Carla's Book Crush

B Is for Bonnet by Shelley Shepard Gray
Published by: Kensington Publishing
Publication Date: Jan 21 2025
Series: Amish ABCs – Book 2
Genres: Amish Romance / Christian Romance
Pages: 288
Format: NetGalley eARC
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The second in this delightfully moving new series from beloved, New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray continues the story of four English-raised siblings who return to their grandparents’ Ohio community planning to become Amish. But one by one, they will soon learn more about living—and love—than they’d ever imagined . . .

Exploring the relationship between Amish and English cultures through the lens of a single family, the Amish Again series is perfect for fans of Beverly Lewis, Suzanne Woods Fisher, and Charlotte Hubbard – and anyone who enjoys uplifting stories about faith, family, love, and the simple life.

Raised by their divorced, lapsed-Amish father and English mother, siblings Jonny, Martin, Kelsey, and Beth can’t wait to reinvent their lives. The four don’t have much in common, but they long for the stable sense of family they felt when visiting their New Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful Holmes County, Ohio. And the Schrocks couldn’t be more surprised when the grandkids want to try living with them—and joining their faith  . . .

When Jonny hears startling news about his health, he knows it’s past time to change his life. Quitting college, he unexpectedly finds the fulfilling job of his dreams. And he’s instantly smitten with cafe owner Treva Kramer, whose baked goods are as warm and delicious as her lively personality. But no matter how hard Jonny tries, he can’t seem to get past her secret sadness and distrust. Can he prove that his feelings for her are for real—and forever—in time?

A bad breakup left Treva heartbroken—and resolved to be independent without relying on anyone ever again. Exhausted from pouring everything she’s got into her cafe, she’s stunned by Jonny’s easygoing ways—and drawn to his optimistic nature. But when she thinks his real interest is in becoming Amish, she’s even more determined to stay focused—and keep her heart safe . . .

Soon, deep secrets and hidden family truths will test Jonny and Treva in unexpected ways. And with help from his warm-hearted grandparents, he and Treva might gain the happiness they secretly long for—with each other.

B is for Bonnet features features Johnny, the youngest of the Schrock siblings, and Treva Kramer, the local owner of a coffee bar and pastry shop. Johnny is taking his turn to decide if he wants to live the Amish lifestyle, but unexpected health news right before he goes to live with his grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, makes him question whether this is the right choice for him. As he slowly starts integrating himself into the Amish lifestyle, he discovers his favorite coffee, and perhaps his favorite Amish woman. However, Treva values her independence above all else, and after her last crushing relationship, the last thing she wants is to get into another. Once again, Gray has outdone herself with this beautifully written book that touched not only my heart but also my spirit.

Of course, there is a heavy focus on Johnny and Treva in this romance, and we also see Josiah and Sylvia, but Johnny’s father played a stronger role than I expected. I was surprised by this and was initially concerned that I wouldn’t like him because of what the Schrock kids said about him in A is for Amish, but as the book went on, he grew on me. I mean, who among us is the perfect parent? The ending was great but left me hungry for the next book, which supposedly doesn’t come out for quite some time. I’m hoping that’s a typo, since it’s an eARC. Fingers crossed!

Johnny Schrock is only twenty-two and still uses social media and texting as ways to escape from things he doesn’t want to deal with. Honestly, many of us do that at any age. I enjoyed how he appreciated his grandparents, even though he was at a time in his life when some of us might focus more on friends than family. Treva was sweet and focused, and really centered her life around her coffee shop. It’s easy to see why she’d be hesitant to open up to others when she’s been hurt before and prefers to throw herself into her passion. Given that they are New Order Amish, Treva has a lot more leeway so her shop sounds modern and fun which really makes you understand her love of it.

There were times in B is for Bonnet when the reminder to look to God and speak to Him about our troubles was so strong that I was near tears. In any Amish romance, you expect elements of God and religion, but Gray is so subtle about it that when a point is made regarding your relationship with Him, it’s deeply moving. It makes you pause and wonder if there’s anything about that relationship you need to change.

If you enjoy romances that not only draw you into the characters but also challenge you personally, then this is a book you won’t want to miss.

Note: I would recommend that you read the first book in the series before reading B is for Bonnet.

What was the last fiction book that made you think
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Thank you to Kensington Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.