Her Heart's Desire

Written by Shelley Shepard Gray

Narrated by Christina Moore

What happens when we allow our pasts to define our futures?

Mary Margaret Miller needs an escape from her small Amish community. She boards a bus, all alone, for a vacation in Pinecraft, Florida. Meeting Betsy and Lilly on the way, she’s amazed to find two kindred spirits. They become fast friends
and determine to have the best two weeks of their lives. For Mary, it starts when she meets Jayson Raber, a handsome and charming carpenter.

Jayson is taken with Mary from the get-go, but he has responsibilities back home in Kentucky—including a girl he’s supposed to marry. And when someone from Mary’s past shows up in Pinecraft, it seems like her perfect vacation is ruined. But
that’s nothing compared to what’s coming when she realizes what Jayson has been hiding …

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9781705084038

Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

Reviews for Her Heart's Desire

[huberk-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

5 stars, Vacation LoveHER HEART'S DESIREby Shelley Shepard GrayThis is a delightful Amish vacation book, it's about Mary Margaret who has had difficult circumstances surrounding her. She escapes the confines of her town in Ohio to a lovely inn in Pinecraft, Florida, where she meets several girls and they strike up a lasting friendship.It's also about Jayson who is also visiting the same inn in Pinecraft, Florida, it's where a lot of Amish folk stay when they are vacationing in Florida.There is more to this book than just the normal two people who meet and fall in love, there are all sorts of other secondary characters that have things going on in their lives, as well.Highly recommend. I thankfully received a complimentary copy of #herheartsdesire by #shelleyshepardgray from #revell #bakerpublishinggroup I was under no obligation to post a review. #amish #mennonite #vacationing #coverlove #bibliophile #reviewer #contemporary #ASeasonInPinecraftSeries

[lifeofliterature · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Simple and sweet, this story is an easy and enjoyable read. I think it is best suited for young readers as the plot is clean and has wonderful themes of forgiveness and trusting God, while not having a plot that is terribly complex or with mature themes. I found the pace of the novel to be a bit slow for my liking, but this did not detract from the story being sweet and endearing. The setting is a wonderful place for romance and I liked the gradual development of their relationship. Although this story has Amish elements, a majority of it takes place outside of the Amish community. I overall enjoyed this novel and would be interested in reading the next one in the series!I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[eccl-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Her Heart’s Desire by Shelley Shepard Gray is the first book in the A Season in Pinecraft series. This is a modern day Amish romance story that takes place mainly in Pinecraft, Florida. This is a fun story of three young women who have been “wallflowers” and are now quickly becoming friends. Mary has been picked on the majority of her life by Esther and her friends. When Esther and her friends have a disagreement, Esther goes to Florida to apologize to MaryI enjoyed reading this story. It is well written and easy to read. I especially enjoyed imagining the warm beaches of Florida. There were a few areas that I felt moved rather slowly, but the message in the story is awesome. The themes of caring for others and forgiveness are very strong. I enjoyed how quickly the girls became friends and how friendly and helpful the innkeeper was. I enjoyed reading of the struggles the two men had with what to do concerning family members and what path their lives should take. This is a fun story to read and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

[grammy57 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this Amish-themed book. It was not your normal Amish love story, it is not set in the Amish community.The main characters are fairly well-developed. The story flowed well. But, it is not very deep and it is not very believable. But, for a quick read, something light, this is a good book.It was given to me through the Revell Reads blogger program. The thoughts are my own and freely given. Since it was through Revell I expected it to be a bit more of a Christian book. It seemed that the characters thought it was "from God" way too often.I would recommend this book to someone looking for a light, quick read. The editing was very well done for an ARC.

[khiemstra631 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Shelley Shepard Grey has launched a new series, A Season in Pinecraft, with this book. While she has written basically a standard romance, she added a twist in that the book takes place in Pinecraft, FL. (For the uninitiated, Pinecraft is an Amish settlement near Sarasota, Florida, where thousands of northern Amish flock via the Amish Bus each winter to escape the cold and to literally let down their hair. It's also the only place in the U.S. to have an actual building in which to hold Amish worship services.) Another possibly unique mark of this book is that it discusses an adult Amish victim of childhood bullying and how it impacted her life. I found surprising to learn that Amish children would engage in bullying since they are known for their peaceful society, but apparently kids are kids no matter what their backgrounds. Mary meets two other young Amish women when their bus is forced to stop for the night at a ramshackle motel near Atlanta due to an ice storm. They form friendships quickly, which works out great since they will all stay at the same inn in Pinecraft. At the inn, Mary Miller meets Jayson Raber and over the course of her two-week stay a romance blossoms. Also another Amish girl, Esther, who is from Mary's hometown of Trail, Ohio, shows up at the inn within a few day's of Mary's arrival. They form a foursome and do activities together around Sarasota and Siesta Key. Another girl also falls in love with an Amish man who lives year-round in Florida. Of course, they have their share of turmoil in their romances, but all is happily resolved by the end of the book. The author has included a teaser for the next book in the series. This is a pleasant read, and I will probably read the next one in the series. I received this copy as part of the LibraryThing Early. Reviewers program.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This has been such an enjoyable book to read. I could feel the excitement as Mary steps on the bus to get out of her comfort zone. She needs this break to regroup and to hopefully find a direction for her life. I loved how the author introduces Betsy and Lillie to the story. Three young women traveling on the same bus going to the same place had to be a God thing. They quickly become friends and I adored the place they were staying at. The adventures they planned sounded exciting and their mutual desire to be friends was good for each of them. It is hard to say which character I liked the best because they each offer an adventure as they figure out where God is calling them. Mary seems to be the most unsure of her future and tends to hold onto things from the past. At times I thought maybe she was running away so she didn’t have to face her insecurity. I liked the interaction she has with Jayson and how their friendship developed slowly and respectfully. The author illustrates how hard forgiveness can be. I loved reading how Mary and a friend from home run into each other in Pinecraft. I thought it took real courage for Esther to face Mary knowing how hurtful she has been to her. Mary finds it hard to forgive Esther but with God’s guidance we witness how freeing it can be to release bitterness and forgive. The story is filled with a look at how faith will guide you as you listen to God. He has a plan for each of us. Some of the characters find it hard to wait on God’s direction but when they try to move ahead of Him, they stumble and hurt feelings happen. Jayson is a good example of being afraid to stand up for what he wants. He is so focused on making others happy, he finds that he could miss the opportunity to find love. The author gives us a range of emotions from unhappiness, loneliness, forgiveness and finding peace. I’m excited that this will be a series and can’t wait to follow the characters on their journey as they step out in faith.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Her Heart’s Desire by Shelley Shepard Gray is the debut of A Season in Pinecraft series. I love that the author set this book in Pinecraft, Florida. I enjoyed reading Her Heart’s Desire. I like the author’s friendly writing style. I was quickly drawn into story. I enjoyed meeting Mary, Lilly, Betsy, and Edith. We also get to know Jayson and Michael. Mary, Lilly, Edith, Betsy, and Jayson traveled from their respective hometowns to Pinecraft. They each needed a break from their lives. Jayson has an important decision to make. This is his last chance at freedom before going down a path that will allow him to fulfill his familial duty, but it will not bring him joy. Mary has been unhappy for some time. The vacation is her opportunity to get away from the people who have taunted her and made her life miserable. A storm in Georgia forces the bus to stop at a motel for the night. Betsy, Mary, and Lilly share a room. They discover that they are the wallflowers in their communities. The three ladies quickly become friends and look forward to enjoying their vacation together. Mary enjoys her first day in Pinecraft and then she receives a phone call that changes everything. Mary learns that Edith is coming to Pinecraft and will be staying at the same inn. Edith is one of the people Mary wished to get away from. It seems that God has a different plan for Mary’s vacation. The characters are realistic and relatable thanks to their flaws. I could relate to Mary and how she felt. It is terrible to be picked on and bullied. Each of the characters need to go on a journey of self-reflection. They need to examine their past and decide what type of future they desire. I can tell that the author visited Pinecraft and Siesta Key Beach from her descriptions. Her word imagery took me back to this beautiful beach. Her Heart’s Desire is about forgiveness, friendship, family, romance, and faith. The characters need to be open to God’s plan for their lives. They need to listen to His guiding voice. Her Heart’s Desire is a touching story. There are good life lessons in this book. I am looking to the next A Season in Pinecraft novel. Her Heart’s Desire is a moving story with a sudden storm, fast friends, a tricycle trip, a discouraging call, a smiling innkeeper, and finding forgiveness.

[ecataldi-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This Amish romance was a nice change of pace as it took place on a beach! Most Amish books I read take place in either Ohio or Indiana so it was nice to see Pinecraft Florida take center stage. Mary Margaret Miller needs to get away from Trail, Ohio. She has been teased and bullied her whole life and has no friends. She has saved up for a solo trip to Pinecraft, Florida (an area that caters to Amish families) and she is looking forward to a chance to re-charge and re-invent herself. On the long bus ride down she meets two other Amish wallflowers who are doing the same thing as her. All three have been lonely and looked down on so they immediately latch onto each other and become the best of friends. A few days into their fun Mary learns that one of the girls who bullied her from her hometown is coming to Pinecraft and even staying in the same Inn! There goes her fun and relaxing vacation! Obviously there is a little romance thrown in as well. Lots of fun and I can't wait to read the next books in the series!

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is such a refreshing read, I enjoyed it from beginning to end! I also love that this is part of a series, and now I can't wait for the next book in this series, and updates on the character's I now care about!We have four young women going to Florida trying to escape their problems, but life can't go smooth, and some of their problems actually follow them!Here's to new friendships, experiences, toes in the sand, and some sweet romance. Then it's back to their homes and their old lives, or?There are some really great surprises, some hard decisions, and some sweet kisses!I received this through the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

[polarmath · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Mary Margaret Miller feel the need to get away from her community to let some issues die down and to just not have to deal with the others in the community who are not lifting her up as they should. She decides to go to another community in Pinecraft, Florida and takes the bus there on her own. On the way she meet some others going to the same place and they decide to stick together and enjoy their vacation together. While there she meets some other people including Jayson Raber who she feels she has a connection to. Soon though things from both of their pasts come out that puts a damper on their vacation and blooming friendship. They both will have to look hard into their lives to see what will happen next.

[deslivres5 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received this e-book ARC through Net Galley from Revell in exchange for a truthful review.I was not familiar with inspirational Amish romance, so this one was a complete surprise to me.I was open to learning new things. I didn't quite expect the "going on vacation" unchaperoned premise to a somewhat Amish-friendly enclave (in Florida of all places!) but I went with the flow.Sweet, clean romance(s), a bit of religion/morality and an easy read. Lots of likeable characters.I think I wound up liking the second main character, Esther, much more than the first, Mary Margaret. I understand that this is a series and I hope we get to see more of Esther when the stories Pinecraft continue in the remaining series.

[drsyko_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Her Heart's Desire is a fairly formulaic romance novel, but without the usual sex scenes. The protagonists are all Amish, so the romance is refreshingly propelled forward more by sincere devotion and love rather than the usual lust of most romance novels. But what makes it formulaic is the usual boy meets girl, boy immediately falls in love with girl, there's a misunderstanding which parts girl from boy, but in the end all is happy. I don't mind that it's formulaic. There are really two parallel love stories in this book, and they are both sweet. But, the pace of this book is very, very slow, and I found myself feeling bogged down with what felt to me like too many details and a bit of contrived and trite conflict. Perhaps I just couldn't relate to the Amish way of love . . . The characters are all sweet if a bit too nice, and the plot has some fun elements, even if they are a bit shallow.This isn't a bad book, but it's not great either. If you like religious romance books, you'll probably like this. But I wouldn't read a sequel.

[hobbitprincess · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Shelley Shepard Gray is starting a new series that takes place in Pinecraft, Florida, a popular vacation destination for Amish and Mennonite families. Three girls from different communities meet on the bus going down and become good friends. The girls help each other through the discoveries of unexpected romance and disappointments and finding freedom away from their families and homes. I had heard of Pinecraft, and as I read, I went online to find pictures and more information. Especially interesting were the pictures that helped me wrap my mind around exactly how conservative Amish went ot the beach. So why 3 stars? The girls in the novel are in their early 20s, yet in their conversations and attitudes, they act just like the middle school girls I taught for years. Perhaps their Amish upbringings make them particularly naive and immature, but I've not gotten this from other Amish fiction books I have read. There is a reconciliation between the main character Mary Margaret and another girl from her community who has come to Pinecraft just for this reason. This other girl has apparently made Mary's life very unpleasant for the past 10 years.and has resulted in her not having friends or boyfriends at all. When the reason behind this was revealed, I wanted to shake Mary and then send her for some serious counseling. I won't go into details, but all I could think was that there must be some other reason that would be revealed later, but there never was. Again, it seems like middle school girls all over again. **I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.**

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Escaping her unhappy existence in her Amish community, Mary Margaret is going on vacation to sunny Pinecraft in Florida. For two weeks, she can forget about being teased, or laughed at, or even ignored by her peers at home. She meets two other girls on the bus there, and they strike up a friendship, something Mary has been denied her whole life. Not only that, she meets meets a nice Amish man who seems interested in getting to know her. Life is wonderful, until her hometown nemesis shows up at the B&B where Mary is staying. Her new friends don’t understand why Esther’s presence has upset Mary, and it will take some persuading and patience before they understand. Vacations should be a happy time, but this one will lead the main protagonists on a journey in introspection as they look into their pasts as well as to what they hope for their futures. This story is very well written, exploring the ways people not only hurt others, but how they can atone for their cruelty and mistakes. Forgiveness figures into the story, along with lasting friendships and romance. With strong Christian overtones, this novel is peopled with likable characters placed in an intriguing and entertaining plot. It appears to be the first in a series, as a teaser following the story focuses on another character in the novel, and it promises to be just as delightful as first one.