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Walnut Creek #4.5
Promises of Tomorrow
From Shelley Shepard Gray, New York Times bestselling author and the “skilled storyteller who reminds the reader through her characters that faith can help us survive the ups and downs in life” (RT Book Reviews) comes a warm-hearted and charming enovella.
Two years have passed since their friend Andy’s death, and the Eight is still struggling to cope with their loss. In an attempt to give the group some time to reconnect with one another, remember their friend, and reflect on the last two years, Marie decides that a relaxing couple’s getaway is just what they need before the craziness of the holiday season begins. When their large cabin in the woods turns out to be more rundown than rustic, though, Marie fears that she’s ruined everything, but at least, she thinks, the trip can’t get any worse—that is, until a lost English girl named Beth appears at the cabin. And with such heavy snow, the Eight is forced to take her in for the next twenty-four hours.
Although Marie feels as if all her planning and good intentions were for nothing, she has no idea that Beth will give the group a gift they didn’t know they needed: the reminder that life may not always be fair and sometimes it’s painful, but there’s always another day.
With Shelley Shepard Gray’s signature “thought-provoking, emotional” (Patricia Davids, USA TODAY bestselling author) prose, Promises of Tomorrow is a moving story of love, friendship, and faith.
Two years have passed since their friend Andy’s death, and the Eight is still struggling to cope with their loss. In an attempt to give the group some time to reconnect with one another, remember their friend, and reflect on the last two years, Marie decides that a relaxing couple’s getaway is just what they need before the craziness of the holiday season begins. When their large cabin in the woods turns out to be more rundown than rustic, though, Marie fears that she’s ruined everything, but at least, she thinks, the trip can’t get any worse—that is, until a lost English girl named Beth appears at the cabin. And with such heavy snow, the Eight is forced to take her in for the next twenty-four hours.
Although Marie feels as if all her planning and good intentions were for nothing, she has no idea that Beth will give the group a gift they didn’t know they needed: the reminder that life may not always be fair and sometimes it’s painful, but there’s always another day.
With Shelley Shepard Gray’s signature “thought-provoking, emotional” (Patricia Davids, USA TODAY bestselling author) prose, Promises of Tomorrow is a moving story of love, friendship, and faith.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2020
129 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Shepard Gray
126 books2,319 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 45 reviews
December 7, 2023
I picked this up based on the cover and the nice winter scene depicted, and also because it was a short read that works well for me just now. I didn't consider that this might be part of a series, which it is, but there was enough detail to explain the present day gathering and how everyone related to each other. The only thing I didn't really understand was the side story involving Stephanie. I didn't think it added anything, but maybe it would have meant more if I had read the previous books in the series. I think it was a shared memory that the group was fondly reliving, but I still didn't see what it added to this installment, which in my opinion can be read alone without having read the others.
It was easy to imagine the cabin setting, even if it wasn't so cozy, but I most admired the genuine friendships, which I must admit, filled me with a bit of envy. Each member of this little group shows care and concern for each other, and offers support through life's challenges. Sadness, grief, and loss are a part of life but that doesn't mean that every day will be just as hard as the day the loss was first experienced. The good and happy times can be remembered while also looking at the present and ahead to the future.
A quick read with a meaningful message about establishing and preserving genuine friendships as they will be your support in both good and bad times.
It was easy to imagine the cabin setting, even if it wasn't so cozy, but I most admired the genuine friendships, which I must admit, filled me with a bit of envy. Each member of this little group shows care and concern for each other, and offers support through life's challenges. Sadness, grief, and loss are a part of life but that doesn't mean that every day will be just as hard as the day the loss was first experienced. The good and happy times can be remembered while also looking at the present and ahead to the future.
A quick read with a meaningful message about establishing and preserving genuine friendships as they will be your support in both good and bad times.
November 12, 2020
This is what is called an e-short ebook. It's a novella and the final book of Shelley Shepard Grays Walnut Creek Series. It's also a Christmas book. I enjoyed reading one more book about the eight, who all were friends from elementary school. Mennonite, Amish and English make up this group of friends. There's really more than eight friends because they always welcome new friends to their fold. Now the years have passed and they are adults. Some of them have paired up and married while others have married outside their group of friends but always they remain a group.
The Eight decide to rent a Cabin in the wilderness for a get away weekend. They want to reminisce about memories and a member of the Eight who died suddenly, two years ago. The cabin isn't what they thought it would be. A real dive to be truthful. The guys go outside to bring in wood for the fireplace and while outside they find a lost woman . There's a bad snow storm and the temperature has dropped drastically. What are they to do about the woman? What kind of person is she and where did she come from? Could they trust her if they were to bring her inside out of the cold? She is confused and freezing. They can't leave her outside in the frozen elements.
Readers who have read the other five books in the series will enjoy this novella. This series is considered Amish Fiction.
I purchased a Kindle copy of Promises of Tomorrow. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
The Eight decide to rent a Cabin in the wilderness for a get away weekend. They want to reminisce about memories and a member of the Eight who died suddenly, two years ago. The cabin isn't what they thought it would be. A real dive to be truthful. The guys go outside to bring in wood for the fireplace and while outside they find a lost woman . There's a bad snow storm and the temperature has dropped drastically. What are they to do about the woman? What kind of person is she and where did she come from? Could they trust her if they were to bring her inside out of the cold? She is confused and freezing. They can't leave her outside in the frozen elements.
Readers who have read the other five books in the series will enjoy this novella. This series is considered Amish Fiction.
I purchased a Kindle copy of Promises of Tomorrow. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
June 19, 2020
This novella is part of the Walnut Creek series. It can be read as a stand-alone story, but will provide spoilers for the earlier books in the series.
This is a nice Christmas story about coping with death, loss, and grief. The main characters are engaging and likeable, and there is a simple but effective Christian message. Having lost my mother this year, this really resonated with me. I have never read the Walnut Creek series before, but I will definitely do so now.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
This is a nice Christmas story about coping with death, loss, and grief. The main characters are engaging and likeable, and there is a simple but effective Christian message. Having lost my mother this year, this really resonated with me. I have never read the Walnut Creek series before, but I will definitely do so now.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
October 4, 2020
The story is about eight people who are friends or siblings to someone who died tragically and who were all affected by his death. They all get together at a cabin that they rent to spend time together and to reconnect. While at the cabin, they find a young woman who is lost in a snowstorm so they take her in and through their interactions are able to help her cope with a tragedy of her own.
The story was good and the characters were fun but I had a little bit of a hard time following the story at times. At the heading of each chapter, they kept talking about their friend and a girl named Stephanie. It just didn't seem to mesh with the story, at least not for me.
I was given an arc copy of this story and I willingly offer my honest review.
The story was good and the characters were fun but I had a little bit of a hard time following the story at times. At the heading of each chapter, they kept talking about their friend and a girl named Stephanie. It just didn't seem to mesh with the story, at least not for me.
I was given an arc copy of this story and I willingly offer my honest review.
July 2, 2020
Promises of Tomorrow by Shelley Shepard Gray is a novella that is #4.5 in The Walnut Creek Series. I thought Promises of Tomorrow was well-written with steady pacing and developed characters. It is best that this series be read in order otherwise you will be lost plus it will spoil the previous books for you. The story begins with Mr. & Mrs. Warner having their annual “It’s December!” holiday party where it is Marie’s turn to share a tale about Andy. This side story is told in small parts before each chapter. I like how it had me laughing as it unfolded. The Eight which has changed since the series began, all meet to share a couple’s retreat weekend before the holidays begin. They encounter Beth Trainor who also rented a nearby cabin, but she became lost while walking. Because of the heavy snowfall and approaching nightfall, the group gets Beth to agree to stay with them overnight. It turns out to be what the group and Beth needed. They get a chance to help a woman in need which in turns helps them as well. The main themes in Promises of Tomorrow are grief and hope. I like how the group of friends lift each other up. There are two phrases from Promises of Tomorrow that I wanted to share. “Everything was easier with friends” is the first one. The second phrase was provided by Beth when she said, “That there is always, always the promise of tomorrow.” In this novella, we see that God puts us where we need to be when we need to be there. Promises of Tomorrow is an uplifting and inspiring story.
March 6, 2020
This novella is part of a series and I suggest you do not read this unless you've read the other books first. Because I had not read any of the others I was totally clueless, yet it did have something about it that made me keep reading and thinking that I may go and buy the first couple of books.
This series seems to deal with a past member of this group that has committed suicide - so if that may be a trigger to you - beware.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
This series seems to deal with a past member of this group that has committed suicide - so if that may be a trigger to you - beware.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
September 1, 2020
I enjoyed this novella that is part of a great series. Each of these characters in the series are wonderful. I love how we learn a little more about each person in this group of friends in each book. I am never disappointed in this author. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. These books make me laugh and cry.
March 15, 2021
Shelley Shepard Gray packed a lot of humanity, kindness, and life truths into a relatively short book about a group of childhood friends, now grown, as they grieved the loss of one of their group of eight. Gathered for a weekend in a rustic cabin in the woods, to "catch up" and process their grief together, the old friends took in a lost college student as a winter storm rolled in.
The conversations and frank sharing about death, loss, grief, and continuing to live in the absence of a much loved person, was healing, not only for the old friends, but for the student whose boyfriend had died suddenly.
Interestingly, this story was shared at an annual "Happy December Party" that the parents of their dead friend, Andy, had hosted for decades with all the families of The 8. His parents found comfort in stories of "The 8's" adventures, when their Andy has still been alive, and had requested a story be told at the gathering. The story was a vehicle for healing for Andy's parents, the 8 and their families, the lost student and potentially for any reader journeying through grief at the time of reading this book.
The conversations and frank sharing about death, loss, grief, and continuing to live in the absence of a much loved person, was healing, not only for the old friends, but for the student whose boyfriend had died suddenly.
Interestingly, this story was shared at an annual "Happy December Party" that the parents of their dead friend, Andy, had hosted for decades with all the families of The 8. His parents found comfort in stories of "The 8's" adventures, when their Andy has still been alive, and had requested a story be told at the gathering. The story was a vehicle for healing for Andy's parents, the 8 and their families, the lost student and potentially for any reader journeying through grief at the time of reading this book.
April 5, 2022
Promises of Tomorrow is an Amish novella written by author Shelley Shepard Gray. Promises of Tomorrow is installment #8 of The Walnut Creek series.
I really wanted to like Promises of Tomorrow, after all, I love the cover. I usually enjoy a tale written by Ms. Gray, however, installment #8 was just like installment #3 that I reviewed. The tale is all over the place, rambling. These are my least favorite writings by Ms. Gray.
I would not recommend The Walnut Creek series to a new reader of this author. I am so glad I have read the author’s other books and enjoyed them. I give Promises of Tomorrow 2*/5*
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
I really wanted to like Promises of Tomorrow, after all, I love the cover. I usually enjoy a tale written by Ms. Gray, however, installment #8 was just like installment #3 that I reviewed. The tale is all over the place, rambling. These are my least favorite writings by Ms. Gray.
I would not recommend The Walnut Creek series to a new reader of this author. I am so glad I have read the author’s other books and enjoyed them. I give Promises of Tomorrow 2*/5*
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
March 22, 2022
8 friends get together every Christmas to celebrate their friendship. The group has expanded as the years pass and new friends become part of the group. It is made up of Amish and non Amish who they call English. They remind each other of their friendship by telling of years gone by. They tell of one Christmas in a small dirty cabin where they rescue a new friend who had lost her boyfriend recently. They each told of Alex a friend they had lost a while ago and that reminds them that life isn’t fair and often painful but tomorrow is another day which can add new lives and delights if you watch for it.
December 6, 2020
A good conclusion to the series.
A good story about grief, blessings even in troubling times, and God's intervention.
I read the rest of the books earlier this year so I forgot some of the things that happened. I think I would have enjoyed it more it I was able to read this book along with the others at the same time.
A good story about grief, blessings even in troubling times, and God's intervention.
I read the rest of the books earlier this year so I forgot some of the things that happened. I think I would have enjoyed it more it I was able to read this book along with the others at the same time.
March 13, 2021
A 1 hour read about Amish/English friends who spend a weekend talking about a good friend who passed away. They encounter another person who experienced something similar and together started important healing.
September 2, 2021
I usually like these kinda books but could not get into this story. Falls flat the it’s over
January 5, 2022
Short story easy read
March 6, 2022
BORROWED ON HOOPLA
September 28, 2022
A wonderful book! The story of forever friends who have been together for a long time. They have seen sorrow, joy and love!
I have really enjoyed this series. I’ll miss the characters ! ❤️
I have really enjoyed this series. I’ll miss the characters ! ❤️
July 2, 2025
If you read the entire Walnut Creek Series but omit this one, you're not missing out. This is a very easy read, but does little to add to the storyline.
July 26, 2020
Promises of Tomorrow by Shelley Shepard Gray
Two years have passed since their friend Andy’s death, and the Eight is still struggling to cope with their loss. In an attempt to give the group some time to reconnect with one another, remember their friend, and reflect on the last two years, Marie decides that a relaxing couple’s getaway is just what they need before the craziness of the holiday season begins. When their large cabin in the woods turns out to be more rundown than rustic, though, Marie fears that she’s ruined everything, but at least, she thinks, the trip can’t get any worse—that is, until a lost English girl named Beth appears at the cabin. And with such heavy snow, the Eight is forced to take her in for the next twenty-four hours.
Although Marie feels as if all her planning and good intentions were for nothing, she has no idea that Beth will give the group a gift they didn’t know they needed: the reminder that life may not always be fair and sometimes it’s painful, but there’s always another day.
This is Marie Byler and husband John's story.
This is the Eight's story.
This is a lost English girl named Beth's story.
Even though a good amount of time had passed, Marie Hartman Byler still felt Andy Warner’s absence a lot of the time. Sometimes she thought she noticed his loss more than the rest of the Eight—their large group of longtime friends.
Though they’d all been close from the time their mothers had dropped them off for day care at Mrs. Kurtz’s house in the summers, only she and Andy had attended school together.
I highly recommend reading.
Promises of Tomorrow by Shelley Shepard Gray is a wonderful 5 star book.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
more books by Shelley Shepard Gray
Bridgeport Social Club
1. Take a Chance
2. All In
3. Hold on Tight
Walnut Creek
0.5. Friends to the End
1. The Patient One
2. The Loyal One
3. The Protective One
4. The Trustworthy One
A Precious Gift
Promises of Tomorrow
Dance With Me
1. Shall We Dance?
2. Take the Lead
3. Save the Last Dance
Berlin Bookmobile
1. A Perfect Amish Romance
July 11, 2020
Shelley Gray is an absolute delight to read and I adore her Amish stories but I think that this one is a little on the darker side than most of hers. Actually, the whole series has been.
I especially love how she portrays her characters in how they take care of each other and remain friends even in hard times and also in keeping their Faith no matter how difficult it is.
Faith is the most important thing there is. For without God we are nothing or at least that's how I feel.
I think of the Eight, Marie feels it the hardest. I really admired her a lot. There were even times that I found myself hoping and praying for Marie just because she's my favorite.
Gray shows us that even though that we carefully plan our events they don't always go the way we want them to. Sometimes it turns out better than we originally thought it would. God always has a much better plan for us.
Believe me, I know how that is. Life isn't always what we think it should be. I really admired these friends who have stuck together through thick and thin.
I highly recommend this book because Gray is an excellent story teller and this is one you definitely won't forget.
My thanks to Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review for this book. All opinions are my own.
I especially love how she portrays her characters in how they take care of each other and remain friends even in hard times and also in keeping their Faith no matter how difficult it is.
Faith is the most important thing there is. For without God we are nothing or at least that's how I feel.
I think of the Eight, Marie feels it the hardest. I really admired her a lot. There were even times that I found myself hoping and praying for Marie just because she's my favorite.
Gray shows us that even though that we carefully plan our events they don't always go the way we want them to. Sometimes it turns out better than we originally thought it would. God always has a much better plan for us.
Believe me, I know how that is. Life isn't always what we think it should be. I really admired these friends who have stuck together through thick and thin.
I highly recommend this book because Gray is an excellent story teller and this is one you definitely won't forget.
My thanks to Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review for this book. All opinions are my own.
August 19, 2020
When Marie plans a couples weekend getaway before the holidays with her group of friends known as “the eight”, she does not realize that no matter how she feels like she let her friends down by renting a rundown cabin and how disappointed they may be, this weekend will introduce a new friendship with Beth, a stranger, and will help an entire group of friends learn how to deal with their loss of one of their best friends several years ago or how it will help Beth deal with her own tragedy that recently happened. This book shows compassion and love for a fellow human being and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I received a copy of this book for my honest opinion and review.
Merged review:
When Marie plans a couples weekend getaway before the holidays with her group of friends known as “the eight”, she does not realize that no matter how she feels like she let her friends down by renting a rundown cabin and how disappointed they may be, this weekend will introduce a new friendship with Beth, a stranger, and will help an entire group of friends learn how to deal with their loss of one of their best friends several years ago or how it will help Beth deal with her own tragedy that recently happened. This book shows compassion and love for a fellow human being and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I received a copy of this book for my honest opinion and review.
I received a copy of this book for my honest opinion and review.
Merged review:
When Marie plans a couples weekend getaway before the holidays with her group of friends known as “the eight”, she does not realize that no matter how she feels like she let her friends down by renting a rundown cabin and how disappointed they may be, this weekend will introduce a new friendship with Beth, a stranger, and will help an entire group of friends learn how to deal with their loss of one of their best friends several years ago or how it will help Beth deal with her own tragedy that recently happened. This book shows compassion and love for a fellow human being and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I received a copy of this book for my honest opinion and review.
June 22, 2020
I have read several of Shelley Shepard Gray's books and I have loved all of them. This one did not disappoint except for the fact it seemed really short. I loved the storyline & the Christian theme. It was an interesting theme & I really hadn't read one like it before.
Beth is a college aged girl who has just recently lost the love of her life from the flu. She goes off on a "retreat" to get away from everything. While there, she gets lost in the woods trying to find her cabin. The Eight are a group of friends who have also recently lost a friend, Andy, to suicide. They decide to also get away on a retreat to a cabin in the woods to reflect and come together as a group again. Both sets find that their cabins are less than desirable and feel like they've made a mistake coming until Beth gets lost & ends up at the cabin door of the Eight. Through the time they spend together, they learn more about who they are and how to deal with grief. I loved the Christian theme in this book and the promise that tomorrow always comes and better days are ahead!
Thank you to Gallery Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of the book.
Beth is a college aged girl who has just recently lost the love of her life from the flu. She goes off on a "retreat" to get away from everything. While there, she gets lost in the woods trying to find her cabin. The Eight are a group of friends who have also recently lost a friend, Andy, to suicide. They decide to also get away on a retreat to a cabin in the woods to reflect and come together as a group again. Both sets find that their cabins are less than desirable and feel like they've made a mistake coming until Beth gets lost & ends up at the cabin door of the Eight. Through the time they spend together, they learn more about who they are and how to deal with grief. I loved the Christian theme in this book and the promise that tomorrow always comes and better days are ahead!
Thank you to Gallery Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of the book.
July 9, 2020
A perfect ending to a beautifully written series that touches on topics that will make you take stock of your life.
Without giving anything away, you know by the end of the novella that the Eight will be ok. Each book and novella is written as standalone reads but I heavily suggest you start with Friends to the End and read in order. You will get so much more out of the books. I have needed tissues with every story but that is good for me as it means that it was a memorable read for me.
Beth's story touches on the thoughts I had in the early dating stages of my husband. If something tragic happens early on, how do you grieve? Sometimes you know from the beginning that you have found your person. I wanted to reach into the novella and comfort Beth with lots of hugs.
A quick read for an afternoon but one that stays with you long after.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Gallery Books, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
Without giving anything away, you know by the end of the novella that the Eight will be ok. Each book and novella is written as standalone reads but I heavily suggest you start with Friends to the End and read in order. You will get so much more out of the books. I have needed tissues with every story but that is good for me as it means that it was a memorable read for me.
Beth's story touches on the thoughts I had in the early dating stages of my husband. If something tragic happens early on, how do you grieve? Sometimes you know from the beginning that you have found your person. I wanted to reach into the novella and comfort Beth with lots of hugs.
A quick read for an afternoon but one that stays with you long after.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Gallery Books, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
June 30, 2020
This was a super addition to Shelly Gray's Walnut Creek series! You don't really have to read them in order but the relationships between the characters may make more sense if you do.
You're actually getting two stories being told simultaneously! The main story is the friends on a mini vacation before the upcoming Christmas holiday and a smaller hilarious tale of a Christmas past told in short paragraphs at the top of each chapter. I loved it and was totally enthralled with both stories!
Nothing seems to be going as planned on their vacation in the woods, the cabin is crummy and not at all what was expected and then an uninvited visitor. This story while short brought so much to the table as it reminds us that things may not always go as we have planned but that's okay because sometimes The Lord puts us where we "need to be" and at "the time we need to be there!"
A warm and cozy tale about friendship, loss, and healing.
*I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
You're actually getting two stories being told simultaneously! The main story is the friends on a mini vacation before the upcoming Christmas holiday and a smaller hilarious tale of a Christmas past told in short paragraphs at the top of each chapter. I loved it and was totally enthralled with both stories!
Nothing seems to be going as planned on their vacation in the woods, the cabin is crummy and not at all what was expected and then an uninvited visitor. This story while short brought so much to the table as it reminds us that things may not always go as we have planned but that's okay because sometimes The Lord puts us where we "need to be" and at "the time we need to be there!"
A warm and cozy tale about friendship, loss, and healing.
*I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2020
The eight are back in this wonderful story of love and understanding!
On a vacation, the eight meet a most interesting girl, who stumbles into their vacation and reflection time with one another. Some of the eight are more willing than others at first to welcome this stranger into their fold but the rest come around. The eight have gotten together to remember their leader and his life along with his friendship and the love they all share. Little do they realize that God is sending someone their way for help in a subject that is close to ALL their hearts and minds. The eight have went through many obstacles and The Lord continues to bless and add to their lives after Andy leaves them unexpectedly.
Full of love, acceptance, and God leading the way! This book is full of surprises and moments of pure joy and love, as well as, some moments of serious help and intervention. A must read!
I received a copy of the book from the publisher for my honest opinion.
On a vacation, the eight meet a most interesting girl, who stumbles into their vacation and reflection time with one another. Some of the eight are more willing than others at first to welcome this stranger into their fold but the rest come around. The eight have gotten together to remember their leader and his life along with his friendship and the love they all share. Little do they realize that God is sending someone their way for help in a subject that is close to ALL their hearts and minds. The eight have went through many obstacles and The Lord continues to bless and add to their lives after Andy leaves them unexpectedly.
Full of love, acceptance, and God leading the way! This book is full of surprises and moments of pure joy and love, as well as, some moments of serious help and intervention. A must read!
I received a copy of the book from the publisher for my honest opinion.
October 24, 2020
I have loved the characters in this series, and it was a delight to get to read another story about them. The Christmas theme of this book revolves around Beth, a troubled young woman who loses her way in the woods and is rescued by the friends who have gathered together at a cabin for a pre-Christmas celebration. As they extend their friendship to Beth, she opens up about the trouble and sorrow in her life. The friends arrive to be a source of hope and encouragement to her, and as they help Beth, they find that they are also helping themselves to recover from their own heartache and sadness. A beautiful story with themes of faith, hope, and love.
You can enjoy this story even if you haven’t read the rest of the series. Once you’ve read this one, you’ll want to read the other books that features this wonderful group of friends.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
You can enjoy this story even if you haven’t read the rest of the series. Once you’ve read this one, you’ll want to read the other books that features this wonderful group of friends.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
July 27, 2020
With the start of the holiday season, the Eight meet to share some special time together before the crazy season begins. While each is still mourning the loss of Andy, Marie hopes they find some comfort and understanding with one another. When things don't go as planned, Marie fears that all her planning is for naught until an unexpected house guest shows them that there is always tomorrow.
Grief and loss is the theme of this book. Each person grieves in their own manner. However, the process can be made easier with friends. Shelley Shepard Gray has a way of making the reader become engaged with her characters and fall in love with them. While each book in the series is a stand alone, it helps to read them in order to discover the true characters and their natures. I received an advanced copy through Netgalley. A review was not required and the views are my own.
Grief and loss is the theme of this book. Each person grieves in their own manner. However, the process can be made easier with friends. Shelley Shepard Gray has a way of making the reader become engaged with her characters and fall in love with them. While each book in the series is a stand alone, it helps to read them in order to discover the true characters and their natures. I received an advanced copy through Netgalley. A review was not required and the views are my own.
June 22, 2020
Promises of Tomorrow (Walnut Creek #4.5)
by Shelley Shepard Gray
A Novella that wets the whistle. This short story is a stepping stone move introducing another character to the Eight. On a weekend retreat before Christmas and the busy season to come the Eight arrange a weekend up in the mountains. They are interrupted by an uninvited visitor, that shows them the remarkable emotional healing the group has gone through in the last two years since the death of Andy. This young lady is in the throws of understanding morning, and loss. Its a great snippet of the story, and shows the development of the Eight not only in their personal changes, but in understanding how the loss of Andy has changed them.
by Shelley Shepard Gray
A Novella that wets the whistle. This short story is a stepping stone move introducing another character to the Eight. On a weekend retreat before Christmas and the busy season to come the Eight arrange a weekend up in the mountains. They are interrupted by an uninvited visitor, that shows them the remarkable emotional healing the group has gone through in the last two years since the death of Andy. This young lady is in the throws of understanding morning, and loss. Its a great snippet of the story, and shows the development of the Eight not only in their personal changes, but in understanding how the loss of Andy has changed them.
July 18, 2020
In the final book of the Walnut Creek series, author Shelley Shephard Gray pens a story that shows how heartache and loss can be used to reach someone else.
Promises of Tomorrow is not a fast paced novella but is rich with caring and personal growth. The characters are all well developed and true to life as they struggle in their own ways to come to terms with a loss the group has suffered. They learn that by giving to another they can receive healing for their hearts.
If you’re simply looking for a Christmas story with heart then I recommend this book.
I highly suggest reading all the books in order so you understand all that is happening.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Promises of Tomorrow is not a fast paced novella but is rich with caring and personal growth. The characters are all well developed and true to life as they struggle in their own ways to come to terms with a loss the group has suffered. They learn that by giving to another they can receive healing for their hearts.
If you’re simply looking for a Christmas story with heart then I recommend this book.
I highly suggest reading all the books in order so you understand all that is happening.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
September 13, 2020
It's been 2 years, since Andy's death, the impact of that loss has impacted the Eight. The Eight, a group of 8 friends, since childhood are having a hard time, and Marie comes up with a wonderful....at least it started out as wonderful.....idea. Marie books a cabin, just before the holidays, so that the Eight can spend time as group again and remember why they are together. BUT.....as all readers know.....there is always a clinker, in the fire! And the clinker is Beth.....an English girl who ends up at the cabin of the Eight and starts to give them insight into their relationships and why they are there. Sit back, enjoy this book which covers an often taboo subject and continue to read the novels of Shelley Shepard Gray.....you won't be sorry!!
September 15, 2020
If you’ve read any of the stories about “the Eight”, you’ll love this culmination of the Walnut Creek Series. Although this short novella centers around Marie and John, there’s so much more tucked into this gem. While on a couples getaway at a remote cabin, they befriend Beth, a woman who got lost when wandering away from her own cabin. This is a novel of acceptance, letting go, deep friendships, and God’s grace. Like the book says, “no matter how bad something is, it doesn’t have to be that way the next day. That there is always, always the promise of tomorrow.”
This is a nice, inspirational quick read I highly recommend.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This is a nice, inspirational quick read I highly recommend.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
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