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Winsor #2
Shackled Lily
Beautiful, selfish and spoiled Kaitlyn “Issy” Summers had it all, or so everyone thought. Then, one night changed everything. Now trapped in the world that destroyed her to begin with, Issy finds herself in the arms of the one man she vowed to forget.
Issy Summers spent her life hardening and numbing her heart to the world. Raised by a weak mother and controlling father, Issy learns quickly that self-preservation is essential, and manipulation is often the key. When a night of over indulgence lands her in a coma, Issy wakes to find her life completely shifted as her father forces her back into his world--a world far darker than even Issy was prepared for.
The only light now is a man who has loved her for years, a man who recently found the loving grace of Christ. Letting him in will destroy the walls and armor she has worked so hard to build, but will shutting him out trap her forever in the chains that cover her?
Shackled Lily is the second book in the Winsor Series, but can be read as a stand alone novel.
Issy Summers spent her life hardening and numbing her heart to the world. Raised by a weak mother and controlling father, Issy learns quickly that self-preservation is essential, and manipulation is often the key. When a night of over indulgence lands her in a coma, Issy wakes to find her life completely shifted as her father forces her back into his world--a world far darker than even Issy was prepared for.
The only light now is a man who has loved her for years, a man who recently found the loving grace of Christ. Letting him in will destroy the walls and armor she has worked so hard to build, but will shutting him out trap her forever in the chains that cover her?
Shackled Lily is the second book in the Winsor Series, but can be read as a stand alone novel.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2013
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928 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
March 3, 2025
Tammy L Gray is one of my favorite Christian Fiction writers and Shackled Lily has to be one of my favorites of hers. A beautiful story of redemption. I love the storyline to the characters of this book. Izzy reminds me of me when I was her age. Drinking to forget was one of my traits and I love to see how God can change a heart of those who accept Him! I just love this story and it isn't well known, and I hope my reviews brings more to read this fabulous story. I think I have read this story over and over and know I will read it again. 5 stars and if I could give it more I definitely would!
April 8, 2018
I enjoyed the second in the Winsor series more than the first. That is possibly due to me going into this one knowing what the story would be like...main character not knowing the love of Christ and living life dangerously.
Issy is afraid to love and to avoid any meaningful relationships she treats everyone except her cousin Jake without care or concern. Issy was one of the main characters in book one and I looked forward to her story. Wow! It blew me away. It came across as very authentic. At times it was suspenseful.
Main character Grant was amazing. The only things I struggled with was Issy's dad having inconsistent behavior and the ending wrapped up a tad to quickly for me.
Overall, a great story of redemption.
As I mentioned with book one in the series, this is not squeaky clean CF. The writing is great and the story engaging. Life can be messy and this book is definitely an example of that.
Note: the cover of the Kindle version I read is not available on Goodreads.
Issy is afraid to love and to avoid any meaningful relationships she treats everyone except her cousin Jake without care or concern. Issy was one of the main characters in book one and I looked forward to her story. Wow! It blew me away. It came across as very authentic. At times it was suspenseful.
Main character Grant was amazing. The only things I struggled with was Issy's dad having inconsistent behavior and the ending wrapped up a tad to quickly for me.
Overall, a great story of redemption.
As I mentioned with book one in the series, this is not squeaky clean CF. The writing is great and the story engaging. Life can be messy and this book is definitely an example of that.
Note: the cover of the Kindle version I read is not available on Goodreads.
November 27, 2016
Wow, reading this novel has definitely been a roller-coaster of emotions. The story of Issy and Grant is one of patience, hope, redemption, renewal, and true love. Venturing through the psyche of Issy was very revealing. When starting this novel I knew that Issy was more than what was on the outside, but as I read through the novel my eyes have been opened, even more, to what neglect, abandonment, and self-loathing can do to a person.
The way Tammy L. Gray inserted other literature into this novel was well done. In doing so, Gray allowed for Issy’s way of mind to be portrayed on a higher level. A level in which the readers could understand what Issy truly felt.
Something I disliked about the novel would have to be the multiple kissing scenes. With certain characters and scenes, the kissing was a vital part to the progression of the story (you know what I’m talking about if you have already read it), but I often wondered if the kissing was just a filler or if something could have been said in substitution of the kissing.
(On a side note) One thing I admire about Tammy L. Gray, she does not soften the punches when it comes to showing the heartaches some people go through when abusing substances. Some people only see alcoholics or junkies, when sometimes there is more to the story than just an abuse of drugs and alcohol.
This was another wonderful read my Tammy L. Gray.
The way Tammy L. Gray inserted other literature into this novel was well done. In doing so, Gray allowed for Issy’s way of mind to be portrayed on a higher level. A level in which the readers could understand what Issy truly felt.
Something I disliked about the novel would have to be the multiple kissing scenes. With certain characters and scenes, the kissing was a vital part to the progression of the story (you know what I’m talking about if you have already read it), but I often wondered if the kissing was just a filler or if something could have been said in substitution of the kissing.
(On a side note) One thing I admire about Tammy L. Gray, she does not soften the punches when it comes to showing the heartaches some people go through when abusing substances. Some people only see alcoholics or junkies, when sometimes there is more to the story than just an abuse of drugs and alcohol.
This was another wonderful read my Tammy L. Gray.
November 6, 2024
Ok, so hear me out on this one despite the unfortunate book cover choice.
This book was SO GOOD! The plotline, the character development, oh my goodness I was hooked! I have always been skeptical about Christian contemporary romance novels but this one really changed my opinion on that!
This story follows Kaitlyn “Issy” Summers who comes from a wealthy, but incredibly broken family. After almost dying from driving while drunk, she’s forced to move in with her rich, egotistical father who has ulterior motives for moving her out of her school and into the state school near him.
As she continues to self destruct, she tries to drink her pain away, and push away the one man she’s ever loved: Grant, who she’s known since childhood and works for her father.
As events begin to unfold, she soon realizes her father has a selfish, and ultimately illegal purpose for her staying with him and is forced to put her trust in God for the first time in her life to get her out of this dangerous situation.
This book was SO GOOD! The plotline, the character development, oh my goodness I was hooked! I have always been skeptical about Christian contemporary romance novels but this one really changed my opinion on that!
This story follows Kaitlyn “Issy” Summers who comes from a wealthy, but incredibly broken family. After almost dying from driving while drunk, she’s forced to move in with her rich, egotistical father who has ulterior motives for moving her out of her school and into the state school near him.
As she continues to self destruct, she tries to drink her pain away, and push away the one man she’s ever loved: Grant, who she’s known since childhood and works for her father.
As events begin to unfold, she soon realizes her father has a selfish, and ultimately illegal purpose for her staying with him and is forced to put her trust in God for the first time in her life to get her out of this dangerous situation.
September 26, 2017
Good reading
This was a new author for me. The book held my interest and I plan to go back and read the first book of the series.
This was a new author for me. The book held my interest and I plan to go back and read the first book of the series.
April 28, 2016
Shackled Lily by T. L. Gray is the second book in the Windsor Series and I will say my favorite thus far.
I couldn't put this book down. I truly enjoyed reading about Kaitlyn and her on going life along with her stupid selfish decisions. As I read this book I see where I could have easily have made the same choices with her drinking habits, boys, and carelessness for everything around her. Once again, T.L. Gray does not sugar coat anything, under age drinking, nudity and inappropriate situations implied. Yet, while all of this depressing junk is happening there is a small light, she has two Christian friends that attempt to help her and love her anyway. Now the author does not confuse this with encouraging Kaitlyn but her friends are there for her when she needs them.
I can see how many people might not like this book because of it's truth and real life reality of young college students. This stuff happens, it's not a joke, and T.L. Gray has a done a good job of portraying the reality and showing how people can change, even in the worst situations.
While the ending seemed rather rushed, this book is my favorite, I personally like it more so than Shattered Rose.
I recommend for older teens and adults.
"I received this book from the author for free in exchange for an honest review."
I couldn't put this book down. I truly enjoyed reading about Kaitlyn and her on going life along with her stupid selfish decisions. As I read this book I see where I could have easily have made the same choices with her drinking habits, boys, and carelessness for everything around her. Once again, T.L. Gray does not sugar coat anything, under age drinking, nudity and inappropriate situations implied. Yet, while all of this depressing junk is happening there is a small light, she has two Christian friends that attempt to help her and love her anyway. Now the author does not confuse this with encouraging Kaitlyn but her friends are there for her when she needs them.
I can see how many people might not like this book because of it's truth and real life reality of young college students. This stuff happens, it's not a joke, and T.L. Gray has a done a good job of portraying the reality and showing how people can change, even in the worst situations.
While the ending seemed rather rushed, this book is my favorite, I personally like it more so than Shattered Rose.
I recommend for older teens and adults.
"I received this book from the author for free in exchange for an honest review."
October 28, 2013
I have to say I stayed up until 2am just to finish this book. I read the first couple of chapters and then set the book down for a couple of days because life gets busy. I picked it up again and couldn't put it down.
Issy is a hard-edged girl. She saw her mother get burned by love when her father walked out. She thinks it's a family curse and therefore refuses to open herself to the chance of anything more than a quick fling.
Grant is her father's assistant and he has fallen for her in so many ways, even though she treats him horribly. He knows she is just hurting and waits for her.
There are daddy issues and mommy issues all over the place. Definitely realistic. Issy has to find out how to love without fear. That is where the book has some not so subtle Christian undertones. Christ was all about love and forgiveness. And that is what Issy needs to learn.
Issy is a hard-edged girl. She saw her mother get burned by love when her father walked out. She thinks it's a family curse and therefore refuses to open herself to the chance of anything more than a quick fling.
Grant is her father's assistant and he has fallen for her in so many ways, even though she treats him horribly. He knows she is just hurting and waits for her.
There are daddy issues and mommy issues all over the place. Definitely realistic. Issy has to find out how to love without fear. That is where the book has some not so subtle Christian undertones. Christ was all about love and forgiveness. And that is what Issy needs to learn.
March 17, 2016
4+ Stars
December 30, 2022
gripping
I experienced such a range of emotions from one chapter to the next throughout this book. An absolutely gripping story!!
I experienced such a range of emotions from one chapter to the next throughout this book. An absolutely gripping story!!
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July 23, 2022
I truly enjoyed this one!
I have never written a review before, though I have wanted to on countless occasions. It's funny that the Winsor books are what I am actually writing about. Fictional Christian Romance. I've read a plethora of romance books, Christian and secular, and some of my favourite books have been these (Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series, Tessa Afshar's books, Fairytales and retellings, etc.). But something about this series has me wanting to talk about here.
I won't say they were my favourite books, or that they were amazingly written. Some parts I would even say that they were so far fetched and unrealistic, but I mean, I read fairytales so... but they were well written and I was completely engrossed into the stories. (I read a book a day! Maybe a day and a half.)
I enjoyed these books a lot. I felt a sort of kinship to some of the characters. Maybe not to the extent of what they went through. I was never as "bad" as they, but I can say I get it. I grew up in a Christian home, my brother is a pastor. But I had my fair share of struggles and temptations and so could relate to a lot of what these characters went through, struggled through. Fought. And I know of Gods intervening. So I appreciated the stories a great deal. I loved the reminders that God can work through ANY situation and change ANY lives He wants to. No matter how hard someone fights against Him, no matter how "far gone" someone believes themselves to be. It brought such great emotions to me and truly touched my heart because I was reminded of how big and great and powerful God is.
I know some people didn't like how much drinking there was or the sexual context (which was not graphic) but I think it made it more realistic in the world and showed just how God can work in anything and everything.
I won't say who I related to more, and you cannot know by my ratings lol! But following will be my star ratings for each book. (I will be copying and pasting this to each book.)
I recommend all the books!
Shattered Rose 3 stars
Shackled Lily 5 stars
Splintered Oak 4 stars
Thanks for reading my very first review!
I have never written a review before, though I have wanted to on countless occasions. It's funny that the Winsor books are what I am actually writing about. Fictional Christian Romance. I've read a plethora of romance books, Christian and secular, and some of my favourite books have been these (Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series, Tessa Afshar's books, Fairytales and retellings, etc.). But something about this series has me wanting to talk about here.
I won't say they were my favourite books, or that they were amazingly written. Some parts I would even say that they were so far fetched and unrealistic, but I mean, I read fairytales so... but they were well written and I was completely engrossed into the stories. (I read a book a day! Maybe a day and a half.)
I enjoyed these books a lot. I felt a sort of kinship to some of the characters. Maybe not to the extent of what they went through. I was never as "bad" as they, but I can say I get it. I grew up in a Christian home, my brother is a pastor. But I had my fair share of struggles and temptations and so could relate to a lot of what these characters went through, struggled through. Fought. And I know of Gods intervening. So I appreciated the stories a great deal. I loved the reminders that God can work through ANY situation and change ANY lives He wants to. No matter how hard someone fights against Him, no matter how "far gone" someone believes themselves to be. It brought such great emotions to me and truly touched my heart because I was reminded of how big and great and powerful God is.
I know some people didn't like how much drinking there was or the sexual context (which was not graphic) but I think it made it more realistic in the world and showed just how God can work in anything and everything.
I won't say who I related to more, and you cannot know by my ratings lol! But following will be my star ratings for each book. (I will be copying and pasting this to each book.)
I recommend all the books!
Shattered Rose 3 stars
Shackled Lily 5 stars
Splintered Oak 4 stars
Thanks for reading my very first review!
October 26, 2020
5 Stars... (had me listening to Tenth Avenue North- Worn)
Wow what a great book! This was better than book 1. I thought for sure I would give this about 4 stars, BUT the 2nd half of the book took a suspenseful turn that I didn't see coming and I was like WHAT! Yes, the first half does drag a little bit, but man I was hooked by the 2nd half. I loved all the characters in this and even the bad ones I loved despising and couldn't wait to see their demise. This was such a great story and I found myself thinking, "Mrs. Gray you sure can write". I look forward to reading Splintered Oak. I'm just sorry it will end there. I would enjoy a whole book about the down fall of Mrs. Summers and Robbie, but hey that's just me.
Anyway, I would DEFINATELY recommend this book to older teens and adults.
Content: promiscuous behavior, but no actual sex described, some heated kissing
Language: no language
Wow what a great book! This was better than book 1. I thought for sure I would give this about 4 stars, BUT the 2nd half of the book took a suspenseful turn that I didn't see coming and I was like WHAT! Yes, the first half does drag a little bit, but man I was hooked by the 2nd half. I loved all the characters in this and even the bad ones I loved despising and couldn't wait to see their demise. This was such a great story and I found myself thinking, "Mrs. Gray you sure can write". I look forward to reading Splintered Oak. I'm just sorry it will end there. I would enjoy a whole book about the down fall of Mrs. Summers and Robbie, but hey that's just me.
Anyway, I would DEFINATELY recommend this book to older teens and adults.
Content: promiscuous behavior, but no actual sex described, some heated kissing
Language: no language
January 4, 2022
This book was VERY hard to put down. It was much more gritty than the first and there were elements that were a bit unbelievable but again, I just couldn't put it down. Issy and Grant's story is definitely one of redemption. Spoiler and trigger warning: alcohol/substance abuse and human trafficking are dealt with heavily in this story as well as promiscuity as a means of coping with brokenness. It's definitely not your typical CF plot but as someone who didn't have a squeaky clean past before Christ, it's very accurate of what life in the lost world is like for so many people. I will be reading the final book in the series as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2022
This book was way better then the first one izzy might have everything in life that anyone could want ,but her life is not as roses as ever one would think . Izzy can really be the life of the party ,and when she start to part she can't stop it is the only way to stop the horrible thoughts in her head that her family has put their . This is a great read for a suspense ,drama and a page turner. Grant is izzy father assistance and has been izzy crush since she she was young just the fact grant will never be able to know because izzy just doesn't like to do feelings. This book does talk about Faith.
November 5, 2024
Wow. This was a wild ride. I thought I understood what was going on, and then the story took a crazy turn. I cared so much for Issy & was very satisfied with her faith journey.
Definitely felt a little less realistic than Gray’s other books, but I was gripped & couldn’t put it down. My heart was racing during the entire last third or so.
Mind the content warnings! This was very intense with the things that happen to Issy & what she does to herself as well.
2/2/23
Definitely felt a little less realistic than Gray’s other books, but I was gripped & couldn’t put it down. My heart was racing during the entire last third or so.
Mind the content warnings! This was very intense with the things that happen to Issy & what she does to herself as well.
2/2/23
April 16, 2019
Well now
I will say first and foremost this is a tragic story in a lot of ways but beautiful. I don't want to give anything away but I loved Grant and Issy and more then that the history and love between them. I was a little shocked by how everything turned out and how everything unraveled. I'm looking forward to Jake's story though mostly cause I've been worried about him since shattered rose.
I will say first and foremost this is a tragic story in a lot of ways but beautiful. I don't want to give anything away but I loved Grant and Issy and more then that the history and love between them. I was a little shocked by how everything turned out and how everything unraveled. I'm looking forward to Jake's story though mostly cause I've been worried about him since shattered rose.
August 20, 2021
Not the usual Christian romance
I started reading this not knowing anything about the book or the author. I was captivated from the start. I loved that there were Christian characters but that they weren’t predictable, and that no one’s life became perfect, happily ever after because of their faith. I was able to relate and even care about characters that at first I didn’t like.
I started reading this not knowing anything about the book or the author. I was captivated from the start. I loved that there were Christian characters but that they weren’t predictable, and that no one’s life became perfect, happily ever after because of their faith. I was able to relate and even care about characters that at first I didn’t like.
November 14, 2023
I am completely obsessed with everything Tammy L Gray writes! This one especially tugged at all my emotions and had me in tears as Issy experienced deep pain and hopelessness then also saw what love really is for the first time in her life. Tammy’s writing is so raw and vulnerable, and does not hold back! Her characters and love stories are so easy to get invested into as well! Can’t wait to read the next one in this series!
March 3, 2018
Once again Tammy Gray had me staying up well into the night reading this heartbreaking, yet hope-filled story. Shackled Lily takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster, resolving things just enough to allow for some closure, all while frantically searching for book three! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good redemption story.
January 13, 2019
**Warning** Do Not pick this up unless you enjoy intense faith oriented novels. While i do not mind reading books that include a religious or faithful undertones i do not appreciate being hammered over the head with faith when all i wanted was to lose myself in a romance novel. To be somewhat fair i may have missed the christian genre tag on Amazon.
June 8, 2019
This isn't a genre that I'd normally pick to read but this author created interesting characters in book one of this series that intrigued me. There is a strong element of Suspense in this book, too, that kept me from setting it aside when the immature antics of its young female protagonist annoyed me.
August 1, 2019
Another homer in!
Wow, Tammy really knocked this one out of the park! Like a couple of the others I read, I couldn’t force myself to put it down. I have grown quite fond to this author and her works. We may not can relate to Issy and that type of parents, but we can sure relate to similar troubles. We must cling close to God!
Wow, Tammy really knocked this one out of the park! Like a couple of the others I read, I couldn’t force myself to put it down. I have grown quite fond to this author and her works. We may not can relate to Issy and that type of parents, but we can sure relate to similar troubles. We must cling close to God!
August 8, 2019
The second in this series was even more intense than the first. The author does such a great job of writing believable characters. With the first person POV, I really felt as though I knew Lily and got into her head. Her poor choices often made me uncomfortable, but isn't that similar to real life? Very refreshing series and I look forward to Jake's story.
November 15, 2019
Five stars
Ms Gray has a true talent for bringing emotions to the surface with her writing. Issy and Grant's story is the second installment of the Winsor Series and with each book it gets better. This one took me from laughing, to anger, to weeping and cheering at the ending. Very well written.
Ms Gray has a true talent for bringing emotions to the surface with her writing. Issy and Grant's story is the second installment of the Winsor Series and with each book it gets better. This one took me from laughing, to anger, to weeping and cheering at the ending. Very well written.
September 3, 2025
Another tear-jerker
Book 2 in this series was as emotionally charged as book one. I cried more than once. Ms. Gray has written these characters with such intense realism that it’s difficult not to feel their emotions. Such an amazing story! I highly recommend the series, and I am really looking forward to reading the third book.
Book 2 in this series was as emotionally charged as book one. I cried more than once. Ms. Gray has written these characters with such intense realism that it’s difficult not to feel their emotions. Such an amazing story! I highly recommend the series, and I am really looking forward to reading the third book.
March 14, 2017
Great read
Yes. Some of this is unrealistic, but this was a really good read to me. There are also several editing errors in this book. However I still give it five stars. Great read!!
Yes. Some of this is unrealistic, but this was a really good read to me. There are also several editing errors in this book. However I still give it five stars. Great read!!
June 3, 2017
"Life doesn't discriminate between the sinners and the saints it takes and it takes and it takes and we keep living anyway, we break and we make the mistakes." (Alexander Hamilton, Wait For It) The quote is oddly fitting.
October 21, 2017
Another excellent read
A story that kept me on edge the whole time. Wow! Suspense, romance and Christianity all rolled up into one!
My heart felt for Issy.
Tammy L. Gray sure knows how to write and keep you locked in!
This is another must read.
A story that kept me on edge the whole time. Wow! Suspense, romance and Christianity all rolled up into one!
My heart felt for Issy.
Tammy L. Gray sure knows how to write and keep you locked in!
This is another must read.
December 20, 2017
Party Girl to cover hurt until meeting the love of Christ
It’s my second time reading it and I highly recommend the series’s for all. The setting is college, but the deeper issues the Windsor characters go thru and come to know God’s love, can be received by all.
It’s my second time reading it and I highly recommend the series’s for all. The setting is college, but the deeper issues the Windsor characters go thru and come to know God’s love, can be received by all.
November 12, 2018
This was an excellent second book to read in the series. It had suspense, drama, funny and sadness along with anger and fear all mixed in. It held you right in their world making you wonder what would happen next. It was hard to put down to do other things.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews