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Walnut Creek #0.5
Friends to the End
Discover the charming first enovella in a new Amish romance series from the New York Times bestselling author of Love Held Captive and The Gift.
When Andy’s baby sister Trish gets stranded at the family cabin during a massive blizzard, he calls upon his best friends—the Magnificent Eight—to go to his sister’s rescue.
Andy knows that several members of the Eight will drop everything to help, and they’re the perfect solution because the Amish aren’t hindered by stalled cars—they can travel just fine in their buggies.
But when Logan, Trish’s secret crush, is the first to volunteer to save her, she can’t help but worry that, despite the freezing temperatures, being alone with Logan might mean that things heat up pretty fast. Filled with Shelley Shepard Gray’s signature “heart-warming, heart-stopping” (Wendy Corsi Staub, New York Times bestselling author) prose, Friends to the End is an evocative and endearing romance.
When Andy’s baby sister Trish gets stranded at the family cabin during a massive blizzard, he calls upon his best friends—the Magnificent Eight—to go to his sister’s rescue.
Andy knows that several members of the Eight will drop everything to help, and they’re the perfect solution because the Amish aren’t hindered by stalled cars—they can travel just fine in their buggies.
But when Logan, Trish’s secret crush, is the first to volunteer to save her, she can’t help but worry that, despite the freezing temperatures, being alone with Logan might mean that things heat up pretty fast. Filled with Shelley Shepard Gray’s signature “heart-warming, heart-stopping” (Wendy Corsi Staub, New York Times bestselling author) prose, Friends to the End is an evocative and endearing romance.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2019
110 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Shepard Gray
126 books2,322 followersLibrarian 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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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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 23, 2019
A short novella that is actually an introduction to Shelley Shepard Gray's Walnut Creek series.
Tricia decides to go to the family cottage near Walnut Creek as a get away. Her family is vacationing in Florida but she choose to stay home. Unfortunately the weather takes a turn for the worse as a blizzard blows into the area trapping her at the cottage without heat and power. In desperation she calls her brother Andy for help.
This novella mainly focusses on Andy , Tricia and Logan. In book one Andy has already died . The author wanted her readers to get to know Andy in this short story. Andy has always been the person people have turned to for help. He's a born leader and all his friends have always looked up to him. Can he get help for his stranded sister before it's too late?
This is a nice short read to kick off the Walnut Creek series. I didn't want to miss reading it. Actually I've read the first two books of the series. All fans of Shelley Shepard Gray will want to read this novella before reading into the series. It's a story about how friends stick together and help each other in times of need.
I down loaded a copy of Friends to the End from Amazon. A review was not requested. All opinions shared here are my own.
Tricia decides to go to the family cottage near Walnut Creek as a get away. Her family is vacationing in Florida but she choose to stay home. Unfortunately the weather takes a turn for the worse as a blizzard blows into the area trapping her at the cottage without heat and power. In desperation she calls her brother Andy for help.
This novella mainly focusses on Andy , Tricia and Logan. In book one Andy has already died . The author wanted her readers to get to know Andy in this short story. Andy has always been the person people have turned to for help. He's a born leader and all his friends have always looked up to him. Can he get help for his stranded sister before it's too late?
This is a nice short read to kick off the Walnut Creek series. I didn't want to miss reading it. Actually I've read the first two books of the series. All fans of Shelley Shepard Gray will want to read this novella before reading into the series. It's a story about how friends stick together and help each other in times of need.
I down loaded a copy of Friends to the End from Amazon. A review was not requested. All opinions shared here are my own.
February 16, 2021
FRIENDS TO THE END is the first book in the new series by Shelley Shepard Gray called Walnut Creek.
FRIENDS TO THE END starts off increasing the reader’s heart rate right away. Trish is stuck at the family cabin and there is a blizzard on the way. Her family has no idea where she is. Andy sends his friend Logan to help her and this is where the fun begins. Trish had a secret crush on Logan when she was younger. My heart immediately goes out to Trish and I just want to hug her. Will she ever be able to tell Logan how she really feels? While she is struggling with all of this, Logan finds himself wanting to protect Trish, but he must be careful! She is Andy’s little sister after all. Will their unexpected time together at the cabin give Trish hope that a relationship between them might be possible?
FRIENDS TO THE END is a short novella in the Walnut Creek series and is about eight friends Amish and English and you will be flipping the page like mad trying to hurry to see what they are going to do next! I know I did! FRIENDS TO THE END is such an emotional read, you won’t be able to help yourself from getting into all of the characters business. There are several members of the Eight that are Amish and Logan is one of them. Trish is not. I have read many of Shelley Shepard Gray’s other Amish series as well as some of her other books, and I really feel like she writes with a heart for people. I know this series will definitely be a great one!
My emotions were all over the place as they always are reading a Shelley Shepard Gray story and I have already read the blurb for book one, The Patient One and I am very impatient to read the book. Warning do not read the blurb for book one until you have read this novella. I loved how she made me feel all of the anxiety and tension that the characters were dealing with. Besides all of that, there is also romance, forgiveness, and healing. A perfect way to spend the day on the couch with your favorite beverage, lost in the pages of a heart tugging but beautiful story.
I received a complimentary copy of this novella from the publisher, Gallery Books, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
FRIENDS TO THE END starts off increasing the reader’s heart rate right away. Trish is stuck at the family cabin and there is a blizzard on the way. Her family has no idea where she is. Andy sends his friend Logan to help her and this is where the fun begins. Trish had a secret crush on Logan when she was younger. My heart immediately goes out to Trish and I just want to hug her. Will she ever be able to tell Logan how she really feels? While she is struggling with all of this, Logan finds himself wanting to protect Trish, but he must be careful! She is Andy’s little sister after all. Will their unexpected time together at the cabin give Trish hope that a relationship between them might be possible?
FRIENDS TO THE END is a short novella in the Walnut Creek series and is about eight friends Amish and English and you will be flipping the page like mad trying to hurry to see what they are going to do next! I know I did! FRIENDS TO THE END is such an emotional read, you won’t be able to help yourself from getting into all of the characters business. There are several members of the Eight that are Amish and Logan is one of them. Trish is not. I have read many of Shelley Shepard Gray’s other Amish series as well as some of her other books, and I really feel like she writes with a heart for people. I know this series will definitely be a great one!
My emotions were all over the place as they always are reading a Shelley Shepard Gray story and I have already read the blurb for book one, The Patient One and I am very impatient to read the book. Warning do not read the blurb for book one until you have read this novella. I loved how she made me feel all of the anxiety and tension that the characters were dealing with. Besides all of that, there is also romance, forgiveness, and healing. A perfect way to spend the day on the couch with your favorite beverage, lost in the pages of a heart tugging but beautiful story.
I received a complimentary copy of this novella from the publisher, Gallery Books, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
February 10, 2019
Friends to the End by Shelley Shepard Bray finds Tricia Warner stranded at her family’s cabin ninety minutes outside Walnut Creek, Ohio. The electricity is out and she did not bring provisions with her. Tricia her big brother, Andy, who is on vacation with their parents in Naples, for assistance and prepares herself for his lengthy lecture. Andy knows that his close group of friends called the Magnificent Eight will rescue Tricia despite the storm. Logan Clark, who is New Order Amish, is Andy’s first call since he can get to Tricia by sleigh. Tricia has had a crush on Logan since the day she met him and worries about spending time alone with him. It turns out that Tricia is not the only one with that concern. When Andy hears that Tricia and Logan are alone in the cabin with a blizzard raging outside, he reaches out to Harley, Elizabeth Ann and Marie. Logan was quick to respond to Andy’s request because he has been attracted to Tricia for a couple of years and she is frequently in his thoughts. While the storm rages outside and the pair are alone, Logan tries to uncover why Tricia ventured to the cabin on her own. Get to know Tricia, Logan, Andy and a few of the Magnificent Eight in Friends to the End.
Friends to the End is a well-written and thoughtful story. It introduces readers to Tricia Warner along with brother, Andy plus a group of close friends. Friends to the End is only 113 pages in length so it is a quick, easy to read novella. Tricia is a junior at Bowling Green State University and is a mathematics whiz. However, she has difficulties with other parts of her life. Tricia feels like she is letting down her parents with her frequent mishaps. Andy Warner is an organizer and worrier. He cannot help fixing things for Tricia and his friends. Logan Clark is New Order Amish, but he cannot help his feelings for Tricia. He cannot imagine Tricia giving up her lifestyle to be with him. We also meet Harley, Elizabeth Ann and Marie Hartman. When Andy called, they dropped everything to come help Tricia (good friends). I thought the story was realistic with interesting and relatable characters. I look forward to learning more about them in The Patient One. The author laid the groundwork in Friends to the End for the series and we get a glimpse of what will happen in the next book. I do recommend reading Friends to the End before embarking on The Patient One. Friends to the End is the perfect tale to settle down with in a cozy chair on a cold afternoon.
Friends to the End is a well-written and thoughtful story. It introduces readers to Tricia Warner along with brother, Andy plus a group of close friends. Friends to the End is only 113 pages in length so it is a quick, easy to read novella. Tricia is a junior at Bowling Green State University and is a mathematics whiz. However, she has difficulties with other parts of her life. Tricia feels like she is letting down her parents with her frequent mishaps. Andy Warner is an organizer and worrier. He cannot help fixing things for Tricia and his friends. Logan Clark is New Order Amish, but he cannot help his feelings for Tricia. He cannot imagine Tricia giving up her lifestyle to be with him. We also meet Harley, Elizabeth Ann and Marie Hartman. When Andy called, they dropped everything to come help Tricia (good friends). I thought the story was realistic with interesting and relatable characters. I look forward to learning more about them in The Patient One. The author laid the groundwork in Friends to the End for the series and we get a glimpse of what will happen in the next book. I do recommend reading Friends to the End before embarking on The Patient One. Friends to the End is the perfect tale to settle down with in a cozy chair on a cold afternoon.
January 14, 2026
Friends to the End by Shelley Shepard Gray (2019)
Walnut Creek #0.5
112-page Kindle Ebook story pages 4-98
Genre: Christian Romance, Amish Fiction
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult situations
Featuring: Epigraphs, February, Naples, Florida; Siblings, Friendships, Walnut Creek, Ohio; President's Day Weekend, Vicenarians, College Student, New Order Amish, Pennsylvania Dutch - German, Englisch and Amish Trope, Close Proximity Trope, Secret Crush Trope, Forbidden Love Trope - Friend's Sibling, Charm, Ohio, Secluded Cabin, Multiple POVs, Flashbacks, Sexual Innuendos, Cleveland, Ohio; New Philadelphia, Ohio; Series Setup, Series Bibliography for this Walnut Creek, Preview of The Patient One - Chapter One
Books and Authors mentioned: The Frog Prince by the Brothers Grimm
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️☃️🐴🏠
My thoughts: This was a little more contemporary than expected. Overall it was okay. It sets up the series, but I wasn't crazy about it. I found the flashbacks to be confusing and out of place for half the book. I am looking forward to the first novel so it did its job.
Note Kindle has this as Book 5, but I checked the author's website and 0.5 is the correct order. Kindle has the novels first followed by the novellas while Shelley Shepard Gray, Goodreads, and Fantastic Fiction use publication order.
Recommend to others: Sure. The characters are intriguing.
Walnut Creek
0.5. Friends to the End (2019)
1. The Patient One (2019)
2. The Loyal One (2019)
2.5. A Precious Gift (2019)
3. The Protective One (2020)
4. The Trustworthy One (2020)
5. Promises of Tomorrow (2020)
Walnut Creek Kindle Order (Incorrect)
1. The Patient One (2019)
2. The Loyal One (2019)
3. The Protective One (2020)
4. The Trustworthy One (2020)
5. Friends to the End (2019)
6. A Precious Gift (2019)
7. Promises of Tomorrow (2020)
Memorable Quotes: A long time ago she came to understand that, while Andy Warner excelled at always having all the friends and all the answers, she’d always been very, very good at messing up. She’d given up wondering why God had doled out His gifts in such a lopsided way. Maybe He had a sense of humor? Every time Tricia was unwise enough to complain to her mother about how she’d never had a group of friends like Andy and was always trying to crawl her way out of some crisis, her mother had shaken her head in dismay. And then proceeded to remind Tricia that she had plenty of gifts her older brother didn’t. Using her fingers to help drive her point home, Mom had recounted Tricia’s attributes in a way that would have made most people squirm. First, Tricia had been given an ability to memorize information effortlessly, which made school fairly easy for her. God had also given her a wealth of pleasing features. She had long, thick, brown hair, brown eyes, and smooth skin that had hardly known a blemish. And while she’d never been especially thin, she certainly wasn’t obese or anything. Just normal. Of course, Mom had called her pretty. Even though Tricia had rolled her eyes and reminded her mother that high test scores and good looks weren’t everything, her mother often scoffed and said that only a girl who had been blessed with both would say such things.
Embarrassed, Tricia had learned to keep her mouth shut but would have gladly traded some of those looks for the ability to make friends easily. She would have gladly given back her string of honor rolls and academic awards for a sliver of common sense. And now, here she was, standing next to a window in an empty cabin in the middle of a snowstorm. Still struggling with her poor choices and self-doubts. “One day you’re going to learn to think ahead, Tricia Warner,” she said to the empty room. “Maybe even look at a weather report before you take off on your own into the woods.”
Walnut Creek #0.5
112-page Kindle Ebook story pages 4-98
Genre: Christian Romance, Amish Fiction
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult situations
Featuring: Epigraphs, February, Naples, Florida; Siblings, Friendships, Walnut Creek, Ohio; President's Day Weekend, Vicenarians, College Student, New Order Amish, Pennsylvania Dutch - German, Englisch and Amish Trope, Close Proximity Trope, Secret Crush Trope, Forbidden Love Trope - Friend's Sibling, Charm, Ohio, Secluded Cabin, Multiple POVs, Flashbacks, Sexual Innuendos, Cleveland, Ohio; New Philadelphia, Ohio; Series Setup, Series Bibliography for this Walnut Creek, Preview of The Patient One - Chapter One
Books and Authors mentioned: The Frog Prince by the Brothers Grimm
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️☃️🐴🏠
My thoughts: This was a little more contemporary than expected. Overall it was okay. It sets up the series, but I wasn't crazy about it. I found the flashbacks to be confusing and out of place for half the book. I am looking forward to the first novel so it did its job.
Note Kindle has this as Book 5, but I checked the author's website and 0.5 is the correct order. Kindle has the novels first followed by the novellas while Shelley Shepard Gray, Goodreads, and Fantastic Fiction use publication order.
Recommend to others: Sure. The characters are intriguing.
Walnut Creek
0.5. Friends to the End (2019)
1. The Patient One (2019)
2. The Loyal One (2019)
2.5. A Precious Gift (2019)
3. The Protective One (2020)
4. The Trustworthy One (2020)
5. Promises of Tomorrow (2020)
Walnut Creek Kindle Order (Incorrect)
1. The Patient One (2019)
2. The Loyal One (2019)
3. The Protective One (2020)
4. The Trustworthy One (2020)
5. Friends to the End (2019)
6. A Precious Gift (2019)
7. Promises of Tomorrow (2020)
Memorable Quotes: A long time ago she came to understand that, while Andy Warner excelled at always having all the friends and all the answers, she’d always been very, very good at messing up. She’d given up wondering why God had doled out His gifts in such a lopsided way. Maybe He had a sense of humor? Every time Tricia was unwise enough to complain to her mother about how she’d never had a group of friends like Andy and was always trying to crawl her way out of some crisis, her mother had shaken her head in dismay. And then proceeded to remind Tricia that she had plenty of gifts her older brother didn’t. Using her fingers to help drive her point home, Mom had recounted Tricia’s attributes in a way that would have made most people squirm. First, Tricia had been given an ability to memorize information effortlessly, which made school fairly easy for her. God had also given her a wealth of pleasing features. She had long, thick, brown hair, brown eyes, and smooth skin that had hardly known a blemish. And while she’d never been especially thin, she certainly wasn’t obese or anything. Just normal. Of course, Mom had called her pretty. Even though Tricia had rolled her eyes and reminded her mother that high test scores and good looks weren’t everything, her mother often scoffed and said that only a girl who had been blessed with both would say such things.
Embarrassed, Tricia had learned to keep her mouth shut but would have gladly traded some of those looks for the ability to make friends easily. She would have gladly given back her string of honor rolls and academic awards for a sliver of common sense. And now, here she was, standing next to a window in an empty cabin in the middle of a snowstorm. Still struggling with her poor choices and self-doubts. “One day you’re going to learn to think ahead, Tricia Warner,” she said to the empty room. “Maybe even look at a weather report before you take off on your own into the woods.”
December 3, 2025
I have read a few Amish stories at this point and I keep thinking I might like them. Of all the books I have read centered around the Amish faith I can only think of 2 I have liked. I am starting to believe now that it is not the authors fault. I am fascinated by the Amish and admire their faith. I suppose that’s why I keep thinking maybe I would like to read books about them. I guess it’s more that I have trouble finding books that don’t diminish or even insult the Amish. This one was better than most but still felt wrong to me. I think the next Amish book I read should be non fiction. I only know a little about them and their beliefs. Most of which is from rumors or speculation.
I think I might give this author another chance. This novella was short but had a lot going on without feeling rushed. Again it might be my misconceptions about Amish keeping me from a higher rating.
I think I might give this author another chance. This novella was short but had a lot going on without feeling rushed. Again it might be my misconceptions about Amish keeping me from a higher rating.
November 21, 2025
Sweet little snowy story. Shelley has such a nice way of writing although predictable it was a nice read.
January 16, 2019
Note: I read this as a free e-ARC from Netgalley. This novella centers on the blossoming romance between Andy's little sister, Trish, and Andy's good friend Logan. It is a prequel to the author's Walnut Creek series. However, I read it after I read the first book of the series and really enjoyed seeing clues or foreshadowing of events to come. Definitely a good bonus to the series.
February 26, 2019
The first book in the Walnut Creek series by Shelley about eight friends Amish and English. This book was about Andys sister who needed some help and Andys friends came to her rescue when he couldn’t. New friendships were made. It left you asking the question will Andys sister do what she has to do to be with her childhood crush? I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
October 30, 2018
Friends to the End is a prequel to Shelley Shepard Gray's Walnut Creek series which revolves around the friendship of 8 people. Not all are Amish. Besides Amish there are Mennonite and also English, some women some men. The story starts out where Trish Warner is at her family's summer cabin and the power goes out. In a panic mode she calls her brother Andy, one of the 8 people and he calls one of his best friends in the group Logan who happens to be New Order Amish. Trish, an Englisher had a crush on him when she was younger. Logan comes to the rescue and then about half of the Magnificent 8 as they are called come a few hours later bring more supplies to weather the storm. We get a brief introduction to some of the characters that we will get to know in the series. There is a romance but not until the end of the book. I felt that it was rushed and not entirely believable. The two people involved are from different walks of life and for the romance to be able to thrive it is going to me one person making a drastic change. I suppose that romance will be developed in future books and will make more sense. This novella was only 100 pages and not enough pages to develop characters, romance or even a plot. I look forward to reading future books in this series as I have always enjoyed books by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Gallery Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This book is due to be published on February 11, 2019.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Gallery Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This book is due to be published on February 11, 2019.
February 20, 2019
Friends to the End is a prequel to the Walnut Creek series from Shelley Shepard Gray and after reading it I am SO excited for this series! You learn about the creation of the "Magnificent Eight" and are able to meet several of its members, including Andy, Logan, and Andy's younger sister, Tricia, though Tricia isn't technically apart of the Eight.
Since the creation of the Eight, Tricia has been crushing hard on Logan, but falling for him is not that simple. There are several members of the Eight that are Amish and Logan is one of them. Tricia is not. After having a rough time at college, Tricia escapes to the family cabin deep in the woods, and while there is caught in the middle of a record-breaking snow storm while her brother and parents are on vacation in Florida. Scared and unsure of what to do Tricia calls her brother out of desperation. Unable to leave Florida Andy has no choice but to call upon the help of the Eight, namely Logan.
Friends to the End is the rescue mission of poor Tricia and the prequel is sweet, well-written, and an absolute joy to read. It encourages and excites me about the direction of this wonderful new series and the path it might take. Admirable characterization and charming descriptions pull you right into that snow-covered cabin, making the story truly come alive! Simply delightful!
Since the creation of the Eight, Tricia has been crushing hard on Logan, but falling for him is not that simple. There are several members of the Eight that are Amish and Logan is one of them. Tricia is not. After having a rough time at college, Tricia escapes to the family cabin deep in the woods, and while there is caught in the middle of a record-breaking snow storm while her brother and parents are on vacation in Florida. Scared and unsure of what to do Tricia calls her brother out of desperation. Unable to leave Florida Andy has no choice but to call upon the help of the Eight, namely Logan.
Friends to the End is the rescue mission of poor Tricia and the prequel is sweet, well-written, and an absolute joy to read. It encourages and excites me about the direction of this wonderful new series and the path it might take. Admirable characterization and charming descriptions pull you right into that snow-covered cabin, making the story truly come alive! Simply delightful!
February 10, 2019
NetGalley: When Andy’s baby sister Trish gets stranded at the family cabin during a massive blizzard, he calls upon his best friends—the Magnificent Eight—to go to his sister’s rescue.
Andy knows that several members of the Eight will drop everything to help, and they’re the perfect solution because the Amish aren’t hindered by stalled cars—they can travel just fine in their buggies.
But when Logan, Trish’s secret crush, is the first to volunteer to save her, she can’t help but worry that despite the freezing temperatures, being alone with Logan might mean that things heat up pretty fast. Filled with Shelley Shepard Gray’s signature “heart-warming, heart-stopping” (Wendy Corsi Staub, New York Times bestselling author) prose, Friends to the End is an evocative and endearing romance.
My review: Wow, what an introduction to the Walnut Creek Series. I was blown away by how a novella made me fall in love with the characters so quickly. I am a sucker for Amish romance and this novella delivered on all aspects. The end will leave you hungering for more.
A quick read perfect for a quiet evening.
I have already read the blurb for book one, The Patient One and I am very impatient to read the book. Warning do not read the blurb for book one until you have read this novella.
I received a complimentary copy of this novella from the publisher, Gallery Books, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
Andy knows that several members of the Eight will drop everything to help, and they’re the perfect solution because the Amish aren’t hindered by stalled cars—they can travel just fine in their buggies.
But when Logan, Trish’s secret crush, is the first to volunteer to save her, she can’t help but worry that despite the freezing temperatures, being alone with Logan might mean that things heat up pretty fast. Filled with Shelley Shepard Gray’s signature “heart-warming, heart-stopping” (Wendy Corsi Staub, New York Times bestselling author) prose, Friends to the End is an evocative and endearing romance.
My review: Wow, what an introduction to the Walnut Creek Series. I was blown away by how a novella made me fall in love with the characters so quickly. I am a sucker for Amish romance and this novella delivered on all aspects. The end will leave you hungering for more.
A quick read perfect for a quiet evening.
I have already read the blurb for book one, The Patient One and I am very impatient to read the book. Warning do not read the blurb for book one until you have read this novella.
I received a complimentary copy of this novella from the publisher, Gallery Books, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
February 9, 2019
The Warner family is on vacation all but Tricia she decided to stay at home. But she gets in some trouble when she decides to go to the family's cabin in the middle of no where. When a big snow storm hits and the power off and she gets stranded there so She calls her brother Andy on vacation so he can't do much to help but he calls his best friend Logan Clark to come help Trisha but the snow storm gets worse and they get stuck there overnight. (Logan and Andy are part of a group called the 8. They met when they were young and some are Amish some are Mennoite and some are English.) Trish called Andy and said they were stuck so he called another member of the eight. Did other members of the eight come to help? How did they get there? Did they make it? Was there more snow? get your copy today and see for yourself what happens.
This is a book that you don't want to put down and you want to find out what happens when/if the others make it to the cabin. Can't wait to read others in this new series.
This is a book that you don't want to put down and you want to find out what happens when/if the others make it to the cabin. Can't wait to read others in this new series.
April 17, 2019
Friends to the End is a wonderful story written by Shelley Shepard Gray. This story sets the stage for her new series The Walnut Creek series. I enjoyed getting to know many of the members in the group of eight lifelong friends. When Tricia gets stranded at her families cabin her brother Andy sets things in motion to ensure her safety. This is where several of the groups members rush to do what they can to help.
These amazing characters that the author has created all seem very realistic and loveable. They tell her story remarkably and definitely encourages the reader to want to read the book that follows.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. I am excited to continue this story through the first book in the series, The Patient One.
Congratulations to Shelley Shepard Gray on writing this compelling story that has set the stage for her new series.
These amazing characters that the author has created all seem very realistic and loveable. They tell her story remarkably and definitely encourages the reader to want to read the book that follows.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. I am excited to continue this story through the first book in the series, The Patient One.
Congratulations to Shelley Shepard Gray on writing this compelling story that has set the stage for her new series.
May 19, 2019
When Trish decides to spend some time alone at her family’s cabin, everything goes wrong. As the weather takes a turn for the worse, she calls her brother, Andy, for help. Although Andy is out of town, he knows he can count on his friends to help his sister out. Andy’s friend, Logan, volunteers for the mission. Logan is Amish, and his horses can maneuver through the storm, so he heads out to bring Trish to safety. But Trish has had a crush on Logan for some time. As the snow continues to fall, Will being stuck in the cabin together be a recipe for disaster, or will it be the beginning of something more for them both?
Friends to the End is the prequel to Shelley Shepard Gray’s new Walnut Creek series. She creates a story with characters you will love to root for and will look forward to getting to know better. The ending of this story leaves the reader with some questions, but perhaps these will be answered later in the series. I look forward to reading more about these friends in Walnut Creek.
Friends to the End is the prequel to Shelley Shepard Gray’s new Walnut Creek series. She creates a story with characters you will love to root for and will look forward to getting to know better. The ending of this story leaves the reader with some questions, but perhaps these will be answered later in the series. I look forward to reading more about these friends in Walnut Creek.
February 9, 2019
I love quick reads, they are the perfect way to end a rough day and I would say that this book did just that. With it's lightheartedness and fun friendships in the story. Not just another love story but a story of "family" being there for each other even from a distance or right there in the same town. I loved how Logan has this big heart and the 8 friends all hold each other accountable but are there no matter what, all from different walks of lives. I loved how this book had a powerful message of self worth. I really loved that this book was a clean read and suitable for all. I really wanted to read more about these group of friends and can't wait to see what's next for them.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion
June 11, 2019
Friends to the End, a novella by Shelley Shepard Gray, was a very enjoyable book. This book is a prequel to The Patient One and is a wonderful story of love and true friendship.
When Tricia runs off to a cabin trying to escape her life and bad choices gets caught in a blizzard and is stranded in the cabin with no electricity or adequate supplies. Of all the people to come to her rescue, but a man she has had a crush on since she was in her early teens. Only she is English and he Amish. Will she be able to withstand days stranded with him without revealing her real feelings for him?
I truly enjoyed this novella and look forward to reading more in this series!
I received a copy of this book from the author, but was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.
When Tricia runs off to a cabin trying to escape her life and bad choices gets caught in a blizzard and is stranded in the cabin with no electricity or adequate supplies. Of all the people to come to her rescue, but a man she has had a crush on since she was in her early teens. Only she is English and he Amish. Will she be able to withstand days stranded with him without revealing her real feelings for him?
I truly enjoyed this novella and look forward to reading more in this series!
I received a copy of this book from the author, but was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.
February 14, 2019
This is a story about friendship. Tricia comes to realize that those she considered her brothers friend are actually people she can count on too. When Tricia becomes stranded at the family cabin she naturally calls on her brother for help. She would prefer that her parents don't know she has again made a mess of things, which is beginning to be a theme in her life. When her brother calls on his best friend Logan to be her rescuer is seems her secret crush may also have feelings for her.
This introduction to the unique Magnificent Eight shows us how the Amish and english can become close friends. I look forward to seeing these characters again in the Walnut Creek series. Shelley Shepard Gray never disappoints!
March 18, 2019
Shelley Shepard Gray never ceases to amaze me. This book was no different. Friends to the End is an introduction to "the eight" which is a group of friends who have always been there for each other since childhood. This group is not your normal group of friends. It is made up of Englishers, Amish and Mennonites. Andy, a member of the group, is on vacation with his parents when he receives a call from his sister who was in trouble. Tricia had opted to stay behind and had gotten stranded in a snowstorm at their family cabin. With Andy so far away, he calls in reinforcements. "The eight" to the rescue. This is a heartwarming book about friends who are as close as family and always only a phone call away. I'm very excited for the rest of this series. Love is also on the horizon.
October 24, 2018
I've read just about every book by Shelley Shepard Gray, and I always enjoy them. I prefer the full-length novels, and this one is a novella, so I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. That said, the author has crafted an solid story line with relatable characters and scenarios. She has a way of making the reader feel a part of the story, and that continues to be the case with this book. The romance angle is sweet and develops in a natural manner (though it feels a bit rushed due to this being a novella).
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
May 27, 2019
I am a huge fan of this author - I am always excited when a new book comes out. Friends to the End is a prequel to Shelley Shepard Gray's Walnut Creek series which revolves around the friendship of 8 people. This was a great way to introduce us to the people of Walnut Creek. You get to know the "The magnificent 8" There are several members of the Eight that are Amish and Logan is one of them. Tricia is not. Tricia is crushing on Logan. This is why this poses a problem. This book is a short, wonderful read. Well written characters, great storyline. Another grand slam for the author.
I received a copy of this book through the author, all thoughts are my own.
I received a copy of this book through the author, all thoughts are my own.
September 29, 2019
I read this one after the first 2 in the series. Loved it, but a little heartbreaking reading out of order - you know some of the events coming up and it becomes so bittersweet. Hearing some of Andy's perspective and the foreshadowing was just so sad, but absolutely worth reading. It didn't answer every question I had about Andy's decisions and I don't know that they will ever be addressed. Some of the struggles through the rest of the series is this lack of answers and the reader feels it right along with the character.
Highly highly recommend this series. The Patient One & The Loyal One. We should all be so lucky to have friendships like this.
Highly highly recommend this series. The Patient One & The Loyal One. We should all be so lucky to have friendships like this.
March 13, 2019
In this introduction to the Walnut Creek series Andy's younger sibling, Trish experiences the loyalty of her brother's group of eight friends. Looking for acceptance in her life she finds it while snowed in at the family's cabin with Logan, who is Andy's Amish friend. They reminisce throughout the book about earlier times growing up together and realize they have more in common than not and that they have loved each other for a very long time. There are hints of future story lines of the other characters that excites you for the next edition by Shepard Gray.
October 16, 2019
Excellent pre-quel by Shelley Shepard Gray, Friends to the End sets the scene for her series The Walnut Creek series.
A group of friends, from various backgrounds, grow up and vow to remain friends forever. But as the realities as adulthood begin to settle in for each of them, the friends slowly drift apart with the natural and daily activities. Until a tragedy hits one of their members, bringing them all back together.
Again, the friends make a pact to always be there and provide support for each other. Will they drift apart again as daily life begins anew with her distractions?
A group of friends, from various backgrounds, grow up and vow to remain friends forever. But as the realities as adulthood begin to settle in for each of them, the friends slowly drift apart with the natural and daily activities. Until a tragedy hits one of their members, bringing them all back together.
Again, the friends make a pact to always be there and provide support for each other. Will they drift apart again as daily life begins anew with her distractions?
February 10, 2019
I really enjoyed this novella. I thought that the concept of a diverse group of friends called the Eight was really unique. It made me want to know all of their stories and how they became friends. I’m really looking forward to reading this new series! Shelley Shepard Gray has a wonderful way of weaving together these interesting stories!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
February 27, 2019
When Trisha finds herself in a spot stuck at a cabin because of a snowstorm. Her brothers friend Logan shows up to bring her home but ends up having to stay because of storm that dumps new snow. The other 7 of her brothers friends show up the next day but are stuck at the cabin themselves. Trisha finds that they all consider her part of the group and she finds out more about herself than she realized before now.
June 12, 2019
Great book read it in 4 hrs and have started the 2nd book what a page turner. Make sure you have time to keep reading.
April 12, 2020
Probably more like 3.5 stars for me- a short and sweet read that was a nice take on a couple of classic tropes.
August 14, 2020
3.5 stars
It was good. I read it because it was a prequel to a series I want to read. Good intro to the characters.
It was good. I read it because it was a prequel to a series I want to read. Good intro to the characters.
September 25, 2020
Trisha gets stranded in her family's cabin and Andy's friends come to help her out!
July 17, 2021
Short Story that sets up the rest of the series. Can't wait to read the series!
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