5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Everyone just wants to be loved, Jan 6 2009
By Deborah "Books, Movies and Chinese Food" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Wanted (Paperback)
Shelley Shepard Gray's first book, Hidden, was such a refreshing book to read that I was eagerly awaiting the release of the second book in the series. It was good to see that this was a good continuation of the first book. This time we get to see the viewpoint of an Amish girl who's had a taste of the English world but chose to come back. I liked her story because it was more focused on wanting to be loved. It just so happened that she was Amish. It was also still interesting to see how Anna is adapting to the Amish lifestyle. While she's starting to get more comfortable, it was still refreshing and realistic to see her still having trouble fully submerging to her new life. I say this, because I've read other Amish stories where I've seen people give up modern things cold turkey and slip 100% into this new culture and it comes off very fake. The only complaint I had about the book was that it felt a little short. Jonathan and Katie's romantic relationship felt a little rushed. I know that Katie had been pining for him for a while but it seemed like he resisted her for a little bit and then completely caved in. I think more tension between the two would have been interesting to read. I also would have liked more story on Katie's rumspringa. I always find it interesting to read about Amish teens who get a taste of the "English world" before they get baptized. All in all I did very much enjoy this book. It feels different from the other Amish books that are out there. More light hearted and not as dramatic. I'll be looking forward to reading Winnie's story in the next installment of the series.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wanted-A Joyfully Recommended Title!!, May 13 2009
By M. Nix - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Wanted (Paperback)
Katie is a hard working Amish woman who still lives at home, as she is unmarried. She has quietly fancied Jonathan, a widower, for years but has never pursued this attraction due to her upbringing and her past.
She is concerned about her darkest secrets, the things she did during her Rumspringa (her running-around years). She is afraid that members of her community will not understand what she did, as she has a hard time coming to terms with them herself. She is now a member of the church and has cut her ties with those she met during her Rumspringa, and is letting God lead her life.
When an opportunity arises for Katie to help Jonathan with his children she welcomes the opportunity, though her parents do not at first, as they are concerned Katie will be hurt.
Now her past has suddenly surfaced just as she might finally have a chance at love with Jonathan. Will Katie be able to deal with the past and accept forgiveness?
If you need a "pick me up story" that is faith based than you will want to read Wanted. I admit that I not only laughed by I cried while reading about Katie. Ms. Gray has a fan in me with the Sisters of the Heart Series, though I don't normally read inspirational stories. I found that her writing skills pulled me in as well as the way she lets us into the thoughts of here characters, including their worries and concerns. I look forward to the next book in this series. Wanted is definitely recommended by me.
Tanya
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
2nd in Sisters of the Heart series a sweet romance, Jan 7 2009
By Christina Lockstein "Christy's Book Blog" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Wanted (Paperback)
Wanted by Shelley Shepard Gray is the second book in the Sisters of the Heart series that began with Hidden. Katie Brenneman has committed herself to the Amish lifestyle of her parents, but before she became baptized, she ran a little wild during her rumspringa. That time has come to haunt her just when she's finally realizing her dream of a life with widower Jonathan Lundy and his daughters. Katie's struggle to redeem her past is a well told story. How many people do crazy things just to feel wanted by someone? Katie has to accept that just as God has always wanted her, just as she is, Jonathan and her family want to love her as well. Katie and Jonathan's romance is sweetly written, and I loved Katie's spunk. I did feel that the build-up over Katie's past was a bit much considering the small size of her actual sins. I expected something a bit more horrifying than what was finally revealed. Jonathan's story is also moving as he learns to move on from his past marriage to the hope of a future one. I look forward to the next book in the series about Jonathan's sister, Winnie.