A Son’s Vow audiobook

A Son's VowShelley Shepard GrayA SON'S VOW is the first book in the new series by Shelley Shepard Gray called The Charmed Amish Life.A SON'S VOW starts off increasing the reader's heart rate right away. A tragic accident at the lumber mill, people have died because of it, and everyone is blaming poor Darla's Dad for the fire. Her dad has died in the fire as well as four other Amish men. Darla works at the post office and a woman comes in almost daily to try and shame her. My heart immediately goes out to Darla and I just want to hug her. Will she ever be able to make peace with what has happened? While she is struggling with all of this, Lukas, who is running the mill now, and has also lost his father, finds himself wanting to protect Darla.You will also meet Hannah, who lost her beau in the fire. She is trying to move on with her life and her job babysitting an Englisch baby really helps her not sit around and dwell on all that she has lost. But how can she move on when Aaron, who is Darla's brother, keeps trying to shame her for not harboring grief and all of her pain and trying to move on. He feels like everyone should be miserable just like him. Aaron is a ticking time bomb and you will be flipping the page like mad trying to hurry to see what he is going to do next! I know I did! A SON'S VOW is such an emotional read, you won't be able to help yourself from getting into all of the characters business. Everyone of the main characters is trying to move on from the horrible accident, but they are trying to do it alone and it just isn't working. Someone needs to pull them all together and remind them of their faith. A SON'S VOW teaches us that all religions grieve, no matter how we are raised. We might all grieve differently, but we all do it. My emotions were all over the place as they always are reading a Shelley Shepard Gray story and I'm excited to read the next book in this series, called A Daughter's Dream. I loved how she made me feel all of the anxiety and tension that the characters were dealing with. Besides all of that, there is also romance, forgiveness, and healing. A perfect way to spend the day on the couch with your favorite beverage, lost in the pages of a heart tugging but beautiful story.

4.5 starsOne of the first things that struck me about A Son’s Vow was how it addresses topics that aren’t usually explored in Amish fiction. Topics such as unforgiveness, abuse, bitterness, grief, depression. A refreshing reminder of why I love Shelley Shepard Gray’s Amish novels. It’s not so much the case now (thankfully), but when I first tried Amish fiction, all the characters and plots seemed encased in an almost utopian bubble. I didn’t care for it. When I discovered Shelley Shepard Gray, she gave me a new appreciation for the genre. (I have since found several other Amish fiction authors I like as well for these same reasons.) Her characters are real and honest and sometimes raw, but they are also sweet and quirky and sometimes flirty. And no matter what the situation, grace coats every word.Lukas and Darla have so much history behind their friendship – and now so much emotion. Emotion that could – and does – strain the relationship but which also has the potential to make it all the sweeter. I loved watching them interact. Lukas’ protective instincts (swoon!). Darla’s torn loyalties. The moments when they put aside the recent past in favor of the distant (swoon! again!). And then there’s Hannah… whose brewing and complicated relationship I hope to see more of in the series.But beyond all (quite enjoyable) plot points of a romantical nature, the focus on grief and how we each absorb it really sets this book apart from the crowd. Nearly for every character in A Son’s Vow, we are shown a different approach to loss. Some healthy, others not so much. The emphasis on God’s faithfulness, despite our doubt, our anger, our sin, is sure to touch readers no matter what stage of grief they may find themselves.Bottom Line: Shelley Shepard Gray consistently delivers skillfully-written stories of hope and grace, and A Son’s Vow is no exception. Engaging and honest, this is deeper than a romance and so much more than marketing for an Amish utopia. It’s beautiful, it’s creative, it’s witty, and it’s real. In my opinion, it doesn’t get much better :)(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)

I really enjoyed the first book in the new The Charmed Amish Life series. When I started reading, I wanted to get alone somewhere and simply read until I finished. I had a hard time putting it down because the story just kept drawing me in. I could not imagine what was going to happen to the friendship between Darla and Lukas. And I tried to figure out what would become of Aaron. He seemed like a ticking time-bomb. I also couldn’t keep from wondering if Mary was going to continue going to the post office and berating Darla every day for the rest of her life. Each of the main characters in the story was trying in his or her own way to get past the death of a loved one in a fire that never should have happened. That’s a very difficult thing to handle, but even more so when trying to do it alone as several of them were. I found myself wondering what I would have done in each of their situations and hoping I never have to find out. The characters were so believable and real. Someone might say that these are Amish people and surely the Amish would not behave the way some of the characters do. But first and foremost, they are human beings with feelings and emotions just like everyone else. I found it refreshing to see them be so human and respond in such a wide range of ways. If you enjoy reading Amish fiction, this is definitely a “must read”. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Absolutely amazing! A Son’s Vow, by: Shelley Shepard GrayA Son’s Vow is book one in The Charmed Amish Life by Shelley Shepard Gray. This is not your typical Amish romance book. Shelley has skillfully written a heart touching story. A story that is filled with so many strong emotions that will surly draw you into the story right from the start and not let you go until the very end! There is so much love, pain, heartache, hope, denial, devotion, and faith in this story. Characters that will grab hold of you and take you for the emotional roller coaster of a ride thought this story. This book surely has to be Shelley best Amish fiction that she has ever written! I am so looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Be sure to order your copy of A Son’s Vow by Shelley Shepard Gray today! 5 stars!I received a copy of this book for my honest review.

*My Thoughts*This book was fabulous! I loved Shelley's Brides of Pinecraft Series, and in my oppinion, this series is going to be even better!Every time Darla had to defend herself and her family to the town, I physically ached. I understand on a very miniscule level what it is like to be rejected, but nothing like that. However, Shelley has a way of showing everyone elses true feelings so as not to make enemies out of the other characters, but eventually, friends.Her writing is superb! I could see the tension and attraction on the part of Lukas and Darla but it didn't overtake the line of forgiveness and grace in the story.This was so much more then a romance story. Shelley really did enrapture me with the story each person had and the heartache and healing they all shared. A beautiful story, inside and out, this series will be another great success if Shelley continues this trend! ____________________________________________________ *My overall thoughts*A completely beautiful Amish romance that is so much more! Woven with faith, healing, forgiveness, and love, A Son's Vow is a much welcomed addition to my shelves! _______________________________________________________ *My Rating* I give A Son's Vow by Shelley Shepard Gray... 5 stars!! _______________________________________________ *Audience*Romance lovers? If you love these authors, you'll love Shelley too:Wanda Brunnstetter, Jennifer Beckstrand, Linda Byler, and Suzanne Woods Fischer!*I received this book from the publisher and the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given. All thoughts were my own and I was not compensated in any other way.

Before I say anything about the book, I have to comment on how beautiful the cover is, especially the guy on the cover. Drools. There needs to be more covers that look like this...This story is really one of two families coming out of darkness. It isn't your usual light fluffy Amish read. Two famili

This was a really touching book! I enjoyed all of the characters. Looking forward to reading book two. My heart went out to Darla but she kept pushing forward.

A freak fire at the town’s lumber yard left five men dead. Though fingers were pointed at Darla’s father as the culprit who started the fire, Lukas, the son of the owner, publicly declared him innocent. Both fathers died in the blaze which was determined to have had multiple factors that combined to make the tragedy. But Darla’s brother blamed the conditions of the yard, and the owners. Darla and Lukas have had a long-standing friendship that has been strained due to the accusations that followed the fire. Now, hard feelings exist in both families, but Darla and Lukas are still drawn to each other. This book explores several themes, including anger, sadness, culpability, remorse, and forgiveness. The tale is well written and is peopled with likable and believable characters.

http://www.njkinnysblog.com/2016/02/b...A Son's Vow is the first book in The Charmed Amish Life series by Shelley Shepard Grey and also the first book by this author that I have read. I got attracted towards this book because of its intriguing blurb which had me wanting to pick up the book to read!The cover is okay. It could have been more interesting. The title is again intriguing and sure to attract a reader's attention.This book is not just a simple Amish romance but a story about two families struggling after a tragedy and the romance that has the power to either make or break them. I have read a few books based on Amish culture and there life is so different from mine that it is always interesting to read stories featuring this simple and down-to-earth community.I enjoyed reading this very inspiring story that teaches us to be strong no matter how bad the circumstances and the power of true love that teaches one to be ready to wait and be patient even if it means waiting for a lifetime and sacrificing your own happiness just for your partner's happiness. Forgiveness is the theme of the story and it tackles with some serious issues like domestic abuse and societal abuse but everything is handled very tactfully by the author.I enjoyed Shelley's writing style and her world building where she brings to us a small, close knit Amish community that had lived in harmony and which goes against one family based on hearsay following a tragedy. The contrast of society's dual face is frankly brought to us by the author.The characters are well fleshed out and seem real. Darla is a strong character who is bravely facing the fire both at home and outside and trying her best to keep her family together. While I applauded her determination and the sacrifices she made, sometimes her easy compliance to everything felt over done and I desperately wanted to shake some sense and spine into her.Lukas is a honest and good man. I loved his attempts at trying to win Darla's friendship again and his attempts at helping her but still I felt more could have been done to bring out more effect into their love story and the struggles they faced. There was so much scope to make it intense and more engaging. The Kurtz and Kingsinger families are a varied bunch and I enjoyed meeting them and hope to read their own stories in the successive books in this series.All in all, A Son's Vow is an engaging, clean family story that has heartfelt emotions, real world struggles and a quiet but realistic romance. I enjoyed reading the book and give it 4 out of 5 stars. Recommended to everyone, I hope to read more from the author in the future.I received the book from the publishers and the tour organizers via Edelweiss and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.

Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://bit.ly/1T0I18nWith A Son’s Vow, Shelley Shepard Gray begins a new four-book series, transporting readers to the Amish village of Charm, Ohio (population 110). I always find much to enjoy in Shelley’s writing and am delighted with this new series. Although Shelley incorporates a wealth of sensitive issues (grief, anger, physical abuse, blame), the narrative isn’t especially deep - but other factors combine to make this a really good story. The heart and emotion of its characters are vividly conveyed, and the story’s length of 262 pages seemed just right. And the bottom line? A Son’s Vow is not your typical Amish story, and that makes for a compelling read.I loved Shelley’s previous series set in Pinecraft, but am just as hooked on the small community of Charm. A wonderful little village map is included at the beginning, and it was fun to explore online pictures of this area that inspired the series. While Lukas and Darla are the lead characters, they are surrounded by a great ensemble cast of family and friends. One of my favorite things about a series like this is that we get to come back to familiar characters and see their development.At the center of this story is the lingering effect of an accidental fire at the Kinsinger lumber mill that killed five men, including the fathers of Lukas and Darla. Lukas, the eldest son, shoulders the responsibility of running the mill and taking care of his family. Anger manifests itself in different ways . . . For some, it’s in laying blame at the feet of Darla’s father; for Aaron, Darla’s brother, it’s an uncontrollable anger that leads to abusive behavior. One of the things I liked most about A Son’s Vow is that it presents a realistic look into the lives of a flawed people, showing that there’s really no difference between the Amish community and us when it comes to dealing with life issues. Dealing with unimaginable grief over the loss of a loved one, the need to forgive and go on – the Amish struggle is just as difficult as ours.For Lukas and Darla, the road to redemption and forgiveness might be rocky, but God’s hand and lovingkindness is seen throughout. I look forward to all that is to come in this series – hopefully more from Lukas and Darla, as well as Hannah, Rob, Aaron and Hope. Book #2, A Daughter’s Dream, releases in May 2016.RecommendedThank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book!! It's by far the best that Shelley has written yet. I just couldn't put it down!! It does have abuse, some love, but mostly anger in it. I liked it because of the way the Amish come together towards the end to help one of their own in need. I feel like we Englishers could do the same for others in need instead of avoiding the problem.The Amish could teach us some life morals if we could only follow their examples. I understand that loss can be hard. I've lost my parents. Yes you miss them and yes it's hard to put it behind you and move on. I still miss my parents and Grandparents. But, I've learned to put it behind me and put my trust in God and hope for the best. I also believe He gave me my son to relieve some of that hurt. I still hurt because my Mom isn't there to see my baby grow up but, I know that someday she will meet her grandson in Heaven. The people of Charm, Ohio is having a hard time putting the accident of the sawmill behind them. Aaron especially. Sometimes it's easier to blame others or take your anger out on them instead of trying to put it behind you. Aaron is having a hard time doing this. I was hoping he would come around. Mary Troyer is also having a hard time doing this. She goes out of her way to make Darla miserable like she is but thank goodness it doesn't work!!! Mary especially want Darla to forget and blames her father for the accident. Happy for Darla that she finally stood up to Mary and told her she'd had enough of Mary's abuse. Abuse can come in different forms whether verbal or physical. They both can hurt. Luckas also lost his Pa in the disaster but at least he's trying to make a go of it. I"m so very happy that he doesn't blame anyone. Accidents do happen and it's no one's fault. I kind of felt sorry for Luke because he thinks he has to take care of everyone that lost a family member in the accident especially Darla and her family. I'm grateful that there was a way to help Darla she just had to reach out and want that help. I'm sure it takes a lot to admit that there are some that need help. I love it that Aaron too realized this and admitted the truth. There is hope after all!!! I strongly recommend this book. I did check this book out from the library and still decided to help promote this title.

This book is the first in the beginnings of a new series by Shelley Shepard Gray, Charmed Amish Life, set in Charm, Ohio. As the book opens we find it torn apart by grief, five men have been killed in a blast fire at the Kinsinger Lumber Plant, and it seems everyone blames someone else, although it has been ruled an accident.Darla and Aaron Kurtz lost their father to this accident; somehow parts of this community want to place the blame on him. The ramifications of this and grief seem to have affected Aaron in a very adverse way.This town and these families are forgetting one of the basis of their religion and that is forgiveness, whether it is true or not. Each seems to take their anger or grief out in different ways, some have turned to violence, totally out of the way they believe.You will become a page-turner on this one and hoping for the best for all concerned, and hoping life long friendships won’t be broken. It seems that while most of the community think that Henry Kurtz was the cause, and yes it was an accident, others feel it was the Kinsinger family, whatever caused this tragedy the survivors and broken and trying to find their way back to living and their faith.Come journey with this book, and I’m looking forward to the next in this series, and hopefully more answers will be forthcoming!I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

What a beautiful start to a new series. A Son's Vow is about grief and forgiveness, and how to handle with either. Several characters dealt with grief very differently and how that grief affected their relationships with each other and with God. When tragedy struck, how did the community and the characters react? If you were in their shoes, how will you handle your pain?We start off with Lukas and Darla trying to mend their life-long friendship, and heal as both families were deeply affected with the death of their respective fathers by the tragedy that struck the town of Charm, Ohio three months ago. Lukas, as the oldest took over responsibilities to his family mill (which is one of the main source of employment for the town) and to his siblings. Darla, as the oldest daughter felt responsible for her family's income, and farm, while the uncertainty and unpredictability of their brother, Aaron's emotional state comes into question. When things turn abusive, will Lukas and Darla realize their care towards each other is more than the feelings of childhood friendship? Will Aaron turn his grief of anger from abuse to humility and love?For the full review: http://justcommonly.blogspot.com/2016...NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.

My biggest problem with Amish fiction is that many of the stories feature the same main problems: what if I love someone who’s not Amish? and Should I stay within the Amish faith or leave? Those are very valid concerns, and quite respectable story lines within the genre, but ….That’s what makes Shelley Shepard Gray’s newest book A Son’s Vow one of the best Amish stories I’ve read in years: her characters face incredibly realistic problems, yet their faith shines through brightly. Nobody will mistake Gray’s new cast of characters as living with rosy glasses on; in one way or another, everyone is facing problems head-on. These problems take Amish fiction to a new level: we’re no longer talking only about love, but about physical abuse and forgiveness and abandonment.Gray deals with these deep topics with wisdom and compassion. I appreciate the way that her characters took time to determine a Biblical course of action. They stood up for others, whether the people attacking them were Amish or English. They took time to invest in relationships, regardless of the faith background of the other person. I’m glad that this book is the first in a new series. I’ve read many of Gray’s books, and while she’s an excellent writer, this is definitely the best one yet. I look forward to returning to Charm.

This is the first book in the series Charmed Amish Life and I'm really looking forward to the rest of the books in the series!Darla is trying to start over after the death of her father. She gets treated poorly because the people in the community blame her and her family for the fire at the mill that killed 5 people. It has affected her family, especially her brother, in very bad ways. I was especially struck by the way one of the ladies in the community makes it her business to berate Darla every day as she works in the Post Office.Darla is childhood friends with Lukas, who now runs the family mill after his father was killed in the fire, too. He hasn't known exactly how to go forward with his friendship with Darla after the fire but he misses her and tries to rekindle their friendship. This book deals with what happens when people are unforgiving. It also deals with domestic abuse and I especially liked how it was handled in a very Biblical way. There was protection for the abused and confrontation to the abuser. I read this book in one day. It was a nice cozy book with a lovely story. I liked how the romance developed naturally without being sappy sweet. Just a lovely, Amish story line. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.*This book was provided to me for my honest review LitFuse Publicity Group