I enjoyed being back with the "8", and we meet one who envied those who were members, but her life as a child was in shambles. Some guessed that things were not good for Kendra and her siblings, but really didn't know the extent.
Now pulling her self up by her bootstraps, this young woman has returned to her hometown and is opening her own business. We meet agin these folks that are always there for one another, we now see them embracing Kendra, and the author gives us so much more.
There are so many emotions here, and some are so very hard, there are tears, and smiles, guilt and forgiveness, but there is also "love", in all forms.
I hate to see this series end, I want to continue with this group and move on with them in their lives, and do I see a wedding here, yes, but there are also some new babies on the way!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Gallery Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

I received this book from netgalley.
I loved this book. great story. I can't wait to read more. I loved all the character's and cover.

The Trustworthy One, is the latest book in the Walnut Creek series by Shelley Shepard Gray. This is a continuing story of how seven friends unite after the death of their good friend Andy. We are touched by many in our lives, for reasons we don't know. Sometimes we are touched even more by their deaths. The lessons we learn as we live on are often rewarding if we look back and notice the subtle cues found in our memories.

Kendra Troyer grew up in less than normal circumstances and fled her abusive home as soon as she could get away. She left behind cruel parents and her younger siblings, who relied on her resilience and generous spirit to see them through their tough circumstances. As life often does, she found herself once again in Walnut Creek. The one person she didn't want to meet again, Nate Miller is there, in her presence at every turn. As a child, he seemed to be near at every awkward moment of her young life. For all the troubles she left behind, she encountered more out in the English world. It is when she is back in Walnut Creek, and faces those she left behind that she learns the value of trust and forgiveness. Shelley Shepard Gray is a gifted writer whose books are not just entertaining but rich in human nature. I enjoyed this book, a story of true friendship, and recommend it without reservation to anyone who likes heartwarming stories.

Kendra Troyer leaves her family home including a sister, two brothers, and her parents to find a better life. Ten years later she returns to Walnut Creek after her friend Andy died and her sister was crying for her to return. Kendra makes plans to open up a shop in town, buys a small house to call
her own and renews a friendship with the Eight.

This is a book about relationships.
Someone in town needs help from Nate.
Kendra's family brings back issues old and new. And, then again there is Nate!
The title is 'The Trustworthy One' who is your Trustworthy One?

I received this book from Netgalley and the publishers.

The Trustworthy One is book four in the Walnut Creek series. The series is about a group of eight unlikely friends that come together after the death of one of them. They promise to be there for each other going forward.

The Trustworthy One focuses on Kendra Troyer. She is not one of the eight but always wanted to be one. She had a difficult childhood. Her and her younger siblings were physically abused and neglected. Kendra was the oldest and stood up for her younger siblings often doing without so she could give to them. Finally she leaves her home and goes out on her own. After a brief struggle, Kendra is strong and returns to Walnut Creek to begin a new life. She is busy opening up a store that she has saved the money to run.

Nate Miller runs the hardware store right down the street from Kendra's new shop. When he enters her shop to say hello, he is taken a back by Kendra's negative response to her. Kendra vowed to hate Nate her whole life after she overheard him making fun of her when she was a child. The words hurt her and even as an adult, she does not like him. But Nate is not that man anymore. He vows to make Kendra forgive him. Try and Kendra may, she forgives Nate and soon begins to like him. When circumstances in Kendra's life changes, it brings the painful childhood she faced return full force. Kendra must learn to forgive those in her life that have hurt her. Her group of friends rally around her and help her.

The Trustworthy One is beautifully written and makes you feel as if you know the characters. You find yourself rooting for them and hoping they can develop into the person God intends them to be. The entire series is great but this book is explained so well it could be read as a standalone. I received an ARC of this book and his is my honest review.

Shelley Shepard Gray's fourth installment from her Walnut Creek, The Trustworthy One was a good read. I give it four stars.

Kendra had an extremely difficult childhood. With one heartbreak after another, one of the things that hurt her the most was when she overheard her crush, Nate, say something negative about her to friends. She could not forget or forgive him. Later, when she is able to forge out somewhat of a life, she returns to her hometown and opens her own business. Of course, the reader knows she's going to run into Nate and still have a tough time liking him. What goes in between is worth reading, and I'd like to check out this author again.

This is a story about Kendra, a young woman in her mid twenties who has lived through many hardships in her life and which still bring about resentment and anger although she is trying to move on with her life with the opening of her own business and a new outlook on life. The story is about forgiveness, relationships, and personal growth in a young adult. There were parts of the book that I really enjoyed especially the building of a relationship from forgiveness between Kendra and Nate. I was confused by the random few sentences at the beginning of each chapter. To me, those sentences had no context to the story and had me lost and confused until I finally realized it was Kendra remembering an event from her youth/teen years but for which I still feel played very little part to the entire story. Also confusing at the beginning was a recurring reference to "The Eight" which I also finally realized was a group of high school friends but before the realization of the reference, just had me lost. At times, I felt the story was disjointed in the switching of story lines (Kendra/Nate vs Naomi (Kendra's sister)/ Kane without much of a connection between the two storylines at first. While I somewhat felt connected to the characters, I was not fully invested in them and feel that the book might be better suited for a teen and young adult audience. Overall, the premise of the story was good and felt the last third of the book was better than the beginning. I would recommend to others especially if teen/young adult.

THE TRUSTWORTHY ONE is the fourth and last in this series, I think, but it stands alone. Written in Ms. Gray's trademark sweet and innocent style, this book is sure to appeal to her fans.



Kendra and Nate went from enemies to instant best friends which was sweet if unrealistic and I loved the secondary romance between Kane and Naomi.



This book did deal with messy issues and some things and people I didn't care much for. This was not my favorite book by this author but her fans will surely love it.



Pre-order your copy now.



I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

Shelley Shepard Gray always can capture my heart with her sweet and soulful books. The Trustworthy one is an adorable read it tugged my heart stings and I couldn't help but smile when I finished the book.

Shelley Shepard Gray returns us to Walnut Creek. We come back to characters we love and who have touched us. I always enjoy not just her Amish novels but her non Amish stories as well. Her writing style pulls a reader into her stories and leaves them wanting to turn the pages. Long after you close the book you are left to wonder how the characters are doing. In the Walnut Creek series, we find a group of friends from all walks of life. Not only are some Amish but Mennonite and English as well. Despite their differences they have made their friendships work. Kendra left Walnut Creek as far behind as she could as soon as she could. However, when she returns, she finds that her friends surround her with love and forgiveness and understanding. Will Kendra be able to forgive and move forward? Can she overcome her anger? I really enjoyed reading this series to far. I look forward to the next. I received a copy through Netgalley. I review was not required.

The Trustworthy One
by Shelley Shepard Gray
Gallery Books
Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date 01 Jun 2020 | Archive Date 05 May 2020
Great book!
Thanks to Gallery books for my ARC. and Net Galley!!
I have not read another Amish book like this. It tells the story of an abused Amish person.
You will have to read it!! I will recommend it when our library opens.

Kendra carries many hurts from her childhood. Kendra grew up with an abusive alcoholic father and mother who didn't mother. Being the oldest she was the mother figure and protector of her siblings. The family was very poor but Kendra made sure her siblings had food even if she didn't. Nate was part of the Eight" in school. She over heard hurtful things he said a bout her. Now adults and Kendra as returned to her home town that she left at 17. Can the hurt Kendra still feels toward.Nate be resolved.

4 stars
The Trustworthy One by Shelley Shepard Gray is the 4th book in this series. I did not read the first three books, but I was easily able to read this book as a stand alone book.
This is an incredible book dealing with the aftereffects of a horrific childhood as an abused Amish child. This is unlike any Amish book I have ever read. The characters are easy to like and to root for with realistic problems and realistic resolutions to those issues. I really hope there is another book that follows up on Kendra and Naomi.
I so highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own.

I didn't want this book to end! I fell in love with all of the characters. This story made me stop and think about how we treat others. It also showed me that a person can overcome many obstacles to achieve their dreams. I hope to see this story continue in a second book. I would love to read more about the other characters in this story.

I enjoy Shelley Shepard Gray. Her books are always true to life. She writes about real conflicts and uncomfortable situations. The Trustworthy One doesn't disappoint. The story follows Kendra as she returns to her hometown to open up a business. She is soon joined by her younger sister Naomi. As the story progresses, you realize that Kendra has issues from her past, including an abusive childhood and school bullying. After escaping from her family, Kendra still struggles until she finally gets control of her life and returns to her hometown. She has tremendous guilt for leaving her siblings that she practically raised herself. When the youngest sister, Naomi, who is sixteen, comes to live with her, she again feels that same overwhelming responsibility. Kendra and Naomi both need to come to terms with forgiveness. Even when the siblings reunite it is obvious that the abuse they suffered has created problems in all their lives. But it is up to each one to move on and forgive. Woven throughout the story are Kendra's childhood friends known as the eight. While Kendra was never part of the eight she was still included in the circle of friendship. And now they have all come together to help her become a success and realize that she is loved for who she is and not her past. I gave The Trustworthy One four stars because, at times, the story was a little confusing. I understand how important the eight were to the story but, because I had not read the previous books in the series I was a little lost at times. But, with that being said, it is a wonderful story about forgiveness and love and overcoming tragedy. I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Netgalley.

Another amazing story from Shelley Shepard Gray! I will never get enough of her books. In the fourth book of the Walnut Creek series, Kendra Troyer returns to Walnut Creek despite the bad memories of growing up with an abusive father. She has opened her own store, but has held tight to the many bad memories. Will she hold onto her hurts or will she come to peace through her faith and support from her friends? This book is impossible to put down, and there were a few moments I needed to stop and get tissues for my eyes. Although this is the last book of the series, this book can be read as a stand-alone. You won’t be sorry if you start at the beginning of the series. I will miss these people. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is book 4 in the Walnut Creek series. The story is about Kendra Troyer and Nate Miller. Kendra had a hard life she had a abusive father and a mother who did nothing to stop the abuse. Kendra was left to raise her four younger siblings. She did without food and things so her siblings could have. Nate Miller had made remarks that Kendra had overheard about her and her family. The remarks hurt Kendra. She left Walnut Creek and abandon her siblings to get away. She had her grandparents take her youngest sister to raise to get her out of the house. After she makes some mistakes in Columbus with drugs and alcohol she returns to Walnut Creek to start a new life. Nate Miller runs a shop down from hers and she does not want anything to do with him. Can Nate Miller change her mind about him? This book is all about trust and learning to be able to trust again after many hardships. A beautiful story.

Readers of the Walnut Creek series will be pleased to read Kendra's story. Abuse is a hard topic but the author handles it well. I like the way the author showed how each family member came through the same situation with a different outcome. Trustworthiness was definitely the theme but forgiveness ran throughout. I like that Kendra was strong and made her own decision in visiting her father. Also, she was shown as a real person, with true feelings and conflicts. This is not a light hearted Amish novel like so many are. Recommended!

I have reviewed this book for New York Journal of Books where it will be posted on their site the evening before the release date.

"The Trustworthy One" by Shelley Shepard Gray
Gallery Books
May 5, 2020
10-1982100931
Contemporary Inspirational Romance

Kendra Troyer spends most of her young life caring for her younger siblings and protecting them from their abusive father and submissive mother. She bears the scars of many beatings received for no other reason than her father is easily led to violence. All she wants is to get out of her Amish community in Walnut Creek and find freedom and peace, but she's afraid to leave her brothers and sisters to her father's wrath.

When her siblings are old enough, Kendra does manage to escape the horrors of her life as they are either on their own or relocated to live with grandparents, as is the case with the youngest, Naomi, whom they lovingly call "Nanny."

Kendra is ecstatic to be accepted into design school in Columbus, OH, and is relieved to depart her dysfunctional family. She no longer is forced to deal with her father or the boy from school named Nate Miller who humiliated her in front of her peers.

Columbus doesn't prove to be an easy getaway for Kendra, as she deals with her depression by getting hooked on drugs and alcohol. Lucky for her a school counselor takes pity on her after hearing her sad story and finds placement for her at a rehab facility where she regains her faith in the Lord and is able to get back on the right track.

Upon learning a good friend of hers has died, Kendra returns to Walnut Creek and to the friends she left. She buys a little cottage and starts her own design business vowing to never see her parents again. The hatred she feels for them has caused a huge scar in her heart, and she realizes she can only depend on herself. Old friends welcome Kendra with open arms, and for once, she is at peace. Then Naomi appears at her door asking to live with her and no longer stay with her stuffy grandparents. Happy to have her beloved sister again, she wonders if she is doing the right thing by allowing her to stay. But she accepts her with open arms and enrolls Nanny in her junior year of high school.

Meanwhile, when Kendra bumps into her nemesis, Nate, she wants nothing to do with him, but how can she avoid him when his hardware store is two doors down from her shop? Nate is surprised by Kendra's cool treatment of him, and when she tells him why she dislikes him, he is instantly repentant.

Kendra now is 25 and Nate, a year older, is determined to make amends; while doing so he finds he is surprised that he is falling for her. She has no reason to trust him, but he manages to worm his way into her heart. But can she trust him? She's never been able to trust anyone before, why should she now—especially after he was cruel to her when they were kids? He reminds her he was a callous teenager and determines to show her he is a different person and one she can learn to believe in and maybe fall in love with one day.

As Kendra's business begins to thrive, she reflects her current situation:

"Pleased with all of her accomplishments, she decided it was time to relax for a bit, especially since a new library book was calling her name. After cutting a slice of bread and placing it neatly on a plate, she sat down, feeling a tranquility that eluded her childhood.

"Of course, she wasn't even sure if she longed for peace in those days. Mostly, she just tried to take care of her siblings, avoid her father, and keep everyone fed. More often than not, she'd failed at all three things. Her younger brothers and sisters would go to bed hungry, she'd be sporting a welt from whatever her father had decided to hit her with, and she'd be overwhelmed with schoolwork.

"No, back then, her sense of peace had come from being around her friends or in the pages of a book."

The prologue commences a decade prior when Kendra is in middle school and desperately wanting to be a part of the clique known as "The Eight." The group consists of Amish, Mennonite, and English teens. One of them, Andy Warner, is an Englischer who befriends Kendra. Due to Kendra's abusive home life, the family’s poverty, etc. she is tormented by Nate, and this is when she decides she will hate him for the rest of her life.

The story segues to Kendra's life ten years later and her return to her hometown. Each chapter unveils some fact of Kendra's life at age 15 and the time she spent with Andy. However, throughout the novel, it is not known what happened to him and how he passed. These clips are a bit baffling until one gets further into the plot and can understand how this information relates to Kendra’s current life. This is book 4 in the Walnut Creek Series; maybe it would be helpful to read the prior issues.

"The Trustworthy One" is an apt title for all that Kendra suffers during her early years. Because one is a blood relative, it does not mean they are able to love and nurture family members, and this concern spans all cultures and classes of people. This tale exposes the sad topic of child abuse and how some deal with it. Through her faith and with the help of her good friends, Kendra learns to rely on herself to gain trust and banish the pain from her past to move on to a fulfilling new life.