Member Reviews
I picked up this book because I'm a fan of Shelley Shepard Gray, but this book is for a younger audience than me. This story centers on a couple of young adults who stay with their Amish grandparents so they can whether to become Amish. I think it centers more on potential romantic relationships. I didn't connect with the main characters, especially Martin. I found him immature, but I rarely read young adult novels. For me, the story was slow, and I found myself skimming. I think a younger audience might enjoy it. I received a free copy of the ebook from the publisher though Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review.
This is a sweet Amish romance with a few twists and surprises along the way. Martin, Kelsey, Beth and Jonny are siblings who want to leave their old, modern life behind and join their grandparents in the Amish community. They make the decision for Martin and Kelsey to take the leap of faith first, so those two move in with their Mommi and Dawdi, determined to adapt to the Amish way of life and dress. The tale of their adventures is heart-tugging at times as well as told very realistically. The pace of the story is perfect for the story being revealed to the reader about their feelings and actions as they adjust. The characters are dynamic and relatable, especially their hesitation at times to leave their old life behind. I enjoyed the story, the characters and the idea of more stories to come in this new series.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
A is for Amish, left me a disappointed. While I was drawn in by the idea of 4 siblings wanting to become Amish together, that's about where the draw left. As the story starts with the 4 siblings on their way to the Amish grand parents house to tell them the news, we quickly learn that there was a "hard" growing up of these 4 siblings, but it takes so long in the story to understand why, and even then it is not truly explained. Then there is the issue that the grandparents were so against taking their 4 adult grandchildren while they wanted to become Amish. I have a hard time believing this, as any Christian who had people reach out to want to become Christian and adopt a new way of life, they would do so much to brig another person to Christ. Including taking them in, or talking with the community about housing and jobs.... it just seemed off. Then there is such a rush for love interest for the two siblings that do stay. The way both relationships were handled were so very unrealistic on many levels. I felt like all the characters were wishy washy and there was very little about the story that i felt like would truly seem real.
Shelley Sheperd Gray hit this one out of the park! Amish ABCs is a new series that follows the Schrock siblings on their unforgettable adventure and discover the true meaning of faith, family, and the ABCs of life.
Set in Ohio, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock are an elderly Amish couple who’s four grandchildren, Martin, Beth, Kelsey, and Jonny, are struggling with their beliefs and where they fit. The grandparents were shocked when their grandchildren approached them wanting to become Amish, but still encouraged them. Martin and Kelsey choose to take the journey first and move in with their grandparent for a year leaving the English ways behind. Kelsey is sure of what she wants; while Martin really struggles. I loved to see their faith grow as they discover God’s plan for each of them.
A is for Amish is sure to warm your heart. I highly recommend this book! It is a fast easy read that you will not want to put down until you finish it.
Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the Advanced ebook. All opinions are my own.
A is For Amish by Shelley Shepard Gray is the first book in a new series, Amish ABC’s #1. In her special way, Ms. Gray offers us at a unique view of life between Amish and English.
The story centers around four siblings, Martin, Beth, Kelsey, and Jonny who think they want to become Amish. Their Amish grandparents agree for them to live with them for a yeas, two at a time, to see if their desire to become Amish is real.
Kelsey is sure, while Martin struggles. All the characters are realistic and you begin to believe their adjustments and struggles are very real. This storyline is very interesting and just when you think you have everything figured out, the ending will leave you with the great anticipation as to what will happen in book 2 of the series. I has you saying…wait..what?
Thank you Kensington Publishing for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review. Pre-order yours. Release day is June 25, 24 for this 5-star book.
This is another interesting book by Shelley Shepard Gray. "A is for Amish" is about a family that was left shattered when their parents divorced and left their four children to fend for themselves. Their father was raised Amish but left the faith. Their children spent many summers with their Amish grandparents. Now as young adults, all four siblings think they want to join The Amish faith. When they visit their grandparents and present this to them, they are very surprised. They agree to allow two of them to live with them for a year and see if The Amish way of life is really what they want. Martin and Kelsey are the first two to move in with their grandparents. Kelsey adapts quickly, falls in love with the preacher and puts in the work involved to become Amish. Martin has a harder time giving up his "Englisch" ways. Even though he has met Patti, his grandparent's neighbor, and falls in love with her. There are many ups and downs in this story. It's a story about family, love, new experiences and rediscovering their faith. I recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Thankyou so much Shelly Shepard Gray and netgallery for the chance to read and review A is for Amish. I've been in a reading slump and really needed this 100% wholesome read. I enjoyed all of the characters but struggled with all of the different POVs, so many stories running parallel to each other. That ending though, I mean I can't even...... Book 2 needs to come quickly!
I enjoyed the more authentic feelings and relationships more than some other Amish stories I have read. Great chemistry, real pull.
A is for Amish by Shelley Shepard Gray is the start of her newest series. In it, four siblings decide they want to live Amish like their old-order grandparents. Deciding that they should take their time, two of them decide to live with their grandparents for one year to see how it goes. Kelsey knows immediately that this is the life she wants, but Martin is having a harder time adjusting. Their neighbor Patty and Martin hit it off though, and he must decide what the best path for his life is. A sweet story , I enjoyed it. It did end rather suddenly though! I expected it to go on a bit more! Guess I’ll have to read the next one!
A is for Amish is an enjoyable story of some English grandchildren wanting to become Amish.
As with most Amish books I read love moves quickly but it was well done.
I look forward to the stories of the other siblings and what their stories tell.
Solid 3.5
I just reviewed A Is for Amish , thanks Netgalley for an advanced copy for my honest opinion.
In A is for Amish, Shelley Shepard Gray invites readers to take an enchanting journey through the ABCs of faith, family, and fresh beginnings. Set against the picturesque backdrop of rural Ohio, this inaugural installment of the "Amish ABCs" series introduces us to the Schrock siblings, whose quest for belonging and renewal unfolds with each turn of the page.
From Martin's earnest attempts to navigate the intricacies of Amish life to Kelsey's blossoming romance, Gray weaves a tale that is as captivating as it is heartwarming. Through the lens of the ABCs – Amish, Belonging, and Change – we witness the transformative power of love and tradition in shaping the Schrock family's future.
As Martin, Kelsey, Beth, and Jonny immerse themselves in their grandparents' world, they discover that true belonging is found not in conformity, but in embracing the unique journey God ordains. With each new experience, they learn to appreciate the beauty of simplicity and the richness of community.
Gray's storytelling expertise shines through in her ability to infuse the narrative with a sense of wonder and discovery. Through her vivid descriptions and relatable characters, she transports us to a world where the ABCs of life – Acceptance, Belief, and Courage – guide the way forward.
At its core, A is for Amish is a celebration of resilience and the strong spirit of the surrendered heart. As the Schrock siblings navigate the challenges of change and self-discovery, they remind us that every journey begins with a single step – and that sometimes, the most remarkable blessings come from the most unexpected paths.
So, whether you're a seasoned fan of Amish fiction or simply eager for a delightful read, A is for Amish is sure to charm your spirit and warm your heart. Join the Schrock siblings on their unforgettable adventure and discover the true meaning of faith, family, and the ABCs of life.
I received a digital copy of A is for Amish from Kensington and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author, my second book I’ve ever read about the Amish. I know a lot about the Amish as we vacation a lot in the Lancaster PA area. This was a great book about a set of 4 siblings who decided that they each want to become Amish, like their grandparents. It’s fun watching Kelsey and Richard’s relationship bloom and watching Martin start developing who he really wants to be as he struggles with being Amish and if it’s for him or if he wants to stay English. This is a great story of the first two young people discovering themself, with a little laugher, love and sadness in order to get there. This was a great read other than how it ended. I feel like it ended strange and it was missing something. Perhaps due to this being the first book, and the author wants you to keep reading the next ones. I felt like it just ended and left you hanging.
To Be Continued
When four siblings land on their grandparents' doorstep with a plan in place, what could possibly go wrong? All they want to do is stay there and become Amish. Surely the grandparents will be super excited for their grandchildren, and they will happily take them on and help them with their transition in growing their faith. Well, it doesn't exactly go down that way. In fact, Martin, Beth, Kelsey, and Jonny are completely shocked at how their grandparents put quite the wrench in their well-laid plan. Now, they have to make unexpected decisions and put a whole new set of plans in place. Who will stay? Will they be able to make the changes and adapt? Will they find the answers they are looking for, grow in their faith, and even possibly find love?
The only way to know the answers is to read this wonderful, sweet, and amazing story for yourself. I was so completely captivated by the siblings what they'd been through, and how it impacted their reasons for wanting to make the change. Shelley Shepard Gray's writing completely touches your heart and draws you to the characters. I felt like I knew them and could feel all of the ups and downs of their feelings, questions, frustrations, and insecurities. It all makes for such a great read and one that has me already waiting on pins and needles in anticipation of the next chapter of their story. I can't wait to see what's next!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.
Overall, this was a sweet Amish romance, typical in many ways with the goofy conversations and contrived plot points. I did like the premise of four Englishers wanting to become Amish - that gave the story a nice twist. The author did a good job of separating the characters so I didn't feel bombarded with backstories or details. I will probably read the next in this series.
A is For Amish by Shelley Shepard Gray is the first book in a new series by one of my favorite authors. The story is about 4 young people who think they want to join the Amish and look to their Amish grandparents for guidance. .of course there is a romance involved. I recommend this book and can not wait for book 2. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a free arc in exchange for my honest review.
I've enjoyed many books by this author, and this one ranks up there.
I loved the premise of this read, leaving your everyday modern life and forsaking all of it to turn Amish.
Actually, there is more to it, these children have spent a lot of time previously with their Grandparents, and experienced previously this style of life, but they have never committed to staying forever.
Two of the sibling go first, and we are with them as they go about their everyday lives, different, yes, but comforting, but is it for both?
Keep reading, enjoy the sweet romance offered, and learn at lot about chickens!
Now I'm looking for to the next book in this series!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
A is for Amish by fabulous author Shelley Shepard Gray is a Christian contemporary Amish novel. It is Book One in her Amish ABCs Series. I really enjoyed this unique storyline. Author Gray is very creative and
knows how to engage readers.
This is the story of four siblings: Martin, Kelsey, Beth and Jonny. They have Amish grandparents. The siblings are considering staying with their grandparents and becoming Amish. It was so interesting reading about the grandparents as Martin and Kelsey worked to fit into the Amish lifestyle.
The author has an inviting style of writing. Soon I was invested in the delightful tale and cleverly crafted characters. They were unique and believable. The vivid details took me to Amish country and I loved it!
I highly recommend this wonderful novel. It is very different from any Amish story that I have ready. I found some twists and turns as I turned pages. It gets a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by NetGalley but these are my honest words.
I enjoyed this book as it has some hard questions that whether you are Amish or not you have to really look deep into yourself to answer. This is the first book in a new series and I can’t wait to see where it leads for Patti and Martin. Thank you
I always enjoy a story from Shelley Shepard Gray! This story was clever, unique and addicting! The story begins with Martin, Kelsey, Beth and Jonny traveling to their Amish grandparent's house to declare that they want to become Amish! Their surprised grandparents, Sylvia and Josiah announce that that only two grands can stay for the year (it's just too much!). I really enjoyed sharing the journeys of both Martin, Patti, Kelsey and Richard. I would wake up and want to read more. It truly made me think about if I could leave my modern life to live like the Amish. It is certainly a difficult choice. The story is real, engaging and enjoyable! As I neared the end of the book, I hope and pray that there is a sequel! No spoilers here...but I certainly wanted the story to continue! Well done, Shelley Shepard Gray!
Loved reading the riveting story of four siblings, Martin, Beth, Kelsey, and Jonny, want to become Amish like their grandparents. Martin and Kelsey are the first two siblings that agree to a year learning about what it all entails to being Amish, but as Martin falls for the next door neighbor, Patti, Martin begins to have doubts about being Amish. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read story. Can't wait to read the next story in the series!
One of my favorite authors of Amish romance. I wasn’t sure how this story would play out when 4 young adults choose to move back in with their Amish grandparents to become Amish. This story was well written and beautifully done.