.A. is growing more dissatisfied with her boyfriend David. When he insults her deceased friend, she breaks up with him. When E.A. tells her friend Will, he pretends that he is E.A.'s boyfriend. Before too long, they both realize that they have feelings for each other. David though isn't ready to walk away from E.A... At work, E.A. only real joy is helping Marta master sewing though she worries that Marta might be an abused wife. I received a free copy of this eBook from the publisher through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. This is a wonderful story that encompasses love, friendship, faith, suspense, stalking, and abuse. This is the first book that I have read in the series and it can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone. I plan to put the previous two books in my TBR list. I love how supportive Will and E.A.'s friends are. E.A. and Will are also both so likable. I love this book.

The Protective One is the latest book in the Walnut Creek series by Shelley Shepard Gray. I am a big fan of both the author and Amish fiction. This book is part of a series but can be easily read as a stand alone. I am never disappointed in this authors books. Her characters become old friend that I cant wait to revisit. I highly reccommend this book.

I received a copy of this book from netgalley and I loved it but of course I always love Shelley's book's. can't wait to read more. I alway's look forward for the next book.
I really loved this book, was very happy to get the opportunity to read it.

When the death of an old friend starts Elizabeth Anne rethinking her life, she begins to think that she needs a change. This includes her courtship with David, her neighbor and suitor. This death also brought back together her best friends known as the Eight. Will she be able to move forward and figure out her future? Will she find a true love that has been right in front of her?
This story brings friendship, love and courage to the forefront. As each character struggles to move into the future, the must come together to not only protect themselves but another. I had not read the previous stories however, I was able to pick up and go with this one. I look forward to going back and reading the previous books as well as any future ones. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

I love this author’s books and The Protective One was no different. Well written plot with believable characters. My thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review..

Another sweet story featuring seven friends that have grown up together. Will and Elizabeth Anne (EA) each are feeling unsettled in their lives. EA is having second thoughts about her obnoxious boyfriend and Will feels left out with all his friends' recent marriages. The seven friends are still processing the loss of their eighth friend. Abuse, suicide and friendship all come together in this meaningful story. Recommended!

I loved this book. It was a story of friendships, relationships, survival, and coming together.

After the death of Elizabeth Anne's friend, she contemplate her life and what she desires for it. Ending her relationship with her stuffy boyfriend is the first step. When she starts spending more time with another friend, Will, she is starting to feel like her life is falling into place.

My only critique is this. I could tell this was not the first in a series. While the author tries to make it as understandable as possible; I feel I would have enjoyed it more had I read the others before this one. Especially when E.A. keeps referencing all of her friends. It's hard to keep them all straight and who belongs to what religious group. .

Here we have another home run from Shelley Shepard Gray!!! I have been a long time reader of her work and I must say that this novel had a few turns that I was glad to see written about in the genre of Amish fiction. Elizabeth Ann (EA) has lost a friend and now comes to a crossroads where she makes the decision to walk away from the man her parents want her to marry. Needless to say, her parents are NOT happy and take every opportunity to try to change EA's mind, much to EA"s dismay. However, standing by to become the friend she needs, despite his desire to be so much more, is Will who has know EA since school days. Will makes himself available for EA, but only as the friend she wishes.....for now. In this story, is the very unusual topic for Amish genre, of marital abuse. Marta, the victim, realizes that she has someone who will be there for her, despite the fact that she is English. Throughout their time together, Marta gradually becomes stronger and plans her options. Little do all 3 characters realize, that those plans will impact each one of them. This is a wonderful book....one that I highly recommend.

The author gives us a great new book dealing with love, friendship, loss of friend through death, seeking of where life is leading and the subject of marital abuse.

These are all handled in a great way of showing protection through faith and love of friends and family.

E. A (Elizabeth Ann) and Will have been life-time friends, along with others forming a group of 8 close friends. Time has brought them closer together as she questions the friendship and potential engagement to another man. Will they progress in their friendship to that of love?

The author has handled so many topics in this book in a great manner. I didn’t want to put the book down until I had finished it. I highly recommend it.

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and Gallery Books. A review was not required and is all my own opinion.

The Protective One is a great story about two friends that become so much more! A beautifully written story that tells of EA, aka Elizabeth Anne, and her old friend Will as they grow closer together. During this time they are able to help an abused wife leave her husband. A very exciting story! Loved it!

This book did not disappoint! Shelley Shepard Gray has done it again! Her writing sucks you in and holds on until the book is complete! This book has so much love in it. It also has fear, courage, and so much more! This book is very encouraging and it was a pleasure to read. It encourages the reader to do the right thing and stand on the right thing! It also encourages readers to see where things can go from a tiny spark to a roaring fire! Again, Shelley Shepard Gray has written an amazing book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and you will not be able to put it down!

I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.

I liked this book well enough to still give it 5 stars.
I think the only thing that I didn't like about it was the use of the nickname E.A. I love the full name Elizabeth Anne so much better! It didn't make much sense to me. I guess it's because using a nickname doesn't give the character much personality.
Now if we're using the full name, this character really does have a lot to offer but this is just my opinion.
But overall I think the author has done a nice job on this tough subject. And a lot of it really does occur. Some women are just too ashamed or are just too afraid to make the necessary changes. Change is certainly hard enough.
Marta has my admiration! It takes a strong woman to do what she did!! She really could be an excellent role model!!
Her strength is really awesome! Just wow!
I also liked the idea of all of the 7 as I now call them that they are really there for each other and others in their community.
How I wish this were true in real life!!
I also wish that the author would just come out and say the Protective One is really our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord really does love us and offers us Hope at the end of the tunnel so to speak. All we need to do is ask.
I strongly recommend this book! It has all the elements of a good story! Shelley really knows her stuff!
My thanks to Netgalley. NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own!