Unforgiven - by Shelley Shepard Gray

Tabitha Yoder and Seth Zimmerman find friendship as they adapt to the judgment and isolation imposed on them by the Amish community that should be supporting them. I loved watching Tabitha blossom under Seth's efforts to help her, and I was equally touched by Seth's longtime crush on his former teacher and his determination to protect her when her ex-husband reappears. Author Shelley Shepard Gray proves that she is capable of writing in almost every genre as she shares their compelling story that's set in Crittenden County, Kentucky. I was moved by the special connection between Tabitha and Seth, fascinated by the added dynamics provided by the other characters, and completely invested in the continuing drama! Unforgiven is a story of damaged trust, unreasonable judgments, and the inability to forgive. It is a captivating blend of romance, suspense, and faith, and it offers many profound truths while asking one powerful question. Why is it easier to forgive others than it is to forgive ourselves? This is one of my favorite books by this author and I can't wait to read more of this new series! I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Revell Reads. There was no obligation for a positive review.

Unforgiven by Shelley Shepard Gray is a story that draws you in. It starts off slow, but it arouses your curiosity about Seth Zimmerman and Tabitha Yoder. The story is well-written. The characters are developed and realistic. The secondary characters add additional depth to the story. Seth’s sister, Melonie added humor. She is a nosy parker. Unforgiven is an emotional tale (have a box of tissues nearby). Seth and Tabitha have both faced challenges. Tabitha is on edge wondering if the danger from her past has found her. The main themes in Unforgiven are trust, guilt, and forgiveness. It is hard to trust after you have been severely hurt. Time and patience are required by both parties. It is hard to forgive someone that has wronged you (I struggle with this one myself) and it is even more challenging to forgive yourself. Of course, God is always ready to forgive us (we just have to ask). The story reminds us that that God is always with us (we are not alone). Unforgiven is one of those stories that will linger with you long after you finish it.

The two main characters, Seth Zimmerman and Tabitha Yoder, have an unfortunate part of their lives in common. Both live in semi-isolation from the Amish community where they live. Because of their past choices beyond their control, they have not been shunned but neither are they welcomed by the Amish around them. Seth shows up at Tabitha’s house frequently, chopping wood for her, leaving gifts of groceries and helping out around the house as much as he can. Tabitha is a recluse, rarely leaving the confines of her house since her divorce from the abusive Leon, a choice that has led to her isolation from family and friends. Seth is an ex-con who accidentally killed a man who was attacking another woman, so he is not accepted in the Amish society either. The plot is mesmerizing and totally engaging, with the friendship that the two establish gradually developing into mutual respect and finally love. The title of the book is intriguing, especially since I spent a lot of the time I was reading it thinking that the two were “Unforgiven” by the Amish. There is a deeper reason for the title and I won’t spoil it for you by revealing the hidden meaning. The characters are so realistic and relatable, characters who are caught in the challenges of life and end up victims of their circumstances in more ways than one. I enjoyed getting to know Seth’s heart, what led him to be so kind and compassionate to others. I also liked getting to know the quiet and talented Tabitha who weaves baskets so that she can earn money to live on. The story seems realistic and believable with a pace that is perfect for the story being told. There is a lot of spiritual truth built into the story but it doesn’t overwhelm the tale with preachiness. An entire community is affected when these two find themselves combining efforts to keep Tabitha safe from Leon, newly released from prison and determined to possess what is his. I loved the story, the life lessons and the character development. The entire book is brilliantly written, action packed and addictive. A rich story infused with spiritual truth, “Unforgiven” immersed me in the drama of the story with its intricate plot threads and satisfying conclusion. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley as well as a hard copy from Baker Book House. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

This was a really well written book. The characters were believable and understandable. You knew why they did what they thought they needed to do even though you wish things were different. It is an emotional story and it really keeps you engaged and wondering what would I do in this situation. Seth and Tabitha have had past experiences in their lives that have followed them through their days. The story is one of trust, love, family, community and especially forgiveness which the title shows is not easily coming. The Christian aspects of the book come through and I enjoy and appreciate that in my reading. I received an arc copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Unforgiven by Shelley Shepard Gray takes place in an Amish Community but the characters are not Amish any longer. Seth Zimmerman is an ex-con. Tabitha Yoder divorced her abusive husband and is isolated within her community. Seth’s sister is also a character in the story. Seth and Tabitha have a tenuous friendship that grows throughout the course of the book. The characters in the book have redeeming qualities and traits as they interact and grow throughout the book. I enjoyed reading Seth Zimmerman’s story of his past, his conviction, and his insights after his imprisonment back in his community. I enjoyed seeing how the characters find out more about each other and how their relationships would evolve. One of my favorite quotes in the book, “Rushing through things is rarely the best option. To do them right takes time.” I feel that way about Shelley Shepard Gray books. I like to savor, read, and then read again. Each character takes time to reflect and express their feelings to others important in their life. I would have been happy to read a few more chapters about Seth and Tabitha and their relationship. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did, and that you read other Shelley Shepard Gray books; she is one of my very favorite authors. The characters have a kindness about each of them. And I am always sad when I finish the book. I would like to keep reading and seeing how their friendships and relationships continue to grow. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

“No. No, Leon’s words weren’t true. The Lord already had forgiven her,” Tabitha tries to convince herself in Shelley Shepard Gray’s novel, Unforgiven. ~ What ~ This three-hundred-and-four-page paperback targets those interested in a contemporary romance about two scorned individuals trying to move on with their lives. The topics of physical and mental abuse and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending has a sneak peak of another novel by the author, a note to the reader, biography, and advertisements. In this current-day story based in the Amish community of Crittenden County, it has been two years since Tabitha divorced her abusive husband and three years since Seth served his time being involved in an accidental death. Both souls, hurting from the shame of their past, seek second chances in diverse ways as they learn about forgiveness and love. ~ Why ~ I normally do not care for Amish stories as they usually have the same theme of not being accepted; while this one follows the same path, its tenderness in dealing with Amish rules and the English ways shows how acceptance and love of others, despite the past, can be gleaned. I love the relationships of the secondary characters and how they relate to the protagonists while dealing with their own frustrations and fears. Being contemporary, the tale is believable and touching. ~ Why Not ~ Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as their savior may not like the prayers or reliance on Him. Others may not care for Amish stories or those that promote wholesome marriages. Occasionally, I had trouble trying to figure out who was speaking. ~ Wish ~ It would be ideal to include the eternal plan of salvation in a story like this that shows God’s amazing forgiveness. Adding a map of the community would be helpful. ~ Want ~ If you like contemporary Amish romance stories that show how unforgiveness can rule the past, this is a heartwarming read.