Wanted

Title: WANTED
Author: Shelley Shepard Gray
Publisher: Avon Inspire
January 2009
ISBN: 978-0-06-147446-0
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance

Katie Brenneman has always liked Jonathan Lundy, but Jonathan has never noticed her. Instead her married Sarah, had two children, and now, years after Sarah died, he’s still in love with her. When Jonathan’s sister, Winnie needs to go to Indiana, the only person they can think of to help with Jonathan’s daughters is Katie, but Katie’s parents refuse to even consider letting Katie live with Jonathan and help out.

Katie and Winnie both push for their way, and eventually, Katie’s parents reluctantly agree. Katie is thrilled with the opportunity to get to know Jonathan better. But even as she’s preparing to move, Katie receives a letter. She knows as soon as she sees it that her past has caught up with her. A past she’s ashamed of. And a past that could destroy all Katie’s chances for love.

WANTED is the second book in Ms. Gray’s Sisters of the Heart series, but it easily stands alone. Set in an Amish community, WANTED is sure to appeal to fans of Amish series, such as Beverly Lewis, Cindy Woodsmall, and Wanda Brunslettler, though Ms. Gray’s writing style is much different than any of the above authors.

I enjoyed getting to know Katie, Jonathan, and the secondary characters. At the beginning of the book, I didn’t care much for Katie, as she seemed a bit selfish, and unsympathetic to others, but as the story progresses, Katie grows and changes, becoming likeable. The story is gentle, a great book to read to escape life for awhile. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book, and a preview of Ms. Gray’s third book in this series, Forgiven. Don’t miss WANTED. It is a book sure to please those who like to read gentle romances. $12.99. 260 pages.