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It's never too late to go home.
It's Christmastime at the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast, and everyone is excited about closing down for the holidays. But when two unexpected visitors appear seeking shelter, the family's commitment to hospitality is tested. First Levi arrives, sullen and angry...but insisting on staying for five days. Next Melody shows up. She's almost nine months pregnant, but won't say a word about why she traveled all the way from Kentucky by herself. As the two strangers settle in, the Brennemans try to make the best of an uncomfortable situation, except for Katie, who knows a thing or two about keeping secrets. She is determined to learn the truth about these two strangers...all while keeping her own secret safely hidden away.
All is revealed when a snowstorm traps them at the inn.
It's Christmastime at the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast, and everyone is excited about closing down for the holidays. But when two unexpected visitors appear seeking shelter, the family's commitment to hospitality is tested. First Levi arrives, sullen and angry...but insisting on staying for five days. Next Melody shows up. She's almost nine months pregnant, but won't say a word about why she traveled all the way from Kentucky by herself. As the two strangers settle in, the Brennemans try to make the best of an uncomfortable situation, except for Katie, who knows a thing or two about keeping secrets. She is determined to learn the truth about these two strangers...all while keeping her own secret safely hidden away.
All is revealed when a snowstorm traps them at the inn.
293 pages, Paperback
First published October 26, 2010
241 people are currently reading
1363 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Shepard Gray
126 books2,313 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 147 reviews
December 14, 2018
As I am reading Christmas books and stories for the month of December, I have broken my rule of not reading books of a series out of order—horrors! Actually, this books works as a stand alone. It’s pretty much what you would expect from a book based upon Amish characters. I liked the premise and the characters. And it’s not too “preachy.” I may even read more of this series in the future.
January 18, 2016
I am part Pennsylvania Dutch and part Quaker on my mother's side. Occasionally, I have made scrapple, molasses cookies, or a brown sugar pie. But, I have never read a novel that deals with the Amish or Mennonite communities in the United States. I wasn't raised in the community; instead for me, it is simply a part of my heritage. In fact, the reason I read Grace was because it was the Christmas pick of one of my book clubs. I did find that it connected me with the messages my mother has imparted throughout the years and for that I am grateful.
Grace is a story about opening your heart and home to new experiences and strangers. Katie has her heart set on spending Christmas with her extended family but two strangers appear needing her family's warmth and welcome. The strangers have each experienced tragedy and are seeking escape. Instead they find companionship and acceptance.
This story is a fast read with many heartfelt messages. The Christian Bible is frequently quoted throughout. This book will connect readers with the true meaning of Christmas. It's nice to escape the commercialism of the holiday and rediscover the soul of Christmas through a book such as this one.
Grace is a story about opening your heart and home to new experiences and strangers. Katie has her heart set on spending Christmas with her extended family but two strangers appear needing her family's warmth and welcome. The strangers have each experienced tragedy and are seeking escape. Instead they find companionship and acceptance.
This story is a fast read with many heartfelt messages. The Christian Bible is frequently quoted throughout. This book will connect readers with the true meaning of Christmas. It's nice to escape the commercialism of the holiday and rediscover the soul of Christmas through a book such as this one.
August 24, 2017
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An Amish book is always clean and includes many valuable lessons in life.
This was no exception. I really like it and would recommend!
An Amish book is always clean and includes many valuable lessons in life.
This was no exception. I really like it and would recommend!
January 13, 2023
4.5 stars
I started this book in December and somehow it got shuffled to the side in the holiday busyness. I picked it up again and couldn’t put it down. It does not start out as your typical fluffy Christmas romance book.
Melody has suffered a horrific experience that has left her pregnant and feeling alone. She travels to a bed-and-breakfast in Cincinnati and there meets a curmudgeonly man who has suffered his own tragedy. Together with the Brennemans they learn what it means to have faith.
This book will stay with me a long time. I had aspirations of sharing it by giving to others to read but I can’t bear to part with it. I have a feeling it will become a favorite Christmas read. It has definitely whetted my appetite to read the other books in the series.
I started this book in December and somehow it got shuffled to the side in the holiday busyness. I picked it up again and couldn’t put it down. It does not start out as your typical fluffy Christmas romance book.
Melody has suffered a horrific experience that has left her pregnant and feeling alone. She travels to a bed-and-breakfast in Cincinnati and there meets a curmudgeonly man who has suffered his own tragedy. Together with the Brennemans they learn what it means to have faith.
This book will stay with me a long time. I had aspirations of sharing it by giving to others to read but I can’t bear to part with it. I have a feeling it will become a favorite Christmas read. It has definitely whetted my appetite to read the other books in the series.
October 31, 2012
It's Christmas time at the Brenneman's Bed and Breakfast. Normally they do not have guests over the holidays, but two unexpected arrivals - a sullen, quiet Amish man and a nine month pregnant young woman - change the entire Christmas experience for the Brenneman family.
I really enjoyed this Christmas story. It contained a wide variety of characters with lots of different personalities all dealing with very real situations.
I really enjoyed this Christmas story. It contained a wide variety of characters with lots of different personalities all dealing with very real situations.
December 2, 2018
3.5 stars - and a really sweet and cute Christmas romance about finding love in unexpected places. This dealt with some difficult subjects, and I really felt for both Melody and Levi. I also liked seeing the other characters from the earlier books in the series.
December 15, 2021
Grace is a sweet, Christian story about love and forgiveness. The center of the tale is about a baby's birth in Christmas and the love in the surrounding family. The book is a nice novel to read during this Christmas season.
November 13, 2025
Book - 4.5 stars
Narration by Kirsten Potter -5 stars
Narration by Kirsten Potter -5 stars
December 31, 2024
This was a beautiful little story of an Amish family that runs a B&B, and the unexpected visitors they have at Christmas. It’s part of a series, and I might go back and read the books that precede this one, but it totally works as a stand alone. Beautiful book to end my year of reading!
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November 5, 2010Title: GRACE
Author: Shelley Shepard Gray
Publisher: Avon Inspire
October 2010
ISBN: 978-0-06-199096-0
Genre: Inspirational/Amish
The Brenneman family is preparing for a family Christmas. They have no guests scheduled, so they are going to fill the rooms with family. But then they get an unexpected reservation—one sent my mail that traveled the country before arriving, and their guest, Levi is due to arrive that day. But before Levi arrives, a very pregnant Amish girl, Melody, comes, carrying a a gift certificate and swearing she made a reservation.
Melody wants to get away from well meaning family after her brutal attack resulting in her pregnancy. She is shunned by her community for making bad decisions. Levi is angry at the world. He lost his wife and baby tragically, and now the last place he wants to be is someplace that celebrates Christmas. He thought a bed and breakfast would be safe.
The Brenneman’s try to make the best of an uncomfortable situation, but it is hard when their daughter Katie has an attitude problem and is snippy to family and quests alike. What will it take for everyone to have a Merry Christmas?
GRACE is the fourth book in the Sisters of the Heart series. I was a bit confused at first, as I’ve read the other series, Seasons of Sugar Creek more recently, and I couldn’t seem to place the characters. After awhile I realized that this book went back to the first series I read by this author. As a result it took me quite awhile to get grounded in the Brenneman’s part of the story. Levi’s and Melody’s portions of the story flowed much more smoothly.
I enjoyed watching these two hurting characters heal and interact with the big, loving Brenneman family and did enjoy going on a deer hunt with the men and interacting with the women as they baked cookies. Discussion questions, a letter from the author, some yummy sounding recipes, and a chapter from Ms. Gray’s newest series Families of Honor are included at the end of the book. Highly recommended for a good holiday read. $12.99. 287 pages.
Author: Shelley Shepard Gray
Publisher: Avon Inspire
October 2010
ISBN: 978-0-06-199096-0
Genre: Inspirational/Amish
The Brenneman family is preparing for a family Christmas. They have no guests scheduled, so they are going to fill the rooms with family. But then they get an unexpected reservation—one sent my mail that traveled the country before arriving, and their guest, Levi is due to arrive that day. But before Levi arrives, a very pregnant Amish girl, Melody, comes, carrying a a gift certificate and swearing she made a reservation.
Melody wants to get away from well meaning family after her brutal attack resulting in her pregnancy. She is shunned by her community for making bad decisions. Levi is angry at the world. He lost his wife and baby tragically, and now the last place he wants to be is someplace that celebrates Christmas. He thought a bed and breakfast would be safe.
The Brenneman’s try to make the best of an uncomfortable situation, but it is hard when their daughter Katie has an attitude problem and is snippy to family and quests alike. What will it take for everyone to have a Merry Christmas?
GRACE is the fourth book in the Sisters of the Heart series. I was a bit confused at first, as I’ve read the other series, Seasons of Sugar Creek more recently, and I couldn’t seem to place the characters. After awhile I realized that this book went back to the first series I read by this author. As a result it took me quite awhile to get grounded in the Brenneman’s part of the story. Levi’s and Melody’s portions of the story flowed much more smoothly.
I enjoyed watching these two hurting characters heal and interact with the big, loving Brenneman family and did enjoy going on a deer hunt with the men and interacting with the women as they baked cookies. Discussion questions, a letter from the author, some yummy sounding recipes, and a chapter from Ms. Gray’s newest series Families of Honor are included at the end of the book. Highly recommended for a good holiday read. $12.99. 287 pages.
January 18, 2022
I h*a*t*e*d the insertion of the two day insta love story inserted into the main plot line. Otherwise, exactly what one could expect from this genre.
February 16, 2011
Loved this book, it was like visiting with old friends and getting caught up on their lives. I have followed the people in this book through 3 previous books and it was great fun meeting up with them again. The main story in this book is about Levi and Melody and the pain they have experienced in their lives. The story is about Levi trying to forgive himself, and Melody who is about to deliver a baby and deal with rape. I enjoyed the interaction of Grace and Forgiveness and Love!
Product Description
It's never too late to go home
It's Christmastime at the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast, and everyone is excited about closing down for the holidays. But when two unexpected visitors appear seeking shelter, the family's commitment to hospitality is tested. First Levi arrives, sullen and angry . . . but insisting on staying for five days. Next Melody shows up. She's almost nine months pregnant, but won't say a word about why she traveled all the way from Kentucky by herself. As the two strangers settle in, the Brennemans try to make the best of an uncomfortable situation, except for Katie, who and knows a thing or two about keeping secrets. She is determined to learn the truth about these two strangers . . . all while keeping her own secret safely hidden away.
All is revealed when a snowstorm traps them at the inn.
I won this book in a giveaway, the opinions are my own.
Product Description
It's never too late to go home
It's Christmastime at the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast, and everyone is excited about closing down for the holidays. But when two unexpected visitors appear seeking shelter, the family's commitment to hospitality is tested. First Levi arrives, sullen and angry . . . but insisting on staying for five days. Next Melody shows up. She's almost nine months pregnant, but won't say a word about why she traveled all the way from Kentucky by herself. As the two strangers settle in, the Brennemans try to make the best of an uncomfortable situation, except for Katie, who and knows a thing or two about keeping secrets. She is determined to learn the truth about these two strangers . . . all while keeping her own secret safely hidden away.
All is revealed when a snowstorm traps them at the inn.
I won this book in a giveaway, the opinions are my own.
November 4, 2010
Sweet little faith-based novel about an Amish family who run a bed and breakfast, and of a disgruntled man and a young pregnant woman who seek
refuge in the inn at Christmas time.
refuge in the inn at Christmas time.
December 27, 2010
Loved it!
March 1, 2022
Reread this book this time as an audio book. I loved the story again and I really enjoyed the narrator, too.
January 25, 2016
Nice Xmas story
September 20, 2019
I hadn't realized I'd read a previous book in this series until I was partway through this book. Probably my biggest complaint is that the plot just seems a bit too pat. Everyone has someone by the end of the book--life's not always like that. There's also a point in the book where Katie is apologizing to Melody and Levi is present and I'm pretty sure the author and editors made a mistake. I had to reread it a few times to make sure but Jonathan (Katie's husband) isn't mentioned in that scene except for the line where "her" hand is in Jonathan's--but the "her" seems to be Melody (which would make it Levi if I read the preceding text correctly).
It's also a little confusing to me because Katie and her family are supposedly Amish, but there is a reference made to a phone at the Inn as well as a few other things that I associate more with Mennonites than Amish.
WARNING: THE REMAINDER OF THE REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS. READ ON AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION
*****
The Inn is normally quiet at Christmas so the family has decided to have a family get together for a week. Katie is looking forward to a shopping outing with her sister-in-law, Anna, and to the family being together alone. I can understand her feelings when the shopping trip gets cancelled at the last minute and when unexpected guests come into the family celebration. I think it's one of the reasons why I rarely let myself look forward to things like that--I seem to get cancelled on at the last minute often enough. Like Katie, it's often hard for me to hide the feeling that come up when plans are changed.
Levi has painful memories of Christmases past and is trying to escape them. His letter requesting a reservation takes a detour or two and arrives at the Inn on the day the shopping excursion was to happen, and since Anna then needs to get a room ready, she can't go on the shopping trip.
Melody is given a gift certificate to the Inn by her employer, who feels she needs to rest, and apparently just makes arrangements to go without ever making a reservation. (As Levi points out, the family should make note on their reservation info. if they plan to not host guests on certain dates.) She's within 3 weeks of her due date, so I'm really not sure she should have traveled that far at all. There are some circumstances that make her feel less than peaceful in her hometown.
Leah is Melody's coworker and friend (though not Amish). She decides to drive up to the Inn to be with Melody during Christmas (leaving her own mom behind in Kentucky). She meets Zach, a police officer, during a pile up on the highway and they have an immediate connection.
So we have the elder Brennermans who have been married for a while; Katie, their daughter, who's recently married to Jonathan Lundy (a widower who has two daughters from his first marriage) and recently gave birth to their first child, Eli--plus she thinks she's pregnant again; Henry, Katie's brother, who's married to Anna (who converted to Amish because of her love for him); Winnie, Jonathan's sister, who's married to Samuel; Melody and Levi, who meet at the Inn and come to care for one another; Leah and Zach who meet and fall in love in the space of a few days--See what I mean when I say everyone has someone?
I don't think Leah and Zach could truly know they are meant for each other in the space of only a few days. It would still be the infatuation stage in real life. And yes, the attraction should be explored to see if it builds into a lifelong love, but . . . well, it's fiction and you know they're going for the happily ever after ending.
I preferred how Melody and Levi went about it a bit more since they each went back to their respective homes (in two different states) and wrote letters to each other to get to know each other better--but Levi going and asking her to marry him still seemed a bit rushed to me as far as length of time. Levi's been in love before but Melody has not--so how does she know this is true love?
It's also a little confusing to me because Katie and her family are supposedly Amish, but there is a reference made to a phone at the Inn as well as a few other things that I associate more with Mennonites than Amish.
WARNING: THE REMAINDER OF THE REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS. READ ON AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION
*****
The Inn is normally quiet at Christmas so the family has decided to have a family get together for a week. Katie is looking forward to a shopping outing with her sister-in-law, Anna, and to the family being together alone. I can understand her feelings when the shopping trip gets cancelled at the last minute and when unexpected guests come into the family celebration. I think it's one of the reasons why I rarely let myself look forward to things like that--I seem to get cancelled on at the last minute often enough. Like Katie, it's often hard for me to hide the feeling that come up when plans are changed.
Levi has painful memories of Christmases past and is trying to escape them. His letter requesting a reservation takes a detour or two and arrives at the Inn on the day the shopping excursion was to happen, and since Anna then needs to get a room ready, she can't go on the shopping trip.
Melody is given a gift certificate to the Inn by her employer, who feels she needs to rest, and apparently just makes arrangements to go without ever making a reservation. (As Levi points out, the family should make note on their reservation info. if they plan to not host guests on certain dates.) She's within 3 weeks of her due date, so I'm really not sure she should have traveled that far at all. There are some circumstances that make her feel less than peaceful in her hometown.
Leah is Melody's coworker and friend (though not Amish). She decides to drive up to the Inn to be with Melody during Christmas (leaving her own mom behind in Kentucky). She meets Zach, a police officer, during a pile up on the highway and they have an immediate connection.
So we have the elder Brennermans who have been married for a while; Katie, their daughter, who's recently married to Jonathan Lundy (a widower who has two daughters from his first marriage) and recently gave birth to their first child, Eli--plus she thinks she's pregnant again; Henry, Katie's brother, who's married to Anna (who converted to Amish because of her love for him); Winnie, Jonathan's sister, who's married to Samuel; Melody and Levi, who meet at the Inn and come to care for one another; Leah and Zach who meet and fall in love in the space of a few days--See what I mean when I say everyone has someone?
I don't think Leah and Zach could truly know they are meant for each other in the space of only a few days. It would still be the infatuation stage in real life. And yes, the attraction should be explored to see if it builds into a lifelong love, but . . . well, it's fiction and you know they're going for the happily ever after ending.
I preferred how Melody and Levi went about it a bit more since they each went back to their respective homes (in two different states) and wrote letters to each other to get to know each other better--but Levi going and asking her to marry him still seemed a bit rushed to me as far as length of time. Levi's been in love before but Melody has not--so how does she know this is true love?
Read
October 5, 2019This summary/review may have been copied for other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any personal notations are for my recollection only.
The Inn is normally quiet at Christmas so the family has decided to have a family get together for a week. Katie is looking forward to a shopping outing with her sister-in-law, Anna, and to the family being together alone. I can understand her feelings when the shopping trip gets cancelled at the last minute and when unexpected guests come into the family celebration. I think it's one of the reasons why I rarely let myself look forward to things like that--I seem to get cancelled on at the last minute often enough. Like Katie, it's often hard for me to hide the feeling that come up when plans are changed.
Levi has painful memories of Christmases past and is trying to escape them. His letter requesting a reservation takes a detour or two and arrives at the Inn on the day the shopping excursion was to happen, and since Anna then needs to get a room ready, she can't go on the shopping trip.
Melody is given a gift certificate to the Inn by her employer, who feels she needs to rest, and apparently just makes arrangements to go without ever making a reservation. (As Levi points out, the family should make note on their reservation info. if they plan to not host guests on certain dates.) She's within 3 weeks of her due date, so I'm really not sure she should have traveled that far at all. There are some circumstances that make her feel less than peaceful in her hometown.
Leah is Melody's coworker and friend (though not Amish). She decides to drive up to the Inn to be with Melody during Christmas (leaving her own mom behind in Kentucky). She meets Zach, a police officer, during a pile up on the highway and they have an immediate connection.
So we have the elder Brennermans who have been married for a while; Katie, their daughter, who's recently married to Jonathan Lundy (a widower who has two daughters from his first marriage) and recently gave birth to their first child, Eli--plus she thinks she's pregnant again; Henry, Katie's brother, who's married to Anna (who converted to Amish because of her love for him); Winnie, Jonathan's sister, who's married to Samuel; Melody and Levi, who meet at the Inn and come to care for one another; Leah and Zach who meet and fall in love in the space of a few days--
###############
The Inn is normally quiet at Christmas so the family has decided to have a family get together for a week. Katie is looking forward to a shopping outing with her sister-in-law, Anna, and to the family being together alone. I can understand her feelings when the shopping trip gets cancelled at the last minute and when unexpected guests come into the family celebration. I think it's one of the reasons why I rarely let myself look forward to things like that--I seem to get cancelled on at the last minute often enough. Like Katie, it's often hard for me to hide the feeling that come up when plans are changed.
Levi has painful memories of Christmases past and is trying to escape them. His letter requesting a reservation takes a detour or two and arrives at the Inn on the day the shopping excursion was to happen, and since Anna then needs to get a room ready, she can't go on the shopping trip.
Melody is given a gift certificate to the Inn by her employer, who feels she needs to rest, and apparently just makes arrangements to go without ever making a reservation. (As Levi points out, the family should make note on their reservation info. if they plan to not host guests on certain dates.) She's within 3 weeks of her due date, so I'm really not sure she should have traveled that far at all. There are some circumstances that make her feel less than peaceful in her hometown.
Leah is Melody's coworker and friend (though not Amish). She decides to drive up to the Inn to be with Melody during Christmas (leaving her own mom behind in Kentucky). She meets Zach, a police officer, during a pile up on the highway and they have an immediate connection.
So we have the elder Brennermans who have been married for a while; Katie, their daughter, who's recently married to Jonathan Lundy (a widower who has two daughters from his first marriage) and recently gave birth to their first child, Eli--plus she thinks she's pregnant again; Henry, Katie's brother, who's married to Anna (who converted to Amish because of her love for him); Winnie, Jonathan's sister, who's married to Samuel; Melody and Levi, who meet at the Inn and come to care for one another; Leah and Zach who meet and fall in love in the space of a few days--
###############
December 23, 2021
I enjoyed the setting and the camaraderie of the characters in this innkeeper's family, and the description of the holiday foods. That made it a nice Christmas read.
I like stories about grace and forgiveness. One of the threads in this one was about Levi's quest for self-forgiveness in "causing" his wife and daughter to die by insisting that his wife give birth at home when she wanted to be in a hospital because of complications.
Welllll, he was a dolt. And I realize that Melody was trying to help him feel better by saying that God had fore-ordained their time to go. (Blaming God? But she didn't seem to be that harsh or critical of God in it.) That may be as it is, but I still think that Levi was also at least partially culpable. Yes, he should forgive himself. Yes, God can forgive him. But that implies that there was something to forgive. It's not a fine line between not accepting responsibility and berating oneself with never-ending guilt. There is also a third position - accepting the guilt and the responsibility, and accepting the forgiveness.
I actually know a man who insisted that his wife give birth at home. He was not a very empathetic man in general, and eventually they got divorced.
Ok, but I do believe that Levi changed and that he was very attentive and sympathetic towards Melody and that they could be good for each other. As is often the case in these stories, they seemed to get serious after too short a time to really know each other. At least they were lingering in it some with the letter-writing towards the end.
The other romance in this book annoyed me. Zach just seemed too perfect and he came on too strongly, almost stalker-type, despite being a cop. That romance also developed too quickly for them to actually get to know each other.
Also, since Leah had just felt fear from the car accident when she met Zach, her emotions were already heightened which makes it easier to mistake fear for love. Gilbert's "Stumbling on Happiness" talked about that phenomenon, and it could take extra time to distinguish.
It felt highly coincidental that Zach arrived at the right time at the inn.
I found it unrealistic that Levi was letting go of his grief during Faith's birth because one baby doesn't replace another. Grief continues, but one can also simultaneously feel happiness over another baby.
Favorite quotes:
"We have to see the daylight where we can, jah? Every day can't be cloudy and gloomy."
"Lord, I am yours. I am yours as I always have been. Please guide me. Please walk with me, tell me your wishes. Tell me your wants. Lord, did you direct me to this place?"
I like stories about grace and forgiveness. One of the threads in this one was about Levi's quest for self-forgiveness in "causing" his wife and daughter to die by insisting that his wife give birth at home when she wanted to be in a hospital because of complications.
Welllll, he was a dolt. And I realize that Melody was trying to help him feel better by saying that God had fore-ordained their time to go. (Blaming God? But she didn't seem to be that harsh or critical of God in it.) That may be as it is, but I still think that Levi was also at least partially culpable. Yes, he should forgive himself. Yes, God can forgive him. But that implies that there was something to forgive. It's not a fine line between not accepting responsibility and berating oneself with never-ending guilt. There is also a third position - accepting the guilt and the responsibility, and accepting the forgiveness.
I actually know a man who insisted that his wife give birth at home. He was not a very empathetic man in general, and eventually they got divorced.
Ok, but I do believe that Levi changed and that he was very attentive and sympathetic towards Melody and that they could be good for each other. As is often the case in these stories, they seemed to get serious after too short a time to really know each other. At least they were lingering in it some with the letter-writing towards the end.
The other romance in this book annoyed me. Zach just seemed too perfect and he came on too strongly, almost stalker-type, despite being a cop. That romance also developed too quickly for them to actually get to know each other.
Also, since Leah had just felt fear from the car accident when she met Zach, her emotions were already heightened which makes it easier to mistake fear for love. Gilbert's "Stumbling on Happiness" talked about that phenomenon, and it could take extra time to distinguish.
It felt highly coincidental that Zach arrived at the right time at the inn.
I found it unrealistic that Levi was letting go of his grief during Faith's birth because one baby doesn't replace another. Grief continues, but one can also simultaneously feel happiness over another baby.
Favorite quotes:
"We have to see the daylight where we can, jah? Every day can't be cloudy and gloomy."
"Lord, I am yours. I am yours as I always have been. Please guide me. Please walk with me, tell me your wishes. Tell me your wants. Lord, did you direct me to this place?"
August 18, 2017
This book is firmly Christian and about faith. I don't think you'd enjoy it if you're not Christian and you don't feel that faith is important. It certainly fits under the heading of an Inspirational book (some books at the library have that label).
I read other books in this series, Sisters of the Heart. I think there are three others. I remember really liking them so they'd have been about a 4 star rating. This book was more of a 3 1/2. Why less for this book? I don't really think it's because this book is any less it's more to do with my mood when I read it. I wasn't really in the mood to read this type of book so maybe the rating isn't fair.
I remember feeling that the other books in the series were a balm, so soothing. I think I was feeling frazzled and this books were just what I needed at the time; something quiet, simple, life and faith affirming, optimistic. I think you need to read this book from this foundation; of being Christian, feeling faith is important and feeling a little overwhelmed by life, or just feeling blue. Otherwise you may feel how I kind of did at times reading this book; impatient and maybe a little tiny bit bored.
If you're the right person to read it and in the right mood, I think you need to get this book and the series. I have them all and will be keeping them to read when I need them. Strangely, I don't usually think of books like that, needing them but this series is a rarity among the books I've read. It made me feel good, uplifted when I was done. Even though I wasn't really in the mood for the book.
Oh and I meant to add that this book is kind, that's the word that most came to mind after I'd read it, that it was kind and loving (as were the characters in the book by and large) and that reminded me of 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (Love is patient, Love is kind...) So maybe this book is the author sending her love to the reader, or something. Corny, I know, but there you go.
I read other books in this series, Sisters of the Heart. I think there are three others. I remember really liking them so they'd have been about a 4 star rating. This book was more of a 3 1/2. Why less for this book? I don't really think it's because this book is any less it's more to do with my mood when I read it. I wasn't really in the mood to read this type of book so maybe the rating isn't fair.
I remember feeling that the other books in the series were a balm, so soothing. I think I was feeling frazzled and this books were just what I needed at the time; something quiet, simple, life and faith affirming, optimistic. I think you need to read this book from this foundation; of being Christian, feeling faith is important and feeling a little overwhelmed by life, or just feeling blue. Otherwise you may feel how I kind of did at times reading this book; impatient and maybe a little tiny bit bored.
If you're the right person to read it and in the right mood, I think you need to get this book and the series. I have them all and will be keeping them to read when I need them. Strangely, I don't usually think of books like that, needing them but this series is a rarity among the books I've read. It made me feel good, uplifted when I was done. Even though I wasn't really in the mood for the book.
Oh and I meant to add that this book is kind, that's the word that most came to mind after I'd read it, that it was kind and loving (as were the characters in the book by and large) and that reminded me of 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (Love is patient, Love is kind...) So maybe this book is the author sending her love to the reader, or something. Corny, I know, but there you go.
January 4, 2023
What a beautiful story that reflects God’s love and grace. Two people lost in the world looking for a place to stay for Christmas find themselves at the quaint Bed and Breakfast. They were not expected as the family usually don’t have guests during the holidays. I loved how the family welcomed these two strangers and gave them a loving place to stay. At first not everyone is happy they have guests, but the author shows how important it is to not judge others.
Melody is about to deliver a baby and needed to get away from her parents. She isn’t well received in her community and thought it was sad to see how she was treated. Her experience is one she doesn’t want anyone to know about and I think she blames herself for the attack another had because she didn’t step forward. Out of this event a child is soon to be born. Oh how I loved that Melody never once thought of giving this child away. Now she needs to figure out how she will support herself and her baby.
Levi is hoping that he will be able to have a quiet holiday at the B&B but he soon realizes that it is not going to happen. He is still grieving the loss of his wife and child and the last thing he wants is to celebrate Christmas. His emotions are felt as he blames himself for their deaths. Guilt is eating him up and he needs to learn to let go.
I liked how Melody and Levi slowly begin a friendship and start to share their past with each other. Melody worries that Levi will be a little afraid to be around her because she feels danger. Levi is very gentle with Melody and I liked how protective he felt when he hears her story. Melody soon learns about Levi’s past and at first acted a little upset. With emotions running high in this story we witness a miracle that mirrors another very special birth. I loved how the author tied these two stories together. This is a nice book to read to learn about grace and how it heals the broken-hearted.
Melody is about to deliver a baby and needed to get away from her parents. She isn’t well received in her community and thought it was sad to see how she was treated. Her experience is one she doesn’t want anyone to know about and I think she blames herself for the attack another had because she didn’t step forward. Out of this event a child is soon to be born. Oh how I loved that Melody never once thought of giving this child away. Now she needs to figure out how she will support herself and her baby.
Levi is hoping that he will be able to have a quiet holiday at the B&B but he soon realizes that it is not going to happen. He is still grieving the loss of his wife and child and the last thing he wants is to celebrate Christmas. His emotions are felt as he blames himself for their deaths. Guilt is eating him up and he needs to learn to let go.
I liked how Melody and Levi slowly begin a friendship and start to share their past with each other. Melody worries that Levi will be a little afraid to be around her because she feels danger. Levi is very gentle with Melody and I liked how protective he felt when he hears her story. Melody soon learns about Levi’s past and at first acted a little upset. With emotions running high in this story we witness a miracle that mirrors another very special birth. I loved how the author tied these two stories together. This is a nice book to read to learn about grace and how it heals the broken-hearted.
December 6, 2024
Christmas time is upon the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast and the family is looking forward to the holiday season. Katie is looking forward to the holiday season with family possibly a little more than the rest, but when two unexpected guests arrive to stay through the holidays, their lives change for the good.
Levi, a man that seems to want to be alone arrives first and makes it well known that he is not a happy man. Katie finds him to be overbearing, and she is fine that he will not bother them during the season. Next, Melody arrives. Melody has traveled to the inn from Kentucky all by herself and she is obviously with child. This bothers Katie to her core, but she tries not to be too nosy. Are these two strangers hiding secrets and will anyone discover what those secrets are? Katie has a secret herself and will that secret be revealed? Will these two strangers ruin Christmas for the family or will they be exactly what is needed to make the holiday even more special.
I loved this story! Christian fiction is one of my favorite genres in books and Amish stories are usually some of the best. This book has quite a storyline and does deal with some adult issues such as death and sexual assault but is still very well written and does not dwell on the bad. I feel that the holiday spirit of this family comes thru the book and the underlying story that develops within the book makes it even more interesting.
Levi, a man that seems to want to be alone arrives first and makes it well known that he is not a happy man. Katie finds him to be overbearing, and she is fine that he will not bother them during the season. Next, Melody arrives. Melody has traveled to the inn from Kentucky all by herself and she is obviously with child. This bothers Katie to her core, but she tries not to be too nosy. Are these two strangers hiding secrets and will anyone discover what those secrets are? Katie has a secret herself and will that secret be revealed? Will these two strangers ruin Christmas for the family or will they be exactly what is needed to make the holiday even more special.
I loved this story! Christian fiction is one of my favorite genres in books and Amish stories are usually some of the best. This book has quite a storyline and does deal with some adult issues such as death and sexual assault but is still very well written and does not dwell on the bad. I feel that the holiday spirit of this family comes thru the book and the underlying story that develops within the book makes it even more interesting.
June 2, 2019
It’s Christmastime at the Brenneman Bed & Breakfast, and everyone is excited about closing down for the holiday. Anna and Henry will be celebrating their first Christmas as a married couple, and for Katie and Jonathan Lundy, it’s their first Christmas with baby Stefan. Winnie and Samuel Miller plan to stop by as well for a wonderful two weeks of family and rest.
But when two unexpected visitors show up, hoping to stay for Christmas, the family must test their commitment to hospitality. Levi is a widower who lost his wife four years ago and can’t bear the thought of another Christmas alone. And Melody is a young pregnant woman who won’t open up about how she ended up on her own at Christmas at almost nine months pregnant. Anna, who knows a thing or two about keeping secrets, doesn’t trust her, and strives to find out the truth about these two strangers who have disrupted their holiday.
But as the Christmas spirit descends on them all, along with a snow that traps them at the inn, a healing and hopefulness takes over, allowing new relationships to be built and the boundaries of family to be extended.
A Blackstone Audio production.
December 6, 2022
Meh. This was my first (and probably only) foray into Amish cozy stories. The romances in this book were quick and facile. The characters avow deep feelings, but everything happens so fast, conversations are not much more than relating personal history, and the incidents are described minimally. Not a lot of interior life given to the characters, either. Lots of telling, not showing on the author's part. In particular, I was disturbed by a rape victim so quickly feeling at ease with a difficult, rude man and taking comfort from his touch right out of the gate. Melody's story just requires a lot of suspension of disbelief. There isn't much setting description that sets it as Amish. It's cozy, though. It's part of the Sisters of the Heart series, and if the previous novels are written with the speed and glossing over of serious issues, then I can't commit to the other books. But, a Christmas birth deserves more than two stars, so there you have it.
February 15, 2019
This book continues the story of the three girls from the first 3 books - and their husbands. It's Christmas, and they all are gathering at the Brenneman B&B for a week of family fun. However, when a mailed reservation arrives only hours before the single male Amish guest, the plans are upset for everyone, especially Katie. Soon after, a very pregnant Amish lady arrives without a reservation, and all the family's plans are scuttled. However, as the days progress towards Christmas Day, even Katie begins to realize that God has His hand in the unexpected events.
It's a wonderful story, not just for Christmas, but for everyone who deals with the unexpected, teaching us that God has His hand in everything.
It's a wonderful story, not just for Christmas, but for everyone who deals with the unexpected, teaching us that God has His hand in everything.
February 4, 2017
What a great way to end the Sisters of the Heart series! I love how the author draws you in and makes you feel like you're a part of the book! This was a great story about opening your heart and home to strangers who are alone on Christmas. I love the Brennaman family! This was a heartwarming story about two lost souls in search of something different to take them away from their worries and sadness for awhile. Melody and Levi stay at The Brennaman's Bed and Breakfast for the Christmas holiday. They form an unexpected friendship with each other and the Brennaman family. Both Melody and Levi's stories touched my heart! Definitely a series worth reading again!
October 24, 2023
What a story! When I first started on the book, it begins at the inn. It took me a couple days to really get into it, but once after I got reading about the two surprise guests that were going to be staying the holiday there, I could not put it down. I read about Melody and the awful thing that had happened to her then Levi and his reason for going to the inn, I then kicked into non stop read mode. Melody’s friend, Leah, tries to get to the inn to see Melody when she runs into an ice storm. Many twist and turns ends perfect for everyone!! A delightful book!
February 12, 2022
Shelley Sheppard Gray tends to have a lot of different characters in her books. I tell you this because that’s what keeps me coming back is the large character base and their relationships with each other. Nice heartwarming story that reminds us even when we don’t understand the why everything happens for a reason at the time it does. Left me with that warm good feelings that will have me going back to read more of her stories.
October 22, 2020
I flew through this series! The final novel in the Sisters .of the Heart series did not disappoint! We got to visit with the main characters in the previous books while getting to know the new ones, too. Definitely a twist from your typical Amish story. Amazing series. Definitely will be reading lots more from this author.
January 11, 2021
There are subplots in this book that I will not be mentioning. The primary plot revolves around two young people who are world weary and victims of harrowing tragedies. They meet at an Amish B & B during Advent. It is in this place (filled with harmony, family, love and quality of life) that the two fall in love with each other. Levi and Melody. A sweet tale for the Christmas season.
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