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Walnut Creek #2.5
A Precious Gift
The New York Times bestselling author of the “romantic, emotional, and thoroughly satisfying” (Lauren Layne, New York Times bestselling author) Bridgeport Social Club series weaves another moving and charming tale of love and faith in Walnut Creek, Ohio.
In this return to the heartwarming series about “friendship, love, and truth” (Rachel Hauck, New York Times bestselling author), Kyle Lambright has fallen hard for Gabrielle Allison Ferrara. After all, she’s beautiful, smart, and kind. There’s just one problem—his Amish family will never allow him to date an Englischer. Can Kyle break with tradition for true love, or will he stay with his family?
In this return to the heartwarming series about “friendship, love, and truth” (Rachel Hauck, New York Times bestselling author), Kyle Lambright has fallen hard for Gabrielle Allison Ferrara. After all, she’s beautiful, smart, and kind. There’s just one problem—his Amish family will never allow him to date an Englischer. Can Kyle break with tradition for true love, or will he stay with his family?
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2019
99 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Shepard Gray
126 books2,320 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 26, 2019
Teen girl and teen guy fall in love, sounds simple and rather romantic, right?
Not so fast though, what if the teen girl is an Englisher and the teen guy is Amish?
This is one of those books, I enjoyed so much I simply did not put it down until I was finished.
Emotional,yet romantically solid you will be moved by this couples journey. Not always an easy one, he shows more maturity than some grown men do when faced with this situation.
Full of faith,charm and a certain truth you will enjoy your time spent in Walnut Creek, Ohio.
I can't wait to read more in this series, this was a very enjoyable book!
Expected publication: November 5th 2019 by Gallery Books.
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Not so fast though, what if the teen girl is an Englisher and the teen guy is Amish?
This is one of those books, I enjoyed so much I simply did not put it down until I was finished.
Emotional,yet romantically solid you will be moved by this couples journey. Not always an easy one, he shows more maturity than some grown men do when faced with this situation.
Full of faith,charm and a certain truth you will enjoy your time spent in Walnut Creek, Ohio.
I can't wait to read more in this series, this was a very enjoyable book!
Expected publication: November 5th 2019 by Gallery Books.
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
November 5, 2019
A Precious Gift by Shelley Shepard Gray is book 2.5 in The Walnut Creek series. I would not recommend reading A Precious Gift on its own. It is best to read the books in this series in order so that you can get to know the characters. I thought A Precious Gift was well-written with developed, realistic characters. Kyle Lambright is nineteen years old, but he has the maturity of a much older man. Kyle is a kind and thoughtful individual who is there for Gabby. Gabby is a sweet, smart young woman. I thought the situations presented in the story were realistic. I could see this story playing out right now for two teenagers. I enjoyed reading this story that had love, family, friendship and faith. I look forward to my next visit to Walnut Creek, Ohio. A Precious Gift is an emotional story that will touch your heart.
June 8, 2021
A PRECIOUS GIFT is the 2.5 book in the series by Shelley Shepard Gray called Walnut Creek.
A PRECIOUS GIFT starts off increasing the reader’s heart rate right away. This story is about Harley’s brother Kyle. Harley is one of the eight that the series is based on. This book is about Gabby who is English and Kyle who is Amish. This is their love story. They were eight friends who are Amish, Mennonite, and Englisch. Everyone is shocked to learn that Andy, one of The Eight, has committed suicide. The Eight have been friends since they were kids and have always looked to Andy as their leader of their group. The seven remaining members are still coming to terms with Andy’s death, grieving for their friend, and struggling to heal.
Gabby is carrying A huge secret and is extremely embarrassed and afraid that when Kyle finds out, he will end their friendship. My heart immediately goes out to Gabby and I just want to hug her. Will she ever be able to make peace with what has happened? While she is struggling with all of this, Kyle just wants to protect her, no matter what she is hiding. The rest of The Eight want to help her as well, but Gabby is mortified that they will find out what she is really like.
Shelley Shepard Gray sure knows how to make the reader feel as if they are right there at the kitchen table with this gang of friends, with all their troubles and A PRECIOUS GIFT is exactly that! She made me sad, then the next moment I was smiling and giggling out loud! You can never go wrong with a Shelley Shepard Gray book if you are a fan of the Christian fiction genre. All of her characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again. You will also wonder how much heartache a group of friends can stand before it completely breaks down and splits.
A PRECIOUS GIFT is a heart tugging story filled with patience, loneliness, heartbreak, and love that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once I started this heartwarming story, it was very hard to put down! I really prayed that Kyle would be able to convince Gabby that he was ready to move forward with his feelings for her and that she deserved to be loved and cherished. Shelley Shepard Gray isn’t afraid to write about subjects out of the norm as far as the Christian Fiction genre goes. Oh, as a warning to the reader, keep the tissues handy and do not read the ending in a public place unless you don’t mind crying in front of strangers! I’m so excited to continue catching up on all of Shelley Shepard Gray’s previous books. Now I have to patiently wait for the next book in this wonderful series!
Everyone of the main characters is trying to move on from the tragedy concerning Andy, but they are trying to do it alone and it just isn’t working. Someone needs to pull them all together and remind them of their faith. A PRECIOUS GIFT teaches us that all religions need to rely on others, no matter how we are raised. The remaining Eight are a group of tight knit loyal friends who always have each other’s backs. My emotions were all over the place as they always are reading a Shelley Shepard Gray story. 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.
A PRECIOUS GIFT starts off increasing the reader’s heart rate right away. This story is about Harley’s brother Kyle. Harley is one of the eight that the series is based on. This book is about Gabby who is English and Kyle who is Amish. This is their love story. They were eight friends who are Amish, Mennonite, and Englisch. Everyone is shocked to learn that Andy, one of The Eight, has committed suicide. The Eight have been friends since they were kids and have always looked to Andy as their leader of their group. The seven remaining members are still coming to terms with Andy’s death, grieving for their friend, and struggling to heal.
Gabby is carrying A huge secret and is extremely embarrassed and afraid that when Kyle finds out, he will end their friendship. My heart immediately goes out to Gabby and I just want to hug her. Will she ever be able to make peace with what has happened? While she is struggling with all of this, Kyle just wants to protect her, no matter what she is hiding. The rest of The Eight want to help her as well, but Gabby is mortified that they will find out what she is really like.
Shelley Shepard Gray sure knows how to make the reader feel as if they are right there at the kitchen table with this gang of friends, with all their troubles and A PRECIOUS GIFT is exactly that! She made me sad, then the next moment I was smiling and giggling out loud! You can never go wrong with a Shelley Shepard Gray book if you are a fan of the Christian fiction genre. All of her characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again. You will also wonder how much heartache a group of friends can stand before it completely breaks down and splits.
A PRECIOUS GIFT is a heart tugging story filled with patience, loneliness, heartbreak, and love that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once I started this heartwarming story, it was very hard to put down! I really prayed that Kyle would be able to convince Gabby that he was ready to move forward with his feelings for her and that she deserved to be loved and cherished. Shelley Shepard Gray isn’t afraid to write about subjects out of the norm as far as the Christian Fiction genre goes. Oh, as a warning to the reader, keep the tissues handy and do not read the ending in a public place unless you don’t mind crying in front of strangers! I’m so excited to continue catching up on all of Shelley Shepard Gray’s previous books. Now I have to patiently wait for the next book in this wonderful series!
Everyone of the main characters is trying to move on from the tragedy concerning Andy, but they are trying to do it alone and it just isn’t working. Someone needs to pull them all together and remind them of their faith. A PRECIOUS GIFT teaches us that all religions need to rely on others, no matter how we are raised. The remaining Eight are a group of tight knit loyal friends who always have each other’s backs. My emotions were all over the place as they always are reading a Shelley Shepard Gray story. 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.
November 28, 2019
In this novella Shelley Shepard Gray decided to update her readers on what been happening with the romance of Gabby and Kyle .You'll remember them from The Loyal One, the second book of The Walnut Creek series. They were secondary characters,Kyle being Harleys younger brother. In A Precious Gift Kyle and Gabby are the main characters.
Gabby faces a life changing situation in the first chapter of this book. Nothing will ever be the same for her again and she can't go back, only forward. This could end her relationship with Kyle. What will her mother and brother think? What is she going to do?
Kyle is very happy in his relationship with Gabby. In fact he thinks that he loves her. His brother Jim thinks he should break it off with her because she isn't Amish. Kyle tells him to mind d his own business and the two argue. What will his Amish parents and family think about his growing devotion to an English girl? Will they try to talk him into ending the courtship?
I enjoyed this story because it was very realistic. I did feel that Kyle had wonderful parents who stood behind their son. Kyle seemed like a responsible and caring person. I liked how protective he was of Gabby and her feelings. This novella drew me in quickly and kept my interest and attention to the very end. The book also gives readers a sneak peak into The Protective One, the next book in the series.
This book would be ideal for all fans of Shelley Shepard Gray and for readers of Amish fiction and Christian Fiction. I highly recommend it for your reading pleasure.
I downloaded a Kindle ebook version of A Precious Gift. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
Gabby faces a life changing situation in the first chapter of this book. Nothing will ever be the same for her again and she can't go back, only forward. This could end her relationship with Kyle. What will her mother and brother think? What is she going to do?
Kyle is very happy in his relationship with Gabby. In fact he thinks that he loves her. His brother Jim thinks he should break it off with her because she isn't Amish. Kyle tells him to mind d his own business and the two argue. What will his Amish parents and family think about his growing devotion to an English girl? Will they try to talk him into ending the courtship?
I enjoyed this story because it was very realistic. I did feel that Kyle had wonderful parents who stood behind their son. Kyle seemed like a responsible and caring person. I liked how protective he was of Gabby and her feelings. This novella drew me in quickly and kept my interest and attention to the very end. The book also gives readers a sneak peak into The Protective One, the next book in the series.
This book would be ideal for all fans of Shelley Shepard Gray and for readers of Amish fiction and Christian Fiction. I highly recommend it for your reading pleasure.
I downloaded a Kindle ebook version of A Precious Gift. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
February 15, 2020
This book would have been an easier read if I had read the first books in this series. And it would have helped if the author had spent a few paragraphs explaining just how an Amish and an Englisher would marry and the Amish not be shunned by his community.
Other than that it was a good read and would be an excellent read for younger teenagers since it delicately (! not so much!)uses teen pregnancy as a learning tool.
This was NOT a religious book but it was a moral one.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
Other than that it was a good read and would be an excellent read for younger teenagers since it delicately (! not so much!)uses teen pregnancy as a learning tool.
This was NOT a religious book but it was a moral one.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
December 16, 2022
Eighteen, unmarried, pregnant.
That is the situation Gabby's mom had warned her over and over again; all because she, when expecting Gabby, had been left to fend for herself by an Amish man, of all people. Sadly, Gabby's mom does the same, she disowns Gabby and kicks her out of the house.
Gabby's boyfriend, Kyle Lambright, however, takes full responsibility for his role in the predicament and stays by her side. His whole family embraces and supports Gabby. Although the Lambrights never ignore the sin that was committed by Kyle and Gabby, they focus on the truth that children are blessings from God.
I did appreciate how the Lambrights dealt with Kyle's shocking news about Gabby's pregnancy. I would have liked if there had been more talk or prayer among the characters about the seriousness of the sin, the need for repentance, and the power of forgiveness, and of God fixing any chaos. What did get a lot of attention was love for the sinner, loyalty in difficult circumstances, hope instead of despair, and restoration of relationships, all good and uplifting themes.
"No, life wasn't perfect, but it was very, very good. Precious, even. A precious, beautiful gift."
That is the situation Gabby's mom had warned her over and over again; all because she, when expecting Gabby, had been left to fend for herself by an Amish man, of all people. Sadly, Gabby's mom does the same, she disowns Gabby and kicks her out of the house.
Gabby's boyfriend, Kyle Lambright, however, takes full responsibility for his role in the predicament and stays by her side. His whole family embraces and supports Gabby. Although the Lambrights never ignore the sin that was committed by Kyle and Gabby, they focus on the truth that children are blessings from God.
I did appreciate how the Lambrights dealt with Kyle's shocking news about Gabby's pregnancy. I would have liked if there had been more talk or prayer among the characters about the seriousness of the sin, the need for repentance, and the power of forgiveness, and of God fixing any chaos. What did get a lot of attention was love for the sinner, loyalty in difficult circumstances, hope instead of despair, and restoration of relationships, all good and uplifting themes.
"No, life wasn't perfect, but it was very, very good. Precious, even. A precious, beautiful gift."
May 6, 2020
I loved this book!! Great story!! Can't wait to read the next book in the series!! Love this author's books!! Received this book from gallery books from netgally!! Too short wish it was longer!!
November 13, 2019
A Precious Gift is a fantastic estory written by Shelley Shepard Gray. This story takes the reader back to that wonderful group of 8 friends but now Harley's younger brother Kyle is the focus. Even tho Kyle is not one of the original 8 they come to his aid in time of turmoil.
Kyle fell in love with an Englishers, Gabby, in a previous book and this story continues their story. Gabby is devastated with some newly discovered information and is terrified that Kyle will walk away from her. The shock of what Kyle does shows Gabby how much Kyle really loves her. Their journey takes many turns, some good some bad but together they remain strong. When Gabby realizes just how amazing Kyle's family is she feels ready to face the future. This is a fast moving story and is very inspiring. All the characters are amazing and each adds a special touch to the story.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Shelley Shepard Gray for continuing her series with this fantastic story. I look forward to the next book.
Kyle fell in love with an Englishers, Gabby, in a previous book and this story continues their story. Gabby is devastated with some newly discovered information and is terrified that Kyle will walk away from her. The shock of what Kyle does shows Gabby how much Kyle really loves her. Their journey takes many turns, some good some bad but together they remain strong. When Gabby realizes just how amazing Kyle's family is she feels ready to face the future. This is a fast moving story and is very inspiring. All the characters are amazing and each adds a special touch to the story.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Shelley Shepard Gray for continuing her series with this fantastic story. I look forward to the next book.
April 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this novella! A love story between an Amish boy and an English girl! They start their relationship with some heavy baggage but ultimately love wins! A definite must read!
September 26, 2022
So glad there was a story about Kyle and Gabby! I so love this series
This book tied it all together for the 2 of them ! Loved it
This book tied it all together for the 2 of them ! Loved it
November 13, 2019
What a sweet sweet story!! I loved how everything turned out perfectly just like God had intended for it to! And of course we can't forget the author now can we??
This author is one of my most favorites! I never miss any of her books! Her style of writing is just out of this world!!
This story is one of forgiveness. A child's love for her parent can be vexing at times and I love the strong bond they had. In fact I'm almost jealous!! My own mother was never very affectionate. Especially after I got older. But then again, she was sick too. So not fair.
But then again who said life was fair?
I love stories like this because we know that in real life teens do get kicked out of the house and of course the man most often times always runs off because he doesn't want the responsibility. How sad.
In this book there is Hope. Hope at the end of a long dark tunnel. And God really has given us the most precious gift of all.
I'm so glad he did!!!! He's amazing!!
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
This author is one of my most favorites! I never miss any of her books! Her style of writing is just out of this world!!
This story is one of forgiveness. A child's love for her parent can be vexing at times and I love the strong bond they had. In fact I'm almost jealous!! My own mother was never very affectionate. Especially after I got older. But then again, she was sick too. So not fair.
But then again who said life was fair?
I love stories like this because we know that in real life teens do get kicked out of the house and of course the man most often times always runs off because he doesn't want the responsibility. How sad.
In this book there is Hope. Hope at the end of a long dark tunnel. And God really has given us the most precious gift of all.
I'm so glad he did!!!! He's amazing!!
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
November 22, 2019
A sweet story to tide us over until the next full-length novel release in January 2020 in the Walnut Creek series.
I had grown very interested in Kyle and Gabby’s story from the other novels and was happy to see Shelley had written their story. Although not a Christmas book it is sure to warm the coldest hearts this holiday season. It will give you hope that love can overcome just about any obstacle. A little faith can make the hardest times in life a bit easier.
Although A Precious Gift is a novella between the second and third books of the series you can read it as a stand-alone. All the books in the series can.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Gallery Pocket Books, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
I had grown very interested in Kyle and Gabby’s story from the other novels and was happy to see Shelley had written their story. Although not a Christmas book it is sure to warm the coldest hearts this holiday season. It will give you hope that love can overcome just about any obstacle. A little faith can make the hardest times in life a bit easier.
Although A Precious Gift is a novella between the second and third books of the series you can read it as a stand-alone. All the books in the series can.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Gallery Pocket Books, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
November 19, 2019
This book is a novelette in the Walnut Creek series. This is about 2 of the minor characters in the other books. This book is about Harley's brother Kyle Harley is one of the eight that the series is based on. This book is about Gabby who is English and Kyle who is Amish. This is their love story. Gabby finds out that she is pregnant with Kyle's child. What will happen to their relationship? Will they break up or stay together? If so, will she go Amish or will he go English? Pick up this ebook and find out for yourself.
October 4, 2020
A quick but good continuation of Kyle and Gabrielle’s story from The Loyal One. I honestly wasn’t expecting what happened to happen in this story but it was still a good read. Mrs. Gray has yet to have disappointed me with the books in The Walnut Creek series. Looking forward to The Protective One.
I highly recommend starting at the beginning of this series before reading this as it’s book 2.5.
I highly recommend starting at the beginning of this series before reading this as it’s book 2.5.
November 17, 2019
This was such a sweet story! I have been really enjoying the Walnut Creek series! It’s always great going back to visit with the Eight and their families and friends. I loved it!
I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
January 18, 2021
A great novella about a couple, one of whom is Amish and the other not. I would suggest reading the books before this in the Walnut Creek series to get an idea of who this couple is and to follow along with the story. I found this to be a fast read and only take a few hours to get through.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2022
This wasn't as good as I thought it would be. It seemed extra cheesy compared to the other ones. And while Gabby was young, she was treated like a child in my opinion by most of the characters. Also, it seemed sort of out of character that Gabby and Kyle would go to the next level and get into the situation that they did...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2020
I really loved this! It was a nice surprise considering the previous book in the series let me down. I loved the story line! I was so happy to get more of Kyle and Gabby! This is possibly my favorite of the series.
I just wish it was a full novel and not just a novella.
I just wish it was a full novel and not just a novella.
September 1, 2020
This was such a sweet story to fill the time until the next novel.
I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own
I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own
July 30, 2024
Love
Kyle and Gabby's story had ups and downs combined with some unexpected twists and turns. It's a wonderful story of the impact that faith and love have on even the most difficult of situations.
Kyle and Gabby's story had ups and downs combined with some unexpected twists and turns. It's a wonderful story of the impact that faith and love have on even the most difficult of situations.
February 16, 2020
it was a fast and easy read! I loved it was so good! wow how one of the character's was, but loved all of them! I love all her book's!
March 3, 2020
Wish it would of said a boy or girl...why? Because I want to know lol! But it was good!
April 15, 2020
I enjoyed this follow up to The Loyal One- it was great to see how Gabby and Kyle's relationship progressed and to revisit the Lambright family.
September 21, 2020
Kyle and Gabby love each other and Gabby is pregnant. She tells Kyle and his family show her love and grace!
December 3, 2020
This was well done, it involves a touchy situation for teenagers not only from different religions but such different backgrounds but it just shows what love of family and each other can do!
December 5, 2020
I keep rereading this one! It is so good! The way Kyle and Gabby love each other!
December 23, 2022
2.5 stars. A detailed review to come soon.
April 10, 2024
opposites attract
I like that Kyle didn’t abandon her and their baby. I have mixed feelings about him leaving his Amish upbringing
I like that Kyle didn’t abandon her and their baby. I have mixed feelings about him leaving his Amish upbringing
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews