I truly love learning about the amish. The characters were great. I loved the story line. I loved this book.

Her Heart’s Desire by author Shelley Shepard Gray is the first book in her new series, A Season in Pinecraft. This is a contemporary Amish Christian fiction book that is delightful. I was quickly invested in the story and the lives of the characters.

This is the tale of some young people individually going to Pinecraft, Florida for a winter vacation. Mary Margaret Miller eagerly takes the bus by herself from Trail, Ohio for a Florida excursion. Her bus made an emergency stop in Georgia placing Mary with two other Amish girls, Betsy and Lilly, in a hotel room. The girls become fast friends.

They meet two Amish men and sparks begin to fly. All of them are staying at the same Bed and Breakfast. A fourth girl happens to come to Pinecraft and has history with Mary Margaret. Will this cause trouble? What happens when the vacation is over as two couples are dating?

This is a sweet story that has themes of faith, hope, trust, and forgiveness. The characters are likable and realistic. Their conversations were true to the Amish. I loved the innkeeper. She was so lovable and a great mentor to those staying at her place. After the story, there is a sample from the next book in the series.

This was an enjoyable read, but it was different than most Amish books that I’ve read. I don’t recall reading a book where the young people were on vacation far from home. While I did like the story, I did miss the everyday family life. The author did an exemplary job whisking me away to Florida and the Amish community there. It was almost like being there myself.

I highly recommend this book and new series to anyone. There is so much to love about it. It gets a five out of five star rating from me. A copy was provided, but these are my honest words.

This story is mainly focused in Pinecraft, Florida, where Amish from all over come to vacation or spend the winter. It reads more like a young adult novel, with four young women who meet there and experience life-changing moments. Readers can’t help but root for these young ladies to find acceptance and fulfillment in their lives. I found it quick and easy to read, but not too deep. Regular readers of Amish fiction will enjoy adding this to their shelves. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. #HerHeartsDesire #NetGalley

Her Heart’s Desire – Shelley Shepard Gray
I want to travel to Pinecraft, Florida. Whenever an Amish Fiction author uses Pinecraft as the location in their story, I long to take a vacation there.
Wallflowers. That’s what Mary Margaret calls the group of four, meant to be friends. Wallflowers, the un-popular, the ones who long for friendship and a sense of belonging. I know this feeling all too well.
I enjoy Amish Fiction because they are a “feel good” story to me, and I know that the happy ending is in sight. Shelley Shepard Gray did not disappoint with “Her Heart’s Desire,” and I hope more books will come. I want to know what happens to Betsy and Lilly.
This book is an excellent example of why we cannot outrun our problems. Instead, we must face them.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and the opinions in this review are my own.

Shelley Shepard Gray first introduced me to the popular Amish beach-vacation destination of Pinecraft in her Amish Brides of Pinecraft series, and I’ve been fascinated with it ever since. So I was really happy to find out that her newest series, while unrelated, also takes place in Pinecraft!

Three Amish wallflowers each board the same bus for Florida from different communities, and after being thrust together in unexpected circumstances they discover they have much in common. The trio of Mary Margaret, Betsy, and Lilly become fast friends and since they are all staying at the same B&B they are pretty much inseparable during their stay. I enjoyed meeting each of these three young women who so desperately want to be braver and more confident than they are, and I loved that their new friendships give them the boost they’ve been looking for in both of those areas. Sometimes all it really takes is one person to turn things around for someone else, and in this case all three girls provide that catalyst for each other. Gray writes sweetly memorable romances but she also excels at writing friendships that readers can relate to – and Mary, Betsy & Lilly are prime examples. There’s another young woman that will make it a tentative fourth but there are some layers there that make this relationship not as easy for Mary as her quick friendship with Betsy & Lilly. I thought this made the characters even more relatable, since I readily identified with first Mary herself and then her mixed emotions regarding this newcomer to the story.

Jayson is a handsome young Amish man from Kentucky who is also staying at the B&B, and Mary immediately catches his eye. There’s something about her that draws him in and brings out his flirty side, leaving Mary in turns flustered and intrigued. I enjoyed watching them fall in love, conflict and all, and I was rooting for them to find their happily-ever-after even when it looks unlikely. The sweetness and innocence of their romance brought a smile to my face, and the layers of each character kept me invested in the outcome. I wanted to knock Jayson upside the head a couple of times (haha) but I still genuinely liked him.

Another intriguing character to me is Michael, a nineteen-year-old Amish man who lives in Pinecraft year-round. Raised by his cold and unwelcoming aunt and uncle since the death of his parents, Michael has been saving his tips and salary from the restaurant where he works in hopes of living on his own sooner rather than later. He may only be nineteen but life has aged him, and I felt in some ways that he was even more mature than Jayson. You’ll probably be as surprised as I was by who he falls in love with (and steadily pursues) but I can’t imagine it any other way now.

Bottom Line: Shelley Shepard Gray’s stories are always so refreshing, and Her Heart’s Desire is no exception! The warm writing voice, the engaging characters, and two sweet romances will leave readers light of heart and smiling, too. Pinecraft makes the perfect setting for these characters and their stories, and I loved the friendships that will last beyond the all-too-short vacation. Her Heart’s Desire lays the groundwork for what promises to be another delightful series from this author, and I’m already looking forward to Betty’s story!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

Mary Margaret Miller feel the need to get away from her community to let some issues die down and to just not have to deal with the others in the community who are not lifting her up as they should. She decides to go to another community in Pinecraft, Florida and takes the bus there on her own. On the way she meet some others going to the same place and they decide to stick together and enjoy their vacation together.

While there she meets some other people including Jayson Raber who she feels she has a connection to. Soon though things from both of their pasts come out that puts a damper on their vacation and blooming friendship. They both will have to look hard into their lives to see what will happen next.

I loved this first book in this new Amish romance series. I love Mary Margaret and Jayson. I love learning some of the different ways that Amish in Florida are different than those in other areas. I am looking forward to reading the stories for Betsy and Lilly. This has wonderful romance. I love how quickly these three girls are able to become friends. I love that Mary Margaret has to learn how to handle a problem from home while she is on vacation. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

My thoughts; This is a sweet, unassuming story about three girls who are misfits and one mean girl who find themselves on vacation in Pinecraft at the same time and form an unlikely friendship. There are two possible romances, and promises among the girls to keep in touch and a good faith message. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series to see what happens with the other two girls. If you like Amish romance you will love this new book and want to grab it. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed reading “Her Heart’s Desire” and all of the interesting characters and the story setting in Pinecraft, Florida.

I found the characters and their struggles relatable and I especially liked the main characters Mary Margaret and Jayson. Mary Margaret was definitely my favorite with her personality, openness, and willing to try new things in Florida. Jayson and his friend Danny immediately befriend Mary, Betsy and Lilly after meeting them outside the Inn in Pinecraft. I liked reading about their different vacation adventures together. This was a really fun book to read!

Other characters included Michael, Esther, Larry and innkeeper Nancy. The flow of the story lines kept my interest page after page and I can’t wait to read more in this series! After recently vacationing in Florida, I felt like I was back there again with Mary Margaret, Jayson and the others.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

I enjoy Shelley Shepard Gray's books and was excited to read Her Heart's Desire, the first in a new series. 

Her Heart's Desire is a quick read featuring friendship, friends to more, forgiveness, and trust. While needing an escape from reality, three young Amish women decide to vacation in Pinecraft, Florida. When their bus needs to stop, they are forced to room together for a night. This encounter sets them up for a beautiful friendship as they realize how similar they are.

While I enjoyed the story, I felt there were too many characters to know them well and appreciate their character growth. I also felt everything was too easy. There was not much conflict (which is fine), but everything is too neatly done to be realistic.

Thank you to Net Galley and Revell for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Her Heart’s Desire, written by Shelley Shepard Gray is the first book in her series, Season in Pinecraft. Pinecraft, Florida is the vacation spot for the Amish. It is the favored place to go for its fine weather and beaches in Siesta Key.

In this novel, Ms. Shepard writes about four Amish young people who have traveled alone on a bus from their Amish homes for a vacation in Pinecraft. They are all staying at the same Bed and Breakfast, the Marigold Inn. While there, they find themselves becoming fast friends. Each has his or her reason for wanting to get away from family and friends and secrets that make them unhappy.

They find that they can share what they want out of their life while being together and having a good time. Not all of their problems are minor ones, but even the bigger ones find resolutions eventually. Some even find romance and a new life.

I always enjoy novels written by Ms. Shepard and I enjoyed this one as well. It was an easy read for me, but also kept my interest throughout.

This was a story about two Amish, one from Kentucky and one from Ohio, who meet and fall in love on vacation. They are also carrying their own loads from the past that continue to dictate their future.

Mary Miller is going to Florida for a vacation. She is very excited as it is wintertime in Ohio, and she is looking forward to the sun and flowers and warmth. On the way she meets two other young women, and they make a pact to be friends. Mary cherishes their friendship as she really never had a close one. She was bullied as a young girl. So having friends is wonderful.

She also has never had a beau. She does not quite know what to do with herself as Jayson Raber begins to engage her. He is quite smitten with her, yet he is not free to really pursue his feelings. He is somewhat promised to the neighbor's daughter and his sister needs that match. His father will also disapprove. Trying to please everyone but himself is not working out too well for Jayson as he falls in love with Mary. They certainly have some trials ahead.

This is a bit of a coming-of-age story and a story of letting go of the past and forging ahead with a new future. Not only a story of new beginnings, but of new friendships as well.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

This book fits the genre perfectly. A very sweet story with multiple elements that does not get overwhelming. I enjoyed the focus on multiple characters and their dilemmas and how it all got together in a lovely way.
The book was a very easy and quick read and made for a relaxing and entertaining time. I enjoyed the wholesome love stories and sweet conversations. Refreshing when the typical romance novel is not so wholesome.

Wow! What a fantastic book! Shelley never ceases to amaze me with her writing and books. I really found this book hard to put down because I just had to know what would happen next. I cannot wait for the second book!

If you enjoy reading Amish fiction with a touch of romance, then this book is for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Mary Margaret is escaping by bus to Pinecraft, Florida. On the way, she meets two other Amish girls, Betsy & Lilly, and a treasured friendship is formed. Mary meets Jayson who shouldn’t like her but does–ahhhh, there’s a girl in his home 'g’may'. And then…someone from Mary’s past arrives in Pinecraft…Is the perfect vacation completely ruined?

My review…
A story about overcoming … Being verbally bullied and teased again and again. Being put down. Being left out. Mary Margaret, Betsy, and Lilly all have reasons to “escape” to a new place. If you have ever been bullied or teased, you will understand & empathize with why these three young women feel free for the first time in their lives.

Jayson has sorta agreed that he would marry a girl in his home community of Kentucky for a guaranteed income so that he can care for his ill sister. He has been to Pinecraft before and has one good friend there.

Richness of characters … Multiple characters fill out this story which centers around Mary Margaret and Jayson. You will love the owner of the inn where the girls stay. She exudes the love of God in her words and actions. You’ll like Jayson’s friend too.

Set in Pinecraft, Florida which is a real Amish community. Many Amish vacation there and I’d like to visit it someday. They have the kind of bikes I can ride at my age — large three-wheel ones! Most books touch on Pinecraft but “Her Heart’s Desire” is set there which made the book even more interesting.

I recommend “Her Heart’s Desire” although the pacing seemed slo-o-w at times. And a phrase that read okay the first time. Awkward the second time and more so every time after that kept the rating at 4 stars.

I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of “Her Hearts Desire” via NetGalley from the publisher, Revell. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 4 stars
#HerHeartsDesire #NetGalley #ShelleyShepardGray

I immediately felt for Mary Margaret as this story opened. It is the story of a couple of Amish Girls and a couple of Amish boys who are in Pinecraft Florida on Vacation. I loved the pacing of the story as we got to know Mary, Jayson, Esther, and Michael.

There were multiple relationships to be explored and there was a significant portion that was about healing, forgiveness, and growth. These stories were told organically and realistically without the added drama that is sometimes displayed through relationship disappointments.

Not having a lot of knowledge about the Amish community, I felt the explanations were perfect without detracting from the story. I was unaware about the different rules in the different communities and was grateful for the additional knowledge.

I liked the friendships that developed around Mary with Betsy, Lilly and Jayson. I could feel for the girls with their wallflower group. Nancy, the owner of the Inn was the perfect, knowing and seeing mother figure.

Stories about change can be difficult to pace, but the author did a fantastic job with this. While the timelines seemed quick, the addition of the thought processes was perfect.

I received an early copy through the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Mary needed to get away. She was tired of being bullied by girls she once thought were friends. Her parents assisted Mary in taking a vacation to Florida. This trip was the break she needed.

This trip became more than a vacation. It became a journey of discovery.

Have you ever taken a vacation that changed the course of your life? I took a Carribean cruise after my divorce in 2000. I needed some time away to get my head together. I went on this vacation alone. This trip proved to me that I'll be okay. I will survive.

The characters in this book were restless and at a crossroad. Decisions needed to be made for their futures. Some time away helped them see their lives in a different perspective.

I enjoyed the story. I love to read anything about the Amish.

Mary Margaret and Jayson's story was great. I love the Pinecraft books. There is always a lesson but you also feel like you've come home again. It took a lot for Esther to confront her actions and Mary's heart was big enough to forgive. Loved it!

This was such a good book. It had me right from the beginning! It was a fairly quick read, but really good with interesting characters.

Her Heart's Desire was my first book to read by Shelley Shepard Gray, and it was everything I expected, plus a bit more in an Amish Romance.

I loved how Mary and her new friends were united in faith, despite being from different States and Amish orders. I was also surprised to learn that not every Amish order is in the north (Pennsylvania).

It was nice to see the grace and mercy Mary offered to Esther when she saw Esther was determined to change. Much of this book is about forgiveness, grace and mercy—something Mary had to extend more than once.

With a sprinkle of vacation fun, good friendships and new romances, this series promises to be a good one. And where can I find Nancy's boarding house? I really want to stay there!

If you enjoy Amish romances, you will probably love Her Heart's Desire.

I received a review copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley for my honest opinion.