"Her Only Wish" by Shelley Shepard Gray

Her Only Wish (June 6, 2023) by Shelley Shepard Gray.*

<This is the second novel in a series.>

Because of her lungs, Betsy Detweiler has led a more sheltered life than others, but she has an adventurous spirit. When the Kentucky-raised woman travels to Pinecraft, Florida, she’s got her “life list” compiled and is ready to learn new things. She’s not only going to learn about golf, she’s going to play 18 holes. She’s going to learn how to swim and master putting her head under the water. When she steps onto the Snow Bird Golf Course, she almost gets struck by a golf ball, but that’s when she meets the golf course’s manager, August Troyer. He’s never been a golf instructor, but Betsy quickly becomes his first student. From the first, August is mesmerized by her. He sees that she’s outgoing, eager and determined, but also sometimes unsure and not golf-coordinated. Like, at all. But she brings joy to his life that his missionary parents, always so judgmental, have not.

            Betsy and August will have a month to get to know each other. Betsy will also meet new friends, like August’s best friend, Nate Beachy, and Annie Jackson and her newly divorced, older sister, Danielle. Life’s a beach until Betsy has a health scare that lands her in the hospital. Despite that scare and what her parents think, she knows she wants a full life, which includes falling in love.

            My first story by Shelley Shepard Gray, I enjoyed this Amish fiction novel featuring distinct characters, the pull of wanting to grow forward even when others seem to be holding one back, and the strain of duty to family versus doing what one’s good at in the life one already has. My favorite Amish fiction author is Beverly Lewis, but these are a breath of fresh air. Where Lewis’ are typically historical and Old Order Amish, this one was contemporary and New Order. It’s a delight from start to finish.

            A Season in Pinecraft Book 1: Her Heart’s Desire

            A Season in Pinecraft Book 3: Her Secret Hope (coming Nov. 7, 2023)

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”