Shelley Shepard Gray never disappoints. Gray's books give us real life characters and completely realistic scenarios. The difference between Gray's book and other stories from the same genre is I feel like I'm constantly holding my breath while reading one of her books. She has the gift of anticipation and normalcy all in one scene. Unforgiven isn't just the title. It is what the story is about. From domestic abuse to unfair conviction that results in a prison sentence, Unforgiven has some storylines that are upsetting. But, within the larger parts of the story, Shepard also reminds the reader that family and friends need to be forgiven and to forgive. I think what I'm trying to convey is that Shepherd makes me feel like if we go through life unforgiven and unforgiving we will have a difficult time finding happiness. The story she weaves in Unforgiven dramatizes how a simple life can be changed by forgiveness.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Netgalley.

A cozy, suspense read by Shelley Shepard Gray. We meet Seth in another series so it was interesting to see how his life has gone. He is an ex-con and the FMC is DV Victim. Overall, an enjoyable cozy read.

While I enjoy reading the typical Amish romance, I love reading one that is different. Neither Tabitha nor Seth are shunned but they also are not accepted by the Amish community. Seth is an ex-con who served time for accidently killing a man while protecting a woman. Tabitha lives a very isolated life and doesn't easily trust people anymore.. While she has observed Seth quietly helping around her house, she only peeked through the curtains when he was there. Her gratitude and her curiosity help her open the door one day. I received a free copy of this ebook through the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I love how Seth is so giving to Tabitha and able to start gaining her trust and help her build her self-confidence. I enjoy seeing their relationship develop. I also like how Seth tried to protect her from the growing threat of her ex-husband. I found Tabitha very sweet and very capable in taking care of herself. It's a wonderful story.

Unforgiven
by Shelley Shephard Gray
Pub Date: May 21, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for the arc of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Get swept up in this emotional story of two outcasts who may be each other's only hope for happiness and redemption from New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray.
Two innocent outcasts find each other, well it is more like reunite! A teacher and a student, but now they are adults and really only three years apart in age.

Certain rules are not to be broken and these outcasts did, but what would we do under the same circumstances?

I enjoyed how this story played out and recommend it for readers who enjoy amish fiction/suspense.

5 stars

“Unforgiven” by Shelley Shepard Gray
Forgiveness Heals (the forgiver)
Amazingly for me this was an easy read although dealing with serious divisive events. Oh, I empathized with the those caught in the aftermath of … Oh, I just don’t know how to word this so as to reflect just how I felt while reading this story (and still feel) without possibly leaving behind a spoiler or two or three. If you let it; this story will give opportunities to some serious contemplation of how you, honestly, would handle being in the shoes of each of the characters. Sometimes being unforgiving is all too easy. I think this would make a good book club selection. I am looking forward to reading more stories set in this community. A Worthy Read ! Happy Reading ! !
Note: This review expresses my honest opinion.

This is a really good book by Shelley Shepard Gray. This story is about forgiveness, love, second chances and God's grace. Seth and Tabitha have both had struggles in their lives that eventually bring them together. Forgiveness comes in many ways, but the ultimate forgiveness is being able to forgive yourself. That's the hardest thing for most people to do. God tells us to love ourselves. God gives us grace everyday and always forgives us if we ask Him to. We are not "Unforgiven". We are forgiven. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

I forgiven is a well written Amish romance. I throughly enjoyed the plot and the character dynamics. Ms. Gray has written another fantastic book. My thanks to Netgalley for my advance book. This is my unbiased review.

This is a powerful book about the choices we make and the consequences that come. I really enjoyed a lot of the characters in this book especially Seth and Tabitha. They both have been through so much in life but continue to press on. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

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!!