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Families of Honor #1
The Caregiver
Shelly Shepard Gray, the much-beloved author of the Sisters of the Heart and Seasons of Sugarcreek books, returns with The Caregiver, the first book in her moving and inspirational Amish romance series, Families of Honor. A heart-soaring tale of faith and love in the bestselling tradition of Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, and Cindy Woodsmall, it tells of two lives that converge one stormy night on a train bound for Cleveland. The Caregiver is Christian romantic fiction at its very finest.
276 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2011
126 people are currently reading
2280 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Shepard Gray
126 books2,319 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 132 reviews
February 9, 2014
I haven't given an Amish book a 4 star rating in a long time because they always seem to follow the same story line. This series however has addressed issue's that don't seem to fit the Amish profile. We want to believe that real life doesn't happen to these very plain and closer to God then most people. This book touched on an abusive husband and although it never really touched on what this culture of people would do or thought the pain and hurt it caused a women is in no doubt different. They also hit on cancer and the long battle it can become but the faith of the Amish prevails and the peace and joy that we know them for does shine through.
July 3, 2012
I just finished this book yesterday. It just took me a couple of days to read it. All I can say was that I was blown away by it. What an incredibly emotional and moving novel. It is a story that can hit home for many readers out there. We have all experienced (or at least many of us) some kind of emotional upset or traumatic event. Reading this novel, just makes your heart cry out for the victims.
This story focuses on 2 family members who have sustained trauma in their lives~~Lucy , who is a survivor of horrific physical abuse incurred by her husband and her cousin, Mattie who is battling that horrific disease called CANCER.
I know from experience how horrible cancer is and what it can do to those around them. I could definelty relate to what Mattie was experiencing~~hopelessness, fear, desertion, saddness and depression. Feelings not only Mattie experience from the cancer that was ravashing her body, but the feelings that her cousin experienced being the victim of physical abuse. I wanted to cry with Mattie, I wanted to cry out to Lucy. I was totally moved by this novel. I have to commend Shelly Shepard Gray. I think she wrote an amazing and touching story . I look foward to reading the next in the series~~The Protector where the story about these families continue.
I do highly recommend this novel.
This story focuses on 2 family members who have sustained trauma in their lives~~Lucy , who is a survivor of horrific physical abuse incurred by her husband and her cousin, Mattie who is battling that horrific disease called CANCER.
I know from experience how horrible cancer is and what it can do to those around them. I could definelty relate to what Mattie was experiencing~~hopelessness, fear, desertion, saddness and depression. Feelings not only Mattie experience from the cancer that was ravashing her body, but the feelings that her cousin experienced being the victim of physical abuse. I wanted to cry with Mattie, I wanted to cry out to Lucy. I was totally moved by this novel. I have to commend Shelly Shepard Gray. I think she wrote an amazing and touching story . I look foward to reading the next in the series~~The Protector where the story about these families continue.
I do highly recommend this novel.
April 5, 2020
More mindless reading to help me fall asleep.
August 22, 2014
I had prepared myself early on to just read this one and be done with it. I've been of the opinion that Shelley's books are good, but sometimes too rushed and lacking in substance and so I've struggled to really enjoy them. After reading The Caregiver, my faith in her writing has been restored!
The Caregiver was such a touching novel, but also a difficult one to read because the author dealt with the very sensitive subject of physical abuse between a husband and a wife. It felt like my heart was literally aching when I read some of the scenes with Lucy and her husband. That was my first indication that this was going to be a fulfilling read...not because I take pleasure in reading about such a topic, but rather knowing that I wasn't going to be reading another book filled with warm fuzzies.
As the story progressed, I met Calvin, who was really the perfect person for Lucy after the death of her husband. (Don't worry...that last tidbit happens very early in the story, so I'm not spoiling anything for you. *wink*) Calvin had such a tender heart and concern toward Lucy that was like a balm to her soul.
As if there weren't enough emotions churning within me, there was also the addition of Lucy's cousin, Maddie, who was struggling from one day to the next with a cancer diagnosis. Since I just recently read a novel with cancer as the focus, I had a better idea of how excruciating this disease really is, and how the things that you think are the day-to-day norm suddenly become some of the hardest things to do.
There were enough secondary plots in The Caregiver to entice me to read the rest of this series, and I'm so happy that I didn't give up on Shelley's books!
The Caregiver was such a touching novel, but also a difficult one to read because the author dealt with the very sensitive subject of physical abuse between a husband and a wife. It felt like my heart was literally aching when I read some of the scenes with Lucy and her husband. That was my first indication that this was going to be a fulfilling read...not because I take pleasure in reading about such a topic, but rather knowing that I wasn't going to be reading another book filled with warm fuzzies.
As the story progressed, I met Calvin, who was really the perfect person for Lucy after the death of her husband. (Don't worry...that last tidbit happens very early in the story, so I'm not spoiling anything for you. *wink*) Calvin had such a tender heart and concern toward Lucy that was like a balm to her soul.
As if there weren't enough emotions churning within me, there was also the addition of Lucy's cousin, Maddie, who was struggling from one day to the next with a cancer diagnosis. Since I just recently read a novel with cancer as the focus, I had a better idea of how excruciating this disease really is, and how the things that you think are the day-to-day norm suddenly become some of the hardest things to do.
There were enough secondary plots in The Caregiver to entice me to read the rest of this series, and I'm so happy that I didn't give up on Shelley's books!
August 9, 2011
I never read any of Shelley Shepard Gray's Amish books, but this one looked interesting. Like most of the Amish stories out there, it is full of hardship and sadness. Mattie is only in her early twenties and battling breast cancer. Lucy is coping with the loss of her husband who was a violent man.
These two women and their feelings are what carry this story through. Shelley doesn't sugar coat Mattie's illness and you really feel for her and cheer for her, hoping she beats the disease, just as you want Lucy to find love again with Calvin.
Those two have a hard time getting it right.
If there was one thing that bugged me about the book it was Mattie's age. She was only 22 and had breast cancer. I know that things like that can happen, but it was the one thing that didn't quite work out for me.
This is a light read with some heavier themes than most Amish fiction. It is also the start of a new series called Families of Honor. I look forward to reading the next book and looking into her back catalog. When you think of Amish fiction you usually think Beverly Lewis and Wanda Brunstetter. It is nice to have another author to enjoy in that genre
These two women and their feelings are what carry this story through. Shelley doesn't sugar coat Mattie's illness and you really feel for her and cheer for her, hoping she beats the disease, just as you want Lucy to find love again with Calvin.
Those two have a hard time getting it right.
If there was one thing that bugged me about the book it was Mattie's age. She was only 22 and had breast cancer. I know that things like that can happen, but it was the one thing that didn't quite work out for me.
This is a light read with some heavier themes than most Amish fiction. It is also the start of a new series called Families of Honor. I look forward to reading the next book and looking into her back catalog. When you think of Amish fiction you usually think Beverly Lewis and Wanda Brunstetter. It is nice to have another author to enjoy in that genre
March 21, 2011
I only received this book Thursday and started reading Thursday night and finished last night. This is a good read and a book I didn't want to put down. I read my first book by Shelley at Christmas and this lives up to her standard. Lucy is dealing with past pain and is visiting her cousin Mattie who is dealing with cancer on the way she meets Calvin, his uncle and little sister Katie when the train breaks down. Calvin is also dealing with some issues and they spend time together after the train breaks down til something happens there. They finally arrive in Jacobs Crossing. I love the way we see how the different characters interact once in Jacobs Creek and seeing the different stories take place. Lucy and Mattie find there story has more in common than they realised. I love the secondary stories in this book and cant wait till the next book is out to see what happens next with some of these stories. Great read.
October 19, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Lucy had a hard life, she was in an abusive marriage and her trust was broken. It isn't easy to trust again. She meets Calvin on a train ride and he is broken hearted his girl left him for his best friend. Needless to say i think there are some trust issues there too. But together they find love, restoration, and the trust they both needed in their lives. She was a caregiver to her cousin Mattie who was fighting cancer. I so wish the book would of let us know that she beat cancer's butt. That part of the storyline touched my heart since i am a survivor myself. I hope her faith in God is restored and she can lean on Him in the difficult road of chemo and recovery. Without Him i don't know how you can make it through that. But truly enjoyed this story.
March 17, 2011
I've not read too many amish books, but this one just didn't do a whole lot for me. I think I liked it mostly because I live pretty close to where the story took place, which for me was the most exciting thing about this book. It's the first I've read from this author, not sure if I'll continue with this series, but I'll give her other books a try.
November 7, 2011
I have read every Amish themed book that Shelley Shepard Gray has written, except for the next 2 books in this series. I have enjoyed every one of them. But in my opinion, The Caregiver is the best book she has written to date. It is a very good story with a heart wrenching sub-story to it. I felt all the emotions the character was going through. Excellent book.
August 8, 2011
Not your typical Amish book. Love Love Love it! I started this book on Sunday and finished it and the next one ( The Protector ) by Tuesday. It talks about cancer and domestic violence things you would not normally see in your amish fiction books... Its a must read! I dont think you will be disapointed in the series! Now im awaiting #3 to come out.....
July 13, 2017
I liked the insight to Amish lifestyle in this book. It was an easy read. I found it a little too simply written, but maybe I'm just being snobbish. I enjoyed the character development. I found myself more interested in a separate character's story, and we don't get to find out what happens to them so that disappointed me.
December 25, 2011
Easy read...topics (domestic violence and cancer) are not light topics, but written well as to not drag you down, but makes the characters relatable given this book has Amish roots to it. I'd read more by this author.
April 13, 2011
This is a story of an abused wife coming out of her protective shell to become a caregiver when she is needed most.
April 3, 2016
Good, clean love story. Loved the characters.
August 7, 2019
The Caregiver was only my second book by Shelley Shepard Gray and I rarely award five stars. I would give this one more if I could. Her writing has made me fall in love with the Amish community, which I knew little about before now-even though the state I live in is home to one of the largest settlement in America.
Although they seem to be tight-knit and Godly, obviously, they have issues with sin and judgement like the rest of us believers. The story of Lucy traveling to another city to care for her cousin Mattie (who has cancer) enveloped me in the Plain life but showed that sickness and domestic violence can be difficult to deal with, especially when a blind eye is turned.
Having suffered a fair amount of emotional and some physical abuse during my first marriage, I remember wondering why God could want me to stay in a relationship that caused so much pain. I lived every memory in vivid detail as Lucy could not escape her abuser, even after he had died. He haunted her dreams and lived on in her daily thoughts of worthlessness.
And going with Mattie to her appointments for Chemo and dealing with the pain of side effects and changes to her body made want to cry, particularly when her own mother didn't seem to understand how much she was hurting.
Of course, it didn't hurt to have the handsome Calvin and his brother Graham at their beck and call.
Altogether this was a story for all who trust in God to guide their lives but have troubles that are hard for those around them, even family, to deal with and help them through. Even to the point of ignoring them, the most hurtful of all.
Although they seem to be tight-knit and Godly, obviously, they have issues with sin and judgement like the rest of us believers. The story of Lucy traveling to another city to care for her cousin Mattie (who has cancer) enveloped me in the Plain life but showed that sickness and domestic violence can be difficult to deal with, especially when a blind eye is turned.
Having suffered a fair amount of emotional and some physical abuse during my first marriage, I remember wondering why God could want me to stay in a relationship that caused so much pain. I lived every memory in vivid detail as Lucy could not escape her abuser, even after he had died. He haunted her dreams and lived on in her daily thoughts of worthlessness.
And going with Mattie to her appointments for Chemo and dealing with the pain of side effects and changes to her body made want to cry, particularly when her own mother didn't seem to understand how much she was hurting.
Of course, it didn't hurt to have the handsome Calvin and his brother Graham at their beck and call.
Altogether this was a story for all who trust in God to guide their lives but have troubles that are hard for those around them, even family, to deal with and help them through. Even to the point of ignoring them, the most hurtful of all.
December 9, 2021
The Caregiver by Shelley Shepard Gray 276 pages
Families of Honor #1
Genre: Christian Fiction - Amish Fiction; Historical Fiction, Romance - Christian, Amish, Contemporary; Inspirational
Featuring: Spousal Abuse, Recovery, Cancer, Broken Hearts, Sunshine Drama, Dual Storylines, Multiple POVs, Setup Next Season, Discussion Questions
Rating as a movie: PG
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My thoughts: Page 18 - I think I'm going to like this one.
Page 180 - I fear this won't get resolved by the end of the book.
This was just the book I needed to cleanse me from the dullness and drama of the other book I was reading. The Caregiver was deeper than previous Gray books I have read. Lucy was dealing with more drama than the typical heroine in an Amish Fiction. At the end of the book Shelley explained she wrote this book during a time of family crisis and it turned out darker, in a good way, than she originally planned. I did not fall in love with Jacob's Crossing but I am looking forward to the next book. The characters were great, hopefully the town will follow suit.
Recommend to others?: Yes. Even if you're not into Amish Fiction this book stands out as a good story.
Families of Honor #1
Genre: Christian Fiction - Amish Fiction; Historical Fiction, Romance - Christian, Amish, Contemporary; Inspirational
Featuring: Spousal Abuse, Recovery, Cancer, Broken Hearts, Sunshine Drama, Dual Storylines, Multiple POVs, Setup Next Season, Discussion Questions
Rating as a movie: PG
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My thoughts: Page 18 - I think I'm going to like this one.
Page 180 - I fear this won't get resolved by the end of the book.
This was just the book I needed to cleanse me from the dullness and drama of the other book I was reading. The Caregiver was deeper than previous Gray books I have read. Lucy was dealing with more drama than the typical heroine in an Amish Fiction. At the end of the book Shelley explained she wrote this book during a time of family crisis and it turned out darker, in a good way, than she originally planned. I did not fall in love with Jacob's Crossing but I am looking forward to the next book. The characters were great, hopefully the town will follow suit.
Recommend to others?: Yes. Even if you're not into Amish Fiction this book stands out as a good story.
February 28, 2019
This is a shorter novel (180 pages or so), but it has an interesting plot. Widow Lucy Troyer is traveling by train to help take care of her cousin as she goes through chemotherapy. While on the train, she meets Ben Weaver and his young sister. Although he's been nothing but kind, Lucy is afraid of Ben. Afraid he may be like her husband was. Afraid he's a secret abuser, too. When Lucy learns that Ben and his sister live next door to her cousin, she realizes that she is going to have to come to terms with her past once and for all.
A good, quick read. I just wish the book had been a bit longer.
A good, quick read. I just wish the book had been a bit longer.
August 23, 2022
Excellent book and a very quick read fir me. Lucy has been physically abused for the duration of her marriage. I would think that the Amish wife, would try and hide this fact - no matter what. The book is about her life after he dies. I so identified with her as she wrote in her journal. I journaled for years and amazed myself at what I wrote. Most times, I really didn’t know what was bothering me until it appeared on paper. Great first book of the series! I have the next two books reserved at the library.
July 6, 2019
Excellent! If you like Amish fiction I highly recommend this series. As much as I personally like Amish fiction I rarely give it 5 stars as they do all tend to follow similar story lines but this book delves into issues we don't normally relate to Amish communities. Domestic abuse and breast cancer don't seem to go along with what we think of these passive, God-fearing people. But I also believe it happens. They just handle it differently.
Great series that I look forward to reading more of!
Great series that I look forward to reading more of!
March 13, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book. Lucy seems like so many other women I have met in her situation and I absolutely adored how Calvin is so gentle and caring about and with her. Katie is such a joy to read about and makes you want to grab her up and go exploring with her and treat her to so many different flavors of Ice Cream.
But, although this story shows us that we should not just jump at conclusions or make decisions to better someone else, we need to offer everything up to GOD and let him lead us in the path her wants us to take.
Definitely a book worth reading.
But, although this story shows us that we should not just jump at conclusions or make decisions to better someone else, we need to offer everything up to GOD and let him lead us in the path her wants us to take.
Definitely a book worth reading.
August 10, 2023
A Powerful Read
I honestly didn’t think I could be amazed more by a SSG book and then comes along The Caregiver. Wow. I am speechless. So much happened throughout this book that blew me away. I love that SSG didn’t shy away from the hard things in life.
I have a feeling this book will stick with me for a while. I definitely see it as a reread in the future.
I honestly didn’t think I could be amazed more by a SSG book and then comes along The Caregiver. Wow. I am speechless. So much happened throughout this book that blew me away. I love that SSG didn’t shy away from the hard things in life.
I have a feeling this book will stick with me for a while. I definitely see it as a reread in the future.
September 18, 2023
I would have given a 10 Star if I could. Such a good read.
Lucy has been in an abusive marriage for 2 years but after an accident took her husband’s life, she felt a relief that only she could understand. She has been asked to travel by train to be a caregiver for her cousin Mattie , who has cancer.
Lucy meets Calvin and his little sister on the train and they strike up a friendship.
Lucy has been in an abusive marriage for 2 years but after an accident took her husband’s life, she felt a relief that only she could understand. She has been asked to travel by train to be a caregiver for her cousin Mattie , who has cancer.
Lucy meets Calvin and his little sister on the train and they strike up a friendship.
August 10, 2024
This story was amazing!
The author done an amazing job with the characters, as well as the abuse, and chemo.
I was able to relate to both Lucy & her cousin Mattie.
I am a survivor of DV and Breast Cancer. Reading this story, just brought up similarities of things I went through.
I, also, liked how the story started and ended with the train. This was a great closing for this beautiful story
The author done an amazing job with the characters, as well as the abuse, and chemo.
I was able to relate to both Lucy & her cousin Mattie.
I am a survivor of DV and Breast Cancer. Reading this story, just brought up similarities of things I went through.
I, also, liked how the story started and ended with the train. This was a great closing for this beautiful story
March 29, 2025
I love Amish fiction. While the stories are not always all happy and perfect, the Amish have problems too. But there is always a message that if you pray you will find the way even though it may not be in your time, but God's time. As much as this world is mixed up right now, it was a wonderful feel good, loving story.
May 4, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read by this Author and I was impressed by the subject matters and how she dealt with each situation, neither was a common subject in any of the Amish books I have read. It was realistic in the thoughts and actions displayed by both Lucy and Mattie. Their issues were handled with such sensitivity by the Author. I will read another in this series.
September 20, 2025
love and Drama!
I enjoyed everything about this book and what looks like a wonderful series. The characters, locations, and concerns are a very real part of life. I feel for Matie because I am a cancer survivor. I like the romance parts because it shows both the good and the bad about relationships. Above it all I appreciate their faith and how it directs their lives.
I enjoyed everything about this book and what looks like a wonderful series. The characters, locations, and concerns are a very real part of life. I feel for Matie because I am a cancer survivor. I like the romance parts because it shows both the good and the bad about relationships. Above it all I appreciate their faith and how it directs their lives.
September 20, 2025
LOVE AND DRAMA
I enjoyed everything about this book and what looks like a wonderful series. The characters, locations, and concerns are a very real part of life. I feel for Matie because I am a cancer survivor. I like the romance parts because it shows both the good and the bad about relationships. Above it all I appreciate their faith and how it directs their lives.
I enjoyed everything about this book and what looks like a wonderful series. The characters, locations, and concerns are a very real part of life. I feel for Matie because I am a cancer survivor. I like the romance parts because it shows both the good and the bad about relationships. Above it all I appreciate their faith and how it directs their lives.
August 29, 2017
Sweet, I guess, but very stilted and drawn out, needed more editing to get rid of unnecessary info and narration. Also didn't enjoy the narrator of the audio version - her voice and inflection made normal sentences sound cheesy and boring. Reading the print might have been better.
November 5, 2019
An Amish story with lots of feeling - family - illness - abuse - romance - Well written, easy to read and held my interest - has a good ending & can be read as a stand alone but this is book 1 of the series of 3. - Interesting enough that I would like to read the next book, "The Protector"
February 24, 2021
Okay, maybe I've been unfair in judging the Christian fiction section at the library as nothing more than cheesy romances. Because this isn't just a story of romance, it's a story of survival from all four main characters
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews