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Sisters of the Heart #2
Wanted
An Amish woman’s past deeds may ruin her one chance at happiness in Shelley Shepard Gray’s Wanted, book two in the Sisters of the Heart series.Twenty-year-old Katie Brenneman has always quietly fancied Jonathan Lundy. So when the brokenhearted widower asks her to help him take care of his two young girls, Katie knows it will be a trying time—yet she cannot pass up a golden opportunity to get to know this man better.Just as she’s settling into her new life, a message arrives from Katie’s past, threatening to expose her darkest secrets. During her Rumspringa, her running-around years, she experimented with activities forbidden in the Amish way of life. Frightened by how far she’d strayed from her values, Katie ran back home, vowing to cut all ties with the outside world. Now her transgressions are coming back to haunt her, just as Jonathan seems willing to welcome her into his heart.Will the past destroy Katie’s chances for love? Or will Katie allow herself to accept God’s love, forgive her past, and receive everything she’s ever wanted?“Shelley Shepard Gray writes with honesty, tenderness, and depth. Her characters are admirable, richly-layered, and impossible to forget.” —New York Times bestselling author Jillian HartSisters of the HeartHiddenWantedForgivenGrace
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2009
193 people are currently reading
1078 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Shepard Gray
126 books2,314 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 104 reviews
November 30, 2023
WANTED by Shelley Shepard Gray is a fantastic read! It is the second book in the Sisters of the Heart series. It is so wonderful that I read the next one right after this one. WANTED is the story of Katie. Katie has some dark secrets in her past. They are things that she has done that she is not proud of during her time of rumspringa, where Amish teens get the chance to see how the English world is. But she's put that behind her now and has a secret crush on handsome widower Jonathan Lundy.
Katie started having feelings for Jonathan soon after his wife was killed in a buggy accident. Now Jonathan sister, Winnie, who takes care of Jonathan’s two daughters, wants to go meet a man she has been writing to and thinks she has a future with. Jonathan asks Katie's family to let her come and help out for the two months that Winnie will be out of town. It will be so hard for her to go and live with him when she has feelings for him and he appears not to have any for her. The idea of being WANTED is nothing new and its all Katie wants.
While reading WANTED, I wasn't really sure if Jonathan and Katie were ever going to let go of their pasts. At times, I was frustrated with both of them and their lack of communication. I also wondered if Katie and Jonathan would continue to care for one another or will they resign themselves to the fact that they can never be? And if they do continue to care for one another, which one will have to make the change to make themselves work? I loved how Shelley 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.
Katie started having feelings for Jonathan soon after his wife was killed in a buggy accident. Now Jonathan sister, Winnie, who takes care of Jonathan’s two daughters, wants to go meet a man she has been writing to and thinks she has a future with. Jonathan asks Katie's family to let her come and help out for the two months that Winnie will be out of town. It will be so hard for her to go and live with him when she has feelings for him and he appears not to have any for her. The idea of being WANTED is nothing new and its all Katie wants.
While reading WANTED, I wasn't really sure if Jonathan and Katie were ever going to let go of their pasts. At times, I was frustrated with both of them and their lack of communication. I also wondered if Katie and Jonathan would continue to care for one another or will they resign themselves to the fact that they can never be? And if they do continue to care for one another, which one will have to make the change to make themselves work? I loved how Shelley 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.
August 24, 2011
My grandma and I seem to pass Amish books back and forth and when she gave me this one I was more than happy to start reading. A light Amish romance it has the usual components of these novels, but still is a lovely read. Technically the 2nd book in the series, you don't really need to read the first book first, as this one stands alone quite well.
Katie has some dark secrets in her past; things that she has done that she is not proud of during her time of rumspringa (Amish teens chance to see the English world). But she's put that behind her now and has nursed a secret crush on handsome widower Jonathan. He still pines away for his wife but when an opportunity arises for Katie to stay and take care of his children, things brew between the two of them that are unexpected. Katie knows she wants him, but isn't sure that he is ready to love her in return.
Katie's a great character. A bit dramatic at times but I realize that in my view, things the Amish view as very bad really aren't so bad at all so I need to think about that while reading. Jonathan I didn't find as likable of a character but he served his purpose as Katie's love interest. I did like his two daughters, they had a lot of personality and really added to the book, giving small problems here and there to keep it interesting.
The plot was actually pretty standard, I've seen the same in other Amish books. But there were enough little differences to make it seem its own and I still enjoyed it quite a bit. There were a couple of little plot twists that were resolved far too easily in my opinion, but I do have to keep in mind that this is a romance. Like most Amish books out there, it could be considered Christian fiction but it was not overly preachy and more used the nuances of religion as describing the Amish way of life.
Not a bad Amish book. I'll definitely check out more by this author.
Wanted
Copyright 2009
241 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2011
Katie has some dark secrets in her past; things that she has done that she is not proud of during her time of rumspringa (Amish teens chance to see the English world). But she's put that behind her now and has nursed a secret crush on handsome widower Jonathan. He still pines away for his wife but when an opportunity arises for Katie to stay and take care of his children, things brew between the two of them that are unexpected. Katie knows she wants him, but isn't sure that he is ready to love her in return.
Katie's a great character. A bit dramatic at times but I realize that in my view, things the Amish view as very bad really aren't so bad at all so I need to think about that while reading. Jonathan I didn't find as likable of a character but he served his purpose as Katie's love interest. I did like his two daughters, they had a lot of personality and really added to the book, giving small problems here and there to keep it interesting.
The plot was actually pretty standard, I've seen the same in other Amish books. But there were enough little differences to make it seem its own and I still enjoyed it quite a bit. There were a couple of little plot twists that were resolved far too easily in my opinion, but I do have to keep in mind that this is a romance. Like most Amish books out there, it could be considered Christian fiction but it was not overly preachy and more used the nuances of religion as describing the Amish way of life.
Not a bad Amish book. I'll definitely check out more by this author.
Wanted
Copyright 2009
241 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2011
September 11, 2025
I really love this series.
March 31, 2018
A very sweet story about second chances and starting over. I liked Katie a lot in the first book and I enjoyed getting to know her better. She has always had a crush on Jonathan, a young widower with two little girls, and takes a position working around his house and providing childcare.
I didn’t like Jonathan as much as I liked Henry from the first book. He was somewhat gruff and cold towards Katie. I liked Brendan a lot though.
I’m excited to read the third book (Winnie’s story).
I hadn’t read this author before I read the first book in this series, but I am enjoying this series and will probably read more by her.
I didn’t like Jonathan as much as I liked Henry from the first book. He was somewhat gruff and cold towards Katie. I liked Brendan a lot though.
I’m excited to read the third book (Winnie’s story).
I hadn’t read this author before I read the first book in this series, but I am enjoying this series and will probably read more by her.
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!
December 27, 2016
Loved this book, had me turning the page . This book is about forgiveness and love.
February 18, 2025
Katie is an Amish girl helping her parents run their inn. One of their community members has lost his wife in an accident and is trying to raise his two girls alone. His sister is staying there to help him. When she has to leave for a few months, he is in need of her replacement. He asks Katie's parents if she can come live at his house. He will stay in another house, but her parents are leery. After a while they consent and Katie is trilled. She has always had her eye on him. My how this arrangement will change her life.
June 14, 2015
Wanted is book #2 of series "Sisters of the Heart" by Shelly Shepard Gray
{Library copy)
I love to read amish stories and when I have none I will hit the library for a couple to read -lucked up this time with couple of Shelly's, I had read #1 some time ago but since they are stories of young women the time did not matter.
This one was about Katie Brennenan who had a crush on one of the men in the community as a girl but when he married knew nothing would come of it. Katie did a few things she was not proud of in the "Rumspringa" time of her life.
Our story begins when Johathan Lundy is having a hard time after his wife has died and his sister who has been watching over his household wants to leave for a couple of months. He comes to the Brennenans hoping Katie can come stay and help out.
Come read and enjoy how Katie grows from this experience in her life but not without a few setbacks. Will her past allow her to accept God's love and forgivness and forge a new life...one she has always wanted?
{Library copy)
I love to read amish stories and when I have none I will hit the library for a couple to read -lucked up this time with couple of Shelly's, I had read #1 some time ago but since they are stories of young women the time did not matter.
This one was about Katie Brennenan who had a crush on one of the men in the community as a girl but when he married knew nothing would come of it. Katie did a few things she was not proud of in the "Rumspringa" time of her life.
Our story begins when Johathan Lundy is having a hard time after his wife has died and his sister who has been watching over his household wants to leave for a couple of months. He comes to the Brennenans hoping Katie can come stay and help out.
Come read and enjoy how Katie grows from this experience in her life but not without a few setbacks. Will her past allow her to accept God's love and forgivness and forge a new life...one she has always wanted?
September 21, 2014
This is the second book in the sisters of the heart series. I really enjoyed it. Shelley has become one of my all time favorite authors.
Katie had insecurities and fears because of some mistakes she had made in her past. They seemed to have kept her back from truly enjoying a peaceful, happy life and moving forward into her future. Until she makes amends . God is a forgiving God and she needed to feel forgiven, all she had to do was turn to her Lord and Savior. Once she made amends she was able to love again and move on with her life. Sometimes we hold on to things in our past that we should just let go of and let God take over, because if we have confessed them, then they are already forgiven, but we still seem to hold on the them. So through this story i hope to learn that lesson Let Go and Let God.. Leave the past where it belongs.
So ready for part three in this series.
Katie had insecurities and fears because of some mistakes she had made in her past. They seemed to have kept her back from truly enjoying a peaceful, happy life and moving forward into her future. Until she makes amends . God is a forgiving God and she needed to feel forgiven, all she had to do was turn to her Lord and Savior. Once she made amends she was able to love again and move on with her life. Sometimes we hold on to things in our past that we should just let go of and let God take over, because if we have confessed them, then they are already forgiven, but we still seem to hold on the them. So through this story i hope to learn that lesson Let Go and Let God.. Leave the past where it belongs.
So ready for part three in this series.
January 6, 2016
"Wanted" is the second book for "sisters of the heart" series and it was such a nice and lite read. Sisters of the heart is my first attempt with Amish books and I must say I chose the best.
Katie with all the secrets of her past fell in love with a man with two kids. Her future depends on him and more on her own decision of not keeping secrets any longer ..
"Here was her chance. She could tell him everything. Then she would know if he loved her enough to overlook her past and her faults. Her burdens would be gone and she could start a new.
But just as she opened her mouth to do that, all the words struck in her throat. With some bit of disappointment, she realized she couldn't do it.
She wasn't as strong and stalwart as she'd always hoped to be. She was too afraid of rejection. Too afraid to make a lifelong mistake."
Katie with all the secrets of her past fell in love with a man with two kids. Her future depends on him and more on her own decision of not keeping secrets any longer ..
"Here was her chance. She could tell him everything. Then she would know if he loved her enough to overlook her past and her faults. Her burdens would be gone and she could start a new.
But just as she opened her mouth to do that, all the words struck in her throat. With some bit of disappointment, she realized she couldn't do it.
She wasn't as strong and stalwart as she'd always hoped to be. She was too afraid of rejection. Too afraid to make a lifelong mistake."
July 5, 2024
Great read
The word WANTED. "Wanted" has all sorts of possibilities using your imagination. There is a wanted poster. I wanted to go but couldn't There is WANTED, maid twice a month. And there is the feeling of needing to be wanted -- not as a caregiver of his children..But wanted for herself, who she was -- not what she could do.
I think all of us at 1 time or another have felt That way. I really enjoy this story. This is the 1st book out of this series that I've read. So I immediately wanna go read another 1 like book 1. Shelley Shepard Gragy is a masterful author of Author of Amish books & publishes them regularly.
If you love her books , and you haven't read this series -- Add this series to your "To Read" list.
The word WANTED. "Wanted" has all sorts of possibilities using your imagination. There is a wanted poster. I wanted to go but couldn't There is WANTED, maid twice a month. And there is the feeling of needing to be wanted -- not as a caregiver of his children..But wanted for herself, who she was -- not what she could do.
I think all of us at 1 time or another have felt That way. I really enjoy this story. This is the 1st book out of this series that I've read. So I immediately wanna go read another 1 like book 1. Shelley Shepard Gragy is a masterful author of Author of Amish books & publishes them regularly.
If you love her books , and you haven't read this series -- Add this series to your "To Read" list.
June 13, 2016
I really enjoyed this book! Katie's story of forgiving herself and making things right in her life was very touching. It made me stop and think about certain obstacles in my life that I need to let go of.
August 31, 2019
Excellent story!! On to the last in this series. Don't want it to end
December 9, 2018
This is book 2 of the Sisters of the Heart series and though I did not read book 1, it almost felt like I did as I read this book--so some of the plotlines from that book must have been in another book I read.
This book focuses mostly on Katie Brenneman, though there is a common theme of "being wanted" among several women in the book. In addition to Katie, Winnie Lundy and Anna Metzger are also both seeking romantic love and the children, Mary and Hannah, appear to need family love. I think even the non-Amish characters of Holly and Brandon want to renew past relationships.
Anna has found her soulmate in Katie's brother Henry. Anna is a non-Amish woman who is willing to learn Amish ways and join the Amish church for the man she loves. Wow! It's a big undertaking. She's learning Pennsylvania Dutch (something Amish learn as their first language--many don't learn English until they go off to school), learning to can and to do laundry manually. My first thought is she must really love him with all the conveniences she is giving up.
Winnie thinks she has found love with Malcolm, though to this point, she has only exchanged letters with him as he lives in Indiana. To her mind, the next step is to go meet Malcolm in person. The only problem is that she's in charge of her widowed brother's girls, Mary and Hannah, and they need to find someone to step in and take over that while she is gone. I do agree with the assessment of other characters that people can be different in letters than they are in real life. In writing something down, there is more time to order things and work on the wording of ideas. Real life interactions happen much more quickly. I also know how easy it is to build someone or something up in your mind and then be disappointed by the reality. So will Winnie find true love or find that Malcolm isn't all she thought?
Enter Katie. Katie has long had feelings for Jonathan Lundy (father of Mary and Hannah). In fact, it is those feelings that finally convicted her that her "running around period" with Holly and Brandon where she hid who she really was from them was wrong. Now more mature, Katie realizes that she liked how Brandon made her feel wanted, but also that he liked her in a different way than she liked him. Katie has hidden this time from everyone in her family and friends. Despite her parents' misgivings, Katie hopes that taking the job helping Jonathan with his girls will result in love between Jonathan and her.
Jonathan, at first, seems a man content to leave things as they are. He'd prefer Winnie continue taking care of his girls rather than getting married and having a family and life of her own. Though he and Sarah had problems in their marriage, he doesn't seem ready to move on with his life. In fact, he seems pretty clueless--he tends to present it as facts of suitability rather than mentioning that he has feelings for Katie after he gets to know her and sees how she works within his home. I'll admit, I don't know much of Amish courting or marriage customs, but I don't think most women want to marry someone just because the man thinks she'll be good for his kids and keeps a good home.
At the same time, Brandon, now dying of cancer, wants to see Katie again. Though his sister Holly would prefer to never have to talk to Katie again, she agrees to try to find Katie and get her to come see him. I think Brandon has a remembrance of Katie that doesn't jive with what he sees when she comes to visit him. I'm not sure what he wanted from her--just to see that she was happy?
I think the author does a good job with the plot, though the plot points aren't new ones if you read a lot of Amish fiction. I appreciate her showing the struggles of learning the Amish way of life (through Anna) but also showing the good parts of Amish life too. (Yes, there are some Amish, just like there are some non-Amish, who probably do take the man-as-head-of-household idea as a way to subjugate the women. Those are not presented in this book where the Brennemans are a loving family.) I'm glad to see the author lives in Southern Ohio at the time of the publishing of this book.
This book focuses mostly on Katie Brenneman, though there is a common theme of "being wanted" among several women in the book. In addition to Katie, Winnie Lundy and Anna Metzger are also both seeking romantic love and the children, Mary and Hannah, appear to need family love. I think even the non-Amish characters of Holly and Brandon want to renew past relationships.
Anna has found her soulmate in Katie's brother Henry. Anna is a non-Amish woman who is willing to learn Amish ways and join the Amish church for the man she loves. Wow! It's a big undertaking. She's learning Pennsylvania Dutch (something Amish learn as their first language--many don't learn English until they go off to school), learning to can and to do laundry manually. My first thought is she must really love him with all the conveniences she is giving up.
Winnie thinks she has found love with Malcolm, though to this point, she has only exchanged letters with him as he lives in Indiana. To her mind, the next step is to go meet Malcolm in person. The only problem is that she's in charge of her widowed brother's girls, Mary and Hannah, and they need to find someone to step in and take over that while she is gone. I do agree with the assessment of other characters that people can be different in letters than they are in real life. In writing something down, there is more time to order things and work on the wording of ideas. Real life interactions happen much more quickly. I also know how easy it is to build someone or something up in your mind and then be disappointed by the reality. So will Winnie find true love or find that Malcolm isn't all she thought?
Enter Katie. Katie has long had feelings for Jonathan Lundy (father of Mary and Hannah). In fact, it is those feelings that finally convicted her that her "running around period" with Holly and Brandon where she hid who she really was from them was wrong. Now more mature, Katie realizes that she liked how Brandon made her feel wanted, but also that he liked her in a different way than she liked him. Katie has hidden this time from everyone in her family and friends. Despite her parents' misgivings, Katie hopes that taking the job helping Jonathan with his girls will result in love between Jonathan and her.
Jonathan, at first, seems a man content to leave things as they are. He'd prefer Winnie continue taking care of his girls rather than getting married and having a family and life of her own. Though he and Sarah had problems in their marriage, he doesn't seem ready to move on with his life. In fact, he seems pretty clueless--he tends to present it as facts of suitability rather than mentioning that he has feelings for Katie after he gets to know her and sees how she works within his home. I'll admit, I don't know much of Amish courting or marriage customs, but I don't think most women want to marry someone just because the man thinks she'll be good for his kids and keeps a good home.
At the same time, Brandon, now dying of cancer, wants to see Katie again. Though his sister Holly would prefer to never have to talk to Katie again, she agrees to try to find Katie and get her to come see him. I think Brandon has a remembrance of Katie that doesn't jive with what he sees when she comes to visit him. I'm not sure what he wanted from her--just to see that she was happy?
I think the author does a good job with the plot, though the plot points aren't new ones if you read a lot of Amish fiction. I appreciate her showing the struggles of learning the Amish way of life (through Anna) but also showing the good parts of Amish life too. (Yes, there are some Amish, just like there are some non-Amish, who probably do take the man-as-head-of-household idea as a way to subjugate the women. Those are not presented in this book where the Brennemans are a loving family.) I'm glad to see the author lives in Southern Ohio at the time of the publishing of this book.
January 6, 2019
3.5 rounded up
THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM 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 first book of this series, Hidden, focused on Anna coming to hide out at her friend Katie's Family Amish Bed and Breakfast.
Wanted is the story of Anna's friend Katie. Both of them like sisters now, hence the series title, Sister's of the Heart. Katie has a lot of secrets from her Rumpringa that she has to deal with and learn to forgive herself before she moves on in life. Those secrets that she thought she had put in the past finally come back to haunt her.
She deals with them in this book. She also has taken a fancy to a widower named Jonathan. She started having eyes for him soon after his wife was killed in a buggy accident.
Now Jonathan sister, Winnie, who has been taken care of Jonathan’s two daughters, wants to go meet a man she has been writing to and thinks he's her future.
Jonathan asked Katie's family to let her come and help out for the two months that Winnie is out of town. It will be so hard on her to go and live with him when she has feelings for her he appears not to have any for her.
Will she go and will she find the future she dreams about. All of this unfolds in this book. Katie really seems to grow up more during this time and let God help her figure out her future.
**
All Katie ever wanted was to be loved and wanted. Her secrets about her Rumspringa came back to haunt her. She feels that she needs to be forgiven for the things she did during that time. She made new English friends that she misled and ran off on them after telling them the truth of who she really was.
Then an opportunity arises for her to help out Jonathan Lundy's family. His wife died a while ago and his sister Winnie was helping him. Winnie decided to pursue a dream and she headed to Indiana to meet a man that she had been communicating with for a while. Katie is asked to help out with his two daughters in Winnie's absence. Katie has had feelings for Jonathan and this was her chance to prove that she could be a good wife and mother to his girls.
**
Katie has some dark secrets in her past; things that she has done that she is not proud of during her time of rumspringa (Amish teens chance to see the English world). But she's put that behind her now and has nursed a secret crush on handsome widower Jonathan. He still pines away for his wife but when an opportunity arises for Katie to stay and take care of his children, things brew between the two of them that are unexpected. Katie knows she wants him, but isn't sure that he is ready to love her in return.
**
This one was about Katie Brennenan who had a crush on one of the men in the community as a girl but when he married knew nothing would come of it. Katie did a few things she was not proud of in the "Rumspringa" time of her life.
Our story begins when Johathan Lundy is having a hard time after his wife has died and his sister who has been watching over his household wants to leave for a couple of months. He comes to the Brennenans hoping Katie can come stay and help out.
THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM 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 first book of this series, Hidden, focused on Anna coming to hide out at her friend Katie's Family Amish Bed and Breakfast.
Wanted is the story of Anna's friend Katie. Both of them like sisters now, hence the series title, Sister's of the Heart. Katie has a lot of secrets from her Rumpringa that she has to deal with and learn to forgive herself before she moves on in life. Those secrets that she thought she had put in the past finally come back to haunt her.
She deals with them in this book. She also has taken a fancy to a widower named Jonathan. She started having eyes for him soon after his wife was killed in a buggy accident.
Now Jonathan sister, Winnie, who has been taken care of Jonathan’s two daughters, wants to go meet a man she has been writing to and thinks he's her future.
Jonathan asked Katie's family to let her come and help out for the two months that Winnie is out of town. It will be so hard on her to go and live with him when she has feelings for her he appears not to have any for her.
Will she go and will she find the future she dreams about. All of this unfolds in this book. Katie really seems to grow up more during this time and let God help her figure out her future.
**
All Katie ever wanted was to be loved and wanted. Her secrets about her Rumspringa came back to haunt her. She feels that she needs to be forgiven for the things she did during that time. She made new English friends that she misled and ran off on them after telling them the truth of who she really was.
Then an opportunity arises for her to help out Jonathan Lundy's family. His wife died a while ago and his sister Winnie was helping him. Winnie decided to pursue a dream and she headed to Indiana to meet a man that she had been communicating with for a while. Katie is asked to help out with his two daughters in Winnie's absence. Katie has had feelings for Jonathan and this was her chance to prove that she could be a good wife and mother to his girls.
**
Katie has some dark secrets in her past; things that she has done that she is not proud of during her time of rumspringa (Amish teens chance to see the English world). But she's put that behind her now and has nursed a secret crush on handsome widower Jonathan. He still pines away for his wife but when an opportunity arises for Katie to stay and take care of his children, things brew between the two of them that are unexpected. Katie knows she wants him, but isn't sure that he is ready to love her in return.
**
This one was about Katie Brennenan who had a crush on one of the men in the community as a girl but when he married knew nothing would come of it. Katie did a few things she was not proud of in the "Rumspringa" time of her life.
Our story begins when Johathan Lundy is having a hard time after his wife has died and his sister who has been watching over his household wants to leave for a couple of months. He comes to the Brennenans hoping Katie can come stay and help out.
October 3, 2010
Wanted by Shelley Shepard Gray is the second book in the Sisters of the Heart series. The first book of this series, Hidden, focused on Anna coming to hide out at her friend Katie's Family Amish Bed and Breakfast. I knew that I enjoyed the first book so much that I wanted to read the second book. My library had a copy, but it was on the bookmobile. I asked them to keep an eye out for it and then one day, I found it on the shelf. Wanted is the story of Anna's friend Katie. Both of them like sisters now, hence the series title, Sister's of the Heart. Katie has a lot of secrets from her Rumpringa that she has to deal with and learn to forgive herself before she moves on in life. Those secrets that she thought she had put in the past finally come back to haunt her. She deals with them in this book. She also has taken a fancy to a widower named Jonathan. She started having eyes for him soon after his wife was killed in a buggy accident. Now Jonathan sister, Winnie, who has been taken care of Jonathan’s two daughters, wants to go meet a man she has been writing to and thinks he's her future. Jonathan asked Katie's family to let her come and help out for the two months that Winnie is out of town. It will be so hard on her to go and live with him when she has feelings for her he appears not to have any for her. Will she go and will she find the future she dreams about. All of this unfolds in this book. Katie really seems to grow up more during this time and let God help her figure out her future.
I really enjoyed this book. Shelley Shepard Gray is one of my favorite Amish fiction authors. I missed the inn setting in this book, as it was what I feel in love with in the first book. There is however still glimpses of the inn in it. This book reminded me of the importance of prayer in making important decisions in life. I can't wait for the next two in this series.
I really enjoyed this book. Shelley Shepard Gray is one of my favorite Amish fiction authors. I missed the inn setting in this book, as it was what I feel in love with in the first book. There is however still glimpses of the inn in it. This book reminded me of the importance of prayer in making important decisions in life. I can't wait for the next two in this series.
December 26, 2008
About the book:
Widower Jonathan Lundy, the man twenty-year-old Katie Brenneman has secretly always fancied, asks her to watch his two young girls while his sister pays a visit to Indiana. Katie knows this will be a trying time. Jonathan has made it clear he has no intention of starting a relationship with her. Yet Katie can't pass up the opportunity to get to know him.
Just as she's settling into her new life caring for Jonathan's children, Katie receives a threatening note from her past, someone who befriended Katie during her Rumspringa, her running around years. Those years were a dark time for Katie. She dressed English, lied to her parents, and experimented with many activities forbidden in the Amish way of life. After one tumultuous night, Katie realized how far she'd strayed from her values. Scared by the person she'd become, she ran back home and vowed to cut all ties with the outside world.
My review:
Wanted is the second book in a series and I enjoyed it even more than the first book, Hidden. Wanted was interesting and a quick read. It definitely engages the reader's heart. All Katie wanted was to be wanted. Pretty profound, eh? Not exactly, but I still loved the storyline. The subtle attraction between the main characters was sweet, too. It's not even close to edgy and is what Amish fiction tends to be, warm and fuzzy. But I did enjoy it. The conflict was believable and the author explored some issues and inner workings of the heart that many novels never touch such as motivations behind friendships and love. I enjoyed this story and plan to keep reading the series because it's not as cliche as some Amish novels can be. This author is one of the better novelists in this genre.
Wanted was published by Avon Inspire and will be released the first week in January 2009.
February 6, 2009
*This review is from reading an ARC.*
The first book in this Sisters of the Heart Series, Hidden, was absolutely fabulous and a wonderful romance full of suspense. This second book is good, and I enjoyed the read and love the characters, but it was not very exciting to me. At least not in any comparison to the first book and other Amish books out there.
As a theme for this book, the idea of being "wanted" is nothing new to most people, and our Katie wanting to be wanted and going after that attention (in her past) in poorly advisable ways is not terribly surprising. What was surprising is how she talked about her past as if she had done something completely unforgivable. That comes just from the back of the book blurb with "Will Katie be able to forgive herself for her transgressions and allow herself to move forward in her life? Or will her inability to receive God's love keep her from everything she's ever wanted?" It was just a little over the top for me.
As a light hearted romance for practically any age to read, this is a good book with a good moral base behind it. Just for me, the way things were portrayed, I figured that something more exciting to repair from had existed.
I love the first book in this series, and I cannot wait for another and more from this author in the future. But this book was slightly boring to me. I'm sorry.
The first book in this Sisters of the Heart Series, Hidden, was absolutely fabulous and a wonderful romance full of suspense. This second book is good, and I enjoyed the read and love the characters, but it was not very exciting to me. At least not in any comparison to the first book and other Amish books out there.
As a theme for this book, the idea of being "wanted" is nothing new to most people, and our Katie wanting to be wanted and going after that attention (in her past) in poorly advisable ways is not terribly surprising. What was surprising is how she talked about her past as if she had done something completely unforgivable. That comes just from the back of the book blurb with "Will Katie be able to forgive herself for her transgressions and allow herself to move forward in her life? Or will her inability to receive God's love keep her from everything she's ever wanted?" It was just a little over the top for me.
As a light hearted romance for practically any age to read, this is a good book with a good moral base behind it. Just for me, the way things were portrayed, I figured that something more exciting to repair from had existed.
I love the first book in this series, and I cannot wait for another and more from this author in the future. But this book was slightly boring to me. I'm sorry.
November 24, 2010
All Katie ever wanted was to be loved. Her secrets about her rumpsinga came back to haunt her. She feels that she needs to be forgiven for the things she did during that time. She made new English friends that she misled and ran off on them after telling them the truth of who she really was.
Then an opportunity arises for her to help out Jonathan Lundy's family. His wife died a while ago and his sister Winnie was helping him. Winnie decided to pursue a dream and she headed to Indiana to meet a man that she had been communicating with for a while. Katie is asked to help out with his two daughters in Winnie's absence. Katie has had feelings for Jonathan and this was her chance to prove that she could be a good wife and mother to his girls.
I really enjoyed this story since Katie finally found love, the kind of love that she had always dreamed of. It shows us to follow our hearts and God and things work out for a reason. I am looking forward for reading the final book in this series, Forgiven.
Then an opportunity arises for her to help out Jonathan Lundy's family. His wife died a while ago and his sister Winnie was helping him. Winnie decided to pursue a dream and she headed to Indiana to meet a man that she had been communicating with for a while. Katie is asked to help out with his two daughters in Winnie's absence. Katie has had feelings for Jonathan and this was her chance to prove that she could be a good wife and mother to his girls.
I really enjoyed this story since Katie finally found love, the kind of love that she had always dreamed of. It shows us to follow our hearts and God and things work out for a reason. I am looking forward for reading the final book in this series, Forgiven.
April 18, 2012
I have apperantly started this series a long time ago with the book Hidden in which I bought for myself with all hopes of reading the rest. Well I found the rest, at the local library no doubt. I love it! This author does a great job of not spinning a lot of time retelling from the book before so you have to catch the details from these quick reads. They read really fast and you don't want to miss what is going on. It's nice to Anna settling into Amish life learning the language and the ways which is what the first book is all about but you learn all about Katie's burdens and why she insists on loving the old widow. I find it a bit odd how they have this young women pine, and flirt over a much older man with two children of his own. It's known that take care of the widower's and often they remarrry soon but Jonathan loved his wife and needs to work past the idea of living again a new life. This book shows that it's okay to love somone, and honor their life but not by giving up a life for yourself.
July 9, 2010
I thought this book was better written than the first SotH book. The relationship between Katie and Jonathon, seemed to develop better. She wrote a lot more relationship building scenes, which made it more realistic to me.
Also, I unexpectedly became very attached to Brandon, who had a pretty minor part. He played a major role in Katie's past life, but not in the present. But I was surprised to be so emotionally invested in his story. I really felt for him. In the end I liked how it all ended, well with the exception of Brandon's story line, he kind of got a bum deal. But loved how it all came together in the end, and I love that Anna and Henry still played a part in this story. It was a continuation of their story of sorts. I liked getting the little updates throughout the book.
Also, I unexpectedly became very attached to Brandon, who had a pretty minor part. He played a major role in Katie's past life, but not in the present. But I was surprised to be so emotionally invested in his story. I really felt for him. In the end I liked how it all ended, well with the exception of Brandon's story line, he kind of got a bum deal. But loved how it all came together in the end, and I love that Anna and Henry still played a part in this story. It was a continuation of their story of sorts. I liked getting the little updates throughout the book.
October 17, 2012
Ok, so this is my first Amish story. I was hesitant to pick this one up from the library because I was thinking that these Amish books are so popular now a days (at least here in the deep south) and I was hoping the story wouldn't be lame. I was expecting a clean romance, which this was with sprinklings of scripture and no preachy messages. The basic theme of the book is honesty.
The romance is well developed and even though the synopsis says that Katie has been longing for Jonathan since his wife died and left him to care for the two kids, the romance never felt rushed or creepy/stalker like. Katie's admiration and longing for Jonathan isn't based on any physical attraction and I was impressed with the slow steady way the author brings the characters together.
The romance is well developed and even though the synopsis says that Katie has been longing for Jonathan since his wife died and left him to care for the two kids, the romance never felt rushed or creepy/stalker like. Katie's admiration and longing for Jonathan isn't based on any physical attraction and I was impressed with the slow steady way the author brings the characters together.
February 9, 2019
Book 2 in this series follows the story of Katie Brenneman, the daughter of the owners of the B&B where Anna took her refuge (in book 1). She has had eyes for Jonathan Lundy since he became a young widower. Yet when he asks Katie's parents for her help in taking care of his two daughters while his sister is out of town for two months, both Katie and her parents struggle to say yes. Besides looking inappropriate (even if he does sleep elsewhere), Katie has secrets from her rumspringa years that her guilt prevents her from even hoping for a future with Jonathan.
Good story, and written a bit better than the first book in the series. Like the first book, it's more of a novella than a full length novel.
Good story, and written a bit better than the first book in the series. Like the first book, it's more of a novella than a full length novel.
January 23, 2012
Maybe I have read too many of this series in order, but I found this story too trite. The main family in the Sisters of the Heart series is the Brenneman family, owners of a Bed and Breakfast Inn in Ohio. In the first novel of the series, Anna has left her "English" life and has fallen in love with Henry Brenneman. In this book, Katie must accept her "wild" year before joining the Amish church and decide if Jonathan is her future. The stories all follow a simple formula that life is in God's hand. Each story ends "happily ever after". I guess that life is not that simplistic, and sometimes the ending is not rosy.
March 15, 2012
I enjoyed this 2nd book in the series -- not as much as the first, since that one had quite a bit of suspense in it -- but it was a very enjoyable story. The "mystery" aspect of Katie's back story seemed a bit stilted and completely out of the blue -- judging from what her story was like in the 1st book. Plus it seemed add that her rumspringa happened just a year or so ago... and yet I thought she was 20 years old.
So... a few loose ends, but overall a fun heartwarming story. I have book 3 already and will be starting it right away.
So... a few loose ends, but overall a fun heartwarming story. I have book 3 already and will be starting it right away.
May 2, 2012
The story of Jonathan and Katie was a really good one. Jonathan still reeling from the loss of his first wife and the baggage left was reluctant to follow his heart. Katie, having been mostly in love with Jonathan for years was put in the position to be around him daily for two months taking care of his two young daughters. Katie, having a very large secret from her past come into the present wasn't sure if her past mistakes were forgivible.
This was another great book of following in God's will. Of needing to find the place where you are wanted and needed.
This was another great book of following in God's will. Of needing to find the place where you are wanted and needed.
November 6, 2015
Wanted - Book #2 Sisters of the Heart Series - Shelley Shepard Gray - Anna & Katie what special "sisters". Katie has great expectations, grief and guilt and hope. Wanted is a great format to learn to trust God and the plans he has for your life. The love that Katie had for her Englisher Brandon, The love she feels for Jonathon the Amish widower, Holly her friend and Winnie her Amish friend is truly God's gift. Katie also learns the love of a family brings forgiveness. Reading this book bring out that everything you ever WANTED can be found in your Faith.
May 8, 2019
I knew about Katie and her 'crush' on Jonathan from the first book in this series, so I was interested in finding out how the scenario of her caring for his daughters would pan out. I enjoyed the story and thought the way the story was told was interesting . . . especially Katie's desire to appear perfect to the people around her and hide the mistakes she'd made earlier in her life. I liked that it was only through confessing those errors and seeking forgiveness that she was able to find what she really wanted.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
February 22, 2009
I enjoyed the first book, so as soon as I finished I rushed to the library to have the second reserved. The book was out for such a long time. My turn finally arrived. The same characters from the last are front and center here. They are lovable, so I was glad to visit with them again and find out what was new in their lives.
There was much more religion and praying in this book than the first. God played a character role in this book.
There was much more religion and praying in this book than the first. God played a character role in this book.
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