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Editorial Reviews
Two lives converge one stormy night on a train headed to cleveland
Lucy is traveling by herself via train to Jacob's Crossing to help care for her cousin Mattie, recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Trying to overcome the sudden death of her husband, she's glad to get away and focus on someone else for a while.
The only other Amish people on the train are Calvin Weaver and his little sister, Katie. When their train breaks down outside of Cleveland, Calvin and Lucy band together to face the outside world. But Calvin also carries the weight of past hurts. When an altercation brings both their wounds to light, they question whether they can trust each other.
Once in Jacob's Crossing, Lucy is occupied with caring for Mattie, while Calvin does his best to run his family's farm. But they can't stop thinking about those special hours spent together. Will the bond they formed last? And will Lucy and Calvin be able to put away the pain in their pasts to recognize the happiness that is suddenly in their grasp?
Related Reviews
The Amish do NOT live in a perfect world
There are so many Amish books out there right now that sometimes it can be hard to sort through them and find ones that are a little unique or different. Here's a hint, find ones with Shelley Shepard Gray's name on them, pick them up and read them. "The Caregiver" is a beautiful story that deals with marital abuse, cancer, widowhood, love and trust. I'm thinking that Shelley knows someone that has gone through cancer because her descriptions as she deals with Lucy helping her cousin Mattie go through her chemotherapy I was near tears. It was moving and touching as Mattie deals with depression and Lucy struggles to keep her from losing hope. Lucy is Mattie's caregiver, but she soon finds out that maybe she needs a little more care herself than she realized. There are some wonderful plot points in this book and Shelley has a way of making you really care about the different characters. A beautiful story and I look forward to the next one in this series.
Lucy was abused in her first marriage. Her husband died a year before in a barn accident and now Lucky finders herself on a train heading for Ohio to spend a month caring for her cousin Mattie who is battling cancer and will be undergoing Chemo. On the train she meets Calvin who she soon finds out is also heading to Ohio in fact to the same small town! Calvin is traveling with his little sister and his Uncle John who is returning home after being in the English world for 20 years.
Will Lucy face her past so she can step into her future? Will Calvin have the patience to help her? Will cancer cause Mattie to turn away from God or will she grow stronger because of it? Will Uncle John who is now English find love when he finds himself falling for two women from two different worlds? You must read this book and find out!
This book well it was awesome. When I find an author like this who I just love I rave and well rave I will!! From the first page of this book I was sucked in. A lot of times it will take me some time to get into a book or I really have to force myself to get through parts but not this one. As soon as my eyes hit the words I found myself riding the train with these characters and soon getting to know Jacob's Crossing and finding myself not wanting to leave!
This book touches on two subjects that has affected many people. Spousal abuse and cancer. Being an Amish book one would probably not think such a thing could happen. The way it was handled in this book was so real you felt Lucy's pain but at the same time felt her hope and then peace as she healed from her past.
You also felt Mattie's pain as she begins chemotherapy and the despair over her wondering if she really will get better. I can't wait to read more about her in the next book! Uncle John you soon find also has a past that he is running from. He soon finds himself having feeling for an English lady and an Amish lady. He finds himself torn and I also look forward to seeing how this will play out in the next book.
Calvin is getting over the pain of a broken relationship when he first meets Lucy. But soon he finds himself falling for her. Calvin is also intruding us to his brothers and planting seeds for the next two books. I liked how the author did this. We start to learn about the other brothers but she does not over shadow Calvin's story at all. Very well done.
Honestly I can't find a fault with this book! I had trouble putting it down and found myself thinking about the story when I was not reading it.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Will Lucy face her past so she can step into her future? Will Calvin have the patience to help her? Will cancer cause Mattie to turn away from God or will she grow stronger because of it? Will Uncle John who is now English find love when he finds himself falling for two women from two different worlds? You must read this book and find out!
This book well it was awesome. When I find an author like this who I just love I rave and well rave I will!! From the first page of this book I was sucked in. A lot of times it will take me some time to get into a book or I really have to force myself to get through parts but not this one. As soon as my eyes hit the words I found myself riding the train with these characters and soon getting to know Jacob's Crossing and finding myself not wanting to leave!
This book touches on two subjects that has affected many people. Spousal abuse and cancer. Being an Amish book one would probably not think such a thing could happen. The way it was handled in this book was so real you felt Lucy's pain but at the same time felt her hope and then peace as she healed from her past.
You also felt Mattie's pain as she begins chemotherapy and the despair over her wondering if she really will get better. I can't wait to read more about her in the next book! Uncle John you soon find also has a past that he is running from. He soon finds himself having feeling for an English lady and an Amish lady. He finds himself torn and I also look forward to seeing how this will play out in the next book.
Calvin is getting over the pain of a broken relationship when he first meets Lucy. But soon he finds himself falling for her. Calvin is also intruding us to his brothers and planting seeds for the next two books. I liked how the author did this. We start to learn about the other brothers but she does not over shadow Calvin's story at all. Very well done.
Honestly I can't find a fault with this book! I had trouble putting it down and found myself thinking about the story when I was not reading it.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
I reaLLY enjoyed "The Caregiver" it was really a well wrote story and it also showed us that the Amish have the same things going on in there life as we do, I can hardily wait for the next book in this series and I am really hoping that Mattie comes through her cancer, Lucy is a wonderful caregiver. I would suggest this book to everyone. Shelley Shepard Gray is a wonderful Author.
First Book in Family of Honor series
After an onslaught of Amish books recently, I wasn't overly excited to read this one. However, this book had one thing going for it. The author. Shelley Shepard Gray. Shelley writes books centered within the Amish community that aren't weighted. What I mean by that is that each book is unique and doesn't feel like the same story just written in the same way. The Amish is such a rigidly traditional society that finding a new way to write a story seems to be a challenge for some authors. Not so for Shelley.
The Caregiver is the first book in Shelley's latest series, Family of Honor. The next two books in the series will be The Protector and The Survivor. After reading this first book, I have my hopes regarding who these books will be centered around, but I guess I will just have to see.
The Caregiver centers around a young woman, Lucy. After suffering through an abusive marriage, she has come to stay with her cousin who is enduring chemotherapy treatments. Reading this was tough for me as my son's best friend is going through chemotherapy treatments right now as well. Seeing some of Mattie's doubts and fears written out on paper are some of the very thoughts and fears that my son's sweet friend are having to deal with right now. There are many tear stained pages, as well as many prayer covered pages, throughout this book. Mattie's story is one that wasn't completely brought to an end and is one that I hope will be covered in the book The Survivor.
Lucy also has to deal with her own fears and insecurities regarding relationships. God opens the door for her to love again through a friendship she makes with neighbor of Mattie's, Calvin.
The Caregiver is an amazing story of what God can do when we allow our heart to be repaired by Him.
The Caregiver is the first book in Shelley's latest series, Family of Honor. The next two books in the series will be The Protector and The Survivor. After reading this first book, I have my hopes regarding who these books will be centered around, but I guess I will just have to see.
The Caregiver centers around a young woman, Lucy. After suffering through an abusive marriage, she has come to stay with her cousin who is enduring chemotherapy treatments. Reading this was tough for me as my son's best friend is going through chemotherapy treatments right now as well. Seeing some of Mattie's doubts and fears written out on paper are some of the very thoughts and fears that my son's sweet friend are having to deal with right now. There are many tear stained pages, as well as many prayer covered pages, throughout this book. Mattie's story is one that wasn't completely brought to an end and is one that I hope will be covered in the book The Survivor.
Lucy also has to deal with her own fears and insecurities regarding relationships. God opens the door for her to love again through a friendship she makes with neighbor of Mattie's, Calvin.
The Caregiver is an amazing story of what God can do when we allow our heart to be repaired by Him.
The Caregiver - Trusting in God
Lucy has been through a very rough two years. She was married to a man who abused and belittled her. While her family and friends knew what was going on, they chose to not intervene. Then, in the blink of an eye her world is changed. Her friend Mattie is diagnosed with breast cancer and Lucy sets out on a train to help Mattie through chemotherapy. On the train she meets Calvin, who is returning from a trip to get away after his girlfriend left him for his best friend. When Lucy sees Calvin show his anger toward an "innocent" carriage driver at the zoo, she fears Calvin is just like Paul. Can Calvin convince Lucy he is not like Paul before she returns back to her home?
I really enjoyed this story as it touched on two issues that I've not read before in an Amish fiction book. Mattie dealing with her breast cancer and Lucy trying to readjust after a marriage of violence. I admired the strength of Lucy. She didn't just curl up in a ball and hide from the world after her husband abused her. She continued on, knowing that God was in control. Though she was nervous at the thought of being with another man, she still opened her heart, trusting God. And Mattie, well, what strength she had to face such a life changing illness at such a young age. Shelley did a great job of showing a glimpse of the emotions that a cancer patient goes through and the not so easy side of trying to comfort a cancer patient worn down by drugs and losing hope. I cannot wait to read the next in the series and see what happens to Mattie, John, and Lucy.
DISCLOSURE: I was graciously provided a free digital version of this book from Avon Inspire in partnership with NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed this story as it touched on two issues that I've not read before in an Amish fiction book. Mattie dealing with her breast cancer and Lucy trying to readjust after a marriage of violence. I admired the strength of Lucy. She didn't just curl up in a ball and hide from the world after her husband abused her. She continued on, knowing that God was in control. Though she was nervous at the thought of being with another man, she still opened her heart, trusting God. And Mattie, well, what strength she had to face such a life changing illness at such a young age. Shelley did a great job of showing a glimpse of the emotions that a cancer patient goes through and the not so easy side of trying to comfort a cancer patient worn down by drugs and losing hope. I cannot wait to read the next in the series and see what happens to Mattie, John, and Lucy.
DISCLOSURE: I was graciously provided a free digital version of this book from Avon Inspire in partnership with NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
"The Caregiver" by Shelley Shepard Gray touches on a subject that I have rarely read about in the amish stories that I read, and that is domestic violence among the Amish. In this story we have the protagonist Lucy, who married a man that the Amish community thought well of.Soon after marrying Paul, he becomes verbally and physically abusive towards her. While many of the people in her community knew what was going on they did nothing. Lucy figures that she is destined to live the rest of her life with abuse,something that she blamed herself for. The only place that she could pour out her emotions were in the pages of her journal, so when an accident claims the life of her husband, she finds herself writing that she is actually relieved that he is dead.
When her friend Mattie is diagnosed with breast cancer, Lucy decides she will head to Jacob's Crossing near Cleveland to help take care of her. Traveling alone by train she meets Calvin Miller and his precocious sister Katie, the only other Amish people on the train. When the train breaks down outside Toledo, the trio spends the day together,and while Lucy wants to believe that Calvin is nothing like Paul, she is afraid to trust.
Calvin is carrying the hurt of betrayal of his former girlfriend Gwen and his friend Will. But when he finally gets home to Jacob's Crossing he can't quit thinking about Lucy. Will Lucy's past keep her from realizing what a great guy Calvin is, or will they be able to work beyond their past hurts to claim a future together?
I really enjoyed reading this story, I felt like the author accurately portrayed the feelings that Lucy would have probably experienced as a person living with domestic violence. My heart broke for her on several occasions, especially when she longed to be the girl she was before the abuse began. I felt like Lucy's role as caregiver started long before she started helping to take care of Mattie. She was a daughter that married, so that it would ease the burden of her parents overcrowded house. When she found herself in an abusive marriage she then took the blame on herself, but always tried to anticipate the needs and wants of her husband. I was so glad when she found him dead, although had I been the author I would have probably had him ran over by a car or stomped by a bull, instead of simply falling off of a ladder.
The author introduces to several secondary characters that have interesting stories of their own, which makes me anxious to read the next book in the Families of Honor series. While this book will definitely appeal to readers of Amish fiction, I think it would hold appeal to anyone who enjoys a well written inspirational story that weaves together the elements of faith, love and learning to trust again.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
When her friend Mattie is diagnosed with breast cancer, Lucy decides she will head to Jacob's Crossing near Cleveland to help take care of her. Traveling alone by train she meets Calvin Miller and his precocious sister Katie, the only other Amish people on the train. When the train breaks down outside Toledo, the trio spends the day together,and while Lucy wants to believe that Calvin is nothing like Paul, she is afraid to trust.
Calvin is carrying the hurt of betrayal of his former girlfriend Gwen and his friend Will. But when he finally gets home to Jacob's Crossing he can't quit thinking about Lucy. Will Lucy's past keep her from realizing what a great guy Calvin is, or will they be able to work beyond their past hurts to claim a future together?
I really enjoyed reading this story, I felt like the author accurately portrayed the feelings that Lucy would have probably experienced as a person living with domestic violence. My heart broke for her on several occasions, especially when she longed to be the girl she was before the abuse began. I felt like Lucy's role as caregiver started long before she started helping to take care of Mattie. She was a daughter that married, so that it would ease the burden of her parents overcrowded house. When she found herself in an abusive marriage she then took the blame on herself, but always tried to anticipate the needs and wants of her husband. I was so glad when she found him dead, although had I been the author I would have probably had him ran over by a car or stomped by a bull, instead of simply falling off of a ladder.
The author introduces to several secondary characters that have interesting stories of their own, which makes me anxious to read the next book in the Families of Honor series. While this book will definitely appeal to readers of Amish fiction, I think it would hold appeal to anyone who enjoys a well written inspirational story that weaves together the elements of faith, love and learning to trust again.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Shelley did a fantastic job with the Characters of this book. She didn't sugar coat anything and that is what I loved most about it. I do love a good book where everything is sugar and spice but that isn't real life most of the time. I could relate to Lucy in an abusive relationship with her husband Paul. I just wanted to jump into the book and give him a piece of my mind!! I don't blame Lucy for acting the way she did when Paul's accident happened. I was cheering for her. I'm not saying this is right but I have been there and it brought back so many bad memories. I still struggle with forgiving abusers in my past.
I think Lucy did a great job of Caregiving for Mattie but I know she feels she didn't. Having breast cancer is not an easy road. I have walked that road too. We do get through it by the Grace of God and people who do care for us and love us.
I can't wait to find out what happens to Mattie, Lucy, Calvin, and John. I'm sure there are more adventures to follow! (And little Katie too!)
Keep up your good writting Shelley and may God Bless you for it.
I think Lucy did a great job of Caregiving for Mattie but I know she feels she didn't. Having breast cancer is not an easy road. I have walked that road too. We do get through it by the Grace of God and people who do care for us and love us.
I can't wait to find out what happens to Mattie, Lucy, Calvin, and John. I'm sure there are more adventures to follow! (And little Katie too!)
Keep up your good writting Shelley and may God Bless you for it.
I love Shelly Shepard Grays writings but this book is not up to her standard. It is just the same thing over and over, so repeticious I don't know if I can finish it. Shelly is a favorite author of mine but this just doesn't seem like her writing to me, though I know it is. I do hope the next book is not like this one. BJ
This is a short (approximately 200 pages) romance, and in my experience, books of this length feature formula plots and characters who are just a little too cookie-cutter for my taste. I'm happy to say that I didn't notice the length when I requested the book from NetGalley, and even happier to say that for a book of this length, the characters seemed well-developed and the cancer sub-plot gave the reader something to think about other than just boy meets girl. Another interesting aspect of this book is that Lucy had been the victim of domestic violence and Shelley Shepard Gray does a good job of incorporating this into her personality. In short, even though this is a short romance, there is a lot happening, and yes, of course, there is happily ever after.
I'd like to thank the publisher for providing access to a review copy via NetGalley. I was not obligated to write any review, much less a positive one. Grade: B.
I'd like to thank the publisher for providing access to a review copy via NetGalley. I was not obligated to write any review, much less a positive one. Grade: B.
1st in Families of Honor series is enjoyable read
The Caregiver by Shelley Shepard Gray is the first book in the Families of Honor series. Lucy Troyer is traveling alone on a train to Jacob's Crossing to help care for her cousin Mattie who is battling cancer. Lucy's still trying to get her life back after the death of her husband, Paul, a year ago. Although they were only married for two years, Lucy was permanently changed by his constant and brutal physical and verbal abuse. She's no longer the independent, strong and happy woman she once was. She meets Calvin Weaver and his little sister, Katie, on the train, and the trio lean on each other when the train has technical problems, creating a bond in the midst of adversity. Calvin and Katie just happen to be from Jacob's Crossing, which Lucy sees as a sign of God's hand. Calvin is still smarting from the betrayal of his best friend and girlfriend who fell in love with each other, leaving him humiliated in front of the community. Calvin and Lucy both tentatively connect through their enforced time together, but misunderstandings leave them both disturbed by the other's behavior. Still, neither can deny the connection between them, and their hesitant and sweet romance is the strength of the book. Mattie's battle with cancer and the ensuing depression and distance from the Lord adds depth and complexity to the plot. Without her, the story would seem almost too sweet, but Mattie makes Lucy speak her mind and face the truth, even when it's uncomfortable. The two young women come to see that they have much in common: both were placed in terrible situations where they questioned God's will and their lives were irrevocably changed by it. Gray has filled Jacob's Crossing with a variety of interesting characters who will surely make the series an enjoyable read. While Lucy and Calvin's romance is delicate and sweet, Mattie's anger is very real and gritty, and her relationship with Graham is an enigma. Plus John, Calvin's uncle who left the faith twenty years ago, has returned and is torn between an Englischer woman and an Amish widow with a son. There's a lot to love about this series. Gray is one of my favorite writers of bonnet fiction; she really makes the characters come to life.
terrific character driven story
For two years, Paul abused his wife Lucy. She concealed the bruises from friends and families; however those aware of his viciousness also pretend all was right with the couple. Now Lucy feels relief since Paul fell off a ladder to his death although it is one year since he died and she still remains frightened of men.
Lucy rides the train to visit her ailing cousin Mattie in Jacob's Crossing. Timid Lucy meets Amish siblings extroverted Calvin and precocious Katie on board. The train breaks down near Cleveland, which allows additional time for Lucy to become less frightened with Calvin. He notices how comfortable she is with his younger sister but is wary of him. When they reach Jacob's Crossing, they learn they are neighbors, but her focus is on her relative suffering from breast cancer while he concentrates on his family farm. He hopes to help her move passed the big hurt that has her acting like a scared cat around him but fears giving her his heart.
The first Families of Honor tale is a terrific and stunning story as Shelley Shepard Gray makes a case that even in the most pious communities abuse occurs and is often ignored by those who should intervene. Lucy makes the plot work as she is afraid of men yet attracted to Calvin; while she also remains a true believer, in contrast her cousin is losing her faith in the Lord. Character driven, readers will enjoy this insightful look at an abuse victim starting to heal due to her faith and people showering her with love.
Harriet Klausner
Lucy rides the train to visit her ailing cousin Mattie in Jacob's Crossing. Timid Lucy meets Amish siblings extroverted Calvin and precocious Katie on board. The train breaks down near Cleveland, which allows additional time for Lucy to become less frightened with Calvin. He notices how comfortable she is with his younger sister but is wary of him. When they reach Jacob's Crossing, they learn they are neighbors, but her focus is on her relative suffering from breast cancer while he concentrates on his family farm. He hopes to help her move passed the big hurt that has her acting like a scared cat around him but fears giving her his heart.
The first Families of Honor tale is a terrific and stunning story as Shelley Shepard Gray makes a case that even in the most pious communities abuse occurs and is often ignored by those who should intervene. Lucy makes the plot work as she is afraid of men yet attracted to Calvin; while she also remains a true believer, in contrast her cousin is losing her faith in the Lord. Character driven, readers will enjoy this insightful look at an abuse victim starting to heal due to her faith and people showering her with love.
Harriet Klausner
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Lucy is the victim of an abusive husband. What makes her situation unique is that both she and her husband are Amish. I find this groundbreaking because other books dealing with the Amish tend to make their entire lifestyle to seem so peaceful and full of tranquility and that nothing from the outside world taints their community. However Gray clearly shows that the Amish are not immune from this type of behavior and Lucy's husband was just as terrible as abusive husbands from the outside world. What probably made it even more worse for her is that there was absolutely no one she could tell this to and to get any sort of help would have been really frowned upon. I ache that she had to go through all of it alone and the emotional and physical scars that it left on her.
At first I got annoyed with Lucy for making such a harsh judgment about Calvin after one single incident. Her complete 180 attitude and not even bothering to try to listen to his reason for why he did what he did got on my nerves. Then I realized that she is coming from an abusive relationship. She is wary of any sort of hints of abuse in a person's character because she fears it. I immediately changed my mind about her and began to empathize with her.
Cancer is another topic I hadn't seen mentioned in this book. Again it shows that even the Amish are not immune to the diseases that ravage the rest of the world. Mattie is very young to deal with breast cancer and it's painful to watch her have to suffer with it. Even though her faith is quite strong, there are days where she's angry and sullen which is completely normal and I am glad that Gray portrayed her in that light.
With all the heavy talk, there is still a nice romance thrown in as well. I really liked seeing Lucy and Calvin's relationship grown throughout the story. It's well done because the relationship feels to grow at a natural speed. I also really loved how much the Amish love Wal-mart. It's totally awesome to see them visiting the store and being quite comfortable with it. This is another winner from Gray and I can't wait for the next book in the series.