Book Review + Giveaway: The Unexpected Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books. Two-time winner of the HOLT Medallion and finalist for both the Christy and the Carol Awards, Gray lives in Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail. Learn more at ShelleyShepardGray.com.

Leanna Mast’s first marriage hadn’t really been a happy one. So after her husband’s untimely death, she’s not sure she ever wants to marry again, even though her community really expects that she will. Gentleman callers keep finding their way to her door, but she isn’t interested in any of them. She longs for companionship, though, and when a new acquaintance, Doreen, introduces her to the Amish Widows Club, she hopes she’s found the friendship and company she seeks.

But then Evan Keim comes calling. Evan, someone whom Leanna had always admired from a distance. Evan, whose wife died four years earlier. Suddenly, the thought of a new relationship holds a little more attraction for Leanna. But does Evan feel the same about her? And if she chooses to marry again, what will happen to her newfound friendships in the Widows Club?

This is a wonderful start to a new series! Leanna and Evan are both just so very likeable. Their steps toward a new start don’t always run smooth. They both struggle with doubt, and they both make missteps that seem to push the other away. But Evan’s four sons, grown and nearly grown, offer insight and wisdom, as does Doreen. Slowly, Leanna realizes what it would be like to be married to someone who isn’t cruel and controlling, what it would be like to belong to a family full of love and care for each other. And slowly, Evan realizes that maybe he can be the man Leanna needs, even if that takes his life in a direction he didn’t anticipate it would go.

Gray’s writing style is easy to read, and the story she tells is so engaging, it was hard to put the book down for the night. When I finished, I felt like I was saying “see you later” to new friends. I can’t wait to read the story of Jenna, which will be next in the series!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from JustRead. I wasn’t required to leave a review. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.