New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray returns to the charming and evocative Walnut Creek Series with “this sweet Amish love story” (Woman’s World) following one broken young woman whose search for peace leads her back to her hometown, where she rediscovers her faith and reconnects with those she loves most. Kendra Troyer always knew she would leave Walnut Creek the … Kendra Troyer always knew she would leave Walnut Creek the first chance she got. When she was accepted into design school, she tried her best not to look back at the four siblings she was abandoning, but ahead to Columbus, where she was determined to stay–far away from her abusive home and far away from Nate Miller, the boy she vowed to despise for the rest of her life.
Though she suffered through dark times in Columbus, Kendra found her faith in the Lord again, and years later, when she learned one of her good friends had died, she realized it was time to go home to those she left behind.
Back in Walnut Creek, Kendra has a life she never could have imagined: her own design shop, a pretty little house, and a tight-knit group of friends. After she settles down, though, unexpected visitors come knocking and dark memories begin to resurface. Complicating things even further is the ever-present Nate Miller, who now owns the hardware store two doors down and whose very presence stirs in Kendra a fierce need to turn away and hide from her past. But Nate is persistent in setting things right between them.
As Kendra tries to come to terms with the anger she holds from her childhood, will she be able to open her heart to forgiveness and find the comfort she has always longed for in Walnut Creek?
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4.5 stars
I say each book in my series is my favorite and it is true. The series gets better and better. Kendra’s story was so real and filled with love from all aspects. I have laughed, cried, and swooned while reading.
The hardest part of the book for me to get past was the cover. After reading I am not sure if I would have used that cover considering Kendra owns a shop filled with yarn and other household notions and Nate owns a hardware store. Not that a book cover is what makes the book.
The Trustworthy One is filled with love and friendships but it also discusses hard stuff like drug addiction and abuse.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Gallery Books, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
This series gets better with each book. All of the characters from this series have been fantastic. Kendra lived through a horrible childhood and was able to survive it and she was able to make a good life for herself. She didn’t know that her life would get even better once she met Nate Miller. These two people helped each other to really grow. I loved how each chapter started with a part of a tale from when Kendra was younger. I did not want to put this book down. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will
This is a beautifully written book that you will touch your heart. The author brought the story to life with her words and I could feel all the emotions. This is a story you will think about long after you have read the last page. Thank you Gallery Books via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book and thank you Shelley Shepard Gray for writing this wonderful book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Trustworthy One by Shelley Shepard Gray has Kendra Troyer opening Tried and True, a furniture and accessories shop, in Walnut Creek, Ohio. Kendra never thought she would return to her hometown. It is filled with bad memories of her abusive home and the comments made by Nate Miller when she was a teen. But Kendra discovered that she missed her four younger siblings and her friends in the Eight. Kendra is working in her shop when Nate stops by bringing up all the old feelings. Nate wants to make things right between them and will not let Kendra dissuade him. Kendra’s younger sister, Naomi has been living with their maternal grandparents. Naomi wants to live with Kendra and take care of her for a change. What does the future hold for Kendra, Naomi and Nate? The Trustworthy One is the 4th novel in The Walnut Creek Series. I recommend reading the series in order because it will give you a better understanding of the group called the “Eight”. It will also give you a chance to know the characters and their situations. I found The Trustworthy One to be well-written with developed, flawed characters. I find the characters to be realistic, relatable and likeable. Kendra Troyer comes from an abusive home. Her father was a drunk, bully and abuser and Kendra’s mother used drugs to deal with the situation. Kendra took care of her siblings. She took the brunt of the abuse and made sure that they had food to eat (even if she went without). When Kendra had a chance to escape, she took it, but she feels guilty for leaving her siblings behind. Kendra has never fully dealt with her feelings. The situation was worsened as a teen by careless, unkind and humiliating remarks made by Nate. Kendra and Naomi need to find a way to overcome the past and forgive if they are to move forward. Nate uses charm, persistence and kindness in dealing with Kendra. Kendra was technically not a part of the eight (a group of close friends who are Englisch, Amish and Mennonite), but they became her friends. Kendra needs this close group of friends. We get to see how each member of the group is doing and I like Kendra’s story about Andy that is told in bits before each chapter. I like how the author dealt with such a difficult and sensitive subject. The ending was satisfying and left me smiling. My favorite line from The Trustworthy One is “All of us are a work in progress.” The Trustworthy One is a poignant tale with fabulous furniture shop, a painful past, fantastic friends, persecuting parents, and delicious delights.
** spoiler alert ** I loved this story was so good! I even love how the author kind of intertwined 2 stories into one because she told a little bit of Kendra’s story with Andy in a little blurb at the beginning of each chapter. But I also loved how through her hardship she found love. This book was really hard to put down after I started reading!
A beautiful story of sacrifice, forgiveness, and new beginnings.
Shelley Shephard Gray brings the Walnut Creek series to a close with book four , The trust worthy One. In this book the main character is Kendra Troyer. Gray gives her readers a look into Kendra’s life both from her childhood and her teen years then on to her life as an adult. She was raised in an Amish family but she suffered terrible physical and mental abuse that left it’s scars on her life.
Kendra’s growing up years were more than any child should have to bare. Subjected to a father that beat her and a mother that lived in denial, at seven years old Kendra tried her best to protect her younger siblings. Often she went without eating so her four siblings could have what there was on hand to eat.
In later years at school Kendra had a learning disability. Because of this she was made fun of by some of the other students. One such student was Nate Miller , who would say cruel things about her,even as she grew older . Eventually Kendra got tired of the beatings and left home when she was just seventeen.
Even then her life was anything but easy . Still she made the best of things and eventually moved back to Walnut Creek. Back in her hometown she opens her own design shop and gets settled in. Along comes Nate Miller who owns the hardware store close by. He tries to befriend Kendra and wonders why she is so cold towards him. Kendra can’t forget the cruel things he said about her to the other students at school. Will she be able to forgive Nate and become friends with him? Can she learn to trust him or will she hold on to her bitterness she harbors in her heart when she thinks about her school years.
There are a lot of other situations that spring up in this story to make it seem very real . I found myself drawn into the book almost from the beginning. Kendra found a special place in my heart and I found myself rooting for her to overcome her past hurts. I thought the author left the best till the last.
All readers of Amish Fiction or fans of Shelley Shepard Gray will love this book. If you have read the other books in this series you don’t want to miss this one. In order to get the most out of your reading experience I recommend that you start at book one The Patient One. There are three Eshorts to this series too. Friend’s To the End , A Precious Gift and Promises of Tomorrow which is book 4.5 and to be read after The Trustworthy One.
I borrowed a hard cover copy of the book from the local Library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
Gray gives a different outlook from the Amish and Mennonite world where some of these subjects just aren’t talked about. I like how she shows us the Amish and Mennonites aren’t that different from everyone else and she doesn’t beat around the bush about it.
I have enjoyed this series because it shows true friendship among the 8 and how they keep it going after one of their own does something so horrific that you never hear about from this particular group,
A lot of life’s lessons are learned here and lots of over comings as well.
I’ve loved Grays stories from the beginning. I think what I like best about her stories is that her characters seem realistic and believable and at times lovable just simply from the things that life manages to throw at them. And of course, they always come out for the better than they started out with.
I do know one thing, I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. Just wonderful and at the same time perfect!
Forgiveness and Love are the main theme in this story along with abuse, drugs etc.
Forgiveness is important. It’s what Jesus would want us to do. Plus, it would give ourselves some peace knowing that we tried even if the other person didn’t want to.
I highly recommend this book. Gray is an awesome author!
My thanks to Gallery books and Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book and I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The Trustworthy One ( Walnut Creek #4 )
By: Shdelley Shepard Gray
The Trustworthy One is book four in the series Walnut Creek. Kendra endures a lot from her young years in Walnut Creek. Abused by her father and neglected by her mother, she goes hungry in order for her sibling to have something to eat. Leaving Walnut Creek for years and now returning back to open up her shop. She sees the one person she wishes to never see again, Nate, a boy from her past years. This story is filled with hurt, love , forgiveness, and faith. this story is centered around Kendra’s past and present life. This is not your normal Amish story. It deals with things you would not think would happen in the Amish community, but they are normal beings just like the English.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book , but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Author Shelley Shepard Gray pens another fascinating story in The Walnut Creek Series. This one is more somber than the rest, dealing with child abuse and neglect, as well as drug abuse. But it also deals with learning to forgive with God’s help. I do suggest reading the series in order so that you get to know the characters as they show up in each book.
Strong, well developed characters give this book an intensity that had me reading quickly. Nate and Kendra have a history from High School and they are thrown together again. Both have grown and developed personally and spiritually. But can Kendra forgive? Can Nate make things right?
If you enjoy contemporary Christian fiction that has depth as well as a romance then you’ll enjoy this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
“We need to trust ourselves and trust Him too”
There’s a lot of wisdom sprinkled throughout the engaging Walnut Creek Series Books and this last novel in the series is packed full. I loved reading the stories of “the eight”, and this one is the heartwarming saga of Kendra and Nate. The author deals sensitively with some tough issues including parental and substance abuse and all of the after affects those present. Kendra found herself having to be in the “mother” role for her 4 siblings because of her father’s constant physical abuse, and as an adult she still suffers emotionally. Can she learn to trust Nate’s friendship? As in the preceding novels, we find the never-ending faithfulness of the strong bond that holds the eight together, through all life events.
I found this a very enjoyable read and loved the details – Kendra’s little shop, Nate’s hardware store, and especially about the different Amish orders. I will miss these characters!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and from the author and was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The Trustworthy One by Shelley Shepard Gray is the fourth and final full-length novel in her Walnut Creek series, though there is a novella to come. Though part of a series, it reads well as a standalone.
Kendra Troyer envied the Eight, a group of popular kids in her school, until she realized that privilege and popularity didn’t make you worthy of friendship. Nate Miller isn’t a part of the Eight, like her he is friends with some of them, which gives them something in common. Unfortunately, with one unthinking action Nate earns Kendra’s lifelong resentment.
Kendra leaves her abusive home life and her four siblings behind and flees to Columbus and design school vowing never to return. She finds herself during her stay in Columbus and returns to Walnut Creek after the death of a friend. Kendra has obtained some confidence and success and joins a circle of friends that includes Nate Miller. She hasn’t forgotten Nate’s childhood action that devastated her and made her even more aware of her sad circumstances. Kendra can forgive him with words but can she forgive him in her heart?
The Trustworthy One is a story of family, faith and forgiveness. It’s well-written and holds the reader’s attention. The characters are likable and believable. Ms. Gray includes enough backstory to give the reader an understanding of the full storyline of the series. I enjoyed this novel and rate it 4 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend this novel to all readers of religious fiction.
My thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
The Trustworthy One is an outstanding story written by Shelley Shepard Gray in her The Walnut Creek series. This is the fifth story following the group of friends dubbed The 8. The characters are extremely likeable and realistic. The story is filled with love, compassion, forgiveness, and faith. This story centers around Kendra Troyer and her life both past and present. The author has done an amazing job telling this story with such emotion that the reader will definitely not want to put it down.
Kendra Troyer is now a grown Amish woman and struggling to put her past behind her. Kendra has done several things she is not proud of. She deals with her demons and moves forward. As Kendra is preparing to open her new store her younger sister Naomi shows up with troubles and emotions that need to addressed. Kendra has also been reaquainted with someone from her childhood that causes her to revisit times she thought she had put behind her. Nate, of course, doesn’t realize the impact of his behavior as a teenager has held over Kendra. As this emtionally charged story plays out Nate is determined to right his wrongs, Kendra is forced to face her abusive past, and secrets are revealed. I enjoyed getting to know Kendra’s story and it brought me to tears in many places.
Although I did receive a free complimentary ebook copy of this story from the author and Netgalley I was not requested to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Shelley Shepard Gray for writing another wonderful story continuing her series that her readers can truly enjoy.
I enjoyed being back with the “8”, and we meet one who envied those who were members, but her life as a child was in shambles. Some guessed that things were not good for Kendra and her siblings, but really didn’t know the extent.
Now pulling her self up by her bootstraps, this young woman has returned to her hometown and is opening her own business. We meet again these folks that are always there for one another, we now see them embracing Kendra, and the author gives us so much more.
There are so many emotions here, and some are so very hard, there are tears, and smiles, guilt and forgiveness, but there is also “love”, in all forms.
I hate to see this series end, I want to continue with this group and move on with them in their lives, and do I see a wedding here, yes, but there are also some new babies on the way!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Gallery Books, and was not required to give a positive review
The Trustworthy One, is the latest book in the Walnut Creek series by Shelley Shepard Gray. This is a continuing story of how seven friends unite after the death of their good friend Andy. We are touched by many in our lives, for reasons we don’t know. Sometimes we are touched even more by their deaths. The lessons we learn as we live on are often rewarding if we look back and notice the subtle cues found in our memories.
Kendra Troyer grew up in less than normal circumstances and fled her abusive home as soon as she could get away. She left behind cruel parents and her younger siblings, who relied on her resilience and generous spirit to see them through their tough circumstances. As life often does, she found herself once again in Walnut Creek. The one person she didn’t want to meet again, Nate Miller is there, in her presence at every turn. As a child, he seemed to be near at every awkward moment of her young life. For all the troubles she left behind, she encountered more out in the English world. It is when she is back in Walnut Creek, and faces those she left behind that she learns the value of trust and forgiveness. Shelley Shepard Gray is a gifted writer whose books are not just entertaining but rich in human nature. I enjoyed this book, a story of true friendship, and recommend it without reservation to anyone who likes heartwarming stories.
This is book 4 in the Walnut Creek series. The story is about Kendra Troyer and Nate Miller. Kendra had a hard life she had a abusive father and a mother who did nothing to stop the abuse. Kendra was left to raise her four younger siblings. She did without food and things so her siblings could have. Nate Miller had made remarks that Kendra had overheard about her and her family. The remarks hurt Kendra. She left Walnut Creek and abandon her siblings to get away. She had her grandparents take her youngest sister to raise to get her out of the house. After she makes some mistakes in Columbus with drugs and alcohol she returns to Walnut Creek to start a new life. Nate Miller runs a shop down from hers and she does not want anything to do with him. Can Nate Miller change her mind about him? This book is all about trust and learning to be able to trust again after many hardships. A beautiful story.