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Sisters of the Heart #3
Forgiven
Siblings face a tragedy that will shape the rest of their lives in New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray’s Forgiven.When a fire destroys the Lundys’ barn, Winnie is injured trying to get the animals to safety. Confined to a hospital for weeks, out of touch with her loved ones who live too far away to visit by buggy, she must depend on Englisher Samuel Miller to keep her company. Though his family is part of Winnie’s tight-knit Amish community, Samuel left years earlier to pursue a university education. Through conversations, and Samuel’s dedication to her recovery, a friendship forms. But despite their growing attraction, Winnie knows it can never develop into something more as long as Samuel chooses to remain in the outside world.Returning home, Winnie finds her brother, Jonathan, struggling with his own dilemma. Cigarette butts were discovered in the debris of the barn and Jonathan is determined to find out who is responsible for destroying his property and putting his family at risk. But in a community founded on grace and forgiveness, will his unwillingness to move on eat away at the trust that is the foundation of their lives?“Gray writes with honesty, tenderness, and depth. Her characters are admirable, richly-layered, and impossible to forget.” —New York Times bestselling author Jillian HartSisters of the HeartHiddenWantedForgivenGrace
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2009
116 people are currently reading
1090 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Shepard Gray
126 books2,322 followersLibrarian Note: AKA Shelley Gray (Western Romance).
Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.
Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
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Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.
Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
August 29, 2018
I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first two books of the series. The romance was basically instalove, and I didn’t like Winnie as much as Annie and Katie. I didn’t really care for the love interest either. I didn’t mind him on his own, but I didn’t like him with her. They didn’t fit together as well as the couples in the previous books. Still a cute story and I really liked the message of forgiveness. I wish that Jonathan coming to terms with the person who set the fire had been more of the storyline rather than the romance, because I really liked how that was handled.
April 20, 2017
I enjoyed all of the books in this series. This was a great ending. As I finished the book and read the questions at the end I thought how I'd enjoy a book with the character David and where he goes from here. I would like to see what happens with all of these characters from this series.
April 28, 2011
"Forgiven" by Shelley Shephard Gray is the third book of her Sisters of the Heart series about the Amish community. When Jonathan's barn is burned down, his sister is badly hurt and he is filled with anger and a desire to find out who was smoking on his property that caused the fire. The other story line is romance that his sister, Winnie, finds as a result of the fire. It has an interesting twist and is an enjoyable read. Naturally, as the title gives away, Jonathan finds forgiveness in his heart for the one who started the fire.
As with most Christian fiction, this was predictable but a nice change of pace from the intense suspense novels. It certainly shows what it's like being Amish and has a good message about forgiveness. If you like a happy Amish story with Christian romance, you will enjoy this book too.
As with most Christian fiction, this was predictable but a nice change of pace from the intense suspense novels. It certainly shows what it's like being Amish and has a good message about forgiveness. If you like a happy Amish story with Christian romance, you will enjoy this book too.
January 27, 2012
In this Sisters of the Heart series, the barn of Jonathan Lundy burns and his sister, Winnie suffers burns and fractures. Jonathan must know who caused this accident, even though the Bishop of the community rules to forgive and forget. While Winnie mends in the hospital, Sam Miller visits her. Sam left the Amish community to pursue a career as a college professor. On a third level, Anna and Henry prepare for their wedding. Many stories converge to the final chapter. The main emphasis of this story rests on the shoulders of the men and the decisions they must make to follow the rules of the Amish community. The book shows that life is not always rosy, but with God's assistance life can be a blessing.
March 17, 2012
I have read many Amish tales and it really takes something to make one stand out to me and not and this book did just that. It strkes the realness of an Amish man who is unlike his community and has a hard time just turning his cheek and forgiving the person who burned down barn and harmed his siter. This man had many hard things happen to him in his life but was just blessed with a new wife and fresh look on life. To see him struggle through this openly just proves that even the best Amish man has his struggles. This book has a wonderful ending of a budding relationship that finally blooms and can only make the best person smile. We all want our happy endings and this does just that.
May 2, 2012
I think this is my favorite book of the series thus far. I loved having the two stories intermingle, the one of needing to be forgiven (Jonathan and David) and the one of finding where you belong (Sam and Winnie). This book I believe has the most powerful messages, and is well worth the time to read. Anyone who is struggling with not knowing where they belong would understand Sam's plight. Everyone one of us needs to ask for forgiveness for something, and David's struggle is one that anyone could comprehend.
This is a must read for anyone. I will read this one time and again in the future.
This is a must read for anyone. I will read this one time and again in the future.
Read
May 4, 2013Ended up reading this without realizing it was the last of a series. Now we'll probably seek out the others. Enjoyed the characters & the story despite feeling that we came in in the middle of a movie. Now know that it felt that way because we actually did start in the middle so to speak. Loved the way each of the characters in conflict turned to their deeply rooted faith in the end and found their way to follow God's will for each of their lives. Beautiful tribute to a simple, wise way of life and the love of our heavenly Father.
August 24, 2017
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An Amish book is always clean and includes many valuable lessons in life.
This was no exception. I really like it and would recommend!
An Amish book is always clean and includes many valuable lessons in life.
This was no exception. I really like it and would recommend!
February 8, 2024
Had to read this for book club. Not my cup of tea
May 1, 2015
Yeah, it was really good. Liked it, as always. I've never read in Amish book I didn't like. :)
September 21, 2019
THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY
**
They didn’t fit together as well as the couples in the previous books. Still a cute story and I really liked the message of forgiveness. I wish that Jonathan coming to terms with the person who set the fire had been more of the storyline rather than the romance, because I found that to be more of interest. Based on this, one of the best quotes: When Katie was talking to Jonathan about finding out who was the blame>
He’d been so caught up in his anger, so determined to seek justice, that he’d neglected to realize that there were other feelings and viewpoints involved.
**
Forgiven" by Shelley Shephard Gray is the third book of her Sisters of the Heart series about the Amish community. When Jonathan's barn is burned down, his sister is badly hurt and he is filled with anger and a desire to find out who was smoking on his property that caused the fire. The other story line is romance that his sister, Winnie, finds as a result of the fire. It has an interesting twist and is an enjoyable read. Naturally, as the title gives away, Jonathan finds forgiveness in his heart for the one who started the fire.
**
Winnie says what she thinks, so there's no guessing where you are with her, but she has a really good heart. She's wise and hard working.
Sam is a friend from her childhood, who happens to live by the hospital at which she's a patient after her brother's barn burnt down from a careless teenage smoker. Winnie's burnt and recuperating. Sam (who turned English and went off to college and is now a university professor) keeps her company in her hospital room when he's not teaching. An attraction grows, but neither are sure of the other, and neither tells their feelings until near the end.
Instead of a true courtship, and sharing of feelings, they go from friends to each wanting to give up their church standing with no discussion about any of it with the other. As far as Winnie is concerned, Sam has never shown any true attraction other than hanging out with her. But she decides to leave the Amish so she and Sam can marry.
And he decides to quit teaching and go back to the Amish community and be a farmer, so he can marry Winnie... All with no discussion about it!!
Nb>Hmmm....
I think this relationship is where it is different from other Amish courtships...
Forgiveness in the book seemed not to be the true story. Winnie and Sam were the story, with a side story of her brother having to forgive the person responsible for burning his barn.
**
They didn’t fit together as well as the couples in the previous books. Still a cute story and I really liked the message of forgiveness. I wish that Jonathan coming to terms with the person who set the fire had been more of the storyline rather than the romance, because I found that to be more of interest. Based on this, one of the best quotes: When Katie was talking to Jonathan about finding out who was the blame>
He’d been so caught up in his anger, so determined to seek justice, that he’d neglected to realize that there were other feelings and viewpoints involved.
**
Forgiven" by Shelley Shephard Gray is the third book of her Sisters of the Heart series about the Amish community. When Jonathan's barn is burned down, his sister is badly hurt and he is filled with anger and a desire to find out who was smoking on his property that caused the fire. The other story line is romance that his sister, Winnie, finds as a result of the fire. It has an interesting twist and is an enjoyable read. Naturally, as the title gives away, Jonathan finds forgiveness in his heart for the one who started the fire.
**
Winnie says what she thinks, so there's no guessing where you are with her, but she has a really good heart. She's wise and hard working.
Sam is a friend from her childhood, who happens to live by the hospital at which she's a patient after her brother's barn burnt down from a careless teenage smoker. Winnie's burnt and recuperating. Sam (who turned English and went off to college and is now a university professor) keeps her company in her hospital room when he's not teaching. An attraction grows, but neither are sure of the other, and neither tells their feelings until near the end.
Instead of a true courtship, and sharing of feelings, they go from friends to each wanting to give up their church standing with no discussion about any of it with the other. As far as Winnie is concerned, Sam has never shown any true attraction other than hanging out with her. But she decides to leave the Amish so she and Sam can marry.
And he decides to quit teaching and go back to the Amish community and be a farmer, so he can marry Winnie... All with no discussion about it!!
Nb>Hmmm....
I think this relationship is where it is different from other Amish courtships...
Forgiveness in the book seemed not to be the true story. Winnie and Sam were the story, with a side story of her brother having to forgive the person responsible for burning his barn.
August 9, 2025
There is a crazy barn fire that happens at Jonathan's farm. No one know how it started or who started it. The fire Marshall believe that it started from a cigarette.
Winnie is badly burned when she goes out to see the fire. She has to go to the hospital. While she is there Samuel, a man who used to be in the Amish community, but left it to go to university, comes and spends time with Winnie. Winnie is in her late 20s and really wants to fall in love and get married and start her family. Anna finally gets married.
Jonathan is determined to figure out who was smoking in his barn. When the boy who did it steps up and finally admits it Jonathan learns to forgive him and it touches the boy.
Winnie and Samuel start to hit it off in the hospital. But when Winnie goes back to the Amish Community she soon realizes that it will never work out. When she can't get Samuel out of her head she has decided that she will leave to marry Samuel. But Samuel has decided to leave the world and join the Amish church. Winnie and Samuel plan to get married.
I enjoyed this series quiet a bit. Having a Mennonite background, I have always had an interest in Amish literature and country. This is a good insight into the Amish community and what they are about and a little bit about their views.
Winnie is badly burned when she goes out to see the fire. She has to go to the hospital. While she is there Samuel, a man who used to be in the Amish community, but left it to go to university, comes and spends time with Winnie. Winnie is in her late 20s and really wants to fall in love and get married and start her family. Anna finally gets married.
Jonathan is determined to figure out who was smoking in his barn. When the boy who did it steps up and finally admits it Jonathan learns to forgive him and it touches the boy.
Winnie and Samuel start to hit it off in the hospital. But when Winnie goes back to the Amish Community she soon realizes that it will never work out. When she can't get Samuel out of her head she has decided that she will leave to marry Samuel. But Samuel has decided to leave the world and join the Amish church. Winnie and Samuel plan to get married.
I enjoyed this series quiet a bit. Having a Mennonite background, I have always had an interest in Amish literature and country. This is a good insight into the Amish community and what they are about and a little bit about their views.
January 23, 2018
This book is part of a series (Sisters of the Heart) of 3 books. Forgiven is #3. I suggest you read the series in order. Although it can be a stand alone book, it helps if you understand the other sisters
stories.
In this book, you learn about Winnie and Sam It starts with the fire that destroyed Jonathan Lundy's barn. Winnie is hospitalized with burns on her legs and a broken foot. Sam who left the Amish community before he was baptized, is the brother of a Mr Lundy's neighbor. Since Sam's brother needed to stay and help clean up, he asked Sam to ride in the ambulance with Winnie and visit her and keep tabs on her and let them know what was going on. A new friendship starts to bloom. Getting to know Winnie made he re-evaluate his English life.
The most powerful point in the book was Jonathan Landy's walk through forgiveness and how he handled the person responsible for the fire. These last few pages made me give this book the 4.5 rating. This story is definitely about how God leads and guides each of us and nothing is by coincidence.
Thank you Miss Gray.... a wonderful story. I look forward to reading the other two books in the series.
stories.
In this book, you learn about Winnie and Sam It starts with the fire that destroyed Jonathan Lundy's barn. Winnie is hospitalized with burns on her legs and a broken foot. Sam who left the Amish community before he was baptized, is the brother of a Mr Lundy's neighbor. Since Sam's brother needed to stay and help clean up, he asked Sam to ride in the ambulance with Winnie and visit her and keep tabs on her and let them know what was going on. A new friendship starts to bloom. Getting to know Winnie made he re-evaluate his English life.
The most powerful point in the book was Jonathan Landy's walk through forgiveness and how he handled the person responsible for the fire. These last few pages made me give this book the 4.5 rating. This story is definitely about how God leads and guides each of us and nothing is by coincidence.
Thank you Miss Gray.... a wonderful story. I look forward to reading the other two books in the series.
September 25, 2021
As the title indicates, this book has a theme of forgiveness. The author looks at forgiveness from three viewpoints: forgiving those who have wronged us; forgiving ourselves and accepting the forgiveness of others; and receiving the forgiveness that God extends to us. This story has some thoughtful concepts for the reader to consider as the story progresses and the characters wrestle with these issues.
There’s also a sweet, clean romance between two of the main characters, Winnie and Sam. As their friendship grows into love, there’s some serious issues that had to be addressed since Sam had left the Amish faith and Winnie was still a member of the Amish church. I especially liked Winnie, and I was very interested in following her story.
This is the last book in a trilogy. I had not read the other two books, but I had no trouble at all in following this one. I’m looking forward to reading this whole series.
There’s also a sweet, clean romance between two of the main characters, Winnie and Sam. As their friendship grows into love, there’s some serious issues that had to be addressed since Sam had left the Amish faith and Winnie was still a member of the Amish church. I especially liked Winnie, and I was very interested in following her story.
This is the last book in a trilogy. I had not read the other two books, but I had no trouble at all in following this one. I’m looking forward to reading this whole series.
February 13, 2019
This book follows the story of Katie's sister-in-law, Winnie Lundy. After breaking her foot and suffering burns in their barn fire, Winnie is admitted to the hospital. While there, she is visited by Samuel, an old Amish friend who never joined the church, and is now a professor of agriculture at the university near the hospital. After being hurt by prospective love before, Winnie is trying hard not to fall for someone whose life has moved outside the Amish community. Meanwhile, her brother Jonathan, Katie's husband, is having a difficult time forgiving whoever was responsible for burning his barn and hurting his sister. Although the fire was ruled an accident, Jonathan desperately needs to find out who was responsible so he can come to terms with forgiving.
This is a very good story of true love and the power of forgiveness.
This is a very good story of true love and the power of forgiveness.
June 11, 2019
I ended up liking this story better than the first 2 in the series. I think the way that the characters were portrayed was very 'real', especially with Jonathan being unsure he is able to forgive whoever set fire to his barn without first knowing who the person was. I think it easy to be tempted to withhold forgiveness unless the person in the wrong asks for our forgiveness. Of course, Jesus asks us to forgive even when the other person is not repentant.
I also really liked the relationship that Eli and Sam were able to build with Caleb once they stopped seeing him as their little brother, but as a young man who needed their love and guidance.
I think the romance aspect of the novel was quite sweet as well . . . with both Winnie and Sam needing to figure out what the concept of sacrificial love looked like for them personally.
3.5 stars
I also really liked the relationship that Eli and Sam were able to build with Caleb once they stopped seeing him as their little brother, but as a young man who needed their love and guidance.
I think the romance aspect of the novel was quite sweet as well . . . with both Winnie and Sam needing to figure out what the concept of sacrificial love looked like for them personally.
3.5 stars
September 2, 2020
I was kind of sad when Samuel had to leave teaching. He seemed so passionate about it, If it is what he really wanted I guess so, but i do not feel it was the right choice. I definitely did not want Winnie to get shunned, but I feel he and the bishop could have worked out something a little better than a couple days a year.
November 15, 2020
This was a good story, but I found it predictable, perhaps because I've read a lot of similar Amish Christian fiction novels. Ten minutes in, I could predict most of what would happen, if not how exactly it would come to pass. I was not waiting with bated breath wondering what would happen next. Still, as I said, it was a good read.
January 23, 2024
Enjoyed reading this book
Oh no, woken up by their barn engulfed in flames! Jonathon can't forgive until he finds out the truth of what really happened that night and who was to blame.I enjoyed reading this book but who doesn't love a good Amish Fiction book. Thank you Shelley Shepard Gray for another great book
Oh no, woken up by their barn engulfed in flames! Jonathon can't forgive until he finds out the truth of what really happened that night and who was to blame.I enjoyed reading this book but who doesn't love a good Amish Fiction book. Thank you Shelley Shepard Gray for another great book
January 27, 2024
When a fire destroys her family barn and Winnie is injured she must depend on englisher Samuel miller to keep her company because her family can't make the long trip in their buggy to visit her.. once b acknowledged home Winnie finds her brother Jonathon at odds . Will he ve able to forgive c e and forget to find out get your copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2021
Better than one, not as good as two.
Super loved the storyline with the kid who has a shitty dad that concludes with “yeah, my dad is the woooorst but someday I’ll die! And then I’ll be with the heavenly dad!” Maybe not as uplifting as SSG wanted it to be.
Super loved the storyline with the kid who has a shitty dad that concludes with “yeah, my dad is the woooorst but someday I’ll die! And then I’ll be with the heavenly dad!” Maybe not as uplifting as SSG wanted it to be.
July 6, 2025
Forgiveness and Lovd
This is a wonderful book. Starting with sadness but filled with faith and forgiveness. It is a page turned that you cannot put down
until the warm hearted ending. Also with a few lessons tucked under your cap!
This is a wonderful book. Starting with sadness but filled with faith and forgiveness. It is a page turned that you cannot put down
until the warm hearted ending. Also with a few lessons tucked under your cap!
November 17, 2017
Enjoyed this one too though I was a little frustrated when Katie did not put two into together regarding David‘s injury.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2018
inspiring
June 13, 2019
I like Salley Shepherd Grey books
September 2, 2019
Excellent trilogy/series. So sorry for it to end
October 29, 2019
A great trilogy has come to an end . Thankfully , there's Grace , a novella !
January 27, 2020
Heartwarming Story
I always enjoy reading stories about the Amish. And this 1 was a heart warming story of love and issues in life.
I always enjoy reading stories about the Amish. And this 1 was a heart warming story of love and issues in life.
June 27, 2020
Still enjoying this series
October 14, 2020
Another quick listen for me! I love these characters so much! Wish the next book was about David but hopefully he will be in some. Love this series so much!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews