Imagine — you are an Amish grandparent. You have four Englisher grandchildren. And all four of them show up – no heads up — announcing they want to be Amish. All four of them at the same time! AND they expect not only to live with them BUT also to help them every step of the way. You will admire how Josiah and Sylvia Schrock handle this surprise.

Martin, the oldest of the four, is successful in his career but it no longer fulfills him. And a bad ending to a relationship has him remembering the calm and serenity he always felt when visiting his Amish grandparents.

Martin’s siblings, Kelsey, Beth, and Jonny, are all different. Jonny is in college. Beth has a successful career. Kelsey is the youngest and out of the four, the one who truly wants to live the Amish life. The rest “think” they do and luckily for them their grandparents have wunderbar advice.

Another principal character is an Amish neighbor, Patti Coblentz, who is self-conscious of a birthmark on her neck. She feels it is the first thing people see when meeting her and some kidding by children during her school days didn’t help. Oh, and there is the very single Amish preacher.

A Is for Amish is the first of a new series by this prolific author, Shelley Shepard Gray. And what an unusual plot. As a grandparent, I could easily imagine myself as Sylvia Schrock faced with four grown grandchildren stating not only were they moving in but she and Josiah were expected to “make” them Amish. The idea is wonderful; the implementation is a nightmare.

The author handles this interesting plot beautifully. The decisions made by the four are reasonable and doable. The preacher adds some fun situations. I quite liked this first book of the series, Amish ABCs, and look forward to the next book. And yes, I recommend it.

I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of A Is for Amish via NetGalley from the publisher, Kensington Books | Kensington. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 5 stars
Series: Amish ABCs, #1
Cover: Nice.
Pages: 280
Publish Date: 25 June 2024
#AIsforAmish #NetGalley #ShelleyShepardGray

Have you ever wanted to be someone else or lead a different life, this book is about all the ups and downs of life. Yearning for that much simple peaceful life. This book makes you wonder and think. Anticipation of what the next page is going to reveal. This book is a great read.

I really enjoyed this book. The book is about 4 adult siblings that are trying to find their way in life, and all four of them think they need to become Amish. I love how even though these four siblings are very close, the two main characters Martin (the eldest) Kelsey (second eldest) realize they need to lean on God first instead of each other, and their two other siblings. They both come to the realization that God's plan may be something different from what they had all planned out. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.

In Millersburg, Ohio, Old Order Amish Josiah and Sylvia Schrock had one son who left the Amish faith to marry an English woman. They divorced and their four children Martin,Kelsey,Beth, andJonny want a sense of family and community. The only place they found that security was when they visited their Amish grandparents in their small town. They have decided to become Amish to the surprise of their grandparents. Josiah and Sylvia said they can try 2 at a time because they are older but are willing to help them if this is truly what they want. What will happen when Martin and Kelsey are the first to try? Can they conform to the rules? Can they give up their English ways? Great read can’t wait for the next books. I was given this as an ARC to read and leave my honest review.

This is a delightful start to a new series from one of the top authors in Amish fiction. It's a bit different than ones I have read in the past, as this one focuses on siblings who decide they want to become Amish like their grandparents. Characters are well-crafted and believable. Vivid detailing makes the storyline come alive. Key themes include family, faith, and love. The ending did feel a bit sudden, but that is likely due to the fact that there will be a sequel.

A is for Amish is the 1st book in the new Amish ABC's series by Shelley Shepard Gray. This book starts out with 4 Englisher's thinking about turning Amish. A few decide to move in with their grandparents for a year. I know I couldn't wait till I got to the end to see which if any of the grandkids turned Amish. It was interesting to see all the things that they struggle through. Good way to start a new series and can't wait to read the next book in this series. I hope you pick this book up and enjoy it as much as I did.
I was given an advanced copy to read and wasn't told to give a good review just an honest one.

A is for Amish by Shelley Shepard Gray is a charming story. I liked the relatable characters, especially the grandparents. They are patient, loving, and supportive (they are going to need that patience). I like that the four siblings are close. Those same siblings are talking about making a major change in their lives. I cannot imagine converting to Amish (I cannot give up my luxuries especially air conditioning). It is easier said than done giving up the items we take for granted (electricity, Wi-Fi, a car). We get to know the characters and experience the journey with them. It is an emotional and inspiring story that was over far too soon. The author captured the locale and brought it to life for me. The ending has me very eager for B is for Bonnet. A is for Amish is a heartwarming tale with romance, family, friendship, and faith.

Once again, Gray has managed to endear me to the Amish culture and faith while highlighting the complexities of a simple life. This book is a beautiful story filled with the amazing and challenging journey of transformation. I love the character development throughout the book and look forward to next one in the series.

Wow I want more! Shelley Shepard Gray's A is for Amish the first book in the Amish ABCs is full of wonderful and engaging characters with such full and fun personalities.

I wasn't able to put the book down and was excited to see what would happen next. A is for Amish is full of breathtaking, emotional, funny and all-around great moments.

Four siblings, whose grandparents are Amish their dad was raised Amish, but left the life. After many struggles in their own lives, they want the peace their grandparents have. So, they descend on their grandparents with the news they all want to be Amish.

This is a must-read adventure that left me wanting more.

In this book we are introduced to the four Schrock siblings. They have decided to switch to the Amish way. However, road blocks, and problems are encountered.

I enjoyed Martin Schrock and Kelsey Schrock journey and growth. We are also introduced to Patti, Conner( I cannot stand him..lol), Beth Schrock, Jonny Schrock, Pastor Richard, Josiah and Sylvia.

I loved the bond between the siblings, even when they were finding their own way.

This book will give you laughter, inspiration, family bonding and heartache. The author also touched on insecurities, but in a positive way.

I cannot wait to read more books and this new series.

Four siblings, Martin, Kelsey, Beth, and Jonny, come together and decide that they wish to become Amish like their paternal grandparents, Raised by their former Amish father and English mother, the only real peace and sense of family they felt was spending time with their Amish Grandparents. After each has faced upheaval, they feel that a new life and start is what they crave. Overwhelmed and with only one bathroom, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock tell them to decide which want to go first. They can only take 2 at a time. Martin and Kelsey decide to go first.
Next door neighbor, Patti Coblentz feels that they are taking on too much. When she and Martin meet, sparks, both good and bad, fly. Will these two be able to put aside their differences and work out a friendship or more? This is a fun read. It will be interesting to see how the author will work out details and lives. I look forward to the next story. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

A is for Amish

Wow! I have never read a book through so fast and become so involved in the story that I didn’t realize I was at the end! I thought my tablet was malfunctioned! You become so involved in the lives of the Grandchildren of an older Amish couple that I could not read fast enough! The 4 grandchildren are raised English but realize that they want to try at becoming Amish. Realizing that taking on 4 grandchildren all at once is a large undertaking at their age so decide for 2 to stay for 1 year. There are many twists and turns to their new life and will love become involved? I can’t wait for book 2 of this series! This book is a must to read!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.

A Is For Amish by Shelley Shepard Gray
Book 1 - Amish ABCs
In a heartwarming new series from New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray, four siblings take a genuine leap of faith when they move to their grandparents’ farm in rural Ohio and decide to become Amish.
Exploring the relationship between Amish and English cultures through the lens of a single family, the Amish Again series is perfect for fans of Beverly Lewis, Suzanne Woods Fisher, and Charlotte Hubbard – and anyone who enjoys uplifting stories about faith, family, love, and the simple life.
Siblings Martin, Kelsey, Beth, and Jonny are as different as can be, but they have one thing in common. They’re all longing to reinvent their lives. Raised by their divorced lapsed-Amish father and English mother, they only knew real stability and a sense of family when visiting their Old Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful small-town Millersburg, Ohio. Now the four want to try living with them and joining their faith—much to the Schrocks’ surprise . . .
Martin, the eldest, is reeling from a bad breakup, so he’s especially determined to make a fresh start. When he meets his grandparents’ neighbor, Patti Coblentz, he’s immediately drawn to her outgoing, helpful nature—but is so overwhelmed that he appears blunt and rude. Is there any way he can drop his defenses enough to admit she’s captured his heart?
Always self-conscious about the birthmark on her temple, Patti is resigned to never marrying and busying herself with the responsibilities of the large home and property she has inherited. Besides, Martin’s ill-mannered behavior and disconcerting directness make him the last man she’d ever want to wed—no matter how handsome he is.
This book can be read as a standalone for those who are new to the series.
Yet given time and patience—and adhering to their grandparents’ unexpectedly challenging rules—the whole family might just find what they’re looking for, even Martin and Patti.
This is Martin's story.
This is Kelsey's story.
This is Beth's story.
This is Jonny's story.
This is Josiah and Sylvia Schrock's story.
It had been a while since they’d all been in one car together. Because each of his siblings lived in different suburbs and hamlets around the Cleveland area, whenever the four of them got together, it was easier to simply meet at a restaurant for a quick bite to eat.
Today was different, though.
Even though Martin was the oldest brother and the one driving, he felt just as nervous as his twenty-year-old brother, Jonny. He had the steering wheel in a death grip and every worst-case scenario was running through his head.
What in the world were they actually thinking about doing? Had they lost their ever-loving minds?
“You okay up there, Martin?” Kelsey asked.
I recommend this book.
A Is For Amish by Shelley Shepard Gray is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Shelley Shepard Gray .
I received a complimentary copy of the book and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions are my own.

“A Is for Amish” is the nicely done first book in a new series by Shelley Shepard Gray. The set up for this series is an interesting one – four siblings who are English but have Amish grandparents think they want to become Amish. This first book focuses on two of the siblings – Martin, who is so used to taking care of his brother and sisters that he has forgotten how to focus on his needs and Kelsey who finds it easier to adjust to the Amish life than she expected – except when it comes time to feed the chickens. Both of them unexpectedly find romance but how they each handle both the change to Amish life and romance is completely different. Based on the description of the book I was expecting to be caught up in the Martin/Patti romance but I found the secondary romance between Kelsey/Richard to be far more enjoyable. I thought this book was going in one direction but it went in a completely different direction – I did enjoy it but I’m not sure how I felt about the ending. I do know that I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

She never even been motivated financially. What she'd always wanted was stability and peace. Now that she was spending her days living Amish, she was slowly receiving those things. She found comfort in doing the same things every day and was learning so much about herself and being patient when she worked by her grandmother's side in the garden and kitchen. A sense of calm surrounded her.

The first in the series, I really enjoyed getting to the know the characters. It is focused on 4 siblings that have Amish grandparents. They have lived the English life, a life that has been unstable due to their parents. The siblings are now in their 20's and have decided together to visit their grandparents to advise them their desire to live Amish. The grandparents in their wisdom, thought the siblings should pray on it and decide on the two who would leave their English life and move in with their grandparents for a year.

Martin and Kelsey were chosen to start their Amish journey. I loved how Martin was very protective of his siblings and had been a parent to them. He knew he was not happy in his life and was seeking peace. Upon his arrival, he met his grandparents neighbor, a single Amish woman who had her own struggles. This relationship helped him see some of his motivations that he needed to deal with before making a life a change.

Kelsey also had several relationship struggles. The first one was with Anna a 4 pound hen that was ruling the nest and made Kelsey's life miserable. Of course in the Amish way, there is always lessons to be learned. The other was quick attraction that bloomed into something sweet.

I think the most important thing about this book is the relationships. Relationships that help us see something we miss in ourselves and God places those people in our life for a "revelation". It truly is a heartwarming story and I can't wait to read book #2.

A special thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

This was a very interesting insight into the Amish community. I enjoyed following the characters on their own personal journeys, and hope to find out more about them in sequels soon.

A is for Amish is my new favorite Amish book by Shelley Shepard Gray! I really loved all the characters, and it was definitely different from other story-lines. I'm looking forward to reading more about the other siblings in this family and hearing more wisdom from the Grandpa and Preacher Richard. We for sure and for certain need to see more of Martin and Patti too!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 25 June 2024

Set in Holmes County, Ohio, A is for Amish commences the Amish ABCs series which follows the Schrock siblings—Martin, Kelsey, Beth, and Jonny—Englishers who have decided they need a life change, and becoming Amish may be the solution. This first book in the series is Martin and Kelsey’s story. I love Kelsey and the way her romantic relationship with Richard develops, but I had a hard time connecting with Martin. His indecisiveness became quite tedious. I was also drawn to the other two siblings Beth and Jonny. The story features interesting characters, a slow-paced and character-driven plot, an authentic Amish setting, a gentle faith thread, and a touch of romance. Although this book did not meet all my expectations, it was still an enjoyable read, and I think fans of Amish fiction will enjoy it. Since there is a “to be continued” ending, I will in all probability read future books in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I always love Shelley's books was glad I was given the opportunity to read it.
It's a Interesting title, very different.
I loved thr characters..
Loved the cover.
Can't wait to read more.

Amish fiction readers will enjoy the start of a new series by this author. Four siblings make a surprise visit to their Amish grandparents in the hopes to become Amish. Sweet story with likeable characters. I did think it was interesting to see the grandparent's reactions. I was expecting overjoyment but didn't happen that way. Also thought Amish preachers were all married so that was interesting. Looking forward to reading the next books in the series. Enjoyable.