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The Amish Widows Club #2

The Forbidden Caller

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Twenty-four was too young to be a widow, but Jenna Graber is learning that grief doesn't follow anyone's timeline. Nearly two years after losing her husband, Jimmy, in a workplace accident, she's still struggling to make ends meet while raising her five-year-old daughter. When Jenna is invited to join the Amish Widows Club, blooming friendships stir hope in her heart. And thank goodness for Nelson Harper, the Englischer who owns the mill where Jimmy worked. His steady friendship and generous help have been a lifeline.

Nelson Harper knows he's treading on dangerous ground having fallen for Jenna and her precious daughter--their worlds seem impossibly far apart. Religious differences and Jenna's grief make the divide almost impossible to cross, and Nelson carries a burden that could destroy the trust between them. As long-buried secrets surface, Jenna must face hard truths about the past--and decide what her heart can accept for the future.

336 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2026

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About the author

Shelley Shepard Gray

148 books2,405 followers
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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5 stars
33 (44%)
4 stars
29 (38%)
3 stars
10 (13%)
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3 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Jo|Ruth Reads.
938 reviews98 followers
October 3, 2026
Totally binge read this one! If you give me an Amish romance, forbidden love, and a swoony, protective MMC... I am locked in! Add in a second romance, and I cannot put it down!

When Jenna's husband is killed on the job, the last person she expected to befriend was his boss. Nelson has stepped in moments after Jimmy's passing, blaming himself for the loss and truly concerning himself with Jenna and her daughter Katie's well being. But what neither expected was all their time together becoming more than routine, becoming something they both start looking forward to. But as the feelings become hard to ignore, the reality hits them hard... she is Amish, he is English. Her husband passed away at his business. Her community, her family, likely wouldn't approve. She's now in the widows' club, but she questions if being a widow forever is truly what's in her heart.

Nelson was the highlight here... starting out first just trying to be there for her. Wanting to make sure her family was okay. But when he starts to fall, it was evident, and I loved how patient and understanding he was over what he would be up against, given they live so differently. I loved the bonus romance. The age gap was a lot larger than I was expecting, but both were adults, and it was sweet. Can't wait for the next one in the series.

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Luminous Reads.
397 reviews19 followers
September 7, 2026
This was a sweet read. I loved the heartwarming friendships and community that Jenna finds in The Amish Widows Club. I also appreciated how Nelson was so devoted to caring for and protecting both Jenna and her daughter, Katie.

The vibes:
Amish/Englischer romance
Young widow
Protective MMC
Friends-to-more
Loss and grief
Friendship and community

A lovely story with themes of love, community, and resilience.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Virginia Winfield.
3,021 reviews18 followers
October 21, 2026
I loved this wonderful Amish romance. I enjoyed how Jenna finds friends through a club for widows that help her to begin to enjoy her life after her husband passes. I liked how Jenna becomes friends with Nelson when he comes to help her after her husbands death. I loved the romance and the friendships that are acquired as time moves on. I could not put the book down.
1,754 reviews34 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 13, 2026
The Forbidden Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray
Amish Fiction for Your Book Club with Single Parents and Second Chance Love set in Lancaster County (The Amish Widows Club)
Book 2 of 3: The Amish Widows Club
She finds belonging in the Amish Widows Club--but will she dare to love across an impossible divide?

Twenty-four was too young to become a widow, but Jenna Graber is learning that grief doesn't follow anyone's timeline. Nearly two years after losing her husband, Jimmy, in a workplace accident, she's still struggling to make ends meet while raising her five-year-old daughter. When Jenna is invited to join the Amish Widows Club, blooming friendships stir hope in her heart. And thank goodness for Nelson Harper, the Englisher who runs the mill where Jimmy worked. His steady friendship and generous help have been a lifeline.

Nelson knows he's treading on dangerous ground having fallen for Jenna and her precious daughter--their worlds couldn't feel further apart. Religious differences and Jenna's grief make the divide almost impossible to cross, and Nelson carries a burden that could destroy the trust between them. As long-buried secrets surface, Jenna must face hard truths about the past--and decide what her heart can accept for the future.

An Amish romance novel about grief, healing, and second chances from New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray. Perfect for fans of inspirational fiction, sisterhood, and Amish community stories.
My favorite quote is
Jenna and Katie had developed a routine
of sort. Every morning after Jenna got up,
got dressed, and had a cup of coffee, she would get Katie out of bed. They'd have breakfast
together and she'd walk her five -year -old to the Amish school a little less than a mile away.
I recommend this book.
The Forbidden Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray
is a 5-star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Shelley Shepard Gray.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.



Profile Image for Chelsie.
1,654 reviews
September 15, 2026
Jenna lost her husband to a terrible accident at work almost two years ago now and she is still struggling with the grief. Meanwhile others have thoughts on what Jenna should or shouldn’t be doing at this point. Some say she should be moving on and finding a new husband and others remind her every day about what she lost and what Jimmy would supposedly want her to be doing. But there’s been one constant in her life since the accident and that is mill owner Nelson. He’s done nothing but be there for her and Katie and has asked nothing in return. So why does she feel guilty about this friendship between them? They haven’t crossed any line and it has been almost two years. When she gets invited to attend a gathering for the Amish Widows Club, she is unsure but Doreen has a way of making you accept. Attending her first meeting she realizes it’s not what she expected. They aren’t just sitting around talking about the deaths of loved ones and their grief. They are just a group of women who socialize and understand each other more than others who have never been in this situation. There is no judgment or criticism on how she should feel or what she should be doing. This might be just what she needed for herself! When Nelson is in a bad vehicle accident, she really realizes what she wants in life. What she feels is more than just friendship and she is ready for the next changes in her and Katie’s lives, and that it isn’t up to anyone else to decide what is right or wrong for them, except for her. I really enjoyed this heartfelt story between Nelson and Jenna. Thank you to the author and publisher for the complementary novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
Profile Image for Lisa Taylor.
205 reviews6 followers
September 15, 2026
The Forbidden Caller book two of the series The Amish Widows Club by Shelley Shepard Gray. 

Where do I start I loved this book and was unable to put it down, (but I had to sleep). Great Characters and story line with lots of laugh out loud moments along with many tender ones. I do like how we get to visit with the ladies from the Amish Widows now not so secret club, their support and friendship of one another really is touching and adds to the story. 

In my opinion, we have two sets of couples/main characters, so it made it double the fun to read. The interactions between Jenna & Nelson just seem like a meant to be, but could it be? Jenna is Amish and Nelson is English, but it didn't stop their friendship and I loved Katie Jenna's young daughter and how she and Nelson interacted. He sounds like he could be my knight in shining armor. How can you not like a man that brings thoughtful gifts?

Fanny/Frances & Hank were also so much fun. Fanny trying to shed her childhood name and make people see her as a woman and not a little girl anymore, and Handsome Hank somewhat older and a widow. I could feel the flirting and see the blush of Fanny's cheeks with each interaction with Hank. Could this be a May to December relationship?

We can't forget sweet Blue. 

So well written I could feel all of the emotions and see everything in the story so clearly. 

While this is book two of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone but highly recommend both. I am so ready for book three. 
Profile Image for Elizabeth Eckmeyer .
161 reviews4 followers
Read
July 26, 2026
Shelley Shephard Grey does it again with another excellent book in the series the Amish widows club! She is such a phenomenal writer. Her books keep you coming back page after page of entertainment!

Jenna Graber lost her husband to a work accident. After a year of grieving she gets an invite to the unsecret women's widows club. Her connection to other women help her to work through her grief as she is raising her daughter.

Nelson Harper is a multi generational owner of a carpentry shop. After one of his employees dies of an accident he spends his time befriending his widow. As he spends ,more time with her and her daughter his feelings change from guilt to love but the problem is she is Amish and he is not.

Franny works for the family business. She is divorced and happily single. One day a client changes her life; Hank. He awakens feeling she has left behind. As a friendship develops Franny wonders what could become of this unlikely friendship.

Of course this story was a sweet page turner! There was a lot of suspense with the characters. You were always questioning what was going to happen. There was also phenomenal characters of the community! I highly recommend this story.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*
Profile Image for January.
3,446 reviews137 followers
October 16, 2026
The Forbidden Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray (2026)
Amish Widows Club #2
8h 6m narrated by Leah Horowitz, 336

Genre: Christian Fiction > Amish Romance

Movie Rating Equivalent: PG

Rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✉️🛍🐈‍⬛️✝️

​I tremendously enjoyed The Forbidden Caller, and this series is quickly becoming a favorite with its blend of Amish fiction and contemporary fiction. I love this storyline, although I felt like we didn't get as much Club time as we did in the first book. I am very much looking forward to Book 3!

​Recommend to others: Yes! This is a fun and relaxing series despite the tragic theme.

Amish Widows Club
1. The Unexpected Caller (2026)
2. The Forbidden Caller (2026)
3. The Persistent Caller (2027)

Featuring: October, Widows, Single Mother, May, Groceries, Grief, Unwanted Attention, Pen Pals, Vicenarian, New Order Amish, Old Order Amish, Mennonite, Englisher, Multiple POVs, Spring/Winter Romance, Lumber Mill, Amish-Englisher Romance, Toxic Relationships, Kitten, Tragedy, July, Innuendos, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; Grandparents, Secret Social Club, Second Chance, Friends-to-Lovers, Crossroads
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,355 reviews500 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 23, 2026
This is such an emotional read, a young widow, Jenna, and her darling four year old daughter Katie. Life has not been easy for them since her husband was killed at work, but his boss Nelson, in a way has become a bright spot in their lives.
Now Jenna has been invited to join the Amish Widows Club, and we are reunited with some old friends, and yes, this is a read alone book.
I felt sorry for Jimmy's parents, they were having a hard time living their faith after loosing their son, but their poor little granddaughter was being shared the hate in their grief.
We are actually given more than one romance here, and there was such joy in experiencing them! Fanny is such a strong young women, and she sure stands her ground. Her cousin Nelson, runs the family company, and I found him to be such a kind hearted man. Nelson and Kitty, Katie, such fun times in this read!
I am so glad I read this book, and looking for the third book in this series!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
Profile Image for Vicky Sluiter.
Author 1 book104 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 7, 2026
Although this is book 2 in The Amish Widows Club series, you could read it as a standalone. I do, however, recommend book 1, The Unexpected Caller. It has some of the same characters and explains about the club.

I enjoyed reading more about the Amish widows and the club. I will say the story went in a way I never expected but I won’t say more about that. No spoilers here.

I loved the characters in this story. Jenna is dealing with the hurt of losing her husband while being the single parent of an adorable little girl. Nelson is just existing and running the family business. I loved Hank and Franny. Such an unlikely pair to form a friendship as they are so opposite in upbringing and life in general.

A well written story full of heart, I highly recommend it if you enjoy Amish fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Brittany .
3,046 reviews219 followers
September 23, 2026
This story delved into the emotional experiences of its characters in a way that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen. Some dealt with grief and others guilt. A set of parents had let their grief turn to bitterness and anger, while a man in charge carried guilt on his shoulders even when it wasn’t warranted.

I loved the gentle way Nelson and Jenna grew to rely on each other and the way Nelson had been caring for Jenna and her daughter for nearly two years. The connection between all three of them was so sweet.

The ending of the story felt a bit quick to me, however, I may have just not been wanting the book to end yet!

Even though The Forbidden Caller is book two in the series, it can be easily read as a stand alone novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for C Allen.
533 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 10, 2026
The Forbidden Caller, by Shelly Shephard Gray is book two in The Amish Widows Club Series. In my opinion, this book showcases, Ms. Gray at her best.

Jenna Graber Was only twenty-four and already a widow with a child when she was ask to join the Amish Widows Club.

This is a very unique story of how being befriended by her late husband’s boss, an Englisher, offers twist and turns in both their lives. Some characters are repeat characters while new ones add to this story in the series. They seem very real and really add to the story.

Some things happen just because it is God’s timing.

This is definitely a 5-star book.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
24 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2026
The Forbidden Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray is the second book in the Amish Widows series, and one of my favorite collections by Gray to date! Jenna has recently lost her husband in an accident at the mill where he worked. Nelson, her husband’s boss and an Englisher, befriends her and her little girl, Katie, but he knows more about the accident than he is willing to share with her. While others in the Amish community question Nelson’s motives, Nelson truly cares about the young widow and her little girl. The reader will enjoy getting to know these characters and explore how Jenna and Nelson navigate a relationship when they come from two such different worlds. The Forbidden Caller is another fantastic story from Gray that you won’t want to miss!
Profile Image for Sara.
325 reviews5 followers
September 28, 2026
This is book#2 in the Amish Widow's Club buy can be read as a standalone book.

Jenna who is a widow at the age of twenty four and has a five year old daughter is struggling to make ends meet get invited to the Amish Widow group and the friendships that she makes there gives her hope that things will get better. Nelson (Jenna's died husband's boss) has been there for Jenna since the accident and they start to have feelings for each other but she is Amish and he is an Englisher how will this relationship work?? You will have to read the book to find out.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author through NetGalley. The review expressed here is my honest opinion.
34 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 21, 2026
The Forbidden Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray is the second book of the Amish Widows Club. This story follows Jenna and her daughter after her husband had an accident at the mill. Nelson in charge of the mill befriends Jenna and her daughter . I could not put it down it is heartwarming and could they have a chance at love or will their differences hinder that she is Amish and Nelson an englisher. To find out read this story and you will love it . I received an advance copy so all comments are my own. I am definitely looking forward for the next book of the series,
561 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 24, 2026
The Forbidden Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray is the 2nd book in The Amish Widowers Club. Gray has a way of weaving a story that keeps you coming back for more. Wonderful characters and a sweet little girl. I have to say I was surprised by the connection between Nelson and Jenna considering the different backgrounds. Loss effects everyone differently and makes you also look at life differently. I received a complementary copy of this book. The opinions are completely my own. #NetGalley #ShelleyShepardGray
909 reviews18 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 2, 2026
The widows club is back again and this time they have invited Jenna to the club. Jenna doesn't think she will ever find love again but is Nelson just a friend?

It's sweet how Nelson tries to take care of Jenna and Katie. Nelson was a great character with a lot of integrity and compassion. His cousin, Fanny, was another favorite character. She was full of life but also had a sensitive side.

The reader will fall in love with the characters as the story unfolds.

I was given a copy of the book. The opinions are my own.
6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 6, 2026
Another excellent story by Shelley Shepard Gray. Jenna is a young widow with a five year old daughter. Nelson is her late husband's former boss. He knows more about the accident that killed her husband than he would like to share with her. As they learn together the many stages and trials of grief, there begins to be a spark of something more. Unfortunately, he is not Amish. Follow the twists and turns of the story to see if they are able to overcome being from two very different worlds.
Profile Image for Michelle Rhoden.
569 reviews16 followers
October 19, 2026
I enjoy a good clean Amish romance and that is what you will find with this talented author, Shelley Shepard Gray. The storyline deals with grief, funny moments and friendships that develop because they have a lot in common. It is definitely a 5 star book and I have enjoyed this series and look forward to the next one.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.
Profile Image for Sherry Brown.
1,058 reviews116 followers
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
September 8, 2026
Shelley Shepard Gray always writes the stories that keep me up late at night and always stays with me long after I read them! the Amish Widows Club did just that!
The characters, the heartache, the love, the tears, the surprised moments, have made this an amazing wonderful book! It deserves all five stars and more!
300 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 11, 2026
This is a sweet story that is the second book in this series. After Jenna becomes a young widower when her husband is killed in a work accident, love shows up in the most unexpected way. This story has many wonderful characters. It is a story about love, faith and second chances. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Carole Smith.
195 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 25, 2026
A sweet story from Shelly Shephard Gray! The storyline with very strong characters, strong faith, made this a fun romance between an Amish widow and an Englisher. Watching their love grow was sweet and the storyline and characters drew me in.
Profile Image for Thea Marlowe.
654 reviews5 followers
October 13, 2026
Another sweet Amish read. Loved that widowed Jenna and daughter Katie found family and love with Nelson. Being from different worlds, Amish & English usually makes relationships forbidden & impossible, but love prevailed.
Profile Image for Elyssa.
1,329 reviews10 followers
October 21, 2026
This is the second in the series and I enjoyed it just as much as the first, which is unusual for me. Swoony/forbidden romance and unexpected age gap. Plus, a slightly sexy (for an Amish romance) mention of anticipation for the wedding night.
2 reviews
September 19, 2026
I love this book . I could not put it down . I could not wait to see what happens next . I love the characters . Could not wait to see what they were up to next
Profile Image for Dottie Smith.
6 reviews2 followers
September 29, 2026
I really enjoyed this story about Jenna Graber and Nelson Harper. It is hard to put into words without having any spoilers. I received an ARC. I can’t wait for the next one!!
136 reviews
October 16, 2026
Waited for the secret reveal....was quite the let down IMO!
Profile Image for  katescleanreads.
284 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 8, 2026
I really enjoyed this next book in The Amish Widows Club series! Jenna and Nelson’s story is a unique one that is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, grief and second chances. It is easy to get absorbed into it and impossible to stop reading.
Some familiar characters from the first book make an appearance, but this is a stand alone story. Don’t miss The Unexpected Caller though. Both books are engaging, and I appreciate that they are different stories connected by the thread of the widows club. Very much looking forward to book 3!
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from the publisher through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews