All In

ALL IN ..Shelley Shepard Gray
A hard shove, landed Meredith sprawled on the ground, minus her backpack. As a volunteer for the friends class she knew Finn, and now meeting his father Ace. Realizing it had been years since she felt so vulnerable. Now finding she even trusted someone else again. The words of Ace, ‘I not a man to leave a woman in need,’ hit her issues of abandonment. Disappointment, from her Mother, telling her, when she opened her own Pilate studio. For Ace, time to reflect on his attraction to her, the tender and emotion feelings, didn’t realize he could have anymore. After being lied to and manipulated by his ex, hadn’t felt the need to be with one and to be needed in over a decade.As his friend Kurt told him, life has a way of doing it’s own thing rather one is ready for it or not. Their relationship wasn’t perfect, but was solid and had a good foundation. Sums up this story, of second chances with love and being a family. Given ARC by Net Galley and Blackstock for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

This is the second book in this series and just like the first, I really enjoyed it. Shelley has a way of pulling you into her story and making you truly care about the characters. I like the continuation of the characters from the first book and enjoyed Ace and Merideth's story. The side characters made this story very enjoyable and I like that she spent time helping us get to know them as well. I highly recommend this book and will look forward to reading the next book in the series.

All In is an easy to love novel. From the first page I was instantly rooting for the main character, Meredith. As the story continues, the reader is introduced to other characters, all who I felt I could relate to in some way. The story is emotional and hard to put down.

All In. This book was a good story, but it wasn't what I had expected from Shelley Shepard Gray. I've read many of her books, but all of them had been Christian historical fiction. This book is not in that genre. Having said that, this story was an interesting one, with good characters and a good plot line. I enjoyed the story, and it had an exciting beginning that captured my attention immediately. It was an enjoyable read!

All In is book 2 in the Bridgeport Social Club by Shelley Shepard Gray. Don't expect the usual clean Amish or historical Christian romance that Ms. Gray usually writes. This one is edgy. The main male character has tats, wears earrings and smokes cigarettes but he is a good single father to his son Finn and his protective nature is endearing. Even though there was no sex in the book the main female character was looking forward to going to bed with him. I think I would have enjoyed the book better if she was not considering going to bed with him. Also, it would have been better had there not been any swear words in the book but you have to consider that these characters did not express a belief in Christ so you can't really expect them to act like saints. Overall the book was well-written and I will probably like to read the next one in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blackstone Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This book is due to be released on February 5, 2019.

All In is the second book in this series. Its is not the usual Shelle Shepard Gray Amish fiction. This book is edgy and emotional but I liked it. I like the well developed plot and the characters who came off the pages as real and well thought out. Although not what I expected I liked it. Thanks netgalley for the arc, the review is only my opinion.

"Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review."

Loved this book very much. It had just enough sweet romance and the storyline was great! I highly recommend!

This was such a pleasant read, just a simple and sweet story with still a deep message about trust. The heroine didn't have the best family so had a lot of trust issues but Ace and his son Finn rescued her after being attacked. She is not used to people fussing over her but slowly she lowered her guard and let them in as well as the tight community she's built around her through her Pilates studio. As a pilates enthusiast I loved that she was an instructor. I read this in 2 afternoons, it was a nice and feel good read. I would totally pick up more book from the series as I would to learn more about their friends and keep in touch with Ace and Meredith. I love that every character wasn't perfect, with no fault and rich. This book felt very real.

ALL IN - Shelley Shepard Gray
Bridgeport Social Club – Book 2
Perfect 10
Blackstone Publishing
ISBN: 978-1438440889
February 2019
Romance Women’s Fiction

Bridgeport, Ohio – The Present

An unexpected hit in the back while hiking dropped Meredith Hunt to the ground, and whoever hit her, stole her backpack with all her vital information, car keys, telephone, and money. She didn’t see the person who struck her. A man, who calls her darling, helps her to a sitting position. Then she recognizes a young man with her rescuer. Finn, a sophomore from her friend’s classroom where she volunteers once a week, stands nearby. His father, Ace Vance, and Finn saw the mugger, but stopped to help her. Ace tells Finn to follow down the trail to see if her backpack has been discarded, and Finn does find it. They insist on taking Meredith to urgent care for her bleeding hand, cut on glass shards where she fell. While surprised at their kindness and at the giddy feelings her rescuer inspires, she doesn’t want to be a burden. She felt that often enough while growing up when she never seemed to reach her mother’s expectations or earn her respect. Her father left when she was five to never reenter her life.

Vance has taken over the care of his son from the boy’s mother Liz. Finn has become his priority. His boy needs someone to show they love him and will always be there for him, unlike how his mother treated him. A brief encounter resulted in Finn’s birth, so Ace can't regret it, except Liz was not a very good or caring mother. He has Finn now, and a few weeks ago they moved from West Virginia to Bridgeport for a fresh start. The difficult part is that Ace is now far from his loving parents and siblings. He works as an auto mechanic working on valuable classic cars. He knows Finn has trouble in his new high school, but the coach is very interested in adding Finn to the varsity football team knowing Finn’s size and talent will help the team.

Finn has trouble relating to anyone as his mother always left him to fend for himself. Allison, a junior girl from his high school, lives next door. But in a brief encounter to look at her dog’s puppies, he realizes her family is the perfect family, and when among them, he doesn’t know how to relate, how to act, or what to say. He finds it difficult to believe anyone wants him for who he is.

The unexpected relationship between these three wonderful characters develops quickly and goes through several distressing events, which allows them to emerge as stronger individuals who want to take a chance in believing they are worth someone’s love. Their mutual support helps them develop in important ways, and they each have supportive friends who add interest to the story. Themes of loneliness, parenting, developing friendships, and finding not only love with someone else, but also self-love, create a moving, emotional story. Yet overcoming doubt and distrust is difficult. Once readers start down this story’s trail, they won’t want to stop, earning it a Perfect 10.

Robin Lee

"All in :When a player bets everything he's got . Be advised that this can be risky undertaking.if you lose theres nothing left . " Meredith meets a gentleman when a punk knocks her down and takes off with her back pack.

Meredith Hunt is the owner of the Pilates studio. She volunteers at the high school and has just bought her first home. She has a hard time asking for help. Ace Vance has moved to Bridgeport to give his son a better life. When Meredith is mugged Ace and Finn are there to rescue her. Can Meredith trust enough to make this work. Can Vance chance his heart when it was torn apart by his ex. I loved this book. This is a sweet series and I can't wait for the next book to come out.

This is a sweet romance with three romances all featuring shy females finding romance with guys who are just good people. The main romance features pilates teacher Meredith who meets Ace and his 15-year old son Finn when she is mugged while jogging. They step right up to help her out and take her to the clinic. She and Ace are immediately attracted to each other and their romance develops naturally among a few doubts on each side because neither of them are aggressive romantically.

Ace has moved to this small Ohio time from West Virginia to get his son away from the negative influence of his mother. It’s sweet to see a single father questioning himself over his parenting. I did have a question why he’d left Finn with his mother so long when he knew what a selfish and damaging person she could be. Why didn’t he step up earlier given that the mother didn’t seem to fight giving up custody? Finn is a talented football player and ripe to become a star hunk of his new high school. But he’s also modest and wants to avoid the limelight. After a slow start he begins to feel something more for his shy neighbor. Their romance develops as the book goes on.

And finally, there is a shy student in Meredith’s pilates class who is attracted to the mailman. With encouragement from her friends she makes the first move and it’s clear that they are going to develop their own romance.

So the moral of this book is that shyness won’t keep women back from meeting a great guy who will treat them extremely well and be their dream relationship.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

This second book in the series was another well written and thoughtful story.
Meredith Hunt is a pilates studio owner. She has not had much love in her life and keeps to herself not because she is aloof , but because she fears that if she gets close to anyone, she could be hurt.
Ace Vance, has recently moved to Bridgeport so that his 15 year old son, Finn, can have more opportunities. A son that unbeknown to him, had not been well taken care of by the boys Mom. Vance is a man a little rough around the edges , and one that hides a big heart.
Ace, and Meredith meet when someone mugged her. Much to both their surprise , a friendship and relationship starts. But both keep their hearts closed up for fear of not being enough and being hurt.
But in holding back, will they miss an opportunity of being truly happy with someone special?
It’s a story about friendships, support systems, and families made up not only by blood but also by friends. Also a reminder, that though life is messy, and full of bumpy roads, in taking chances and giving of yourself, it can also be fulfilling and so much brighter.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

All In is the second book in the Bridgeport Social Club series. I really enjoyed, it in fact I liked it even better than book one...and that was a great book.

The two main characters in this sequel are Ace and his son Finn. They have moved so that Finn can play football and have a normal life away from his inconsiderate selfish mother. Ace and Finn help out Meredith a local Pilates instructor and high school volunteer aide who was mugged. They are central to helping Meredith as the mystery mugger continues to prey on her. Ace is very well defined with his somehat bad boy image but looks can be deceiving. He is so likeable you cheer for him through the entire novel.

I really enjoy this series. I hope Shelley Shepard Gray continues it for an extended peiod of time. I love seeing the male perspective in the story...it is refeshing since we ladies do get strung out with emotions! This is a must read!

All In ( Bridgeport Social Club #2 )
By: Shelley Shepard Gray
All In Is book two in Bridgeport Social Club Series. This is not Ms. Gray’s usually Amish story. Ace moves to Bridgeport to offer his son a better life. Meredith is content with her life. She can take care of herself. She has a hard time relying on others. There is attraction between these two, but Ace is not ready to fall in love again. The author ties things together with the poker game, which i wasn’t to fond of.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley and the Publisher, but was not told that I had too give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for a honest review.

4 1/2 stars

What a really sweet story this turned out to be, this is my first time reading a book by Shelley Shepard Gray but it was delightfully engaging. Ace and his son Finn have moved to the small town of Bridgeport to start fresh. Meredith has been living there a long time but has not really opened up to many. This story is about love, friendships when family is not there and acceptance. This was definitely a feel good book that kept rooting me for all the people in this story. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author

All In
Shelley Shepard Gray
Blackstone Publishing
Publication Date 2/12/19
3.75 stars/ 5 ☆☆☆.75

Welcome To Bridgeport Ohio, home of the Bridgeport Social club, small town American poker club where family and friends are serious about being there for one another. Men like Ace Vance and his buddies are role models for their growing young sons (Finn who is a budding football star running back) and the social club extends to the wives and girlfriends who all show up when Meredith Hunt Shine Pilates owner and instructor has her home broken into...there a single lady is treated with respect and the whole town shows up to clean , cook her dinner and show her love. This is a story that you want to carve out a morning for, with a great cup of mocha latte, and a cozy fireplace. .it is what lures you in like Netflix..great for your binge hangover after watching The Kissing Booth and To All theBoys Ive Loved Before!

What I liked:
This story is reminiscent of Nora Roberts novella series like her Bed and Breakfast , Irish series, or the Wedding planner series. You get to know the characters like your fave drama on tv and know there is a new installment coming so there may be a follow up, like will Allison and Finn finally go to the Prom? will Ace break down and propose? Will we get to see more of the town outside of the school, and the Pilates studio?

What I needed for it to be five star?
The ending seemed rushed and chopped. I seriously was cozy and wanting another ten chapters...I will not ruin it for you followers... Once I am "All In" ..i want it all!!!!

There is another title coming ..and one before this so "Take a Chance" and get them both from Shelley Shepard Gray.. I can't wait to meet her new set of characters 3.75 stars is more than a maybe Netgalley! thanks for my arc #blackstonepublishing

This book was received as an ARC from Blackstone Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

We have the first installment of the Bridgeport Social Club series and it is one of our popular Romance novels that gets circulated among our adult patrons. So, when the next book in the series All In was available as an ARC, I had to jump at the chance. While reading this book, I could not help but think that this will not be your typical love story and it will be more drama than any other romance novel I have read and it definitely delivered. The characters are easily relatable and how they cross in eachothers lives is not what anyone will expect. Even though it is a romance novel, there are some thrilling aspects that just add more drama to the story that really left me on the edge of my seat and I know our readers will definitely enjoy that. A mindbogglingly romance novel that will keep you in anticipation of Book 3.

We will consider adding this title to our Romance collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

The story of Axe and Meredith is a good one! There is plenty of action, a little mystery, quite a bit of romance and some gritty real life elements. I especially enjoyed the interaction between Axe and his teenage son, Fin.
Fans of Shelley who have not read the first Bridgeport Social Club book may not realize that she is aiming for a different audience for these books than the usual "Christian" market. I think she does a good job making the leap in that way. I have to admit that I'm on the edge of my seat now, waiting to get the next book to find out exactly how the story progresses!
I was given an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. I was happy to provide a review and these are my own thoughts on the book.

I really liked this story but it wasn't what I was expecting. I thought it fell under the Christian genre because of the author but there was some cussing in it and by the end Meredith was going to move in with Ace and his son Finley. The story is about overcoming your fears....fear of failure, fear of trusting others, fear of rejection. Meredith meets Ace and his son Finley when she is mugged. She learns to overcome her fear of rejection by accepting their help. They all three struggle with the issue in one form or another but as they grow closer to each other they learn to overcome these fears and trust again. The title "All In" is something that we all need to do in our lives,and relationships, be "all in".

This was the first novel I have read by this author. It won't be the last. This novel grabbed me and did not let me go until the very last page. I loved Axe and Meredith, Both had been through so much. I loved the chemistry between the two of them. I do love a slow burn and this novel did not disappoint. Loved it!

When Ace and Meredith have a run in their fascination with one another begins. Ace and his son, Finn, come to the rescue when Meredith is mugged.

I thought these characters and this community were perfect for the sweet romance. I enjoyed Meredith and her strength and being on her own basically her life. Finn pulls the heartstrings as a young man growing up in a life that wasn't great for him. Now with his dad, Ace, Finn is having a great change in his life.

Ace was a sweetheart that's been hidden under a rough and tough exterior. I loved how he talked to Meredith and treated her.

This was a sweet read that I highly recommend.

This is a romance between Meredith, a Pilates studio owner and local high school volunteer, and Ace who is a single father with a teen son trying to make a fresh start. The chemistry between Meredith and Ace is quite strong, but both fight the attraction for their own reasons. Ace because he doesn't want to trust a woman and Meredith because she doesn't like to have to/need to lean on anyone.

It was very enjoyable watching these two learn to lean on each other and trust each other. In time the went ALL IN and found a beautiful story together.

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

This is book two of The Bridgeport Social Club Series and it is just as good if not better than book one Take a Chance. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next one. You don't have to read book one to know whats going on, it just has some of the same people in it. This book is full of emotion and once you start reading it you don't want to stop. Thank you Blackstone Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

A hard shove brings three hurting souls together, at least in that moment. A father who has finally stepped up and moved his fifteen-year-old son away from his neglectful mother, and a young woman who is making it on her own despite a disapproving mother and an absent father.
We follow these three a life’s curves and lessons are thrown their way, and we walk in each of their shoes, and hopefully learn with them.
Now this is the second book in this series, but enough information is given that it can be read alone, but I loved that the previous characters are here and play bit parts.
There are also offered tips on Pilates and Poker!

I received this book through Net Galley and Blackstone Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review

This book was so good and such a quick read! I was immediately drawn into the story and the lives of the characters. Shelley Shepard Gray has done an amazing job at creating characters that are easy to like and relate to.

From the very beginning, this story had my full attention. The situations the characters found themselves in and the way they reacted was all so genuine and realistic. SSG does a great job constructing believable characters in different age ranges and social backgrounds. This makes the story authentic and enjoyable to read. I liked all the characters and enjoyed the natural progression of their relationships. These people felt real to me and it was fun to experience their stories.

As always the writing style of this author is excellent. She pulled me right into the lives of these characters and made me feel as if I were right there with them and not just reading words on a page. I can't wait to read more about the people of the Bridgeport Social Club!

(One note for readers of this author's other works. This is a contemporary romance and not a clean read. There are some situations and a bit of language in this book that one wouldn't normally find in her books. But that shouldn't stop one from picking up this book as it's a well-written story and an easy read.)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

I enjoyed All in by Shelley Shepard Gray. The main characters are enjoyable and I was pulled into the story from the beginning.

All In is the endearing story of Meredith Hunt, the owner/operator of a Pilates studio and Ace Vance, a classic car mechanic.
Ace and his son Finn just happened to be in the right place at the right time when Meredith is mugged and that was the moment I loved father and son. The genuine concern they had for Meredith spoke to my heart making me want to know more about them. As I turned page after page in this book, I soon realized the thread throughout the series has been the kind hearted and decent characters that are so easy to love.

They have careers that most of us can identify with, they live in modest homes and they have deep friendships. I find it refreshing to meet characters who are unpretentious and genuinely care for each other and their community. From the adults to the teens each character has held my interest and I have liked each storyline. The female characters are supportive of each other and the men n their lives.

Now keep in mind the author has crafted characters that have real life experiences and aren't the least bit shy about speaking their minds so expect some colorful language from some of the hardworking folks in the series. Readers can also expect polite and truly likeable characters who are meeting new people, making new friends and entering into romantic relationships. This is the second book in the, Bridgeport Social Club series so I suggest reading the first book, Take a Chance.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley and was under no obligation to write review. All opinions are my own.

Meredith Hunt owns her own Pilates Studio in Bridgeport, Ohio. She happily lives a single life. Her mom is toxic and is never happy with what she does or accomplishes. Her father disappeared when she was five years old and she has no other family. Her clients at her pilates studio have become her family and, for now, that is enough.

Ace Vance moved to Bridgeport from West Virginia to get away from his son’s mother and to offer Finn a better life. Finn is a great football player and Ace is hoping that moving them will offer Finn opportunities for a college scholarship. Ace also was able to get a great job as an auto mechanic. Life is good and he isn’t interested in a relationship with a woman. He and Finn are fine by themselves.

While hiking on a trail, Ace and Finn came across Meredith immediately following a mugging. They took her to urgent care and stayed with her until she was taken care of. Ace was nothing like Meredith had ever been interested in. He was a tattooed, cigarette smoking man who showed her incredible kindness. Meredith was nothing like Ace had ever been interested in or thought he could ever have. The more time he spent with her the more he wanted to be near her. Was it possible for them to go all in? Would the payoff be worth the risk?

I really enjoyed this book. For the most part the book was a clean read. There was an almost sex scene and minimal foul language. I loved how Meredith and Ace and Finn learned to depend on each other and how the relationships they formed helped to heal the wounds that had been created from prior toxic relationships. The supporting characters were wonderful and well developed, also.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my review.

I am used to reading Shelley Shepard Gray in her Amish genre. I was pleasantly surprised to find this book. I really enjoy her writing style. She does great research for her story lines. Her characters are relatable. They really pull you into the story.

Meredith is a strong independent woman. When she finds herself in a scary situation, Ace and Finn come along in the nick of time. However, Meredith has a real problem asking for help. However, Ace can be stubborn. Thrown together by this criminal act, Ace and Meredith try to fight the growing attraction. The last thing either one wants is a new love interest. But will they be able to resist? I love how Ace is such a old fashioned gentleman. He wants to take care of Meredith but doesn't want to seem too pushy. I really enjoyed their story. I look forward to future books in the series. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

Ms Gray's Bridgeport Social Club Series has already become a favorite of mine. After reading the first in the series, "Take a Chance", I jumped at the chance to read the second in the series "All In". I haven't been disappointed.

In fact, the second was even better and included characters from the first. But you are grabbed right off by the mugging of main character, Meredith Hunt, the local Pilates instructor who actually owns the business. Ace Vance and his fifteen year old son, Finn, immediately come to her rescue but Meredith is not use to depending on someone; however she needs medical attention and transportation so she reluctantly takes them up on their offer of assistance.

Over time Meredith and Ace begin to see each other and, though they each have their issues, they see the best in the other and reach out of their comfort zones. Finn, in the meantime, struggles at school and in his neighborhood to make friends and belong. It is sweet to see how his kind and gentle neighbor brings the best out of him as well.

I highly recommend this series with 5 stars. Thanks to Blackstone Publishing for allowing me to read this book from Netgalley.

A cute love story between a Pilates studio owner Meredith and a single father Ace who repaired classic cars.

My first book by Shelley Shepard Gray, the story had be identifying with both the characters as they were both closed off in the beginning and slowly opened up when the pages turned.

Love happened between these two characters unexpectedly when a mugging caused Ace to enter her life. The characters developed slowly and it was fun to see them start to trust each other, rough edges and all.

The book was well written in most parts. I thought it would be a clean read but does have its expletives/innuendos. I didn’t like the main character thinking smoking was cool. But to each his/her own. And I didn’t like the poker references, probably because I don’t play poker

Overall, barring a few scenes, skimming a few parts, the story was a sweet romance, read in 2 hours.

Such a good book!I like the idea of a social club for men. It is so much more than just a poker night. This is a time for the guys to get together and bond with each other. Poker is just the means to justify the end result....Guys communicating with each other and helping each other out.Meredith and Ace have two totally different agendas...Meredith is a very confident yoga studio owner who is trying very hard to prove that she doesn't need a man in her life. Things do not bode well for her in that area as the book opens with her being mugged on a running trail.Our introduction to Ace is swoon worthy. He sees Meredith lying on the trail and runs to her rescue, literally. He takes care of her and gets her back home in the most endearing way possible. (being a  southern momma, I hope my grown sons treat women the way Ace treated Meredith)These two may have chemistry, but nether is looking for this encounter to lead to anything romantic. Ace is focused on his son Fin and providing a good home life for him in this new town. Meredith has been hurt in the past and is only interested in being the best yoga instructor she can be.Little did either of them know, but they both need the help from their friends and acquaintances. Ace gets his help from the Bridgeport Social Club and Meredith gets hers from neighbors, friends and her Lunch Bunch.Both learn that leaning on each other is not such a bad thing after all. If you like great characters,  just enough tension to keep a story moving, and wonderful dialog....you will love this book. I look forward to the next book in the series. Hold on Tight.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can purchase a copy for yourself on amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/All-Bridgeport-Social-Club-Book-ebook/dp/B07H4VC11G/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=All+In+by+Shelley+Shepard+Gray&qid=1552664246&s=gateway&sr=8-1
We begin this book on a beautiful Saturday where Meredith is blindsided as she was shoved as she was walking. She is a little dizzy and shook and she opens her eyes to a scruffy man who she thinks is dreamy. She is a bit bruised and hurt. This man's son catches up to his dad and takes off to see if he can get her bag with her keys, ID, etc. Finn returns with her bag, but her wallet is missing, but gratefully her keys were found. Mr . Vance helps Meredith to the hospital. We are then taken on quite the romantic journey between Mr. Vance and Meredith.
This was quite a sweet story with a little action involved. I was on the edge of my seat through this book. Shelley Shepard Gray always has such wholesome books. I was happy with the ending, not too sappy. I look forward to the next book!

All In
Bridgeport Social Club Series - Book 2
By Shelley Shepard Gray

Blackstone Publishing - February 2019

Contemporary Romance


Meredith Hunt was finally happy with how she was living her life. No longer attempting to please her mother, she ditched the career that didn't fit her and had opened her own Pilates studio. She also volunteered at the local high school. When she is pushed down and has her bag stolen, it is one of those students and his father that come to her rescue. Not only finding her bag, although items were missing, but also helping her out by taking her to urgent care and then home.

Ace Vance had decided to follow his friend and move from West Virginia to Ohio. He felt the change would benefit his son Finn. When he and Finn come to Meredith's rescue, and then spends some time with her, he finds himself cautiously optimistic of a new relationship. However, his first focus is his son. He was learning that Finn's life had been much more difficult with his mother than Ace had ever realized.

All In is a sweet romance with engaging characters facing difficult issues. Due to the difficult relationship with her mother, Meredith has learned not to rely on anyone. Ace is slowly learning the impact of Finn's mother in his life. It was sweet watching them all gravitate to each other. Also highly enjoyable was a friendship that starts between Finn and the next door neighbor. The only drawback was Ace's smoking in his vehicle with his son, and Meredith being rather enchanted by that.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

Like Take a Chance, All In is more than just a romance.  There is the relationship between Ace and Meredith, but we also have Meredith learning to open herself up to others, Ace & Finn developing a better relationship, Finn settling in to a new school, and Finn's interactions with the awkward girl next door.  (I do wish we'd gotten a bit more there.  I think that there was so much opportunity to develop not only their interactions together but also the way they are viewed by other kids.)  It all works together to create a beautiful tapestry capturing small town life.  

I will say that Gray pleasantly surprised me with the ending.  I thought for sure I knew where things were going and the conflict Ace & Meredith would have to face before they could have their HEA ... but I was wrong!  I love a book that doesn't take the obvious angle.  

All In is a lovely, sweet, and believable story of finding love and belonging.  Shelley Shepard Gray is a skilled writer, drawing her readers into the character's lives and making them feel real.  I really hope she continues bringing us stories from Bridgeport.  

~Those who are fans of SSG's writing need to be aware this is a different style than her previous Amish romances.  Like with the first story in this series, I think that a lot of people think they know what to expect and then are surprised by a clean but more contemporary romance.  Just a warning :) ~

Get ready to be All in when you read this book! Seriously, I was devoted to reading it in one sitting/stand/ walking through my house holding my kindle day. I didn't give it up and just like the characters, I learned something about myself and love. It is funny how books can make a reader grow just by falling into the story.

Shelley Shepard Gray can write some really good romance novels, but more than that she has a way of bringing a freshness to the genre…which is why I read this book even though I knew it wouldn’t be quite on the same…spiritual level as her other series. My thoughts:

What I liked

Relationships. This is a book about relationships and there are a lot of great ones. First, there is Finn and Ace. Ace has always been there for Finn as a dad, but he hasn’t been “all in” like he should be. The novel does a lovely job of showing what surface parenting is verses being a full time parent. It even addresses the problems that might arise when you’re not totally committed. That said, watching Finn and Ace really get to know each other made me really love the characters.

Secondly, there was, of course, Ace and Meredith. I thought Gray did a lovely job of showing a new relationship coming together. There were insecurities on both sides and both characters had past relationships that didn’t end so well, nevertheless that kind of theme of going “all in” was there and it made for a very cute romance without drama. Also, I loved that theirs was a relationship with a lot of give and take. Ace is there for Meredith and Meredith is there for Ace. It was a relationship you could believe in.

Thirdly, Meredith and Finn. I think it would have been easy for Gray to gloss over Finn and Meredith’s relationship but she does a lovely job of crafting their relationship outside of Meredith and Ace.

Fourthly, friendship in general. Ace has his friends and Meredith has hers. I think the overarching theme of this series is the importance of stepping out of yourself and developing relationships…especially when it’s not easy or comfortable.

What I didn’t like

There were four points of views in this novel. One of those povs could have been cut.

There was a moment or so when I wanted to tell Meredith to have some backbone. She was supposed to be withdrawn and independent, but every decision she made seemed to come from someone who was just needy.

I will say that though I knew this wasn’t going to be a “Christian” romance per se, I was still surprised by some of the choices the author made. And not necessarily in a good way. When I consider all of the other books she has written, I was left more than a little confused about things.

Overall, I read this book because I wanted something light and fluffy. I got that. But. I just may not be reviewing this series anymore on my blog as it not within the purview of my typical reviews.

**I received a copy of this book from Blackstone Publishing through Netgalley. My opinion was not affected in anyway.**

Another great story in Shelley Shepard Gray's The Bridgeport Social Club Series which held my attention from the very first chapter until the end of the book. Shelley's writing captivated me with her knight in shining armor character coming to Meredith's rescue in her time of need. Makes you hope that more people could be like that in today's world. Loved how Shelley incorporated characters from the first book too. Always fun to catch up with them when the stories are linked. Looking forward to book #3, "Hold On Tight".

I received an ARC of "All In" in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. This is the first book that I have read of Shelly's and its the 2nd in the series. I think that Shelly did a great job of creating characters that readers that could connect with in Meredith, Ace and Finn. I think that they could have been more developed. She did do a great job of taking her time building the romance between Ace and Meredith.

One area that I think Mrs Gray did a great job of is building a great storyline. It was a great mix of romance and family. You could see this from the very first chapter to the last one. I really liked seeing the romance between Meredith and Ace but also the relationship between father and son.

Lastly I struggled with this book that it took me a couple chapters to get into it. After Meredith and Ace connected I found the story dragged on. But i stuck through it and it turned out to be a great book in the end. I can't wait to see what she has in story for the series and to read more from this author.

Another fabulous book by Shelley Shepard Gray and a must read by anyone who loves her books. Sometimes God throws someone into our life when we least expect it and this is what this books has in it.