Eventide

The Days of Redemption #3

by Shelley Shepard Gray

Eventide is the riveting conclusion to The Days of Redemption trilogy by Shelley Shepard Gray, celebrated author of tender Christian romance novels set in Amish country. Honest and faithful Elsie Keim falls for her new neighbor, Landon, but she can’t bear to tell him the She’s going blind. Landon is enamored with Elsie. When Elsie’s brother Roman steps in and shares the truth of Elsie’s disease, Landon is floored. His job is demanding and takes him away from home, sometimes for days at a time. He wonders how he’d be able to keep up with his responsibilities and take care of Elsie.In Eventide, three generations of the Keim family come together to make their dreams come true. Shelley Shepard Gray, bestselling author of the Sisters of the Heart books, draws her Days of Redemption trilogy to a heart-warming finish.

Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction, Amish Fiction, Romance, Christian, Fiction, Inspirational

288 pages, ebook

First published September 3, 2013

About the author

Librarian Note: AKA Shelley Gray (Western Romance).

Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.

Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.

Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.


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Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching and inspiring conclusion to this Amish trilogy. Elsie's story was heartbreaking at times, but, her triumph over dire circumstances made me smile.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, I have read book two and now book three in time I will get back to book one when it becomes available at our library. But this book is great – I love it a bit more than the second in terms of relationship in this one there is a health issue involved. Elsie who may lose her eyesight has always been handled without getting her input first. Finally she decided to speak up and this is when the story really became interesting for me in terms of her taking ownership for her feelings and needs. Will it affect her chances for happiness if the decision is not what her friend Landon would like?
Elsie’s Grandparents: Lovina and Aaron went to Pennsylvania to revisit some of the relatives and how their marriage may or may not caused heartache only to find that much of it was settled or being there caused what was considered a large problem had become a small blimp instead of a landslide.
I love how this chapter ends with all of the players finding ways to not just look at self but at the whole relationship. Thereby finding love, understanding more about each other and holding on to their faith with the desire to continue growing their relationships each day

[Amanda Wiseman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dumb. Do more research before diagnosing your characters with perfectly treatable conditions.

[Patricia Kemp Blackmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first glance you would never know, other than the thick glass she wears, that Elie Keim was near blind. She desires to be as independent as her twin sister and her brother. They both have found their soul mates but if her family has anything to do with it she will become the blind alt madeal that will be forever dependent on her family. What the family isn't aware of is Elsie prays for a life with her own home, husband and children. She dares not discuss this with anyone. Until Landon Troyer, a new neighbor, starts helping out around the family farm and making a point to seek out Elsie to strike up a conversation with her causing her family to become even more protective of Elsie. She fears if Landon finds out about her eye disease he will turn his attention away from her,even if he was a kind and considerate man.

The author writes about a sensitive subject that most do not want to think about and that is a disability. She also points out through the character of Elsie that a disability does not have to weight you down thinking you are a oddity or not normal. What is not normal to someone may be normal for someone else. God has made us in his image and our soul is what shines through to others. Don't we all have some form of disability? I have to wear glasses and I suffer from migraines. I could go on and on. So look past ones disabilities and find out who the person really is don't be caught up with labels.it blinds ones judgement.

I say kudos to Shelley for writing this beautiful character into this series!

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Harper Collins Publishers and Litfuse Pulicity Group Tour for review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

[Melina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was the best book in this series. I really enjoyed it. I especially liked how strong and independent Elsie was, or wanted to be. Because of her eyesight, her family tried to shelter her and protect her. She wanted to live her life just like her siblings. Finally, the family comes to realize that Elsie needs to make her own decisions, especially when Landon wants to court her. But when Elsie's doctor gives her some options, will she push everyone away with her decision. Also, Pappi Aaron and Mammi Lovina head to Pennsylvania to tie up some loose ends in their life. Will they find the peace they have sought. Classic Shelley Shepard Gray. She writes in a way that makes you feel that you know the characters and you feel their pain. Great job.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

[Abigail · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's funny, as soon as I realized that this final book in this trilogy was about the sister with the eye problems I was super excited to read it. What's funny is that this was the book I enjoyed the least. While I enjoyed the sub plots with the other family members in the first two books, in this one it seemed to take up too much space. Like there was more going on with that and the romance between Elsie and Landon almost felt like a side thing at times.

I also found the whole "I'm not going to get a cornea transplant because of these lame reasons" to be kind of ridiculous. I felt like Elsie's reasons for not getting her eyesight fixed were not very convincing. Actually the disease she had wasn't very convincing either.

There's not much else to say about this book. I just wasn't a big fan which is sad because it left this trilogy on a disappointing note.

[Lenore Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally an Amish novel that is not so innocent that it does not come across as real life. I am jumping in at the end of this series though so missed out on the first two books. Even with that issue Eventide by Shelley Shepard Gray delivered a full story line that stands on its own. This was a great look at how to handle a disability with love and hope. Not looking at what one can not do but at all the abilities a person has learned. Good job!

[Nikki Glassley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Roman is a DICK in this book and goes against all the characterization set up in the first two books. I'm honestly surprised Elsie didn't run that jerkbag over with a cow.

[Kathy Wallen · Rating 1 out of 5]

January 5, 2026

Rating: 1.5/5

Well, that wasn't too thrilling.

I normally start with an intro, but I'm going to jump right in with this one. I figured out why these books are so boring to read and it's because the characters are so shallow and superficial. Landon in particular has the charisma of a log and the appeal of a soggy sandwich. Reading from his perspective felt exactly the same as Roman's from the previous book. He had no unique voice while he was narrating. The book told me over and over that he was goal-oriented and such, but I hardly got to see any of that unless it was off-page, like summarizing how he worked hard for two years and saved money and then bought the farm next door to the Keim family. It's hard to explain exactly what I don't like, I just... ugh. I'm not a feminist, but I didn't like the idea of Landon considering Elsie to be "his." I don't like it going in either direction in a romantic relationship.

Same with Roman and Amanda in the previous book, Landon and Elsie have one disagreement, one argument, and they decide to break up. What the heck. If you can't work your way through one disagreement, how in the world do you expect to have a healthy, lasting marriage? And yes, they do get back together one conversation later. Sigh.

Also, this must be the most unnatural chapter ending ever in the history of writing: "Further talking was prevented by the drone of the machine and the diligent concentration that was required to complete this part of the job."



That sounds so unbelievably awkward. It uses passive voice, for one, and the "...that was required to complete this part of the job" was not good. I would have phrased it like this: "Their conversation ended there as they returned to their job." Boom. Nice and simple.

I liked the idea of Aaron and Lovina going to Pennsylvania to face their pasts, but Lovina's parents weren't even living there anymore, and they made no effort to try to visit them in Wisconsin. What the heck. And Aaron visits the family of his first wife, and the dialogue and conversation are so unnatural that it made me cringe.

"For forty years, Karl here has sent Aaron hateful notes, reminding him about their deaths."

John's eyes widened. "Could this be true, Karl?"

"They weren't hateful. They were merely reminders of what happened."

Who talks like this?

We also have another instance of redundancy when we're told that Elsie "took care to walk carefully." We can infer that Elsie is taking care because she's walking carefully. Who knew.

I think that that's it.

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eventide by Shelley Shepard Gray 258±16 PS pages Paperback
The Days of Redemption #3

Genre: Christian Fiction - Amish Fiction; Romance - Christian, Amish, Contemporary; Inspirational

Featuring: Berlin, Ohio; Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; Family Drama, Secrets, Criticism, Illnesses, Disabilities, Library Research, Forgiveness, Author's Letter, Discussion Questions, Book Preview 8 pages of Peace - The Secrets of Crittenden County #3.5

Rating as a movie: PG

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My thoughts: Page 48 of 258 Ch. 6 - I'm so happy about the events so far, although they are really milking the pneumonia.
📖 168, Ch. 21 - I figured this was going to be the case from the first book, but I still have no idea which direction it'll go in, I know I want my miracle ending.
📖 233 Ch. 28 - I want to shake this book so bad. It's ruining my 5 star streak. There is no need for this drama.

I was waiting for this storyline but the story itself wasn't as good as the previous books. It wasn't as humorous, but it was still a good book. I absolutely love this series and I'm looking forward to reading Snowfall.

Recommend to others?: Yes. I didn't even know what eventide was but she describes it beautifully.

[Rosemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 of the series, and it picks up where book 2 leaves off. Viola's twin Elsie has an eye disease, and it's getting worse. She knows she will go blind one day, but she still hopes that she will live a normal life - with a husband and children. When a young bachelor buys the farm next door, he is smitten with Elsie. But when he learns of her eyesight issue - and that it's getting worse - he seriously wonders if he really wants a "handicapped" wife. Elsie's heart is vulnerable, but she wants to be loved for who she is, in spite of her eyesight. She longs to talk to her grandmother about everything, but her grandparents are in Pennsylvania, confronting their pasts and finally making peace. Elsie must make some major decisions - about her medical condition and her future - by herself.

Very good good series.

[elesha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t thrilling. Must have been a rushed one for the author cause it felt a bit superficial in the way it tied up loose ends - glossing over the drama and the depth of character to chase the happy ever after. After book two, I thought we were all fans of Roman but he turned into a manipulative, mansplaining, recluse who needed his wife to rein him in, which wasn’t very Amanda either? Felt like I was reading about a completely new brother tbh.

Also accidentally naming the wrong characters in scenes they aren’t in. So odd it wasn’t picked up.

Did I read all in this series? Yes, so obviously it wasn’t a disaster - let’s go with pleasant. But a disappointing ending to a trilogy.

Found there is a 3.5 book to end it all - maybe there is redemption… or dare I say it, a ray of light?

[Jolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually I don't read the last book in a series, because it seems like I lost plot background. That's not the case with this book. Elsie has a lot on her mind despite her vision problems. Her loving but overbearing family treat like an invalid yet worry about her future. Only her mom listened to Elsie's reasons to decline eye surgery and find love through her heart. Even her grandparents, Lovina and Aaron see her true feelings as they revisit their past lives in Pennsylvania. Eventually the rest of her family and Landon see her happiness proving love is strong looking and listening to your heart. Looking forward to reading books 1 and 2 very soon!

[Belva Shelor · Rating 2 out of 5]

First off, anyone that can write a book, I am just in awe of. I was very disappointed in this book. The perception of disability was appalling and to me never redeemed itself. And lastly the book was poorly researched, the scripture was not accurate and quite frankly made up. I found that appaling for a Christian writer. Disappointed

[Audrey Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story as it covered the loose ends and resolved family issues. Thr personalities ot each of the family members really stood out throughout this whole series but Elsie really learned to stand up for herself and was able to make her wishes known . I was glad her family finally stepped back and let her live her life as she wanted.

[Allen Steele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the subject, and thought, How would i react if the woman i loved was going blind and she could fix it but decided not to. Would i be an understanding as Landen. I pray i would be. Just always remember, God is in the details.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

good ending to the series

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading this series about the Amish.

[Evelyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

not great - continuation of first two books - not captivating - I like the religious aspect of these books

[Linea Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

BORROWED ON HOOPLA

[Karen Korb · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book: A young Amish woman harbors a difficult secret. Does she dare share the truth with the man she hopes to marry? Elsie Keim doesn’t want to be left behind. Her twin sister, Viola, and her older brother, Roman, have both found love and are building lives of their own. But Elsie? She’s still stuck at home, being treated like a child. No one seems to consider her a capable woman—all they see are the thick lenses of her glasses, constant reminders that Elsie suffers from keratoconus and is slowly going blind. Elsie knows there’s much more to her than her disease. That’s why when a new neighbor, Landon Troyer, shows some interest in her, she doesn’t want anything to scare him away . . . even if it means keeping her condition a secret. Landon is ready to start a new life and feels like Elsie may just be the right woman to start it with. But when Roman steps in and shares the truth about Elsie’s illness, Landon is floored. His job is demanding and takes him away from home, sometimes for days at a time. How could he keep up with his responsibilities and take care of Elsie?

About The Author: Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the “Sisters of the Heart”, “Seasons of Sugarcreek”, “Secrets of Crittenden County”, and Families of Honor series. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.

My Thoughts On The Book: This was one of the best Amish romances I have read in a while. Once I started reading the book I did not put it down until I was finished. This book is the third in a series and even though I have not read the other two I was able to pick this one up and be drawn into the lives of the main characters. The story is one of struggle, decisions, doing our will, secrets, and life. There were several sub plots working in this story. The secretiveness of the grandparents past, the hidden addiction of the father, and the illness of one of the twins. Through this family's bond of love, the love of a man and his wife, the love of parent and child all the stories are resolved. The resolves may not have been what I would have wanted but through Gray's expert character development I was left with a feeling of understanding. If you love Amish books then this one is definitely one you will not want to miss.

STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE: I received an paperback copy of this title from Litfuse Publicity Group as part of their blogger review program . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. Thanks guys for letting me read this and participate!

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something bittersweet that happens when a really great series of novels comes to a close in the final book and Eventide by best-selling author Shelley Shepard Gray is no exception. In her Days of Redemption series, we have followed the Keim family through a series of trials facing them as both Amish and English converts to the faith. In this conclusion to the series, Eventide wraps up some of the lingering questions that have plagued the family since the beginning.

Elise Keim is a twin who shares something that her twin doesn't. She is facing a degenerative eye disease that offers no hope of cure and will ultimately leave her blind. Seeing more than most, she just wishes she could have had the same hope for a future like all Amish women, the ability to fall in love, get married and have a family of her own. But Elise's family treats her like she is more disabled than she is, and finds herself fighting more with them internally than with her own struggle at losing her sight.

Thankfully Landon Troyer sees something in Elise her family doesn't. Her unique ability to face her fears head on with dignity and strength. She doesn't want to be treated any different than any other Amish girl and in order to try to make others see her that way, she fails to inform them just how progressive the loss of her eyesight is. But until Elsie can be honest to Landon and tell him what their future will look like, he believes she is like all other Amish girls and one that has completely captured her heart. Will she have the strength enough to tell him what the future really holds for him if he chooses to marry her?

I received Eventide by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspired Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. This is such a perfect novel because it deals with the power of finding forgiveness even when it might just cost you the future happiness you hoped for. Sometimes life involves taking the biggest risk of losing it all in hopes of finally reaching the other side. The one thing I truly admire about the Amish is their sense of family and community and that no matter what obstacle any of them face, they never face it alone. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and bid a bittersweet farewell to the characters I've come to love and really appreciate in every sense of the word in this amazing series. For those of you that want to begin the journey, start with the first book Daybreak and then Ray of Light before closing with Eventide. There is even a Discussion Guide included for book clubs and a sneak peek at Shelley's next novel Peace at the end of this novel.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first scenes of Shelly Shepard Gray’s Eventide brought back the day I received my first pair of glasses. I was ten years old. As I walked out of the eye doctor’s office with my new specs, the world looked sharp and clear and beautiful—especially the leaves on the trees, which had once taken the form of a giant green blob.

That’s close to how Elsie Keim feels when she receives her glasses. Unfortunately, the feeling does not last long, because Elsie has keratoconus, a condition that is slowing stealing her sight. In spite of this, Elsie is determined to live an independent life and stays busy enough to push her fear of blindness to the back of her mind. As for her loving family, they can’t get past their fears for her future to see how strong and capable she is.

Then Landon Troyer comes along. His interest in Elsie starts her wanting things she never thought she’d have and stirs her family’s fears to a fever pitch. What happens next tests everyone’s faith.

This sweet story is one to enjoy when you need refreshing. Add a cup of tea, an apple pie, a crisp fall day and---perfection!

What I loved most . . . A plot built around the everyday heartaches we all must face and can only overcome through the help of faith & family. The courage of a young woman facing bitter disappointment with a smile on her face. A loud, loving family who takes on each other’s burdens as their own. New kittens in the barn and buggy rides and star gazing in the cool of the night . . .

"Eventide. Those blissful moments when day turned to evening, that precious time that hovered between action & sleep. The moments when she could cling to the silence & hold it in her heart, knowing that in a few brief hours the light would come again & carry with it the dawn of brand new day."

Who would love this story . . . Who wouldn't?! Women from young teens to sweet grandmas. Lovers of Amish fiction. Fans of Beth Wiseman, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Amy Clipston, Cindy Woodsmall, and Beverly Lewis.

**Thanks to Litfuse, Shelley Shepard Gray, and Avon Inspire for providing a copy for me to review.

[TAMMY CUEVAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elsie Keim feels that life is passing her by. While her siblings have found love, she is still at home and is not expected to leave. Her family continues to treat her like a child because of her progressive eye disease. When new neighbor Landon Troyer begins to court her, she tried to keep her impending blindness a secret rather than take a chance on losing his interest. Is marriage in Elsie's future, and will Landon be the man to overlook her disabilities and see her as a woman?

This novel is my favorite in the Days of Redemption trilogy. Along with Elsie and Landon's romance, we also see Peter and Marie's relationship as it grows stronger after his return from the rehabilitation clinic. Lovina and Aaron come to terms with their long-held secrets, and Viola prepares to wed and return to the mission field in Belize. in case anyone reads this and questions the veracity of Amish missionaries, the series caused me to look it up, and yes, the more progressive Amish districts of today do have world missions. Just in case you wondered....

One of the nice things about this series is the realism of the family. The Keim family has the same problems and struggles faced by real families. The fact that they are Amish is almost an afterthought. The books do not contain the "Amish overkill" contained in so many novels of this genre.

Elsie is probably my favorite character in this series, because of her strength and determination. She is faced with serious obstacles, but does not give up or allow her family to do everything for her. While her final decision left me shaking my head, this one will stay with me. As a matter of fact, I was sorry to learn that this is the final installment in the series. I have grown attached to the characters and would like to have seen how their futures evolved.

5 stars

STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE: I received an paperback copy of this title from Litfuse Publicity Group as part of their blogger review program . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[ASC Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really nice journey! First of all let me tell you that this is the first book I have read in The Days of Redemption series. (Not because I didn't want to I just never got a chance to, anyway I digress) I love the title, the cover, and the poem that inspired the title. And that's just the beginning! Eventide is more than the back cover describes and led me to expect! Shelley entwines the emotions of a person with a disability that just wants to be treated like everyone else. She conveys the frustration, the pain, and the beauty of finding freedom, flawlessly. Eventide is an easy read with tons of emotion! I love the way Shelley writes chapters, not too long but filled with enough to keep me interested, and the pace flows nicely. By far Lovina is my favorite character. Her character for me was awesome because she's tough and rock solid, but also a true softy on the inside! ;) But I do love Elsie also. While the rest of the family frustrated me with their hovering, controlling attitudes Elsie really inspired me. Mainly because she is such an even tempered character. I would have lost my temper SO many times, but she shows beautiful patients. For me this review is kinda hard because I don't want to give ANYTHING away! So I will finish by saying I really enjoyed the journey and I loved the ending!!!

Songs that I think hold some of the same things as Eventide:
"Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)" by Chris Tomlin, "Overcomer" by Mandisa, "All I Can Do (Thank You) (Single)" by Mikeschair, and "Hurricane (Single)" by Natalie Grant

Matthew 19:26

~ASC

P.S. The bonuses thrown in with the About the Author and the Letter from the Author are very entertaining also! I can't wait for Shelley's next book (especially since I want to see where Beth and Chris end up) with her fresh and entertaining way of piecing characters together.

*I received this book for the purpose of posting a review. This in no way affected my opinion and the above is my honest review.

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:

Eventide is the riveting conclusion to The Days of Redemption trilogy by Shelley Shepard Gray, celebrated author of tender Christian romance novels set in Amish country.

Honest and faithful Elsie Keim falls for her new neighbor, Landon, but she can’t bear to tell him the truth: She’s going blind.

Landon is enamored with Elsie. When Elsie’s brother Roman steps in and shares the truth of Elsie’s disease, Landon is floored. His job is demanding and takes him away from home, sometimes for days at a time. He wonders how he’d be able to keep up with his responsibilities and take care of Elsie.

In Eventide, three generations of the Keim family come together to make their dreams come true.

Shelley Shepard Gray, bestselling author of the Sisters of the Heart books, draws her Days of Redemption trilogy to a heart-warming finish.
About the Author:

I live in southern Ohio with my husband, two teenagers, and two dogs. My days are filled with busy activities like most any other mom and housewife. But I also love to write books.



My Review:

In book 3 of The Days of Redemption series we step back a ways in the beginning of the book to be reminded of Elsie's diagnosis. And how this condition affects her sight so dramatically that eventually she will go blind. Being the last one of her siblings left at home Elsie feels she will never marry. That is until she meets her new neighbor Landon who soon becomes her brother Roman's friend. Its not long before everyone can see the chemistry between Elsie and Landon. Even grandmother Lovina noticed it right away.

Soon coming to Berlin to help his brother Daniel, Landon seems a little more hopeful since meeting Elsie. She has definitely crossed Landon's mind quite a bit since their first meeting. Will Elsie ever find love or does all seem lost? Has God forgotten to send love her way?

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity.

[The Literary Maidens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madi's Review:

I really enjoyed this book! Eventide is the third book in "The Days Of Redemption" trilogy, and it made a wonderful conclusion. I read the second book in this series, but not the first (not because I didn't want to, but because I didn't have the opportunity). I'm really impressed with this author, and I hope to read more of her books in the future.



Elsie Keim has been slowly going blind since she was twelve years old. Ever since her diagnosis her family has treated her like she was incapable of doing anything for herself, and she refused to be treated like an invalid her whole life. She knew that the chances of her ever finding a man willing to marry her was slim, and she had accepted her fate as God's will. She was perfectly happy helping out around her parent's house, (at least she would be if her family would stop butting into her business). It honestly feels like getting through every day was a chore due to the hovering of her parents and siblings.


Landon is a hardworking man that knows what he wants, and he will do his very best to get it. He has a set plan for his life, and in that plan falls a wife that can keep house while he is away on long business trips and care for any children that they might have. The last thing he needs is a woman that he will have to look after like a child.


Landon is in denial, and Elsie is fully confident of her own abilities despite her eye disease. These two clash and come together at the same time. Even when there is an apparent solution to their problems, Elsie turns it down. What is wrong with this woman? She is independent, and stubborn. How will God finish their story if one of them is always running away from the other?


I loved this book. It made a wonderful weekend read, and I would recommend this book to someone looking for a good, light read to take with them on vacation or something. It isn't long, so it won't take long to read, plus it's pretty fast pace.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable story about Elsie Keim, a young Amish woman who is slowly going blind. She yearns for her family to see her for more than her disability, as the capable, strong woman she is. With her twin sister engaged and her brother newly married, she wonders if she will ever find a love of her own. When she meets their new neighbor, Landon, he seems to be interested and she wonders if this could be the man she's been waiting for, but worries what he'll think if he knows the extent of her disability. She decides to keep it a secret, at least for a while. Landon is very interested, but when Elsie's brother shares her secret, he's not sure if she fits in with the plans he has for the future. Will Landon learn to love her no matter what, or are they better off apart?

I found the romance to be sweet, but I felt a little frustrated with both Landon and Elsie at times for how they would handle things. It also felt like one of Landon's decisions changed rather quickly for how momentous it was, like he didn't think it through. I liked the different perspectives the story was told from and I found the different story lines interesting even though I haven't read the first two books and it seemed like some were a continuation. I probably would have gotten a little more out of this story if I had read the first two, but it worked pretty well as a stand-alone. A little annoyance I had was sometimes a phrase or action didn't seem to make sense or was repeated. I liked all of the characters and felt like I could relate to Elsie's struggle with something that feels restrictive and admired her willingness to take risks even though she could get hurt. I plan to read the first two books because I really want to see what happened to the other characters and check out the other series she has.

I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for an honest review.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elsie Keim has a wonderful family, a roof over her head, and a place to lay her head at night. While all her needs are provided for, there is something her family cannot give her - a normal life. From an early age, she has been afflicted by a disease that will eventually rob her of the ability to see. The disease has progressed to the point where she no longer dreams of a good life or that of a typical Amish wife. Her family is prepared to care for her the rest of her life, but all Elsie wants is a life she can never have. Who would want a damaged woman, anyway?

Landon Troyer has his entire life mapped out and planned to the tiniest detail. He has saved money and worked very hard to buy his own house and land, and all he needs is a capable wife to be his help meet. The only problem lies in finding that one woman that will fit in with all of his plans. So when he meets Elsie, it seems that everything is finally falling into place for him. But when troubling facts come to light, will he be disappointed with the truth? Or is love really worth paying the price of your dreams?

This final conclusion to the Days of Redemption series by Shelley Shepard Gray was the perfect ending to a story fraught with the realities of life. The resolution of family secrets is no easy task, but the Keim family sticks together even through the hard times. No matter what they face, they look to God and each other to get them through the rough road of redemption, forgiveness, and grace. This novel by Gray is a shining example of what it means to be a family through the most difficult of circumstances, and what it means to be truly loved. I really enjoyed this novel and series, and will be recommending it to others.

This book was provided by the publisher through Litfuse Nest for free in exchange for an honest review.