Book Review: The Promise of Palm Grove by Shelley Shepard Gray

My Thoughts:
What I really liked about this story was the strength that Leona finally found in herself.  She realized that the path she was on was not one she could be on forever so she stepped off the path and visited the sandy shores near Pinecraft, Florida.

The characters in this novel are relatable, even if you aren't Amish.  Leona was doubting her choices, Zack lives his life to help his family, Mattie's own journey of discovery.

The plot was interesting and had several side plot lines that didn't detract from the main story, which I greatly appreciated.  I particularly liked the side story of Beverly and am interested to see where that may go in future books.

Would I Recommend This Book?
Yes.  The world of Pinecraft sounds like a lovely place to be, if you're looking for a solid Amish tale, take in The Promise of Palm Grove.

My Rating:  3/5 Stars


(Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  I am under no obligation to provide a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.)

A Description from the Publisher:

A young Amish woman finds herself torn between the man she’s pledged to wed and the man her heart desires in this heartwarming story of chance, duty, and choice in the face of love—the first volume in the beloved New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.

Amish bride-to-be Leona is thrilled to be in Florida, on a mini-vacation in the pretty town of Pinecraft. Her girlfriends think she’s happy because she’s away from the stress of wedding planning. They have no idea that Leona’s real joy is in being away from her fiancé.

Edmund is a good man, and will make a decent husband . . . just not for Leona. The more time she spends with him and his overbearing ways, the less she wants to be his wife. Her cousins are sure Edmund is the right man for her-and their certainty makes Leona begin to doubt herself. But when a chance encounter with a wayward cat brings her face-to-face with a handsome, fun-loving Amish man named Zachary Kauffman, Leona’s faced with two vastly different futures.

Leona must decide: Does she follow the path set out before her? Or take a chance with only the promise of what could be to guide her?

How do I rate books?
 5 stars= A definite favorite, will be re-read again and again, and permanently placed on my bookshelf.
 4 stars= A pretty good book, one that will be re-read eventually, placed on the bookshelf.
 3 stars= An average to good book, that may or may not be read again, probably has a place in my library.
 2 stars= A not liked book, I wouldn't read it again, and wouldn't have a place in my library.
 1 star = A book I really didn't enjoy, wouldn't read again, would not keep in my library.)