C is for Courting by Shelley Shephard Gray

 

The perfect read for fans of Amish fiction.  Fans of Beth Wiseman and Amy Clipston will fall in love with Shelly Shepard Gray.  The long awaited conclusion in Shephard Gray's Amish ABC's series will not leave readers disappointed, but can it can also be read as a stand alone.  After reading the stories of Kelsey and Johnny (the youngest Schrock siblings),  Gray gives us the exciting conclusion by bringing the siblings' story full circle.  This book is a treat as it all comes together, and readers finally discover what choices Beth and Martin make (both in faith and relationships).

Gray does an excellent job of blending both the Amish and English worlds together with believable and authentic characters.   She also touches on the age old dilemma of sibling relationships, and how adult siblings can maintain a connection as life takes them down different paths.  The most important lesson, I feel, is that while man tries to plan and directs their own steps, God alone is sovereign and He is always working.  He has a plan for your life, and we have to surrender in faith and trust to that plan,

In Beth's story, she comes to her grandparent's Amish farm pregnant, alone, and at a cross roads (both spiritually and professionally.  She has felt the pull to be Amish, but only once face with being an unwed mother, does she start to come to realize what is really important.  When she meets Junior, owner of a successful candle making business, is she able to see that there is more to life than being at the top professionally.  Their sweet, yet unexpected journey to romance will have readers eagerly turning the pages to find out the rest of their story.

Gray also finishes the story line of eldest sibling Martin (which has been weaved throughout the first two books of the series).  While Martin has fallen in love with his grandparent's neighbor Pattie (who happens to be Amish); he just can't seem to fit into the Amish world no matter how hard he tries.  Knowing the consequences for Patti leaving the Amish faith as a baptized believer, Martin assumes that the end of the road has come from them.  Thankfully, Patti sees something, and realizes that she can still have faith in the Lord even if she is no longer Amish.  

Gray weaves the conclusion of the Schrock siblings together with love, and a lot of mercy and grace thrown in.  For those who have siblings (being an only child the sibling bond escapes all my understanding),  Gray shows that work and effort is needed to maintain that bond when the busyness of life happens.  For believers, more importantly than being a physical family you are all also a part of the family of God (Ephesians 2:19).

Simba gives this book 3 paws, and thoroughly enjoyed the special appearances of Junior's chocolate labs Clyde and Honor.  For me this was a special book, showing the bonds of siblings throughout life (as a mother of 4 my prayer is that they will be close throughout life).  Not only does she touch on the bond of siblings, she integrates the importance of reconciliation forgiveness between adult children and their parents.  The Schrock parents were not always as involved as the siblings would have liked.  Gray illustrated, through them, how forgiveness is possible and what a beautiful gift reconciliation can be. 

I want to give a special thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy of C is For Courting.  Look for this cozy, heartwarming Amish fiction novel for purchase October 28, 2025.  Perfect for A lazy Sunday afternoon with your favorite baked goods and some coffee (I absolutely love the Donut shop brand duos coconut and mocha with some white chocolate mocha creamer).  Happy Reading!