The Protective One

Description

From a "skilled storyteller who reminds the reader that faith can help us survive the ups and downs in life" (RT Book Reviews), Shelley Shepard Gray weaves a moving and unforgettable exploration of love and friendship. The tragic and untimely death of an old friend has made Elizabeth Anne rethink not only her priorities but her courtship with David, her longtime neighbor and suitor. Though he's Mennonite like herself and has her parents' approval, she feels that a spark is missing. Desperate for a change, she breaks things off-wondering if, perhaps, she's the one who's missing a spark. When her family becomes upset with her decision, E.A. turns to her friends for support. One of them is Will, a man with a good heart who has always been there for her. As the two bond over their shared struggle to navigate a future that everyone else seems to have figured out, they are surprised to realize that they have feelings for each other. But E.A.'s world takes a sudden turn when she realizes that she's not the only one struggling-Marta, one of her sewing students, is in desperate need of protection. With the aid of Will and several other friends, Elizabeth Anne begins a journey that is more difficult and rewarding than she could have ever imagined...one that ultimately enables her to find everything she's been searching for. In this latest installment in the Walnut Creek series that "both delights and surprises" (Leslie Gould, bestselling author), Shelley Shepard Gray pens a powerful and poignant tale of friendship, courage, and love.

A practicing Lutheran, Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than one hundred novels, translated into multiple languages. In her years of researching the Amish community, she depends on her Amish friends for gossip, advice, and cinnamon rolls. She lives in Colorado with her family and writes full time.

"A slow-burning, enjoyable romance... Embedded in this quaint story is a poignant message about the importance of community, compassion, and doing what's right rather than what's easy. The author's fans and newcomers alike will enjoy this appealing tale." * Publishers Weekly * "Gray deftly weaves the threads of abuse, friendship, love, and faith into a thought-provoking, emotional story." -- Patricia Davids, USA Today bestselling author of The Wish "Filled with heartbreaking and uplifting moments, this love story stars Elizabeth Anne, or 'E.A.,' as she reevaluates her life... Now, E.A. must go on a heart-opening journey that may lead her to everything she's been searching for." * Woman's World *