Another great read by Shelley! This is book #4 and final in the Walnut Creek series. I enjoyed reading the story of Kendra and Nate. Who would have thought the story would end the way it did, after the way it started. With everything that was going on in Kendra's story, it made me want to keep reading to see what happens next. I have read 2 of the 4 books in this series and I will be reading the other two books to find out what other stories Walnut Creek has to offer.

The Trustworthy One by Shelley Shepherd Gray is an amazing addition to the Walnut Creek Series. I loved the premise of this book and the characters really drew me in. I hadn't read any of the previous ones before I read this one, and this book made me want to go back and read the others to catch up. I could totally read it as a stand alone but it was much better with the background of the others in the series. I have since read the whole series and it is excellent! Highly recommend. This is a great book for a book club discussion.

The Trustworthy One is a beautiful story of redemption, forgiveness and family; another sterling gem in the Walnut Creek series. Getting to know the Eight has been a treat, and getting to know Nate and Kendra is a rollercoaster of emotion.

Kendra Troyer grew up dreaming of being a part of the Eight, the close-knit group of friends that grew up together. She was poor, abused by her drunken father, neglected by her mother, practically raising her younger siblings, and to top it all off she is teased for being stupid, when she really just had a learning disability. As soon as she can escape Walnut Creek she is gone, moving to Columbus to go to design school, but now she’s back in Walnut Creek opening up her own design shop two doors down from Nate Miller, the boy that teased her relentlessly, and whom he vowed to hate for the rest of her life.

I hated that Kendra went through the abuse and neglect that she went through as a youth, both from her dysfunctional family and the relentless teasing from Nate Miller, but her story shows that you can rise above dysfunction, and come out stronger for it. It’s so heartwarming to see her find her faith again, and to have the strength to go home again.

The chemistry between Nate and Kendra is realistic, as is the story in general. I have a soft spot for enemies that are able to choose forgiveness, to friends who grow to love each other, so I was rooting for them the entire time I was reading. I liked the fact that Kendra wasn’t initially a part of the group, but found her home with the Eight, especially after dreaming of being a part of their group for so long. This is a group of people that I wish were in my life. How they all support each other, and help each other through their circumstances. It truly is inspiring.

I love this heartfelt series so much, the author’s writing is so fluid you truly get lost in Walnut Creek and the lives of the Eight. Though The Trustworthy One is part of a series, you can easily read it as a standalone, as the author does a terrific job of getting the reader caught up, but I think this series has so much more meaning when you read them in order, truly allowing you to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

Thank you Shelley Shepard Gray for another wonderful story that is full of heart and compassion, and gave me all the feels.

Another great series by this author. I was sorry to see this one end, however I knew it had it was inevitable. I have loved getting to know the characters, different back grounds, different beliefs and different ways their lives turned out, but friends for life.

Their bond is unbreakable which is incredible with all the things that had been going on in the lives of these 8 friends.
I received a copy through Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

I am sorry to see this series end. I have read all of the books in it and enjoyed it immensely.
There are a lot of serious issues dealt with in this series and the author does a marvelous job of it.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing their mental and spiritual growth.
They are flawed, like we all are and we see forgiveness, redemption and second chances.
Inspirational and highly recommended series.

Pub Date 01 Jun 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

This series just gets better with every book. Gray did a terrific job with character development and touched on some hard-to-deal subjects. I did not want to put this book down.

The next to last book in The Walnut Creek series. I would suggest reading the books in order to make some sense of the story. Quick, enjoyable read for anyone interested in a little bit of romance and budding friendships.

Shelley Shepard Gray has a knack for the unusual plot lines....and she does it very well!! This novel will take you into the world of childhood abuse, it's consequences and lifelong pain that must be dealt with, on a daily basis. This book tells the story of "The Eight".....a group of 8 children, both English and Amish, who have remained steadfast friends, through thick and thin. But, life is short and "The Eight" has become "The Seven", when on of the group commits suicide. How does each of the eight people deal with their past and present life. Does the suicide impact them in a negative or positive way? How do they go on after this tragedy? You will find these answers in the pages of this book. Unusual topics for a book on the Amish, but so true to detail and honest to the topics.

I loved this story was so good! I even love how the author kind of intertwined 2 stories into one because she told a little bit of Kendra's story with Andy in a little blurb at the beginning of each chapter. But I also loved how through her hardship she found love. This book was really hard to put down after I started reading!

Another wonderful Amish story by Shelley Shepard Gray.
I received a free copy from the the publisher and Netgalley.

Young adult, new business owner Kendra struggles to overcome the abuse of her childhood. As the oldest of 5 children, she was the caretaker from an abusive father and a disconnected mother. Kendra guards her heart against others and still maintains a mama bear attitude toward her siblings. A high school friend who greatly offended her in high school, reenters her life. Kendra is not quick to forgive, even though he is clearly repentant.
Kendra's youngest sister, age 16, asks to move in with her and start high school in Kendra's town. The sister was placed with the maternal grandparents several years prior and she, too, struggles against the excuses the grandparents give for the disconnected mother's behavior.

Another amazing book by Shelley Shepard Gray. This book held my interest from beginning to end because Shelley incorporates real life situations that some people deal with on a daily basis. Physical abuse and denial from her parents, being made fun of by a classmate in school, alcohol and substance abuse are just some of the issues the main character Kendra deals with. When she finally leaves her family and hometown, she receives her GED and becomes a successful business woman. She returns to her hometown to open her own business after 10 years and encounters Nate-the young man in school who made fun of her home life situation and being poor. She vowed 10 years ago that she would despise him forever and not have anything to do with him. Kendra realizes that she must now overcome her animosity and anger towards Nate and work on forgiveness and her faith. Will they ever become friends and be cordial to each other? Will she truly let go of the anger against her parents on the way they treated her? This book will touch you mentally, physically and spiritually on how a person can overcome even the worst obstacles and learn to deal with them and make themself a better person. A copy of this book was provided to me for my honest opinion.

Author Shelley Shepard Gray pens another fascinating story in The Walnut Creek Series. This one is more somber than the rest, dealing with child abuse and neglect, as well as drug abuse. But it also deals with learning to forgive with God’s help. I do suggest reading the series in order so that you get to know the characters as they show up in each book.

Strong, well developed characters give this book an intensity that had me reading quickly. Nate and Kendra have a history from High School and they are thrown together again. Both have grown and developed personally and spiritually. But can Kendra forgive? Can Nate make things right?

If you enjoy contemporary Christian fiction that has depth as well as a romance then you’ll enjoy this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

This is a terrific story. Kendra’s story about her childhood abuse is heartbreaking. Her courage in creating a better life for herself and her younger sister is inspiring. I liked that the author allowed Kendra’s character to be open and honest about the abuse in her past. These family relationships were not tied up with a pretty bow, and that made the story seem even more believable. This book has fit very well with the rest of the series, and I think Kendra is my favorite character because of her courage and compassion for her friends and her siblings. This book stands very well on its own. I’d recommend reading this whole series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own

#TheTrustworthyOne#Net Galley
Another great book by. ShropsHire Gray. This story shows that even Amish and it Mennonite people are like everyone else. Kendra who had an abusive father and a neglectful mother would protect her younger siblings. She finally left home to get away and went to design school. She had also been teased and made fun of by other kids in her town because of being poor and her family living conditions. She receives word that a good friend has died by suicide and she goes home to those she left behind. Her younger siblings have moved on with their lives..She decides to open a shop two doors down from the hardware that is owned by her childhood net Hate and she still goes to dispose him forever. Nate is an adult now and finally realized how bad to was towards Kendra as a teenager. He apologized but can Kendra accept his apology ? Kendra little sister who had been living with the grandmother but wants to move in with Kendra. Does Kendra forgive Nate ? Will Kendra friends who were part of the "eight" that she aS on the fringes. of the trouble there for her ? Will they help her shop too be a success and love her, and let the past stay in the past? Will her subjunctive her forgiveness for leaving ? Will her friendship with Hate become stronger ? Will she be able to trust him ? Will she find love and a happy life after her trials and burdens of her earlier life ? Thank you Net Galley for allowing me a read and review this book.

I have not yet read the first three books in this series, but this one was very good. It dealt with so many issues: abuse, independence, grudges, friendships, forgiveness, and love. The characters are realistic and likeable. It was an inspiring novel for me.
Many thanks to Gallery Books and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Gray gives a different outlook from the Amish and Mennonite world where some of these subjects just aren't talked about. I like how she shows us the Amish and Mennonites aren't that different from everyone else and she doesn't beat around the bush about it.
I have enjoyed this series because it shows true friendship among the 8 and how they keep it going after one of their own does something so horrific that you never hear about from this particular group,
A lot of life's lessons are learned here and lots of over comings as well.
I've loved Grays stories from the beginning. I think what I like best about her stories is that her characters seem realistic and believable and at times lovable just simply from the things that life manages to throw at them. And of course, they always come out for the better than they started out with.
I do know one thing, I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. Just wonderful and at the same time perfect!
Forgiveness and Love are the main theme in this story along with abuse, drugs etc.
Forgiveness is important. It's what Jesus would want us to do. Plus, it would give ourselves some peace knowing that we tried even if the other person didn't want to.
I highly recommend this book. Gray is an awesome author!
My thanks to Gallery books and Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book and I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

I say each book in my series is my favorite and it is true. The series gets better and better. Kendra's story was so real and filled with love from all aspects. I have laughed, cried, and swooned while reading.

The hardest part of the book for me to get past was the cover. After reading I am not sure if I would have used that cover considering Kendra owns a shop filled with yarn and other household notions and Nate owns a hardware store. Not that a book cover is what makes the book.

The Trustworthy One is filled with love and friendships but it also discusses hard stuff like drug addiction and abuse.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Gallery Books, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

Received from Net Gallery. The fictional story shows so many emotions in the characters that you will fall in love with all the characters,they become so real to you as you begin to know each and everyone of them. Emotions run high when they all met back up again after so many years gone. Facing the past is the hardest anyone can ever do and in this story you have that but can you forgive,do you have it in you? Very well researched and written where you are right there . How will their story end,the family that has not been together for so long.Will they all survive and can they live through it? Read,you will be so glad that you did!

Kendra’s earlier life was not easy with an abusive father and all she endured along with how she was an adult at an early age sacrificing for her younger siblings. I admire how Kendra overcame obstacles in her time away from Walnut Creek when she hit bottom. Her return to her home town wasn’t easy but her strong fortitude and hard work was paying off until Nate Miller entered. The lifetime friends and memories shared even when Kendra and Nate was not part of “the eight” impacted their lives. Their story is one that will keep readers engaged until the end. The lessons of being open, forgiveness and learning to trust gave way to beautiful ending.

Kendra is one of my favorite characters in this series with all she obstacles she overcame even with seeing her younger siblings and how she reacted was realistic. This is the last book in Gray’s Walnut Creek series but it can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend reading each book and novellas to understand each member of this close knit of friends through the years and appreciate barriers they conquered.

Thank you to NetGalley and Galley Books for an ARC of this book. I was under no obligation to write a positive review but have shared my own opinion.