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The Protective One

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About The Book

New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray weaves a moving and unforgettable exploration of love and friendship in this “slow-burning, enjoyable romance [with] a poignant message about the importance of community, compassion, and doing what’s right rather than what’s easy” (Publishers Weekly).

The tragic and untimely death of an old friend has made Elizabeth Anne rethink not only her priorities but also her courtship with David, her longtime neighbor and suitor. Though he’s Mennonite like herself and has her parents’ approval, she feels that a spark is missing. Desperate for a change, she breaks things off—wondering if, perhaps, she’s the one who’s missing a spark.

When her family becomes upset with her decision, E.A. turns to her friends for support. One of them is Will, a man with a good heart who has always been there for her. As the two bond over their shared struggle to navigate a future that everyone else seems to have figured out, they are surprised to realize that they have feelings for each other.

But E.A.’s world takes a sudden turn when she realizes that she’s not the only one struggling—Marta, one of her sewing students, is in desperate need of protection. With the aid of Will and several other friends, E.A. begins a journey that is more difficult and rewarding than she could have ever imagined...one that ultimately enables her to find everything she’s been searching for.

“Gray deftly weaves the threads of abuse, friendship, love, and faith into a thought-provoking, emotional story” (Patricia Davids, USA TODAY bestselling author) that is sure to appeal to both new and longtime fans.

About The Author

Photograph by Dianne Bomar at The New Studio
Shelley Shepard Gray

A practicing Lutheran, Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than one hundred novels, translated into multiple languages. In her years of researching the Amish community, she depends on her Amish friends for gossip, advice, and cinnamon rolls. She lives in Colorado with her family and writes full time.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Gallery Books (January 21, 2020)
  • Length: 304 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781982100926

Raves and Reviews

“A slow-burning, enjoyable romance… Embedded in this quaint story is a poignant message about the importance of community, compassion, and doing what’s right rather than what’s easy. The author’s fans and newcomers alike will enjoy this appealing tale.

– Publishers Weekly

“Gray deftly weaves the threads of abuse, friendship, love, and faith into a thought-provoking, emotional story.”

– Patricia Davids, USA Today bestselling author of The Wish

“Filled with heartbreaking and uplifting moments, this love story stars Elizabeth Anne, or 'E.A.,' as she reevaluates her life… Now, E.A. must go on a heart-opening journey that may lead her to everything she's been searching for.”

– Woman’s World

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More books from this author: Shelley Shepard Gray

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